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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015

or

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number: 001-35883

 

 

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware   27-1220297

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

9205 South Park Center Loop, Suite 400

Orlando, Florida 32819

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)

(407) 226-5011

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   x     No   ¨

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

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes   ¨     No   x

The registrant had outstanding 90,369,653 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share as of May 4, 2015.

 

 

 


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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page No.  

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     1   

PART I.

  FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements   
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets      3   
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss      4   
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity      5   
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows      6   
  Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements      7   

Item 2.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      27   

Item 3.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      38   

Item 4.

  Controls and Procedures      39   

PART II.

  OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

  Legal Proceedings      40   

Item 1A.

  Risk Factors      41   

Item 2.

  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds      42   

Item 3.

  Defaults Upon Senior Securities      42   

Item 4.

  Mine Safety Disclosures      42   

Item 5.

  Other Information      42   

Item 6.

  Exhibits      43   


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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In addition to historical information, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, beliefs, business strategies, future events, business conditions, our results of operations, financial position and our business outlook, business trends and other information, may be forward-looking statements. Words such as “might,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “estimates,” “expects,” “continues,” “contemplates,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “intends,” “believes,” “forecasts,” “future” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon our current expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections, and various assumptions, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Our expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections will result or be achieved and actual results may vary materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements.

There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ include, among others, the risks, uncertainties and factors set forth under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and in this report, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC, and are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov , including the following:

 

    a decline in discretionary consumer spending or consumer confidence;

 

    various factors beyond our control adversely affecting attendance and guest spending at our theme parks;

 

    changes in federal and state regulations governing the treatment of animals and claims and lawsuits by activist groups;

 

    incidents or adverse publicity concerning our theme parks;

 

    inability to protect our intellectual property or the infringement on intellectual property rights of others;

 

    featuring animals at our theme parks;

 

    the loss of licenses and permits required to exhibit animals;

 

    significant portion of revenues generated in the States of Florida, California and Virginia and the Orlando market;

 

    inability to compete effectively;

 

    loss of key personnel;

 

    increased labor costs and employee health and welfare benefits;

 

    unionization activities or labor disputes;

 

    inability to meet workforce needs;

 

    inability to fund theme park capital expenditures;

 

    high fixed cost structure of theme park operations;

 

    inability to maintain certain commercial licenses;

 

    changing consumer tastes and preferences;

 

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    restrictions in our debt agreements limiting flexibility in operating our business;

 

    our substantial leverage;

 

    seasonal fluctuations;

 

    inability to realize the benefits of acquisitions or other strategic initiatives;

 

    adverse litigation judgments or settlements;

 

    inadequate insurance coverage;

 

    inability to purchase or contract with third-party manufacturers for rides and attractions;

 

    environmental regulations, expenditures and liabilities;

 

    cyber security risks;

 

    suspension or termination of any of our business licenses;

 

    our limited operating history as a stand-alone company; and

 

    the ability of affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P to significantly influence our decisions.

We caution you that the risks, uncertainties and other factors referenced above may not contain all of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that are important to you. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will realize the results, benefits or developments that we expect or anticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect us or our business in the way expected. There can be no assurance that: (i) we have correctly measured or identified all of the factors affecting our business or the extent of these factors’ likely impact, (ii) the available information with respect to these factors on which such analysis is based is complete or accurate, (iii) such analysis is correct or (iv) our strategy, which is based in part on this analysis, will be successful. All forward-looking statements in this report apply only as of the date of this report or as of the date they were made and, except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

All references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “SeaWorld” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q mean SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates.

Website and Social Media Disclosure

We use our website ( www.seaworldentertainment.com ) and our corporate Twitter account ( @Seaworld ) as channels of distribution of company information. The information we post through these channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these channels, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. In addition, you may automatically receive e-mail alerts and other information about SeaWorld when you enroll your e-mail address by visiting the “Email Alerts” section of our website at www.seaworldinvestors.com . The contents of our website and social media channels are not, however, a part of this report.

Trademarks, Service Marks and Tradenames

We own or have rights to use a number of registered and common law trademarks, service marks and trade names in connection with our business in the United States and in certain foreign jurisdictions, including SeaWorld Entertainment, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, SeaWorld ® , Shamu ® , Busch Gardens ® , Aquatica™, Discovery Cove ® , Sea Rescue™ and other names and marks that identify our theme parks, characters, rides, attractions and other businesses. In addition, we have certain rights to use Sesame Street ® marks, characters and related indicia through certain license agreements with Sesame Workshop (f/k/a Children’s Television Workshop). Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks, and trade names referred to in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are without the ® and ™ symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensors to these trademarks, service marks, and trade names. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain additional trademarks, service marks and trade names of others, which are the property of their respective owners. All trademarks, service marks and trade names appearing in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are, to our knowledge, the property of their respective owners.

 

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     March 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 43,369      $ 43,906   

Accounts receivable, net

     38,510        37,002   

Inventories

     37,877        33,134   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     23,387        20,894   

Deferred tax assets, net

     7,268        7,268   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

  150,411      142,204   

Property and equipment, at cost

  2,647,172      2,612,052   

Accumulated depreciation

  (907,175   (867,421
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

  1,739,997      1,744,631   

Goodwill

  335,610      335,610   

Trade names/trademarks, net

  163,822      164,188   

Other intangible assets, net

  23,696      24,525   

Other assets

  30,327      31,316   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

$ 2,443,863    $ 2,442,474   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$ 96,005    $ 88,279   

Current maturities on long-term debt

  44,050      14,050   

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

  15,720      19,068   

Deferred revenue

  130,584      79,367   

Dividends payable

  18,373      172   

Other accrued expenses

  23,927      20,149   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

  328,659      221,085   

Long-term debt

  1,586,435      1,589,403   

Deferred tax liabilities, net

  4,173      31,760   

Other liabilities

  23,983      20,691   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  1,943,250      1,862,939   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

Stockholders’ Equity:

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value—authorized, 100,000,000 shares, no shares issued or outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

  —        —     

Common stock, $0.01 par value—authorized, 1,000,000,000 shares; 90,204,351 shares issued at March 31, 2015 and 90,191,100 shares issued at December 31, 2014

  902      902   

Additional paid-in capital

  639,114      655,471   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (1,356   (483

(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings

  (28,176   33,516   

Treasury stock, at cost (4,105,970 shares at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014)

  (109,871   (109,871
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

  500,613      579,535   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$ 2,443,863    $ 2,442,474   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2015     2014  

Net revenues:

    

Admissions

   $ 136,840      $ 137,386   

Food, merchandise and other

     77,752        74,904   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

  214,592      212,290   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

Cost of food, merchandise and other revenues

  15,903      16,760   

Operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)

  153,811      167,912   

Selling, general and administrative

  51,078      45,076   

Restructuring and other related costs

  145      —     

Secondary offering costs

  —        674   

Depreciation and amortization

  43,854      41,276   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

  264,791      271,698   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

  (50,199   (59,408

Other expense, net

  261      17   

Interest expense

  20,178      19,704   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

  (70,638   (79,129

Benefit from income taxes

  (27,040   (29,912
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

$ (43,598 $ (49,217
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss:

Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax

  (873   (208
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

$ (44,471 $ (49,425
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss per share:

Net loss per share, basic

$ (0.51 $ (0.56
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per share, diluted

$ (0.51 $ (0.56
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Basic

  86,097      88,415   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

  86,097      88,415   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per share:

Cash dividends declared per share

$ 0.42    $ 0.20   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

    Shares of
Common
Stock Issued
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Treasury
Stock, at
Cost
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 

Balance at December 31, 2014

    90,191,100      $ 902      $ 655,471      $ 33,516      $ (483   $ (109,871   $ 579,535   

Equity-based compensation

    —          —          1,853        —          —          —          1,853   

Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax benefit of $546

    —          —          —          —          (873     —          (873

Vesting of restricted shares

    13,547        —          —          —          —          —          —     

Shares withheld for tax withholdings

    (296     —          (5     —          —          —          (5

Cash dividends declared to stockholders ($0.42 per share)

    —          —          (18,205     (18,094     —          —          (36,299

Net loss

    —          —          —          (43,598     —          —          (43,598
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2015

  90,204,351    $ 902    $ 639,114    $ (28,176 $ (1,356 $ (109,871 $ 500,613   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2015     2014  

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (43,598   $ (49,217

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     43,854        41,276   

Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts

     2,328        2,359   

Loss on sale or disposal of assets

     624        908   

Loss on derivatives

     286        —     

Deferred income tax benefit

     (27,040     (32,644

Equity-based compensation

     1,853        762   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (1,892     3,231   

Inventories

     (4,743     (5,579

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (2,213     (3,417

Accounts payable

     9,019        10,636   

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

     (3,348     (7,532

Deferred revenue

     52,401        41,293   

Other accrued expenses

     10,113        10,034   

Other assets and liabilities

     38        901   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  37,682      13,011   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

Capital expenditures

  (40,673   (46,827

Change in restricted cash

  (280   (504
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (40,953   (47,331
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

Repayment of long-term debt

  (3,513   (3,512

Proceeds from draw on revolving credit facility

  45,000      —     

Repayment of revolving credit facility

  (15,000   —     

Dividends paid to stockholders

  (18,098   (17,691

Purchase of treasury stock

  (5,650   —     

Payment of tax withholdings on equity-based compensation through shares withheld

  (5   (78
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  2,734      (21,281
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

  (537 )     (55,601 )  

Cash and Cash Equivalents—Beginning of period

  43,906      116,841   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents—End of period

$ 43,369    $ 61,240   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities

Capital expenditures in accounts payable

$ 24,437    $ 31,506   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends declared, but unpaid

$ 18,373    $ 18,015   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Description of the Business

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. (“SEA”) (collectively, the “Company”), owns and operates eleven theme parks within the United States. Prior to December 1, 2009, the Company did not have any operations. Prior to its initial public offering in April 2013, the Company was owned by ten limited partnerships (the “Partnerships” or the “selling stockholders”), ultimately owned by affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. (“Blackstone”) and certain co-investors.

The Company operates SeaWorld theme parks in Orlando, Florida; San Antonio, Texas; and San Diego, California, and Busch Gardens theme parks in Tampa, Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia. The Company operates water park attractions in Orlando, Florida (Aquatica); San Diego, California (Aquatica); Tampa, Florida (Adventure Island); and Williamsburg, Virginia (Water Country USA). The Company also operates a reservations-only attraction offering interaction with marine animals (Discovery Cove) and a seasonal park in Langhorne, Pennsylvania (Sesame Place).

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Therefore, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2014 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. The unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In the opinion of management, such unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods, but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the year ending December 31, 2015 or any future period due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s operations. Based upon historical results, the Company typically generates its highest revenues in the second and third quarters of each year and incurs a net loss in the first and fourth quarters, in part because six of its theme parks are only open for a portion of the year.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including SEA. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the accounting for self-insurance, deferred tax assets, deferred revenue, equity compensation and the valuation of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Segment Reporting

The Company maintains discrete financial information for each of its eleven theme parks, which is used by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), identified as the Chief Executive Officer, as a basis for allocating resources. Each theme park has been identified as an operating segment and meets the criteria for aggregation due to similar economic characteristics. In addition, all of the theme parks provide similar products and services and share similar processes for delivering services. The theme parks have a high degree of similarity in the workforces and target similar consumer groups. Accordingly, based on these economic and operational similarities and the way the CODM monitors the operations, the Company has concluded that its operating segments may be aggregated and that it has one reportable segment.

Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements

In the third quarter of 2014, the Company conducted an internal review of its application of the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 470-50, Debt-Modifications and Extinguishments, to its accounting for certain debt transactions in 2013, 2012 and 2011. As a result of this review and analysis, the Company determined that it had incorrectly applied the accounting guidance in ASC 470-50 and inappropriately accounted for certain fees as a result of modifications and prepayments in certain years. In accordance with ASC 250 (SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 99, Assessing Materiality ), the Company concluded that the correction of the errors was not material to any of its previously issued annual or interim financial statements. The Company has revised its previously issued financial statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to correct the effect of these immaterial errors for the corresponding periods. See Note 6—Long-Term Debt for the impact of revisions on previously issued periods contained within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Company reviews new accounting pronouncements as they are issued or proposed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Topic 835): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This ASU simplifies the accounting for debt issuance costs by requiring such costs to be presented as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Debt disclosures will include the face amount of the debt liability and the effective interest rate. The ASU requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The ASU will impact the Company’s classification of deferred financing costs as the Company currently records these costs in other assets, see Note 6—Long-Term Debt for further details. The Company is evaluating the impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements and has not yet determined if it will early adopt the ASU.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period . This ASU provides explicit guidance on the treatment of awards with performance targets that could be achieved after the requisite service period. The ASU is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with earlier adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition . This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity

 

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The effective date will be annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is evaluating the accounting and disclosure requirements on its consolidated financial statements but does not currently anticipate a material impact to the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share is computed as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2015     2014  
     Net Loss     Shares      Per
Share
Amount
    Net Loss     Shares      Per
Share
Amount
 

Basic earnings per share

   $ (43,598     86,097       $ (0.51   $ (49,217     88,415       $ (0.56

Effect of dilutive incentive-based awards

       —               —        
    

 

 

        

 

 

    

Diluted earnings per share

$ (43,598   86,097    $ (0.51 $ (49,217   88,415    $ (0.56
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

In accordance with the Earnings Per Share Topic of the ASC, basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period (excluding treasury stock and unvested restricted stock). The shares of unvested restricted stock are eligible to receive dividends; however, dividend rights will be forfeited if the award does not vest. Accordingly, only vested shares of outstanding restricted stock are included in the calculation of basic earnings per share. The weighted average number of repurchased shares during the period, if any, that are held as treasury stock are excluded from common stock outstanding.

Diluted earnings per share is determined using the treasury stock method based on the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and certain shares of common stock that are issuable upon exercise of stock options. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company excluded potentially dilutive shares of approximately 615,000 and 337,000, respectively, from the calculation of diluted loss per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive due to the Company’s net loss in those periods.

The Company’s outstanding performance share awards are considered contingently issuable shares and are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the performance criteria has not been met as of the end of the reporting period. See further discussion in Note 11—Equity-Based Compensation.

4. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense or benefit is recognized based on the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate which is based upon the tax rate expected for the full calendar year applied to the pre-tax income or loss of the interim period. The Company’s consolidated effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was 38.3% and differs from the statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to state income taxes and other permanent items. The Company’s consolidated effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was 37.8% and differs from the statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to state income taxes.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The Company has determined that there are no positions currently taken that would rise to a level requiring an amount to be recorded or disclosed as an uncertain tax position. If such positions do arise, it is the Company’s intent that any interest or penalty amount related to such positions will be recorded as a component of tax expense to the applicable period.

5. OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES

Other accrued expenses at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, consisted of the following:

 

     March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Accrued property taxes

   $ 5,103       $ 2,039   

Accrued interest

     9,776         2,604   

Self-insurance reserve

     7,022         7,800   

Other

     2,026         7,706   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other accrued expenses

$ 23,927    $ 20,149   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

6. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following:

 

     March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Term B-2 Loans

   $ 1,348,925       $ 1,352,438   

Revolving credit agreement

     30,000         —     

Senior Notes

     260,000         260,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

  1,638,925      1,612,438   

Less discounts

  (8,440   (8,985

Less current maturities

  (44,050   (14,050
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term debt, net of current maturities

$ 1,586,435    $ 1,589,403   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

SEA is the borrower under the senior secured credit facilities, as amended pursuant to a credit agreement dated as of December 1, 2009 (the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). Also on December 1, 2009, SEA issued $400,000 aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes due December 1, 2016 (the “Senior Notes”).

Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization and amounts written-off for early extinguishment of debt, were $18,220 and $20,003 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Deferred financing costs are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities or the Senior Notes and are included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

As of March 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all covenants in the provisions contained in the documents governing the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and in the indenture governing the Senior Notes.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

As of March 31, 2015, the Senior Secured Credit Facilities consisted of a $1,348,925 senior secured term loan facility (the “Term B-2 Loans”), which will mature on May 14, 2020 and a $192,500 senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Facility”), of which $30,000 was outstanding as of March 31, 2015 (at an interest rate of 2.64%). The Revolving Credit Facility will mature on the earlier of (a) April 24, 2018 and (b) the 91st day prior to the maturity date of any indebtedness incurred to refinance any of the term loans. The outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility is included in current maturities on long-term debt on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015, due to the Company’s intent to repay the borrowings within the next twelve months.

Term B-2 Loans

The Term B-2 Loans were initially borrowed in an aggregate principal amount of $1,405,000. Borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities bear interest, at SEA’s option, at a rate equal to a margin over either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America, N.A. as its “prime rate” and (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 1/2 of 1% or (b) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the British Bankers Association (“BBA”) LIBOR rate, or the successor thereto if the BBA is no longer making a LIBOR rate available, for the interest period relevant to such borrowing. The applicable margin for the Term B-2 Loans is 1.25%, in the case of base rate loans, and 2.25%, in the case of LIBOR rate loans, subject to a base rate floor of 1.75% and a LIBOR floor of 0.75%. The applicable margin for the Term B-2 Loans (under either a base rate or LIBOR rate) is subject to one 25 basis point step-down upon achievement by SEA of a certain total leverage ratio. At March 31, 2015, the Company selected the LIBOR rate (interest rate of 3.00% at March 31, 2015).

The applicable margin for borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility is 1.75%, in the case of base rate loans, and 2.75%, in the case of LIBOR rate loans. The applicable margin (under either a base rate or LIBOR rate) is subject to one 25 basis point step-down upon achievement by SEA of certain corporate credit ratings. At March 31, 2015, SEA selected the LIBOR rate and achieved the corporate credit ratings for an applicable margin of 2.50%.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, SEA is required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder at a rate of 0.50% per annum. SEA is also required to pay customary letter of credit fees.

The Term B-2 Loans amortize in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate annual amount equal to 1.0% of the original principal amount of the Term B-2 Loans on May 14, 2013, with the balance due on the final maturity date, of May 14, 2020. SEA may voluntarily repay amounts outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR loans.

SEA is required to prepay the outstanding Term B-2 loans, subject to certain exceptions, with (i) 50% of SEA’s annual “excess cash flow” (with step-downs to 25% and 0%, as applicable, based upon achievement by SEA of a certain total net leverage ratio), subject to certain exceptions; (ii) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain non-ordinary course asset sales or other dispositions subject to reinvestment rights and certain exceptions; and (iii) 100% of the net cash proceeds of any incurrence of debt by SEA or any of its restricted subsidiaries, other than debt permitted to be incurred or issued under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities.

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, each lender of term loans has the right to reject its pro rata share of mandatory prepayments described above, in which case SEA may retain the amounts so rejected. The foregoing mandatory prepayments will be applied pro rata to installments of term loans in direct order of maturity. There were no mandatory prepayments during 2015 or 2014 since none of the events indicated above occurred.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

SEA may also increase and/or add one or more incremental term loan facilities to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and/or increase commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $350,000. SEA may also incur additional incremental term loans provided that, among other things, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the incurrence of such incremental term loans, the first lien secured leverage ratio, as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility, is no greater than 3.50 to 1.00.

As of March 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $18,000 of outstanding letters of credit and $30,000 outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, leaving approximately $144,500 available for borrowing.

Senior Notes

The Senior Notes accrued interest at a rate of 11.0% per annum. Interest was paid semi-annually in arrears. The obligations under the Senior Notes were guaranteed by the same entities as those that guarantee the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. The Senior Notes included a redemption provision permitting SEA to redeem the Senior Notes at 105.5% and 102.75% of the principal amount beginning on December 1, 2014 and 2015, respectively, plus accrued interest. Subsequent to March 31, 2015, the Senior Notes were redeemed in full. See the “ Subsequent Borrowings-Term B-3 Loans” section which follows for further details.

Subsequent Borrowings—Term B-3 Loans

On March 30, 2015, SEA entered into an incremental term loan amendment, Amendment No. 7 (the “Incremental Amendment”) to its existing Senior Secured Credit Facilities. On April 7, 2015, SEA borrowed $280,000 of additional term loans (the “Term B-3 Loans”) pursuant to the Incremental Amendment. The proceeds, along with cash on hand, were used to redeem all of the outstanding principal of the Senior Notes at a redemption price of 105.5% plus accrued and unpaid interest and pay fees, costs and other expenses in connection with the Term B-3 Loans.

Borrowings of Term B-3 Loans bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to, at SEA’s option, (i) a base rate equal to the higher of (a) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1% and (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America, N.A. as its “prime rate”. The applicable margin for the Term B-3 Loans is 2.25%, in the case of base rate loans, and 3.25%, in the case of LIBOR rate loans, subject to a base rate floor of 1.75% and a LIBOR floor of 0.75%.

The Term B-3 Loans contain identical mandatory and voluntary prepayments as those applicable to Term B-2 Loans. SEA may voluntarily repay outstanding loans at any time without premium or penalty, other than a prepayment premium on voluntary prepayments of Term B-3 Loans in connection with certain repricing transactions on or prior to the date that is six months after the effectiveness of the Incremental Amendment and customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR loans.

All other terms of the Term B-3 Loans are substantially identical to the terms applicable to the Term B-2 Loans under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities.

Restrictive Covenants

The Senior Secured Credit Facilities contain a number of customary negative covenants. Such covenants, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of SEA and its restricted subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness; make guarantees; create liens on assets; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; engage in mergers or consolidations; sell assets; make fundamental changes; pay dividends and distributions or repurchase SEA’s capital stock; make investments, loans and advances, including acquisitions; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; make changes in nature of the business; and make prepayments of junior

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

debt. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities also contain covenants requiring SEA to maintain specified maximum annual capital expenditures, a maximum total net leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. All of the net assets of SEA and its consolidated subsidiaries are restricted and there are no unconsolidated subsidiaries of SEA.

The Senior Secured Credit Facilities permit restricted payments in an aggregate amount per annum not to exceed the greater of (1) 6% of initial public offering net proceeds received by SEA or (2) (a) $90,000, so long as, on a Pro Forma Basis (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities) after giving effect to the payment of any such restricted payment, the Total Leverage Ratio, (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities), is no greater than 5.00 to 1.00 and greater than 4.50 to 1.00, (b) $120,000, so long as, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the payment of any such restricted payment, the Total Leverage Ratio is no greater than 4.50 to 1.00 and greater than 4.00 to 1.00, (c) the greater of (A) $120,000 and (B) 7.5% of Market Capitalization (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities), so long as, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the payment of any such restricted payment, the Total Leverage Ratio is no greater than 4.00 to 1.00 and greater than 3.50 to 1.00 and (d) an unlimited amount, so long as, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the payment of any such restricted payment, the Total Leverage Ratio is no greater than 3.50 to 1.00.

As of March 31, 2015, the Total Leverage Ratio as calculated under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities was 4.18 to 1.00, which results in the Company having a $120,000 capacity for restricted payments in 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company has used approximately $36,300 of its available restricted payments capacity. As a result, the Company currently has the ability to declare dividends or make certain other restricted payments in an aggregate amount of up to approximately $83,700 for the remainder of calendar year 2015. The amount available for dividend declarations, share repurchases and certain other restricted payments under the covenant restrictions in the debt agreements adjusts at the beginning of each quarter as set forth above.

Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements

The following table presents the impact of the corrections on previously issued periods included within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (see the “Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements” section of Note 1-Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation for further details):

 

     For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014  
     As Previously
Reported
     Adjustments      As
Revised
 

Selected Statements of Comprehensive Loss Data:

  

Interest expense

   $ 20,046       $ (342    $ 19,704   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

$ (79,471 $ 342    $ (79,129
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Benefit from income taxes

$ (30,040 $ 128    $ (29,912
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net loss

$ (49,431 $ 214    $ (49,217
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss per share:

Net loss per share, basic

$ (0.56 $ —      $ (0.56

Net loss per share, diluted

$ (0.56 $ —      $ (0.56

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

SEA has two interest rate swap agreements totaling $550,000. Each interest rate swap has a notional amount of $275,000; matures on September 30, 2016; requires the Company to pay a fixed rate of interest between 1.049% and 1.051% per annum; pays swap counterparties a variable rate of interest based upon the greater of 0.75% or three month BBA LIBOR; and has interest settlement dates occurring on the last day of December, March, June and September through maturity.

In March 2014, the Company executed a new interest rate swap agreement to effectively fix the interest rate on $450,000 of the Term B-2 Loans. The new interest rate swap has an effective date of March 31, 2014; has a notional amount of $450,000; matures on September 30, 2016; requires the Company to pay a fixed rate of interest of 1.051% per annum; pays swap counterparties a variable rate of interest based upon the greater of 0.75% or three month BBA LIBOR; and has interest settlement dates occurring on the last day of December, March, June and September through maturity.

SEA designated the interest rate swap agreements above as qualifying cash flow hedge accounting relationships as further discussed in Note 7—Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities which follows.

In April 2015, the Company executed a new interest rate swap agreement to effectively fix the interest rate on $250,000 of the Term B-3 Loans. The interest rate swap has an effective date of June 30, 2015, has a notional amount of $250,000 and is scheduled to mature on September 30, 2016.

Cash paid for interest relating to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the Senior Notes and the interest rate swap agreements was $11,347 and $11,253 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

7. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s borrowings. The Company does not speculate using derivative instruments and does not engage in derivative trading.

As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any derivatives outstanding that were not designated in hedge accounting relationships.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had three outstanding interest rate swaps with a combined notional value of $1,000,000 that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. The effective portion of changes

 

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(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, a loss of $286 related to the ineffective portion was recognized in other expense, net on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. There was no ineffective portion during the three months ended March 31, 2014. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. During the next 12 months, the Company estimates that an additional $2,916 will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

     As of March 31, 2015      As of December 31, 2014  
     Liabilities Derivatives      Liabilities Derivatives  
     Balance Sheet
Location
     Fair Value      Balance Sheet
Location
     Fair Value  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

           

Interest rate swaps

     Other liabilities       $ 2,312         Other liabilities       $ 628   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

$ 2,312    $ 628   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

The unrealized loss on derivatives is recorded net of a tax benefit of $546 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, respectively, and is included within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity.

Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Comprehensive Loss

The table below presents the pre-tax effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
       2015         2014    

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:

    

Loss related to effective portion of derivatives recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ (2,149   $ (726

Gain related to effective portion of derivatives reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense

   $ 730      $ 395   

Loss related to ineffective portion of derivatives recognized in other expense, net

   $ (286   $ —     

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features

The Company has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

As of March 31, 2015, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $2,372. As of March 31, 2015, the Company has posted no collateral related to these agreements. If the Company had breached any of these provisions at March 31, 2015, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $2,372.

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table reflects the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015, net of tax:

 

     (Losses)
Gains on
Cash Flow
Hedges
 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss:

  

Balance at December 31, 2014

   $ (483

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

     (1,322

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense

     449   
  

 

 

 

Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax

  (873
  

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2015

$ (1,356
  

 

 

 

8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement is required to be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, fair value accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).

The Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivative financial instruments using the income approach fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company uses readily available market data to value its derivatives, such as interest rate curves and discount factors. ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, also requires consideration of credit risk in the valuation. The Company uses a potential future exposure model to estimate this credit valuation adjustment (“CVA”). The inputs to the CVA are largely based on observable market data, with the exception of certain assumptions regarding credit worthiness which make the CVA a Level 3 input. Based on the magnitude of the CVA, it is not considered a significant input and the derivatives are classified as Level 2. Of the Company’s long-term obligations, the Term B-2 Loans are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the term loans as of March 31, 2015 approximates their carrying value due to the variable nature of the underlying interest rates and the frequent intervals at which such interest rates are reset. The Senior Notes are classified in Level 3

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

of the fair value hierarchy and have been valued using significant inputs that are not observable in the market including a discount rate of 10.92% and projected cash flows of the underlying Senior Notes.

There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2015. The Company did not have any assets measured at fair value as of March 31, 2015. The following table presents the Company’s estimated fair value measurements and related classifications as of March 31, 2015:

 

     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets and
Liabilities

(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
     Balance at
March 31,
2015
 

Liabilities:

           

Derivative financial instruments (a)

   $ —         $ 2,312       $ —         $ 2,312   

Long-term obligations (b)

   $ —         $ 1,378,925       $ 264,473       $ 1,643,398   

 

(a) Reflected at fair value in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as other liabilities of $2,312.
(b) Reflected at carrying value in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as current maturities on long-term debt of $44,050 and long-term debt of $1,586,435 as of March 31, 2015.

There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3 during the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company did not have any assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014. The following table presents the Company’s estimated fair value measurements and related classifications as of December 31, 2014:

 

     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets and
Liabilities
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
     Balance at
December 31,
2014
 

Liabilities:

           

Derivative financial instruments (a)

   $ —         $ 628       $ —         $ 628   

Long-term obligations (b)

   $ —         $ 1,352,438       $ 263,197       $ 1,615,635   

 

(a) Reflected at fair value in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as other liabilities of $628.
(b) Reflected at carrying value in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as current maturities on long-term debt of $14,050 and long-term debt of $1,589,403 as of December 31, 2014.

9. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

On January 5 and March 3, 2015, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.21 per share to all common stockholders of record at the close of business on January 13 and March 13, 2015, respectively. In connection with these dividend declarations, certain affiliates of Blackstone were paid dividends in the amount of $4,095 on both January 22 and April 1, 2015 (see Note 12–Stockholders’ Equity).

The Company repurchased shares of its common stock from the selling stockholders concurrently with the closing of the secondary offering in April 2014. See further discussion in Note 12–Stockholders’ Equity.

 

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(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Securities Class Action Lawsuit

On September 9, 2014, a purported stockholder class action lawsuit consisting of purchasers of the Company’s common stock during the periods between April 18, 2013 to August 13, 2014, captioned Baker v. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., et al., Case No. 14-CV-02129-MMA (KSC), was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California against the Company, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, certain of its executive officers and Blackstone. On February 27, 2015, Court-appointed Lead Plaintiffs, Pensionskassen For Børne- Og Ungdomspædagoger and Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System, together with additional plaintiffs, Oklahoma City Employee Retirement System and Pembroke Pines Firefighters and Police Officers Pension Fund (collectively, “Plaintiffs”), filed an amended complaint against the Company, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, certain of its executive officers, Blackstone, and underwriters of the initial public offering and secondary public offerings. The amended complaint alleges, among other things, that the prospectus and registration statements filed contained materially false and misleading information in violation of the federal securities laws and seeks unspecified compensatory damages and other relief. Plaintiffs contend that Defendants knew or were reckless in not knowing that Blackfish was impacting SeaWorld’s business at the time of each public statement. The Company believes that the class action lawsuit is without merit and intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously; however, there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit.

Shareholder Derivative Lawsuit

On December 8, 2014, a putative derivative lawsuit captioned Kistenmacher v. Atchison, et al., Civil Action No. 10437, was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against, among others, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, certain of the Company’s executive officers, directors and shareholders, and Blackstone. The Company is a “Nominal Defendant” in the lawsuit. On March 30, 2015, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint against the same set of defendants. The amended complaint alleges, among other things, that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties, aided and abetted breaches of fiduciary duties, violated Florida Blue Sky laws and were unjustly enriched by (i) including materially false and misleading information in the prospectus and registration statements; and (ii) causing the Company to repurchase certain shares of its common stock from certain shareholders at an alleged artificially inflated price. The Company does not maintain any direct exposure to loss in connection with this shareholder derivative lawsuit as the lawsuit does not assert any claims against the Company. The Company’s status as a “Nominal Defendant” in the action reflects the fact that the lawsuit is maintained by the named plaintiff on behalf of the Company and that the plaintiff seeks damages on the Company’s behalf.

Consumer Class Action Lawsuits

On March 25, 2015, a purported class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California against the Company, captioned Holly Hall v. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., Case No. 3:15-cv-00600-CAB-RBB (the “Hall Matter”). The complaint identifies three putative classes consisting of all consumers nationwide who at any time during the four-year period preceding the filing of the original complaint, purchased an admission ticket, a membership or a SeaWorld “experience” that includes an “orca experience” from the SeaWorld amusement park in San Diego, California, Orlando, Florida or San Antonio, Texas respectively. The complaint alleges causes of action under California Unfair Competition Law, California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, California False Advertising Law, Florida Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, as well as claims for Unjust Enrichment and Deceit. Plaintiffs’ claims are based on their allegations that the Company misrepresented the physical living conditions and care and treatment of its killer whales, resulting in confusion or misunderstanding among ticket purchasers, and omitted material facts regarding its killer whales with intent to deceive and mislead the plaintiff and purported class members. The complaint further alleges that the specific misrepresentations heard and relied upon by Holly Hall, the

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

sole named plaintiff, in purchasing her SeaWorld tickets concerned the circumstances surrounding the death of a SeaWorld trainer. The complaint seeks actual damages, equitable relief, attorney’s fees and costs. Plaintiff claims that the amount in controversy exceeds $5,000, but the liability exposure is speculative until the size of the class is determined (if certification is granted at all). The case is in the preliminary stages and a response to the complaint has not yet been filed.

In addition, three other purported class actions were filed against the Company and its affiliates in the following federal courts on April 9, 2015, April 16, 2015 and April 17, 2015, respectively: (i) the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, captioned Joyce Kuhl v. SeaWorld LLC et al., 6:15-cv-00574-ACC-GJK (M.D. Fla.), (ii) a second case in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, captioned Jessica Gaab, et. al. v. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., Case No. 15:cv-842-JAH-MDD and (iii) the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, captioned Elaine Salazar Browne v. SeaWorld of Texas LLC et al., 5:15-cv-00301-XR (W.D. Tex.). These cases, in essence, reiterate the claims made and relief sought in the Hall Matter. The Company anticipates that the second case in the Southern District of California will be consolidated with the Hall Matter. On May 1, 2015, the cases in Florida and Texas were voluntarily dismissed without prejudice by the respective plaintiffs.

On April 13, 2015, a purported class action was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the City and County of San Francisco against SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., captioned Marc Anderson, et. al., v. SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., Case No. CGC-15-545292. The putative class consists of all consumers within California who, within the past four years, purchased tickets to SeaWorld San Diego. The complaint alleges causes of action under the California False Advertising Law and California Unfair Competition Law. Plaintiffs’ claims are based on their allegations that the Company misrepresented the physical living conditions and care and treatment of its killer whales, resulting in confusion or misunderstanding among ticket purchasers, and omitted material facts regarding its killer whales with intent to deceive and mislead the plaintiff and purported class members. The complaint seeks actual damages and equitable relief. Based on Plaintiff’s definition of the class, the amount in controversy exceeds $5,000, but the liability exposure is speculative until the size of the class is determined (if certification is granted at all). The case is in the preliminary stages and a response to the complaint has not yet been filed.

The Company believes that these consumer class action lawsuits are without merit and intends to defend these lawsuits vigorously; however, there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits.

Other Matters

The Company is a party to other various claims and legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. From time to time, third-party groups may also bring lawsuits against the Company. Matters where an unfavorable outcome to the Company is probable and which can be reasonably estimated are accrued. Such accruals, which are not material for any period presented, are based on information known about the matters, the Company’s estimate of the outcomes of such matters, and the Company’s experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. Matters that are considered reasonably possible to result in a material loss are not accrued for, but an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss is disclosed, if such amount or range can be determined. Management does not expect any known claims or legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

11. EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

In accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, the Company measures the cost of employee services rendered in exchange for share-based compensation based upon the grant date fair market value. The cost, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period unless service or performance conditions require otherwise. The Company has granted stock options, time-vesting restricted share awards and performance-vesting restricted share awards. The Company uses the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to value its stock options and the closing stock price on the date of grant to value both its time-vesting and performance-vesting restricted share awards.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The Company has reserved 15,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the Company’s 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”). The Omnibus Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, and provides that the Company may grant equity incentive awards to eligible employees, directors, consultants or advisors in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock-based and performance compensation awards. If an award under the Omnibus Incentive Plan terminates, lapses, or is settled without the payment of the full number of shares subject to the award, the undelivered shares may be granted again under the Omnibus Incentive Plan.

As of March 31, 2015, there were 12,582,874 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the Company’s Omnibus Incentive Plan. Total non-cash equity compensation expense was $1,853 and $762 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses and in operating expenses in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Total unrecognized equity compensation expense for all equity compensation awards probable of vesting as of March 31, 2015 was approximately $11,100, which is expected to be recognized over the respective service periods.

The activity related to the Company’s time-vesting and performance-vesting share awards during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

                Performance-Vesting Restricted shares  
    Time-Vesting
Restricted shares
    Bonus Performance
Restricted shares
    Long-Term
Incentive
Performance
Restricted shares
    2.25x Performance
Restricted shares
    2.75x Performance
Restricted shares
 
    Shares     Weighted
Average
Grant Date

Fair Value
per Share
    Shares     Weighted
Average
Grant Date

Fair Value
per Share
    Shares     Weighted
Average
Grant Date

Fair Value
per Share
    Shares     Weighted
Average
Grant Date

Fair Value
per Share
    Shares     Weighted
Average
Grant Date

Fair Value
per Share
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2014

    164,545        $11.68        —          —          —          —          1,451,453        $20.96        1,451,453        $12.61   

Granted

    383,054        $18.27        420,004        $18.96        75,832        $18.96        —          —          —          —     

Vested

    (13,547     $11.88        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Forfeited

    (12,760     $  8.29        —          —          —          —          (12,884     $22.69        (12,884     $15.56   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Outstanding at March 31, 2015

    521,292        $16.60        420,004        $18.96        75,832        $18.96        1,438,569        $20.95        1,438,569        $12.58   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

The activity related to the Company’s stock option awards during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

     Options      Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (in
years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2014

     —           —           

Granted

     903,270         $18.96         

Exercised

     —           —           

Forfeited/expired

     —           —           
  

 

 

          

Outstanding at March 31, 2015

  903,270      $18.96      9.9      $3,965   
  

 

 

          

Exercisable at March 31, 2015

  —        —        —        —     
  

 

 

          

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

2015 Bonus Plan Grant

On March 3, 2015, the Board approved an annual bonus plan (the “2015 Bonus Plan”) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015 (the “Fiscal 2015”) under which certain employees are eligible to receive a bonus with respect to Fiscal 2015, payable 50% in cash and 50% in performance-vesting restricted shares (the “Bonus Performance Restricted shares”) based upon the Company’s achievement of pre-established performance goals with respect to Adjusted EBITDA. Once Adjusted EBITDA is finalized for Fiscal 2015, the Bonus Performance Restricted shares vest if the performance goal is met and forfeit immediately if the performance goal is not met or if the employee terminates prior to the last day of Fiscal 2015. Subsequent grants will be made on April 1, July 1 and October 1, 2015 to newly hired bonus-eligible employees based on their hire date.

In connection with the 2015 Bonus Plan, on March 3, 2015, the Company granted 420,004 Bonus Performance Restricted shares with a grant date fair value per share of $18.96. In accordance with ASC 718, compensation expense is not recorded until the performance condition is probable of being achieved. Based on the Company’s progress toward the Adjusted EBITDA performance goal, the shares are not considered probable of vesting as of March 31, 2015; therefore, no compensation expense has been recorded related to the Bonus Performance Restricted shares as of March 31, 2015. However, if the performance condition is considered probable of being achieved in a subsequent period, all compensation expense that would have been recorded over the requisite service period had the condition been considered probable from inception, will be recorded as a cumulative catch-up at such subsequent date. Total unrecognized compensation expense was approximately $8,000 as of March 31, 2015 related to the Bonus Performance Restricted shares.

2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan Grant

On March 3, 2015, the Board also approved a long-term incentive plan grant (the “2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan”) for Fiscal 2015 comprised of nonqualified stock options (“Long-Term Incentive Options”), time-vesting restricted shares (“Long-Term Incentive Time Restricted shares”) and performance-vesting restricted shares (“Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted shares”) to certain of the Company’s management and executive officers.

Long-Term Incentive Options

The Long-Term Incentive Options vest ratably over four years from the date of grant (25% per year), subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting date and will expire 10 years from the date of grant or earlier if the employee’s service terminates. The options have an exercise price per share equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, which was $18.96 for the grant on March 3, 2015. The fair value of each option under the 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan was estimated using the Black Scholes Option-Pricing Model. Key assumptions included an expected life of 6.25 years, risk free rate of 1.76%, volatility of 37.0%, and a dividend yield of 4.38%. The expected life was estimated using the simplified method, as the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data due to the limited period of time its common stock has been publicly traded. In addition, due to the Company’s limited history as a public company, the volatility for the Company’s stock at the date of grant was estimated using the average volatility calculated for a peer group, which is based upon daily price observations over the estimated term of options granted. Compensation expense will be recognized using the straight line method over the four year vesting period.

On March 3, 2015, the Company granted 903,270 Long-Term Incentive Options related to the 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan. These options have an exercise price of $18.96 and an estimated grant date fair value of $4.39 per option using the Black Scholes Option-Pricing Model. Total unrecognized compensation expense expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting term was approximately $3,900 as of March 31, 2015.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Time-Vesting Restricted Shares

The Long-Term Incentive Time Restricted shares vest ratably over four years from the date of grant (25% per year), subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting date. On March 3, 2015, the Company granted 268,282 Long-Term Incentive Time Restricted shares related to the 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan. These shares have a grant date fair value per share of $18.96. Compensation expense will be recognized using the straight line method over the four year vesting period. Total unrecognized compensation expense expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting term was approximately $5,000 as of March 31, 2015.

Performance-Vesting Restricted Stock

The Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted shares vest following the end of a three-year performance period beginning on January 1, 2015 and ending on December 31, 2017 based upon the Company’s achievement of certain performance goals with respect to Adjusted EBITDA for each fiscal year performance period. The total number of shares eligible to vest is based on the level of achievement of the Adjusted EBITDA target for each fiscal year in the performance period which ranges from 0% (if below threshold performance), to 50% (for threshold performance), to 100% (for target performance), and up to 200% (at or above maximum performance). For actual performance between the specified threshold, target, and maximum levels, the resulting vesting percentage will be adjusted on a linear basis. Total shares earned (approximately 33% are eligible to be earned per year) based on the actual performance percentage for each performance year will vest on the date the Company’s Compensation Committee determines the actual performance percentage for fiscal year 2017 if the employee has not terminated prior to the last day of fiscal year 2017 and all unearned shares will forfeit immediately as of such date. The Adjusted EBITDA target for each fiscal year will be set in the first quarter of each respective year, at which time the grant date and the grant-date fair value for accounting purposes related to that performance year will be established based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on such date. Compensation expense will be recognized ratably for each fiscal year, if the performance condition is probable of being achieved, beginning on the date of grant and through the end of the final performance period on December 31, 2017.

On March 3, 2015, the Company awarded 227,526 Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted shares under the 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which represents the total shares that could be earned under the maximum performance level of achievement for all three performance periods combined, with approximately one-third related to each respective performance period. The performance goal for the first performance period was established as of the award date, as such, for accounting purposes, 75,832 of these shares have a grant date of March 3, 2015 and a grant-date fair value per share of $18.96 determined using the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The performance targets for the second and third performance periods have not yet been set and will be determined by the Compensation Committee during the first quarter of each respective fiscal year, at which time, for accounting purposes, the grant date and respective grant-date fair value will be determined for those related shares. As the Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted shares have both a service and a performance condition, the requisite service period over which compensation expense will be recognized once the performance condition is probable of achievement begins on the date of grant and extends through December 31, 2017. Based on the Company’s progress toward the Adjusted EBITDA performance goal for the first performance period, the target performance level for the first performance period is considered probable, as such 37,916 Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted shares related to the 2015 performance year are considered probable of vesting as of March 31, 2015. Total unrecognized compensation expense related to the first performance period expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting term if performance conditions continue to be probable of vesting at the target performance level was approximately $700 as of March 31, 2015. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the maximum performance level for the first performance period is an additional $740 as of March 31, 2015. Total unrecognized compensation expense related to the second

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

and third performance periods has not been determined as the grant date and grant-date fair value for these awards have not yet occurred for accounting purposes, as such no expense has been recorded related to the second and third performance periods.

Other 2015 Grants

On January 15, 2015, the Company granted 100,000 time-vesting restricted shares to its Interim Chief Executive Officer (the “Interim CEO”) in accordance with his appointment to such role. The shares had a grant date fair value per share of $16.50 and a vest date on the earlier of the start date of a new Chief Executive Officer or June 30, 2015. As a new Chief Executive Officer was appointed with a start date of April 7, 2015, these shares fully vested on such date accordingly. Also during the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company granted 14,772 time-vesting restricted shares to certain Board members. These shares vest ratably over a three year term.

Subsequent to March 31, 2015, in connection with the appointment of the Company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer on April 7, 2015, the Company granted 27,623 Bonus Performance Restricted shares with a grant date fair value per share of $20.01 and 249,875 time-vesting restricted shares with a grant date fair value of $20.01 per share. The Company also granted 1,089,324 nonqualified stock options at an exercise price per share equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, which was $20.01 and a grant date fair value of $4.59 based on a Black Scholes Option Pricing Model. The time-vesting restricted shares and the nonqualified stock options vest ratably over four years. Key assumptions used in the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model included an expected life of 6.25 years, risk free rate of 1.53%, volatility of 36.4% and a dividend yield of 4.20%. The expected life was estimated using the simplified method, as the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data due to the limited period of time its common stock has been publicly traded. In addition, due to the Company’s limited history as a public company, the volatility for the Company’s stock at the date of grant was estimated using the average volatility calculated for a peer group, which is based upon daily price observations over the estimated term of options granted.

2.25x and 2.75x Performance Restricted Shares

The Company has outstanding under both its Omnibus Incentive Plan and its previous incentive plan (the “Pre-IPO Incentive Plan”) certain performance-vesting restricted shares consisting of 2.25x and 2.75x Performance Restricted shares. The 2.25x Performance Restricted shares will vest if the employee is employed by the Company when and if certain investment funds affiliated with Blackstone receive cash proceeds (not subject to any clawback, indemnity or similar contractual obligation) in respect of their Partnerships units equal to (x) a 20% annualized effective compounded return rate on such funds’ investment and (y) a 2.25x multiple on such funds’ investment. The 2.75x Performance Restricted shares will vest if the employee is employed by the Company when and if such funds receive cash proceeds (not subject to any clawback, indemnity or similar contractual obligation) in respect of their Partnerships units equal to (x) a 15% annualized effective compounded return rate on such funds’ investment and (y) a 2.75x multiple on such funds’ investment.

No compensation expense will be recorded related to the 2.25x and 2.75x Performance Restricted shares until their vesting is probable. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014 related to these 2.25x and 2.75x Performance Restricted shares. Total unrecognized compensation expense as of March 31, 2015, was approximately $30,000 and $18,000 for the 2.25x and 2.75x Performance Restricted shares, respectively.

Based on cash proceeds previously received by certain investment funds affiliated with Blackstone from the Company’s initial public offering and subsequent secondary offerings of stock, the Company’s repurchase of shares and the cumulative dividends paid by the Company through April 1, 2015, if such funds receive additional future cash proceeds of approximately $10,000, and other vesting conditions are satisfied, the 2.25x Performance Restricted shares will vest. Similarly, if such funds receive additional future cash

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

proceeds of approximately $438,000, and other vesting conditions are satisfied, the 2.75x Performance Restricted shares will vest. As receipt of these future cash proceeds will be primarily related to liquidity events, such as secondary offerings of stock, the shares are not considered probable of vesting until such events are consummated.

12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

As of March 31, 2015, 90,204,351 shares of common stock were issued on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet, which excludes 4,045,960 unvested shares of common stock held by certain participants in the Company’s equity compensation plans (see Note 11–Equity-Based Compensation) and includes 4,105,970 shares of treasury stock held by the Company.

Secondary Offerings and Share Repurchases

In April 2014, the selling stockholders completed an underwritten secondary offering of 17,250,000 shares of common stock. The selling stockholders received all of the net proceeds from the offering and no shares were sold by the Company. In the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company incurred fees and expenses of $674 in connection with the secondary offering, which is shown as secondary offering expenses on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.

Concurrently with the closing of the secondary offering in April 2014, the Company repurchased 1,750,000 shares of its common stock directly from the selling stockholders in a private, non-underwritten transaction at a price per share equal to the price per share paid to the selling stockholders by the underwriters in the secondary offering.

On August 12, 2014, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to $250,000 of the Company’s common stock (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Under the Share Repurchase Program, the Company is authorized to repurchase shares through open market purchases, privately-negotiated transactions or otherwise in accordance with applicable federal securities laws, including through Rule 10b5-1 trading plans and under Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. The Share Repurchase Program has no time limit and may be suspended or discontinued completely at any time. The number of shares to be purchased and the timing of purchases will be based on the level of the Company’s cash balances, general business and market conditions, and other factors, including legal requirements, debt covenant restrictions and alternative investment opportunities.

Pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program, during the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company repurchased a total of 855,970 shares of common stock at an average price of $17.50 per share and a total cost of approximately $15,000, leaving $235,000 available for future repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company paid $5,650 for settlement of shares repurchased in December 2014. No shares were repurchased in the three months ended March 31, 2015 under the Share Repurchase Program.

All of the repurchased shares from the Share Repurchase Program and shares repurchased directly from the selling stockholders during previous secondary offerings were recorded as treasury stock at a total cost of $109,871 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and are reflected as a reduction to stockholders’ equity on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and unaudited condensed consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Dividends

The Board has adopted a policy to pay, subject to legally available funds, a regular quarterly dividend. The payment of cash dividends is within the discretion of the Board and depends on many factors, including, but not limited to, the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, level of indebtedness, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, restrictions in its debt agreements and in any preferred stock, business prospects and other factors that the Board may deem relevant.

In the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Board declared or paid quarterly cash dividends to all common stockholders of record as follows:

 

Record Date

   Payment Date    Cash Dividend
per Common
Share
 

January 13, 2015

   January 22, 2015    $ 0.21   

March 13, 2015

   April 1, 2015    $ 0.21   

As the Company had an accumulated deficit at the time the March 13, 2015 dividend was declared, this dividend was accounted for as a return of capital and recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. Dividends paid to common stockholders were $18,098 in the three months ended March 31, 2015. The Company expects that for tax purposes, a portion of these dividends will be treated as a return of capital to stockholders.

As of March 31, 2015, the Company had $18,373 of cash dividends recorded as dividends payable in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. Approximately $18,100 was paid on April 1, 2015. The remainder of the dividends payable relates to unvested time restricted shares and unvested performance restricted shares with a performance condition considered probable of being achieved. These shares carry dividend rights and therefore the dividends will be paid as the shares vest in accordance with the underlying stock compensation grants. These dividend rights will be forfeited if the shares do not vest.

Dividends on the Omnibus Plan and Pre-IPO Incentive Plan 2.25x and 2.75x Performance Restricted shares were approximately $2,360 for each tranche and will accumulate and be paid only if and to the extent these Performance Restricted shares vest in accordance with their terms. The Company has not recorded a payable related to these dividends as the vesting of the Performance Restricted shares is not probable. Dividends on the Bonus Performance Restricted shares were approximately $88 and will accumulate and be paid only if these shares vest in accordance with their terms. Dividends on the Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted shares related to the maximum performance level were approximately $50, of which approximately $20 was recorded related to the shares probable of vesting at the target performance level. The remainder of approximately $30 will accumulate and be paid only if the respective shares vest in accordance with their terms. The Company does not record a dividend payable when the respective performance conditions on the related unvested shares are not considered probable of being achieved.

13. RESTRUCTURING PROGRAM

In December 2014, the Company implemented a restructuring program in an effort to centralize certain operations and reduce duplication of functions to increase efficiencies (the “Restructuring Program”). The Restructuring Program involved the elimination of approximately 300 positions across the Company’s eleven theme parks and corporate headquarters. As a result, the Company expects to record approximately $11,800 in pre-tax restructuring and other related costs associated with this Restructuring Program, of which $145 was incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and total cumulative costs incurred to date were $11,712. The

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

costs incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2015 are recorded as restructuring and other related costs on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. The remaining liability is included in accrued salaries, wages and benefits as of March 31, 2015 on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet and is expected to be paid by the end of the second quarter of 2015 due to the completion of certain continuing service obligations.

The Restructuring Program activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was as follows:

 

     Severance and
Other
Employment
Expenses
 

Liability as of December 31, 2014

   $ 7,691   

Costs incurred

     145   

Payments made

     (7,409
  

 

 

 

Liability as of March 31, 2015

$ 427   
  

 

 

 

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion contains management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations and should be read together with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs and involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should carefully read “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Business Overview

We are a leading theme park and entertainment company delivering personal, interactive and educational experiences that blend imagination with nature and enable our customers to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world we share. We own or license a portfolio of globally recognized brands, including SeaWorld, Shamu and Busch Gardens. Over our more than 50-year history, we have built a diversified portfolio of 11 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase our one-of-a-kind zoological collection of approximately 89,000 marine and terrestrial animals. Our theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for our guests. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we hosted approximately 3.2 million guests in our theme parks, including approximately 0.6 million international guests. In the three months ended March 31, 2015, we generated total revenues of $214.6 million and a net loss of $43.6 million.

Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements

During the third quarter of 2014, we identified and corrected immaterial errors related to accounting for certain debt transactions in 2013, 2012 and 2011. Refer to the “Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements” section of Note 6– Long-Term Debt, in our notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, for further details. Accordingly, we have revised previously issued financial statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to correct the effect of these immaterial errors for the corresponding periods. Management’s discussion and analysis included herein is based on the revised financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Key Business Metrics Evaluated by Management

Attendance

We define attendance as the number of guest visits to our theme parks. Increased attendance drives increased admissions revenue to our theme parks as well as total in-park spending. The level of attendance at our theme parks is a function of many factors, including the opening of new attractions and shows, weather, global and regional economic conditions, competitive offerings and overall consumer confidence in the economy.

Total Revenue Per Capita

Total revenue per capita, defined as total revenue divided by total attendance, consists of admission per capita and in-park per capita spending:

 

   

Admission Per Capita.  We calculate admission per capita for any period as total admissions revenue divided by total attendance. Theme park admissions accounted for approximately 64% of our total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2015. For the first quarter of 2015, we reported $42.58 in admission per capita, representing a decrease of 5.6% from the first quarter of 2014. Admission per capita is driven by ticket pricing, the admissions product mix and the park attendance mix. The admissions product mix is defined as the mix of tickets purchased such as single day, multi-day and

 

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annual passes and the park attendance mix is defined as the mix of theme parks visited. The mix of theme parks visited can impact admission per capita based on the theme park’s respective pricing.

 

    In-Park Per Capita Spending.  We calculate in-park per capita spending for any period as total food, merchandise and other revenue divided by total attendance. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, food, merchandise and other revenue accounted for approximately 36% of our total revenue. For the first quarter of 2015, we reported $24.19 of in-park per capita spending, a decrease of 1.7% from the first quarter of 2014. In-park per capita spending is driven by pricing changes, penetration levels (percentage of guests purchasing), new product offerings, the mix of guests (such as local, domestic or international guests) and the mix of in-park spending.

Trends Affecting Our Results of Operations

In 2014, we experienced negative attendance trends beginning in the second quarter which we believe resulted from a combination of factors affecting our destination parks, including negative media attention in California and a challenging competitive environment in Florida. To address our near term challenges, we adjusted our attraction and marketing plans, launched a new reputation campaign and executed a cost savings plan which is expected to deliver approximately $50.0 million of annual cost savings by the end of 2015 (the “Cost Savings Plan”). We expect the impact of these cost reductions will be largely offset by normal inflationary increases in labor and other expenses and an anticipated increase in marketing spending starting in the second quarter of 2015.

Our ability to attract and retain customers depends, in part, upon the external perceptions of our brands and reputation. Adverse publicity concerning our business generally could harm our brands, reputation and results of operations. The considerable expansion in the use of social media over recent years has amplified the impact of negative publicity. Recently, our business and our SeaWorld-branded parks, in particular, have been the target of negative media attention, particularly in the state of California and we believe we experienced demand pressures, particularly in California, partly due to such media attention. We have introduced a number of initiatives, including new marketing and reputation campaigns to address public perceptions and raise and protect brand awareness. We also introduced a number of promotions in an effort to increase demand. In the first quarter of 2015, we experienced attendance growth when compared to the first quarter of 2014 due to the favorable impact of an earlier Easter holiday and an overall improvement in demand, driven by our consumer event programs, strong passholder visitation and increased promotional offerings. However, the first quarter accounts for a relatively small portion of our full year attendance as our key operating months remain ahead of us.

Both attendance and total revenue per capita at our theme parks are key drivers of our revenue and profitability, and reductions in either can materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Seasonality

The theme park industry is seasonal in nature. Based upon historical results, we generate the highest revenues in the second and third quarters of each year, in part because six of our theme parks are only open for a portion of the year. Approximately two-thirds of our attendance and revenues are generated in the second and third quarters of the year and we typically incur a net loss in the first and fourth quarters. The mix of revenues by quarter is relatively constant, but revenues can shift between the first and second quarters due to the timing of Easter or between the first and fourth quarters due to the timing of Christmas and New Year’s. Even for our five theme parks open year-round, attendance patterns have significant seasonality, driven by holidays, school vacations and weather conditions. One of our goals in managing our business is to continue to generate cash flow throughout the year and minimize the effects of seasonality. In recent years, we have begun to encourage attendance during non-peak times by offering a variety of seasonal programs and events, such as shows for kids, special concert series, and Halloween and Christmas events. In addition, during seasonally slow times, operating costs are controlled by reducing operating hours and show schedules. Employment levels required for peak operations are met largely through part-time and seasonal hiring.

 

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Principal Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

Revenues

Our revenues are driven primarily by attendance in our theme parks and the level of per capita spending for admission to the theme parks and per capita spending inside the theme parks for culinary, merchandise and other in-park experiences. The level of attendance in our theme parks is a function of many factors, including the opening of new attractions and shows, weather, global and regional economic conditions, competitive offerings and consumer confidence. Admission per capita is driven by ticket pricing, the mix of ticket type purchased (such as single day, multi-day, and annual pass) and the mix of theme parks visited. In-park per capita spending is driven by pricing changes, penetration levels (percentage of guests purchasing), new product offerings, the mix of guests (such as local, domestic or international guests) and the mix of in-park spending. For other factors affecting our revenues, see the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC.

In addition to the theme parks, we are also involved in entertainment, media, and consumer product businesses that leverage our intellectual property. While these businesses currently do not represent a material percentage of our revenue, they are important strategic drivers in terms of consumer awareness and brand building. We aim to expand these businesses into a greater source of revenue in the future.

Costs and Expenses

The principal costs of our operations are employee salaries and benefits, advertising, maintenance, animal care, utilities and insurance. Factors that affect our costs and expenses include commodity prices, costs for construction, repairs and maintenance, other inflationary pressures and attendance levels. A large portion of our expenses is relatively fixed because the costs for full-time employees, maintenance, animal care, utilities, advertising and insurance do not vary significantly with attendance. For factors affecting our costs and expenses, see the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC.

As part of the Cost Savings Plan, in December 2014, we implemented a restructuring program (“the Restructuring Program”) which involved the elimination of approximately 300 positions in an effort to centralize certain operations and reduce duplication of functions to increase efficiencies. For further details, refer to Note 13–Restructuring Program in our notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

We barter theme park admission products for advertising and various other products and services. The fair value of the admission products is recognized into admissions revenue and related expenses at the time of the exchange and approximates the estimated fair value of the goods or services received or provided, whichever is more readily determinable.

Results of Operations

The following discussion provides an analysis of our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. This data should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

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Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

The following table presents key operating and financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

     For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
           2015                 2014        
     (Unaudited, in thousands,
except per capita data)
 

Summary financial data:

  

Net revenues:

    

Admissions

   $ 136,840      $ 137,386   

Food, merchandise and other

     77,752        74,904   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

  214,592      212,290   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

Cost of food, merchandise and other revenues

  15,903      16,760   

Operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)

  153,811      167,912   

Selling, general and administrative

  51,078      45,076   

Restructuring and other related costs

  145      —     

Secondary offering costs

  —        674   

Depreciation and amortization

  43,854      41,276   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

  264,791      271,698   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

  (50,199   (59,408

Other expense, net

  261      17   

Interest expense

  20,178      19,704   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

  (70,638   (79,129

Benefit from income taxes

  (27,040   (29,912
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

$ (43,598 $ (49,217
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other data:

Attendance

  3,214      3,045   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue per capita

$ 66.77    $ 69.72   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Admissions revenue.  Admissions revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2015 decreased $0.5 million (0.4%) to $136.8 million as compared to $137.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The decrease in admissions revenue was primarily a result of a 5.6% decrease in admission per capita to $42.58 from $45.12 in the first quarter of 2014 largely offset by a 5.6% increase in attendance when compared to the first quarter of 2014. The decrease in admission per capita relates primarily to an increase in promotional offerings and passholder visitation along with park attendance mix impacts for the quarter. Attendance increased in the first quarter of 2015 due to the impact of an earlier Easter holiday and an overall improvement in demand. The earlier Easter timing caused a shift in the spring break holiday period for some schools in our key source markets. The improvement in demand was driven by our consumer event programs, strong passholder visitation and increased promotional offerings. Attendance for the three months ended March 31, 2015 also benefitted from improved weather in Florida compared to the first quarter of 2014.

Food, merchandise and other revenue.  Food, merchandise and other revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased by $2.8 million (3.8%) to $77.8 million as compared to $74.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. This increase was primarily a result of a 5.6% increase in total attendance, which was slightly offset by a decrease in in-park per capita spending to $24.19 from $24.60 in the first quarter of 2014. When compared to the first quarter of 2014, the decrease in in-park per capita spending results primarily from a change in the mix of guests driven by strong passholder visitation for the quarter, partially offset by targeted price increases.

 

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Costs of food, merchandise and other revenues.  Costs of food, merchandise and other revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 decreased $0.9 million (5.1%) to $15.9 million as compared to $16.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The decrease primarily results from the impact of leveraged buying efforts in connection with our cost reduction initiatives. These costs represent 20.5% and 22.4% of the related revenue earned for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Operating expenses.  Operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 decreased $14.1 million (8.4%) to $153.8 million as compared to $167.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily a result of cost initiatives which impacted direct labor and benefit costs, including a reduction in headcount resulting from the Restructuring Program implemented in December 2014. Operating expenses also declined due to a decrease in entertainment related costs due to reduced show offerings in the first quarter of 2015. Operating expenses were 71.7% of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to 79.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Selling, general and administrative.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased $6.0 million (13.3%) to $51.1 million as compared to $45.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase was primarily related to third party consulting costs and an increase in equity compensation expense due to new equity grants awarded in 2015. As a percentage of total revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses were 23.8% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 21.2% in the first quarter of 2014.

Restructuring and other related costs. Restructuring and other related costs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 represent salaries and severance for individuals with continuing service obligations, which were impacted by the Restructuring Program announced in December 2014.

Secondary offering costs. On April 9, 2014 the selling stockholders completed an underwritten secondary offering of our common stock. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we paid all expenses related to the offering, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. No shares were sold by us in the secondary offering and the selling stockholders received all of the net proceeds from the offering. In connection with this secondary offering, we incurred fees and expenses of $0.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased $2.6 million (6.2%) to $43.9 million as compared to $41.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 due to the impact of new asset additions, which was offset by fully depreciated assets and asset retirements.

Interest expense.  Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased $0.5 million (2.4%) to $20.2 million as compared to $19.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Benefit from income taxes.  The Company reported a benefit from income taxes in the three months ended March 31, 2015 of $27.0 million compared to a benefit of $29.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The decrease results from a lower pretax loss in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014 partially offset by an increase in our effective income tax rate (from 37.8% to 38.3%). Our effective income tax rate increased compared to 2014 due to the impact of certain equity compensation awards.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Our principal sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations, funds from borrowings and existing cash on hand. Our principal uses of cash include the funding of working capital obligations, debt service, investments in theme parks (including capital projects), and common stock dividends. As of March 31, 2015, we had a working capital deficit of approximately $178.2 million. We typically operate with a working capital deficit and we expect that we will continue to have working capital deficits in the future. The working capital deficits are due in part to a significant deferred revenue balance from revenues paid in advance for our theme park admissions products and high turnover of in-park products that results in a limited inventory balance. Our cash flow from operations, along with our revolving credit facilities have allowed us to meet our liquidity needs while maintaining a working capital deficit.

As market conditions warrant and subject to our contractual restrictions and liquidity position, we, our affiliates and/or our major stockholders, including Blackstone and its affiliates, may from time to time repurchase our outstanding equity and/or debt securities, including our outstanding bank loans in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise. Any such repurchases may be funded by incurring new debt, including additional borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. Any new debt may also be secured debt. We may also use available cash on our balance sheet. The amounts involved in any such transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may be material. Further, since some of our debt may trade at a discount to the face amount among current or future syndicate members, any such purchases may result in our acquiring and retiring a substantial amount of any particular series, with the attendant reduction in the trading liquidity of any such series.

Dividends

The Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has adopted a policy to pay, subject to legally available funds, a regular quarterly dividend. Dividends paid to stockholders were $18.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, related to a dividend declaration to stockholders of record as of January 13, 2015. On April 1, 2015, an additional $18.1 million in dividends were paid related to a dividend declaration to stockholders of record as of March 13, 2015. The amount and timing of any future dividends payable on our common stock is within the sole discretion of the Board. The Company expects that for tax purposes, a portion of the dividends paid in 2015 will be treated as a return of capital to stockholders.

Approximately $0.3 million of dividends declared through March 31, 2015, will be paid if certain time-vesting restricted share awards vest over their requisite service periods. Dividends on certain performance-vesting restricted share awards were approximately $4.8 million and will accumulate and be paid only if and to the extent the shares vest in accordance with their terms.

See Note 12—Stockholders’ Equity to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for further details on our dividend activity and the “ Covenant Compliance” section which follows for further details on covenants that could restrict our ability to make certain restricted payments, including dividend payments and share repurchases.

Share Repurchases

On August 12, 2014, our Board authorized a share repurchase program of up to $250.0 million of our common stock (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Under the Share Repurchase Program, the Company is authorized to repurchase shares through open market purchases, privately-negotiated transactions or otherwise in accordance with applicable federal securities laws, including through Rule 10b5-1 trading plans and under Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. The Share Repurchase Program has no time limit and may be suspended or discontinued completely at any time. The number of shares to be purchased and the timing of purchases will be based on the level of the Company’s cash balances, general business and market conditions, and other factors, including legal requirements, debt covenant restrictions and alternative investment opportunities.

 

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Pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program, during the fourth quarter of 2014, we repurchased a total of 855,970 shares of common stock at an average price of $17.50 per share and a total cost of approximately $15.0 million, leaving $235.0 million available for future repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 we paid $5.7 million for settlement of shares repurchased in December 2014. No shares were repurchased in the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Other

In April 2015, we executed a new interest rate swap agreement to effectively fix the interest rate on $250.0 million of the Term B-3 Loans. The interest rate swap has an effective date of June 30, 2015, has a notional amount of $250.0 million and is scheduled to mature on September 30, 2016.

We believe that existing cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operations, and available borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities will be adequate to meet the capital expenditures, dividends and working capital requirements of our operations for at least the next 12 months.

The following table presents a summary of our cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing, and financing activities for the periods indicated:

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2015      2014  
     (Unaudited, in thousands)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 37,682       $ 13,011   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (40,953      (47,331

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     2,734         (21,281
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

$ (537 $ (55,601
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $37.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to $13.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014. The change in net cash provided by operating activities was impacted by an increase in total revenue in the first quarter of 2015 primarily related to an increase in attendance along with favorable changes in our working capital accounts, in particular an increase in our deferred revenue account, when compared to the prior year period.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Investing activities consist principally of capital investments we make in our theme parks for future attractions and infrastructure. Net cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 consisted primarily of capital expenditures of $40.7 million largely related to future attractions. Net cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2014 consisted of $46.8 million of capital expenditures largely related to attractions that opened later in 2014.

The amount of our capital expenditures may be affected by general economic and financial conditions, among other things, including restrictions imposed by our borrowing arrangements. We generally expect to fund our 2015 capital expenditures through our operating cash flow.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily attributable to $30.0 million in net proceeds from borrowings on the revolving credit facility offset by $18.1 million in cash dividends paid to common stockholders, $5.7 million used for treasury stock purchases that settled in January 2015, and $3.5 million paid on our Term B-2 Loan under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, as defined below.

 

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Net cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily attributable to $17.7 million in cash dividends paid to common stockholders along with a $3.5 million repayment of our Term B-2 Loan under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, as defined below.

Our Indebtedness

The Company is a holding company and conducts its operations through its subsidiaries, which have incurred or guaranteed indebtedness as described below.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc. (“SEA”) is the borrower under our senior secured credit facilities (the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”) pursuant to a credit agreement dated as of December 1, 2009, by and among SEA, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent, letter of credit issuer and swing line lender and the other agents and lenders party thereto, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time.

As of March 31, 2015, our Senior Secured Credit Facilities consisted of a $1,348.9 million senior secured term loan facility (the “Term B-2 Loans”), which will mature on May 14, 2020 and a $192.5 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), of which $30.0 million was outstanding as of March 31, 2015 (at an interest rate of 2.64%). Subsequent to March 31, 2015, SEA paid $10.0 million on the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility will mature on the earlier of (a) April 24, 2018 and (b) the 91st day prior to the maturity date of any indebtedness incurred to refinance any of the term loans, and includes borrowing capacity available for letters of credit and for short-term borrowings referred to as the swing line borrowings. As of March 31, 2015, SEA had approximately $18.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and $30.0 million outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, leaving approximately $144.5 million available for borrowings.

Borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities bear interest, at SEA’s option, at a rate equal to a margin over either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America, N.A. as its “prime rate” and (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 1/2 of 1% or (b) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the British Bankers Association (“BBA”) LIBOR rate, or the successor thereto if the BBA is no longer making a LIBOR rate available, for the interest period relevant to such borrowing. The applicable margin for the Term B-2 Loans is 1.25%, in the case of base rate loans and 2.25%, in the case of LIBOR rate loans, subject to a base rate floor of 1.75% and a LIBOR floor of 0.75%. The applicable margin for the Term B-2 Loans (under either a base rate or LIBOR rate) is subject to one 25 basis point step-down upon achievement by SEA of a certain total leverage ratio. At March 31, 2015, SEA selected the LIBOR rate (interest rate of 3.00% at March 31, 2015).

The applicable margin for borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility is 1.75%, in the case of base rate loans and 2.75%, in the case of LIBOR rate loans. The applicable margin (under either a base rate or LIBOR rate) is subject to one 25 basis point step-down upon achievement by SEA of certain corporate credit ratings. At March 31, 2015, SEA selected the LIBOR rate and achieved the corporate credit ratings for an applicable margin of 2.50%.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities, SEA is required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder at a rate of 0.50% per annum. SEA is also required to pay customary letter of credit fees.

Term B-2 Loans amortize in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate annual amount equal to 1.0% of the original principal amount of the Term B-2 Loans, with the balance due on the final maturity date. SEA may voluntarily repay amounts outstanding under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR loans.

 

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SEA is required to prepay outstanding term loans, subject to certain exceptions, with (i) 50% of SEA’s annual “excess cash flow” (with step-downs to 25% and 0%, as applicable, based upon achievement by SEA of a certain total net leverage ratio), subject to certain exceptions; (ii) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain non-ordinary course asset sales or other dispositions subject to reinvestment rights and certain exceptions; and (iii) 100% of the net cash proceeds of any incurrence of debt by SEA or any of its restricted subsidiaries, other than debt permitted to be incurred or issued under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities.

The obligations under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities are fully, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by each of the Company, any subsidiary of the Company that directly or indirectly owns 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of SEA, and, subject to certain exceptions, each of SEA’s existing and future material domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”). Our Senior Secured Credit Facilities are collateralized by first priority or equivalent security interests in (i) all the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, substantially all SEA’s direct or indirect material wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions and qualifications) and 65% of the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, any of SEA’s first tier foreign subsidiaries and (ii) certain tangible and intangible assets of SEA and those of the Guarantors (subject to certain exceptions and qualifications).

Our Senior Secured Credit Facilities contain a number of customary negative covenants. Such covenants, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of SEA and its restricted subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness; make guarantees; create liens on assets; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; engage in mergers or consolidations; sell assets; make fundamental changes; pay dividends and distributions or repurchase SEA’s capital stock; make investments, loans and advances, including acquisitions; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; make changes in nature of the business; and make prepayments of junior debt. Our Senior Secured Credit Facilities also contain covenants requiring SEA to maintain specified maximum annual capital expenditures, a maximum total net leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio.

The Senior Notes

On December 1, 2009, SEA issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 13.5% Senior Notes due 2016. On March 30, 2012, pursuant to an amendment to the indenture governing the Senior Notes, the interest rate was reduced from 13.5% to 11.0%. Interest on the Senior Notes was paid semi-annually in arrears. The obligations under the Senior Notes were guaranteed by the same entities as those that guarantee our Senior Secured Credit Facilities. As of March 31, 2015, we had $260.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes outstanding. The Senior Notes included a redemption provision permitting SEA to redeem the Senior Notes at 105.5% and 102.75% of the principal amount beginning on December 1, 2014 and 2015, respectively, plus accrued interest. Subsequent to March 31, 2015, the Senior Notes were redeemed in full. See the “ Subsequent Borrowings-Term B-3 Loans ” section which follows for further details.

Subsequent Borrowings—Term B-3 Loans

On March 30, 2015, SEA entered into an incremental term loan amendment, Amendment No. 7 (the “Incremental Amendment”) to its existing Senior Secured Credit Facilities. On April 7, 2015, SEA borrowed $280.0 million of additional term loans (the “Term B-3 Loans”) pursuant to the Incremental Amendment. The proceeds, along with cash on hand, were used to redeem all of the outstanding principal of the Senior Notes at a redemption price of 105.5% plus accrued and unpaid interest and pay fees, costs and other expenses in connection with the Term B-3 Loans.

Borrowings of Term B-3 Loans bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to, at SEA’s option, (i) a base rate equal to the higher of (a) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1% and (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America, N.A. as its “prime rate”. The applicable margin for the Term B-3 Loans is 2.25%, in the case of base rate loans, and 3.25%, in the case of LIBOR rate loans, subject to a base rate floor of 1.75% and a LIBOR floor of 0.75%.

 

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The Term B-3 Loans contain identical mandatory and voluntary prepayments as those applicable to Term B-2 Loans. SEA may voluntarily repay outstanding loans at any time without premium or penalty, other than a prepayment premium on voluntary prepayments of Term B-3 Loans in connection with certain repricing transactions on or prior to the date that is six months after the effectiveness of the Incremental Amendment and customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR loans. All other terms of the Term B-3 Loans are substantially identical to the terms applicable to the Term B-2 Loans under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities.

See Note 6—Long-Term Debt to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements therein for further discussion regarding our Senior Secured Credit Facilities and Senior Notes.

Covenant Compliance

As of March 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all covenants in the credit agreement governing the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and the indenture governing our Senior Notes.

The credit agreement governing the Senior Secured Credit Facilities provide for certain events of default which, if any of them were to occur, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest, if any, on the loans under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities to become or be declared due and payable (subject, in some cases, to specified grace periods). Also, under the credit agreement governing the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, our ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, refinancing certain indebtedness, paying dividends and entering into certain merger transactions is governed, in part, by our ability to satisfy tests based on covenant Adjusted EBITDA.

The Senior Secured Credit Facilities generally defines “Adjusted EBITDA” as net income (loss) before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation and amortization, as further adjusted to exclude certain unusual, non-cash, and other items permitted in calculating covenant compliance under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities.

The Senior Secured Credit Facilities contain a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other things, make certain restricted payments (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities), including dividend payments and share repurchases. In particular, the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and the indenture permit restricted payments in an aggregate amount per annum not to exceed the greater of (1) 6% of initial public offering net proceeds received by SEA or (2) (a) $90.0 million, so long as, on a Pro Forma Basis (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities) after giving effect to the payment of any such restricted payment, the Total Leverage Ratio, (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities), is no greater than 5.00 to 1.00 and greater than 4.50 to 1.00, (b) $120.0 million, so long as, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the payment of any such restricted payment, the Total Leverage Ratio is no greater than 4.50 to 1.00 and greater than 4.00 to 1.00, (c) the greater of (A) $120.0 million and (B) 7.5% of Market Capitalization (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities), so long as, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the payment of any such restricted payment, the Total Leverage Ratio is no greater than 4.00 to 1.00 and greater than 3.50 to 1.00 and (d) an unlimited amount, so long as, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the payment of any such restricted payment, the Total Leverage Ratio is no greater than 3.50 to 1.00.

As of March 31, 2015, the Total Leverage Ratio as calculated under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities was 4.18 to 1.00, which results in a $120.0 million capacity for restricted payments in 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we have used approximately $36.3 million of our available restricted payments capacity. As a result, we currently have the ability to declare dividends or make certain other restricted payments in an aggregate amount of up to approximately $83.7 million for the remainder of calendar year 2015. The amount available for dividend declarations, share repurchases and certain other restricted payments under the covenant restrictions in the debt agreements adjusts at the beginning of each quarter as set forth above.

We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is appropriate to provide additional information to investors about the calculation of, and compliance with, certain financial covenants in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. Adjusted EBITDA is a

 

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material component of these covenants. In addition, investors, lenders, financial analysts and rating agencies have historically used EBITDA related measures in our industry, along with other measures, to evaluate a company’s ability to meet its debt service requirements, to estimate the value of a company and to make informed investment decisions. We also use Adjusted EBITDA in connection with certain components of our executive compensation program. Adjusted EBITDA eliminates the effect of certain non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of intangible assets, along with the effects of interest rates and changes in capitalization which management believes may not necessarily be indicative of a company’s underlying operating performance.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized term under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for a measure of our liquidity or performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and is not indicative of income from operations as determined under GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and other non-GAAP financial measures have limitations which should be considered before using these measures to evaluate our liquidity or financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA, as presented by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to varying methods of calculation.

The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to net loss for the periods indicated:

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2015      2014  
     (Unaudited, in thousands)  

Net loss

   $ (43,598    $ (49,217

Benefit from income taxes

     (27,040      (29,912

Interest expense

     20,178         19,704   

Depreciation and amortization

     43,854         41,276   

Secondary offering costs (a)

     —           674   

Equity-based compensation expense (b)

     1,853         762   

Other adjusting items (c)

     —           756   

Other non-cash expenses (d)

     910         908   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA (e)

$ (3,843 $ (15,049
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Reflects fees and expenses incurred prior to March 31, 2014 in connection with the secondary offering of our common stock in April 2014. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we paid all expenses related to the offering, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. No shares were sold by us in the secondary offering and the selling stockholders received all of the net proceeds from the offering.
(b) Reflects non-cash compensation expense associated with the grants of equity compensation.
(c) Reflects certain non-recurring product and intellectual property development costs incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2014. These costs were previously recognized on a year to date basis in the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA calculation for the second quarter of 2014. The Adjusted EBITDA covenant calculations presented in the table above do not reflect certain other adjusting items incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2015 as described in footnote (e) below.
(d) Reflects non-cash expenses related to miscellaneous asset write-offs and non-cash losses on derivatives.
(e) For covenant calculation purposes under the Company’s credit agreement, the amount which the Company is able to add back to Adjusted EBITDA for restructuring and other related costs and certain other adjusting items, including product and intellectual property development costs, is limited to $10.0 million for any four consecutive quarters (with certain unused amounts carried over from the prior fiscal year). Due to these limitations, the Adjusted EBITDA covenant calculations presented in the table above do not reflect $0.1 million related to restructuring and other related costs and $0.6 million of product and intellectual property development costs incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2015.

 

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Contractual Obligations

There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations from those previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K other than the long-term debt and interest obligations due to our subsequent borrowings of Term B-3 Loans and redemption of our Senior Notes on April 7, 2015. As a result of these changes, our long-term debt obligations as of April 30, 2015, not including any possible prepayments are as follows for the less than one year, 1-3 year, 3-5 year and more than 5 year periods, respectively (in thousands): $16,850; $53,700; $33,700; and $1,544,675. Our estimated future interest payments for our Senior Secured Credit Facilities based on interest rates in effect at March 31, 2015 are as follows for the less than one year, 1-3 year, and 3-5 year periods, respectively (in thousands): $55,374; $104,430; and $99,112. Interest obligations also include letter of credit and commitment fees for the used and unused portions of our Revolving Credit Facility. See Note 6-Long-Term Debt to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements therein for further discussion.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingencies during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions include the valuation and useful lives of long-lived tangible and intangible assets, the valuation of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, the accounting for income taxes, the accounting for self-insurance, revenue recognition and equity-based compensation. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The critical accounting estimates associated with these policies are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” These critical accounting policies include property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, accounting for income taxes, self-insurance reserves, and revenue recognition. There have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies as compared to the significant accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2015.

Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards

Refer to Note 2–Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, in our notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for further details.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Inflation

The impact of inflation has affected, and will continue to affect, our operations significantly. Our costs of food, merchandise and other revenues are influenced by inflation and fluctuations in global commodity prices. In addition, costs for construction, repairs and maintenance are all subject to inflationary pressures.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risks from fluctuations in interest rates, and to a lesser extent on currency exchange rates, from time to time, on imported rides and equipment. The objective of our financial risk management is to reduce the potential negative impact of interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations to acceptable levels. We do not acquire market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

 

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We manage interest rate risk through the use of a combination of fixed-rate long-term debt and interest rate swaps that fix a portion of our variable-rate long-term debt.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate debt. During the next 12 months, our estimate is that an additional $2.9 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

After considering the impact of interest rate swap agreements, at March 31, 2015, approximately $1,260.0 million of our outstanding long-term debt represents fixed-rate debt and approximately $348.9 million represents variable-rate debt. Assuming an average balance on our revolving credit borrowings of approximately $40.0 million, a hypothetical 100 bps increase in 3 month LIBOR on our variable-rate debt would lead to an increase of approximately $2.2 million in annual cash interest costs due to the impact of our fixed-rate swap agreements. In April 2015, we executed a new interest rate swap agreement to effectively fix the interest rate on $250.0 million of the Term B-3 Loans. See “ Liquidity and Capital Resources—Other” for further details.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), require public companies, including us, to maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” which are defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) to mean a company’s controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required or necessary disclosures. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on the evaluation of the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures by our management as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives at a reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Regulations under the Exchange Act require public companies, including our Company, to evaluate any change in our “internal control over financial reporting” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Securities Class Action Lawsuit

On September 9, 2014, a purported stockholder class action lawsuit consisting of purchasers of the Company’s common stock during the periods between April 18, 2013 to August 13, 2014, captioned Baker v. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., et al., Case No. 14-CV-02129-MMA (KSC), was filed in the U.S. District Court 36 for the Southern District of California against the Company, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, certain of our executive officers and Blackstone. On February 27, 2015, Court-appointed Lead Plaintiffs, Pensionskassen For Børne- Og Ungdomspædagoger and Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System, together with additional plaintiffs, Oklahoma City Employee Retirement System and Pembroke Pines Firefighters and Police Officers Pension Fund (collectively, “Plaintiffs”), filed an amended complaint against the Company, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, certain of its executive officers, Blackstone, and underwriters of the initial public offering and secondary public offerings. The amended complaint alleges, among other things, that the prospectus and registration statements filed contained materially false and misleading information in violation of the federal securities laws and seeks unspecified compensatory damages and other relief. Plaintiffs contend that Defendants knew or were reckless in not knowing that Blackfish was impacting SeaWorld’s business at the time of each public statement. We believe that the class action lawsuit is without merit and we intend to defend the lawsuit vigorously; however, there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit.

Shareholder Derivative Lawsuit

On December 8, 2014, a putative derivative lawsuit captioned Kistenmacher v. Atchison, et al., Civil Action No. 10437, was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against, among others, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, certain of our executive officers, directors and shareholders, and Blackstone. The Company is a “Nominal Defendant” in the lawsuit. On March 30, 2015, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint against the same set of defendants. The amended complaint alleges, among other things, that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties, aided and abetted breaches of fiduciary duties, violated Florida Blue Sky laws and were unjustly enriched by (i) including materially false and misleading information in the prospectus and registration statements; and (ii) causing the Company to repurchase certain shares of its common stock from certain shareholders at an alleged artificially inflated price. We do not maintain any direct exposure to loss in connection with this shareholder derivative lawsuit. The lawsuit does not assert any claims against us. Our status as a “Nominal Defendant” in the action reflects the fact that the lawsuit is maintained by the named plaintiff on behalf of the Company and that the plaintiff seeks damages on our behalf.

Consumer Class Action Lawsuits

On March 25, 2015, a purported class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California against the Company, captioned Holly Hall v. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., Case No. 3:15-cv-00600-CAB-RBB (the “Hall Matter”). The complaint identifies three putative classes consisting of all consumers nationwide who at any time during the four-year period preceding the filing of the original complaint, purchased an admission ticket, a membership or a SeaWorld “experience” that includes an “orca experience” from the SeaWorld amusement park in” San Diego, California, Orlando, Florida or San Antonio, Texas respectively. The complaint alleges causes of action under California Unfair Competition Law, California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, California False Advertising Law, Florida Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, as well as claims for Unjust Enrichment and Deceit. Plaintiffs’ claims are based on their allegations that the Company misrepresented the physical living conditions and care and treatment of its killer whales, resulting in confusion or misunderstanding among ticket purchasers, and omitted material facts regarding its killer whales with intent to deceive and mislead the plaintiff and purported class members. The complaint further alleges that the specific misrepresentations heard and relied upon by Holly Hall, the sole named plaintiff, in purchasing her SeaWorld tickets concerned the circumstances surrounding the death of a SeaWorld trainer.

 

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The complaint seeks actual damages, equitable relief, attorney’s fees and costs. Plaintiff claims that the amount in controversy exceeds $5.0 million, but the liability exposure is speculative until the size of the class is determined (if certification is granted at all). The case is in the preliminary stages and a response to the complaint has not yet been filed.

In addition, three other purported class actions were filed against us and our affiliates in the following federal courts on April 9, 2015, April 16, 2015 and April 17, 2015, respectively: (i) the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, captioned Joyce Kuhl v. SeaWorld LLC et al., 6:15-cv-00574-ACC-GJK (M.D. Fla.), (ii) a second case in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, captioned Jessica Gaab, et. al. v. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., Case No. 15:cv-842-JAH-MDD and (iii) the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, captioned Elaine Salazar Browne v. SeaWorld of Texas LLC et al., 5:15-cv-00301-XR (W.D. Tex.). These cases, in essence, reiterate the claims made and relief sought in the Hall Matter. We anticipate that the second case in the Southern District of California will be consolidated with the Hall Matter. On May 1, 2015, the cases in Florida and Texas were voluntarily dismissed without prejudice by the respective plaintiffs.

On April 13, 2015, a purported class action was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the City and County of San Francisco against SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc. captioned Marc Anderson, et. al., v. SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., Case No. CGC-15-545292. The putative class consists of all consumers within California who, within the past four years, purchased tickets to SeaWorld San Diego. The complaint alleges causes of action under the California False Advertising Law and California Unfair Competition Law. Plaintiffs’ claims are based on their allegations that the Company misrepresented the physical living conditions and care and treatment of its killer whales, resulting in confusion or misunderstanding among ticket purchasers, and omitted material facts regarding its killer whales with intent to deceive and mislead the plaintiff and purported class members. The complaint seeks actual damages and equitable relief. Based on Plaintiff’s definition of the class, the amount in controversy exceeds $5.0 million, but the liability exposure is speculative until the size of the class is determined (if certification is granted at all). The case is in the preliminary stages and a response to the complaint has not yet been filed.

We believe that these consumer class action lawsuits are without merit and we intend to defend these lawsuits vigorously; however, there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits.

Other Matters

From time to time, we are subject to various other allegations, claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. While it is impossible to determine with certainty the ultimate outcome of any of these proceedings, lawsuits and claims, management believes that adequate provisions have been made and insurance secured for all currently pending proceedings so that the ultimate outcomes will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in Item 1A. to Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed on February 27, 2015, except to the extent factual information disclosed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q relates to such risk factors.

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The Company had no unregistered sales of equity securities during the first quarter of 2015. The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of our common stock purchased by the Company during the periods indicated:

 

Period Beginning

   Period Ending      Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased  (1)
     Average
Price Paid
per Share
     Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs  (2)
     Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs  (2)
 

January 1, 2015

     January 31, 2015         243       $ 17.90         —         $ 235,000,000   

February 1, 2015

     February 28, 2015         53       $ 17.51         —           235,000,000   

March 1, 2015

     March 31, 2015         —           —           —           235,000,000   
     

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
  296    $ 17.83      —      $ 235,000,000   
     

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) All purchases were made pursuant to the Company’s Omnibus Incentive Plan, under which participants may satisfy tax withholding obligations incurred upon the vesting of restricted stock by requesting the Company to withhold shares with a value equal to the amount of the withholding obligation.
(2) Pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program, in December 2014, we repurchased a total of 855,970 shares of common stock at an average price of $17.50 per share and a total cost of approximately $15.0 million. There were no share repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program during the first quarter of 2015.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

Joinder Agreement to Credit Agreement and Supplement to Security Agreement

On May 6, 2015, SWBG Orlando Corporate Operations Group, LLC (“SWBG”) and SEA Holdings I, LLC (“Holdings I”), each a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. (“SWPE”), a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Joinder Agreement (the “Joinder Agreement”) to the credit agreement governing the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, dated as of December 1, 2009 (as the same may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among the Company, SWPE, as borrower, the guarantors party thereto from time to time, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent, L/C issuer and swing line lender and the other agents and lenders from time to time party thereto. Pursuant to the Joinder Agreement, each of SWBG and Holdings I became a party to and agreed to be bound by the terms of the Credit Agreement as another “Loan Party” under the Credit Agreement and a “Subsidiary Guarantor” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement.

In connection with the Joinder Agreement, on May 6, 2015, SWBG and Holdings I entered into Supplement No. 2 to the Security Agreement (the “Supplement to Security Agreement”) pursuant to which both SWBG and Holdings I became party to the Security

 

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Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2009, by and among the Grantors identified therein and Bank of America, N.A., as collateral agent (the “Security Agreement”). Pursuant to the Supplement to Security Agreement, each of SWBG and Holdings I became a party

to and agreed to be bound by the terms of the Security Agreement as a “Grantor” under the Security Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Grantor.

Rule 10b5-1 Plans

Our policy governing transactions in our securities by our directors, officers and employees permits such persons to adopt stock trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act. Our directors, officers and employees have in the past and may from time to time establish such stock trading plans. We do not undertake any obligation to disclose, or to update or revise any disclosure regarding, any such plans and specifically do not undertake to disclose the adoption, amendment, termination or expiration of any such plans.

Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012

Pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, which added Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act, the Company hereby incorporates by reference herein Exhibit 99.1 of this report, which includes disclosures publicly filed and/or provided to Blackstone, an affiliate of our major stockholders, by Travelport Worldwide Limited which may be considered the Company’s affiliate.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index immediately following signature page hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

(Registrant)

Date: May 8, 2015

By: /s/ James M. Heaney

James M. Heaney
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: May 8, 2015

By: /s/ Marc G. Swanson

Marc G. Swanson
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

The following is a list of all exhibits filed or furnished as part of this report:

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

  10.1*    Amendment No. 7, dated as of March 30, 2015, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2009, among SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. (f/k/a SW Acquisitions Co., Inc.), the guarantors party thereto from time to time, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent, Letter of Credit issuer and swing line lender, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Barclays Bank plc, as co-syndication agents, Mizuho Corporate Banks, Ltd., as documentation agent, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as joint lead arrangers, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Barclays Capital and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as joint bookrunners, and the other agents and lenders from time to time party thereto (the amended and restated Credit Agreement is included as Exhibit A hereto)
  10.2*    Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2015, among SWBG Orlando Corporate Operations Group, LLC, SEA Holdings I, LLC and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2009
  10.3*    Supplement No. 2, dated as of May 6, 2015, among SWBG Orlando Corporate Operations Group, LLC, SEA Holdings I, LLC and Bank of America, N.A., as collateral agent, to the Security Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2009
  10.4†*    Second Amended and Restated Outside Director Compensation Policy
  10.5†*    Amended and Restated Stock Ownership Guidelines
  10.6†*    Form of Restricted Stock Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Agreement (Employees—Annual Incentive Plan Award)
  10.7†*    Form of Restricted Stock Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Agreement (Employees—Time-Based Shares)
  10.8†*    Form of Option Grant Notice and Option Agreement (Employees—Time-Based Options)
  10.9†*    Form of Restricted Stock Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Agreement (Employees—Performance-Based Shares)
  10.10†    Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated January 15, 2015, by and between SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. and David D’Alessandro (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014) (No. 001-35883)
  10.11†    Employment Agreement, dated March 16, 2015, between SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. and Joel Manby (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015) (No. 001-35883)
  10.12†*    Restricted Stock Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Agreement (Employees—Time-Based Shares), dated April 7, 2015, between SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. and Joel Manby
  10.13†*    Option Grant Notice and Option Agreement (Employees—Time-Based Options), dated April 7, 2015, between SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. and Joel Manby
  31.1*    Certification of Periodic Report by Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  31.2*    Certification of Periodic Report by Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Description

  32.1*    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32.2*    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  99.1*    Section 13(r) Disclosure
101.INS**    XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH**    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL**    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF**    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB**    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE**    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

Identifies exhibits that consist of a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
* Filed herewith.
** XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

 

46

Exhibit 10.1

EXECUTION VERSION

AMENDMENT No. 7 , dated as of March 30, 2015 (this “ Amendment ”), to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2009, among SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (f/k/a SW ACQUISITIONS CO., INC.), a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to the Credit Agreement (the “ Lenders ”), BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”) and Collateral Agent (the “ Collateral Agent ”), BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC. and BARCLAYS BANK PLC, as co-syndication agents (collectively, in such capacity, and together with their successors, the “ Syndication Agents ”), MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, LTD., as documentation agent (the “ Documentation Agent ”), MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED and DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC., as Joint Lead Arrangers and MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED, BARCLAYS CAPITAL and DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC., as Joint Bookrunners (as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated as of February 17, 2011, as further amended by Amendment No. 2, dated as of April 15, 2011, as further amended by Amendment No. 3, dated as of March 30, 2012, as further amended by Amendment No. 4, effective as of April 24, 2013, as further amended by Amendment No. 5, dated as of May 14, 2013, as further amended by that Amendment No. 6, dated as of August 9, 2013, and as further amended, restated, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”); capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

WHEREAS, the Borrower desires to amend the Credit Agreement on the terms set forth herein;

WHEREAS, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.14 of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower has notified the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that it is requesting to establish Term B-3 Loans in the aggregate principal amount of $280.0 million (the “ Incremental Request ”) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Amendment;

WHEREAS, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.14 of the Credit Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower, each of the other Loan Parties, Bank of America, N.A. (in such capacity, the “ Initial Term B-3 Lender ”) and the Administrative Agent wish to effect this Amendment with respect to the Incremental Request;

WHEREAS, the Borrower intends to use the proceeds from the Term B-3 Loans to repay in full all amounts outstanding under the Mezzanine Debt (the “ Mezzanine Notes Refinancing ”);

WHEREAS, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Barclays Bank PLC are the joint lead arrangers and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Barclays Bank PLC are the joint bookrunners for this Incremental Amendment;

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

Section 1. Amendment . Subject to and upon the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3 hereof on the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date (as defined below), the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to delete the stricken text (indicated textually in the same manner as the following example: stricken text ) and to add the double-underlined text (indicated textually in the same manner as the following example: double-underlined text ) as set forth in the pages of the Credit Agreement attached as Exhibit A hereto.


Section 2. Representations and Warranties, No Default . The Borrower hereby represents and warrants that as of the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date, after giving effect to the amendments set forth in this Amendment, (i) no Event of Default exists and is continuing, (ii) all representations and warranties contained in the Credit Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, as though made on and as of the date hereof, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they were true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date ( provided that representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality are true and correct (after giving effect to any qualification thereof) in all respects on and as of the date hereof) and (iii) the proceeds of the Term B-3 Loans shall be used to effect the Mezzanine Notes Refinancing.

Section 3. Effectiveness . This Amendment shall become effective on the date (such date, if any, the “ Amendment No. 7 Effective Date ”) on which each of the following conditions have been satisfied:

(i) Incremental Amendment . The Administrative Agent shall have received executed signature pages hereto from the Initial Term B-3 Lender and each Loan Party;

(ii) Fees . The Administrative Agent shall have received (x) all fees required to be paid to the Amendment No. 7 Joint Lead Arrangers (as defined in Exhibit A) as separately agreed in connection with Amendment No. 7, (y) all fees required to be paid, and all expenses for which reasonably detailed invoices have been presented (including the reasonable fees and expenses of a single legal counsel), on or before the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date and (z) a fee payable by the Borrower to the Initial Term B-3 Lender in an amount equal to 0.50% of aggregate principal amount of Term B-3 Loans made on the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date, which fee shall be netted against the amount of Term B-3 Loans made by the Initial Term B-3 Lender;

(iii) Legal Opinion . The Administrative Agent shall have received a favorable legal opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties, covering such matters as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(iv) Officer’s Certificate . The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower dated the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date certifying that that (a) all representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date (although any representations and warranties (i) which expressly relate to a given date or period shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects as of the respective date or for the respective period, as the case may be and (ii) that are qualified by materiality are true and correct (after giving effect to any qualification thereof) in all respects on and as of the date hereof), before and after giving effect to the borrowing and to the application of the proceeds therefrom, as though made on and as of such date, (b) no Event of Default or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would be an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing and (c) the Borrower is in compliance with conditions for incurring Incremental Term Loans pursuant to the Initial Incremental Amount as set forth in Section 2.14 of the Credit Agreement;

 

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(v) Closing Certificates . The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) (A) a copy of the certificate or articles of incorporation or organization, including all amendments thereto, of each Loan Party, certified, if applicable, as of a recent date by the Secretary of State of the state of its organization and (B) a certificate as to the good standing (where relevant) of each Loan Party as of a recent date, from such Secretary of State or similar Governmental Authority and (ii) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party dated the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date and certifying (A) that (I) attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the by-laws or operating (or limited liability company) agreement of such Loan Party as in effect on the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date or (II) there have been no changes to the by-laws or operating (or limited liability company) agreement of such Loan Party that were delivered to the Administrative Agent on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date, (B) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of such Loan Party authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which such Person is a party and, in the case of the Borrower, the borrowings hereunder, and that such resolutions have not been modified, rescinded or amended and are in full force and effect, (C) that there have been no changes to the certificate or articles of incorporation or organization of such Loan Party since the date of the last amendment thereto, shown on the certificate of good standing furnished pursuant to clause (i)(B) above, and (D) as to the incumbency and specimen signature of each officer executing any Loan Document on behalf of such Loan Party and countersigned by another officer as to the incumbency and specimen signature of a Responsible Officer executing the certificate pursuant to clause (ii) above; and

(vi) Flood Certificates . (a) a completed “life of loan” Federal Emergency Management Agency Standard Flood Hazard Determination with respect to each Mortgaged Property (each a “ Flood Notice ”) and (b) with respect to any Mortgaged Property which is designated as a “flood hazard area” in any Flood Insurance Rate Map established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency), a duly executed and acknowledged Flood Notice by the appropriate Loan Parties, together with a copy of and a certificate as to coverage under the insurance policies required by Section 6.07 of the Credit Agreement with respect to flood insurance policies and the applicable provisions of the Collateral Documents, each of which shall be endorsed or otherwise amended to include a “standard” or “New York” lender’s loss payable and mortgagee endorsement (as applicable) and shall name the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, as additional insured, and such other evidence of compliance with applicable flood insurance regulations as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

(vii) Prepayment of Mezzanine Debt . Substantially simultaneously with the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date, the Mezzanine Debt shall have been repaid or repurchased in full and all commitments relating thereto shall have been terminated, in each case on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Section 4. Post-Closing Covenants .

(a) Within 60 days after Amendment No.7 Effective Date, unless waived or extended by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall have received the following documents, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:

(i) Mortgage Amendments . With respect to each Mortgage, an amendment thereof (each a “ Mortgage Amendment ”) duly executed and acknowledged by the applicable Loan Party, and in form for recording in the recording office where each such Mortgage was recorded, together with such certificates, affidavits, questionnaires or returns as shall be required in connection with the recording or filing thereof under applicable law;

 

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(ii) Title Documents . A title search to the applicable real property encumbered by a Mortgage demonstrating that such real property is free and clear of all liens except for Liens permitted by Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement and other Liens reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent; and

(iii) Opinions . Legal opinions, addressed to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties, as to such matters as the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may reasonably request.

Section 5. Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Amendment by facsimile or any other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

Section 6. Applicable Law .

(a) THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(b) ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING UNDER THIS AMENDMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO THIS AMENDMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN IN NEW YORK CITY OR OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF SUCH STATE SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN IN NEW YORK CITY, AND BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AMENDMENT, EACH PARTY HERETO CONSENTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS , WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF THIS AMENDMENT OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENT RELATED HERETO. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AMENDMENT IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES (OTHER THAN TELECOPIER) IN SECTION 10.02 OF EXHIBIT A HERETO. NOTHING IN THIS AMENDMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

Section 7. Headings . The headings of this Amendment are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

 

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Section 8. Effect of Amendment . Except as expressly set forth herein, (i) this Amendment shall not by implication or otherwise limit, impair, constitute a waiver of or otherwise affect the rights and remedies of the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, any other Agent or the Issuing Lenders, in each case under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, and (ii) shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement or any other provision of either such agreement or any other Loan Document. Each and every term, condition, obligation, covenant and agreement contained in the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document is hereby ratified and re-affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect. Each Loan Party reaffirms its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is party and the validity of the Liens granted by it pursuant to the Security Documents. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document for purposes of the Credit Agreement and from and after the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date, all references to the Credit Agreement in any Loan Document and all references in the Credit Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder”, “hereof” or words of like import referring to the Credit Agreement, shall, unless expressly provided otherwise, refer to the Credit Agreement as amended by this Amendment. Each of the Loan Parties hereby consents to this Amendment and confirms that all obligations of such Loan Party under the Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party shall continue to apply to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.

Section 9. WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY .

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH PARTY TO THIS AMENDMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER THIS AMENDMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO THIS AMENDMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER FOUNDED IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO THIS AMENDMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 9 WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE SIGNATORIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

 

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

 

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
By: /s/ James M. Heaney
Name: James M. Heaney
Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
By: /s/ James M. Heaney
Name: James M. Heaney
Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT LLC

SEA WORLD OF TEXAS LLC

SEA WORLD LLC

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT

    INTERNATIONAL, INC.

LANGHORNE FOOD SERVICES LLC

SEA WORLD OF FLORIDA LLC

By: /s/ James M. Heaney
Name: James M. Heaney
Title: Chief Financial Officer

[Signature Page to SP&E Amendment No. 7]


SEAWORLD OF TEXAS HOLDINGS, LLC

SEAWORLD OF TEXAS MANAGEMENT, LLC

SEAWORLD OF TEXAS BEVERAGE, LLC

By: /s/ Daniel J. Decker
Name: Daniel J. Decker
Title: Manager
By: /s/ Genaro Castro
Name: Genaro Castro
Title: Manager
By: /s/ Byron Surrett
Name: Byron Surrett
Title: Manager

[Signature Page to SP&E Amendment No. 7]


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

    as Administrative Agent and Initial Term B-3

    Lender

By: /s/ Edward Martin
Name: Edward Martin
Title: Managing Director

[Signature Page to SP&E Amendment No. 7]


Exhibit A

 

 

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of December 1, 2009,

as Amended by Amendment No. 1 on February 17, 2011

as further Amended by Amendment No. 2 on April 15, 2011

as further Amended by Amendment No. 3 on March 30, 2012

as further Amended by Amendment No. 4 on April 24, 2013

as further Amended by Amendment No. 5 on May 14, 2013

as further Amended by Amendment No. 6 on August 9, 2013

as further Amended by Amendment No. 7 on March 30, 2015

among

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT, INC.,

as the Borrower,

THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative and Collateral Agent,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender,

THE OTHER LENDERS PARTY HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA LENDING PARTNERS LLC

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

BARCLAYS BANK PLC

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC and

MACQUARIE CAPITAL (USA) INC.,

as Amendment No. 5 Joint Lead Arrangers and

Amendment No. 5 Joint Bookrunners,

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA

and

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC,

as Amendment No. 5 Co-Syndication Agents,

BARCLAYS BANK PLC

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION and

MACQUARIE CAPITAL (USA) INC.,

as Amendment No. 7 Joint Lead Arrangers and

as Amendment No.  5 Co-Documentation Agents 7 Joint Bookrunners,

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
 

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

  

Section 1.01.

  Defined Terms      1   

Section 1.02.

  Other Interpretive Provisions      48 48   

Section 1.03.

  Accounting Terms      48   

Section 1.04.

  Rounding      49   

Section 1.05.

  References to Agreements, Laws, Etc.      49   

Section 1.06.

  Times of Day      49 49   

Section 1.07.

  Timing of Payment of Performance      49   

Section 1.08.

  Cumulative Credit Transactions      49   

Section 1.09.

  Pro Forma Calculations      49   

Section 1.10.

  Letter of Credit Amounts      50   
 

ARTICLE II.

THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS

  

Section 2.01.

  The Loans      51   

Section 2.02.

  Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans      52 52   

Section 2.03.

  Letters of Credit      53   

Section 2.04.

  Swing Line Loans      60   

Section 2.05.

  Prepayments      63 63   

Section 2.06.

  Termination or Reduction of Commitments      68 68   

Section 2.07.

  Repayment of Loans      68   

Section 2.08.

  Interest      69   

Section 2.09.

  Fees      69   

Section 2.10.

  Computation of Interest and Fees      70   

Section 2.11.

  Evidence of Indebtedness      70   

Section 2.12.

  Payments Generally      71   

Section 2.13.

  Sharing of Payments      72   

Section 2.14.

  Incremental Credit Extensions      73   

Section 2.15.

  Refinancing Term Loans      75   

Section 2.16.

  Extended Term Loans      76   

Section 2.17.

  Replacement Revolving Commitments      77   
 

ARTICLE III.

TAXES, INCREASED COSTS PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

  

Section 3.01.

  Taxes      78   

Section 3.02.

  Illegality      81   

Section 3.03.

  Inability to Determine Rates      81   

Section 3.04.

  Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Eurocurrency Rate Loans      81   

Section 3.05.

  Funding Losses      82   

Section 3.06.

  Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation      83   

Section 3.07.

  Replacement of Lenders Under Certain Circumstances      83   

Section 3.08.

  Survival      85   

 

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ARTICLE IV.

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS

  

Section 4.01.

  All Credit Events After the Closing Date      85   

Section 4.02.

  First Credit Event      85   
 

ARTICLE V.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

  

Section 5.01.

  Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws      87   

Section 5.02.

  Authorization; No Contravention      87   

Section 5.03.

  Governmental Authorization; Other Consents      88   

Section 5.04.

  Binding Effect      88   

Section 5.05.

  Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect      88   

Section 5.06.

  Litigation      89   

Section 5.07.

  No Default      89   

Section 5.08.

  Ownership of Property; Liens      89   

Section 5.09.

  Environmental Matters      90   

Section 5.10.

  Taxes      90   

Section 5.11.

  ERISA Compliance      90   

Section 5.12.

  Subsidiaries; Equity Interests      91   

Section 5.13.

  Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act      91   

Section 5.14.

  Disclosure      91   

Section 5.15.

  Labor Matters      91   

Section 5.16.

  Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc      92   

Section 5.17.

  Solvency      92   

Section 5.18.

  Security Documents      92   
 

ARTICLE VI.

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

  

Section 6.01.

  Financial Statements      93   

Section 6.02.

  Certificates; Other Information      95   

Section 6.03.

  Notices      96   

Section 6.04.

  Payment of Obligations      97   

Section 6.05.

  Preservation of Existence, Etc      97   

Section 6.06.

  Maintenance of Properties      97   

Section 6.07.

  Maintenance of Insurance      97   

Section 6.08.

  Compliance with Laws      98   

Section 6.09.

  Books and Records      98   

Section 6.10.

  Inspection Rights      98   

Section 6.11.

  Additional Collateral; Additional Guarantors      98   

Section 6.12.

  Compliance with Environmental Laws      100   

Section 6.13.

  Further Assurances and Post-Closing Conditions      100   

Section 6.14.

  Designation of Subsidiaries      100   

Section 6.15.

  Maintenance of Ratings      101   
 

ARTICLE VII.

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

  

Section 7.01.

  Liens      101   

Section 7.02.

  Investments      104   

Section 7.03.

  Indebtedness      107   

Section 7.04.

  Fundamental Changes      109   

Section 7.05.

  Dispositions      110   

 

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         Page  

Section 7.06.

  Restricted Payments      112   

Section 7.07.

  Change in Nature of Business      115   

Section 7.08.

  Transactions with Affiliates      115   

Section 7.09.

  Burdensome Agreements      116   

Section 7.10.

  Use of Proceeds      116   

Section 7.11.

  Financial Covenants      117   

Section 7.12.

  Accounting Changes      118   

Section 7.13.

  Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness      118   

Section 7.14.

  Permitted Activities      119   
 

ARTICLE VIII.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

  

Section 8.01.

  Events of Default      119   

Section 8.02.

  Remedies upon Event of Default      121   

Section 8.03.

  Exclusion of Immaterial Subsidiaries      121   

Section 8.04.

  Application of Funds      122   

Section 8.05.

  Borrower’s Right to Cure      122   
 

ARTICLE IX.

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND OTHER AGENTS

  

Section 9.01.

  Appointment and Authorization of Agents      123   

Section 9.02.

  Delegation of Duties      124   

Section 9.03.

  Liability of Agents      124   

Section 9.04.

  Reliance by Agents      124   

Section 9.05.

  Notice of Default      125   

Section 9.06.

  Credit Decision; Disclosure of Information by Agents      125   

Section 9.07.

  Indemnification of Agents      125   

Section 9.08.

  Agents in Their Individual Capacities      126   

Section 9.09.

  Successor Agents      126   

Section 9.10.

  Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim      127   

Section 9.11.

  Collateral and Guaranty Matters      127   

Section 9.12.

  Other Agents; Arrangers and Managers      128   

Section 9.13.

  Appointment of Supplemental Agents      129   

Section 9.14.

  Withholding Tax Indemnity      129   
 

ARTICLE X.

MISCELLANEOUS

  

Section 10.01.

  Amendments, Etc.      130   

Section 10.02.

  Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies      132   

Section 10.03.

  No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies      133   

Section 10.04.

  Attorney Costs and Expenses      133   

Section 10.05.

  Indemnification by the Borrower      134   

Section 10.06.

  Payments Set Aside      135   

Section 10.07.

  Successors and Assigns      135   

Section 10.08.

  Confidentiality      140   

Section 10.09.

  Setoff      141   

Section 10.10.

  Interest Rate Limitation      141   

Section 10.11.

  Counterparts      141   

Section 10.12.

  Integration; Termination      142   

Section 10.13.

  Survival of Representations and Warranties      142   

Section 10.14.

  Severability      142   

Section 10.15.

  GOVERNING LAW      142   

 

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         Page  

Section 10.16.

  WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY      143   

Section 10.17.

  Binding Effect      143   

Section 10.18.

  USA Patriot Act      143   

Section 10.19.

  No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility      143   
 

ARTICLE XI.

GUARANTEE

  

Section 11.01.

  The Guarantee      144   

Section 11.02.

  Obligations Unconditional      144   

Section 11.03.

  Reinstatement      145   

Section 11.04.

  Subrogation; Subordination      145   

Section 11.05.

  Remedies      146   

Section 11.06.

  Instrument for the Payment of Money      146   

Section 11.07.

  Continuing Guarantee      146   

Section 11.08.

  General Limitation on Guarantee Obligations      146   

Section 11.09.

  Release of Guarantors      146   

Section 11.10.

  Right of Contribution      147   

SCHEDULES

 

1.01A    Commitments
1.01B    Unrestricted Subsidiaries
4.02(c)    Local Counsel Opinions
5.05    Certain Liabilities
5.08    Ownership of Property
5.09(a)    Environmental Matters
5.12    Subsidiaries and Other Equity Investments
7.01(b)    Existing Liens
7.02(f)    Existing Investments
7.03(b)    Existing Indebtedness
7.05(k)    Dispositions
7.08    Transactions with Affiliates
7.09    Certain Contractual Obligations
10.02    Administrative Agent’s Office, Certain Addresses for Notices

EXHIBITS

 

Form of   
A    Committed Loan Notice
B    Swing Line Loan Notice
C-1    Term Note
C-2    Revolving Credit Note
C-3    Swing Line Note
D    Compliance Certificate
E    Assignment and Assumption
F    Security Agreement
G    Intercompany Note
H    Holdings Pledge Agreement
I    United States Tax Compliance Certificate
J    Discounted Prepayment Option Notice
K    Lender Participation Notice
L    Discounted Voluntary Prepayment Notice
M    Affiliated Lender Assignment Assumption
N    First Lien Intercreditor Agreement

 

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CREDIT AGREEMENT

This CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of December 1, 2009 (as amended by Amendment No. 1 on February 17, 2011, as further amended by Amendment No. 2 on April 15, 2011, as further amended by Amendment No. 3 on March 30, 2012, as further amended by Amendment No. 4 on April 24, 2013, as further amended by Amendment No. 5 on May 14, 2013, as further amended by Amendment No. 6 on August 9, 2013 and as further amended by Amendment No.  6 7 on August 9, 2013 March 30, 2015 ), among SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (f/k/a SW ACQUISITIONS CO., INC.), a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Guarantors party hereto from time to time, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and individually, a “ Lender ”), BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC. and BARCLAYS BANK PLC, as Co-Syndication Agents, and MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, LTD., as Documentation Agent.

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

Pursuant to the equity purchase agreement dated October 7, 2009, as amended on November 30, 2009 (together with schedules and exhibits thereto, the “ Acquisition Agreement ”) by and among the Borrower, each of the limited partnerships identified therein (collectively, “ Parent ”), and Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, a Belgian corporation, and Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Seller ”), the Borrower has agreed to acquire (the “ Acquisition ”) all of the outstanding equity interests of (x) Busch Entertainment LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ BEC ”) and (y) Sea World LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ SW ” and, together with BEC, the “ Acquired Company ”).

To fund a portion of the Acquisition of the Acquired Company, the Investors and certain other investors (including certain providers of the Mezzanine Debt (as defined below)) and associated entities will make a cash equity contribution (the “ Equity Contribution ”) directly or indirectly to the Parent (which shall in turn contribute the same to SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (f/k/a SW Holdco, Inc.), a Delaware corporation and the direct parent of the Borrower (“ Holdings ”), as cash common equity, which shall in turn contribute the same to the Borrower as cash common equity) in an aggregate amount equal to not less than 40% of the pro forma total consolidated debt and equity capitalization of the Borrower.

To consummate the transactions contemplated by the Acquisition Agreement, the Borrower will obtain unsecured senior mezzanine notes on the Closing Date in an aggregate initial principal amount not in excess of $400,000,000 pursuant to the terms of the Mezzanine Debt Documentation (as defined below).

The Borrower has requested that the Lenders extend credit to the Borrower in the form of (i) Original Term Loans in an initial aggregate amount of $1,050,000,000 and (ii) Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Commitments in an initial aggregate amount of $140,000,000. The Revolving Credit Facility may include one or more Swing Line Loans and one or more Letters of Credit from time to time.

In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

Definitions and Accounting Terms

Section 1.01. Defined Terms .

As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

Acceptable Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c)(iii).


Acceptance Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c)(ii).

Acquired Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preliminary statements hereto.

Acquisition ” has the meaning set forth in the preliminary statements hereto.

Acquisition Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preliminary statements hereto.

Additional Lender ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).

Additional Revolving Credit Commitment ” means, with respect to each Additional Revolving Credit Lender, such Additional Revolving Credit Lender’s Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Commitment in the amount set forth as its “Revolving Credit Commitment” in the Amendment No. 1 Joinder Agreement.

Additional Revolving Credit Lenders ” means the Persons identified as such in the Amendment No. 1 Joinder Agreement.

Additional Term B-2 Commitment ” means, with respect to the Additional Term B-2 Lender, its commitment to make a Term B-2 Loan on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date in an amount equal to $1,405.0 million minus the aggregate principal amount of the Converted Term Loans on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date.

Additional Term B-2 Lender ” means the Person identified as such in the Amendment No. 5 Joinder Agreement.

Additional Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitment ” means, with respect to each Additional Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lender, such Additional Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lender’s Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitment in the amount set forth in the Amendment No. 4 Joinder Agreement.

Additional Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lenders ” means the Persons identified as such in the Amendment No. 4 Joinder Agreement.

Administrative Agent ” means Bank of America, in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.

Administrative Agent’s Office ” means the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02, or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Lenders.

Administrative Questionnaire ” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. “ Control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “ Controlling ” and “ Controlled ” have meanings correlative thereto.

Agent-Related Persons ” means the Agents, together with their respective Affiliates, and the officers, directors, employees, agents and attorneys-in-fact of such Persons and Affiliates.

Agents ” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Co-Syndication Agents, Documentation Agent, the Supplemental Agents (if any), the Amendment No. 1 Lead Arranger, the Amendment No. 1 Joint Bookrunners, the Amendment No. 3 Lead Arranger, the Amendment No. 3 Joint Bookrunners, the Amendment No. 4 Lead Arranger, the Amendment No. 4 Bookrunner, the Amendment No. 5 Lead Arranger Joint Lead Arrangers, the Amendment No. 5 Joint Bookrunners, the Amendment No. 7 Joint Lead Arrangers and the Amendment No.  5 7 Joint Bookrunners.

 

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Aggregate Commitments ” means the Commitments of all the Lenders.

Agreement ” means this Credit Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Amendment No. 1 ” means Amendment No. 1, dated as of February 17, 2011, to this Agreement.

Amendment No. 1 Consenting Lender ” means each Lender that provided the Administrative Agent with a counterpart to Amendment No. 1 executed by such Lender.

Amendment No. 1 Effective Date ” means February 17, 2011.

Amendment No. 1 Joinder Agreement ” means the joinder agreement, dated as of the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, by and among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the additional term B lender, the initial term A lender and the Additional Revolving Credit Lenders.

Amendment No. 1 Joint Bookrunners ” means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Barclays Capital, the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.

Amendment No. 1 Lead Arranger ” means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.

Amendment No. 2 ” means Amendment No. 2, dated as of April 15, 2011, to this Agreement.

Amendment No. 2 Effective Date ” means April 15, 2011.

Amendment No. 3 ” means Amendment No. 3, dated as of March 30, 2012, to this Agreement.

Amendment No. 3 Distribution ” means a distribution made by the Borrower to the holders of its outstanding Equity Interests on or after the Amendment No. 3 Effective Date in an amount up to the amount of the Term B Increase Commitment.

Amendment No. 3 Effective Date ” means March 30, 2012.

Amendment No. 3 Joinder Agreement ” means the joinder agreement, dated as of the Amendment No. 3 Effective Date, by and among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the term B increase lender.

Amendment No. 3 Joint Bookrunners ” means Bank of America, N.A., Barclays Capital, the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc. and Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.

Amendment No. 3 Lead Arranger ” means Bank of America, N.A.

Amendment No. 4 ” means Amendment No. 4, dated as of April 5, 2013, to this Agreement.

 

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Amendment No. 4 Bookrunner ” means Bank of America, N.A.

Amendment No. 4 Converting Lender ” means each Revolving Credit Lender that provided the Administrative Agent with a counterpart to Amendment No. 4 executed by such Lender as an “Amendment No. 4 Converting Lender” within the time period specified by the Administrative Agent.

Amendment No. 4 Effective Date ” means April 24, 2013.

Amendment No. 4 Execution Date ” means April 5, 2013.

Amendment No. 4 Joinder Agreement ” means the joinder agreement, dated on or before the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date, by and among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Additional Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lenders.

Amendment No. 4 Lead Arranger ” means Bank of America, N.A.

Amendment No. 5 ” means Amendment No. 5, dated as of May 14, 2013, to this Agreement.

Amendment No. 5 Converting Lender ” means each Term B-1 Lender or Term A Lender that provided the Administrative Agent with a counterpart to Amendment No. 5 executed by such Lender as an “Amendment No. 5 Converting Lender” within the time period specified by the Administrative Agent.

Amendment No. 5 Effective Date ” means May 14, 2013.

Amendment No. 5 Joinder Agreement ” means the joinder agreement, dated on or before the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date, by and among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Additional Term additional term B-2 Lender lender .

Amendment No. 5 Joint Bookrunners ” means Bank of America, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Barclays Bank PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc.

Amendment No. 5 Joint Lead Arrangers ” means Bank of America, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Barclays Bank PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc.

Amendment No. 7 ” means Amendment No. 7, dated as of March 30, 2015, to this Agreement.

Amendment No. 7 Effective Date ” has the meaning set forth in Amendment No. 7.

Amendment No. 7 Joint Bookrunners ” means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Barclays Bank PLC.

Amendment No. 7 Joint Lead Arrangers ” means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Barclays Bank PLC.

Applicable Discount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c)(iii).

Applicable ECF Percentage ” means, for any fiscal year, (a) 50% if the Total Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the applicable Excess Cash Flow Period is greater than 4.00:1.00, (b) 25% if the Total Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the applicable Excess Cash Flow Period is less than or equal to 4.00:1.00 and greater than 3.00:1:00 and (c) 0% if the Total Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the applicable Excess Cash Flow Period is less than or equal to 3.00:1.00.

 

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Applicable Rate ” means a percentage per annum equal to:

(a) with respect to Term B-2 Loans, (i) until delivery of financial statements for the first fiscal quarter ending after the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date pursuant to Section 6.01, (A) for Eurocurrency Rate Loans, 2.25% and (B) for Base Rate Loans, 1.25% and (ii) thereafter, the following percentages per annum based upon the Total Leverage Ratio as set forth in the most recent Compliance Certificate received by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.02(a):

 

Applicable Rate

Pricing Level

  

Total Leverage Ratio

  

Eurocurrency Rate

  

Base Rate

1

   >3.25:1.00    2.25%    1.25%

2

   £ 3.25:1.00    2.00%    1.00%

(b ) with respect to Term B-3 Loans, (A) for Eurocurrency Rate Loans, 3.25% and (B) for Base Rate Loans, 2.25%

(c ) with respect to Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Loans, unused Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitments and Letter of Credit fees, (i) until delivery of financial statements for the first full fiscal quarter commencing after the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date pursuant to Section 6.01, (A) for Eurocurrency Rate Loans, 2.75%, (B) for Base Rate Loans, 1.75%, (C) for Letter of Credit fees, 2.75% and (D) for unused commitment fees, 0.50% and (ii) thereafter, the following percentages per annum, based upon the corporate family rating from Moody’s and corporate credit rating from S&P (for purposes of the table below, all ratings assume a stable or better outlook):

 

Applicable Rate

Pricing Level

  

Rating

  

Eurocurrency Rate and
Letter of Credit Fees

  

Base Rate

  

Unused

Commitment

Fee Rate

1

   B1 and B+ or lower    2.75%    1.75%    0.50%

2

   Ba3 or BB- or better    2.50%    1.50%    0.50%

Any increase or decrease in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Total Leverage Ratio or the Borrower’s ratings shall become effective as of the first Business Day immediately following the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a) or on which a notice of such change in the Borrower’s ratings is delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(f), as applicable; provided that, at the option of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, the higher pricing level shall apply (x) as of the first Business Day after the date on which a Compliance Certificate, with respect to the Term B-2 Loans, or a notice of a change in the Borrower’s ratings, with respect to the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Loans, was required to have been delivered but was not delivered, and shall continue to so apply to and including the date on which such Compliance Certificate or notice of change in the Borrower’s ratings, as applicable, is so delivered (and thereafter the pricing level otherwise determined in accordance with this definition shall apply) and (y) as of the first Business Day after an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) shall have occurred and be continuing, and shall continue to so apply to but excluding the date on which such Event of Default is cured or waived (and thereafter the pricing level otherwise determined in accordance with this definition shall apply).

In the event that any fianancial financial statements under Section 6.01, a Compliance Certificate or a notice of a change in the Borrower’s ratings is shown to be inaccurate at any time that this Agreement is in effect and any Loans or Commitments are outstanding hereunder when such inaccuracy is discovered or within 91 days after the date on which all Loans have been repaid and all Commitments have been terminated, and such inaccuracy, if corrected, would have led to a higher Applicable Rate for any period (an “ Applicable Period ”) than the Applicable Rate applied for such Applicable Period, then (i) the Borrower shall promptly (and in no event later

 

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than five (5) Business Days thereafter) deliver to the Administrative Agent a correct Compliance Certificate or notice of change in the Borrower’s ratings, as applicable, for such Applicable Period, (ii) the Applicable Rate for the applicable Loans shall be determined by reference to the corrected Compliance Certificate or ratings, as applicable (but in no event shall the Lenders owe any amounts to the Borrower), and (iii) the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent promptly upon demand (and in no event later than five (5) Business Days after demand) any additional interest owing as a result of such increased Applicable Rate for such Applicable Period, which payment shall be promptly applied by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms hereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any additional interest hereunder shall not be due and payable until demand is made for such payment pursuant to clause (iii) above and accordingly, any nonpayment of such interest as result of any such inaccuracy shall not constitute a Default (whether retroactively or otherwise), and no such amounts shall be deemed overdue (and no amounts shall accrue interest at the Default Rate), at any time prior to the date that is five (5) Business Days following such demand.

Appropriate Lender ” means, at any time, (a) with respect to Loans of any Class, the Lenders of such Class, (b) with respect to Letters of Credit, (i) the relevant L/C Issuer and (ii) the Revolving Credit Lenders and (c) with respect to the Swing Line Facility, (i) the relevant Swing Line Lender and (ii) if any Swing Line Loans are outstanding pursuant to Section 2.04(a), the Revolving Credit Lenders.

Approved Bank ” has the meaning set forth in clause (c) of the definition of “Cash Equivalents.”

Approved Fund ” means any Fund that is administered, advised or managed by a Lender or an Affiliate of the entity that administers, advises or manages any Fund that is a Lender.

Arrangers ” means Banc of America Securities LLC, Barclays Capital, the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., the Amendment No. 1 Lead Arranger, the Amendment No. 1 Joint Bookrunners, the Amendment No. 3 Lead Arranger, the Amendment No. 3 Joint Bookrunners, the Amendment No. 4 Lead Arranger, the Amendment No. 4 Bookrunner, the Amendment No. 5 Joint Lead Arrangers , the Amendment No. 5 Joint Bookrunners, the Amendment No. 7 Joint Lead Arrangers and the Amendment No.  5 7 Joint Bookrunners.

Assignees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(b).

Assignment and Assumption ” means an Assignment and Assumption substantially in the form of Exhibit E .

Attorney Costs ” means and includes all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other external legal counsel.

Attributable Indebtedness ” means, on any date, in respect of any Capitalized Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP.

Audited Financial Statements ” means the audited consolidated balance sheets of the Acquired Company and its Subsidiaries as of each of December 31, 2007 and 2008, and the related audited consolidated statements of operations and of cash flows for the Acquired Company and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Auto-Extension Letter of Credit ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(b)(iii).

Bank of America ” means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors.

 

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Base Rate ” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1% and (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America as its “prime rate”; provided that (x)  in no event shall the Base Rate with respect to the Term B-2 Loans be less than 1.75% per annum and (y) in no event shall the Base Rate with respect to the Term B-3 Loans be less than 1.75% per annum . The “prime rate” is a rate set by Bank of America based upon various factors including Bank of America’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in such rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.

Base Rate Loan ” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.

Borrower ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

Borrower Materials ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

Borrowing ” means a Revolving Credit Borrowing, a Swing Line Borrowing, or a Term Borrowing of a particular Class, as the context may require.

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located and if such day relates to any Eurocurrency Rate Loan, means any such day on which dealings in deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market.

CapEx Pull-Forward Amount ” has the meaning set forth on Section 7.11(c)(ii).

Capital Expenditures ” means, for any period, the aggregate, without duplication, of (a) all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be included as additions during such period to property, plant or equipment and other deferred charges included in Capital Expenditures reflected in the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, (b) the value of all assets under Capitalized Leases incurred by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period (other than as a result of purchase accounting) and (c) Capitalized Software Expenditures; provided that the term “Capital Expenditures” shall not include (i) expenditures made in connection with the replacement, substitution, restoration or repair of assets to the extent financed with (x) insurance proceeds paid on account of the loss of or damage to the assets being replaced, restored or repaired or (y) awards of compensation arising from the taking by eminent domain or condemnation of the assets being replaced, (ii) the purchase price of equipment that is purchased simultaneously with the trade-in of existing equipment solely to the extent that the gross amount of such purchase price is reduced by the credit granted by the seller of such equipment for the equipment being traded in at such time, (iii) the purchase of plant, property or equipment or software to the extent financed with the proceeds of Dispositions outside the ordinary course of business that are not required to be applied to prepay Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b), (iv) expenditures that are accounted for as capital expenditures by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and that actually are paid for by a Person other than the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and for which neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary has provided or is required to provide or incur, directly or indirectly, any consideration or obligation to such Person or any other Person (whether before, during or after such period), (v) expenditures that constitute any part of Consolidated Lease Expense, (vi) expenditures that constitute Permitted Acquisitions, (vii) any capitalized interest expense reflected as additions to property, plant or equipment in the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or (viii) any non-cash compensation or other non-cash costs reflected as additions to property, plant or equipment in the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.

Capitalized Leases ” means all leases that have been or are required to be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capitalized leases; provided that for all purposes hereunder the amount of obligations under any Capitalized Lease shall be the amount thereof accounted for as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the notes thereto) in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Capitalized Software Expenditures ” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of 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 Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.

Cash Collateral ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(g).

Cash Collateral Account ” means a blocked account at Bank of America (or another commercial bank selected in compliance with Section 9.09) in the name of the Administrative Agent and under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent, and otherwise established in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Cash Collateralize ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(g).

Cash Equivalents ” means any of the following types of Investments, to the extent owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary:

(a) Dollars;

(b) readily marketable obligations issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the government or any agency or instrumentality of the United States having average maturities of not more than 24 months from the date of acquisition thereof; provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof;

(c) time deposits with, or insured certificates of deposit or bankers’ acceptances of, any commercial bank that (i) is a Lender or (ii) (A) is organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any member nation of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development or is the principal banking Subsidiary of a bank holding company organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any member nation of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and is a member of the Federal Reserve System, and (B) has combined capital and surplus of at least $250,000,000 (any such bank in the foregoing clauses (i) or (ii) being an “ Approved Bank ”), in each case with maturities not exceeding 12 months from the date of acquisition thereof;

(d) commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes issued by an Approved Bank (or by the parent company thereof) or any variable or fixed rate note issued by, or guaranteed by, a corporation (other than structured investment vehicles and other than corporations used in structured financing transactions) rated A-2 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or P-2 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s, in each case with average maturities of not more than 12 months from the date of acquisition thereof;

(e) marketable short-term money market and similar funds having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency selected by the Borrower);

(f) repurchase agreements entered into by any Person with a bank or trust company (including any of the Lenders) or recognized securities dealer, in each case, having capital and surplus in excess of $250,000,000 for direct obligations issued by or fully guaranteed or insured by the government or any agency or instrumentality of the United States, in which such Person shall have a perfected first priority security interest (subject to no other Liens) and having, on the date of purchase thereof, a fair market value of at least 100% of the amount of the repurchase obligations;

 

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(g) securities with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States, by any political subdivision or taxing authority of any such state, commonwealth or territory or by any foreign government having an investment grade rating from either S&P or Moody’s (or the equivalent thereof);

(h) Investments (other than in structured investment vehicles and structured financing transactions) with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s;

(i) euros or any other foreign currency comparable in credit quality and tenor to those referred to above and instruments equivalent to those referred to in clauses (a) through (h) above denominated in euros or any other foreign currency comparable in credit quality and tenor to those referred to above, in each case, customarily used by corporations for cash management purposes in any jurisdiction outside the United States in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(j) Investments, classified in accordance with GAAP as current assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, in money market investment programs which are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or which are administered by financial institutions having capital of at least $250,000,000, and, in either case, the portfolios of which are limited such that substantially all of such Investments are of the character, quality and maturity described in clauses (a) through (h) of this definition; and

(k) investment funds investing at least 95% of their assets in securities of the types (including as to credit quality and maturity) described in clauses (a) through (j) above.

Cash Management Obligations ” means obligations owed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to any Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender (or Person that was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time such arrangement was entered into) (a “ Cash Management Bank ”) in respect of any overdraft and related liabilities arising from treasury, depository, credit card, debit card and cash management services or any automated clearing house transfers of funds.

Casualty Event ” means any event that gives rise to the receipt by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any insurance proceeds or condemnation awards in respect of any equipment, fixed assets or real property (including any improvements thereon) to replace or repair such equipment, fixed assets or real property.

Change of Control ” shall be deemed to occur if:

(a) at any time prior to a Qualified IPO, any combination of Permitted Holders shall fail to own beneficially (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5 of the Exchange Act as in effect on the Closing Date), directly or indirectly, in the aggregate Equity Interests representing at least a majority of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Holdings;

(b) at any time after a Qualified IPO, (i) any person or “group” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act as in effect on the Closing Date), other than any combination of the Investors or any “group” including any Permitted Holders ( provided , that in the case of any such “group,” the Permitted Holders hold a majority of all voting interest in Holdings’ Equity

 

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Interests held by all members of such “group”), shall have acquired beneficial ownership of 35% or more on a fully diluted basis of the voting interest in Holdings’ Equity Interests and the Permitted Holders shall own, directly or indirectly, less than such person or “group” on a fully diluted basis of the voting interest in Holdings’ Equity Interests or (ii) during each period of twelve consecutive months, the board of directors of Holdings shall not consist of a majority of the Continuing Directors;

(c) a “change of control” (or similar event) shall occur under the Mezzanine Debt or any Junior Financing with an aggregate principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount or any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing with an aggregate principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount; or

(d) Holdings shall cease to own 100% of the Equity Interests of the Borrower.

Class ” (a) when used with respect to Lenders, refers to whether such Lenders are Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Lenders, Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lenders, Term B-1 Lenders, Term B-2 Lenders, Term A B-3 Lenders, Lenders holding Incremental Term Loans of a particular Incremental Series, Lenders holding Extended Term Loans under any Extended Term Facility or Lenders holding Refinancing Term Loans under a particular Refinancing Term Facility, (b) when used with respect to Commitments, refers to whether such Commitments are Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Commitments, Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitments, Additional Term B- 2 3 Commitments or a particular Replacement Revolving Commitment Series and (c) when used with respect to Loans or a Borrowing, refers to whether such Loans, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Loans, Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Loans, Term B-1 Loans, Term B-2 Loans, Term A B-3 Loans, Extended Term Loans under a particular Extended Term Facility, Refinancing Term Loans under a particular Refinancing Term Facility, Incremental Term Loans of a particular Incremental Series, Replacement Term Loans established on a single date to replace a Class of Term Loans or Replacement Revolving Loans under a particular Replacement Revolving Commitment Series.

Closing Date ” means the first date on which all the conditions precedent in Section 4.02 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 4.02, which date is December 1, 2009.

Closing Fee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.09(c).

Code ” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

Collateral ” means the “Collateral” as defined in the Security Agreement and all the “Collateral” or “Pledged Assets” as defined in any other Collateral Document and any other assets pledged or in which a Lien is granted pursuant to any Collateral Document, including, without limitation, the Mortgaged Property.

Collateral Agent ” means Bank of America, in its capacity as collateral agent or pledgee in its own name under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor collateral agent.

Collateral and Guarantee Requirement ” means, at any time, the requirement that:

(a) on the Closing Date the Administrative Agent shall have received each Collateral Document to the extent required to be delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 4.02(e), subject to the limitations and exceptions of this Agreement, duly executed by each Loan Party thereto;

(b) the Obligations shall have been secured by a first-priority security interest in (i) all the Equity Interests of the Borrower and (ii) all Equity Interests of each Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not an Excluded Subsidiary directly owned by any Loan Party, in each case, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Agreement and the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction);

 

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(c) the Obligations shall have been secured by a perfected security interest in, and Mortgages on, substantially all tangible and intangible assets of the Borrower and each Subsidiary Guarantor (including Equity Interests and intercompany debt, accounts, inventory, equipment, investment property, contract rights, intellectual property in the United States, other general intangibles, Material Real Property and proceeds of the foregoing), in each case, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Agreement and the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction);

(d) subject to limitations and exceptions of this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, including the limitations and exceptions set forth in the proviso of Section 4.02(e)) and the Collateral Documents, to the extent a security interest in and Mortgages on any Material Real Property is required under Section 6.11 or 6.13 (together with any Material Real Property that is subject to a Mortgage on the Closing Date, each, a “ Mortgaged Property ”), the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to such Mortgaged Property duly executed and delivered by the record owner of such property in form suitable for filing or recording in all filing or recording offices that the Administrative Agent may reasonably deem necessary or desirable in order to create a valid and subsisting perfected first-priority Lien (subject only to Liens described in clause (ii) below) on the property and/or rights described therein in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and evidence that all filing and recording taxes and fees have been paid or otherwise provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (it being understood that if a mortgage tax will be owed on the entire amount of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, then the amount secured by the Mortgage shall be limited to 100% of the fair market value of the property at the time the Mortgage is entered into if such limitation results in such mortgage tax being calculated based upon such fair market value), (ii) fully paid policies of title insurance (or marked-up title insurance commitments having the effect of policies of title insurance) on the Mortgaged Property naming the Collateral Agent as the insured for its benefit and that of the Secured Parties and respective successors and assigns (the “ Mortgage Policies ”) issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent in form and substance and in an amount reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (not to exceed 100% of the fair market value of the real properties covered thereby), insuring the Mortgages to be valid subsisting first-priority Liens on the property described therein, free and clear of all Liens other than Liens permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 and other Liens reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, each of which shall (A) to the extent reasonably necessary, include such reinsurance arrangements (with provisions for direct access, if reasonably necessary) as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent, (B) contain a “tie-in” or “cluster” endorsement, if available under applicable law ( i.e ., policies which insure against losses regardless of location or allocated value of the insured property up to a stated maximum coverage amount), (C) have been supplemented by such endorsements (or where such endorsements are not available, opinions of special counsel, architects or other professionals reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent) as shall be reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent (including endorsements on matters relating to usury, first loss, last dollar, zoning, contiguity, revolving credit (if available after the applicable Loan Party uses commercially reasonable efforts), doing business, non-imputation, public road access, variable rate, environmental lien, subdivision, mortgage recording tax, separate tax lot and so-called comprehensive coverage over covenants and restrictions; provided , however , the applicable Loan Party shall not be obligated to obtain a “creditor’s rights” endorsement), (iii) legal opinions, addressed to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties, reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent as to such matters as the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, and (iv) a completed “life of the loan” Federal Emergency Management Agency Standard Flood Hazard Determination with respect to each Mortgaged Property duly executed and acknowledged by the appropriate Loan Parties; and

(e) after the Closing Date, each Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not an Excluded Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor and signatory to this Agreement pursuant to a joinder agreement in accordance with Section 6.11 and a party to the applicable Collateral Documents in accordance with Section 6.11; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, any Subsidiary of the Borrower that Guarantees the Mezzanine Debt shall be a Guarantor hereunder for so long as it Guarantees such Indebtedness.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition or anything in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary:

(A) the foregoing definition shall not require, unless otherwise stated in this clause (A), the creation or perfection of pledges of, security interests in, Mortgages on, or the obtaining of title insurance or taking other actions with respect to, (i) any fee owned real property (other than Material Real Properties) and any leasehold rights and interests in real property that is not Material Real Property (including landlord waivers, estoppels and collateral access letters), (ii) motor vehicles and other assets subject to certificates of title, letters of credit with a face value of less than $5,000,000 and commercial tort claims where the amount of damages claimed by the applicable Loan Party is less than $5,000,000), (iii) any particular asset, if the pledge thereof or the security interest therein is prohibited by Law other than to the extent such prohibition is expressly deemed ineffective under the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable Law notwithstanding such prohibition, (iv) Margin Stock and, solely to the extent prohibited by the Organization Documents or any shareholders agreement with shareholders that are not direct or indirect wholly owned Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower, Equity Interests in any Person other than wholly owned Restricted Subsidiaries, (v) any rights of any Loan Party with respect to any lease, license or other agreement to the extent a grant of security interest therein is prohibited by such lease, license or other agreement, would result in an invalidation thereof or would create a right of termination in favor of any other party thereto (other than a Loan Party) after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable Laws or principle of equity notwithstanding such prohibition, (vi) the creation or perfection of pledges of, security interests in, any property or assets that would result in material adverse tax consequences to Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, as reasonably determined by the Borrower with the consent of the Administrative Agent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) (it being understood that the Lenders shall not require the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into any security agreements or pledge agreements governed under foreign law), (vii) intellectual property to the extent a security interest is not perfected by filing of a UCC financing statement or in respect of registered intellectual property, a filing in the USPTO (if required) or the U.S. Copyright Office (it being understood that such assets are intended to constitute Collateral, though perfection beyond UCC, USPTO and U.S. Copyright Office filings is not required) and (viii) any particular assets if, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent evidenced in writing, determined in consultation with the Borrower, the burden, cost or consequences of creating or perfecting such pledges or security interests in such assets or obtaining title insurance is excessive in relation to the benefits to be obtained therefrom by the Lenders under the Loan Documents;

(B) (i) the foregoing definition shall not require control agreements and perfection by “control” with respect to any Collateral ( including deposit accounts, securities accounts, etc.) other than certificated Equity Interests of the Borrower and, to the extent constituting Collateral, its Restricted Subsidiaries that are Domestic Subsidiaries; (ii) no actions in any non-U.S. jurisdiction or required by the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction shall be required in order to create any security interests in assets located or titled outside of the U.S. or to perfect such security interests (it being understood that there shall be no security agreements or pledge agreements governed under the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction); and (iii) except to the extent that perfection and priority may be achieved by the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code with respect to the Borrower or a Guarantor, or, with respect to real property and the recordation of Mortgages in respect thereof, as contemplated by clauses (c) and (d) above, the Loan Documents shall not contain any requirements as to perfection or priority with respect to any assets or property described in this clause (B);

(C) the Administrative Agent in its discretion may grant extensions of time for the creation or perfection of security interests in, and Mortgages on, or obtaining of title insurance or taking other actions with respect to, particular assets (including extensions beyond the Closing Date) or any other compliance with the requirements of this definition where it reasonably determines in writing, in

 

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consultation with the Borrower, that the creation or perfection of security interests and Mortgages on, or obtaining of title insurance or taking other actions, or any other compliance with the requirements of this definition cannot be accomplished without undue delay, burden or expense by the time or times at which it would otherwise be required by this Agreement or the Collateral Documents; provided that the Collateral Agent shall have received on or prior to the Closing Date, (i) UCC financing statements in appropriate form for filing under the UCC in the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of each Loan Party, and (ii) any certificates or instruments representing or evidencing Equity Interests of the Borrower and any Subsidiary Guarantors accompanied by instruments of transfer and stock powers undated and endorsed in blank; and

(D) Liens required to be granted from time to time pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall be subject to exceptions and limitations set forth in this Agreement and the Collateral Documents.

Collateral Documents ” means, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Holdings Pledge Agreement, each of the Mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements, intellectual property security agreements or other similar agreements delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 4.02, Section 6.11 or Section 6.13, and each of the other agreements, instruments or documents that creates or purports to create a Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

Commitment ” means a Term Commitment or a Revolving Credit Commitment of any Class, as the context may require.

Committed Loan Notice ” means a notice of (a) a Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A .

Commodity Exchange Act ” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq .), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

Company ” means the Borrower, together with its successors and assigns.

Company Material Adverse Effect ” means a “Material Adverse Effect” as defined in the Acquisition Agreement.

Compensation Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(c)(ii).

Compliance Certificate ” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D .

Consolidated EBITDA ” means, for any period, the Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus :

(a) without duplication and, except with respect to clauses (viii) and (x) below, to the extent deducted (and not added back) in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, the sum of the following amounts for such period with respect to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries:

(i) total interest expense determined in accordance with GAAP (including, to the extent deducted and not added back in computing Consolidated Net Income, (a) amortization of original issue discount resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (b) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances, (c) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in mark-to-market valuation of Swap Contracts or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of capitalized lease

 

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obligations, (e) net payments, if any, pursuant to interest rate Swap Contracts with respect to Indebtedness, (f) amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and (g) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees) and, to the extent not reflected in such total interest expense, any losses on hedging obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, net of interest income and gains on such hedging obligations, and costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities (whether amortized or immediately expensed),

(ii) provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, federal, state, franchise and similar taxes (such as Delaware franchise tax, Pennsylvania capital tax or Texas margin tax) and foreign withholding taxes paid or accrued during such period including penalties and interest related to such taxes or arising from any tax examinations,

(iii) depreciation and amortization (including amortization of intangible assets, including Capitalized Software Expenditures),

(iv) (A) severance, relocation costs and expenses, Transaction Expenses, integration costs, transition costs (including any one-time information technology or other costs relating to the separation of the Borrower or its predecessor from Anheuser-Busch InBev NV/SA as part of the Transactions, to the extent incurred on or prior to the last day of the month immediately prior to the second anniversary of the Closing Date), pre-opening, opening, consolidation and closing costs for facilities, costs incurred in connection with any non-recurring strategic initiatives, costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and non-recurring product and intellectual property development after the Closing Date, other business optimization expenses (including costs and expenses relating to business optimization programs and new systems design and implementation costs), project start-up costs and other restructuring charges, accruals or reserves (including restructuring costs related to acquisitions after the Closing Date and to closure/consolidation of facilities, retention charges, systems establishment costs and excess pension charges) in an aggregate amount of all items deducted pursuant to this clause (iv) (other than Transaction Expenses incurred, accrued or paid no later than the end of the first full fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date) not to exceed (I) with respect to the Transactions $50,000,000 and (II) otherwise, $10,000,000 in any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters (it being understood that unused amounts of the cap under clause (II) in any fiscal year (without giving effect to any amount carried over from a prior fiscal year) may be carried over to the next succeeding fiscal year (but not any other fiscal year) ( provided that amounts deducted in any fiscal year shall first be deemed to be allocated against the cap for such fiscal year before giving effect to any carryover)), and (B) purchase price adjustments incurred prior to 150 days after the Closing Date;

(v) the amount of any minority interest expense consisting of Restricted Subsidiary income attributable to minority interests of third parties in any non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary except to the extent of any cash distributions in respect thereof,

(vi) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees and related expenses paid or accrued to the Investors or their Affiliates (or management companies) under the Investor Management Agreement, including any termination fee in respect of such Investor Management Agreement,

(vii) any costs or expenses 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 costs or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Borrower or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests of the Borrower (other than Disqualified Equity Interests),

 

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(viii) the amount of cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies projected by the Borrower in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken (in the good faith determination of the Borrower) during such period, including in connection with any Specified Transaction (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies had been realized on the first day of such period and as if such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies were realized during the entirety of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) a duly completed certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent together with the Compliance Certificate required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a), certifying that (x) such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies are reasonably expected and factually supportable in the good faith judgment of the Borrower, (y) such actions are to be taken within (I) in the case of any such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies in connection with the Transactions, 18 months after the Closing Date and (II) in all other cases, within 12 months after the consummation of the acquisition, Disposition, restructuring or the implementation of an initiative, which is expected to result in such cost savings, expense reductions or synergies, (B) no cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies shall be added pursuant to this clause (viii) to the extent duplicative of any expenses or charges otherwise added to Consolidated EBITDA, whether through a pro forma adjustment or otherwise, for such period, (C) the aggregate amount of cost savings and operating expense reductions added pursuant to this clause (viii) does not exceed (x) in the case of the Transaction, $35,000,000 and (y) in all other cases (1) $30,000,000 for any individual acquisition or Disposition and (2) for all other initiatives that do not result from acquisitions or Dispositions, $10,000,000 in the aggregate for any period of four-consecutive fiscal quarters; provided that amounts added back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (C)(y)(2) do not exceed $30,000,000 in the aggregate for all periods following the Closing Date and (D) projected amounts (and not yet realized) may no longer be added in calculating Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (viii) to the extent occurring more than four full fiscal quarters after the specified action taken in order to realize such projected cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies,

(ix) any net loss from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations,

(x) cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to paragraph (b) below for any previous period and not added back,

(xi) non-cash expenses, charges and losses (including impairment charges or asset write-offs, losses from investments recorded using the equity method, stock-based awards compensation expense), in each case other than (A) any non-cash charge representing amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid and not expensed in a prior period and (B) any non-cash charge relating to write-offs, write-downs or reserves with respect to accounts receivable or inventory; provided that if any non-cash charges referred to in this clause (xi) 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 Consolidated EBITDA in such future period to such extent paid,

less (b) without duplication and to the extent included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (i) non-cash gains (excluding any non-cash gain to the extent it represents the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced Consolidated EBITDA in any prior period), (ii) any net gain from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations and (iii) the amount of any minority interest income consisting of Restricted Subsidiary losses attributable to minority interests of third parties in any

 

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non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, any gain representing the reversal of any non-cash charge referred to in clause (a)(xi)(B) above for a prior period shall be added (together with, without duplication, any amounts received in respect thereof to the extent not increasing Consolidated Net Income) to Consolidated EBITDA in any subsequent period to such extent so reversed (or received);

provided that:

(A) to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income, there shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA (x) currency translation gains and losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including the net loss or gain (i) resulting from Swap Contracts for currency exchange risk and (ii) resulting from intercompany indebtedness) and (y) gains or losses on Swap Contracts,

(B) to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income, there shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period any adjustments resulting from the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 and International Accounting Standard No. 39 and their respective related pronouncements and interpretations,

(C) to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income, there shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period any income (loss) for such period attributable to the early extinguishment of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) obligations under any Swap Contracts or (iii) other derivative instruments, and

(D) there shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period any after-tax effect of non-recurring items (including gains or losses and all fees and expenses relating thereto) relating to curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans for such period.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, for purposes of determining Consolidated EBITDA under this Agreement for any period that includes (x) any of the fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2008, March 31, 2009, June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2009, Consolidated EBITDA for such fiscal quarters shall be $21,983,510, $(87,000), $143,844.000 and $204,748.000, respectively or (y) any other period occurring prior to the Closing Date, Consolidated EBITDA shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis to give effect to the Transaction.

Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, for any period, the sum, without duplication, of (i) the cash interest expense (including that attributable to Capitalized Leases), net of cash interest income, of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, with respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, including all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing and net cash costs under Swap Contracts, and (ii) any cash payments made during such period in respect of obligations referred to in clause (b) below relating to Funded Debt that were amortized or accrued in a previous period, but excluding, however, (a) amortization of deferred financing costs and any other amounts of non-cash interest, (b) the accretion or accrual of discounted liabilities during such period, (c) non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement of the mark-to-market valuation of obligations under Swap Contracts or other derivative instruments pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, (d) any cash costs associated with breakage in respect of hedging agreements for interest rates, (e) all non-recurring cash interest expense consisting of liquidated damages for failure to timely comply with registration rights obligations and financing fees, all as calculated on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, (f) fees and expenses associated with the consummation of the Transaction, (g) annual agency fees paid to the Administrative Agent and/or Collateral Agent, and (h) costs associated with obtaining Swap Contracts; provided that there shall be excluded from Consolidated Interest Expense for any period the cash interest expense (or income) of all Unrestricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent otherwise included in Consolidated Interest Expense. Notwithstanding anything to

 

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the contrary contained herein, for purposes of determining Consolidated Interest Expense (i) for any period ending prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, Consolidated Interest Expense shall be an amount equal to actual Consolidated Interest Expense from the Closing Date through the date of determination multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is 365 and the denominator of which is the number of days from the Closing Date through the date of determination and (ii) shall exclude the purchase accounting effects described in the last sentence of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income.”

Consolidated Net Income ” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, provided , however , that, without duplication,

(a) any after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual items (including gains or losses and all fees and expenses relating thereto) for such period shall be excluded,

(b) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income shall be excluded,

(c) any fees and expenses incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, investment, asset disposition, issuance or repayment of debt, issuance of equity securities, refinancing transaction or amendment or other modification of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated on or prior to the Closing Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed) and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction, in each case whether or not successful (including, for the avoidance of doubt the effects of expensing all transaction related expenses in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R) and gains or losses associated with FASB Interpretation No. 45) shall be excluded,

(d) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within twelve months after the Closing Date that are so required to be established or adjusted as a result of the Transactions in accordance with GAAP or changes as a result of adoption or modification of accounting policies in accordance with GAAP shall be excluded,

(e) any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of abandoned, disposed or discontinued operations shall be excluded,

(f) any net after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees, expenses and charges) attributable to asset dispositions or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of any Person in each case other than in the ordinary course of business, as determined in good faith by the Borrower, shall be excluded,

(g) the net income (loss) for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Borrower, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash or Cash Equivalents (or to the extent subsequently converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period,

(h) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded,

 

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(i) any non-cash compensation charge or expense, including any such charge or expense arising from the grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights or equity incentive programs shall be excluded, and any cash charges associated with the rollover, acceleration or payout of Equity Interests by management of the Borrower or any of its direct or indirect parents in connection with the Transactions, shall be excluded,

(j) any expenses, charges or losses that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any Investment, Permitted Acquisition or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement, to the extent actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Borrower has made a determination that a reasonable basis exists for indemnification or reimbursement and only to the extent that such amount is in fact indemnified or reimbursed within 365 days of such determination (with a deduction in the applicable future period for any amount so added back to the extent not so indemnified or reimbursed within such 365 days), shall be excluded,

(k) to the extent covered by insurance and actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Borrower 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 in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such determination (with a deduction in the applicable future period for any amount so added back to the extent not so reimbursed within such 365 days), expenses, charges or losses with respect to liability or casualty events or business interruption shall be excluded,

(l) any net pension or other post-employment benefit costs representing amortization of unrecognized prior service costs, actuarial losses, including amortization of such amounts arising in prior periods, amortization of the unrecognized net obligation (and loss or cost) existing at the date of initial application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 87, 106 and 112, and any other items of a similar nature, shall be excluded, and

(m) the income (or loss) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of Borrower or is merged into or consolidated with Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or that Person’s assets are acquired by Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be excluded (except to the extent required for any calculation of Consolidated EBITDA on a Pro Forma Basis in accordance with Section 1.09).

For the avoidance of doubt (1) revenue will be accounted for on a GAAP basis and the recognition of any deferred revenue will be included in Consolidated Net Income in the same period as recognized for GAAP and (2) any net gain or loss resulting in such period from mark-to-market adjustments to any liability recorded in connection with the contingent obligation owed to Anheuser Busch InBev NV/SA pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement will be excluded from Consolidated Net Income.

There shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income for any period the purchase accounting effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in component amounts required or permitted by GAAP (including in the inventory, property and equipment, software, goodwill, intangible assets, in-process research and development, deferred revenue and debt line items thereof) and related authoritative pronouncements (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries), as a result of the Transactions, any acquisition consummated prior to the Closing Date, any Permitted Acquisitions, or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof.

Consolidated Total Net Debt ” means, as of any date of determination, the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, in an amount that would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but (x) excluding the effects of any discounting of Indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase

 

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accounting in connection with the Transactions or any Permitted Acquisition and (y) any Indebtedness that is issued at a discount to its initial principal amount shall be calculated based on the entire principal amount thereof), consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money, Attributable Indebtedness, and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments, minus the aggregate amount of cash and Cash Equivalents (other than Restricted Cash), in each case, that is held by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date free and clear of all Liens, other than nonconsensual Liens permitted by Section 7.01 and Liens permitted by Section 7.01(a), Section 7.01(p) and Section 7.01(q) and clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 7.01(r); provided that Consolidated Total Net Debt shall not include Indebtedness in respect of (i) letters of credit (including Letters of Credit), except to the extent of unreimbursed amounts thereunder; provided that any unreimbursed amount under commercial letters of credit shall not be counted as Consolidated Total Net Debt until 3 Business Days after such amount is drawn and (ii) Unrestricted Subsidiaries; it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that obligations under Swap Contracts entered into for non-speculative purposes do not constitute Consolidated Total Net Debt.

Consolidated Working Capital ” means, with respect to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, Current Assets at such date of determination minus Current Liabilities at such date of determination; provided that, increases or decreases in Consolidated Working Capital shall be calculated without regard to any changes in Current Assets or Current Liabilities as a result of (a) any reclassification in accordance with GAAP of assets or liabilities, as applicable, between current and noncurrent or (b) the effects of purchase accounting.

Continuing Directors ” means the directors of the Borrower on the Closing Date, as elected or appointed after giving effect to the Transactions, and each other director, if, in each case, such other director’s nomination for election to the board of directors of the Borrower is recommended by a majority of the then Continuing Directors or such other director receives the vote of the Permitted Holders in his or her election by the stockholders of the Borrower.

Contract Consideration ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Excess Cash Flow.”

Contractual Obligation ” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.

Control ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Affiliate.”

Conversion Election ” means a conversion election in the form set forth as Exhibit B to Amendment No. 4.

Converted Revolving Credit Commitment ” means the amount set forth on each Amendment No. 4 Converting Lender Conversion Election as of the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date; provided that the amount of such Amendment No. 4 Converting Lender’s Converted Revolving Credit Commitment may be less than the amount of the Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Commitment held by such Amendment No. 4 Converting Lender, which lower amount shall be notified to such Amendment No. 4 Converting Lender by the Administrative Agent as the amount of such Amendment No. 4 Converting Lender’s Converted Revolving Credit Commitment.

Converted Term Loan ” means each Term A Loan or Term B-1 Loan held by an Amendment No. 5 Converting Lender on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date immediately prior to the effectiveness of Amendment No. 5; provided that the amount of such Amendment No. 5 Converting Lender’s Converted Term Loan may be less than the amount of Term A Loans and/or Term B-1 Loans held by such Amendment No. 5 Converting Lender, which lower amount shall be notified to such Amendment No. 5 Converting Lender by the Administrative Agent as the amount of such Amendment No. 5 Converting Lender’s Converted Term Loan.

Co-Syndication Agents ” means Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Barclays Bank PLC, as co-syndication agent under this Agreement.

 

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Credit Extension ” means each of the following: (a) a Borrowing and (b) an L/C Credit Extension.

Cumulative Credit ” means, at any date, an amount, not less than zero in the aggregate, determined on a cumulative basis equal to, without duplication:

(a) the Cumulative Retained Excess Cash Flow Amount at such time, plus

(b) the cumulative amount of cash and Cash Equivalent proceeds from (i) the sale of Equity Interests of the Borrower or of any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower after the Closing Date and on or prior to such time (including upon exercise of warrants or options) which proceeds have been contributed as common equity to the capital of the Borrower and (ii) the common Equity Interests of the Borrower (or of Holdings or of any direct or indirect parent of Holdings) (other than Disqualified Equity Interests of the Borrower) issued upon conversion of Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness that is contractually subordinated to the Obligations) of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower owed to a Person other than a Loan Party or a Restricted Subsidiary of a Loan Party, in the case of each of subclause (i) and subclause (ii), not previously applied for a purpose (including a Specified Equity Contribution) other than use in the Cumulative Credit; plus

(c) 100% of the aggregate amount of contributions to the common capital of the Borrower (other than from a Restricted Subsidiary) received in cash and Cash Equivalents after the Closing Date other than from a Specified Equity Contribution; plus

(d) without duplication of any amounts that otherwise increased the amount available for Investments pursuant to Section 7.02, 100% of the aggregate amount received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower in cash and Cash Equivalents from:

(A) the sale (other than to the Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary) of any Equity Interests of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any minority Investments, or

(B) any dividend or other distribution by an Unrestricted Subsidiary or received in respect of any minority Investments, or

(C) any interest, returns of principal, repayments and similar payments by such Unrestricted Subsidiary or received in respect of any minority Investments, plus

(e) in the event any Unrestricted Subsidiary has been re-designated 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 Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, the fair market value of the Investments of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation, combination or transfer (or of the assets transferred or conveyed, as applicable) so long as such Investments were originally made pursuant to Section 7.02(n)(y), plus

(f) to the extent not utilized in connection with other transactions permitted pursuant to Section 7.11(c), the aggregate amount of Retained Declined Proceeds retained by the Borrower, plus

(g) an amount equal to any returns in cash and Cash Equivalents (including dividends, interest, distributions, returns of principal, profits on sale, repayments, income and similar amounts) actually received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Investments made pursuant to Section 7.02(n)(y), minus

(h) any amount of the Cumulative Credit used to make Investments pursuant to Section 7.02(n)(y) after the Closing Date and prior to such time, minus

 

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(i) any amount of the Cumulative Credit used to make Restricted Payments pursuant to Section 7.06(g)(y) or (j) after the Closing Date and prior to such time, minus

(j) any amount of the Cumulative Credit used to make payments or distributions in respect of Junior Financings pursuant to Section 7.13 after the Closing Date and prior to such time, minus

(k) any amount of the Cumulative Credit used to make Capital Expenditures pursuant to Section 7.11(c)(iii) after the Closing Date and prior to such time.

Cumulative Retained Excess Cash Flow Amount ” means, at any date, an amount, not less than zero in the aggregate, determined on a cumulative basis equal to the aggregate cumulative sum of the Retained Percentage of Excess Cash Flow, less the amount of Excess Cash Flow of Foreign Subsidiaries to the extent and for so long as such Excess Cash Flow is excluded from Excess Cash Flow prepayments pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(viii), for each Excess Cash Flow Period ending after the Closing Date and prior to such date.

Current Assets ” means, with respect to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, all assets (other than cash and Cash Equivalents) that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as current assets at such date of determination, other than amounts related to current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits (but excluding assets held for sale, loans (permitted) to third parties, Pension Plan assets, deferred bank fees and derivative financial instruments).

Current Liabilities ” means, with respect to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, all liabilities that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as current liabilities at such date of determination, other than (a) the current portion of any Indebtedness, (b) the current portion of interest, (c) accruals for current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits, (d) accruals of any costs or expenses related to restructuring reserves, (e) deferred revenue and (f) any Revolving Credit Exposure or Revolving Credit Loans.

Debt Fund Affiliate ” means (i) any fund managed by, or under common management with, GSO Capital Partners LP, (ii) any fund managed by GSO Debt Funds Management LLC, Blackstone Debt Advisors L.P., Blackstone Distressed Securities Advisors L.P., Blackstone Mezzanine Advisors L.P. or Blackstone Mezzanine Advisors II L.P. and (iii) any other Affiliate of Holdings that is a bona fide diversified debt fund.

Debtor Relief Laws ” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.

Declined Proceeds ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b)(vi).

Default ” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.

Default Rate ” means an interest rate equal to (a) the Base Rate plus (b) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (c) 2.0% per annum; provided that with respect to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2.0% per annum, in each case, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

Defaulting Lender ” means any Lender whose acts or failure to act, whether directly or indirectly, cause it to meet any part of the definition of “Lender Default.”

 

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Designation Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.14.

Discount Range ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c)(ii).

Discounted Prepayment Option Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c)(ii).

Discounted Voluntary Prepayment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c)(i).

Discounted Voluntary Prepayment Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c)(v).

Disposition ” or “ Dispose ” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any sale or issuance of Equity Interests in a Restricted Subsidiary) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.

Disqualified Equity Interests ” means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable and the termination of the Commitments), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), in whole or in part, (c) provides for the scheduled payments of dividends in cash, or (d) is or becomes convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Equity Interests, in each case, prior to the date that is ninety-one (91) days after the Maturity Date of all then outstanding Term Loans; provided that if such Equity Interests are issued pursuant to a plan for the benefit of employees of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof), the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Borrower or if its Restricted Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.

Documentation Agent ” means Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., as documentation agent under this Agreement.

Dollar ” and “ $ ” mean lawful money of the United States.

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary that is organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

Eligible Assignee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(a).

Environment ” means indoor air, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, land surface, subsurface strata, and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna.

Environmental Laws ” means the common law and any applicable Laws, in any case, relating to pollution or the protection of the Environment, or the protection of human health (to the extent relating to exposure to Hazardous Materials) and safety as it relates to the environment, including any applicable provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq ., the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq ., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq ., the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq ., the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq ., the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq ., the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq ., and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, 33 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq ., and all analogous state or local statutes, and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

 

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Environmental Liability ” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of investigation and remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Loan Parties or any Restricted Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials into the Environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

Environmental Permit ” means any permit, approval, identification number, license or other authorization required under any Environmental Law.

Equity Contribution ” has the meaning set forth in the preliminary statements hereto.

Equity Interests ” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares, interests, rights, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests or units in) such Person and all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase, acquisition or exchange from such Person of any of the foregoing (including through convertible securities).

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

ERISA Affiliate ” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is under common control with a Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA.

ERISA Event ” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by a Loan Party, any Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by a Loan Party, any Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a plan amendment as a termination under Sections 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) an event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (f) with respect to a Pension Plan, the failure to satisfy the minimum funding standard of Section 412 of the Code, whether or not waived; (g) the occurrence of a nonexempt prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA) which could result in liability to a Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary; or (h) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon a Loan Party, any Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate.

Eurocurrency Rate ” means, for any Interest Period with respect to any Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate or the successor thereto if the British Bankers Association is no longer making a LIBOR rate available (“ LIBOR ”), as published by Reuters (or other commercially available source providing quotations of LIBOR as designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period. If such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “Eurocurrency Rate” for such Interest Period shall be the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Eurocurrency Rate Loan being made, continued or converted by Bank of America and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by Bank of America’s London Branch to major banks in the London interbank eurodollar market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided that (x)  the Eurocurrency Rate with respect to the Term B-2 Loans shall not be less than 0.75% per annum and (y) the Eurocurrency Rate with respect to the Term B-3 Loans shall not be less than 0.75% per annum.

 

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Eurocurrency Rate Loan ” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Eurocurrency Rate.

Event of Default ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01.

Excess Cash Flow ” means, for any period, an amount equal to (a) the sum, without duplication, of (i) Consolidated Net Income for such period, (ii) an amount equal to the amount of all non-cash charges (including depreciation and amortization) to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (iii) decreases in Consolidated Working Capital and long-term accounts receivable of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (other than any such decreases arising from acquisitions or dispositions by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries completed during such period) and (iv) an amount equal to the aggregate net non-cash loss on Dispositions by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period (other than sales in the ordinary course of business) to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income minus (b) the sum, without duplication, of (i) an amount equal to the amount of all non-cash credits included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income and cash charges included in clauses (a) through (m) of the definition of Consolidated Net Income, (ii) without duplication of amounts deducted pursuant to clause (xi) below in prior fiscal years, the amount of Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property to the extent not expensed and Capitalized Software Expenditures accrued or made in cash or accrued during such period, to the extent that such Capital Expenditures or acquisitions were financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and were not made by utilizing the Cumulative Retained Excess Cash Flow Amount, (iii) the aggregate amount of all principal payments of Indebtedness of the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries (including (A) the principal component of payments in respect of Capitalized Leases, (B) the amount of any scheduled repayment of Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.07(a) and (C) any mandatory prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(ii) to the extent required due to a Disposition that resulted in an increase to Consolidated Net Income and not in excess of the amount of such increase but excluding (X) all other voluntary and mandatory prepayments of Term Loans, (Y) all prepayments of Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans made during such period and (Z) all payments in respect of any other revolving credit facility made during such period, except in the case of clause (Z) to the extent there is an equivalent permanent reduction in commitments thereunder), to the extent financed with internally generated cash, (iv) an amount equal to the aggregate net non-cash gain on Dispositions by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period (other than Dispositions in the ordinary course of business) to the extent included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (v) increases in Consolidated Working Capital and long-term accounts receivable of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (other than any such increases arising from acquisitions or dispositions by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period), (vi) cash payments by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of long-term liabilities of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries other than Indebtedness, (vii) without duplication of amounts deducted pursuant to clause (xi) below in prior fiscal years, the amount of Investments and acquisitions made during such period by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis pursuant to Section 7.02 to the extent that such Investments and acquisitions were financed with internally generated cash and were not made by utilizing the Cumulative Retained Excess Cash Flow Amount, (viii) the amount of Restricted Payments paid during such period pursuant to Section 7.06(h), Section 7.06(g)(x) or Section 7.06(f) to the extent such Restricted Payments were financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, (ix) the aggregate amount of expenditures actually made by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in cash during such period (including expenditures for the payment of financing fees) to the extent that such expenditures are not expensed during such period, (x) the aggregate amount of any premium, make-whole or penalty payments actually paid in cash by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period that are required to be made in connection with any prepayment of Indebtedness, (xi) without duplication of amounts deducted from Excess Cash Flow in prior periods, the aggregate consideration required to be paid in cash by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to binding contracts (the “ Contract Consideration ”) entered into prior to or during such period relating to Permitted Acquisitions or Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property to the extent not expensed to be

 

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consummated or made, plus any restructuring cash expenses, pension payments or tax contingency payments that have been added to Excess Cash Flow pursuant to clause (a)(ii) above required to be made, in each case during the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower following the end of such period, provided that to the extent the aggregate amount of internally generated cash not utilizing the Cumulative Retained Excess Cash Flow Amount actually utilized to finance such Permitted Acquisitions, Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property during such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters is less than the Contract Consideration, the amount of such shortfall shall be added to the calculation of Excess Cash Flow at the end of such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, (xii) the amount of cash taxes paid in such period to the extent they exceed the amount of tax expense deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period, (xiii) cash expenditures in respect of Swap Contracts during such fiscal year to the extent not deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income and (xiv) any payment of cash to be amortized or expensed over a future period and recorded as a long-term asset. Notwithstanding anything in the definition of any term used in the definition of Excess Cash Flow to the contrary, all components of Excess Cash Flow shall be computed for the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

Excess Cash Flow Period ” means each fiscal year of the Borrower commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011 but in all cases for purposes of calculating the Cumulative Retained Excess Cash Flow Amount, such period shall commence with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012 and shall only include such fiscal years for which financial statements and a Compliance Certificate have been delivered in accordance with Sections 6.01(a) and 6.02(a) and for which any prepayments required by Section 2.05(b)(i) (if any) have been made (it being understood that the Retained Percentage of Excess Cash Flow for any Excess Cash Flow Period shall be included in the Cumulative Retained Excess Cash Flow Amount regardless of whether a prepayment is required by Section 2.05(b)(i)).

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

Excluded Subsidiary ” means (a) any Subsidiary that is not directly or indirectly a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Borrower, (b) any Subsidiary that does not have total assets or annual revenues in excess of $20,000,000 individually or in the aggregate with all other Subsidiaries excluded via this clause (b), (c) any Subsidiary acquired following the Closing Date that is prohibited by applicable Law or Contractual Obligations that are in existence at the time of acquisition and not entered into in contemplation thereof from guaranteeing the Obligations or if guaranteeing the Obligation would require governmental (including regulatory) consent, approval, license or authorization (unless such consent, approval license or authorization has been obtained), (d) any other Subsidiary with respect to which, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, the burden or cost or other consequences (including any material adverse tax consequences) of providing a Guarantee shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom, (e) any Foreign Subsidiary, (f) any non-for-profit Subsidiaries, (g) any Unrestricted Subsidiaries, (h) any special purpose securitization vehicle or a captive insurance subsidiary, (i) any direct or indirect Domestic Subsidiary (x) that is treated as a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes and (y) substantially all of the assets of which include the Equity Interests of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries and (j) any Domestic Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary; provided that no Subsidiary that guarantees any Mezzanine Debt or other Junior Financing shall be deemed to be an Excluded Subsidiary at any time any such guarantee is in effect.

Excluded Swap Obligations ” means, with respect to any Guarantor, (a) any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guaranty of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guaranty thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation, or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) (i) by virtue of such Guarantor’s failure to constitute an “eligible contract participant,” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder (determined after giving effect to Section 11.11 and any other applicable keepwell, support, or other agreement for the benefit of such Guarantor and any and all applicable guarantees of such Guarantor’s Swap Obligations by other Loan Parties), at the time the guarantee of (or grant of such security interest by, as applicable) such Guarantor becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation or (ii) in the case of a Swap Obligation that is subject to a clearing requirement pursuant to section 2(h) of the Commodity Exchange Act, because such

 

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Guarantor is a “financial entity,” as defined in section 2(h)(7)(C) the Commodity Exchange Act, at the time the guarantee of (or grant of such security interest by, as applicable) such Guarantor becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation or (b) any other Swap Obligation designated as an “Excluded Swap Obligation” of such Guarantor as specified in any agreement between the relevant Loan Parties and Hedge Bank applicable to such Swap Obligations. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one Swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to the Swap for which such guarantee or security interest is or becomes excluded in accordance with the first sentence of this definition.

Excluded Taxes ” means, with respect to any Agent, any Lender (including any L/C Issuer), or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document, (a) any Taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net income or net profits (or any franchise or similar Taxes in lieu thereof) by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized, in which its principal office is located or in which it is otherwise doing business (other than a business deemed to arise solely by virtue of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) or, in the case of any Lender, in which its Lending Office is located, (b) any Taxes in the nature of branch profits tax within the meaning of section 884(a) of the Code imposed by any jurisdiction described in (a), (c) other than in the case of an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 3.07, any United States federal withholding tax that is imposed on any interest payable to such Person pursuant to any Law in effect at the time such Person becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new Lending Office), except to the extent that such Person (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new applicable Lending Office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts with respect to such United States federal withholding Tax pursuant to Section 3.01(a), or (d) a United States federal withholding tax (including backup withholding tax) that is attributable to such Person’s failure to comply with Section 3.01(d).

Extended Term Facility ” means the Extended Term Loans established pursuant to a specified Term Loan Extension Amendment.

Existing Term Loan Facility ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).

Extended Term Loans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).

Extending Term Lender ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(b).

Extension Election ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(b).

Extension Request ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).

Facility ” means the Term Loans, any Extended Term Facility, any Refinancing Term Facility, the Revolving Credit Facility and any Replacement Revolving Facility, as the context may require.

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to Bank of America on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

FIRREA ” means the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended.

 

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First Lien Intercreditor Agreement ” means an intercreditor agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit N between the Collateral Agent and one or more collateral agents or representatives for the holders of Permitted Notes issued pursuant to Section 7.03(s) that are intended to be secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations.

First Lien Secured Leverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Test Period, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Net Debt (but excluding for purposes of calculating Consolidated Total Net Debt any cash or Cash Equivalents representing proceeds of any Incremental Term Loans, borrowings under any Revolving Credit Commitments established pursuant to any Revolving Commitment Increase or proceeds of Permitted Notes that are secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations) that is then secured by first priority Liens on property or assets of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries as of the last day of such Test Period to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period.

Foreign Disposition ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b)(viii).

Foreign Subsidiary ” means any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower which is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

Fund ” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course.

Funded Debt ” means all Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for borrowed money that matures more than one year from the date of its creation or matures within one year from such date that is renewable or extendable, at the option of such Person, to a date more than one year from such date or arises under a revolving credit or similar agreement that obligates the lender or lenders to extend credit during a period of more than one year from such date, including Indebtedness in respect of the Loans.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, as in effect from time to time; provided , however , that if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the Closing Date in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith.

Governmental Authority ” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, administrative tribunal, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

Granting Lender ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(h).

GS Lenders ” means GSLP I Offshore Holdings Fund A, L.P., GSLP I Offshore Holdings Fund B, L.P., GSLP I Offshore Holdings Fund C, L.P. and GSLP I Onshore Holdings Fund, L.L.C.

Guarantee ” means, as to any Person, without duplication, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such

 

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Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien); provided that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit, in either case in the ordinary course of business, or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Closing Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement (other than such obligations with respect to Indebtedness). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

Guaranteed Obligations has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01.

Guarantors ” means Holdings and the Subsidiaries of the Borrower (other than any Excluded Subsidiary) and any other Domestic Subsidiary that, at the option of the Borrower, issues a Guarantee of the Obligations after the Closing Date.

Guaranty ” means, collectively, the guaranty of the Obligations by the Guarantors pursuant to this Agreement.

Hazardous Materials ” means all materials, pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, compounds, constituents, substances or wastes, in any form, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, mold, electromagnetic radio frequency or microwave emissions, that are regulated pursuant to, or which could give rise to liability under, applicable Environmental Law.

Holdings ” means SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (f/k/a SW Holdco, Inc.) or any Domestic Subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. that directly owns 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in the Borrower, and issues a Guarantee of the Obligations and agrees to assume the obligations of “Holdings” pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents pursuant to one or more instruments in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Holdings Pledge Agreement ” means the Holdings Pledge Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit H .

Honor Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(c)(i).

Immaterial Subsidiary ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03.

Incremental Amendment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).

Incremental Facility Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).

Incremental Series ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).

Incremental Term Loans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).

 

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Indebtedness ” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following:

(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;

(b) the maximum amount (after giving effect to any prior drawings or reductions which may have been reimbursed) of all outstanding letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds, performance bonds and similar instruments issued or created by or for the account of such Person;

(c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;

(d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than (i) trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business, (ii) any earn-out obligation 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);

(e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements and mortgage, industrial revenue bond, industrial development bond and similar financings), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;

(f) all Attributable Indebtedness; and

(g) all obligations of such Person in respect of Disqualified Equity Interests;

if and to the extent that the foregoing would constitute indebtedness or a liability in accordance with GAAP; and

(h) to the extent not otherwise included above, all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.

For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall (A) include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner, except to the extent such Person’s liability for such Indebtedness is otherwise limited and only to the extent such Indebtedness would be included in the calculation of Consolidated Total Net Debt, and (B) in the case of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, exclude all intercompany Indebtedness among the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any rollover or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person for purposes of clause (e) shall be deemed to be equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate unpaid amount of such Indebtedness and (ii) the fair market value of the property encumbered thereby as determined by such Person in good faith.

Indemnified Liabilities ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.05.

Indemnified Taxes ” means any Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.05.

Information ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.08.

 

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Initial Incremental Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).

Initial Lenders ” means Bank of America, Barclays Bank PLC, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, GSLP I Offshore Holdings Fund A, L.P., GSLP I Offshore Holdings Fund B, L.P., GSLP I Offshore Holdings Fund C, L.P., GSLP I Onshore Holdings Fund, L.L.C. and Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.

Initial Term B-3 Lender ” means the Person identified as such in Amendment No. 7.

Intellectual Property Security Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.

Intercompany Note ” means a promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit G .

Interest Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as of the end of any fiscal quarter of the Borrower for the Test Period ending on such date, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense.

Interest Payment Date ” means, (a) as to any Eurocurrency Rate Loan, (i) the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan, (ii) the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made and (iii) with respect to any Revolving Credit Loan, the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date; provided that if any Interest Period for a Eurocurrency Rate Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan (including a Swing Line Loan), (i) the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, (ii) the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made (with Swing Line Loans being deemed made under the Revolving Credit Facility for purposes of this definition) and (iii) with respect to any Revolving Credit Loan or Swing Line Loan, the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date.

Interest Period ” means, as to each Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurocurrency Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurocurrency Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter or, to the extent agreed by each Lender of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, nine or twelve months or less than one month thereafter, or, in the case of any Revolving Credit Loans outstanding on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date, such period as provided under Section 2.02(d), as selected by the Borrower in its Committed Loan Notice; provided that:

(i) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;

(ii) any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and

(iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made.

Investment ” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of Equity Interests or debt or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person (excluding, in the case of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, intercompany loans, advances or Indebtedness among the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any rollover or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a

 

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series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the property and assets or business of another Person or assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of such Person. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.

Investor Management Agreement ” means the Transaction and Advisory Fee Agreement among the Borrower, Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent entity of Holdings) and Affiliates of (or management entities associated with) one or more of the Investors, which was terminated as of April 24, 2013.

Investors ” means Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P., and its Affiliates and any investment funds advised or managed by any of the foregoing (other than any portfolio operating companies of Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P.).

IP Rights ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.16.

ISP ” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, Inc. (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).

Issuer Documents ” means with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Letter of Credit Application, and any other document, agreement and instrument entered into by the L/C Issuer and the Borrower (or any Subsidiary) or in favor of the L/C Issuer and relating to such Letter of Credit.

Junior Financing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a).

Junior Financing Documentation ” means any documentation governing any Junior Financing.

Laws ” means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.

L/C Advance ” means, with respect to each Revolving Credit Lender, such Lender’s funding of its participation in any L/C Borrowing in accordance with its Pro Rata Share.

L/C Borrowing ” means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit which has not been reimbursed on the date when made or refinanced as a Revolving Credit Borrowing.

L/C Credit Extension ” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the renewal or increase of the amount thereof.

L/C Issuer ” means Bank of America and any other Lender that becomes an L/C Issuer in accordance with Section 2.03(k) or 10.07(j), in each case, in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, or any successor issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder.

L/C Obligations ” means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate amount available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit plus the aggregate of all Unreimbursed Amounts, including all L/C Borrowings. For purposes of computing the amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.10. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.14 of the ISP, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” in the amount so remaining available to be drawn.

 

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Lender ” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement and, as the context requires, includes an L/C Issuer and a Swing Line Lender, and their respective successors and assigns as permitted hereunder, each of which is referred to herein as a “Lender.”

Lender Default ” means (i) the refusal (which may be given verbally or in writing and has not been retracted) or failure of any Lender to make available its portion of any incurrence of Loans or reimbursement obligations under Section 2.03(c), which refusal or failure is not cured within one Business Day after the date of such refusal or failure; (ii) the failure of any Lender to pay over to the Administrative Agent, any L/C Issuer or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within one Business Day of the date when due, unless the subject of a good faith dispute; or (iii) a Lender has admitted in writing that it is insolvent or such Lender becomes subject to a Lender-Related Distress Event.

Lender Participation Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c)(iii).

Lender-Related Distress Event ” mean, with respect to any Lender or any person that directly or indirectly controls such Lender (each, a “ Distressed Person ”), as the case may be, a voluntary or involuntary case with respect to such Distressed Person under any Debtor Relief Law, or a custodian, conservator, receiver or similar official is appointed for such Distressed Person or any substantial part of such Distressed Person’s assets, or such Distressed Person or any person that directly or indirectly controls such Distressed Person is subject to a forced liquidation, or such Distressed Person makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or is otherwise adjudicated as, or determined by any governmental authority having regulatory authority over such Distressed Person or its assets to be, insolvent or bankrupt; provided that a Lender-Related Distress Event shall not be deemed to have occurred solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any Equity Interest in any Lender or any person that directly or indirectly controls such Lender by a Governmental Authority or an instrumentality thereof.

Lending Office ” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

Letter of Credit ” means any letter of credit issued hereunder. A Letter of Credit may be a commercial letter of credit or a standby letter of credit.

Letter of Credit Application ” means an application and agreement for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit in the form from time to time in use by the L/C Issuer.

Letter of Credit Expiration Date ” means the day that is five (5) days prior to the scheduled Maturity Date then in effect for the Revolving Credit Facility (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day).

Letter of Credit Sublimit ” means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $50,000,000 and (b) the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments. The Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Revolving Credit Facility.

Lien ” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to Real Property, and any Capitalized Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

 

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Loan ” means an extension of credit by a Lender to the Borrower under Article II in the form of a Term Loan, a Revolving Credit Loan, a Swing Line Loan or a Replacement Revolving Loan (including any extensions of credit under any Revolving Commitment Increase).

Loan Documents ” means, collectively, (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Notes, (iii) the Collateral Documents, (iv) each Letter of Credit Application, (v) the Amendment No. 4 Joinder Agreement, (vi) the Amendment No. 5 Joinder Agreement and (vii) any amendment to any of the foregoing (including any Incremental Amendment).

Loan Parties ” means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor.

Management Stockholders ” means the members of management of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries who are investors in Holdings or any direct or indirect parent thereof.

Margin Stock ” has the meaning set forth in Regulation U.

Market Capitalization ” means an amount equal to (i) the total number of issued and outstanding shares of common Equity Interests of the IPO Entity on the date of the declaration of the relevant Restricted Payment multiplied by (ii) the arithmetic mean of the closing prices per share of such common Equity Interests for the 30 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of declaration of such Restricted Payment.

Master Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Swap Contract.”

Material Adverse Effect ” means a (a) material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (b) material adverse effect on the ability of the Loan Parties (taken as a whole) to fully and timely perform any of their payment obligations under any Loan Document to which the Borrower or any of the Loan Parties is a party; or (c) material adverse effect on the rights and remedies available to the Lenders or the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document.

Material Real Property ” means any fee owned real property owned by any Loan Party (other than any owned real property subject to a Lien permitted by clause (u) or (w) of Section 7.01 to the extent and for so long as the documentation governing such Lien prohibits the granting of a Mortgage thereon to secure the Obligations) with a fair market value in excess of $5,000,000 (at the Closing Date or, with respect to real property acquired after the Closing Date, at the time of acquisition, in each case, as reasonably estimated by the Borrower in good faith); provided that if at any time the fair market value of all fee owned real properties that are not “Material Real Property” owned by the Loan Parties would exceed $25,000,000 in the aggregate, the Loan Parties shall designate additional fee owned real properties as “Material Real Property” and comply with the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement with respect thereto such that such threshold is no longer exceeded.

Maturity Date ” means (i) with respect to the Term B-2 Loans, May 14, 2020 and (ii 2020, (ii) with respect to the Term B-3 Loans, May 14, 2020, (iii ) with respect to the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Facility and Swing Line Facility, the earlier of (a) April 24, 2018 and (b) the 91 st day prior to the earlier of (1) the maturity date of any Mezzanine Debt with an aggregate principal amount greater than $50,000,000 outstanding and (2) the Maturity Date of any Indebtedness incurred to refinance the Term B-2 Loans , the Term B-3 Loans or the Mezzanine Debt; provided that if any such day is not a Business Day, the Maturity Date shall be the Business Day immediately succeeding such day.

Maximum Rate ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.10.

 

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Mezzanine Debt ” means $400,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 13  1 2 % senior notes due 2016 issued by the Borrower on or prior to the Closing Date, as amended by the Mezzanine Debt Amendment and the Mezzanine Debt Amendment No. 2.

Mezzanine Debt Amendment ” means the Holder Consent Letter to the Mezzanine Debt Documentation as in effect on the Amendment No. 3 Effective Date.

Mezzanine Debt Amendment No. 2 ” means the Holder Consent Letter to the Mezzanine Debt Documentation as in effect on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date.

Mezzanine Debt Documentation ” means any indenture or other loan or purchase agreement governing the Mezzanine Debt and any other documents delivered pursuant thereto.

Mezzanine Financing ” means the issuance of the Mezzanine Debt pursuant to the Mezzanine Debt Documentation.

Mezzanine Providers ” means the holders of the Mezzanine Debt.

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.

Mortgage Policies ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.”

Mortgaged Properties ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.”

Mortgages ” means, collectively, the deeds of trust, trust deeds, hypothecs and mortgages made by the Loan Parties in favor or for the benefit of the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties creating and evidencing a Lien on a Mortgaged Property, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, and any other mortgages executed and delivered pursuant to Sections 6.11 and 6.13.

Multiemployer Plan ” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Loan Party, any Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.

Net Proceeds ” means:

(a) 100% of the cash proceeds actually received by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise and including casualty insurance settlements and condemnation awards, but in each case only as and when received) from any Disposition or Casualty Event, net of (i) attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, investment banking fees, survey costs, title insurance premiums, and related search and recording charges, transfer taxes, deed or mortgage recording taxes, other customary expenses and brokerage, consultant and other customary fees actually incurred in connection therewith, (ii) any amount required to repay (x) Indebtedness (other than pursuant to the Loan Documents) that is secured by a Lien on the assets disposed of and which ranks prior to the Lien securing the Obligations or (y) Indebtedness or other obligations of any Subsidiary that is disposed of in such transaction, (iii) in the case of any Disposition or Casualty Event by a non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary, the pro rata portion of the Net Proceeds thereof (calculated without regard to this clause (iii)) attributable to minority interests and not available for distribution to or for the account of the Borrower or a wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary as a result thereof, (iv) taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof, and (v) the amount of any

 

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reasonable reserve established in accordance with GAAP against any adjustment to the sale price or any liabilities (other than any taxes deducted pursuant to clause (i) above) (x) related to any of the applicable assets and (y) retained by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries including, without limitation, Pension Plan and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations (however, the amount of any subsequent reduction of such reserve (other than in connection with a payment in respect of any such liability) shall be deemed to be Net Proceeds of such Disposition or Casualty Event occurring on the date of such reduction); provided that, if no Default exists, the Borrower or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary may reinvest any portion of such proceeds in assets useful for its business within 12 months of such receipt, such portion of such proceeds shall not constitute Net Proceeds except to the extent not, within 12 months of such receipt, so used or contractually committed to be so used (it being understood that if any portion of such proceeds are not so used within such 12 month period but within such 12-month period are contractually committed to be used, then upon the termination of such contract or if such Net Proceeds are not so used within 18 months of initial receipt, such remaining portion shall constitute Net Proceeds as of the date of such termination or expiry without giving effect to this proviso; it being understood that such proceeds shall constitute Net Proceeds notwithstanding any investment notice if there is a Specified Default at the time of a proposed reinvestment unless such proposed reinvestment is made pursuant to a binding commitment entered into at a time when no Specified Default was continuing); provided , further , that no proceeds realized in a single transaction or series of related transactions shall constitute Net Proceeds unless (x) such proceeds shall exceed $5,000,000 or (y) the aggregate net proceeds exceeds $15,000,000 in any fiscal year (and thereafter only net cash proceeds in excess of such amount shall constitute Net Proceeds under this clause (a)), and

(b) 100% of the cash proceeds from the incurrence, issuance or sale by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness, net of all taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof and fees (including investment banking fees and discounts), commissions, costs and other expenses, in each case incurred in connection with such issuance or sale.

For purposes of calculating the amount of Net Proceeds, fees, commissions and other costs and expenses payable to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall be disregarded.

non-cash charges ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of the term “Consolidated EBITDA.”

Non-Consenting Lender ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.07(d).

Non-Debt Fund Affiliate ” means an Affiliate of the Borrower that is not a Debt Fund Affiliate or a Purchasing Borrower Party.

Non-extension Notice Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(b)(iii).

Not Otherwise Applied ” means, with reference to any amount of Net Proceeds of any transaction or event, that such amount (a) was not required to be applied to prepay the Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b), and (b) was not previously applied in determining the permissibility of a transaction under the Loan Documents where such permissibility was (or may have been) contingent on receipt of such amount or utilization of such amount for a specified purpose. The Borrower shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any application of such amount as contemplated by (b) above.

Note ” means a Term Note, a Revolving Credit Note or a Swing Line Note, as the context may require.

Obligations ” means all (x) advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party and its Restricted Subsidiaries arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to

 

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any Loan or Letter of Credit, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding and (y) obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary arising under Cash Management Obligations or any Secured Hedge Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Obligations of the Loan Parties under the Loan Documents (and of their Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent they have obligations under the Loan Documents) include (a) the obligation (including guarantee obligations) to pay principal, interest, Letter of Credit fees, reimbursement obligations, charges, expenses, fees, Attorney Costs, indemnities and other amounts payable by any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) the obligation of any Loan Party to reimburse any amount in respect of any of the foregoing that any Lender, in its sole discretion, may elect to pay or advance on behalf of such Loan Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Obligations of any Guarantor shall in no event include any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor.

Offered Loans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c)(iii).

Organization Documents ” means (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.

Original Term Commitment ” means, as to each Term Lender, its obligation to make a Term Loan to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01(a) in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.01A under the caption “Term Commitment” or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Term Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement (including Section 2.14). The initial aggregate amount of the Term Commitments is $1,050,000,000.

Original Term Loans ” means the loans made on the Closing Date under the Original Term Commitments pursuant to Section 2.01(a).

Other Taxes ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b).

Outstanding Amount ” means (a) with respect to Term Loans, Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Term Loans, Revolving Credit Loans (including any refinancing of outstanding unpaid drawings under Letters of Credit or L/C Credit Extensions as a Revolving Credit Borrowing) and Swing Line Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date; and (b) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the amount of such L/C Obligations on such date after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension occurring on such date and any other changes thereto as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements of outstanding unpaid drawings under any Letters of Credit (including any refinancing of outstanding unpaid drawings under Letters of Credit or L/C Credit Extensions as a Revolving Credit Borrowing) or any reductions in the maximum amount available for drawing under Letters of Credit taking effect on such date.

Participant ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(e).

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

 

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Pension Plan ” means any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate or to which any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding five (5) plan years.

Perfection Certificate ” means a certificate in the form of Exhibit II to the Security Agreement or any other form reasonably approved by the Collateral Agent, as the same shall be supplemented from time to time.

Permitted Acquisition ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.02(i).

Permitted Capital Expenditure Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.11(c).

Permitted Holders ” means each of the Investors, the Management Stockholders and the Mezzanine Providers; provided that (a) if the Management Stockholders own beneficially or of record more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of Holdings in the aggregate, they shall be treated as Permitted Holders of only ten percent (10%) of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of Holdings at such time and (b) if the Mezzanine Providers own beneficially or of record more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of Holdings in the aggregate, they shall be treated as Permitted Holders of only ten percent (10%) of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of Holdings at such time.

Permitted Notes ” means (i) unsecured senior or senior subordinated debt securities of the Borrower, (ii) debt securities of the Borrower that are secured by a Lien on the Collateral ranking junior to the Liens securing the Obligations pursuant to a Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement or (iii) debt securities of the Borrower that are secured by a Lien ranking pari passu with the Liens securing the Obligations pursuant to a First Lien Intercreditor Agreement; provided that (a) in the case of debt securities issued in reliance on Section 7.03(s)(iii), such debt securities are issued for cash consideration, (b) the terms of such debt securities do not provide for any scheduled repayment, mandatory redemption or sinking fund obligations prior to the Maturity Date of the Term Facility (other than customary offers to repurchase upon a change of control, asset sale or event of loss and customary acceleration rights after an event of default), (c) the covenants, events of default, guarantees, collateral and other terms of which (other than interest rate and redemption premiums), taken as a whole, are not more restrictive to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries than those in this Agreement; provided that a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower delivered to the Administrative Agent at least three Business Days (or such shorter period as the Administrative Agent may reasonably agree) prior to the incurrence of such debt securities, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such debt securities or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement, (d) at the time that any such Permitted Notes are issued (and after giving effect thereto) no Event of Default shall exist, (e) the Borrower shall be in compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11 determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements were required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b), as applicable (or if no Test Period cited in Section 7.11 has passed, the covenants in Section 7.11 for the first Test Period cited in such Section shall be satisfied as of the last four quarters ended), in each case, as if such Permitted Notes had been outstanding on the last day of such four quarter period, and (f) no Subsidiary of the Borrower (other than a Guarantor) shall be an obligor and no Permitted Notes shall be secured by any collateral other than the Collateral.

Permitted Refinancing ” means, with respect to any Person, any modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension of any Indebtedness of such Person; provided that (a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) thereof does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended except by an amount equal to unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon plus other amounts paid, and fees and expenses

 

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reasonably incurred, in connection with such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder, (b) other than with respect to a Permitted Refinancing in respect of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(e), such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension has a final maturity date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended, (c) other than with respect to a Permitted Refinancing in respect of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Sections 7.03(e) or (f), at the time thereof, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (d) if such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended is Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(b), 7.03(q), 7.03(s) or 7.13(a) or is otherwise a Junior Financing, (i) to the extent such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended, (ii) the terms and conditions (including, if applicable, as to collateral but excluding as to subordination, interest rate and redemption premium) of any such modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended Indebtedness, taken as a whole, are not materially less favorable to the Loan Parties or the Lenders than the terms and conditions of the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended, taken as a whole; provided that a certificate of a Responsible Officer delivered to the Administrative Agent at least five Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement unless the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower within such five Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a reasonable description of the basis upon which it disagrees) and (iii) such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension is incurred by the Person who is the obligor of the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended.

Person ” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Plan ” means any “employee benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) established, maintained or contributed to by any Loan Party or, with respect to any such plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, any ERISA Affiliate.

Platform ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

Principal L/C Issuer ” means Bank of America and any other L/C Issuer that has issued Letters of Credit having an aggregate Outstanding Amount in excess of $10,000,000.

Pro Forma Balance Sheet ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.05(a)(i).

Pro Forma Basis ” means, with respect to compliance with any test or covenant or calculation of any ratio hereunder, the determination or calculation of such test, covenant or ratio (including in connection with Specified Transactions) in accordance with Section 1.09.

Pro Forma Compliance ” means, with respect to any covenant in Section 7.11, compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with such covenant in accordance with Section 1.09.

Pro Forma Financial Statements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.05(a).

Projections ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01(c).

 

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Proposed Discounted Prepayment Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c)(ii).

Pro Rata Share ” means, with respect to each Lender at any time a fraction (expressed as a percentage, carried out to the ninth decimal place), the numerator of which is the amount of the Commitments of such Lender under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time and the denominator of which is the amount of the Aggregate Commitments under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time; provided that if such Commitments have been terminated, then the Pro Rata Share of each Lender shall be determined based on the Pro Rata Share of such Lender immediately prior to such termination and after giving effect to any subsequent assignments made pursuant to the terms hereof.

Public Lender ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

Purchasing Borrower Party ” means Holdings or any Subsidiary of Holdings that (x) makes a Discounted Voluntary Prepayment pursuant to Section 2.05(c) or (y) becomes an Eligible Assignees or Participant pursuant to Section 10.07(k).

Qualified ECP Guarantor ” means, in respect of any Swap Obligation, each Guarantor that, at the time the relevant Guaranty (or grant of the relevant security interest, as applicable) becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation, has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 or otherwise constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act and which may cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” with respect to such Swap Obligation at such time by entering into a keepwell pursuant to § 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Qualified Equity Interests ” means any Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests.

Qualified IPO ” means the issuance by Holdings or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings (the “ IPO Entity ”) of its common Equity Interests in an underwritten primary public offering (other than a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8) (i) pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with the Securities Act (whether alone or in connection with a secondary public offering) or (ii) after which the common Equity Interests of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings are listed on an internationally recognized securities exchange or dealer quotation system.

Qualifying Lenders ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c)(iv).

Qualifying Loans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c)(iv).

Ratio-Based Incremental Facility ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).

Real Property ” means, collectively, all right, title and interest (including any leasehold, mineral or other estate) in and to any and all parcels of or interests in real property owned or leased by any Person, whether by lease, license or other means, together with, in each case, all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances relating thereto, all 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.

Refinanced Term Loans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.01.

Refinancing Effective Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(a).

Refinancing Term Facility ” means the Refinancing Term Loans established pursuant to a specified Refinancing Term Loan Amendment.

 

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Refinancing Term Lender ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(b).

Refinancing Term Loan Amendment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(c).

Refinancing Term Loans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(a).

Register ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(d).

Rejection Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b)(vi).

Release ” means any spilling, leaking, seepage, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, disposing, depositing, dispersing or migrating in, into, onto or through the Environment or from or through any facility, property or equipment.

Replacement L/C Issuer ” means, with respect to any Replacement Revolving Facility, any Replacement Revolving Lender thereunder from time to time designated by the applicable Borrower as the Replacement L/C Issuer under such Replacement Revolving Facility with the consent of such Replacement Revolving Lender and the Administrative Agent.

Replacement L/C Obligations ” means, at any time with respect to any Replacement Revolving Facility, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the then aggregate undrawn and unexpired amount of the then outstanding Replacement Letters of Credit under such Replacement Revolving Facility and (b) the aggregate amount of drawings under the Replacement Letters of Credit under such Replacement Revolving Facility that have not then been reimbursed.

Replacement Letter of Credit ” means any letter of credit issued pursuant to a Replacement Revolving Facility.

Replacement Revolving Credit Percentage ” means, as to any Replacement Revolving Lender at any time under any Replacement Revolving Facility, the percentage which such Lender’s Replacement Revolving Commitment under such Replacement Revolving Facility then constitutes of the aggregate Replacement Revolving Commitments under such Replacement Revolving Facility (or, at any time after such Replacement Revolving Commitments shall have expired or terminated, the percentage which the aggregate amount of such Lender’s Replacement Revolving Extensions of Credit then outstanding pursuant to such Replacement Revolving Facility constitutes of the amount of the aggregate Replacement Revolving Extensions of Credit then outstanding pursuant to such Replacement Revolving Facility).

Replacement Revolving Commitment Series ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(b).

Replacement Revolving Extensions of Credit ” means, as to any Replacement Revolving Lender at any time under any Replacement Revolving Facility, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount of all Replacement Revolving Loans made by such Lender pursuant to such Replacement Revolving Facility then outstanding, (b) such Lender’s Replacement Revolving Credit Percentage of the outstanding Replacement L/C Obligations under any Replacement Letters of Credit under such Replacement Revolving Facility and (c) such Lender’s Replacement Revolving Credit Percentage of the Replacement Swing Line Loans then outstanding under such Replacement Revolving Facility.

Replacement Revolving Facility ” means each Replacement Revolving Commitment Series of Replacement Revolving Commitments and the Replacement Revolving Extensions of Credit made hereunder.

Replacement Revolving Facility Amendment ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(c).

Replacement Revolving Commitments ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(a).

 

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Replacement Revolving Facility Effective Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(a).

Replacement Revolving Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(b).

Replacement Revolving Loans ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(a).

Replacement Swing Line Lender ” means, with respect to any Replacement Revolving Facility, any Replacement Revolving Lender thereunder from time to time designated by the applicable Borrower as the Replacement Swing Line Lender under such Replacement Revolving Facility with the consent of such Replacement Revolving Lender and the Administrative Agent

Replacement Swing Line Loans ” means any swing line loan made to the Borrower pursuant to a Replacement Revolving Facility.

Replacement Term Loans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.01.

Reportable Event ” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, other than events for which the thirty (30) day notice period has been waived.

Request for Credit Extension ” means (a) with respect to a Borrowing, continuation or conversion of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans, a Committed Loan Notice, (b) with respect to an L/C Credit Extension, a Letter of Credit Application, and (c) with respect to a Swing Line Loan, a Swing Line Loan Notice.

Required Class Lenders ” means, as of any date of determination and subject to the limitations set forth in Section 10.07(l), Term Lenders of a particular Class of Term Loans having more than 50% of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Term Loans of such Class of all Term Lenders in such Class.

Required Lenders ” means, as of any date of determination and subject to the limitations set forth in Section 10.07(l), Lenders having more than 50% of the sum of the (a) Total Outstandings (with the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans being deemed “held” by such Lender for purposes of this definition), (b) aggregate unused Term Commitments and (c) aggregate unused Revolving Credit Commitments and Replacement Revolving Commitments; provided that the unused Term Commitment and unused Revolving Credit Commitment of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.

Responsible Officer ” means the chief executive officer, president, vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer or assistant treasurer or other similar officer of a Loan Party and, as to any document delivered on the Closing Date, any secretary or assistant secretary of such Loan Party. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.

Restricted Cash ” means cash and Cash Equivalents held by Restricted Subsidiaries that is contractually restricted from being distributed to the Borrower.

Restricted Payment ” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interest of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, defeasance, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to the Borrower’s or a Restricted Subsidiary’s stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Persons thereof).

 

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Restricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Retained Percentage ” means, with respect to any Excess Cash Flow Period, (a) 100% minus (b) the Applicable ECF Percentage with respect to such Excess Cash Flow Period.

Revolving Commitment Increase ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).

Revolving Commitment Increase Lender ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).

Revolving Credit Borrowing ” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Revolving Credit Loans of the same Type and Class and, in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Revolving Credit Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01(e).

Revolving Credit Commitment ” means, as to each Revolving Credit Lender, any Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Commitment or Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitment.

Revolving Credit Exposure ” means, as to each Revolving Credit Lender, the sum of the amount of the outstanding principal amount of such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Loans and its Pro Rata Share of the L/C Obligations and the Swing Line Obligations at such time.

Revolving Credit Facility ” means the Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Facility and the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Facility.

Revolving Credit Lender ” means, at any time, a Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Lender or a Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lender, as applicable.

Revolving Credit Loans ” means any Loans made pursuant to a Revolving Credit Commitment.

Revolving Credit Note ” means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to any Revolving Credit Lender or its registered assigns, in substantially the form of Exhibit C-2 hereto, evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Revolving Credit Lender resulting from the Revolving Credit Loans made by such Revolving Credit Lender to the Borrower.

Rollover Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.11(c)(ii).

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and any successor thereto.

Same Day Funds ” means immediately available funds.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement ” means an intercreditor agreement by and among the Collateral Agent and the collateral agents or other representatives for the holders of Indebtedness secured by Liens that are intended to rank junior to the Liens securing the Obligations and that are otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 providing that all proceeds of Collateral shall first be applied to repay the Obligations in full prior to being applied to any obligations under the Indebtedness secured by such junior Liens and that until the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment in full (or cash collateralization of Letters of Credit) of all Obligations outstanding under this Agreement, the Collateral Agent shall have the sole right to exercise remedies against the Collateral (subject to customary exceptions for limited protective actions that may be taken by the holders of such junior Lien Indebtedness) and otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

 

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Secured Hedge Agreement ” means any Swap Contract permitted under Article VII that is entered into by and between the Borrower or any Subsidiary and any Person that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender (or was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time such Swap Contract was entered into (a “ Hedge Bank ”)).

Secured Leverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Test Period, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Net Debt that is then secured by Liens on property or assets of the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the last day of such Test Period to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period.

Secured Parties ” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders, the Hedge Banks, the Cash Management Banks, the Supplemental Agents and each co-agent or sub-agent appointed by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 9.02.

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

Security Agreement ” means a Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit F .

Security Agreement Supplement ” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.

Seller ” has the meaning set forth in the preliminary statements hereto.

Solvent ” and “ Solvency ” mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature and (d) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital. The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

SPC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(h).

Specified Acquisition Agreement Representations ” means those representations and warranties relating to the Acquired Company and its Subsidiaries in the Acquisition Agreement as are material to the interests of the Lenders, but only to the extent that the Borrower has the right to terminate its obligations under the Acquisition Agreement as a result of a breach of such representations and warranties in the Acquisition Agreement.

Specified Default ” means a Default under Section 8.01(a), (f) or (g).

Specified Equity Contribution ” means any cash contribution to the common equity of Holdings and/or any purchase or investment in an Equity Interest of Holdings other than Disqualified Equity Interests.

Specified Guarantor ” means any Guarantor that is not an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act (determined prior to giving effect to Section 11.11).

 

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Specified Transaction ” means any incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness (other than for working capital purposes) or Incremental Term Loan or Revolving Commitment Increase or Investment that results in a Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary, any Permitted Acquisition or any Disposition that results in a Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Subsidiary of the Borrower, any Investment constituting an acquisition of assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of another Person or any Disposition of a business unit, line of business or division of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case whether by merger, consolidation, amalgamation or otherwise.

Subsidiary ” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which (i) a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, (ii) more than half of the issued share capital is at the time beneficially owned or (iii) the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.

Subsidiary Guarantor ” means any Guarantor other than Holdings.

Successor Company ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.04(d).

Supplemental Agent ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13(a) and “ Supplemental Agents ” shall have the corresponding meaning.

Swap Contract ” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “ Master Agreement ”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.

Swap ” means, any agreement, contract, or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Swap Obligation ” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation to pay or perform under any Swap.

Swap Termination Value ” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).

Swing Line Borrowing ” means a borrowing of a Swing Line Loan pursuant to Section 2.04.

 

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Swing Line Facility ” means the swing line loan facility made available by the Swing Line Lenders pursuant to Section 2.04.

Swing Line Lender ” means Bank of America, in its capacity as provider of Swing Line Loans or any successor swing line lender hereunder.

Swing Line Loan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a).

Swing Line Loan Notice ” means a notice of a Swing Line Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.04(b), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B .

Swing Line Note ” means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to any Swing Line Lender or its registered assigns, in substantially the form of Exhibit C-3 hereto, evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Swing Line Lender resulting from the Swing Line Loans.

Swing Line Obligations ” means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate principal amount of all Swing Line Loans outstanding.

Swing Line Sublimit ” means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $20,000,000 and (b) the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments. The Swing Line Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Revolving Credit Commitments.

Tax Group ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.06(h)(iii).

Taxes ” means any and all present or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts, assessments, deductions, withholdings or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, whether computed on a separate, consolidated, unitary, combined or other basis and any and all liabilities (including interest, fines, penalties or additions to tax) with respect to the foregoing.

Term A Lender ” means, at any time, any Lender that has a Term A Loan at such time.

Term A Loan ” means each “Term A Loan” outstanding immediately prior to the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date.

Term B Increase Commitment ” means, with respect to the term B increase lender, its commitment to make a Term B-1 Loan on the Amendment No. 3 Effective Date in the amount equal to $500.0 million.

Term B Loans ” means any Term B-2 Loan or Term B-3 Loan .

Term B-1 Lender ” means, at any time, any Lender that has a Term B-1 Loan at such time.

Term B-1 Loans ” means each “Term B Loan” outstanding immediately prior to the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date.

Term B-2 Lender ” means, at any time, any Lender that has an Additional Term B-2 Commitment or a Term B-2 Loan at such time.

Term B-2 Loans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(b).

Term B-3 Commitment ” means, with respect to the Initial Term B-3 Lender, its commitment to make a Term B-3 Loan on the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date in an amount equal to $280.0 million.

 

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Term B-3 Lender ” means, at any time, any Lender that has a Term B-3 Commitment or Term B-3 Loan at such time.

Term B-3 Loans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(c).

Term Borrowing ” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Term Loans of the same Class and Type and, in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Term Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01(b).

Term Commitment ” means any Additional Term B- 2 3 Commitment.

Term Lender ” means, at any time, any Lender that has a Term Commitment or Term Loan at such time.

Term Loan ” means each Term B-2 Loan, Term B-3 Loan, Extended Term Loan and Incremental Term Loan.

Term Loan Extension Amendment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(c).

Term Note ” means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to any Term Lender or its registered assigns, in substantially the form of Exhibit C-1 hereto (with appropriate modifications in the case or any Term Loan that is not an Original Term Loan), evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Term Lender resulting from the Term Loans of each Class made by such Term Lender.

Test Period ” means, for any date of determination under this Agreement, the latest four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Closing Date and/or for which financial statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01, as applicable.

Threshold Amount ” means $25,000,000.

Total Leverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Test Period, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Net Debt as of the last day of such Test Period to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period.

Total Outstandings ” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans and all L/C Obligations and Replacement L/C Obligations.

Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Commitment ” means, as to each Revolving Credit Lender, each “Revolving Credit Commitment” outstanding immediately prior to the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date.

Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Facility ” means, at any time, the aggregate amount of the Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Lenders’ Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Commitments at such time.

Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Lender ” means, at any time, any Lender that has a Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Commitment at such time (including Additional Revolving Credit Lenders).

Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Loan ” means a Loan made by a Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Lender prior to the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date.

Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitment ” means, as to each Revolving Credit Lender, its obligation to (a) make Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01(e), (b) purchase participations in L/C Obligations in respect of Letters of Credit and (c) purchase participations in Swing Line Loans, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount of (i) in the case of

 

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an Amendment No. 4 Converting Lender, such Lender’s Converted Revolving Credit Commitment, (ii) in the case of an Additional Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lender, as set forth in the Amendment No. 4 Joinder Agreement, or (iii) following the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date, in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement (including Section 2.14 and Section 10.07(b)). The aggregate Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitments of all Revolving Credit Lenders shall be $192,500,000 on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Facility ” means, at any time, the aggregate amount of the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lenders’ Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitments at such time.

Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lender ” means, at any time, any Lender that has a Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitment at such time (including Additional Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lenders) or, if the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitments have terminated, Revolving Credit Exposure.

Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Loan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(e).

Transaction Expenses ” means any fees or expenses incurred or paid by the Investors, Holdings, the Borrower or any of its (or their) Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions (including expenses in connection with hedging transactions), this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

Transactions ” means, collectively, (a) the Acquisition and other related transactions contemplated by the Acquisition Agreement, (b) the Equity Contribution, (c) the issuance and the funding of the Mezzanine Debt, (d) the funding of the Loans on the Closing Date and the execution and delivery of Loan Documents to be entered into on the Closing Date, (e) the funding of any amounts into escrow on the Closing Date in connection with any escrow identified to the Initial Lenders on or prior to the date hereof, (f) the repayment of certain Indebtedness of the Acquired Company and its subsidiaries existing on the Closing Date (if any) and (g) the payment of Transaction Expenses.

Transferred Guarantor ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.09.

Type ” means, with respect to a Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurocurrency Rate Loan.

Unaudited Financial Statements ” means (a) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Acquired Company and its Subsidiaries as of September 30, 2009 and (b) the related unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the Acquired Company and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2009.

Uniform Commercial Code ” or “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of New York or the Uniform Commercial Code (or similar code or statute) of another jurisdiction, to the extent it may be required to apply to any item or items of Collateral.

United States ” and “ U.S. ” mean the United States of America.

United States Tax Compliance Certificate ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(d)(ii)(C) and is in substantially the form of Exhibit I hereto.

Unreimbursed Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(c)(i).

 

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Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means (i) each Subsidiary of the Borrower listed on Schedule 1.01B and (ii) any Subsidiary of the Borrower designated by the board of directors of the Borrower as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14 subsequent to the Closing Date.

USA Patriot Act ” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Public Law 107-56.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing: (i) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by (ii) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

wholly owned ” means, with respect to a Subsidiary of a Person, a Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than (x) director’s qualifying shares and (y) shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable Law) are owned by such Person and/or by one or more wholly owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

Section 1.02. Other Interpretive Provisions .

With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:

(a) The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

(b) The words “herein,” “hereto,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document shall refer to such Loan Document as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.

(c) Article, Section, Exhibit and Schedule references are to the Loan Document in which such reference appears.

(d) The term “including” is by way of example and not limitation.

(e) The term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form.

(f) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”; the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding”; and the word “through” means “to and including.”

(g) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

Section 1.03. Accounting Terms .

All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein.

 

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Section 1.04. Rounding .

Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement (or required to be satisfied in order for a specific action to be permitted under this Agreement) shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding up if there is no nearest number).

Section 1.05. References to Agreements, Laws, Etc .

Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) references to Organization Documents, agreements (including the Loan Documents) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are permitted by the Loan Documents; and (b) references to any Law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Law.

Section 1.06. Times of Day .

Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).

Section 1.07. Timing of Payment of Performance .

When the payment of any obligation or the performance of any covenant, duty or obligation is stated to be due or performance required on a day which is not a Business Day, the date of such payment (other than as described in the definition of Interest Period) or performance shall extend to the immediately succeeding Business Day.

Section 1.08. Cumulative Credit Transactions .

If more than one action occurs on any given date the permissibility of the taking of which is determined hereunder by reference to the amount of the Cumulative Credit immediately prior to the taking of such action, the permissibility of the taking of each such action shall be determined independently and in no event may any two or more such actions be treated as occurring simultaneously.

Section 1.09. Pro Forma Calculations .

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Total Leverage Ratio, the Secured Leverage Ratio, the First Lien Secured Leverage Ratio and the Interest Coverage Ratio shall be calculated in the manner prescribed by this Section 1.09; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in clauses (b), (c) or (d) of this Section 1.09, when calculating the Total Leverage Ratio, the Secured Leverage Ratio, the First Lien Secured Leverage Ratio and the Interest Coverage Ratio, as applicable, for purposes of (i) the Applicable ECF Percentage of Excess Cash Flow and (ii) determining actual compliance (and not Pro Forma Compliance or compliance on a Pro Forma Basis) with any covenant pursuant to Section 7.11, the events described in this Section 1.09 that occurred subsequent to the end of the applicable Test Period shall not be given pro forma effect.

(b) For purposes of calculating the Total Leverage Ratio, the Secured Leverage Ratio, the First Lien Secured Leverage Ratio and the Interest Coverage Ratio, Specified Transactions (and the incurrence or repayment of any Indebtedness in connection therewith) that have been made (i) during the applicable Test Period and (ii) subsequent to such Test Period and prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of any such ratio is made shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Specified Transactions (and any increase or decrease in Consolidated EBITDA and the component financial definitions used therein

 

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attributable to any Specified Transaction) had occurred on the first day of the applicable Test Period. If since the beginning of any applicable Test Period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries since the beginning of such Test Period shall have made any Specified Transaction that would have required adjustment pursuant to this Section 1.09, then the Total Leverage Ratio, the Secured Leverage Ratio, the First Lien Secured Leverage Ratio and the Interest Coverage Ratio shall be calculated to give pro forma effect thereto in accordance with this Section 1.09.

(c) Whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a Specified Transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Borrower and include, for the avoidance of doubt, the amount of cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies projected by the Borrower in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken or with respect to which the Borrower in good faith expects that substantial steps will have been taken within 6 months after the closing date of such Specified Transaction (calculated on a pro form a basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies had been realized on the first day of such period as if such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies were realized during the entirety of such period) relating to such Specified Transaction, net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that any increase in Consolidated EBITDA as a result of cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies shall be subject to the limitations set forth in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA.

(d) In the event that the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary incurs (including by assumption or guarantees) or repays (including by redemption, repayment, retirement or extinguishment) any Indebtedness included in the calculations of the Total Leverage Ratio, the Secured Leverage Ratio, the First Lien Secured Leverage Ratio and the Interest Coverage Ratio, as the case may be (in each case, other than Indebtedness incurred or repaid under any revolving credit facility in the ordinary course of business for working capital purposes), (i) during the applicable Test Period and (ii) subsequent to the end of the applicable Test Period and prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of any such ratio is made, then the Total Leverage Ratio, the Secured Leverage Ratio and the Interest Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, to the extent required, as if the same had occurred on (A) the last day of the applicable Test Period in the case of the Total Leverage Ratio, the First Lien Secured Leverage Ratio or the Secured Leverage Ratio and (B) the first day of the applicable Test Period in the case of the Interest Coverage Ratio. 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 date of the event for which the calculation of the Interest Coverage Ratio is made had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any hedging obligations applicable to such Indebtedness); provided , in the case of repayment of any Indebtedness, to the extent actual interest related thereto was included during all or any portion of the applicable Test Period, the actual interest may be used for the applicable portion of such Test Period. 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 Borrower to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a London interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be determined to have been based upon the rate actually chose, or if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Borrower or Restricted Subsidiary may designate.

Section 1.10. Letter of Credit Amounts .

Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time; provided , however , that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any Issuer Document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such time.

 

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ARTICLE II.

The Commitments and Credit Extensions

Section 2.01. The Loans .

(a) The Term Borrowings . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Term Lender severally agrees to make to the Borrower on the Closing Date loans denominated in Dollars in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount of such Term Lender’s Original Term Commitment. Amounts borrowed under this Section 2.01(a) and repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. Term Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate Loans, as further provided herein.

(b) The Term B-2 Borrowings . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in The Term B-2 Lenders on the Amendment No. 5 (x) the Additional Term B-2 Lender agrees to make Effective Date made a loan to the Borrower denominated in Dollars (a “ Term B-2 Loan ”) on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount of its Additional Term B-2 Commitment and (y) all or a portion of each Converted Term Loan of each Amendment No. 5 Converting Lender shall be converted into a Term B-2 Loan of such Lender effective as of the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date in a principal amount equal to all or a portion of the principal amount of such Lender’s Converted Term Loan immediately prior to such conversion. For the avoidance of doubt, such conversion shall not constitute a novation of any interest owing to any Amendment No. 5 Converting Lender and each Amendment No. 5 Converting Lender shall receive all accrued and unpaid interest owing to it from the Borrower through but not including the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date with respect to its Converted Term Loan (which, in the case of accrued interest, shall be payable on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date). of $1,405,000,000. The Term B-2 Loans may from time to time be Eurocurrency Rate Loans or Base Rate Loans, as determined by the Borrower and notified to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section  2.02; provided that all Term B-2 Loans shall on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date initially be Eurodollar Rate Loans with an Interest Period equal to the remaining Interest Period on the Term B-1 Loans immediately prior to the effectiveness of Amendment No. 5 and with an initial Eurodollar Rate equal to the Eurodollar Rate for the Term B-1 Loans immediately prior to the effectiveness of Amendment No. 5. Repaid Term B-2 Loans may not be reborrowed. 2.02. Repaid Term B-2 Loans may not be reborrowed.

(c) [Reserved] The Term B-3 Borrowings . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Amendment No. 7, (x) the Initial Term B-3 Lender agrees to make a loan to the Borrower denominated in Dollars (a “ Term B-3 Loan ”) on the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount of its Term B-3 Commitment. The Term B-3 Loans may from time to time be Eurocurrency Rate Loans or Base Rate Loans, as determined by the Borrower and notified to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.02. Repaid Term B-3 Loans may not be reborrowed.

(d) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Converted Revolving Credit Commitments outstanding under this Agreement shall continue to be outstanding under this Agreement from and after the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date and shall be deemed from and after the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date to be Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitments. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, any Revolving Credit Commitments outstanding under this Agreement immediately prior to the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date which are not Converted Revolving Credit Commitments shall be deemed from and after the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date to be Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Commitments and shall be terminated in accordance with Section 2.06(b). Any Revolving Credit Loans outstanding on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date shall be deemed to be Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Loans; provided that, on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date, each Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lender shall purchase at par from each Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Lender such portions of the Revolving Credit Loans outstanding on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date as may be specified by the Administrative Agent so that, immediately following such purchases, all Revolving Credit Loans shall be held by the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lenders on a pro rata basis in accordance with their respective Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitments. Each Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Loans that was a Eurocurrency Rate Loan immediately prior to the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date shall initially be a Eurocurrency Rate Loan on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date with an initial interest period equal to the then-remaining Interest Period for such Eurocurrency Rate Loan immediately prior to the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date. Each Tranche 2 Revolving

 

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Credit Loans that was a Base Rate Loan immediately prior to the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date shall initially be a Base Rate Loan on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date with an initial interest period equal to the then-remaining Interest Period for such Base Rate Loan immediately prior to the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date.

(e) Revolving Credit Borrowings . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein each Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lender severally agrees to make Revolving Credit Loans denominated in Dollars pursuant to Section 2.02 to the Borrower from its applicable Lending Office (each such loan, a “ Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Loan ”) from time to time, on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date until the Maturity Date of the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Facility, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Lender’s Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitment; provided that after giving effect to any Revolving Credit Borrowing, the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender’s Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitment. Within the limits of each Lender’s Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitments, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01(e), prepay under Section 2.05, and reborrow under this Section 2.01(e). Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate Loans, as further provided herein.

Section 2.02. Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans .

(a) Each Term Borrowing, each Revolving Credit Borrowing, each conversion of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent (except that, subject to Section 3.05, a notice in connection with the initial Credit Extensions hereunder may be revoked if the Closing Date does not occur on the proposed date of borrowing), which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than (i) 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) three (3) Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans or any conversion of Base Rate Loans to Eurocurrency Rate Loans, and (ii) 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the Business Day of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans (or, in the case of Borrowings on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, such shorter period as to which the Administrative Agent may consent). Each telephonic notice by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.02(a) must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Committed Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Except as provided in Section 2.14(a), each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of $2,500,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000, in excess thereof. Except as provided in Section 2.03(c), 2.04(c), 2.14(a) or the last sentence of this paragraph, each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof. Each Committed Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a Term Borrowing of a particular Class, a Revolving Credit Borrowing, a conversion of Term Loans of any Class or Revolving Credit Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Term Loans of a Class or Revolving Credit Loans are to be converted, and (v) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Loan in a Committed Loan Notice or fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans shall be made as, or converted to, Base Rate Loans. Any such automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans. If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one (1) month.

(b) Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Pro Rata Share of the applicable Class of Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each

 

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Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans or continuation described in Section 2.02(a). In the case of each Borrowing, each Appropriate Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice. The Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of Bank of America with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower; provided that if, on the date the Committed Loan Notice with respect to such Borrowing is given by the Borrower, there are Swing Line Loans or L/C Borrowings outstanding, then the proceeds of such Borrowing shall be applied, first, to the payment in full of any such L/C Borrowing, second, to the payment in full of any such Swing Line Loans, and third, to the Borrower as provided above.

(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurocurrency Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurocurrency Rate Loan unless the Borrower pays the amount due, if any, under Section 3.05 in connection therewith. During the existence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may require that no Loans may be converted to or continued as Eurocurrency Rate Loans.

(d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurocurrency Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate. The determination of the Eurocurrency Rate by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in Bank of America’s prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.

(e) After giving effect to all Term Borrowings, all Revolving Credit Borrowings, all conversions of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten (10) Interest Periods in effect with respect to all Revolving Credit Borrowings and not more than five (5) Interest Periods in effect with respect to all Term Borrowings.

(f) The failure of any Lender to make the Loan to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Loan on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Loan to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.

Section 2.03. Letters of Credit .

(a) The Letter of Credit Commitment . (i) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (A) each L/C Issuer agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the other Revolving Credit Lenders set forth in this Section 2.03, (1) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date until the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, to issue Letters of Credit denominated in Dollars for the account of the Borrower ( provided that any Letter of Credit may be for the benefit of any Subsidiary of the Borrower) and to amend or renew Letters of Credit previously issued by it, in accordance with Section 2.03(b), and (2) to honor drafts under the Letters of Credit and (B) the Revolving Credit Lenders severally agree to participate in Letters of Credit issued pursuant to this Section 2.03; provided that no L/C Issuer shall be obligated to make any L/C Credit Extension with respect to any Letter of Credit, and no Lender shall be obligated to participate in any Letter of Credit if as of the date of such L/C Credit Extension, (x) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Revolving Credit Lender would exceed such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment or (y) the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations would exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower’s ability to obtain Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Borrower may, during the foregoing period, obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed.

 

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(ii) An L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if:

(A) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such L/C Issuer from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to such L/C Issuer or any directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or direct that such L/C Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such L/C Issuer with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which such L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon such L/C Issuer any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date (for which such L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder);

(B) the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur more than twelve months after the date of issuance or last renewal, unless the Lenders holding a majority of the Revolving Credit Commitments have approved such expiry date;

(C) the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur after the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, unless all the Revolving Credit Lenders have approved such expiry date;

(D) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate any Laws binding upon such L/C Issuer;

(E) such Letter of Credit is denominated in a currency other than Dollars;

(F) any Revolving Credit Lender is at such time a Defaulting Lender, unless such L/C Issuer has received (as set forth in clause (a)(iv) below) Cash Collateral or similar security satisfactory to such L/C Issuer (in its sole discretion) from either the Borrower or such Defaulting Lender or such Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the L/C Obligations has been reallocated pursuant to clause (a)(iv) below in respect of such Defaulting Lender’s obligation to fund under Section 2.03(c); or

(G) such Letter of Credit is in an initial amount less than $100,000.

(iii) An L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) such L/C Issuer would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to such Letter of Credit.

(iv) In the case where any Revolving Credit Lender is at any time a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower and such Defaulting Lender each agree, within one Business Day following notice by the Administrative Agent, to cause to be deposited with the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the L/C Issuer, Cash Collateral in the full amount of such Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the outstanding L/C Obligations; provided that, at the Borrower’s option, the Borrower may, by notice to the Administrative Agent, elect to reallocate all or any part of the Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the L/C Obligations among all Revolving Credit Lenders that are not Defaulting Lenders but only to the extent (x) the total Revolving Credit Exposure of all Revolving Credit Lenders that are not Defaulting Lenders plus such Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the L/C Obligations and any Swing Line Loans, in each case, except to the extent Cash Collateralized, does not exceed the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments (excluding the Revolving Credit Commitment of any Defaulting Lender except to the extent of any outstanding Revolving Credit Loans of such Defaulting Lender) and (y) the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 are satisfied at such time (in which case (i) the Revolving Credit Commitments of all Defaulting Lenders shall be deemed to be zero (except to the extent Cash Collateral has been posted in respect of any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s L/C Obligations or participations in Swing Line Loans) for purposes of any determination of the Revolving Credit Lenders’ respective Pro Rata Shares of L/C Obligations (including for purposes of all fee calculations hereunder). The Borrower and/or such Defaulting Lender hereby grant to the Administrative Agent,

 

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for the benefit of such L/C Issuer, a security interest in any Cash Collateral and all proceeds of the foregoing with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s participations in Letters of Credit deposited hereunder. Such Cash Collateral shall be maintained in blocked deposit accounts at Bank of America and may be invested in Cash Equivalents reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent. If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that any funds held as Cash Collateral under this clause (a)(iv) are subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent for the benefit of such L/C Issuer or that the total amount of such funds is less than such Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share of all L/C Obligations that has not been reallocated as provided above, the Borrower and/or such Defaulting Lender will, promptly upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay to the Administrative Agent, as additional funds to be deposited as Cash Collateral, an amount equal to the excess of (I) such Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share of all L/C Obligations that have not been so reallocated over (II) the total amount of funds, if any, then held as Cash Collateral in respect thereof under this clause (a)(iv) that the Administrative Agent determines to be free and clear of any such right and claim. Upon the drawing of any Letter of Credit for which funds are on deposit as Cash Collateral, such funds shall be applied, to the extent permitted under applicable Laws, to reimburse such L/C Issuer. If the Lender that triggers the Cash Collateral requirement under this clause (a)(iv) ceases to be a Defaulting Lender (as determined by such L/C Issuer in good faith), or if there are no L/C Obligations outstanding, any funds held as Cash Collateral pursuant to the foregoing provisions shall thereafter be returned to the Borrower or the Defaulting Lender, whichever provided the funds for the Cash Collateral, and the Pro Rata Share of the L/C Obligations of each Revolving Credit Lender shall thereafter take into account such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment.

(b) Procedures for Issuance and Amendment of Letters of Credit; Auto-Extension Letters of Credit . (i) Each Letter of Credit shall be issued or amended, as the case may be, upon the request of the Borrower delivered to an L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) in the form of a Letter of Credit Application, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Such Letter of Credit Application must be received by the relevant L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) at least two (2) Business Days prior to the proposed issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be; or, in each case, such later date and time as the relevant L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in its sole discretion. In the case of a request for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the relevant L/C Issuer: (a) the proposed issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a Business Day); (b) the amount thereof; (c) the expiry date thereof; (d) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof; (e) the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (f) the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; and (g) such other matters as the relevant L/C Issuer may reasonably request. In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the relevant L/C Issuer (1) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (2) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); (3) the nature of the proposed amendment; and (4) such other matters as the relevant L/C Issuer may reasonably request.

(ii) Promptly after receipt of any Letter of Credit Application, the relevant L/C Issuer will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such Letter of Credit Application from the Borrower and, if not, such L/C Issuer will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof. Upon receipt by the relevant L/C Issuer of confirmation from the Administrative Agent that the requested issuance or amendment is permitted in accordance with the terms hereof, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, such L/C Issuer shall, on the requested date, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the Borrower or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may be. Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Revolving Credit Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the relevant L/C Issuer a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share times the amount of such Letter of Credit.

(iii) If the Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application, the relevant L/C Issuer shall agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an “ Auto-Extension Letter of Credit ”); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit the relevant L/C Issuer to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve month period (commencing with the

 

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date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “ Non-extension Notice Date ”) in each such twelve month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued. Unless otherwise directed by the relevant L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the relevant L/C Issuer for any such extension. Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the relevant L/C Issuer to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the Letter of Credit Expiration Date; provided that the relevant L/C Issuer shall (A) not be required to permit any such extension if the relevant L/C Issuer has determined that it would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its extended form under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of Section 2.03(a)(ii) or otherwise), and (B) shall not permit any such extension if it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is five (5) Business Days before the Non-extension Notice Date from the Administrative Agent, any Revolving Credit Lender or the Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.01 is not then satisfied.

(iv) Promptly after issuance of any Letter of Credit or any amendment to a Letter of Credit, the relevant L/C Issuer will also deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a true and complete copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment.

(c) Drawings and Reimbursements; Funding of Participations . (i) Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of any notice of a drawing under such Letter of Credit, the relevant L/C Issuer shall notify promptly the Borrower and the Administrative Agent thereof. Not later than 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Business Day immediately following any payment by an L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit with notice to the Borrower (each such date, an “ Honor Date ”), the Borrower shall reimburse such L/C Issuer through the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing in Dollars. The L/C Issuer shall notify the Borrower of the amount of the drawing promptly following the determination or revaluation thereof. If the Borrower fails to so reimburse such L/C Issuer by such time, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of the Honor Date, the amount of the unreimbursed drawing (the “ Unreimbursed Amount ”), and the amount of such Appropriate Lender’s Pro Rata Share thereof. In such event, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Revolving Credit Borrowing of Base Rate Loans to be disbursed on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the Revolving Credit Commitments of the Appropriate Lenders and the conditions set forth in Section 4.01 (other than the delivery of a Committed Loan Notice). Any notice given by an L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.03(c)(i) may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.

(ii) Each Appropriate Lender (including any Lender acting as an L/C Issuer) shall upon any notice pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) make funds available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer in Dollars at the Administrative Agent’s Office for payments in an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of the Unreimbursed Amount not later than 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Business Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon, subject to the provisions of Section 2.03(c)(iii), each Appropriate Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Revolving Credit Loan that is a Base Rate Loan to the Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the relevant L/C Issuer.

(iii) With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount that is not fully refinanced by a Revolving Credit Borrowing of Base Rate Loans because the conditions set forth in Section 4.01 cannot be satisfied or for any other reason, the Borrower shall be deemed to have incurred from the relevant L/C Issuer an L/C Borrowing in the amount of the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which L/C Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall bear interest at the Default Rate for Revolving Credit Loans. In such event, each Appropriate Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(ii) shall be deemed payment in respect of its participation in such L/C Borrowing and shall constitute an L/C Advance from such Lender in satisfaction of its participation obligation under this Section 2.03.

 

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(iv) Until each Appropriate Lender funds its Revolving Credit Loan or L/C Advance pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for any amount drawn under any Letter of Credit, interest in respect of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of such amount shall be solely for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer.

(v) Each Revolving Credit Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse an L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as contemplated by this Section 2.03(c), shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the relevant L/C Issuer, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided that each Revolving Credit Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans (but not L/C Advances) pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.01 (other than delivery by the Borrower of a Committed Loan Notice). No such making of an L/C Advance shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for the amount of any payment made by such L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit, together with interest as provided herein.

(vi) If any Revolving Credit Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03(c) by the time specified in Section 2.03(c)(ii), such L/C Issuer shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to such L/C Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the L/C Issuer in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the L/C Issuer in connection with the foregoing. A certificate of the relevant L/C Issuer submitted to any Revolving Credit Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this Section 2.03(c)(vi) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d) Repayment of Participations . (i) If, at any time after an L/C Issuer has made a payment under any Letter of Credit and has received from any Revolving Credit Lender such Lender’s L/C Advance in respect of such payment in accordance with Section 2.03(c), the Administrative Agent receives for the account of such L/C Issuer any payment in respect of the related Unreimbursed Amount or interest thereon (whether directly from the Borrower or otherwise, including proceeds of Cash Collateral applied thereto by the Administrative Agent), the Administrative Agent will distribute to such Lender its Pro Rata Share thereof (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s L/C Advance was outstanding) in the amount received by the Administrative Agent.

(ii) If any payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of an L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) is required to be returned under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by such L/C Issuer in its discretion), each Appropriate Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such L/C Issuer its Pro Rata Share thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned by such Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

(e) Obligations Absolute . The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for each drawing under each Letter of Credit issued by it and to repay each L/C Borrowing shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following:

(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Agreement, or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto;

 

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(ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that any Loan Party may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the relevant L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction;

(iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit;

(iv) any payment by the relevant L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by the relevant L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law;

(v) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any Collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from the Guaranty or any other guarantee, for all or any of the Obligations of any Loan Party in respect of such Letter of Credit; or

(vi) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Loan Party;

provided that the foregoing shall not excuse any L/C Issuer from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable Law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by such L/C Issuer’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof.

(f) Role of L/C Issuers . Each Lender and the Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, the relevant L/C Issuer shall not have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of the L/C Issuers, any Agent-Related Person nor any of the respective correspondents, participants or assignees of any L/C Issuer shall be liable to any Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Lenders or the Lenders holding a majority of the Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction; or (iii) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Letter of Credit Application. The Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit; provided that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude the Borrower’s pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None of the L/C Issuers, any Agent-Related Person, nor any of the respective correspondents, participants or assignees of any L/C Issuer, shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (vi) of Section 2.03(e); provided that anything in such clauses to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower may have a claim against an L/C Issuer, and such L/C Issuer may be liable to the Borrower, to the extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or exemplary, damages suffered by the Borrower which the Borrower proves were caused by such L/C Issuer’s willful misconduct or gross negligence or such L/C Issuer’s willful or grossly negligent failure to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying

 

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with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit, in each case as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each L/C Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and no L/C Issuer shall be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason.

(g) Cash Collateral . (i) If, as of the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, any Letter of Credit may for any reason remain outstanding and partially or wholly undrawn, (ii) if any Event of Default occurs and is continuing and the Administrative Agent or the Lenders holding a majority of the Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, require the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to Section 8.02 or (iii) an Event of Default set forth under Section 8.01(f) occurs and is continuing, the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize the then Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to such Outstanding Amount determined as of the date of such L/C Borrowing or the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, as the case may be), and shall do so not later than 2:00 P.M., New York City time, on (x) in the case of the immediately preceding clauses (i) through (iii), (1) the Business Day that the Borrower receives notice thereof, if such notice is received on such day prior to 12:00 Noon, New York City time, or (2) if clause (1) above does not apply, the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower receives such notice and (y) in the case of the immediately preceding clause (iii), the Business Day on which an Event of Default set forth under Section 8.01(f) occurs or, if such day is not a Business Day, the Business Day immediately succeeding such day. For purposes hereof, “ Cash Collateralize ” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the relevant L/C Issuer and the Lenders, as collateral for the L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances (“ Cash Collateral ”) pursuant to documentation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the relevant L/C Issuer (which documents are hereby consented to by the Lenders). Derivatives of such term have corresponding meanings. The Borrower hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuers and the Lenders, a security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein and all proceeds of the foregoing. Cash Collateral shall be maintained in blocked accounts at the Administrative Agent and may be invested in readily available Cash Equivalents. If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that any funds held as Cash Collateral are expressly subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) or that the total amount of such funds is less than the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, the Borrower will, forthwith upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay to the Administrative Agent, as additional funds to be deposited and held in the deposit accounts at the Administrative Agent as aforesaid, an amount equal to the excess of (a) such aggregate Outstanding Amount over (b) the total amount of funds, if any, then held as Cash Collateral that the Administrative Agent reasonably determines to be free and clear of any such right and claim. Upon the drawing of any Letter of Credit for which funds are on deposit as Cash Collateral, such funds shall be applied, to the extent permitted under applicable Law, to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer. To the extent the amount of any Cash Collateral exceeds the then Outstanding Amount of such L/C Obligations and so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the excess shall be refunded to the Borrower. To the extent any Event of Default giving rise to the requirement to Cash Collateralize any Letter of Credit pursuant to this Section 2.03(g) is cured or otherwise waived by the Required Lenders, then so long as no other Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, all Cash Collateral pledged to Cash Collateralize such Letter of Credit shall be refunded to the Borrower.

(h) Letter of Credit Fees . The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Credit Lender in accordance with its Pro Rata Share a Letter of Credit fee for each Letter of Credit issued pursuant to this Agreement equal to the Applicable Rate times the daily maximum amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit (whether or not such maximum amount is then in effect under such Letter of Credit if such maximum amount increases periodically pursuant to the terms of such Letter of Credit); provided that (x) if any portion of a Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share of any Letter of Credit is Cash Collateralized by the Borrower or reallocated to the other Revolving Credit Lenders pursuant to Section 2.03(a)(iv), then the Borrower shall not be required to pay a Letter of Credit fee with respect to such portion of such Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share so long as it is Cash Collateralized by the Borrower or reallocated to the other Revolving Credit Lenders and (y) if any portion of a Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share is not Cash Collateralized or reallocated pursuant to Section 2.03(a)(iv), then the Letter of Credit fee with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share shall be payable to the applicable L/C Issuer until such Pro Rata Share is Cash

 

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Collateralized or such Lender ceases to be a Defaulting Lender. Such Letter of Credit fees shall be computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. Such Letter of Credit fees shall be due and payable in Dollars on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand. If there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the daily maximum amount of each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.

(i) Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C Issuers . The Borrower shall pay directly to each L/C Issuer for its own account a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by it to the Borrower equal to the greater of (x) 0.125% per annum (or such other amount as may be mutually agreed by the Borrower and the applicable L/C Issuer) of the daily maximum amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit (whether or not such maximum amount is then in effect under such Letter of Credit if such maximum amount increases periodically pursuant to the terms of such Letter of Credit) and (y) to the extent the L/C Issuer is the Administrative Agent or an Affiliate thereof, $1,500 per annum. Such fronting fees shall be computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. Such fronting fees shall be due and payable in Dollars on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand. In addition, the Borrower shall pay directly to each L/C Issuer for its own account with respect to each Letter of Credit issued to the Borrower the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of such L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect. Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable within ten (10) Business Days of demand and are nonrefundable.

(j) Conflict with Letter of Credit Application . Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Agreement, in the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Letter of Credit Application, the terms hereof shall control.

(k) Addition of an L/C Issuer . A Revolving Credit Lender may become an additional L/C Issuer hereunder pursuant to a written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and such Revolving Credit Lender. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Revolving Credit Lenders of any such additional L/C Issuer.

(l) Upon the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date, the aggregate amount of participations in Letters of Credit held by Revolving Credit Lenders shall be deemed to be reallocated to the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lenders so that participation of the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lenders in outstanding Letters of Credit shall be in proportion to their respective Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitments.

Section 2.04. Swing Line Loans .

(a) The Swing Line . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Bank of America, in its capacity as Swing Line Lender, may in its sole discretion, agree to make loans in Dollars to the Borrower (each such loan, a “ Swing Line Loan ”), from time to time on any Business Day during the period beginning on the Closing Date and until the Maturity Date in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of the Swing Line Sublimit, notwithstanding the fact that such Swing Line Loans, when aggregated with the Pro Rata Share of the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Credit Loans and L/C Obligations of the Lender acting as Swing Line Lender, may exceed the amount of such Swing Line Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment; provided that, after giving effect to any Swing Line Loan, (i) the Revolving Credit Exposure shall not exceed the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitment and (ii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Revolving Credit Loans of any Lender (other than the relevant Swing Line Lender), plus such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment then in effect; provided further

 

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that the Borrower shall not use the proceeds of any Swing Line Loan to refinance any outstanding Swing Line Loan. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.04, prepay under Section 2.05, and reborrow under this Section 2.04. Each Swing Line Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan. Immediately upon the making of a Swing Line Loan, each Revolving Credit Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the Swing Line Lender a risk participation in such Swing Line Loan in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share times the amount of such Swing Line Loan.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, before making any Swing Line Loans (if at such time any Revolving Credit Lender is a Defaulting Lender), the applicable Swing Line Lender may condition the provision of any Swing Line Loans on its receipt of Cash Collateral or similar security satisfactory to such Swing Line Lender (in its sole discretion) from either the Borrower or such Defaulting Lender in respect of such Defaulting Lender’s risk participation in such Swing Line Loans as set forth below. The Borrower and/or such Defaulting Lender hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Swing Line Lender, a security interest in all such Cash Collateral and all proceeds of the foregoing. Such Cash Collateral shall be maintained in blocked deposit accounts at Bank of America and may be invested in Cash Equivalents reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent. If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that any funds held as Cash Collateral under this paragraph are subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Swing Line Lender or that the total amount of such funds is less than the aggregate risk participation of such Defaulting Lender in the applicable Swing Line Loan, the Borrower and/or such Defaulting Lender will, promptly upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay to the Administrative Agent, as additional funds to be deposited as Cash Collateral, an amount equal to the excess of (x) such aggregate risk participation over (y) the total amount of funds, if any, then held as Cash Collateral under this paragraph that the Administrative Agent determines to be free and clear of any such right and claim. If the Revolving Credit Lender that triggers the Cash Collateral requirement under this paragraph ceases to be a Defaulting Lender (as determined by the Swing Line Lender in good faith), or if the Swing Line Commitments have been permanently reduced to zero, the funds held as Cash Collateral shall thereafter be returned to the Borrower or the Defaulting Lender, whichever provided the funds for the Cash Collateral.

(b) Borrowing Procedures . Each Swing Line Borrowing shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the requested borrowing date and shall specify (i) the amount to be borrowed, which shall be a minimum of $100,000 and (ii) the requested borrowing date, which shall be a Business Day. Each such telephonic notice must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the relevant Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent of a written Swing Line Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Promptly after receipt by the Swing Line Lender of any Swing Line Loan Notice (by telephone or in writing), the Swing Line Lender will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has also received such Swing Line Loan Notice and, if not, such Swing Line Lender will notify the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) of the contents thereof. Unless (x) the relevant Swing Line Lender has received notice (by telephone or in writing) from the Administrative Agent (including at the request of any Revolving Credit Lender) prior to 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the date of the proposed Swing Line Borrowing (A) directing the Swing Line Lender not to make such Swing Line Loan as a result of the limitations set forth in the first proviso to the first sentence of Section 2.04(a), or (B) that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.01 is not then satisfied or (y) such Swing Line Lender has determined in its sole discretion not to make such Swing Line Loan, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swing Line Lender will, not later than 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the borrowing date specified in such Swing Line Loan Notice, make the amount of its Swing Line Loan available to the Borrower.

(c) Refinancing of Swing Line Loans . (i) The Swing Line Lender at any time in its sole and absolute discretion may request, on behalf the Borrower (which hereby irrevocably authorizes such Swing Line Lender to so request on its behalf), that each Revolving Credit Lender make a Base Rate Loan in an amount equal to such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the amount of Swing Line Loans then outstanding. Such request shall be made in writing (which written request shall be deemed to be a Committed Loan Notice for purposes hereof) and in

 

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accordance with the requirements of Section 2.02, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified therein for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the unutilized portion of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.01. The relevant Swing Line Lender shall furnish the Borrower with a copy of the applicable Committed Loan Notice promptly after delivering such notice to the Administrative Agent. Each Revolving Credit Lender shall make an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of the amount specified in such Committed Loan Notice available to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds for the account of the Swing Line Lender at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the day specified in such Committed Loan Notice, whereupon, subject to Section 2.04(c)(ii), each Revolving Credit Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Loan to the Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the Swing Line Lender.

(ii) If for any reason any Swing Line Loan cannot be refinanced by such a Revolving Credit Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.04(c)(i), the request for Base Rate Loans submitted by the relevant Swing Line Lender as set forth herein shall be deemed to be a request by such Swing Line Lender that each of the Revolving Credit Lenders fund its risk participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan and each Revolving Credit Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(i) shall be deemed payment in respect of such participation.

(iii) If any Revolving Credit Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender any amount required to be paid by the Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.04(c) by the time specified in Section 2.04(c)(i), the Swing Line Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the Swing Line Lender at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Swing Line Lender in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Swing Line Lender in connection with the foregoing. A certificate of the Swing Line Lender submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (iii) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(iv) Each Revolving Credit Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans or to purchase and fund risk participations in Swing Line Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the Swing Line Lender, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided that each Revolving Credit Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) (but not to purchase and fund risk participations in Swing Line Loans) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.01. No such funding of risk participations shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to repay Swing Line Loans, together with interest as provided herein.

(d) Repayment of Participations . (i) At any time after any Revolving Credit Lender has purchased and funded a risk participation in a Swing Line Loan, if the relevant Swing Line Lender receives any payment on account of such Swing Line Loan, such Swing Line Lender will distribute to such Lender its Pro Rata Share of such payment (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s risk participation was funded) in the same funds as those received by such Swing Line Lender.

(ii) If any payment received by the Swing Line Lender in respect of principal or interest on any Swing Line Loan is required to be returned by the Swing Line Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Swing Line Lender in its discretion), each Revolving Credit Lender shall pay to the Swing Line Lender its Pro Rata Share thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned, at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Federal Funds Rate. The Administrative Agent will make such demand upon the request of a Swing Line Lender. The obligations of the Revolving Credit Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

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(e) Interest for Account of Swing Line Lender . The Swing Line Lender shall be responsible for invoicing the Borrower for interest on the Swing Line Loans. Until each Revolving Credit Lender funds its Base Rate Loan, Eurocurrency Rate Loan or risk participation pursuant to this Section 2.04 to refinance such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of any Swing Line Loan, interest in respect of such Pro Rata Share shall be solely for the account of the Swing Line Lender.

(f) Payments Directly to Swing Line Lender . The Borrower shall make all payments of principal and interest in respect of the Swing Line Loans directly to the Swing Line Lender.

(g) Upon the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date, the aggregate amount of participations in Swing Line Loans held by Revolving Credit Lenders shall be deemed to be reallocated to the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lenders so that participation of the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Lenders in outstanding Swing Line Loans shall be in proportion to their respective Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitments.

Section 2.05. Prepayments .

(a) Optional . (i) The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Term Loans of any Class and Revolving Credit Loans in whole or in part and, except as set forth below in clause (d) below, without premium or penalty; provided that (1) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) (A) three (3) Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans and (B) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Loans; (2) any prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of $2,500,000, or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof; (3) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding; and (4) no Extended Term Loan under any Extended Term Facility shall be prepaid prior to the date on which all Term Loans of the Class from which such Extended Term Loans were converted unless such prepayment is accompanied by a pro rata prepayment of Term Loans under the original Class (or in the case of prepayments made on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, such shorter notice period as to which the Administrative Agent may consent). Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Class(es) and Type(s) of Loans and the order of Borrowing(s) to be prepaid. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share or, if such prepayment is being made pursuant to Section 2.05(c) or Section 10.07(k), such Lender’s share, of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest thereon, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. In the case of each prepayment of the Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(a), the Borrower may in its sole discretion select the Borrowing or Borrowings (and the order of maturity of principal payments) to be repaid, and such payment shall be paid to the Appropriate Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares (other than if pursuant to Section 2.05(c) or Section 10.07(k)).

(ii) The Borrower may, upon notice to the Swing Line Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at any time or from time to time, voluntarily prepay Swing Line Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (1) such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the date of the prepayment, and (2) any such prepayment shall be in a minimum principal amount of $100,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein.

 

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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Borrower may rescind any notice of prepayment under Section 2.05(a)(i) or 2.05(a)(ii) if such prepayment would have resulted from a refinancing of all of the Facilities, which refinancing shall not be consummated or shall otherwise be delayed. Each prepayment of Term Loans of any Class pursuant to this Section 2.05(a) shall be applied in an order of priority to repayments thereof required pursuant to Section 2.07(a) as directed by the Borrower and, absent such direction, shall be applied in direct order of maturity to repayments thereof required pursuant to Section 2.07(a).

(b) Mandatory . (i) Within six (6) Business Days after financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) (commencing with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011) and the related Compliance Certificate has been delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a), the Borrower shall cause to be prepaid an aggregate amount of Term Loans in an amount equal to (A) the Applicable ECF Percentage of Excess Cash Flow, if any, for the Excess Cash Flow Period covered by such financial statements minus (B) the sum of (1) all voluntary prepayments of Term Loans during such fiscal year pursuant to Section 2.05(a) and the amount expended by any Purchasing Borrower Party to prepay any Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(c) or Section 10.07(k) and (2) all voluntary prepayments of Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans during such fiscal year to the extent the Revolving Credit Commitments are permanently reduced by the amount of such payments, in the case of each of the immediately preceding clauses (1) and (2), to the extent such prepayments are not funded with the proceeds of Indebtedness.

(ii) If (1) the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower Disposes of any property or assets (other than any Disposition of any property or assets permitted by Section 7.05(a)(i), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (l), (n), (p) or (q), or (2) any Casualty Event occurs, which results in the realization or receipt by the Borrower or Restricted Subsidiary of Net Proceeds, the Borrower shall cause to be offered to be prepaid on or prior to the date which is ten (10) Business Days after the date of the realization or receipt by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Net Proceeds an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans in an amount equal to 100% of all Net Proceeds received; provided that if any Permitted Notes have been issued in compliance with Section 7.01 and 7.03 with Liens ranking pari passu with the Liens securing the Obligations pursuant to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, then the Borrower may, to the extent required pursuant to the terms of the documentation governing such Permitted Notes, prepay Term Loans and purchase such Permitted Notes (at a purchase price no greater than par plus accrued and unpaid interest) on a pro rata basis in accordance with the respective principal amounts thereof.

(iii) If the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (A) incurs or issues any Indebtedness after the Closing Date (x) pursuant to Section 7.03(s)(iii) or (y) that is not otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 7.03, or (B) if any Refinancing Term Loans are borrowed, the Borrower shall cause to be prepaid an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans in an amount equal to 100% of all Net Proceeds received therefrom, in the case of Clause (A) on or prior to the date which is six (6) Business Days after the receipt by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary of such Net Proceeds and, in the case of clause (B), on the date of such incurrence.

(iv) If for any reason the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposures at any time exceeds the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments then in effect, the Borrower shall promptly prepay or cause to be promptly prepaid Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans and/or Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to such excess; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(iv) unless after the prepayment in full of the Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans such aggregate Outstanding Amount exceeds the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments then in effect.

(v) Each prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(i), (ii) or (iii) shall (except to the extent that any Incremental Amendment, Term Loan Extension Amendment or Refinancing Term Loan Amendment provides that the Incremental Term Loans, Extended Term Loans or Refinancing Term Loans established thereby shall participate on a less than pro rata basis with any existing Class of Term Loans) be applied pro rata to each Class of Term Loans in direct order of maturity to repayments thereof required pursuant to Section 2.07(a); and each such prepayment shall be paid to the Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares, subject to clause (vi) of this Section 2.05(b.

 

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(vi) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in writing of any mandatory prepayment of Term Loans required to be made pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) of this Section 2.05(b) at least four (4) Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment. Each such notice shall specify the date of such prepayment and provide a reasonably detailed calculation of the amount of such prepayment. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of the contents of the Borrower’s prepayment notice and of such Appropriate Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the prepayment. Each Term Lender may reject all or a portion of its Pro Rata Share of any mandatory prepayment (such declined amounts, the “ Declined Proceeds ”) of Term Loans required to be made pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 2.05(b) by providing written notice (each, a “ Rejection Notice ”) to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower no later than 5:00 p.m. one (1) Business Day after the date of such Lender’s receipt of notice from the Administrative Agent regarding such prepayment. Each Rejection Notice from a given Lender shall specify the principal amount of the mandatory repayment of Term Loans to be rejected by such Lender. If a Term Lender fails to deliver a Rejection Notice to the Administrative Agent within the time frame specified above or such Rejection Notice fails to specify the principal amount of the Term Loans to be rejected, any such failure will be deemed an acceptance of the total amount of such mandatory prepayment of Term Loans. Any Declined Proceeds shall be retained by the Borrower.

(vii) Funding Losses , Etc . All prepayments under this Section 2.05 shall be made together with, in the case of any such prepayment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan on a date other than the last day of an Interest Period therefor, any amounts owing in respect of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan pursuant to Section 3.05. Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of Section 2.05(b), so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, if any prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans is required to be made under this Section 2.05(b), prior to the last day of the Interest Period therefor, the Borrower may, in its sole discretion, deposit the amount of any such prepayment otherwise required to be made thereunder into a Cash Collateral Account until the last day of such Interest Period, at which time the Administrative Agent shall be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Loan Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of such Loans in accordance with this Section 2.05(b). Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall also be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Loan Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of the outstanding Loans in accordance with this Section 2.05(b).

(viii) Foreign Dispositions . Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 2.05, (i) to the extent that any of or all the Net Proceeds of any Disposition by a Foreign Subsidiary (“ Foreign Disposition ”) or Excess Cash Flow attributable to Foreign Subsidiaries are prohibited or delayed by applicable local law from being repatriated to the United States, the portion of such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow so affected will not be required to be applied to repay Term Loans at the times provided in this Section 2.05 but may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary so long, but only so long, as the applicable local law will not permit repatriation to the United States (the Borrower hereby agreeing to cause the applicable Foreign Subsidiary to promptly take all actions required by the applicable local law to permit such repatriation), and once such repatriation of any of such affected Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow is permitted under the applicable local law, such repatriation will be immediately effected and such repatriated Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow will be promptly (and in any event not later than two Business Days after such repatriation) applied (net of additional taxes payable or reserved against as a result thereof) to the repayment of the Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05 and (ii) to the extent that the Borrower has determined in good faith that repatriation of any of or all the Net Proceeds of any Foreign Disposition or Foreign Subsidiary Excess Cash Flow would have material adverse tax cost consequences with respect to such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow, such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow so affected may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary; provided that, in the case of this clause (ii), on or before the date on which any such Net Proceeds so retained would otherwise have been required to be applied to reinvestments or prepayments pursuant to Section 2.05(b) or any such Excess Cash Flow would have been required to be applied to prepayments pursuant to Section 2.05(b), the Borrower applies an amount equal to such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow to such reinvestments or prepayments, as applicable, as if such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow had been received by the Borrower rather than such Foreign Subsidiary, less the amount of additional taxes that would have been payable or reserved against if such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow had been repatriated (or, if less, the Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow that would be calculated if received by such Foreign Subsidiary).

 

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(ix) The Borrower shall prepay all Term A Loans and Term B-1 Loans that are not Converted Term Loans on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date.

(c) (i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.05(a), 2.12(a) or 2.13 (which provisions shall not be applicable to this Section 2.05(c)), any Purchasing Borrower Party shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay Term Loans of any Class to the Lenders at a discount to the par value of such Loans and on a non pro rata basis (each, a “ Discounted Voluntary Prepayment ”) pursuant to the procedures described in this Section 2.05(c); provided that (A) no Discounted Voluntary Prepayment shall be made from the proceeds of any Revolving Credit Loan or Swing Line Loan, (B) immediately after giving effect to any Discounted Voluntary Prepayment, the sum of (x) the excess of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments at such time less the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure plus (y) the amount of unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be not less than $50,000,000, (C) any Discounted Voluntary Prepayment shall be offered to all Lenders with Term Loans of the specified Class on a pro rata basis, (D) such Purchasing Borrower Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate stating that (1) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the Discounted Voluntary Prepayment (after giving effect to any related waivers or amendments obtained in connection with such Discounted Voluntary Prepayment), (2) each of the conditions to such Discounted Voluntary Prepayment contained in this Section 2.05(c) has been satisfied, (3) such Purchasing Borrower Party does not have any material non-public information (“ MNPI ”) with respect to Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries that either (a) has not been disclosed to the Lenders (other than Lenders that do not wish to receive MNPI with respect to Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates) prior to such time or (b) if not disclosed to the Lenders, could reasonably be expected to have a material effect upon, or otherwise be material, (i) to a Lender’s decision to participate in any Discounted Voluntary Prepayment or (ii) to the market price of the Term Loans.

(ii) To the extent a Purchasing Borrower Party seeks to make a Discounted Voluntary Prepayment, such Purchasing Borrower Party will provide written notice to the Administrative Agent substantially in the form of Exhibit J hereto (each, a “ Discounted Prepayment Option Notice ”) that such Purchasing Borrower Party desires to prepay Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount specified therein by the Purchasing Borrower Party (each, a “ Proposed Discounted Prepayment Amount ”), in each case at a discount to the par value of such Term Loans as specified below. The Proposed Discounted Prepayment Amount of Term Loans shall not be less than $5,000,000. The Discounted Prepayment Option Notice shall further specify with respect to the proposed Discounted Voluntary Prepayment: (A) the Proposed Discounted Prepayment Amount of Term Loans, (B) a discount range (which may be a single percentage) selected by the Purchasing Borrower Party with respect to such proposed Discounted Voluntary Prepayment (representing the percentage of par of the principal amount of Term Loans to be prepaid) (the “ Discount Range ”), and (C) the date by which Lenders are required to indicate their election to participate in such proposed Discounted Voluntary Prepayment which shall be at least five Business Days following the date of the Discounted Prepayment Option Notice (the “ Acceptance Date ”).

(iii) Upon receipt of a Discounted Prepayment Option Notice in accordance with Section 2.05(c)(ii), the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each applicable Lender thereof. On or prior to the Acceptance Date, each such Lender may specify by written notice substantially in the form of Exhibit K hereto (each, a “ Lender Participation Notice ”) to the Administrative Agent (A) a minimum price (the “ Acceptable Price ”) within the Discount Range (for example, 80% of the par value of the Loans to be prepaid) and (B) a maximum principal amount (subject to rounding requirements specified by the Administrative Agent) of Term Loans of the applicable Class with respect to which such Lender is willing to permit a Discounted Voluntary Prepayment at the Acceptable Price (“ Offered Loans ”). Based on the Acceptable Prices and principal amounts of Term Loans specified by the Lenders in the applicable Lender Participation Notice, the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Purchasing Borrower Party, shall determine the applicable discount for Term Loans (the “ Applicable Discount ”), which Applicable Discount shall be (A) the percentage specified by the Purchasing Borrower Party if the Purchasing Borrower Party has selected a single percentage pursuant to Section 2.05(c)(ii) for the Discounted Voluntary Prepayment or (B) otherwise, the lowest Acceptable Price at which the Purchasing Borrower Party can pay the Proposed Discounted Prepayment Amount in full (determined by adding the principal amounts of Offered Loans commencing with the Offered Loans with the lowest Acceptable Price); provided , however , that in the event that such Proposed Discounted Prepayment Amount cannot be repaid in full at any

 

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Acceptable Price, the Applicable Discount shall be the highest Acceptable Price specified by the Lenders that is within the Discount Range. The Applicable Discount shall be applicable for all Lenders who have offered to participate in the Voluntary Discounted Prepayment and have Qualifying Loans (as defined below). Any Lender with outstanding Term Loans of the applicable Class whose Lender Participation Notice is not received by the Administrative Agent by the Acceptance Date shall be deemed to have declined to accept a Discounted Voluntary Prepayment of any of its Term Loans at any discount to their par value within the Applicable Discount.

(iv) The Purchasing Borrower Party shall make a Discounted Voluntary Prepayment by prepaying those Term Loans of the applicable Class (or the respective portions thereof) offered by the Lenders (“ Qualifying Lenders ”) that specify an Acceptable Price that is equal to or lower than the Applicable Discount (“ Qualifying Loans ”) at the Applicable Discount; provided that if the aggregate proceeds required to prepay all Qualifying Loans (disregarding any interest payable at such time) would exceed the amount of aggregate proceeds required to prepay the Proposed Discounted Prepayment Amount, such amounts in each case calculated by applying the Applicable Discount, the Purchasing Borrower Party shall prepay such Qualifying Loans ratably among the Qualifying Lenders based on their respective principal amounts of such Qualifying Loans (subject to rounding requirements specified by the Administrative Agent). If the aggregate proceeds required to prepay all Qualifying Loans (disregarding any interest payable at such time) would be less than the amount of aggregate proceeds required to prepay the Proposed Discounted Prepayment Amount, such amounts in each case calculated by applying the Applicable Discount, the Purchasing Borrower Party shall prepay all Qualifying Loans.

(v) Each Discounted Voluntary Prepayment shall be made within four Business Days of the Acceptance Date (or such other date as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably agree, given the time required to calculate the Applicable Discount and determine the amount and holders of Qualifying Loans), without premium or penalty (but subject to Section 3.05), upon irrevocable notice substantially in the form of Exhibit L hereto (each a “ Discounted Voluntary Prepayment Notice ”), delivered to the Administrative Agent no later than 11:00 a.m. (New York City time), three Business Days prior to the date of such Discounted Voluntary Prepayment, which notice shall specify the date and amount of the Discounted Voluntary Prepayment and the Applicable Discount determined by the Administrative Agent. Upon receipt of any Discounted Voluntary Prepayment Notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each relevant Lender thereof. If any Discounted Voluntary Prepayment Notice is given, the amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable to the applicable Lenders, subject to the Applicable Discount on the applicable Loans, on the date specified therein together with accrued interest (on the par principal amount) to but not including such date on the amount prepaid.

(vi) To the extent not expressly provided for herein, each Discounted Voluntary Prepayment shall be consummated pursuant to reasonable procedures (including as to timing, rounding and calculation of Applicable Discount in accordance with Section 2.05(c)(iii) above) established by the Administrative Agent in consultation with the Borrower.

(vii) Prior to the delivery of a Discounted Voluntary Prepayment Notice, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Purchasing Borrower Party may withdraw its offer to make a Discounted Voluntary Prepayment pursuant to any Discounted Prepayment Option Notice.

(d) Prepayment Premium . In the event that, at any time after the Amendment No.  5 7 Effective Date and on or prior to May 14, 2014, the date that is six months after the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date, (i) this Agreement is amended and such amendment to this Agreement has the effect of reducing the interest rate applicable to the Term B- 2 3 Loans (other than any waiver of default interest) or (ii) the Borrower makes any mandatory or voluntary prepayment of Term B- 2 3 Loans with the proceeds of any term loan Indebtedness under any credit facility (including, without limitation, any new or additional Term Loans under this Agreement) which term loan Indebtedness has a lower interest rate margin than the highest interest rate then applicable with respect to the Term B- 2 3 Loans ( provided that solely for the purposes of the foregoing clause (ii), the interest rate margins applicable to any term loan Indebtedness shall be deemed to include all upfront or similar fees or original issue discount payable by the Borrower generally to the lenders providing such term loan Indebtedness based on an assumed four-year life to maturity and, if the lowest possible Eurocurrency Rate applicable to such term loan Indebtedness is greater than 0.75% or the lowest possible Base Rate applicable to such term loan Indebtedness is

 

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greater than 1.75%, the difference between such “floor” and 0.75% in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Term B- 2 3 Loans, or 1.75%, in the case of Base Rate Term B- 2 3 Loans, shall be equated to interest rate margin for purposes of the foregoing clause (ii)), then the Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, (x) in the case of clause (i), for the account of each Term B- 2 3 Lender that agrees to such amendment a fee in an amount equal to 1.00% of such Lender’s Term B- 2 3 Loans outstanding on the effective date of such amendment and (y) in the case of clause (ii), for the account of each Term B- 2 3 Lender a fee in an amount equal to 1.00% of such Lender’s Term B- 2 3 Loans that are being prepaid as a result of such prepayment.

Section 2.06. Termination or Reduction of Commitments .

(a) Optional . The Borrower may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the unused Commitments of any Class, or from time to time permanently reduce the unused Commitments of any Class, in each case without premium or penalty; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent three (3) Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of $1,000,000, as applicable, or any whole multiple of $250,000, in excess thereof and (iii) if, after giving effect to any reduction of the Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit exceeds the amount of the Revolving Credit Facility, such sublimit shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess. The amount of any such Commitment reduction shall not otherwise be applied to the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit unless otherwise specified by the Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may rescind or postpone any notice of termination of the Commitments if such termination would have resulted from a refinancing of all of the Facilities, which refinancing shall not be consummated or otherwise shall be delayed.

(b) Mandatory . The Additional Term B- 2 3 Commitment of the Additional Initial Term B- 2 3 Lender shall be automatically and permanently reduced to $0 upon the funding of Term B- 2 3 Loans to be made by such Additional Initial Term B- 2 3 Lender on the Amendment No.  5 7 Effective Date or if the Amendment No.  5 7 Effective Date does not occur on or prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York, New York time) on the date of Amendment No.  5. 7. The Tranche 1 Revolving Credit Commitment (other than any Converted Revolving Credit Commitment) of each Revolving Credit Lender shall automatically and permanently terminate on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date. The Revolving Credit Commitment of each Revolving Credit Lender shall automatically and permanently terminate on the Maturity Date or if the Closing Date does not occur on or prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York, New York time) on the date of this Agreement.

(c) Application of Commitment Reductions; Payment of Fees . The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any termination or reduction of unused portions of the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit or the unused Commitments of any Class under this Section 2.06. Upon any reduction of unused Commitments of any Class, the Commitment of each Lender of such Class shall be reduced by such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the amount by which such Commitments are reduced (other than the termination of the Commitment of any Lender as provided in Section 3.07). All commitment fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.

Section 2.07. Repayment of Loans .

(a) Term Loans . The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Term B-2 Lenders (i) on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with September 30, 2013, an aggregate amount equal to 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Term B-2 Loans outstanding on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date (which payments shall be reduced as a result of the application of prepayments in accordance with the order of priority set forth in Section 2.05) and (ii) on the Maturity Date for the Term B-2 Loans, the aggregate principal amount of all Term B-2 Loans outstanding on such date. The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Term B-3 Lenders (i) on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with June 30, 2015, an aggregate amount equal to 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Term B-3 Loans outstanding on the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date (which payments shall be reduced as a result of the application of prepayments in accordance with the order of priority set forth in Section 2.05) and (ii) on the Maturity Date for the

 

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Term B-3 Loans, the aggregate principal amount of all Term B-3 Loans outstanding on such date. The Incremental Term Loans of any Class shall mature as provided in the applicable Incremental Amendment. The Extended Term Loans under any Extended Term Facility shall mature as provided in the applicable Extended Term Loan Amendment. The Refinancing Term Loans shall mature as provided in the applicable Refinancing Term Loan Amendment.

(b) Revolving Credit Loans . The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Appropriate Lenders on the Maturity Date for the applicable Revolving Credit Facility the aggregate principal amount of all of the Borrower’s Revolving Credit Loans under such Revolving Credit Facility outstanding on such date.

(c) Swing Line Loans . The Borrower shall repay the aggregate principal amount of its Swing Line Loans on the earlier to occur of (i) the date five (5) Business Days after such Loan is made and (ii) the Maturity Date for the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Facility.

Section 2.08. Interest .

(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 2.08(b), (i) each Eurocurrency Rate Loan (which shall not include any Swing Line Loan) shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Eurocurrency Rate, for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate; (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate; and (iii) each Swing Line Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate for Revolving Credit Loans.

(b) During the continuance of a Default under Section 8.01(a), the Borrower shall pay interest on past due amounts owing by it hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws; provided that no interest at the Default Rate shall accrue or be payable to a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender. Accrued and unpaid interest on such amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.

(c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.

Section 2.09. Fees .

In addition to certain fees described in Sections 2.03(h) and (i):

(a) Commitment Fee . The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Credit Lender under each Facility in accordance with its Pro Rata Share, a commitment fee equal to the Applicable Rate with respect to commitment fees times the actual daily amount by which the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitment exceeds the sum of (A) the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Credit Loans (which shall exclude, for the avoidance of doubt, any Swing Line Loans) and (B) the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations; provided that (x) any commitment fee accrued with respect to any of the Commitments of a Defaulting Lender during the period prior to the time such Lender became a Defaulting Lender and unpaid at such time shall not be payable by the Borrower so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender except to the extent that such commitment fee shall otherwise have been due and payable by the Borrower prior to such time and (y) no commitment fee shall accrue on any of the Commitments of a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender. The commitment fee on each Revolving Credit Facility shall accrue at all times from the Closing Date until the Maturity Date for the Revolving Credit Facility, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last

 

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Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date during the first full fiscal quarter to occur after the Closing Date, and on the Maturity Date for the Revolving Credit Facility. The commitment fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.

(b) Other Fees . The Borrower shall pay to the Agents such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever (except as expressly agreed between the Borrower and the applicable Agent).

(c) Closing Fees . The Borrower agrees to pay on the Closing Date to each Lender party to this Agreement on the Closing Date (other than the GS Lenders), as fee compensation for the funding of such Lender’s Original Term Loan and making of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment, a closing fee (the “ Closing Fee ”) in an amount equal to (x) 3.00% of the stated principal amount of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment on the Closing Date and (y) 1.50% of the stated principal amount of such Lender’s Term Loan made on the Closing Date. Such Closing Fee will be in all respects fully earned, due and payable on the Closing Date and non-refundable and non-creditable thereafter and, in the case of the Original Term Loans, such Closing Fee shall be netted against Original Term Loans made by such Lender.

Section 2.10. Computation of Interest and Fees .

All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by Bank of America’s “prime rate” shall be made on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty-five (365) days, or three hundred sixty-six (366) days, as applicable, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a three hundred and sixty (360) day year and actual days elapsed. Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid; provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a), bear interest for one (1) day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

Section 2.11. Evidence of Indebtedness .

(a) The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and evidenced by one or more entries in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent, acting solely for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 5f.103-1(c), as non-fiduciary agent for the Borrower, in each case in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be prima facie evidence absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note payable to such Lender, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

(b) In addition to the accounts and records referred to in Section 2.11(a), each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice accounts or records and, in the case of the Administrative Agent, entries in the Register, evidencing the purchases and sales by such Lender of participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by the Administrative Agent and the accounts and records of any Lender in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.

 

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(c) Entries made in good faith by the Administrative Agent in the Register pursuant to Sections 2.11(a) and (b), and by each Lender in its account or accounts pursuant to Sections 2.11(a) and (b), shall be prima facie evidence of the amount of principal and interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to, in the case of the Register, each Lender and, in the case of such account or accounts, such Lender, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, absent manifest error; provided that the failure of the Administrative Agent or such Lender to make an entry, or any finding that an entry is incorrect, in the Register or such account or accounts shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

Section 2.12. Payments Generally .

(a) All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the applicable Administrative Agent’s Office in Same Day Funds not later than 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Pro Rata Share (or other applicable share as provided in Section 2.05(b)(vi) or Section 2.05(c) or as otherwise provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s applicable Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. (New York City time), shall in each case be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue.

(b) If any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be; provided that, if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Eurocurrency Rate Loans to be made in the next succeeding calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day.

(c) Unless the Borrower or any Lender has notified the Administrative Agent, prior to the date any payment is required to be made by it to the Administrative Agent hereunder, that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, has timely made such payment and may (but shall not be so required to), in reliance thereon, make available a corresponding amount to the Person entitled thereto. If and to the extent that such payment was not in fact made to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds, then:

(i) if the Borrower failed to make such payment, each Lender shall forthwith on demand repay to the Administrative Agent the portion of such assumed payment that was made available to such Lender in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the applicable Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect; and

(ii) if any Lender failed to make such payment, such Lender shall forthwith on demand pay to the Administrative Agent the amount thereof in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon for the period from the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower to the date such amount is recovered by the Administrative Agent (the “ Compensation Period ”) at a rate per annum equal to the greater of (x) the applicable Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect and (y) a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking rules governing interbank compensation. When such Lender makes payment to the Administrative Agent (together with all accrued interest thereon), then such payment amount (excluding the amount of any interest which may have accrued and been paid in respect of such late payment) shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in the applicable Borrowing. If such Lender does not pay

 

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such amount forthwith upon the Administrative Agent’s demand therefor, the Administrative Agent may make a demand therefor upon the Borrower, and the Borrower shall pay such amount to the Administrative Agent, together with interest thereon for the Compensation Period at a rate per annum equal to the rate of interest applicable to the applicable Borrowing. Nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its obligation to fulfill its Commitment or to prejudice any rights which the Administrative Agent or the Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by such Lender hereunder.

A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this Section 2.12(c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

(d) If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.

(e) The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans and to fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan or to fund any such participation on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan or purchase its participation.

(f) Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.

(g) Whenever any payment received by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents is insufficient to pay in full all amounts due and payable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under or in respect of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents on any date, such payment shall be distributed by the Administrative Agent and applied by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in the order of priority set forth in Section 8.04. If the Administrative Agent receives funds for application to the Obligations of the Loan Parties under or in respect of the Loan Documents under circumstances for which the Loan Documents do not specify the manner in which such funds are to be applied, the Administrative Agent may (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law), but shall not be obligated to, elect to distribute such funds to each of the Lenders in accordance with such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the sum of (a) the Outstanding Amount of all Loans outstanding at such time and (b) the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations outstanding at such time, in repayment or prepayment of such of the outstanding Loans or other Obligations then owing to such Lender.

(h) If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.02(b), 2.03(c), 2.04(c), 2.12(c) or 2.13, then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender’s obligations under such Sections until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid.

Section 2.13. Sharing of Payments .

If, other than as expressly provided in Section 2.05(b)(vi), Section 2.05(c), Section 7.03(s)(iv), Section 10.07(k) or as otherwise provided elsewhere herein, any Lender shall obtain on account of the Loans made by it, or the participations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans held by it, any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of setoff, or otherwise) in excess of its ratable share (or other share contemplated hereunder) thereof, such Lender shall immediately (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Loans made by them and/or such

 

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subparticipations in the participations in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans held by them, as the case may be, as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment in respect of such Loans or such participations, as the case may be, pro rata with each of them; provided that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the purchasing Lender in its discretion), such purchase shall to that extent be rescinded and each other Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price paid therefor, together with an amount equal to such paying Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such paying Lender’s required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered, without further interest thereon. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of setoff, but subject to Section 10.09) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation. The Administrative Agent will keep records (which shall be conclusive and binding in the absence of manifest error) of participations purchased under this Section 2.13 and will in each case notify the Lenders following any such purchases or repayments. Each Lender that purchases a participation pursuant to this Section 2.13 shall from and after such purchase have the right to give all notices, requests, demands, directions and other communications under this Agreement with respect to the portion of the Obligations purchased to the same extent as though the purchasing Lender were the original owner of the Obligations purchased.

Section 2.14. Incremental Credit Extensions .

(a) The Borrower may at any time or from time to time after the Closing Date, by notice to the Administrative Agent (whereupon the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver a copy to each of the Lenders), request (a) one or more additional Classes or additions to an existing Class of Term Loans (the “ Incremental Term Loans ” and any such Class, an “ Incremental Series ”) or (b) one or more increases in the amount of the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Commitments on the same terms as the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Facility (except for interest rate margins and commitment fees) (a “ Revolving Commitment Increase ”), provided that (i) both at the time of any such request and upon the effectiveness of any Incremental Amendment referred to below, no Event of Default shall exist and at the time that any such Incremental Term Loan is made (and after giving effect thereto) no Event of Default shall exist and (ii) the Borrower shall be in compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11 determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the date of the most recently ended Test Period (or, if no Test Period cited in Section 7.11 has passed, the covenants in Section 7.11 for the first Test Period cited in such Section shall be satisfied as of the last four quarters ended), in each case, as if such Incremental Term Loans or any borrowings under any such Revolving Commitment Increases, as applicable, had been outstanding on the last day of such fiscal quarter of the Borrower for testing compliance therewith. Each tranche of Incremental Term Loans and each Revolving Commitment Increase shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $25,000,000 and shall be in an increment of $1,000,000 ( provided that such amount may be less than $25,000,000 if such amount represents all remaining availability under the limit set forth in the next sentence). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the aggregate amount of the Incremental Term Loans and the Revolving Commitment Increases, when aggregated with the amount of Permitted Notes issued in reliance on Section 7.03(s)(i) and Section 7.03(s)(ii)(x), shall not exceed (x) $350,000,000 (the “ Initial Incremental Amount ”) plus (y) the Borrower may incur additional Incremental Term Loans and/or Revolving Commitment Increases (a “ Ratio-Based Incremental Facility ”) so long as the Borrower’s First Lien Secured Leverage Ratio, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements were required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b), as applicable (or, if no Test Period has passed, as of the last four quarters ended), in each case, as if such Ratio-Based Incremental Facility (and Revolving Credit Loans in an amount equal to the full amount of any such Revolving Commitment Increase) had been outstanding on the last day of such four quarter period, shall not exceed 3.50 to 1.00. The Incremental Term Loans (a) shall rank pari passu or junior in right of payment and of security with the Revolving Credit Loans and the Term Loans; provided that any Incremental Term Loans ranking junior in right of payment and security shall be deemed to rank pari passu in right of payment and of security with the Revolving Credit Loans and the Term Loans for purposes of calculating the First Lien Secured Leverage Ratio with respect to any incurrence of a Ratio-Based Incremental Facility, (b) shall not mature earlier than the Maturity Date with respect to the Term B- 2 3

 

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Loans, (c) shall have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity not shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of then-existing Term B- 2 3 Loans and (d) the Applicable Rate for the Incremental Term Loan, and subject to clause (c) above, amortization for the Incremental Term Loans shall be determined by the Borrower and the applicable new Lenders; provided , however , that if any such additional Incremental Term Loans are requested prior to November 14, 2014, the date that is eighteen (18) months after the Amendment No. 7 Effective Date (i) the interest rate margins for the Incremental Term Loans shall not be greater than the highest interest rate margins that may, under any circumstances, be payable with respect to Term B- 2 3 Loans plus 50 basis points (unless the interest rate margins applicable to the Term B- 2 3 Loans are increased to the extent necessary to achieve the foregoing), (ii) solely for purposes of the foregoing clause (i), the interest rate margins applicable to any Term Loans or Incremental Term Loans shall be deemed to include all upfront or similar fees or original issue discount payable by the Borrower generally to the Lenders providing such Term Loans or such Incremental Term Loans based on an assumed four-year life to maturity and (iii) if the lowest permissible Eurocurrency Rate is greater than 0.75% or the lowest permissible Base Rate is greater than 1.75% for such Incremental Term Loans, the difference between such “floor” and 0.75%, in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Incremental Term Loans, or 1.75%, in the case of Base Rate Incremental Term Loans, shall be equated to interest rate margin for purposes of clause (i) above; provided that except as provided above, the terms and conditions applicable to Incremental Term Loans may be materially different from those of the Term Loans to the extent such differences are reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. Each notice from the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.14 shall set forth the requested amount and proposed terms of the relevant Incremental Term Loans or Revolving Commitment Increases. Incremental Term Loans may be made, and Revolving Commitment Increases may be provided, by any existing Lender (but each existing Lender will not have an obligation to make a portion of any Incremental Term Loan or any portion of any Revolving Commitment Increase) or by any other bank or other financial institution (any such other bank or other financial institution being called an “ Additional Lender ”), provided that the Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and/or Swing Line Lender, as applicable, shall have consented (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to such Lender’s or Additional Lender’s making such Incremental Term Loans or providing such Revolving Commitment Increases to the extent any such consent would be required under Section 10.07(b) for an assignment of Loans or Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, to such Lender or Additional Lender. Commitments in respect of Incremental Term Loans and Revolving Commitment Increases shall become Commitments (or in the case of a Revolving Commitment Increase to be provided by an existing Revolving Credit Lender, an increase in such Lender’s applicable Revolving Credit Commitment) under this Agreement pursuant to an amendment (an “ Incremental Amendment ”) to this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by the Borrower, each Lender agreeing to provide such Commitment, if any, each Additional Lender, if any, and the Administrative Agent. The Incremental Amendment may, without the consent of Borrower, or any other Loan Party, Agents or Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.14. The Borrower will use the proceeds of the Incremental Term Loans and Revolving Commitment Increases for any purpose not prohibited by this Agreement. No Lender shall be obligated to provide any Incremental Term Loans or Revolving Commitment Increases, unless it so agrees. Upon each increase in the Revolving Credit Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.14, (a) if the increase relates to the Revolving Credit Facility, each Revolving Credit Lender immediately prior to such increase will automatically and without further act be deemed to have assigned to each Lender providing a portion of the Revolving Commitment Increase (each, a “ Revolving Commitment Increase Lender ”), and each such Revolving Commitment Increase Lender will automatically and without further act be deemed to have assumed (in the case of an increase to the Revolving Credit Facility only), a portion of such Revolving Credit Lender’s participations hereunder in outstanding Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans such that, after giving effect to each such deemed assignment and assumption of participations, the percentage of the aggregate outstanding (i) participations hereunder in Letters of Credit and (ii) participations hereunder in Swing Line Loans held by each Revolving Credit Lender (including each such Revolving Commitment Increase Lender) will equal the percentage of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments of all Revolving Credit Lenders represented by such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment and (b) if, on the date of such increase, there are any Revolving Credit Loans under the applicable Facility outstanding, such Revolving Credit Loans shall on or prior to the effectiveness of such Revolving Commitment Increase be prepaid from the proceeds of additional Revolving Credit Loans made hereunder (reflecting such increase in Revolving Credit Commitments), which prepayment shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the Revolving Credit Loans being prepaid and any costs incurred by any Lender in accordance with Section 3.05. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereby agree that the minimum borrowing, pro rata borrowing and pro rata payment requirements contained elsewhere in this Agreement shall not apply to the transactions effected pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.

 

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(b) This Section 2.14 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.13 or 10.01 to the contrary.

Section 2.15. Refinancing Term Loans .

(a) The Borrower may by written notice to Administrative Agent elect to request the establishment of one or more additional tranches of term loans denominated in Dollars under this Agreement (“ Refinancing Term Loans ”) to refinance an outstanding Class of Term Loans. Each such notice shall specify the date (each, a “ Refinancing Effective Date ”) on which the Borrower proposes that the Refinancing Term Loans shall be made, which shall be a date not less than five Business Days after the date on which such notice is delivered to the Administrative Agent; provided that:

(i) before and after giving effect to the borrowing of such Refinancing Term Loans on the Refinancing Effective Date each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.01 shall be satisfied;

(ii) such Refinancing Term Loans shall mature no earlier than, and the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Refinancing Term Loans shall not be shorter than the then remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of Term Loans outstanding under the Class of Term B-2 Loans being so refinanced at the time of such refinancing;

(iii) all other terms applicable to such Refinancing Term Loans (other than provisions relating to original issue discount, upfront fees and interest rates which shall be as agreed between the Borrower and the Lenders providing such Refinancing Term Loans) shall be substantially identical to, or less favorable to the Lenders providing such Refinancing Term Loans than, those applicable to the then outstanding Term Loans of the applicable Class except to the extent such covenants and other terms apply solely to any period after the latest final maturity of all Classes of Term Loans and Revolving Commitments in effect on the Refinancing Effective Date immediately prior to the borrowing of such Refinancing Term Loans;

(iv) the Loan Parties and the Collateral Agent shall enter into such amendments to the Collateral Documents as may be requested by the Collateral Agent (which shall not require any consent from any Lender) in order to ensure that the Refinancing Term Loans are provided with the benefit of the applicable Collateral Documents and shall deliver such other documents, certificates and opinions of counsel in connection therewith as may be requested by the Collateral Agent; and

(v) the Net Proceeds of the Refinancing Term Loans shall be applied to the repayment of the then outstanding Term Loans in accordance with Section 2.05(b).

(b) The Borrower may approach any Lender or any other Person that would be a permitted Assignee pursuant to Section 10.07 to provide all or a portion of the Refinancing Term Loans (a “ Refinancing Term Lender ”); provided that any Lender offered or approached to provide all or a portion of the Refinancing Term Loans may elect or decline, in its sole discretion, to provide a Refinancing Term Loan. Any Refinancing Term Loans made on any Refinancing Effective Date shall be designated a Class of Refinancing Term Loans for all purposes of this Agreement; provided that any Refinancing Term Loans may, to the extent provided in the applicable Refinancing Term Loan Amendment, be designated as an increase in any previously established Class of Term Loans made to the Borrower that were Refinancing Term Loans.

(c) The Refinancing Term Loans shall be established pursuant to an amendment to this Agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Refinancing Term Lenders providing such Refinancing Term Loans (a “ Refinancing Term Loan Amendment ”) which shall be consistent with the provisions set forth in paragraph (a) above (which shall not require the consent of any other Lender). Each Refinancing Term Loan Amendment shall be binding on the Lenders, the Loan Parties and the other parties hereto.

 

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(d) This Section 2.15 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.13 or 10.01 to the contrary.

Section 2.16. Extended Term Loans .

(a) The Borrower may at any time and from time to time request that all or a portion of the Term Loans under any Facility (an “ Existing Term Loan Facility ”) be converted to extend the scheduled maturity date(s) of any payment of principal with respect to all or a portion of any principal amount of such Term Loans (any such Term Loans which have been so converted, “ Extended Term Loans ”) and to provide for other terms consistent with this Section 2.16. In order to establish any Extended Term Loans, the Borrower shall provide a notice to the Administrative Agent (who shall provide a copy of such notice to each of the Lenders under the applicable Existing Term Loan Facility) (an “ Extension Request ”) setting forth the proposed terms of the Extended Term Loans to be established which shall be identical to the Class of Term Loans from which such Extended Term Loans are to be converted except that:

(i) all or any of the scheduled amortization payments of principal of the Extended Term Loans may be delayed to later dates than the scheduled amortization payments of principal of the Class of Term Loans being converted to the extent provided in the applicable Term Loan Extension Amendment;

(ii) the interest margins with respect to the Extended Term Loans may be different than the interest margins for the Class of Term Loans being converted and upfront fees may be paid to the Extending Term Lenders, in each case, to the extent provided in the applicable Term Loan Extension Amendment;

(iii) the Term Loan Extension Amendment may provide for other covenants and terms that apply solely to any period after the latest final maturity of all Classes of Term Loans and Revolving Commitments in effect on the effective date of the Term Loan Extension Amendment immediately prior to the establishment of such Extended Term Loans; and

(iv) no Extended Term Loans may be optionally prepaid prior to the date on which the Term Loans under the Class from which they were converted are repaid in full unless such optional prepayment is accompanied by a pro rata optional prepayment of the Term Loans under such Class that were not converted.

Any Extended Term Loans converted pursuant to any Extension Request shall be designated a Class of Extended Term Loans for all purposes of this Agreement; provided that any Extended Term Loans converted may, to the extent provided in the applicable Term Loan Extension Amendment, be designated as an increase in any previously established Class of Extended Term Loans.

(b) The Borrower shall provide the applicable Extension Request to all Lenders of such Class that is subject to the Extension Request at least five (5) Business Days prior to the date on which Lenders under such Class being converted are requested to respond. No Lender shall have any obligation to agree to have any of its Term Loans of such class converted into Extended Term Loans pursuant to any Extension Request. Any Lender (an “ Extending Term Lender ”) wishing to have all or a portion of its Term Loans under such Class being converted into Extended Term Loans shall notify the Administrative Agent (an “ Extension Election ”) on or prior to the date specified in such Extension Request of the amount of its Term Loans of such Class which it has elected to request be converted into Extended Term Loans (subject to any minimum denomination requirements reasonably imposed by the Administrative Agent). In the event that the aggregate amount of Term Loans under such Class being converted exceeds the amount of Extended Term Loans requested pursuant to the Extension Request, Term Loans subject to Extension Elections shall be converted to Extended Term Loans on a pro rata basis based on the amount of Term Loans included in each such Extension Election.

 

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(c) Extended Term Loans shall be established pursuant to an amendment (a “ Term Loan Extension Amendment ”) to this Agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Extending Term Lender providing an Extended Term Loan thereunder which shall be consistent with the provisions set forth in paragraph (a) above (but which shall not require the consent of any other Lender). Each Term Loan Extension Amendment shall be binding on the Lenders, the Loan Parties and the other parties hereto. In connection with any Term Loan Extension Amendment, the Loan Parties and the Collateral Agent shall enter into such amendments to the Collateral Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent (which shall not require any consent from any Lender) in order to ensure that the Extended Term Loans are provided with the benefit of the applicable Collateral Documents and shall deliver such other documents, certificates and opinions of counsel in connection therewith as may be requested by the Collateral Agent.

(d) This Section 2.16 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.13 or 10.01 to the contrary.

Section 2.17. Replacement Revolving Commitments .

(a) The Borrower may by written notice to Administrative Agent elect to request the establishment of one or more additional Facilities providing for revolving commitments (“ Replacement Revolving Commitments ” and the revolving loans thereunder “ Replacement Revolving Loans ”). Each such notice shall specify the date (each, a “ Replacement Revolving Facility Effective Date ”) on which the Borrower proposes that the Replacement Revolving Commitments shall become effective, which shall be a date not less than five Business Days after the date on which such notice is delivered to the Administrative Agent; provided that:

(i) before and after giving effect to the establishment of such Replacement Revolving Commitments on the Replacement Revolving Facility Effective Date each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.01 shall be satisfied;

(ii) after giving effect to the establishment of any Replacement Revolving Commitments and any concurrent reduction in the aggregate amount of any other Revolving Credit Commitments, the aggregate amount of Revolving Credit Commitments shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments outstanding on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date;

(iii) no Replacement Revolving Commitments shall have a scheduled termination date prior to the Maturity Date of the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Facility (or if later, the date required pursuant to any Replacement Revolving Facility Amendment);

(iv) all other terms applicable to such Replacement Revolving Facility (other than provisions relating to (x) fees and interest rates which shall be as agreed between the Borrower and the Lenders providing such Replacement Revolving Commitments and (y) the amount of any Letter of Credit Sublimit and Swing Line Sublimit under such Replacement Revolving Facility which shall be as agreed between the Borrower, the Lenders providing such Replacement Revolving Commitments, the Administrative Agent and the Replacement L/C Issuer and Replacement Swing Line Lender, if any, under such Replacement Revolving Commitments) shall be substantially identical to, or less favorable to the Lenders providing such Replacement Revolving Commitments than, those applicable to the Tranche 2 Revolving Credit Facility;

(v) there shall be no more than two Classes, in the aggregate, of Revolving Credit Commitments and Replacement Revolving Commitment Series in effect at any time any Replacement Revolving Commitment Series is established; and

(vi) the Loan Parties and the Collateral Agent shall enter into such amendments to the Collateral Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent (which shall not require any consent from any Lender) in order to ensure that the Replacement Revolving Loans are provided with the benefit of the applicable Collateral Documents on a pari passu basis with the other Obligations and shall deliver such other documents, certificates and opinions of counsel in connection therewith as may be reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent.

 

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(b) The Borrower may approach any Lender or any other Person that would be a permitted Assignee of a Revolving Credit Commitment pursuant to Section 10.07 to provide all or a portion of the Replacement Revolving Commitments (a “ Replacement Revolving Lender ”); provided that any Lender offered or approached to provide all or a portion of the Replacement Revolving Commitments may elect or decline, in its sole discretion, to provide a Replacement Revolving Commitment and the selection of Replacement Revolving Lender shall be subject to any consent that would be required pursuant to Section 10.07. Any Replacement Revolving Commitment made on any Replacement Revolving Facility Effective Date shall be designated a series (a “ Replacement Revolving Commitment Series ”) of Replacement Revolving Commitments for all purposes of this Agreement; provided that any Replacement Revolving Commitments may, to the extent provided in the applicable Replacement Revolving Facility Amendment, be designated as an increase in any previously established Replacement Revolving Commitment Series of the Borrower.

(c) The Replacement Revolving Commitments shall be established pursuant to an amendment to this Agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Replacement Revolving Lenders providing such Replacement Revolving Loans and any Replacement L/C Issuer and/or Replacement Swing Line Lender thereunder (a “ Replacement Revolving Facility Amendment ”) which shall be consistent with the provisions set forth in paragraph (a) above (but which shall not require the consent of any other Lender).

(d) On any Replacement Revolving Facility Effective Date, subject to the satisfaction of the foregoing terms and conditions, each of the Replacement Revolving Lenders with Replacement Revolving Commitments of such Replacement Revolving Commitment Series shall purchase from each of the other Lenders with Replacement Revolving Commitment Series of such Replacement Revolving Commitment Series, at the principal amount thereof and in the applicable currencies, such interests in the Replacement Revolving Loans under such Replacement Revolving Commitment Series outstanding on such Replacement Revolving Facility Effective Date as shall be necessary in order that, after giving effect to all such assignments and purchases, the Replacement Revolving Loans of such Replacement Revolving Commitment Series will be held by Replacement Revolving Lenders thereunder ratably in accordance with their Replacement Revolving Credit Percentages.

(e) This Section 2.17 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.13 or 10.01 to the contrary.

ARTICLE III.

Taxes, Increased Costs Protection and Illegality

Section 3.01. Taxes .

(a) Unless required by applicable Laws (as determined in good faith by the applicable withholding agent), any and all payments made by or on account of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for Taxes. If the Loan Party or other applicable withholding agent shall be required by any Laws to withhold or deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable under any Loan Document to any Agent or any Lender, (i) the sum payable by such Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01) have been made, each of such Agent and such Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the applicable withholding agent shall make such deductions, (iii) the applicable withholding agent shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with applicable Laws, and (iv) within thirty (30) days after the date of such payment (or, if receipts or evidence are not available within thirty (30) days, as soon as possible thereafter), if the relevant Loan Party is the applicable withholding agent, shall furnish to such Agent or Lender (as the case may be) the original or a copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof or other evidence acceptable to such Agent or Lender.

 

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(b) In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any and all present or future stamp, court or documentary Taxes and any other excise, property, intangible or mortgage recording Taxes, or charges or levies of the same character, imposed by any Governmental Authority, which arise from any payment made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, other than any such Taxes that are imposed as a result of a Lender’s voluntary assignment in such Lender’s interest in the Loan hereunder, but only to the extent such assignment-related Taxes are imposed as a result of such Lender’s current or former connection with the jurisdiction imposing such Taxes (other than any connections arising from such Lender having executed, delivered, enforced, become a party to, performed its obligations or received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, or engaged in any other transaction pursuant to, any Loan Document) (the “ Other Taxes ”).

(c) Each of the Loan Parties agrees to indemnify each Agent and each Lender for (i) the full amount of Indemnified Taxes and Other Taxes payable by such Agent or such Lender (whether or not such Taxes are legally imposed) and (ii) any expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, provided such Agent or Lender, as the case may be, provides the relevant Loan Party with a written statement thereof setting forth in reasonable detail the basis and calculation of such amounts. If the Borrower reasonably believes that such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were not correctly or legally asserted, the Administrative Agent and each Lender and L/C Issuer will use reasonable efforts to cooperate with Borrower for the Borrower to file for and obtain a refund of such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes so long as such efforts would not, in the sole determination of the Administrative Agent, such Lender, or such L/C Issuer, result in any additional costs, expenses or risks or be otherwise disadvantageous to it.

(d) Each Lender shall, at such times as are reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, provide the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with any documentation prescribed by Law certifying as to any entitlement of such Lender to an exemption from, or reduction in, withholding tax with respect to any payments to be made to such Lender under the Loan Documents. Each such Lender shall, whenever a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders such documentation obsolete or inaccurate in any material respect, deliver promptly to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent updated or other appropriate documentation (including any new documentation reasonably requested by the applicable withholding agent) or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of its inability to do so. Unless the applicable withholding agent has received forms or other documents satisfactory to it indicating that payments under any Loan Document to or for a Lender are not subject to withholding tax or are subject to such Tax at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or other applicable withholding agent shall withhold amounts required to be withheld by applicable Law from such payments at the applicable statutory rate. Without limiting the foregoing:

(i) Each Lender that is a United States person (as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement two properly completed and duly signed original copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from federal backup withholding.

(ii) Each Lender that is not a United States person (as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) whichever of the following is applicable:

(A) two properly completed and duly signed original copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or any successor forms) claiming eligibility for the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party, and such other documentation as required under the Code,

 

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(B) two properly completed and duly signed original copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI (or any successor forms),

(C) in the case of a Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (A) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit I (any such certificate a “ United States Tax Compliance Certificate ”) and (B) two properly completed and duly signed original copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN,

(D) to the extent a Lender is not the beneficial owner (for example, where the Lender is a partnership, or is a Participant holding a participation granted by a participating Lender), Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY (or any successor forms) of the Lender, accompanied by a Form W-8ECI, W-8BEN, United States Tax Compliance Certificate, Form W-9, Form W-8IMY or any other required information from each beneficial owner, as applicable ( provided that, if one or more beneficial owners are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, the United States Tax Compliance Certificate may be provided by such Lender on behalf of such beneficial owner). Each Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent two further original copies of any previously delivered form or certification (or any applicable successor form) on or before the date that any such form or certification expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate and promptly after the occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most recent form previously delivered by it to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent that it is unable to do so. Each Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent at any time it determines that it is no longer in a position to provide any previously delivered form or certification to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, or

(E) two properly completed and duly signed original copies of any other form prescribed by applicable U.S. federal income tax laws (including the Treasury Regulations) as a basis for claiming a complete exemption from, or a deduction in, United States federal withholding tax on any payments to such Lender under the Loan Documents.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this clause (d), a Lender shall not be required to deliver any form that such Lender is not legally able to deliver.

(e) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 3.01 shall use its reasonable efforts to change the jurisdiction of its Lending Office (or take any other measures reasonably requested by the Borrower) if such a change or other measures would reduce any such additional amounts (or any similar amount that may thereafter accrue) and would not, in the sole determination of such Lender, result in any unreimbursed cost or expense or be otherwise materially disadvantageous to such Lender.

(f) If any Lender or Agent determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund in respect of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes as to which indemnification or additional amounts have been paid to it by any Loan Party pursuant to this Section 3.01, it shall promptly remit such refund to the Loan Party, net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Lender or Agent, as the case may be and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant taxing authority with respect to such refund net of any Taxes payable by any Agent or Lender on such interest); provided that the Loan Party, upon the request of the Lender or Agent, as the case may be, agrees promptly to return such refund (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant taxing authority) to such party in the event such party is required to repay such refund to the relevant taxing authority. This section shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to Taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other person.

 

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Section 3.02. Illegality .

If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Eurocurrency Rate Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurocurrency Rate, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurocurrency Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency Rate Loans to such day, or promptly, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency Rate Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted and all amounts due, if any, in connection with such prepayment or conversion under Section 3.05. Each Lender agrees to designate a different Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need for such notice and will not, in the good faith judgment of such Lender, otherwise be materially disadvantageous to such Lender.

Section 3.03. Inability to Determine Rates .

If the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders determine that for any reason adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the applicable Eurocurrency Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or that the Eurocurrency Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, or that Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank eurodollar, or other applicable, market for the applicable amount and the Interest Period of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of such Eurocurrency Rate Loans or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request, if applicable, into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.

Section 3.04. Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Eurocurrency Rate Loans .

(a) If any Lender reasonably determines that as a result of the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any Law, in each case after the Closing Date, or such Lender’s compliance therewith, there shall be any increase in the cost to such Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining any Eurocurrency Rate Loans (or in the case of Taxes, any Loan) or (as the case may be) issuing or participating in Letters of Credit, or a reduction in the amount received or receivable by such Lender in connection with any of the foregoing (excluding for purposes of this Section 3.04(a) any such increased costs or reduction in amount resulting from (i) Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (which are covered by Section 3.01), or any Excluded Taxes or (ii) reserve requirements contemplated by Section 3.04(c)) and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining the Eurocurrency Rate Loan (or of maintaining its obligations to make any Loan), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, then from time to time within fifteen (15) days after demand by such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail such increased costs (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such increased cost or reduction.

(b) If any Lender determines that the introduction of any Law regarding capital adequacy or any change therein or in the interpretation thereof, in each case after the Closing Date, or compliance by such Lender (or its Lending Office) therewith, has the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of such Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender as a consequence of such Lender’s obligations hereunder (taking into

 

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consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy and such Lender’s desired return on capital), then from time to time upon demand of such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail the charge and the calculation of such reduced rate of return (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such reduction within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such demand.

(c) The Borrower shall pay to each Lender, (i) as long as such Lender shall be required to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency funds or deposits, additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loan of the Borrower equal to the actual costs of such reserves allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error), and (ii) as long as such Lender shall be required to comply with any reserve ratio requirement or analogous requirement of any other central banking or financial regulatory authority imposed in respect of the maintenance of the Commitments or the funding of any Eurocurrency Rate Loans of the Borrower, such additional costs (expressed as a percentage per annum and rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest five decimal places) equal to the actual costs allocated to such Commitment or Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) which in each case shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan, provided the Borrower shall have received at least fifteen (15) days’ prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional interest or cost from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice fifteen (15) days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest or cost shall be due and payable fifteen (15) days from receipt of such notice.

(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 3.04 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation.

(e) If any Lender requests compensation under this Section 3.04, then such Lender will, if requested by the Borrower and at the Borrower’s expense, use commercially reasonable efforts to designate another Lending Office for any Loan or Letter of Credit affected by such event; provided that such efforts are made on terms that, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, cause such Lender and its Lending Office(s) to suffer no material economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage, and provided further that nothing in this Section 3.04(e) shall affect or postpone any of the Obligations of the Borrower or the rights of such Lender pursuant to Section 3.04(a), (b), (c) or (d).

Section 3.05. Funding Losses .

Upon written demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, which demand shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis for requesting such amount, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense actually incurred by it as a result of:

(a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Eurocurrency Rate Loan of the Borrower on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan; or

(b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Eurocurrency Rate Loan of the Borrower on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower;

including any loss or expense (excluding loss of anticipated profits) arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained.

 

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Section 3.06. Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation .

(a) Any Agent or any Lender claiming compensation under this Article III shall deliver a certificate to the Borrower setting forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder which shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. In determining such amount, such Agent or such Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.

(b) With respect to any Lender’s claim for compensation under Section 3.01, 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04, the Borrower shall not be required to compensate such Lender for any amount incurred more than one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the event that gives rise to such claim; provided that, if the circumstance giving rise to such claim is retroactive, then such 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof. If any Lender requests compensation by the Borrower under Section 3.04, the Borrower may, by notice to such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), suspend the obligation of such Lender to make or continue from one Interest Period to another applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or, if applicable, to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurocurrency Rate Loans, until the event or condition giving rise to such request ceases to be in effect (in which case the provisions of Section 3.06(c) shall be applicable); provided that such suspension shall not affect the right of such Lender to receive the compensation so requested.

(c) If the obligation of any Lender to make or continue any Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be suspended pursuant to Section 3.06(b) hereof, such Lender’s applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be automatically converted into Base Rate Loans (or, if such conversion is not possible, repaid) on the last day(s) of the then current Interest Period(s) for such Eurocurrency Rate Loans (or, in the case of an immediate conversion required by Section 3.02, on such earlier date as required by Law) and, unless and until such Lender gives notice as provided below that the circumstances specified in Section 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 hereof that gave rise to such conversion no longer exist:

(i) to the extent that such Lender’s Eurocurrency Rate Loans have been so converted, all payments and prepayments of principal that would otherwise be applied to such Lender’s applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be applied instead to its Base Rate Loans; and

(ii) all Loans that would otherwise be made or continued from one Interest Period to another by such Lender as Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be made or continued instead as Base Rate Loans (if possible), and all Base Rate Loans of such Lender that would otherwise be converted into Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall remain as Base Rate Loans.

(d) If any Lender gives notice to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) that the circumstances specified in Section 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 hereof that gave rise to the conversion of any of such Lender’s Eurocurrency Rate Loans pursuant to this Section 3.06 no longer exist (which such Lender agrees to do promptly upon such circumstances ceasing to exist) at a time when Eurocurrency Rate Loans made by other Lenders under the applicable Facility are outstanding, if applicable, such Lender’s Base Rate Loans shall be automatically converted, on the first day(s) of the next succeeding Interest Period(s) for such outstanding Eurocurrency Rate Loans, to the extent necessary so that, after giving effect thereto, all Loans held by the Lenders holding Eurocurrency Rate Loans under such Facility and by such Lender are held pro rata (as to principal amounts, interest rate basis, and Interest Periods) in accordance with their respective Commitments for the applicable Facility.

Section 3.07. Replacement of Lenders Under Certain Circumstances .

(a) If at any time (i) the Borrower becomes obligated to pay additional amounts or indemnity payments described in Section 3.01 or 3.04 as a result of any condition described in such Sections or any Lender ceases to make any Eurocurrency Rate Loans as a result of any condition described in Section 3.02 or Section 3.04, (ii) any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender or (iii) any Lender becomes a Non-Consenting Lender,

 

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then the Borrower may, on ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and such Lender, (x) replace such Lender by causing such Lender to (and such Lender shall be obligated to) assign pursuant to Section 10.07(b) (with the assignment fee to be paid by the Borrower in such instance) all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (in respect of any applicable Facility only in the case of clause (i) or, with respect to a Class vote, clause (iii)) to one or more Eligible Assignees; provided that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any obligation to the Borrower to find a replacement Lender or other such Person; and provided further that (A) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments and (B) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable Eligible Assignees shall have agreed to, and shall be sufficient (together with all other consenting Lenders) to cause the adoption of, the applicable departure, waiver or amendment of the Loan Documents; or (y) terminate the Commitment of such Lender or L/C Issuer, as the case may be, and (1) in the case of a Lender (other than an L/C Issuer), repay all Obligations of the Borrower owing to such Lender relating to the Loans and participations held by such Lender as of such termination date and (2) in the case of an L/C Issuer, repay all Obligations of the Borrower owing to such L/C Issuer relating to the Loans and participations held by the L/C Issuer as of such termination date and cancel or backstop on terms satisfactory to such L/C Issuer any Letters of Credit issued by it; provided that in the case of any such termination of a Non-Consenting Lender such termination shall be sufficient (together with all other consenting Lenders) to cause the adoption of the applicable departure, waiver or amendment of the Loan Documents and such termination shall be in respect of any applicable facility only in the case of clause (i) or, with respect to a Class vote, clause (iii).

(b) Any Lender being replaced pursuant to Section 3.07(a) above shall (i) execute and deliver an Assignment and Assumption with respect to such Lender’s applicable Commitment and outstanding Loans and participations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans in respect thereof, and (ii) deliver any Notes evidencing such Loans to the Borrower or Administrative Agent. Pursuant to such Assignment and Assumption, (A) the assignee Lender shall acquire all or a portion, as the case may be, of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and outstanding Loans and participations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans, (B) all obligations of the Borrower owing to the assigning Lender relating to the Loans, Commitments and participations so assigned shall be paid in full by the assignee Lender to such assigning Lender concurrently with such Assignment and Assumption and (C) upon such payment and, if so requested by the assignee Lender, delivery to the assignee Lender of the appropriate Note or Notes executed by the Borrower, the assignee Lender shall become a Lender hereunder and the assigning Lender shall cease to constitute a Lender hereunder with respect to such assigned Loans, Commitments and participations, except with respect to indemnification provisions under this Agreement, which shall survive as to such assigning Lender. In connection with any such replacement, if any such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender does not execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a duly executed Assignment and Assumption reflecting such replacement within five (5) Business Days of the date on which the assignee Lender executes and delivers such Assignment and Assumption to such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender, then such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender shall be deemed to have executed and delivered such Assignment and Assumption without any action on the part of the Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above, any Lender that acts as an L/C Issuer may not be replaced hereunder at any time that it has any Letter of Credit outstanding hereunder unless arrangements reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer (including the furnishing of a back-up standby letter of credit in form and substance, and issued by an issuer reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer or the depositing of Cash Collateral into a Cash Collateral account in amounts and pursuant to arrangements reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer) have been made with respect to each such outstanding Letter of Credit and the Lender that acts as the Administrative Agent may not be replaced hereunder except in accordance with the terms of Section 9.09.

(d) In the event that (i) the Borrower or the Administrative Agent has requested that the Lenders consent to a departure or waiver of any provisions of the Loan Documents or agree to any amendment thereto, (ii) the consent, waiver or amendment in question requires the agreement of all affected Lenders in accordance with the terms of Section 10.01 or all the Lenders with respect to a certain Class of the Loans and (iii) the Required Lenders (or, in the case of a consent, waiver or amendment involving all affected Lenders of a certain Class, the Required Class Lenders) have agreed to such consent, waiver or amendment, then any Lender who does not agree to such consent, waiver or amendment shall be deemed a “ Non-Consenting Lender .”

 

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Section 3.08. Survival .

All of the Borrower’s obligations under this Article III shall survive any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender (including any L/C Issuer) and termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment, satisfaction and discharge of all other Obligations hereunder.

ARTICLE IV.

Conditions Precedent to Credit Extensions

Section 4.01. All Credit Events After the Closing Date .

The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans) after the Closing Date is subject to the following conditions precedent:

(i) The representations and warranties of each Loan Party set forth in Article V and in each other Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Credit Extension with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date.

(ii) No Default shall exist or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds therefrom.

(iii) The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the relevant L/C Issuer or the relevant Swing Line Lender shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof.

Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans) submitted by the Borrower after the Closing Date shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.01(i) and (ii) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.

Section 4.02. First Credit Event .

Each Lender shall make the Credit Extension to be made by it on the Closing Date subject only to the following conditions precedent, unless otherwise waived by the Initial Lenders in their sole discretion:

(a) This Agreement shall have been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower and each Guarantor.

(b) The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the relevant L/C Issuer or the relevant Swing Line Lender shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received, on behalf of itself, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders and each L/C Issuer, an opinion of (i) Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, special counsel for the Loan Parties, and (ii) from each local counsel for the Loan Parties listed on Schedule 4.02(c), in each case, dated the Closing Date and addressed to each L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders, in each case in form and substance customary for senior secured credit facilities in transactions of this kind.

(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) a copy of the certificate or articles of incorporation or organization, including all amendments thereto, of each Loan Party, certified, if applicable, as of

 

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a recent date by the Secretary of State of the state of its organization, and a certificate as to the good standing (where relevant) of each Loan Party as of a recent date, from such Secretary of State or similar Governmental Authority and (ii) a certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of each Loan Party dated the Closing Date and certifying (A) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the by-laws or operating (or limited liability company) agreement of such Loan Party as in effect on the Closing Date, (B) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of such Loan Party authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which such Person is a party and, in the case of the Borrower, the borrowings hereunder, and that such resolutions have not been modified, rescinded or amended and are in full force and effect, (C) that the certificate or articles of incorporation or organization of such Loan Party have not been amended since the date of the last amendment thereto shown on the certificate of good standing furnished pursuant to clause (i) above, and (D) as to the incumbency and specimen signature of each officer executing any Loan Document on behalf of such Loan Party and countersigned by another officer as to the incumbency and specimen signature of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary executing the certificate pursuant to clause (ii) above.

(e) (i) The Administrative Agent shall have received the results of (x) searches of the Uniform Commercial Code filings (or equivalent filings) and (y) judgment and tax lien searches, made with respect to the Loan Parties in the states or other jurisdictions of formation of such Person and with respect to such other locations and names listed on the Perfection Certificate, together with (in the case of clause (y)) copies of the financing statements (or similar documents) disclosed by such search and (ii) the Security Agreement and the Holdings Pledge Agreement shall have been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is to be a party thereto, together with (x) certificates, if any, representing the Pledged Equity of the Borrower and the Domestic Subsidiaries accompanied by undated stock powers executed in blank and (y) documents and instruments to be recorded or filed that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement; provided , however , that each of the requirements set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) above, including lien searches (other than Uniform Commercial Code, tax and lien searches) and the delivery of documents and instruments necessary to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement (other than the pledge and perfection of domestic assets with respect to which a lien may be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code or, to the extent applicable, the delivery of a stock certificate and related stock power of the Borrower and any Domestic Subsidiary on the Closing Date) shall not constitute conditions precedent to the Credit Extension on the Closing Date after the Borrower’s use of commercially reasonable efforts to provide such items on or prior to the Closing Date if the Borrower agrees to deliver or cause to be delivered such search results, documents and instruments, or take or cause to be taken such other actions as may be required to perfect such security interests within 120 days after the Closing Date (subject to extensions approved by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion).

(f) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certified copy of the Acquisition Agreement, duly executed by the parties thereto (together with all material ancillary agreements entered into in connection therewith and all exhibits and schedules thereto). Prior to or substantially simultaneously with the initial Credit Extension on the Closing Date, the Acquisition shall have been consummated pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, and no provision of the Acquisition Agreement shall have been waived or amended in any material respect by Holdings or Parent in a manner materially adverse to the Lenders without the consent of the Initial Lenders, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed (it being understood that the good faith determination by the parties to the Acquisition Agreement that the Acquisition Agreement closing conditions specified in Sections 6.1 and 6.2 have been satisfied (other than conditions which by their nature may be satisfied only at the Closing) shall be conclusive).

(g) The Administrative Agent shall have received confirmation from the Investors or their representatives that the Equity Contribution and the Mezzanine Financing shall have been consummated, or substantially simultaneously with the initial borrowing hereunder shall be consummated.

(h) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by the Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower, certifying that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis after giving effect to the Transactions on the Closing Date, are Solvent as of the Closing Date.

 

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(i) On the Closing Date, the representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in Sections 5.01(a) (solely as to the Borrower), 5.01(b)(ii) (solely as to the Loan Parties), 5.02(a) (solely as to the Loan Documents), 5.02(b)(i) and (b)(iii) (in each case, solely as to the Loan Documents), 5.04, 5.13, 5.17 and 5.18 shall be true and correct in all material respects.

(j) The Initial Lenders shall have received all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities with respect to the Borrower reasonably requested by the Initial Lenders under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the USA PATRIOT Act; provided that the Initial Lenders shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that such requests are delivered at least 10 days prior to the Closing Date and are not unduly burdensome on any person unless required by applicable Law.

(k) The Initial Lenders shall have received the Audited Financial Statements, the Unaudited Financial Statements and the Pro Forma Financial Statements.

ARTICLE V.

Representations and Warranties

The Borrower and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors party hereto represent and warrant to the Agents and the Lenders at the time of each Credit Extension that:

Section 5.01. Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws .

Each Loan Party and each Restricted Subsidiary (a) is a Person duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing (where relevant) under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business as currently conducted and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (c) is duly qualified and in good standing (where relevant) under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, (d) is in compliance with all Laws, orders, writs and injunctions and (e) has all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to operate its business as currently conducted; except in the case of clause (a) (other than with respect to the Borrower), (b)(i) (other than with respect to the Borrower), (c), (d) or (e), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.02. Authorization; No Contravention .

The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is a party, and the consummation of the Transactions, are within such Loan Party’s corporate or other powers, (a) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and (b) do not (i) contravene the terms of any of such Person’s Organization Documents, (ii) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under (other than as permitted by Section 7.01), or require any payment to be made under (x) any Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (y) any material order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (iii) violate any material Law; except with respect to any conflict, breach or contravention or payment (but not creation of Liens) (A) referred to in clause (b)(ii)(x), to the extent that such violation, conflict, breach, contravention or payment could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (B) solely for purposes of Section 4.02, referred to in clauses (b)(iii), to the extent that such violation could not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 5.03. Governmental Authorization; Other Consents .

No material approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with (a) the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for the consummation of the Transactions, (b) the grant by any Loan Party of the Liens granted by it pursuant to the Collateral Documents, (c) the perfection or maintenance of the Liens created under the Collateral Documents (including the priority thereof) or (d) the exercise by the Administrative Agent or any Lender of its rights under the Loan Documents or the remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to the Collateral Documents, except for (i) filings and registrations necessary to perfect the Liens on the Collateral granted by the Loan Parties in favor of the Secured Parties, (ii) the approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations, actions, notices and filings which have been duly obtained, taken, given or made and are in full force and effect (except to the extent not required to obtained, taken, given or made or in full force and effect pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement) and (iii) those approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations or other actions, notices or filings, the failure of which to obtain or make could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.04. Binding Effect .

This Agreement and each other Loan Document has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is a party thereto. This Agreement and each other Loan Document constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is a party thereto in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity, (ii) the need for filings and registrations necessary to create or perfect the Liens on the Collateral granted by the Loan Parties in favor of the Secured Parties and (iii) the effect of foreign Laws, rules and regulations as they relate to pledges, if any, of Equity Interests in Foreign Subsidiaries.

Section 5.05. Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect .

(a) (i) The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter for which Unaudited Financial Statements have been delivered prior to the Closing Date (including the notes thereto describing the pro forma adjustments) (the “ Pro Forma Balance Sheet ”) and the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the twelve months ended on the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter for which Unaudited Financial Statements have been delivered prior to the Closing Date (together with the Pro Forma Balance Sheet, the “ Pro Forma Financial Statements ”), copies of which will be furnished to each Lender prior to the Closing Date, have been prepared giving effect (as if such events had occurred on such date or at the beginning of such periods, as the case may be) to the Transactions. The Pro Forma Financial Statements have been prepared in good faith, based on assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable as of the date of delivery thereof, and present fairly in all material respects on a pro forma basis the estimated consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter for which Unaudited Financial Statements have been delivered and its estimated consolidated results of operations for the periods covered thereby, assuming that the events specified in the preceding sentence had actually occurred at such date or at the beginning of the periods covered thereby.

(ii) The Audited Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial condition of the Acquired Company as of the dates thereof and its consolidated results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein.

(iii) The Unaudited Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial condition of the Acquired Company as of the dates thereof and its results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein and subject to normal year-end audit adjustments.

 

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(b) The forecasts of income statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent prior to the Closing Date have been prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were believed to be reasonable at the time of preparation of such forecasts, it being understood that actual results may vary from such forecasts and that such variations may be material.

(c) Since the Closing Date, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(d) As of the Closing Date, neither the Acquired Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any Indebtedness or other obligations or liabilities, direct or contingent (other than (i) the liabilities reflected on Schedule 5.05, (ii) obligations arising under the Loan Documents and the Mezzanine Debt Documentation, (iii) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business, (iv) liabilities disclosed in the Pro Forma Financial Statements and (v) liabilities under the Acquisition Agreement) that, either individually or in the aggregate, have had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.06. Litigation .

There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened in writing or contemplated, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.07. No Default .

Neither the Borrower nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is in default under or with respect to, or a party to, any Contractual Obligation that could, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.08. Ownership of Property; Liens .

(a) The Borrower and each of its Restricted Subsidiaries has good record title to, or valid leasehold interests in, or easements or other limited property interests in, all Real Property necessary in the ordinary conduct of its business, free and clear of all Liens except as set forth on Schedule 5.08 hereto and except for minor defects in title that do not materially interfere with its ability to conduct its business or to utilize such assets for their intended purposes and Liens permitted by Section 7.01 and except where the failure to have such title could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) As of the Closing Date, Schedule 5.08 contains a true and complete list of each Material Real Property owned by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date.

(c) No Casualty Event . As of the Closing Date, except as otherwise disclosed to the Administrative Agent, (i) no Loan Party has received any notice of, nor has any knowledge of, the occurrence (and still pending as of the Closing Date) or pendency or contemplation of any Casualty Event affecting all or any portion of a Mortgaged Property, and (ii) no Mortgage encumbers improved Mortgaged Property that is located in an area that has been identified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as an area having special flood hazards within the meaning of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 unless flood insurance available under such Act has been obtained in accordance with Section 6.07.

 

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Section 5.09. Environmental Matters .

Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.09(a) or except as could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect:

(a) each Loan Party and its properties are and have been in compliance with all Environmental Laws, which includes obtaining and maintaining all applicable Environmental Permits required under such Environmental Laws to carry on the business and operations of the Loan Parties;

(b) the Loan Parties have not received any written notice that alleges any of them is in violation of or potentially liable under any Environmental Laws and none of the Loan Parties nor any of their properties is the subject of any claims, investigations, liens, demands or judicial, administrative or arbitral proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened under any Environmental Law or to revoke or modify any Environmental Permit held by any of the Loan Parties;

(c) there has been no release, discharge or disposal of Hazardous Materials on, at, under or from any property owned, leased or operated by any of the Loan Parties, or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any property formerly owned, operated or leased by any Loan Party or arising out of the conduct of the Loan Parties that could reasonably be expected to require investigation, response or corrective action, or could reasonably be expected to result in the Borrower incurring liability, under Environmental Laws; and

(d) there are no facts, circumstances or conditions arising out of or relating to the operations of the Loan Parties or any property owned, leased or operated by any of the Loan Parties or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any property formerly owned, operated or leased by the Loan Parties or any of their predecessors in interest that could reasonably be expected to require investigation, response or corrective action, or could reasonably be expected to result in any of the Loan Parties incurring liability, under Environmental Laws.

Section 5.10. Taxes .

Except as would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries have filed all tax returns required to be filed, and have paid all Taxes levied or imposed upon them or their properties, that are due and payable (including in their capacity as a withholding agent) and taking into account applicable extensions, except those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP. There is no proposed Tax deficiency or assessment known to any Loan Parties against the Loan Parties that would, if made, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.11. ERISA Compliance .

(a) Except as could not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Plan is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal or state Laws.

(b) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred during the five year period prior to the date on which this representation is made or deemed made; (ii) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA); (iii) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Sections 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; and (iv) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA, except, with respect to each of the foregoing clauses of this Section 5.11(b), as could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(c) The Pension Plans of the Loan Parties and the Subsidiaries are funded to the extent required by Law, in each case, except as could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.12. Subsidiaries; Equity Interests .

As of the Closing Date (after giving effect to any part of the Transactions that is consummated on or prior to the Closing Date), no Loan Party has any material Subsidiaries other than those specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.12, and all of the outstanding Equity Interests owned by the Loan Parties (or a Subsidiary of any Loan Party) in such material Subsidiaries have been validly issued and are fully paid and all Equity Interests owned by a Loan Party (or a Subsidiary of any Loan Party) in such material Subsidiaries are owned free and clear of all Liens except (i) those created under the Collateral Documents and (ii) any Lien that is permitted under Section 7.01. As of the Closing Date, Schedule 5.12(a) sets forth the name and jurisdiction of each Domestic Subsidiary that is a Loan Party and (b) sets forth the ownership interest of the Borrower and any other Subsidiary thereof in each Subsidiary, including the percentage of such ownership.

Section 5.13. Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act .

(a) The Borrower is not engaged nor will it engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no proceeds of any Borrowings or drawings under any Letter of Credit will be used for any purpose that violates Regulation U.

(b) None of the Borrower, any Person Controlling the Borrower, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Section 5.14. Disclosure .

To the best of the Borrower’s knowledge, no report, financial statement, certificate or other written information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party (other than projected financial information, pro forma financial information and information of a general economic or industry nature) to any Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) when taken as a whole contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein (when taken as a whole), in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading. With respect to projected financial information and pro forma financial information, the Borrower represents that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time of preparation; it being understood that such projections may vary from actual results and that such variances may be material.

Section 5.15. Labor Matters .

Except as, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect: (a) there are no strikes or other labor disputes against the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened; (b) hours worked by and payment made to employees of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Laws dealing with such matters; and (c) all payments due from the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on account of employee health and welfare insurance have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the relevant party.

 

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Section 5.16. Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc .

Except as, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries own, license or possess the right to use all of the trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, licenses, technology, software, know-how, rights in databases, design rights and other intellectual property rights (collectively, “ IP Rights ”) that are reasonably necessary for the operation of their respective businesses as currently conducted, and, to the knowledge of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, such IP Rights do not conflict with the rights of any Person, except to the extent such failure to own, license or possess or such conflicts, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No advertisement, product, process, method or substance used by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in the operation of their respective businesses as currently conducted infringes upon any IP Rights held by any Person except for such infringements which individually or in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No claim or litigation regarding any of the IP Rights is filed and presently pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, presently threatened against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Except pursuant to written licenses and other user agreements entered into by each Loan Party in the ordinary course of business, as of the Closing Date, all registrations listed in Schedule 8(a) or 8(b) to the Perfection Certificate are valid and in full force and effect, except, in each individual case, to the extent that such a registration is not valid and in full force and effect could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.17. Solvency .

On the Closing Date after giving effect to the Transactions, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are Solvent.

Section 5.18. Security Documents .

(a) Valid Liens . Each Collateral Document delivered pursuant to Sections 4.02, 6.11 and 6.13 will, upon execution and delivery thereof, be effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable Liens on, and security interests in, the Collateral described therein to the extent intended to be created thereby and (i) when financing statements and other filings in appropriate form are filed in the offices specified on Schedule 4 to the Perfection Certificate and (ii) upon the taking of possession or control by the Collateral Agent of such Collateral with respect to which a security interest may be perfected only by possession or control (which possession or control shall be given to the Collateral Agent to the extent possession or control by the Collateral Agent is required by the Security Agreement), the Liens created by the Collateral Documents shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in (to the extent intended to be created thereby), all right, title and interest of the grantors in such Collateral to the extent perfection can be obtained by filing financing statements, in each case subject to no Liens other than Liens permitted hereunder.

(b) PTO Filing; Copyright Office Filing . When the Security Agreement or a short form thereof is properly filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, to the extent such filings may perfect such interests, the Liens created by such Security Agreement shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the grantors thereunder in Patents and Trademarks (each as defined in the Security Agreement) registered or applied for with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or Copyrights (as defined in such Security Agreement) registered or applied for with the United States Copyright Office, as the case may be, in each case free and clear of Liens other than Liens permitted under Section 7.01 hereof (it being understood that subsequent recordings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office may be necessary to establish a Lien on registered Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights registered or applied for by the grantors thereof after the Closing Date).

 

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(c) Mortgages . Upon recording thereof in the appropriate recording office, each Mortgage is effective to create, in favor of the Collateral Agent, for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable perfected first-priority Liens on, and security interest in, all of the Loan Parties’ right, title and interest in and to the Mortgaged Properties thereunder and the proceeds thereof, subject only to Liens permitted hereunder, and when the Mortgages are filed in the offices specified on Schedule 4 to the Perfection Certificate dated the Closing Date (or, in the case of any Mortgage executed and delivered after the date thereof in accordance with the provisions of Sections 6.11 and 6.13, when such Mortgage is filed in the offices specified in the local counsel opinion delivered with respect thereto in accordance with the provisions of Sections 6.11 and 6.13), the Mortgages shall constitute fully perfected first-priority Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in the Mortgaged Properties and the proceeds thereof, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person, other than Liens permitted by hereunder.

Notwithstanding anything herein (including this Section 5.18) or in any other Loan Document to the contrary, neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party makes any representation or warranty as to (A) the effects of perfection or non-perfection, the priority or the enforceability of any pledge of or security interest in any Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary, or as to the rights and remedies of the Agents or any Lender with respect thereto, under foreign Law, (B) the pledge or creation of any security interest, or the effects of perfection or non-perfection, the priority or the enforceability of any pledge of or security interest to the extent such pledge, security interest, perfection or priority is not required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement or the Collateral Documents or (C) on the Closing Date and until required pursuant to Section 6.13 or Section 4.02(e), the pledge or creation of any security interest, or the effects of perfection or non-perfection, the priority or enforceability of any pledge or security interest to the extent not required on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 4.02(e).

ARTICLE VI.

Affirmative Covenants

So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation (other than Cash Management Obligations or obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements) hereunder which is accrued and payable shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding (unless the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized or a backstop letter of credit reasonably satisfactory to the applicable L/C Issuer is in place), then from and after the Closing Date, the Borrower shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01, 6.02 and 6.03) cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to:

Section 6.01. Financial Statements .

(a) Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender, as soon as available, but in any event within one hundred eighty (180) days after the end of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009 and within ninety (90) days after the end of each subsequent fiscal year, beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, stockholders’ equity (other than with respect to the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009) and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of an independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit; provided that no later than 90 days following the Borrower’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2009, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, (i) audited combined financial statements of the Acquired Company and its Subsidiaries (but otherwise satisfying the requirements set forth above including with respect to an audit opinion) for the portion of the 2009 fiscal year ending on the day prior to the Closing Date and as of the day prior to the Closing Date and (ii) unaudited consolidated financial statements (otherwise satisfying the requirements set forth above except that such financial statements shall be unaudited) for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period from the Closing Date to

 

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December 31, 2009 and as of December 31, 2009, certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP subject to the absence of footnotes and the finalization of purchase accounting adjustments;

(b) Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender, as soon as available, but in any event within (x) sixty (60) days after the end of the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2010 and (y) within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower for fiscal quarters ended on or after June 30, 2010 (other than the fiscal quarter ended on March 31, 2013, which shall be delivered within sixty (60) days after the end of such fiscal quarter), a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter and the related (i) consolidated statements of income or operations for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of the fiscal year then ended and (ii) consolidated statements of cash flows for such fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

(c) Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender, as soon as available, and in any event no later than ninety (90) days after the end of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009 and no later than sixty (60) days after the end of each subsequent fiscal year of the Borrower, beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010, a detailed consolidated budget for the following fiscal year on a quarterly basis (including a projected consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the following fiscal year, the related consolidated statements of projected cash flow and projected income and a summary of the material underlying assumptions applicable thereto) (collectively, the “ Projections ”), which Projections shall in each case be accompanied by a certificate of a Responsible Officer stating that such Projections have been prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were believed to be reasonable at the time of preparation of such Projections, it being understood that actual results may vary from such Projections and that such variations may be material; and

(d) Deliver to the Administrative Agent with each set of consolidated financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and 6.01(b) above, the related consolidating financial statements reflecting the adjustments necessary to eliminate the accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (if any) (which may be in footnote form only) from such consolidated financial statements.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 6.01 may be satisfied with respect to financial information of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries by furnishing (A) the applicable financial statements of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) or (B) the Borrower’s (or any direct or indirect parent thereof), as applicable, Form l0-K or 10-Q, as applicable, filed with the SEC; provided that, with respect to clauses (A) and (B), (i) to the extent such information relates to a parent of the Borrower, such information is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to the Borrower (or such parent), on the one hand, and the information relating to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand and (ii) to the extent such information is in lieu of information required to be provided under Section 6.01(a), such materials are accompanied by a report and opinion of an independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualifications or exception as to the scope of such audit.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 and Sections 6.02(c) and (d) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 10.02; or (ii) on which such documents are posted

 

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on the Borrower’s behalf on IntraLinks/IntraAgency or another relevant website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) upon written request by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent for further distribution to each Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent and (ii) the Borrower shall notify (which may be by facsimile or electronic mail) the Administrative Agent of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions ( i.e ., soft copies) of such documents. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in every instance the Borrower shall be required to provide paper copies of the Compliance Certificates required by Section 6.02(a) to the Administrative Agent; provided , however , that if such Compliance Certificate is first delivered by electronic means, the date of such delivery by electronic means shall constitute the date of delivery for purposes of compliance with Section 6.02(a). Each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery of paper copies of such documents from the Administrative Agent and maintaining its copies of such documents.

The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Arrangers will make available to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, “ Borrower Materials ”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “ Platform ”) and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a “ Public Lender ”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its Affiliates, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities. The Borrower hereby agrees that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to identify that portion of the Borrower Materials that may be distributed to the Public Lenders and that (w) all such Borrower Materials shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC,” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information (although it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws; provided that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 10.08; (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Side Information”; and (z) the Administrative Agent and each Arranger shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Side Information.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall not be under any obligation to mark any Borrower Materials “PUBLIC.”

Section 6.02. Certificates; Other Information .

Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender:

(a) no later than five (5) days after the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Section 6.01(a) and (b), commencing with the first full fiscal quarter completed after the Closing Date, a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower;

(b) no later than five (5) days after the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Section 6.01(a), but only if available after the use of commercially reasonable efforts, a certificate (or other appropriate reporting means in accordance with applicable auditing standards) of its independent registered public accounting firm stating that in making the examination necessary therefor no knowledge was obtained of any Event of Default under Section 7.11 or, if any such Event of Default shall exist, stating the nature and status of such event;

(c) promptly after the same are publicly available, copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary files with the SEC or with any Governmental Authority that may be substituted therefor (other than amendments to any registration statement (to the extent such registration statement, in the form it became effective, is delivered), exhibits to any registration statement and, if applicable, any registration statement on Form S-8) and in any case not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto;

 

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(d) promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any material requests or material notices received by any Loan Party (other than in the ordinary course of business) or material statements or material reports furnished to any holder of debt securities (other than in connection with any board observer rights) of any Loan Party or of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any Mezzanine Debt Documentation, or Junior Financing Documentation in each case in a principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to any clause of this Section 6.02;

(e) together with the delivery of each Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 6.02(a), (i) in the case of annual Compliance Certificates only, a report setting forth the information required by sections describing the legal name and the jurisdiction of formation of each Loan Party and the location of the Chief Executive Office of each Loan Party of the Perfection Certificate or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the Closing Date or the date of the last such report, (ii) a description of each event, condition or circumstance during the last fiscal quarter covered by such Compliance Certificate requiring a mandatory prepayment under Section 2.05(b) and (iii) a list of each Subsidiary of the Borrower that identifies each Subsidiary as a Restricted or an Unrestricted Subsidiary as of the date of delivery of such Compliance Certificate (to the extent that there have been any changes in the identity of such Subsidiaries since the Closing Date or the most recent list provided);

(f) within five (5) business days of receipt of notice thereof by the Borrower, written notice of any announcement of any change in the Borrower’s corporate family rating from Moody’s or corporate credit rating from S&P, including outlook; and

(g) promptly, such additional customary information regarding the business, legal, financial or corporate affairs of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender through the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

Section 6.03. Notices .

Promptly after a Responsible Officer of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor has obtained knowledge thereof, notify the Administrative Agent:

(a) of the occurrence of any Default;

(b) of any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and

(c) of the filing or commencement of, or any threat or notice of intention of any person to file or commence, any action, suit, litigation or proceeding, whether at law or in equity by or before any Governmental Authority with respect to any Loan Document.

Each notice pursuant to this Section shall be accompanied by a written statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower (x) that such notice is being delivered pursuant to Section 6.03(a), (b) or (c) (as applicable) and (y) setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.

Section 6.04. Payment of Obligations .

Pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy as the same shall become due and payable in the normal conduct of its business, all its Taxes (whether or not shown on a Tax return), except, in each case, to the extent any

 

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such Tax is being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP or the failure to pay or discharge the same would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 6.05. Preservation of Existence, Etc .

(a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges (including its good standing where applicable in the relevant jurisdiction), permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except, in the case of (a) or (b), (i) (other than with respect to the Borrower) to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) pursuant to a transaction permitted by Section 7.04 or 7.05.

Section 6.06. Maintenance of Properties .

Except if the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, (a) maintain, preserve and protect all of its material properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order, repair and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted and fire, casualty or condemnation excepted, and (b) make all necessary renewals, replacements, modifications, improvements, upgrades, extensions and additions thereof or thereto in accordance with prudent industry practice and in the normal conduct of its business.

Section 6.07. Maintenance of Insurance .

(a) Generally . Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance reasonable and customary for similarly situated Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses as the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries) as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons.

(b) Requirements of Insurance . Not later than ninety (90) days after the Closing Date (or the date any such insurance is obtained, in the case of insurance obtained after the Closing Date), the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that (i) all such insurance with respect to any Collateral shall provide that no cancellation, material reduction in amount or material change in coverage thereof shall be effective until at least 10 days (or, to the extent reasonably available, 30 days) after receipt by the Collateral Agent of written notice thereof (the Borrower shall deliver a copy of the policy (and to the extent any such policy is renewed, a renewal policy) or other evidence thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, or insurance certificate with respect thereto) and (ii) all such insurance with respect to any Collateral shall name the Collateral Agent as mortgagee (in the case of property insurance) or additional insured on behalf of the Secured Parties (in the case of liability insurance) and loss payee (in the case of property insurance), as applicable.

(c) Flood Insurance . With respect to each Mortgaged Property, obtain flood insurance in such total amount as the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may from time to time reasonably require, if at any time the area in which any material improvements are located on any Mortgaged Property is designated a “flood hazard area” in any Flood Insurance Rate Map published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency), and otherwise comply with the National Flood Insurance Program as set forth in the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended from time to time.

 

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Section 6.08. Compliance with Laws .

Comply in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except if the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 6.09. Books and Records .

Maintain proper books of record and account, in which entries that are full, true and correct in all material respects and are in conformity with GAAP consistently applied and which reflect all material financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be (it being understood and agreed that Foreign Subsidiaries may maintain individual books and records in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles that are applicable in their respective countries of organization and that such maintenance shall not constitute a breach of the representations, warranties or covenants hereunder).

Section 6.10. Inspection Rights .

Permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent and each Lender to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom (other than records of the Board of Directors of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary), and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants (subject to such accountants’ customary policies and procedures), all at the reasonable expense of the Borrower and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Borrower; provided that, excluding any such visits and inspections during the continuation of an Event of Default, only the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders may exercise rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this Section 6.10 and the Administrative Agent shall not exercise such rights more often than two (2) times during any calendar year and only one (1) such time shall be at the Borrower’s expense; provided further that when an Event of Default exists, the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Borrower at any time during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall give the Borrower the opportunity to participate in any discussions with the Borrower’s independent public accountants. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6.10, none of the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary shall be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies or abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter that (i) constitutes non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information, (ii) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by Law or (iii) is subject to attorney client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work-product.

Section 6.11. Additional Collateral; Additional Guarantors .

At the Borrower’s expense, take all action necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to ensure that the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement continues to be satisfied, including:

(a) Upon (x) the formation or acquisition of any new direct or indirect wholly owned Domestic Subsidiary (in each case, other than an Excluded Subsidiary) by the Borrower, (y) any Excluded Subsidiary ceasing to constitute an Excluded Subsidiary or (z) or the designation in accordance with Section 6.14 of any existing direct or indirect wholly owned Domestic Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) as a Restricted Subsidiary:

(i) within 60 days after such formation, acquisition, cessation or designation, or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its discretion:

 

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(A) cause each such Domestic Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to duly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent (as appropriate) joinders to this Agreement as Guarantors, Security Agreement Supplements, Intellectual Property Security Agreements, a counterpart of the Intercompany Note and other security agreements and documents (including, with respect to such Mortgages, the documents listed in Section 6.13(b)), as reasonably requested by and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (consistent, subject to local law requirements, with the Mortgages, Security Agreement, Intellectual Property Security Agreements and other security agreements in effect on the Closing Date), in each case granting first-priority Liens required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement;

(B) cause each such Domestic Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement (and the parent of each such Domestic Subsidiary that is a Guarantor) to deliver any and all certificates representing Equity Interests (to the extent certificated) and intercompany notes (to the extent certificated) that are required to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, accompanied by undated stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed in blank;

(C) take and cause such Restricted Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement and each direct or indirect parent of such Restricted Subsidiary to take whatever action (including the recording of Mortgages, the filing of UCC financing statements and delivery of stock and membership interest certificates) as may be necessary in the reasonable opinion of the Collateral Agent to vest in the Collateral Agent (or in any representative of the Collateral Agent designated by it) valid and perfected Liens to the extent required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement or the Collateral Documents, and to otherwise comply with the requirements of the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement or the Collateral Documents;

(ii) if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, within forty-five (45) days after such request (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its sole discretion), deliver to the Administrative Agent a signed copy of an opinion, addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, of counsel for the Loan Parties reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent as to such matters set forth in this Section 6.11(a) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request;

(iii) as promptly as practicable after the request therefor by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, deliver to the Collateral Agent with respect to each Material Real Property, any existing title reports, abstracts or environmental assessment reports, to the extent available and in the possession or control of the Borrower; provided, however, that there shall be no obligation to deliver to the Administrative Agent any existing environmental assessment report whose disclosure to the Administrative Agent would require the consent of a Person other than the Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries, where, despite the commercially reasonable efforts of the Borrower to obtain such consent, such consent cannot be obtained; and

(iv) if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, within sixty (60) days after such request (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its sole discretion), deliver to the Collateral Agent any other items necessary from time to time to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement with respect to perfection and existence of security interests with respect to property of any Guarantor acquired after the Closing Date and subject to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement or the Collateral Documents, but not specifically covered by the preceding clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) or clause (b) below.

 

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(b) Not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the acquisition by any Loan Party of Material Real Property as determined by the Borrower (acting reasonably and in good faith) (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its sole discretion) that is required to be provided as Collateral pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, which property would not be automatically subject to another Lien pursuant to pre-existing Collateral Documents, cause such property to be subject to a first-priority Lien and Mortgage in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties and take, or cause the relevant Loan Party to take, such actions as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to grant and perfect or record such Lien, in each case to the extent required by, and subject to the limitations and exceptions of, the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement and to otherwise comply with the requirements of the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.

(c) Always ensuring that the Obligations are secured by a first-priority security interest in all the Equity Interests of the Borrower.

Section 6.12. Compliance with Environmental Laws .

Except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, comply, and take all reasonable actions to cause all lessees and other Persons operating or occupying its properties to comply with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits; obtain and renew all Environmental Permits necessary for its operations and properties; and, in each case to the extent the Loan Parties are required by Environmental Laws, conduct any investigation, remedial or other corrective action necessary to address Hazardous Materials at any property or facility in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws.

Section 6.13. Further Assurances and Post-Closing Conditions .

(a) Within ninety (90) days after the Closing Date (subject to extension by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion), deliver each Collateral Document required to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement or required pursuant to the terms of any Collateral Document, duly executed by each Loan Party required to be party thereto, together with all documents and instruments required to perfect the security interest or Lien of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral (if any) free of any other pledges, security interests or mortgages, except Liens permitted under the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, to the extent required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement or the Collateral Documents.

(b) Promptly upon reasonable request by the Administrative Agent (i) correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in the execution, acknowledgment, filing or recordation of any Collateral Document or other document or instrument relating to any Collateral, and (ii) do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register any and all such further acts, deeds, certificates, assurances and other instruments as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request from time to time in order to carry out more effectively the purposes of the Collateral Documents, to the extent required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement or the Collateral Documents. If the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent reasonably determines that it is required by applicable Law to have appraisals prepared in respect of the Real Property of any Loan Party subject to a mortgage constituting Collateral, the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent appraisals that satisfy the applicable requirements of the Real Estate Appraisal Reform Amendments of FIRREA.

Section 6.14. Designation of Subsidiaries .

The Borrower may at any time after the Closing Date designate any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (i) immediately

 

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before and after such designation, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) immediately after giving effect to such designation, the Borrower shall be in compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period (or, if no Test Period cited in Section 7.11 has passed, the covenants in Section 7.11 for the first Test Period cited in such Section shall be satisfied as of the last four quarters ended), in each case, as if such designation had occurred on the last day of such fiscal quarter of the Borrower and, as a condition precedent to the effectiveness of any such designation, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail the calculations demonstrating such compliance), (iii) no Subsidiary may be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary if it is a “Restricted Subsidiary” for the purpose of the Mezzanine Debt, or any Junior Financing, as applicable, (iv) no Restricted Subsidiary may be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary if it was previously designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary and (v) if a Restricted Subsidiary is being designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary hereunder, the sum of (A) the fair market value of assets of such Subsidiary as of such date of designation (the “ Designation Date ”), plus (B) the aggregate fair market value of assets of all Unrestricted Subsidiaries designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 6.14 prior to the Designation Date (in each case measured as of the date of each such Unrestricted Subsidiary’s designation as an Unrestricted Subsidiary) shall not exceed $75,000,000 as of such Designation Date pro forma for such designation. The designation of any Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date shall constitute an Investment by the Borrower therein at the date of designation in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Borrower’s investment therein. The designation of any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary shall constitute (i) the incurrence at the time of designation of any Investment, Indebtedness or Liens of such Subsidiary existing at such time and (ii) a return on any Investment by the Borrower in Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the preceding sentence in an amount equal to the fair market value at the date of such designation of the Borrower’s Investment in such Subsidiary.

Section 6.15. Maintenance of Ratings .

The Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain a public corporate rating from S&P and a public corporate family rating from Moody’s, in each case in respect of the Borrower, and a public rating of the Facilities by each of S&P and Moody’s.

ARTICLE VII.

Negative Covenants

So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder (other than Cash Management Obligations or obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements) which is accrued and payable shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding (unless the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized or a backstop letter of credit reasonably satisfactory to the applicable L/C Issuer is in place), then from and after the Closing Date:

Section 7.01. Liens .

Neither the Borrower nor the Restricted Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the following:

(a) Liens pursuant to any Loan Document;

(b) Liens existing on the Closing Date; provided that any Lien securing Indebtedness in excess of (x) $2,500,000 individually or (y) $10,000,000 in the aggregate (when taken together with all other Liens securing obligations outstanding in reliance on this clause (b) that are not listed on Schedule 7.01(b)) shall only be permitted to the extent such Lien is listed on Schedule 7.01(b), and any modifications, replacements, renewals, refinancings or extensions thereof; provided that (i) the Lien does not extend to any additional property other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien or financed by Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03, and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (ii) the replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens, to the extent constituting Indebtedness, is permitted by Section 7.03;

 

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(c) Liens for Taxes that are not overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP to the extent required by GAAP;

(d) statutory or common law Liens of landlords, sublandlords, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, repairmen, construction contractors or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business that secure amounts not overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or if more than thirty (30) days overdue, that are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce such Lien or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP to the extent required by GAAP;

(e) (i) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation and (ii) pledges and deposits in the ordinary course of business securing liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(f) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, governmental contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness for borrowed money), statutory obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature (including (i) those to secure health, safety and environmental obligations and (ii) letters of credit and bank guarantees required or requested by any Governmental Authority) incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions (including zoning restrictions), encroachments, protrusions and other similar encumbrances and minor title defects affecting Real Property that do not in the aggregate materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and any exceptions on the Mortgage Policies issued in connection with the Mortgaged Properties;

(h) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 8.01(h);

(i) leases, licenses, subleases or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not (i) interfere in any material respect with the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (ii) secure any Indebtedness;

(j) Liens (i) in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of Law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business or (ii) on specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods in the ordinary course of business;

(k) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodities brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and (iii) in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of Law or under customary general terms and conditions encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of setoff) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry or arising pursuant to such banking institutions general terms and conditions;

 

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(l) Liens (i) on cash advances in favor of the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted pursuant to Section 7.02(i) or (n) or, to the extent related to any of the foregoing, Section 7.02(r) to be applied against the purchase price for such Investment, and (ii) consisting of an agreement to Dispose of any property in a Disposition permitted under Section 7.05, in each case, solely to the extent such Investment or Disposition, as the case may be, would have been permitted on the date of the creation of such Lien;

(m) Liens (i) in favor of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary on assets of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party or (ii) in favor of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor;

(n) any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensor or sublicensor under leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses entered into by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(o) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for sale of goods entered into by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business permitted by this Agreement;

(p) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements under Section 7.02;

(q) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

(r) Liens that are contractual rights of setoff or rights of pledge (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks or other financial institutions not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(s) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;

(t) ground leases in respect of Real Property on which facilities owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries are located;

(u) Liens to secure Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03(e); provided that (i) such Liens are created within 270 days of the acquisition, construction, repair, lease or improvement of the property subject to such Liens, (ii) such Liens do not at any time encumber property (except for replacements, additions and accessions to such property) other than the property financed by such Indebtedness and the proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits and (iii) with respect to Capitalized Leases, such Liens do not at any time extend to or cover any assets (except for replacements, additions and accessions to such assets) other than the assets subject to such Capitalized Leases and the proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits; provided that individual financings of equipment provided by one lender may be cross collateralized to other financings of equipment provided by such lender;

(v) Liens on property of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party securing Indebtedness of the applicable Subsidiary permitted under Section 7.03;

(w) Liens existing on property at the time of its acquisition or existing on the property of any Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (other than by designation as a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14), in each case after the Closing Date (including Capital Leases); provided that

 

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(i) such Lien was not created in contemplation of such acquisition or such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) such Lien does not extend to or cover any other assets or property (other than the proceeds or products thereof and other than after-acquired property subjected to a Lien securing Indebtedness and other obligations incurred prior to such time and which Indebtedness and other obligations are permitted hereunder that require, pursuant to their terms at such time, a pledge of after-acquired property, it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition), and (iii) (a) the obligations secured thereby do not exceed $75,000,000 at any time outstanding and (b) the Indebtedness secured thereby is permitted under Section 7.03(g);

(x) (i) zoning, building, entitlement and other land use regulations by Governmental Authorities with which the normal operation of the business complies, and (ii) any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority to control or regulate the use of any real property that does not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

(y) Liens arising from precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statement or similar filings;

(z) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;

(aa) the modification, replacement, renewal or extension of any Lien permitted by clauses (u) and (w) of this Section 7.01; provided that (i) the Lien does not extend to any additional property, other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (ii) the renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or Liens is permitted by Section 7.03 (to the extent constituting Indebtedness);

(bb) other Liens (which may be Liens on the Collateral so long as any such Liens securing Indebtedness for money borrowed are junior to the Liens securing the Obligations and any such obligations secured by junior Lien on the Collateral in excess of $10,000,000 in the aggregate shall be expressly subject to a Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement) securing obligations in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $75,000,000;

(cc) Liens securing Permitted Notes issued pursuant to Section 7.03(s) so long as such Liens are subject to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or a Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement;

(dd) Liens in favor of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary securing Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness of a Loan Party to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party) permitted under Section 7.03(d); and

(ee) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and the proceeds thereof securing such Person’s obligations in respect of documentary letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or goods.

Section 7.02. Investments .

Neither the Borrower nor the Restricted Subsidiaries shall directly or indirectly, make or hold any Investments, except:

(a) Investments by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in assets that were Cash Equivalents when such Investment was made;

 

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(b) loans or advances to officers, directors and employees of any Loan Party (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries (i) for reasonable and customary business-related travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes, (ii) in connection with such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent thereof ( provided that the amount of such loans and advances shall be contributed to the Borrower in cash as common equity) and (iii) for any other purposes not described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii); provided that the aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time under clause (iii) above shall not exceed $15,000,000;

(c) Investments (i) by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in any Loan Party and (ii) by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party;

(d) Investments (i) consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and other credits to suppliers in the ordinary course of business;

(e) Investments consisting of (x) transactions permitted under Sections 7.01, 7.03 (other than 7.03(c) and (d)), 7.04 (other than 7.04(d) and (e)) and 7.05 (other than 7.05(e)), (y) Restricted Payments permitted by Section 7.06 and (z) repayments or other acquisitions of Indebtedness of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor not prohibited by Section 7.13;

(f) Investments (i) existing or contemplated on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.02(f) and any modification, replacement, renewal, reinvestment or extension thereof and (ii) existing on the Closing Date by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary and any modification, renewal or extension thereof; provided that the amount of any original Investment under this clause (f) is not increased except by the terms of such Investment as of the Closing Date or as otherwise permitted by Section 7.02;

(g) Investments in Swap Contracts permitted under Section 7.03;

(h) promissory notes and other non-cash consideration received in connection with Dispositions permitted by Section 7.05;

(i) any acquisition of all or substantially all the assets of, or all the Equity Interests (other than directors’ qualifying shares or any options for Equity Interests that cannot, as a matter of law, be cancelled, redeemed or otherwise extinguished without the express agreement of the holder thereof at or prior to acquisition) in, a Person or division or line of business of a Person (or any subsequent investment made in a Person, division or line of business previously acquired in a Permitted Acquisition), in a single transaction or series of related transactions, if immediately after giving effect thereto: (i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom (other than in respect of any Permitted Acquisition made pursuant to a legally binding commitment entered into at a time when no Default exists or would result therefrom); (ii) the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall be in Pro Forma Compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11 after giving effect to such acquisition or investment and any related transactions; (iii) any acquired or newly formed Restricted Subsidiary shall not be liable for any Indebtedness except for Indebtedness otherwise permitted by Section 7.03; (iv) to the extent required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, (A) the property, assets and businesses acquired in such purchase or other acquisition shall constitute Collateral and (B) any such newly created or acquired Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary (it being understood that the acquisition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as part of a Permitted Acquisition shall be deemed to be an Investment made in reliance on a provision of this Section 7.02 other than this clause (i)) shall become Guarantors, in each case, in accordance with Section 6.11, and (v) the aggregate amount of such Investments by Loan Parties in assets that are not (or do not become) owned by a Loan Party or in Equity Interests in Persons that do not become Loan Parties upon consummation of such acquisition shall not exceed $75,000,000 (any such acquisition, a “ Permitted Acquisition ”);

 

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(j) Investments made in connection with the Transactions;

(k) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of UCC Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and UCC Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;

(l) Investments (including debt obligations and Equity Interests) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers or in settlement of delinquent obligations of, or other disputes with, customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business or upon the foreclosure with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment;

(m) loans and advances to the Borrower and any other direct or indirect parent of the Borrower, and not in excess of the amount of (after giving effect to any other loans, advances or Restricted Payments in respect thereof) Restricted Payments permitted to be made to such parent in accordance with Section 7.06(f), (g) or (h);

(n) other Investments (including in connection with Permitted Acquisitions as contemplated pursuant to Sections 7.02(i)(iv) and (i)(v)) (i) made prior to the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date pursuant to this clause (n) and (ii) made on or after the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date in an aggregate amount outstanding pursuant to this clause (n) (valued at the time of the making thereof, and without giving effect to any write downs or write offs thereof) at any time not to exceed (x) $175,000,000 (net of any return in respect thereof, including dividends, interest, distributions, returns of principal, profits on sale, repayments, income and similar amounts) plus (y) the portion, if any, of the Cumulative Credit on the date of such election that the Borrower elects to apply to this subsection (y), such election to be specified in a written notice of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower calculating in reasonable detail the amount of Cumulative Credit immediately prior to such election and the amount thereof elected to be so applied;

(o) advances of payroll payments to employees in the ordinary course of business;

(p) (i) Investments made in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice in connection with obtaining, maintaining or renewing client contracts and loans or advances made to distributors in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice and (ii) Investments to the extent that payment for such Investments is made solely with Equity Interests of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower);

(q) Investments of a Restricted Subsidiary acquired after the Closing Date or of a corporation merged or amalgamated or consolidated into the Borrower or merged, amalgamated or consolidated with a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case in accordance with Section 7.04 after the Closing Date to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation, do not constitute a material portion of the aggregate assets acquired by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in such transaction and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation;

(r) Investments made by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to the extent such Investments are financed with the proceeds received by such Restricted Subsidiary from an Investment in such Restricted Subsidiary contemplated pursuant to Section 7.02(n) or permitted under Section 7.02(i)(v);

(s) Guarantees by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of leases (other than Capitalized Leases) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business; and

(t) loans and leases of animals to third parties for the purposes of exhibition, storage or breeding, as the case may be, in each case in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices.

 

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Section 7.03. Indebtedness .

Neither the Borrower nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:

(a) Indebtedness of any Loan Party under the Loan Documents (including for the avoidance of doubt any Incremental Term Loans or Revolving Commitment Increase);

(b) Indebtedness (i) outstanding on the Closing Date and listed on Schedule 7.03(b) and any refinancing thereof and (ii) intercompany Indebtedness outstanding on the Closing Date and any refinancing thereof, of which any amount owed by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to a Loan Party shall be evidenced by an Intercompany Note; provided that all such Indebtedness of any Loan Party owed to any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be unsecured and subordinated to the Obligations pursuant to an Intercompany Note;

(c) Guarantees by the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower otherwise permitted hereunder; provided that (A) no Guarantee of any Mezzanine Debt or Junior Financing shall be permitted unless such guaranteeing party shall have also provided a Guarantee of the Obligations on the terms set forth herein and (B) if the Indebtedness being Guaranteed is subordinated to the Obligations, such Guarantee shall be subordinated to the Guarantee of the Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the subordination of such Indebtedness;

(d) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary owing to any Loan Party or any other Restricted Subsidiary (or issued or transferred to any direct or indirect parent of a Loan Party which is substantially contemporaneously transferred to a Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary of a Loan Party) to the extent constituting an Investment permitted by Section 7.02; provided that all such Indebtedness shall be evidenced by an Intercompany Note;

(e)(i) Attributable Indebtedness and other Indebtedness (including Capitalized Leases) financing an acquisition, construction, repair, replacement, lease or improvement of a fixed or capital asset incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary prior to or within 270 days after the acquisition, construction, repair, replacement, lease or improvement of the applicable asset in an aggregate amount not to exceed $30,000,000 (together with any Permitted Refinancings thereof) at any time outstanding, (ii) Attributable Indebtedness arising out of sale-leaseback transactions permitted by Section 7.05(m) and (iii) any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing;

(f) Indebtedness in respect of Swap Contracts designed to hedge against the Borrower’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s exposure to interest rates, foreign exchange rates or commodities pricing risks incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

(g) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (A) assumed in connection with any Permitted Acquisition, provided that such Indebtedness is not incurred in contemplation of such Permitted Acquisition, and any Permitted Refinancing thereof or (B) incurred to finance a Permitted Acquisition and any Permitted Refinancing thereof; provided that (w) in the case of clauses (A) and (B), such Indebtedness and all Indebtedness resulting from a Permitted Refinancing thereof is unsecured (except for Liens permitted by Section 7.01(w) securing Indebtedness (together with Permitted Refinancings thereof) incurred pursuant to clause (A) in an aggregate principal outstanding not to exceed $75,000,000 and Liens securing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (A) permitted by Section 7.01(bb)), (x) in the case of clauses (A) and (B), both immediately prior and after giving effect thereto, (1) no Default shall exist or result therefrom (other than a Permitted Acquisition made pursuant to a legally binding commitment entered into at a time when no Default exists or would result therefrom), and (2) the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries will be in Pro Forma Compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11 and (y) in the case of any such incurred Indebtedness under clause (B), such

 

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Indebtedness matures after, and does not require any scheduled amortization or other scheduled payments of principal prior to, the seventh anniversary of the Closing Date; provided, further , that the amount of Indebtedness incurred by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties under this Section 7.03(g) shall not exceed $50,000,000 in the aggregate;

(h) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(i) Indebtedness to current or former officers, managers, consultants, directors and employees, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower permitted by Section 7.06;

(j) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in a Permitted Acquisition, any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder or any Disposition, in each case, constituting indemnification obligations or obligations in respect of purchase price (including customary earnouts) or other similar adjustments;

(k) Indebtedness consisting of obligations of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements incurred by such Person in connection with the Transactions, and Permitted Acquisitions or any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder;

(l) Cash Management Obligations and other Indebtedness in respect of netting services, automatic clearinghouse arrangements, overdraft protections and similar arrangements in each case in connection with deposit accounts in the ordinary course of business;

(m) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in an aggregate principal amount that at the time of, and after giving effect to, the incurrence thereof, would not exceed $125,000,000;

(n) Indebtedness consisting of (a) the financing of insurance premiums or (b) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

(o) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances, warehouse receipts or similar instruments issued or created in the ordinary course of business, including in respect of workers compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims; provided that any reimbursement obligations in respect thereof are reimbursed within 30 days following the due date thereof;

(p) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations provided by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;

(q) Indebtedness constituting the Mezzanine Debt and any Permitted Refinancing thereof;

(r) Indebtedness supported by a Letter of Credit, in a principal amount not to exceed the face amount of such Letter of Credit;

(s)(i) Permitted Notes in an aggregate principal amount, when aggregated with the amount of Incremental Term Loans and Revolving Commitment Increases pursuant to Section 2.14, not to exceed $350,000,000, (ii) to the extent Permitted Notes may not be issued in reliance on the foregoing subclause (i), Permitted Notes that are (x) secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations in an aggregate principal amount

 

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that would not cause the First Lien Secured Leverage Ratio, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements were required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b), as applicable (or, if no Test Period has passed, as of the last four quarters ended), as if such Permitted Notes had been outstanding on the last day of such four quarter period, to exceed 3.50 to 1.00 or (y) unsecured or secured on a junior basis with the Obligations in an aggregate principal amount that would not cause the Total Leverage Ratio, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements were required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b), as applicable (or, if no Test Period has passed, as of the last four quarters ended), as if such Permitted Notes had been outstanding on the last day of such four quarter period, to exceed 5.25 to 1.00, (iii) Permitted Notes, the Net Proceeds of which are applied to the permanent repayment of Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(iii), (iv) Permitted Notes that are offered on a pro rata basis to all Lenders that are “Qualified Institutional Buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) holding Term Loans and in a principal amount not to exceed the amount of Term Loans exchanged for such Permitted Notes pursuant to procedures reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (including procedures designed to comply with securities laws); provided that any Term Loans exchanged for such Permitted Notes shall be deemed to have been repaid immediately upon the effectiveness of such exchange, and (v) in the case of Permitted Notes incurred under any of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), Permitted Refinancings thereof; and

(t) all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (a) through (s) above.

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.03, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Indebtedness described in clauses (a) through (t) above, the Borrower shall, in its sole discretion, classify and reclassify or later divide, classify or reclassify such item of Indebtedness (or any portion thereof) and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one or more of the above clauses; provided that (i) all Indebtedness outstanding under the Loan Documents will at all times be deemed to be outstanding in reliance only on the exception in clause (a) of Section 7.03, and (ii) all Indebtedness constituting Mezzanine Debt will be deemed to be outstanding in reliance only on the exception in clause (q) of Section 7.03.

Section 7.04. Fundamental Changes .

Neither the Borrower nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person (other than as part of the Transactions), except that:

(a) any Restricted Subsidiary may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with (i) the Borrower (including a merger, the purpose of which is to reorganize the Borrower into a new jurisdiction in the United States); provided that the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person or (ii) one or more other Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that when any Person that is a Loan Party is merging with a Restricted Subsidiary, a Loan Party shall be the continuing or surviving Person;

(b)(i) any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into any other Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party and (ii) any Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve or the Borrower or any Subsidiary may change its legal form if the Borrower determines in good faith that such action is in the best interest of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and if not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders (it being understood that in the case of any change in legal form, a Subsidiary that is a Guarantor will remain a Guarantor unless such Guarantor is otherwise permitted to cease being a Guarantor hereunder);

(c) any Restricted Subsidiary may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower or to another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Guarantor, then (i) the transferee must be a Guarantor or the Borrower or (ii) to the extent constituting an Investment, such Investment must be a permitted Investment in or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary which is not a Loan Party in accordance with Sections 7.02 (other than Section 7.02(e)) and 7.03, respectively;

 

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(d) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, the Borrower may merge with any other Person; provided that (i) the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving corporation or (ii) if the Person formed by or surviving any such merger or consolidation is not the Borrower (any such Person, the “ Successor Company ”), (A) the Successor Company shall be an entity organized or existing under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, (B) the Successor Company shall expressly assume all the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (C) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have confirmed that its Guarantee shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Loan Documents, (D) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by a supplement to the Security Agreement and other applicable Collateral Documents confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Loan Documents, (E) if requested by the Administrative Agent, each mortgagor of a Mortgaged Property, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by an amendment to or restatement of the applicable Mortgage (or other instrument reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Loan Documents, and (F) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such merger or consolidation and such supplement to this Agreement or any Collateral Document comply with this Agreement; provided, further, that if the foregoing are satisfied, the Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Borrower under this Agreement;

(e) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom (in the case of a merger involving a Loan Party), any Restricted Subsidiary may merge with any other Person in order to effect an Investment permitted pursuant to Section 7.02; provided that the continuing or surviving Person shall be a Restricted Subsidiary or the Borrower, which together with each of its Restricted Subsidiaries, shall have complied with the requirements of Section 6.11 to the extent required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement;

(f) the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries may consummate the Acquisition, related transactions contemplated by the Acquisition Agreement (and documents related thereto) and the Transactions; and

(g) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, a merger, dissolution, liquidation, consolidation or Disposition, the purpose of which is to effect a Disposition permitted pursuant to Section 7.05.

Section 7.05. Dispositions .

Neither the Borrower nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, make any Disposition or enter into any agreement to make any Disposition (other than as part of or in connection with the Transaction), except:

(a)(i) Dispositions of obsolete, surplus or worn out property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business and Dispositions in the ordinary course of business of property no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) Dispositions of property no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries outside the ordinary course of business (and for consideration complying with the requirements applicable to Dispositions pursuant to clause (j) below) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000;

 

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(b) Dispositions of inventory, goods held for sale in the ordinary course of business and immaterial assets (including allowing any registrations or any applications for registration of any intellectual property to lapse or go abandoned) in the ordinary course of business;

(c) Dispositions of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;

(d) Dispositions of property to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor of such property is a Loan Party, (i) the transferee thereof must be a Loan Party or (ii) if such transaction constitutes an Investment, such transaction is permitted under Section 7.02;

(e) to the extent constituting Dispositions, the granting of Liens permitted by Section 7.01, the making of Investments permitted by Section 7.02, mergers, consolidations and liquidations permitted by Section 7.04 (other than Section 7.04(g)) and Restricted Payments permitted by Section 7.06;

(f) Dispositions made on the Closing Date to consummate the Transaction;

(g) Dispositions of Cash Equivalents;

(h) leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses (including the provision of software or the licensing of other intellectual property rights), in each case in the ordinary course of business and which do not materially interfere with the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

(i) transfers of property subject to Casualty Events;

(j) Dispositions of property not otherwise permitted under this Section 7.05 in an aggregate amount during the term of this Agreement not to exceed $500,000,000; provided that (i) at the time of such Disposition (other than any such Disposition made pursuant to a legally binding commitment entered into at a time when no Default exists), no Default shall exist or would result from such Disposition, (ii) with respect to any Disposition pursuant to this clause (j) for a purchase price in excess of $5,000,000, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall receive not less than 75% of such consideration in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents (in each case, free and clear of all Liens at the time received, other than nonconsensual Liens permitted by Section 7.01 and Liens permitted by Sections 7.01(a), (f), (k), (p), (q), (bb) and (cc) and clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 7.01(r)); provided, however , that for the purposes of this clause (j)(ii), the following shall be deemed to be cash: (A) any liabilities (as shown on the Borrower’s most recent balance sheet provided hereunder or in the footnotes thereto) of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary associated with the assets or Restricted Subsidiary sold in such Disposition that are assumed by the transferee with respect to the applicable Disposition and for which the Borrower and all of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall have been validly released by all applicable creditors in writing, (B) any securities received by such the Borrower or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received) within 180 days following the closing of the applicable Disposition, and (C) aggregate non-cash consideration received by the Borrower or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value (determined as of the closing of the applicable Disposition for which such non-cash consideration is received) not to exceed $10,000,0000 at any time (net of any non-cash consideration converted into cash and Cash Equivalents), and (iii) to the extent that the aggregate amount of Net Proceeds received by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary from all Dispositions made pursuant to this Section 7.05(j) exceeds $250,000,000, all Net Proceeds in excess of such amount shall be applied to prepay Term Loans in accordance with Section 2.05(b)(ii) and may not be reinvested in the business of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary;

(k) Dispositions listed on Schedule 7.05(k);

 

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(l) Dispositions or discounts without recourse of accounts receivable in connection with the compromise or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business;

(m) Dispositions of property pursuant to sale-leaseback transactions; provided that the fair market value of all property so Disposed of after the Closing Date shall not exceed $50,000,000;

(n) any swap of assets in exchange for services or other assets in the ordinary course of business of comparable or greater value or usefulness to the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as a whole, as determined in good faith by the management of the Borrower;

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

(p) Dispositions of Investments in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to customary buy/sell arrangements between, the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding arrangements; and

(q) the unwinding of any Swap Contracts pursuant to its terms;

provided that any Disposition of any property pursuant to Section 7.05(j) or (m) shall be for no less than the fair market value of such property at the time of such Disposition. To the extent any Collateral is Disposed of as expressly permitted by this Section 7.05 to any Person other than a Loan Party, such Collateral shall be sold free and clear of the Liens created by the Loan Documents, and the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall be authorized to take any actions deemed appropriate in order to effect the foregoing.

Section 7.06. Restricted Payments .

Neither the Borrower shall, nor shall the Borrower permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except:

(a) each Restricted Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Borrower, and other Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower (and, in the case of a Restricted Payment by a non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary, to the Borrower and any other Restricted Subsidiary and to each other owner of Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary based on their relative ownership interests of the relevant class of Equity Interests);

(b) the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary may declare and make dividend payments or other Restricted Payments payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests not otherwise permitted by Section 7.03) of such Person;

(c) Restricted Payments made (i) on the Closing Date to consummate the Transactions, (ii) in respect of working capital adjustments or purchase price adjustments pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement and (iii) in order to satisfy indemnity and other similar obligations under the Acquisition Agreement;

(d) to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may enter into and consummate transactions expressly permitted by any provision of Section 7.02 (other than 7.02(e)), 7.04 or Section 7.08 (other than Section 7.08(f));

(e) repurchases of Equity Interests in the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower 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;

 

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(f) the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary may pay (or make Restricted Payments to allow the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary (or of the Borrower or any other such direct or indirect parent thereof) by any future, present or former employee, officer, director, manager or consultant of such Restricted Subsidiary (or the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent of such Restricted Subsidiary) or any of its Subsidiaries upon the death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of any such Person or pursuant to any employee, manager or director equity plan, employee, manager or director stock option plan or any other employee, manager or director benefit plan or any agreement (including any stock subscription or shareholder agreement) with any employee, director, officer or consultant of such Restricted Subsidiary (or the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (f) shall not exceed $15,000,000 in any calendar year (which shall increase to $25,000,000 subsequent to the consummation of a Qualified IPO of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent thereof, as the case may be) (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to a maximum (without giving effect to the following proviso) of $25,000,000 in any calendar year (which shall increase to $50,000,000 subsequent to the consummation of a Qualified IPO of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent thereof, as the case may be)); provided further that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:

(i) to the extent contributed to the Borrower, the Net Proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests of any of the Borrower’s direct or indirect parent companies, in each case to members of management, managers, directors or consultants of Holdings, the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies that occurs after the Closing Date; plus

(ii) the Cash Proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries; less

(iii) the amount of any Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 7.06(f);

(g) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount equal to the portion, if any, of the Cumulative Credit on such date that the Borrower elects to apply to this paragraph so long as (i) the Total Leverage Ratio determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements were required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b), as applicable (or, if no Test Period has passed, as of the last four quarters ended), as if such Restricted Payment had been made on the last day of such four quarter period, is less than or equal to 3.25:1.00 and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing; provided that any election made pursuant to this clause (g) shall be specified in a written notice of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower calculating in reasonable detail the amount of Cumulative Credit immediately prior to such election and the amount thereof elected to be so applied;

(h) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments to any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower:

(i) to pay its operating expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business and other corporate overhead costs and expenses (including administrative, legal, accounting and similar expenses provided by third parties), which are reasonable and customary and incurred in the ordinary course of business and attributable to the ownership or operations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries so long as allocable to such entity in accordance with GAAP, Transaction Expenses and any reasonable and customary indemnification claims made by directors or officers of such parent attributable to the ownership or operations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

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(ii) the proceeds of which shall be used by such parent to pay franchise taxes and other fees, taxes and expenses required to maintain its (or any of its direct or indirect parents’) corporate existence;

(iii) for any taxable period in which the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries is a member of a consolidated, combined or similar income tax group of which a direct or indirect parent of Borrower is the common parent (a “ Tax Group ”), to pay federal, foreign, state and local income Taxes of such Tax Group that are attributable to the taxable income of the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries; provided that, for each taxable period, the amount of such payments made in respect of such taxable period in the aggregate shall not exceed the amount that the Borrower and the Subsidiaries would have been required to pay as a stand-alone Tax Group, reduced by any portion of such income Taxes directly paid by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; provided further that the permitted payment pursuant to this clause (iii) with respect to any Taxes of any Unrestricted Subsidiary for any taxable period shall be limited to the amount actually paid with respect to such period by such Unrestricted Subsidiary to the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries for the purposes of paying such consolidated, combined or similar Taxes;

(iv) to finance any Investment that would be permitted to be made pursuant to Section 7.02 if such parent were subject to such section; provided that (A) such Restricted Payment shall be made substantially concurrently with the closing of such Investment and (B) such parent shall, immediately following the closing thereof, cause (1) all property acquired (whether assets or Equity Interests) to be contributed to the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries or (2) the merger (to the extent permitted in Section 7.04) of the Person formed or acquired into the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries in order to consummate such Permitted Acquisition or Investment, in each case, in accordance with the requirements of Section 6.11;

(v) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to officers and employees of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings to the extent such salaries, bonuses and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(vi) the proceeds of which shall be used by Holdings to pay (or to make Restricted Payments to allow any direct or indirect parent thereof to pay fees and expenses (other than to Affiliates) related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering by Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) that is directly attributable to the operations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries; and

(vii) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay customary costs, fees and expenses (other than to Affiliates) related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering permitted by this Agreement;

(i) payments made or expected to be made by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of withholding or similar Taxes payable by any future, present or former employee, director, manager or consultant (or any spouses, former spouses, successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legatees or distributees of any of the foregoing) and any repurchases of Equity Interests in consideration of such payments including deemed repurchases in connection with the exercise of stock options;

(j) after a Qualified IPO, (i) any Restricted Payment by the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent of the Borrower to pay listing fees and other costs and expenses attributable to being a publicly traded company which are reasonable and customary and (ii) Restricted Payments not to exceed the greater of (A) up to 6% per annum of the net proceeds received by (or contributed to) the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries from such Qualified IPO and (B) Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount per annum not to exceed (w) $90.0

 

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million, so long as, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the payment of any such Restricted Payment, the Total Leverage Ratio shall be no greater than 5.00 to 1.00 and greater than 4.50 to 1.00, (x) $120.0 million, so long as, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the payment of any such Restricted Payment, the Total Leverage Ratio shall be no greater than 4.50 to 1.00 and greater than 4.00 to 1.00, (y) the greater of (a) $120.0 million and (b) 7.5% of Market Capitalization, so long as, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the payment of any such Restricted Payment, the Total Leverage Ratio shall be no greater than 4.00 to 1.00 and greater than 3.50 to 1.00 and (z) an unlimited amount, so long as, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the payment of any such Restricted Payment, the Total Leverage Ratio shall be no greater than 3.50 to 1.00; and

(k) the Borrower may make the Amendment No. 3 Distribution.

Section 7.07. Change in Nature of Business .

The Borrower shall not, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the Closing Date or any business reasonably related, complementary, synergistic or ancillary thereto (including related, complementary, synergistic or ancillary technologies) or reasonable extensions thereof.

Section 7.08. Transactions with Affiliates .

Neither the Borrower shall, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of the Borrower, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, other than (a) transactions among the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries or any entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction, (b) on terms substantially as favorable to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary as would be obtainable by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate, (c) the Transactions and the payment of fees and expenses (including Transaction Expenses) as part of or in connection with the Transactions, (d) the issuance of Equity Interests to any officer, director, employee or consultant of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions, (e) [reserved], (f) Restricted Payments permitted under Section 7.06, (g) loans and other transactions among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and joint ventures (to the extent any such Subsidiary that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or any such joint venture is only an Affiliate as a result of Investments by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Subsidiary or joint venture) to the extent otherwise permitted under this Article VII, (h) employment and severance arrangements between the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and their respective officers and employees in the ordinary course of business and transactions pursuant to stock option plans and employee benefit plans and arrangements in the ordinary course of business, (i) the payment of customary fees and reasonable out of pocket costs to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, directors, managers, officers, employees and consultants of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) in the ordinary course of business to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, (j) transactions pursuant to agreements in existence on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.08 or any amendment thereto to the extent such an amendment is not adverse to the Lenders in any material respect, (k) customary payments by the Borrower and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to the Investors made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities (including in connection with acquisitions or divestitures), which payments are approved by the majority of the members of the board of directors or managers or a majority of the disinterested members of the board of directors or managers of the Borrower, in good faith, (l) payments by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to any tax sharing agreements with any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, but only to the extent permitted by Section 7.06(h)(iii), (m) the issuance or transfer of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of Holdings to any Permitted Holder or to any former, current or future director, manager, officer, employee or consultant (or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing) of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent thereof, (n) transactions with customers, clients, joint venture partners, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Agreement that

 

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are fair to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, in the reasonable determination of the board of directors or the senior management of the Borrower, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party, (o) any payments required to be made pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement and (p) the payment of reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses relating to registration rights and indemnities provided to shareholders pursuant to the Shareholder Agreement.

Section 7.09. Burdensome Agreements .

The Borrower shall not, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into or permit to exist any Contractual Obligation (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that limits the ability of (a) any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Guarantor to make Restricted Payments to the Borrower or any Guarantor or (b) any Loan Party to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person for the benefit of the Lenders with respect to the Facilities and the Obligations or under the Loan Documents; provided that the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) shall not apply to Contractual Obligations which (i) (x) exist on the Closing Date and (to the extent not otherwise permitted by this Section 7.09) are listed on Schedule 7.09 hereto and (y) to the extent Contractual Obligations permitted by clause (x) are set forth in an agreement evidencing Indebtedness, are set forth in any agreement evidencing any permitted modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of such Indebtedness so long as such modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing does not expand the scope of such Contractual Obligation, (ii) are binding on a Restricted Subsidiary at the time such Restricted Subsidiary first becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower, so long as such Contractual Obligations were not entered into solely in contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower; provided further that this clause (ii) shall not apply to Contractual Obligations that are binding on a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14, (iii) represent Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower which is not a Loan Party which is permitted by Section 7.03, (iv) arise in connection with any Disposition permitted by Section 7.04 or 7.05 and relate solely to the assets or Person subject to such Disposition, (v) are customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to joint ventures permitted under Section 7.02 and applicable solely to such joint venture entered into in the ordinary course of business, (vi) are negative pledges and restrictions on Liens in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03 but solely to the extent any negative pledge relates to the property financed by such Indebtedness, (vii) are customary restrictions on leases, subleases, licenses or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted hereby so long as such restrictions relate to the assets subject thereto, (viii) comprise restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(e), (g) or (m) and to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness or to the Restricted Subsidiaries incurring or guaranteeing such Indebtedness, (ix) are customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (x) are customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business, (xi) are restrictions on cash or other deposits imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, (xii) are customary restrictions contained in the Mezzanine Debt Documents or (xiii) arise in connection with cash or other deposits permitted under Sections 7.01 and 7.02 and limited to such cash or deposit.

Section 7.10. Use of Proceeds .

The proceeds of the Original Term Loans received on the Closing Date, together with the Equity Contribution and the proceeds of the Mezzanine Debt, shall be used solely to pay the cash consideration for the Acquisition (and related transactions) and to pay Transaction Expenses and for other purposes contemplated by, or otherwise fund, the Transactions. The proceeds of the Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans, shall be used to pay the cash consideration for the Acquisition and to pay Transaction Expenses, for working capital, general corporate purposes, and any other purpose not prohibited by this Agreement including Permitted Acquisitions, and other Investments; provided that on the Closing Date, after consummating the Transactions, the sum of (x) the excess of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments at such time less the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure plus (y) the amount of unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be not less than $50,000,000. The Letters of Credit shall be used solely to support obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries incurred for working capital, general corporate purposes and any other purpose not prohibited by this Agreement.

 

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Section 7.11. Financial Covenants .

(a) Total Leverage Ratio . The Borrower shall not permit the Total Leverage Ratio as of the last day of any Test Period ending during any period set forth in the table below (commencing with the first full fiscal quarter completed after Closing Date) to be greater than the ratio set forth below opposite the last day of such Test Period:

 

Test Period

   Total
Leverage Ratio
 

January 1, 2010 — December 31, 2010

     5.15 to 1.0   

January 1, 2011 — December 31, 2011

     4.95 to 1.0   

January 1, 2012 — December 31, 2012

     6.25 to 1.0   

January 1, 2013 and thereafter

     5.75 to 1.0   

(b) Interest Coverage Ratio . The Borrower shall not permit the Interest Coverage Ratio as of the last day of any Test Period ending during any period set forth in the table below (commencing with the first full fiscal quarter completed after Closing Date) to be less than the ratio set forth below opposite the last day of such Test Period:

 

Test Period

   Interest
Coverage Ratio
 

January 1, 2010 — December 31, 2010

     1.70 to 1.0   

January 1, 2011 — December 31, 2011

     1.80 to 1.0   

January 1, 2012 — December 31, 2012

     1.90 to 1.0   

January 1, 2013 — December 31, 2013

     1.95 to 1.0   

January 1, 2014 and thereafter

     2.05 to 1.0   

(c) Maximum Capital Expenditures . (i) The Borrower shall not and shall not permit the Restricted Subsidiaries to make any Capital Expenditures that would cause the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures made by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in any fiscal year commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010 to exceed $185,000,000; provided that up to an aggregate amount of $65.0 million of Capital Expenditures made by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for improving worker safety conditions related to Orca infrastructure spending (“ Orca Infrastructure CapEx ”) incurred on or after January 1, 2012 shall be excluded for purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.11(c) .

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in clause (c)(i) above, (x) to the extent that the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures made by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in any fiscal year (for the avoidance of doubt, after giving effect to any CapEx Pull-Forward Amount utilized in the preceding year that reduced the amount of Capital Expenditures that could be made in such year but disregarding any Capital Expenditures made in reliance on any Rollover Amount utilized during such year) pursuant to such clause (i) is less than the amount set forth therein, the amount of such difference (the “ Rollover Amount ”) may be

 

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carried forward and used to make Capital Expenditures in the immediately succeeding fiscal year (with such Rollover Amount deemed utilized first in such succeeding year); provided that any Orca Infrastructure CapEx made prior to January 1, 2012 shall be excluded from the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures made in a given fiscal year for purposes of determining the Rollover Amount and (y) for any fiscal year, the amount of Capital Expenditures that would otherwise be permitted in such fiscal year pursuant to this Section 7.11(c) (including as a result of the application of clause (x) of this clause (ii)) may be increased by an amount not to exceed $25,000,000 (the “ CapEx Pull-Forward Amount ”). The actual CapEx Pull-Forward Amount in respect of any such fiscal year shall reduce, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the amount of Capital Expenditures that are permitted to be made in the immediately succeeding fiscal year; provided that any CapEx Pull-Forward Amount in respect of the Borrower’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2012 shall not reduce the amount of Capital Expenditures that are permitted to be made in the Borrower’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.

(iii) In addition to the Capital Expenditures permitted pursuant to the preceding paragraphs (i) and (ii), the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may make additional Capital Expenditures at any time in an amount not to exceed the portion, if any, of the Cumulative Credit on the date of such Capital Expenditure that the Borrower elects to apply to this Section 7.11(c)(iii).

Section 7.12. Accounting Changes .

The Borrower shall not make any change in its fiscal year; provided, however , that the Borrower may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, change its fiscal year to any other fiscal year reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in which case, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent will, and are hereby authorized by the Lenders to, make any adjustments to this Agreement that are necessary to reflect such change in fiscal year.

Section 7.13. Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness .

(a) The Borrower shall not, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner (it being understood that payments of regularly scheduled interest shall be permitted) the Mezzanine Debt, any Indebtedness constituting a Permitted Refinancing of the Mezzanine Debt, any subordinated Indebtedness incurred under Section 7.03(g) or any other Indebtedness that is required to be subordinated to the Obligations pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents (collectively, “ Junior Financing ”) or make any payment in violation of any subordination terms of any Junior Financing Documentation, except (i) the refinancing thereof with the Net Proceeds of any Indebtedness (x) constituting a Permitted Refinancing; provided that if such Indebtedness was originally incurred under Section 7.03(g), such Permitted Refinancing is permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(g), or (y) with respect to the Mezzanine Debt, otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 7.03, (ii) the conversion of any Junior Financing to Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of Holdings or any of its direct or indirect parents, (iii) the prepayment of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent not prohibited by the subordination provisions contained in the Intercompany Note, (iv) prepayments or purchases of Junior Financing with Declined Proceeds as required pursuant to the Junior Financing Documentation and (v) prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in respect of Junior Financings prior to their scheduled maturity in an aggregate amount not to exceed, if the Total Leverage Ratio, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements were required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b), as applicable (or, if no Test Period has passed, as of the last four quarters ended), as if such prepayment, redemption, purchase, defeasance or other payment in respect of Junior Financings had been made on the last day of such four quarter period, is less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00, the portion, if any, of the Cumulative Credit on such date that the Borrower elects to apply to this paragraph; provided that any election made pursuant to this clause (a) shall be specified in a written notice of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower calculating in reasonable detail the amount of Cumulative Credit immediately prior to such election and the amount thereof elected to be so applied.

 

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(b) The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, amend, modify or change in any manner materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders any term or condition of any Junior Financing Documentation without the consent of the Administrative Agent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed); provided that the Mezzanine Debt Amendment and Mezzanine Debt Amendment No. 2 shall be deemed to not be materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders for purposes of this Section 7.13(b) .

Section 7.14. Permitted Activities .

Holdings shall not engage in any material operating or business activities; provided that the following shall be permitted in any event: (i) its ownership of the Equity Interests of Borrower and activities incidental thereto, (ii) the maintenance of its legal existence (including the ability to incur fees, costs and expenses relating to such maintenance), (iii) the performance of its obligations with respect to the Loan Documents and any other Indebtedness, (iv) any public offering of its common stock or any other issuance or sale of its Equity Interests, (v) financing activities, including the issuance of securities, incurrence of debt, payment of dividends, making contributions to the capital of the Borrower and guaranteeing the obligations of the Borrower, (vi) participating in tax, accounting and other administrative matters as a member of the consolidated group of Holdings and the Borrower, (vii) holding any cash or property (but not operating any property), (viii) providing indemnification to officers, managers and directors and (ix) any activities incidental to the foregoing. Holdings shall not incur any Liens on Equity Interests of the Borrower other than those for the benefit of the Obligations and Holdings shall not own any Equity Interests other than those of the Borrower.

ARTICLE VIII.

Events Of Default and Remedies

Section 8.01. Events of Default .

Any of the following from and after the Closing Date shall constitute an event of default (an “ Event of Default ”):

(a) Non-Payment . Any Loan Party fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan, or (ii) within five (5) Business Days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or any other amount payable hereunder or with respect to any other Loan Document; or

(b) Specific Covenants . The Borrower fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Sections 6.03(a) or 6.05(a) (solely with respect to the Borrower) or Article VII; provided that the covenants in Section 7.11(a) and (b) are subject to cure pursuant to Section 8.05; or

(c) Other Defaults . Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in Section 8.01(a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after notice thereof by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders to the Borrower; or

(d) Representations and Warranties . Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document required to be delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed made; or

(e) Cross-Default . Any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment beyond the applicable grace period with respect thereto, if any, (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness hereunder) having an outstanding aggregate principal amount of not less than the Threshold Amount, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness, or any other event occurs

 

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(other than, with respect to Indebtedness consisting of Swap Agreements, termination events or equivalent events pursuant to the terms of such Swap Agreements), the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity; provided that this clause (e)(B) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, if such sale or transfer is permitted hereunder and under the documents providing for such Indebtedness; provided further that such failure is unremedied and is not waived by the holders of such Indebtedness prior to any termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments or acceleration of the Loans pursuant to Section 8.02; or

(f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc . Any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or

(g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment . (i) Any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after its issue or levy; or

(h) Judgments . There is entered against any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary a final judgment or order for the payment of money in an aggregate amount exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer has been notified of such judgment or order and has not denied coverage) and such judgment or order shall not have been satisfied, vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending an appeal for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days; or

(i) Invalidity of Loan Documents . Any material provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder (including as a result of a transaction permitted under Section 7.04 or 7.05) or as a result of acts or omissions by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent or any Lender or the satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document; or any Loan Party denies in writing that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document (other than as a result of repayment in full of the Obligations and termination of the Aggregate Commitments), or purports in writing to revoke or rescind any Loan Document; or

(j) Change of Control . There occurs any Change of Control; or

(k) Collateral Documents . Any Collateral Document after delivery thereof pursuant to Section 6.11 or 6.13 shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the terms thereof including as a result of a transaction not prohibited under this Agreement) cease to create a valid and perfected Lien, with the priority required by the Collateral Documents on and security interest in any material portion of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, subject to Liens permitted under Section 7.01, (i) except to the extent that any such perfection or priority is not required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement or results from the failure of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to it representing securities pledged under the Collateral Documents or to file Uniform Commercial Code continuation statements and (ii) except as to Collateral consisting of Real Property to the extent that such losses are covered by a lender’s title insurance policy and such insurer has not denied coverage; or

 

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(l) ERISA . (i) An ERISA Event occurs which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of a Loan Party or a Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate amount which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) a Loan Party, any Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 8.02. Remedies upon Event of Default .

If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may and, at the request of the Required Lenders, shall take any or all of the following actions:

(a) declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuers to make L/C Credit Extensions to be terminated, whereupon such commitments and obligation shall be terminated;

(b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower;

(c) require that the Borrower Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to the then Outstanding Amount thereof); and

(d) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents or applicable Law;

provided that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuers to make L/C Credit Extensions shall automatically terminate, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable and the obligation of the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

Section 8.03. Exclusion of Immaterial Subsidiaries .

Solely for the purpose of determining whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred under clause (f) or (g) of Section 8.01, any reference in any such clause to any Restricted Subsidiary or Loan Party shall be deemed not to include any Restricted Subsidiary (an “ Immaterial Subsidiary ”) affected by any event or circumstances referred to in any such clause that did not, as of the last day of the most recent completed fiscal quarter of the Borrower, have assets with a fair market value in excess of 5% of the consolidated total assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries (it being agreed that all Restricted Subsidiaries affected by any event or circumstance referred to in any such clause shall be considered together, as a single consolidated Restricted Subsidiary, for purposes of determining whether the condition specified above is satisfied).

 

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Section 8.04. Application of Funds .

After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable and the L/C Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law):

First , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (other than principal and interest, but including Attorney Costs payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III) payable to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in its capacity as such;

Second , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including Attorney Costs payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

Third , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest and fees on the Loans, Commitments, Letters of Credit and L/C Borrowings, and any fees, premiums and scheduled periodic payments due under Cash Management Obligations or Secured Hedge Agreements, ratably among the Secured Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;

Fourth , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and L/C Borrowings (including to Cash Collateralize that portion of L/C Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit), and any breakage, termination or other payments under Cash Management Obligations or Secured Hedge Agreements, ratably among the Secured Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them;

Fifth , to the payment of all other Obligations of the Borrower that are due and payable to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date, ratably based upon the respective aggregate amounts of all such Obligations owing to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date; and

Last , the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law.

Subject to Section 2.03(c), amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fifth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur. If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after all Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above and, if no Obligations remain outstanding, to the Borrower as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amounts received from any Guarantor shall be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligation of such Guarantor.

Section 8.05. Borrower’s Right to Cure .

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 8.01 or 8.02, in the event of any Event of Default or potential Event of Default under the covenants set forth in Sections 7.11(a) and/or (b) and at any time until the expiration of the tenth (10th) day after the date on which financial statements are required to be delivered with respect to the applicable fiscal quarter hereunder, the Investors may make a Specified Equity Contribution to Holdings, and Holdings may apply the amount of the net cash proceeds thereof to increase Consolidated EBITDA with respect to such applicable quarter; provided that such net cash proceeds (i) are actually received by the Borrower as cash common equity (including through capital contribution of such net cash proceeds to the Borrower) no later than ten (10) days after the date on which financial statements are required to be delivered with respect to such fiscal quarter hereunder and (ii) are Not Otherwise Applied. The parties hereby acknowledge that this Section 8.05(a) may not be relied on for purposes of calculating any financial ratios other than as applicable to Section 7.11 and shall not result in any adjustment to any amounts other than the amount of the Consolidated EBITDA referred to in the immediately preceding sentence.

 

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(b) (i) In each period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, there shall be at least two fiscal quarters in which no Specified Equity Contribution is made, (ii) no more than three Specified Equity Contributions will be made in the aggregate during the term of this Agreement, (iii) the amount of any Specified Equity Contribution shall be no more than the amount required to cause the Borrower to be in Pro Forma Compliance with Section 7.11(a) and/or (b) for any applicable period and (iv) there shall be no pro forma reduction in Indebtedness with the proceeds of any Specified Equity Contribution for determining compliance with Sections 7.11(a) and/or (b) for the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the fiscal quarter in which such Specified Equity Contribution was made.

ARTICLE IX.

Administrative Agent and Other Agents

Section 9.01. Appointment and Authorization of Agents .

(a) Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints, designates and authorizes each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and each other Loan Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to it by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere herein or in any other Loan Document, neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, nor shall the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender or Participant, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “ agent ” herein and in the other Loan Documents with reference to any Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law. Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties.

(b) Each L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and each such L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (i) provided to the Agents in this Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by such L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and the applications and agreements for letters of credit pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Agent” as used in this Article IX and in the definition of “Agent-Related Person” included such L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (ii) as additionally provided herein with respect to such L/C Issuer.

(c) Each of the Secured Parties hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Collateral Agent to act as the agent of (and to hold any security interest created by the Collateral Documents for and on behalf of or in trust for) such Secured Party for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by the Loan Parties to secure any of the Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto. In this connection, the Collateral Agent (and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.02 for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents, or for exercising any rights and remedies thereunder at the direction of the Collateral Agent), shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of this Article IX (including, Section 9.07, as though such co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact were the Collateral Agent under the Loan Documents) as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto.

 

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Section 9.02. Delegation of Duties .

Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may execute any of its duties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents or of exercising any rights and remedies thereunder) by or through agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel and other consultants or experts concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or sub-agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined in the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction).

Section 9.03. Liability of Agents .

No Agent-Related Person shall (a) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, in connection with its duties expressly set forth herein), or (b) be responsible in any manner to any Lender or Participant for any recital, statement, representation or warranty made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof, contained herein or in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the perfection or priority of any Lien or security interest created or purported to be created under the Collateral Documents, or for any failure of any Loan Party or any other party to any Loan Document to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. No Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation to any Lender or participant to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof.

Section 9.04. Reliance by Agents .

(a) Each Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, communication, signature, resolution, representation, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, telex or telephone message, electronic mail message, statement or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to any Loan Party), independent accountants and other experts selected by such Agent. Each Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under any Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Lenders as it deems appropriate and, if it so requests, it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Each Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in accordance with a request or consent of the Required Lenders (or such greater number of Lenders as may be expressly required hereby in any instance) and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders.

(b) For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in Section 4.01 with respect to Credit Extensions on the Closing Date or Section 4.02, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

 

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Section 9.05. Notice of Default .

The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default, except with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from a Lender or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” The Administrative Agent will notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such notice. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to any Event of Default as may be directed by the Required Lenders in accordance with Article VIII; provided that unless and until the Administrative Agent has received any such direction, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Event of Default as it shall deem advisable or in the best interest of the Lenders.

Section 9.06. Credit Decision; Disclosure of Information by Agents .

Each Lender acknowledges that no Agent-Related Person has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act by any Agent hereafter taken, including any consent to and acceptance of any assignment or review of the affairs of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any Agent-Related Person to any Lender as to any matter, including whether Agent-Related Persons have disclosed material information in their possession. Each Lender represents to each Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, and all applicable bank or other regulatory Laws relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to the Borrower hereunder. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by any Agent herein, such Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of any of the Loan Parties or any of their Affiliates which may come into the possession of any Agent-Related Person.

Section 9.07. Indemnification of Agents .

Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Lenders shall indemnify upon demand each Agent-Related Person (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of any Loan Party and without limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so), pro rata, and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by it; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the payment to any Agent-Related Person of any portion of such Indemnified Liabilities resulting from such Agent-Related Person’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that no action taken in accordance with the directions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be required by the Loan Documents) shall be deemed to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct for purposes of this Section 9.07; provided further that any obligation to indemnify an L/C Issuer pursuant to this Section 9.07 shall be limited to Revolving Credit Lenders only. In the case of any investigation, litigation or proceeding giving rise to any Indemnified Liabilities, this Section 9.07 applies whether any such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Lender or any other Person. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender shall reimburse each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent upon demand for its ratable share of any costs or out-of-pocket expenses (including Attorney Costs) incurred by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in

 

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respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, to the extent that the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of the Loan Parties. The undertaking in this Section 9.07 shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, the payment of all other Obligations and the resignation of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be.

Section 9.08. Agents in Their Individual Capacities .

Bank of America and its Affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from, acquire Equity Interests in and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting or other business with the Borrower and its respective Affiliates as though Bank of America were not the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or an L/C Issuer hereunder and without notice to or consent of the Lenders. The Lenders acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, Bank of America or its Affiliates may receive information regarding the Borrower or its Affiliates (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of the Borrower or such Affiliate) and acknowledge that neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall be under any obligation to provide such information to them. With respect to its Loans, Bank of America and its Affiliates shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise such rights and powers as though it were not the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or an L/C Issuer, and the terms “Lender” and “Lenders” include Bank of America in its individual capacity. Any successor to Bank of America as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent shall also have the rights attributed to Bank of America under this paragraph.

Section 9.09. Successor Agents .

Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may resign as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Lenders and the Borrower and if either the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent is a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower may remove such Defaulting Lender from such role upon fifteen (15) days’ notice to the Lenders. If the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent resigns under this Agreement or is removed by the Borrower, the Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor agent for the Lenders, which successor agent shall be consented to by the Borrower at all times other than during the existence of an Event of Default under Section 8.01(f) or (g) (which consent of the Borrower shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation or removal of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable in the case of a resignation, and the Borrower, in the case of a removal, may appoint, after consulting with the Lenders and the Borrower (in the case of a resignation), a successor agent from among the Lenders. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor agent hereunder, the Person acting as such successor agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or retiring Collateral Agent and the term “ Administrative Agent ” or “ Collateral Agent ” shall mean such successor administrative agent or collateral agent and/or Supplemental Agent, as the case may be, and the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be terminated. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s or the Collateral Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent under this Agreement. If no successor agent has accepted appointment as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent by the date which is thirty (30) days following the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s notice of resignation or fifteen (15) days following the Borrower’s notice of removal, the retiring Administrative Agent’s or the retiring Collateral Agent’s resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and the Lenders shall perform all of the duties of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder by a successor and upon the execution and filing or recording of such financing statements, or amendments thereto, and such other instruments or notices, as may be necessary or desirable, or as the Required Lenders may request, in order to (a) continue the perfection of the Liens granted or purported to be granted by the Collateral Documents or (b) otherwise ensure that Section 6.11 is satisfied, the Administrative

 

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Agent or Collateral Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, discretion, privileges, and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under the Loan Documents. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s resignation hereunder as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent.

Section 9.10. Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim .

In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or L/C Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower or the Collateral Agent) shall be (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law) entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, L/C Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due to the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.03(h) and (i), 2.09 and 10.04) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, curator, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Agents and their respective agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04.

Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.

Section 9.11. Collateral and Guaranty Matters .

The Lenders irrevocably agree:

(a) that any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document shall be automatically released (i) upon termination of the Aggregate Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than (x) Cash Management Obligations or obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements not yet due and payable and (y) contingent obligations not yet accrued and payable) and the expiration or termination or Cash Collateralization of all Letters of Credit, (ii) at the time the property subject to such Lien is Disposed or to be substantially simultaneously Disposed as part of or in connection with any Disposition permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document to any Person other than a Person required to grant a Lien to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under the Loan Documents (or, if such transferee is a Person required to grant a Lien to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent on such asset, at

 

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the option of the applicable Loan Party, such Lien on such asset may still be released in connection with the transfer so long as (x) the transferee grants a new Lien to the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent on such asset substantially concurrently with the transfer of such asset, (y) the transfer is between parties organized under the laws of different jurisdictions and the transferee is a Foreign Subsidiary and (z) the priority of the new Lien is the same as that of the original Lien), (iii) subject to Section 10.01, if the release of such Lien is approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders or (iv) if the property subject to such Lien is owned by a Guarantor, upon release of such Guarantor from its obligations under its Guaranty pursuant to clause (c) below;

(b) the Collateral Agent is authorized to release any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document on any assets that are excluded from the Collateral;

(c) that any Guarantor shall be automatically released from its obligations under the Guaranty if such Person ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary or becomes an Excluded Subsidiary (other than pursuant to (i) clause (a) of the definition thereof unless such Restricted Subsidiary ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) clause (b) of the definition thereof unless, in the case of this subclause (ii), the Borrower delivers a written request to the Administrative Agent for such release and no Default has occurred and is continuing at such time) as a result of a transaction or designation permitted hereunder; provided that no such release shall occur if such Guarantor continues to be a guarantor in respect of the Mezzanine Debt or any Junior Financing; and

(d) (x) the Collateral Agent may, without any further consent of any Lender, enter into or amend (i) a First Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the collateral agent or other representatives of the holders of Permitted Notes issued pursuant to Section 7.03(s) that are intended to be secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations and/or (ii) a Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the collateral agent or other representatives of the holders of Indebtedness that is permitted to be secured by a Lien on the Collateral ranking junior to the Lien securing the Obligations that is permitted by Section 7.03, (y) the Collateral Agent may rely exclusively on a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as to whether any such other Liens are permitted and (z) any First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement entered into by the Collateral Agent shall be binding on the Secured Parties.

Upon request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s or the Collateral Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.11. In each case as specified in this Section 9.11, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent will (and each Lender irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to), at the Borrower’s expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Loan Party such documents as the Borrower may reasonably request to evidence the release or subordination of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Collateral Documents, or to evidence the release of such Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this Section 9.11.

Section 9.12. Other Agents; Arrangers and Managers .

None of the Lenders or other Persons identified on the facing page or signature pages of this Agreement as a “syndication agent,” “documentation agent,” “joint bookrunner” or “arranger” shall have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement other than those applicable to all Lenders as such. Without limiting the foregoing, none of the Lenders or other Persons so identified shall have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender. Each Lender acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on any of the Lenders or other Persons so identified in deciding to enter into this Agreement or in taking or not taking action hereunder.

 

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Section 9.13. Appointment of Supplemental Agents .

(a) It is the purpose of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents that there shall be no violation of any Law of any jurisdiction denying or restricting the right of banking corporations or associations to transact business as agent or trustee in such jurisdiction. It is recognized that in case of litigation under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, and in particular in case of the enforcement of any of the Loan Documents, or in case the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent deems that by reason of any present or future Law of any jurisdiction it may not exercise any of the rights, powers or remedies granted herein or in any of the other Loan Documents or take any other action which may be desirable or necessary in connection therewith, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent are hereby authorized to appoint an additional individual or institution selected by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion as a separate trustee, co-trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, administrative sub-agent or administrative co-agent (any such additional individual or institution being referred to herein individually as a “ Supplemental Agent ” and collectively as “ Supplemental Agents ”).

(b) In the event that the Collateral Agent appoints a Supplemental Agent with respect to any Collateral, (i) each and every right, power, privilege or duty expressed or intended by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to be exercised by or vested in or conveyed to the Collateral Agent with respect to such Collateral shall be exercisable by and vest in such Supplemental Agent to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to enable such Supplemental Agent to exercise such rights, powers and privileges with respect to such Collateral and to perform such duties with respect to such Collateral, and every covenant and obligation contained in the Loan Documents and necessary to the exercise or performance thereof by such Supplemental Agent shall run to and be enforceable by either the Collateral Agent or such Supplemental Agent, and (ii) the provisions of this Article IX and of Sections 10.04 and 10.05 that refer to the Administrative Agent shall inure to the benefit of such Supplemental Agent and all references therein to the Collateral Agent shall be deemed to be references to the Collateral Agent and/or such Supplemental Agent, as the context may require.

(c) Should any instrument in writing from any Loan Party be required by any Supplemental Agent so appointed by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to it or its such rights, powers, privileges and duties, such Loan Party shall execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all such instruments promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent. In case any Supplemental Agent, or a successor thereto, shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of such Supplemental Agent, to the extent permitted by Law, shall vest in and be exercised by the Administrative Agent until the appointment of a new Supplemental Agent.

Section 9.14. Withholding Tax Indemnity .

(a) To the extent required by any applicable Law, the Administrative Agent may withhold from any payment to any Lender an amount equivalent to any applicable withholding tax. If the Internal Revenue Service or any other authority of the United States or other jurisdiction asserts a claim that the Administrative Agent did not properly withhold tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender for any reason (including, without limitation, because the appropriate form was not delivered or not properly executed, or because such Lender failed to notify the Administrative Agent of a change in circumstance that rendered the exemption from, or reduction of withholding tax ineffective), such Lender shall indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent (to the extent that the Administrative Agent has not already been reimbursed by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.01 and Section 3.04 and without limiting or expanding the obligation of the Borrower to do so) for all amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by the Administrative Agent as Taxes or otherwise, together with all expenses incurred, including legal expenses and any other out-of-pocket expenses, whether or not such tax was correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant governmental authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The agreements in this Section 9.14 shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Agreement and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.

 

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ARTICLE X.

Miscellaneous

Section 10.01. Amendments, Etc .

Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrower and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided that, no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:

(a) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of each Lender holding such Commitment (it being understood that a waiver of any condition precedent or of any Default, mandatory prepayment or mandatory reduction of the Commitments shall not constitute an extension or increase of any Commitment of any Lender);

(b) postpone any date scheduled for, or reduce or forgive the amount of, any payment of principal or interest under Section 2.07 or 2.08 without the written consent of each Lender holding the applicable Obligation (it being understood that the waiver of (or amendment to the terms of) any mandatory prepayment of the Term Loans shall not constitute a postponement of any date scheduled for the payment of principal or interest and it being understood that any change to the definition of “Secured Leverage Ratio” or in the component definitions thereof shall not constitute a reduction or forgiveness in any rate of interest);

(c) reduce or forgive the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan, or L/C Borrowing, or (subject to clause (iii) of the second proviso to this Section 10.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document (or change the timing of payments of such fees or other amounts) without the written consent of each Lender holding such Loan, L/C Borrowing or to whom such fee or other amount is owed (it being understood that any change to the definition of “Secured Leverage Ratio” or in the component definitions thereof shall not constitute a reduction or forgiveness in any rate of interest); provided that, only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate;

(d) change any provision of this Section 10.01, the definition of “Required Lenders,” without the written consent of each Lender, or the definition of “Required Class Lenders,” Section 8.04 or, following an exercise of remedies pursuant to Section 8.02(a), the definition of “Pro Rata Share” or Section 2.12(a), 2.12(g) or 2.13 without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

(e) other than in connection with a transaction permitted under Section 7.04 or 7.05, release all or substantially all of the Collateral in any transaction or series of related transactions, without the written consent of each Lender;

(f) other than in connection with a transaction permitted under Section 7.04 or 7.05, release all or substantially all of the aggregate value of the Guarantees, without the written consent of each Lender;

(g) without the written consent of each Lender adversely affected thereby, amend the portion of the definition of “Interest Period” that reads as follows: “one, two, three or six months thereafter or, to the extent agreed by each Lender of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, nine or twelve months or less than one month thereafter”; or

(h) waive or modify any mandatory prepayment of the Term Loans required under Section 2.05 without the written consent of the Required Class Lenders;

 

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and provided further that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by each L/C Issuer in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of an L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any Letter of Credit Application relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by a Swing Line Lender in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of such Swing Line Lender under this Agreement; (iii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of, or any fees or other amounts payable to, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; and (iv) Section 10.07(h) may not be amended, waived or otherwise modified without the consent of each Granting Lender all or any part of whose Loans are being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment, waiver or other modification.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended (or amended and restated) with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (a) to add one or more additional credit facilities to this Agreement and to permit the extensions of credit from time to time outstanding thereunder and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof to share ratably in the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the Term Loans and the Revolving Credit Loans and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof and (b) to include appropriately the Lenders holding such credit facilities in any determination of the Required Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended to adjust the borrowing mechanics related to Swing Line Loans with only the written consent of the Administrative Agent, the applicable Swing Line Lender(s) and the Borrower so long as the obligations of the Revolving Credit Lenders and, if applicable, the other Swing Line Lender are not affected thereby.

In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended with the written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Lenders providing the Replacement Term Loans (as defined below) to permit the refinancing of all outstanding Term Loans of any Class (“ Refinanced Term Loans ”) with a replacement term loan tranche denominated in Dollars (“ Replacement Term Loans ”) hereunder; provided that (a) the aggregate principal amount of such Replacement Term Loans shall not exceed the aggregate principal amount of such Refinanced Term Loans, (b) the Applicable Rate for such Replacement Term Loans shall not be higher than the Applicable Rate for such Refinanced Term Loans, (c) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of Replacement Term Loans shall not be shorter than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Refinanced Term Loans, at the time of such refinancing (except to the extent of nominal amortization for periods where amortization has been eliminated as a result of prepayment of the applicable Term Loans) and (d) all other terms applicable to such Replacement Term Loans shall be substantially identical to, or less favorable to the Lenders providing such Replacement Term Loans, than those applicable to such Refinanced Term Loans except to the extent necessary to provide for covenants and other terms applicable to any period after the latest final maturity of the Term Loans in effect immediately prior to such refinancing.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, technical and conforming modifications to the Loan Documents may be made with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to the extent necessary to integrate any Refinancing Term Loans, any Extended Term Loans or any Replacement Revolving Loans on substantially the same basis as the Term Loans or Revolving Loans, as applicable.

Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, during such period as a Lender is a Defaulting Lender, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, such Lender will not be entitled to vote in respect of amendments, waivers and consents hereunder and the Commitment and the outstanding Loans or other extensions of credit of such Lender hereunder will not be taken into account in determining whether the Required Class Lenders, the Required Lenders or all of the Lenders, as required, have approved any such amendment, waiver or consent (and the definitions of “Required Class Lenders” and “Required Lenders” will automatically be deemed modified accordingly for the duration of such period); provided that any such amendment or waiver that would increase or extend the term of the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender, extend the date fixed for the payment of principal or interest owing to such Defaulting Lender hereunder, reduce the principal amount of any obligation owing to such Defaulting Lender, reduce the amount of or the rate or amount of interest on any amount owing to such Defaulting Lender or of any fee payable to such Defaulting Lender hereunder, or alter the terms of this proviso, will require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.

 

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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 10.01, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may without the input or consent of the Lenders, effect amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate in the opinion of the Administrative Agent to effect the provisions of Section 2.14.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 10.01, guarantees, collateral security documents and related documents executed by Subsidiaries in connection with this Agreement may be in a form reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent and may be, together with this Agreement, amended, supplemented and waived with the consent of the Administrative Agent at the request of the Borrower without the need to obtain the consent of any other Lender if such amendment, supplement or waiver is delivered in order (i) to comply with local Law or advice of local counsel, (ii) to cure ambiguities, omissions, mistakes or defects or (iii) to cause such guarantee, collateral security document or other document to be consistent with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

Section 10.02. Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies .

(a) General . Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be in writing (including by facsimile transmission). All such written notices shall be mailed, faxed or delivered to the applicable address, facsimile number or electronic mail address, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:

(i) if to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, an L/C Issuer or a Swing Line Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02 or to such other address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the other parties; and

(ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire or to such other address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, an L/C Issuer or a Swing Line Lender.

All such notices and other communications shall be deemed to be given or made upon the earlier to occur of (i) actual receipt by the relevant party hereto and (ii) (A) if delivered by hand or by courier, when signed for by or on behalf of the relevant party hereto; (B) if delivered by mail, four (4) Business Days after deposit in the mails, postage prepaid; (C) if delivered by facsimile, when sent and receipt has been confirmed by telephone; and (D) if delivered by electronic mail (which form of delivery is subject to the provisions of Section 10.02(d)), when delivered; provided that notices and other communications to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, an L/C Issuer and a Swing Line Lender pursuant to Article II shall not be effective until actually received by such Person. In no event shall a voice mail message be effective as a notice, communication or confirmation hereunder.

(b) Effectiveness of Facsimile Documents and Signatures . Loan Documents may be transmitted and/or signed by facsimile or other electronic communication. The effectiveness of any such documents and signatures shall, subject to applicable Law, have the same force and effect as manually signed originals and shall be binding on all Loan Parties, the Agents and the Lenders.

(c) Reliance by Agents and Lenders . The Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Committed Loan Notices and Swing Line Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice

 

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specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrower shall indemnify each Agent-Related Person and each Lender from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. All telephonic notices to the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.

(d) Electronic Communications . Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to Article II if such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient, and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.

Section 10.03. No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies .

No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided, and provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by Law.

Section 10.04. Attorney Costs and Expenses .

The Borrower agrees (a) if the Closing Date occurs, to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Co-Syndication Agents and the Arrangers for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, syndication and execution of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any amendment, waiver, consent or other modification of the provisions hereof and thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated thereby are consummated), and the consummation and administration of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including all Attorney Costs, which shall be limited to Cahill Gordon & Reindel llp (and one local counsel in each applicable jurisdiction and, in the event of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel of each type to the affected parties)) and (b) from and after the Closing Date, to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Co-Syndication Agents, the Arrangers and each Lender for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of any rights or remedies under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (including all such costs and expenses incurred during any legal proceeding, including any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, and including all respective Attorney Costs, which shall be limited to Attorney Costs of one counsel to the Administrative Agent and Joint Bookrunners (and one local counsel in each applicable jurisdiction and, in the event of any conflict of interest, one additional counsel of each type to the affected parties)). The foregoing costs and expenses shall

 

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include all reasonable search, filing, recording and title insurance charges and fees related thereto, and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Agent. The agreements in this Section 10.04 shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations. All amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be paid within ten (10) Business Days of receipt by the Borrower of an invoice relating thereto setting forth such expenses in reasonable detail; provided that, with respect to the Closing Date, all amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be paid on the Closing Date solely to the extent invoiced to the Borrower within three (3) Business Days of the Closing Date. If any Loan Party fails to pay when due any costs, expenses or other amounts payable by it hereunder or under any Loan Document, such amount may be paid on behalf of such Loan Party by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

Section 10.05. Indemnification by the Borrower .

Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, from and after the Closing Date, the Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person, each Lender and their respective Affiliates, and directors, officers, employees, counsel, agents, trustees, investment advisors and attorneys-in-fact of each of the foregoing (collectively the “ Indemnitees ”) from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements (including Attorney Costs which shall be limited to Attorney Costs of one counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Joint Bookrunners and one counsel to the other Lenders (and one local counsel in each applicable jurisdiction and, in the event of any actual conflict of interest, one additional counsel of each type to the affected parties)) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such Indemnitee in any way relating to or arising out of or in connection with (a) the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of any Loan Document or any other agreement, letter or instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated thereby or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, (b) any Commitment, Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom including any refusal by an L/C Issuer to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, or (c) any actual or alleged presence or Release of Hazardous Materials at, on, under or from any property or facility currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to any Loan Parties or any Subsidiary, or (d) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory (including any investigation of, preparation for, or defense of any pending or threatened claim, investigation, litigation or proceeding) and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto (all the foregoing, collectively, the “ Indemnified Liabilities ”) in all cases, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the negligence of the Indemnitee; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulted from (x) the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or of any affiliate, director, officer, employee, counsel, agent or attorney-in-fact of such Indemnitee, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or (y) a material breach of its obligations under the Loan Documents by such Indemnitee or of any affiliate, director, officer, employee, counsel, agent or attorney-in-fact of such Indemnitee as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by others of any information or other materials obtained through IntraLinks or other similar information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement, nor shall any Indemnitee or the Borrower or any Subsidiary have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or arising out of its activities in connection herewith or therewith (whether before or after the Closing Date). In the case of an investigation, litigation or other proceeding to which the indemnity in this Section 10.05 applies, such indemnity shall be effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Loan Party, any Subsidiary of any Loan Party, any Loan Party’s directors, stockholders or creditors or an Indemnitee or any other Person, whether or not any Indemnitee is otherwise a party thereto and whether or not any of the transactions contemplated hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents are consummated. All amounts due under this Section 10.05 shall be paid within ten (10) Business Days after demand therefor; provided , however , that such Indemnitee shall promptly refund such amount to the extent that there is a final judicial or arbitral determination that such Indemnitee was not entitled

 

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to indemnification rights with respect to such payment pursuant to the express terms of this Section 10.05. The agreements in this Section 10.05 shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, the replacement of, or assignment of rights by, any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, any indemnification relating to Taxes, other than Taxes resulting from any non-Tax claim, shall be covered by Sections 3.01 and 3.04 and shall not be covered by this Section 10.05.

Section 10.06. Payments Set Aside .

To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to any Agent or any Lender, or any Agent or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by such Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall, to the fullest extent possible under provisions of applicable Law, be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share of any amount so recovered from or repaid by any Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect.

Section 10.07. Successors and Assigns .

(a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (except as permitted by Section 7.04) and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Assignee pursuant to an assignment made in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(b) (such an assignee, an “ Eligible Assignee ”), (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(e), (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of Section 10.07(g) or (iv) to an SPC in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(h) (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void); Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in Section 10.07(e) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Indemnitees) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more assignees (“ Assignees ”) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans (including for purposes of this Section 10.07(b), participations in L/C Obligations and in Swing Line Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) of:

(A) the Borrower, provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for (i) an assignment of all or a portion of a Term Loan to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, (ii) an assignment related to Revolving Credit Commitments or Revolving Credit Exposure to a Revolving Credit Lender or an Affiliate of a Revolving Credit Lender or an Approved Fund of a Revolving Credit Lender or (iii) if an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a), (f) or (g) has occurred and is continuing, any Assignee;

(B) the Administrative Agent, provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment of all or any portion of a Term Loan to a Lender or an Approved Fund;

 

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(C) each Principal L/C Issuer at the time of such assignment, provided that no consent of the Principal L/C Issuers shall be required for any assignment not related to Revolving Credit Commitments or Revolving Credit Exposure or any assignment to an Agent or an Affiliate of an Agent; and

(D) the Swing Line Lenders; provided that no consent of a Swing Line Lender shall be required for any assignment not related to Revolving Credit Commitments or Revolving Credit Exposure or any assignment to an Agent or an Affiliate of an Agent.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary set forth herein, any assignment of any Loans or Commitments to a Purchasing Borrower Party or a Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall also be subject to the requirements set forth in Section 10.07(k).

(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

(A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than an amount of $5,000,000 (in the case of each Revolving Credit Loan) or $1,000,000 (in the case of a Term Loan), and shall be in increments of an amount of $1,000,000 in excess thereof unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consents, provided that such amounts shall be aggregated in respect of each Lender and its Affiliates or Approved Funds, if any;

(B) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; provided that the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, may elect to waive such processing and recordation fee; and

(C) the Assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.

This paragraph (b) shall not prohibit any Lender from assigning all or a portion of its rights and obligations among separate Facilities on a non- pro rata basis among such Facilities.

(c) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 10.07(d), from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, 10.04 and 10.05 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment). Upon request, and the surrender by the assigning Lender of its Note, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this clause (c) shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 10.07(e).

(d) The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and related interest amounts) of the Loans, L/C Obligations (specifying the Unreimbursed Amounts), L/C Borrowings and the amounts due under Section 2.03, owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and the

 

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Borrower, the Agents and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, any Agent and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(e) Any Lender may at any time sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person, Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries) (each, a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lender’s participations in L/C Obligations and/or Swing Line Loans) owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Agents and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 10.01 that requires the affirmative vote of such Lender. Subject to Section 10.07(f), the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 (subject to the requirements and limitations of such Sections, including the requirement to provide the forms and certificates pursuant to Section 3.01(d)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 10.07(c). To the extent permitted by applicable Law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.09 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement (the “ Participant Register ”). The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive and such Lender shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. The Loan Parties and each Non-Debt Fund Affiliate (by its acquisition of a participation in any Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement) hereby agree that if a case under Title 11 of the United States Code is commenced against any Loan Party, to the extent that any Non-Debt Fund Affiliate would have the right to direct any Participant with respect to any vote with respect to any plan of reorganization with respect to any Loan Party (or to directly vote on such plan of reorganization) as a result of any participation taken by such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate pursuant to this Section 10.07(e), such Loan Party shall seek (and each Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall consent) to provide that the vote of any Non-Debt Fund Affiliate (in its capacity as a Participant) with respect to any plan of reorganization of such Loan Party shall not be counted except that such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate’s vote (in its capacity as a Participant) may be counted to the extent any such plan of reorganization proposes to treat the participation in any Obligations held by such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate in a manner that is less favorable in any material respect to such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate than the proposed treatment of similar Obligations held by Lenders or Participants that are not Affiliates of the Borrower. Each Non-Debt Fund Affiliate hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent (such appointment being coupled with an interest) as such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate’s attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate and in the name of such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate, from time to time in the Administrative Agent’s discretion to take any action and to execute any instrument that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this paragraph.

(f) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.01, 3.04 or 3.05 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent.

(g) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under

 

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its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

(h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “ Granting Lender ”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (an “ SPC ”) the option to provide all or any part of any Loan that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPC to fund any Loan, and (ii) if an SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to make all or any part of such Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Loan pursuant to the terms hereof. Each party hereto hereby agrees that (i) an SPC shall be entitled to the benefit of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 (subject to the requirements and the limitations of such Sections, including the requirement to provide the forms and certificates pursuant to Section 3.01(d)), but neither the grant to any SPC nor the exercise by any SPC of such option shall increase the costs or expenses or otherwise increase or change the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement, unless the grant to the SPC was made with the prior written consent of the Borrower, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed (for the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower shall have reasonable basis for withholding consent if an exercise by SPC immediately after the grant would result in materially increased indemnification obligation to the Borrower at such time), (ii) no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would be liable, and (iii) the Granting Lender shall for all purposes, including the approval of any amendment, waiver or other modification of any provision of any Loan Document, remain the lender of record hereunder. The making of a Loan by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Loan were made by such Granting Lender. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any SPC may (i) with notice to, but without prior consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and with the payment of a processing fee of $3,500, assign all or any portion of its right to receive payment with respect to any Loan to the Granting Lender and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its funding of Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety or Guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC.

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, without the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, (1) any Lender may in accordance with applicable Law create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it and (2) any Lender that is a Fund may create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it to the trustee for holders of obligations owed, or securities issued, by such Fund as security for such obligations or securities; provided that unless and until such trustee actually becomes a Lender in compliance with the other provisions of this Section 10.07, (i) no such pledge shall release the pledging Lender from any of its obligations under the Loan Documents and (ii) such trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any of the rights of a Lender under the Loan Documents even though such trustee may have acquired ownership rights with respect to the pledged interest through foreclosure or otherwise.

(j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender may, upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, resign as an L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, respectively; provided that on or prior to the expiration of such 30-day period with respect to such resignation, the relevant L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender shall have identified a successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender reasonably acceptable to the Borrower willing to accept its appointment as successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as applicable. In the event of any such resignation of an L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, the Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders willing to accept such appointment a successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder; provided that no failure by the Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of the relevant L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, as the case may be, except as expressly provided above. If an L/C Issuer resigns as an L/C Issuer, it shall retain all the rights and obligations of an L/C Issuer hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as an L/C Issuer and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto (including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.03(c)). If the Swing Line Lender resigns as Swing Line Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swing Line Lender provided for hereunder

 

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with respect to Swing Line Loans made by it and outstanding as of the effective date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans, Eurocurrency Rate Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(c).

(k) (i) Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any Lender may assign all or a portion of its Term Loans to any Non-Debt Fund Affiliate or Purchasing Borrower Party in accordance with Section 10.07(b); provided that:

(A) no Default or Event of Default has occurred or is continuing or would result therefrom;

(B) the assigning Lender and Non-Debt Fund Affiliate or Purchasing Borrower Party purchasing such Lender’s Term Loans, as applicable, shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an assignment agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit M hereto (an “ Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption ”) in lieu of an Assignment and Assumption;

(C) for the avoidance of doubt, Lenders shall not be permitted to assign Revolving Credit Commitments or Revolving Credit Loans to any Purchasing Borrower Party or Non-Debt Fund Affiliate;

(D) any Term Loans assigned to any Purchasing Borrower Party shall be automatically and permanently cancelled for upon the effectiveness of such assignment and will thereafter no longer be outstanding for any purpose hereunder;

(E) (i) no Purchasing Borrower Party may use the proceeds from Revolving Credit Loans or Swing Line Loans to purchase any Term Loans and (ii) Term Loans may only be purchased by a Purchaser Borrowing Party if, after giving effect to any such purchase, the sum of (x) the excess of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments at such time less the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure plus (y) the amount of unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be not less than $50,000,000; and

(F) no Term Loan may be assigned to a Non-Debt Fund Affiliates pursuant to this Section 10.07(k), if after giving effect to such assignment, Non-Debt Fund Affiliates in the aggregate would own in excess of 25% of all Term Loans then outstanding.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall have any right to (i) attend (including by telephone) any meeting or discussions (or portion thereof) among the Administrative Agent or any Lender to which representatives of the Loan Parties are not invited, and (ii) receive any information or material prepared by Administrative Agent or any Lender or any communication by or among Administrative Agent and/or one or more Lenders, except to the extent such information or materials have been made available to any Loan Party or its representatives (and in any case, other than the right to receive notices of prepayments and other administrative notices in respect of its Loans required to be delivered to Lenders pursuant to Article II), or (iii) make or bring (or participate in, other than as a passive participant in or recipient of its pro rata benefits of) any claim, in its capacity as a Lender, against Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any other Lender with respect to any duties or obligations or alleged duties or obligations of such Agent or any other such Lender under the Loan Documents.

(l) Notwithstanding anything in Section 10.01 or the definition of “Required Lenders” or “Required Class Lenders” to the contrary, for purposes of determining whether the Required Lenders or the Required Class Lenders have (i) consented (or not consented) to any amendment, modification, waiver, consent or other action with respect to any of the terms of any Loan Document or any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, (ii) otherwise acted on any matter related to any Loan Document, or (iii) directed or required the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent or any Lender to undertake any action (or refrain from taking any action) with respect to or under any Loan Document:

(x) all Term Loans held by any Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall be deemed to be not outstanding for all purposes of calculating whether the Required Lenders or Required Class Lenders have taken any actions; and

 

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(y) all Term Loans, Revolving Credit Commitments and Revolving Credit Exposure held by Debt Fund Affiliates may not account for more than 50% of the Term Loans, Revolving Credit Commitments and Revolving Credit Exposure of consenting Lenders included in determining whether the Required Lenders or the Required Class Lender have consented to any action pursuant to Section 10.01.

Additionally, the Loan Parties and each Non-Debt Fund Affiliate hereby agree that if a case under Title 11 of the United States Code is commenced against any Loan Party, such Loan Party shall seek (and each Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall consent) to provide that the vote of any Non-Debt Fund Affiliate (in its capacity as a Lender) with respect to any plan of reorganization of such Loan Party shall not be counted except that such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate’s vote (in its capacity as a Lender) may be counted to the extent any such plan of reorganization proposes to treat the Obligations held by such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate in a manner that is less favorable in any material respect to such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate than the proposed treatment of similar Obligations held by Lenders that are not Affiliates of the Borrower. Each Non-Debt Fund Affiliate hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent (such appointment being coupled with an interest) as such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate’s attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate and in the name of such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate, from time to time in the Administrative Agent’s discretion to take any action and to execute any instrument that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this paragraph.

Section 10.08. Confidentiality .

Each of the Agents and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information, except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and its and its Affiliates’ managers, administrators, directors, officers, employees, trustees, partners, investors, investment advisors and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential); (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority or self regulatory authority having or asserting jurisdiction over such Person (including any Governmental Authority regulating any Lender or its Affiliates); (c) to the extent required by applicable Laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process; (d) to any other party to this Agreement; (e) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section 10.08 (or as may otherwise be reasonably acceptable to the Borrower), to any pledgee referred to in Section 10.07(g), counterparty to a Swap Contract, Eligible Assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective Eligible Assignee of or Participant in any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement; (f) with the written consent of the Borrower; (g) to the extent such Information becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08 or becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates on a non-confidential basis from a source other than a Loan Party or any Investor or their respective related parties (so long as such source is not known to the Administrative Agent, such Arranger, such Lender, the L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates to be bound by confidentiality obligations to any Loan Party); (h) to any Governmental Authority or examiner (including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any other similar organization) regulating any Lender; (i) to any rating agency when required by it (it being understood that, prior to any such disclosure, such rating agency shall undertake to preserve the confidentiality of any Information relating to Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries received by it from such Lender) or to the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar organization; or (j) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder, under any other Loan Document or the enforcement of its rights hereunder or thereunder. In addition, the Agents and the Lenders may disclose the existence of this Agreement and publicly available information about this Agreement to market data collectors, similar service providers to the lending industry, and service providers to the Agents and the Lenders in connection with the administration and management of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the Commitments, and the Credit Extensions. For the purposes of this Section 10.08, “ Information ” means all information received from the Loan Parties relating to any Loan Party, its Affiliates or its

 

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Affiliates’ directors, managers, officers, employees, trustees, investment advisors or agents, relating to Holdings, the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries or its business, other than any such information that is publicly available to any Agent, any L/C Issuer or any Lender prior to disclosure by any Loan Party other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08; provided that, in the case of information received from a Loan Party after the Closing Date, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential or is delivered pursuant to Section 6.01, 6.02 or 6.03 hereof.

Section 10.09. Setoff .

In addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided by Law, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each Lender and its Affiliates (and the Collateral Agent, in respect of any unpaid fees, costs and expenses payable hereunder) is authorized at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to the Borrower, any such notice being waived by the Borrower (on its own behalf and on behalf of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held by, and other Indebtedness at any time owing by, such Lender and its Affiliates or the Collateral Agent to or for the credit or the account of the respective Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries against any and all Obligations owing to such Lender and its Affiliates or the Collateral Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document, now or hereafter existing, irrespective of whether or not such Agent or such Lender or Affiliate shall have made demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or denominated in a currency different from that of the applicable deposit or Indebtedness. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent after any such setoff and application made by such Lender; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application. The rights of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and each Lender under this Section 10.09 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and such Lender may have at Law. No amounts set off from any Guarantor shall be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligation of such Guarantor.

Section 10.10. Interest Rate Limitation .

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “ Maximum Rate ”). If any Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by an Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

Section 10.11. Counterparts .

This Agreement and each other Loan Document 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. Delivery by telecopier of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement and each other Loan Document shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement and such other Loan Document. The Agents may also require that any such documents and signatures delivered by telecopier be confirmed by a manually signed original thereof; provided that the failure to request or deliver the same shall not limit the effectiveness of any document or signature delivered by telecopier.

 

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Section 10.12. Integration; Termination .

This Agreement, together with the other Loan Documents, comprises the complete and integrated agreement of the parties on the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, on such subject matter. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of any other Loan Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall control; provided that the inclusion of supplemental rights or remedies in favor of the Agents or the Lenders in any other Loan Document shall not be deemed a conflict with this Agreement. Each Loan Document was drafted with the joint participation of the respective parties thereto and shall be construed neither against nor in favor of any party, but rather in accordance with the fair meaning thereof.

Section 10.13. Survival of Representations and Warranties .

All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by each Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by any Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that any Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding.

Section 10.14. Severability .

If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 10.15. GOVERNING LAW .

THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(a) ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY OR OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF SUCH STATE, AND BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH LOAN PARTY, EACH AGENT AND EACH LENDER CONSENTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS. EACH LOAN PARTY, EACH AGENT AND EACH LENDER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS , WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENT RELATED THERETO. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES (OTHER THAN TELECOPIER) IN SECTION 10.02. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

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Section 10.16. WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY .

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER FOUNDED IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 10.16 WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE SIGNATORIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

Section 10.17. Binding Effect .

This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by each Lender, the Swing Line Lenders and L/C Issuer that each such Lender, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer has executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Loan Parties, each Agent and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns, in each case in accordance with Section 10.07 (if applicable) and except that no Loan Party shall have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders except as permitted by Section 7.04.

Section 10.18. USA Patriot Act .

Each Lender that is subject to the USA Patriot Act and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name, address and tax identification number of the Borrower and other information regarding the Borrower that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance with the USA Patriot Act. This notice is given in accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act and is effective as to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent.

Section 10.19. No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility .

In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby, each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that (i) the facilities provided for hereunder and any related arranging or other services in connection therewith (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) are an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Borrower and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders, on the other hand, and the Borrower is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or thereof), (ii) in connection with the process leading to such transaction, each of the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders is and has been acting solely as a principal and except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, is not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary, for the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other Person, (iii) none of the Agents, the Arrangers or the Lenders has assumed or will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Borrower with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, including with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document (irrespective of whether any Agent or Lender has advised or is currently advising the Borrower or any of its Affiliates on other matters) and

 

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none of the Agents, the Arrangers or the Lenders has any obligation to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates with respect to the financing transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, (iv) the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from, and may conflict with, those of the Borrower and its Affiliates, and none of the Agents, the Arrangers or the Lenders has any obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary relationship and (v) the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders have not provided and will not provide any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) and the Loan Parties have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent they have deemed appropriate.

ARTICLE XI.

Guarantee

Section 11.01. The Guarantee .

Each Guarantor hereby jointly and severally with the other Guarantors guarantees, as a primary obligor and not as a surety to each Secured Party and their respective successors and assigns, the prompt payment in full when due (whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, declaration, demand, by acceleration or otherwise) of the principal of and interest (including any interest, fees, costs or charges that would accrue but for the provisions of (i) the Title 11 of the United States Code after any bankruptcy or insolvency petition under Title 11 of the United States Code and (ii) any other Debtor Relief Laws) on the Loans made by the Lenders to, and the Notes, if any, held by each Lender of, the Borrower (other than such Guarantor), and all other Obligations (other than with respect to any Guarantor, Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor) from time to time owing to the Secured Parties by any Loan Party under any Loan Document or the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary under any Secured Hedge Agreement or any Cash Management Obligations, in each case strictly in accordance with the terms thereof (such obligations being herein collectively called the “ Guaranteed Obligations ”). The Guarantors hereby jointly and severally agree that if the Borrower or other Guarantor(s) shall fail to pay in full when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the Guarantors will promptly pay the same in cash, without any demand or notice whatsoever, and that in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether at extended maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or renewal.

Section 11.02. Obligations Unconditional .

The obligations of the Guarantors under Section 11.01 shall constitute a guaranty of payment and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional, joint and several, irrespective of the value, genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement, the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein, or any substitution, release or exchange of any other guarantee of or security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations, and, irrespective of any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or Guarantor (except for payment in full). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed that the occurrence of any one or more of the following shall not alter or impair the liability of the Guarantors hereunder which shall remain absolute, irrevocable and unconditional under any and all circumstances as described above:

(i) at any time or from time to time, without notice to the Guarantors, to the extent permitted by Law, the time for any performance of or compliance with any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be extended, or such performance or compliance shall be waived;

(ii) any of the acts mentioned in any of the provisions of this Agreement or the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein shall be done or omitted;

 

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(iii) the maturity of any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be accelerated, or any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be amended in any respect, or any right under the Loan Documents or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein shall be amended or waived in any respect or any other guarantee of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or except as permitted pursuant to Section 11.09, any security therefor shall be released or exchanged in whole or in part or otherwise dealt with;

(iv) any Lien or security interest granted to, or in favor of, an L/C Issuer or any Lender or Agent as security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall fail to be perfected; or

(v) the release of any other Guarantor pursuant to Section 11.09 or otherwise.

The Guarantors hereby expressly waive diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest and, to the extent permitted by Law, all notices whatsoever, and any requirement that any Secured Party exhaust any right, power or remedy or proceed against the Borrower under this Agreement or the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein, or against any other person under any other guarantee of, or security for, any of the Guaranteed Obligations. The Guarantors waive, to the extent permitted by Law, any and all notice of the creation, renewal, extension, waiver, termination or accrual of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and notice of or proof of reliance by any Secured Party upon this Guarantee or acceptance of this Guarantee, and the Guaranteed Obligations, and any of them, shall conclusively be deemed to have been created, contracted or incurred in reliance upon this Guarantee, and all dealings between the Borrower and the Secured Parties shall likewise be conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in reliance upon this Guarantee. This Guarantee shall be construed as a continuing, absolute, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of payment without regard to any right of offset with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations at any time or from time to time held by Secured Parties, and the obligations and liabilities of the Guarantors hereunder shall not be conditioned or contingent upon the pursuit by the Secured Parties or any other person at any time of any right or remedy against the Borrower or against any other person which may be or become liable in respect of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or against any collateral security or guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect thereto. This Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect and be binding in accordance with and to the extent of its terms upon the Guarantors and the successors and assigns thereof, and shall inure to the benefit of the Lenders, and their respective successors and assigns, notwithstanding that from time to time during the term of this Agreement there may be no Guaranteed Obligations outstanding.

Section 11.03. Reinstatement .

The obligations of the Guarantors under this Article XI shall be automatically reinstated if and to the extent that for any reason any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower or other Loan Party in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must be otherwise restored by any holder of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether as a result of any proceedings in bankruptcy or reorganization or otherwise.

Section 11.04. Subrogation; Subordination .

Each Guarantor hereby agrees that until the payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all Guaranteed Obligations and the expiration and termination of the Commitments of the Lenders under this Agreement it shall waive any claim and shall not exercise any right or remedy, direct or indirect, arising by reason of any performance by it of its guarantee in Section 11.01, whether by subrogation or otherwise, against the Borrower or any other Guarantor of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations. Any Indebtedness of any Loan Party permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(b)(ii) or 7.03(d) shall be subordinated to such Loan Party’s Obligations in the manner set forth in the Intercompany Note evidencing such Indebtedness.

 

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Section 11.05. Remedies .

The Guarantors jointly and severally agree that, as between the Guarantors and the Lenders, the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the Notes, if any, may be declared to be forthwith due and payable as provided in Section 8.02 (and shall be deemed to have become automatically due and payable in the circumstances provided in Section 8.02) for purposes of Section 11.01, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such declaration (or such obligations from becoming automatically due and payable) as against the Borrower and that, in the event of such declaration (or such obligations being deemed to have become automatically due and payable), such obligations (whether or not due and payable by the Borrower) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for purposes of Section 11.01.

Section 11.06. Instrument for the Payment of Money .

Each Guarantor hereby acknowledges that the guarantee in this Article XI constitutes an instrument for the payment of money, and consents and agrees that any Lender or Agent, at its sole option, in the event of a dispute by such Guarantor in the payment of any moneys due hereunder, shall have the right to bring a motion-action under New York CPLR Section 3213.

Section 11.07. Continuing Guarantee .

The guarantee in this Article XI is a continuing guarantee of payment, and shall apply to all Guaranteed Obligations whenever arising.

Section 11.08. General Limitation on Guarantee Obligations .

In any action or proceeding involving any state corporate limited partnership or limited liability company law, or any applicable state, federal or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other Law affecting the rights of creditors generally, if the obligations of any Guarantor under Section 11.01 would otherwise be held or determined to be void, voidable, invalid or unenforceable, or subordinated to the claims of any other creditors, on account of the amount of its liability under Section 11.01, then, notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the amount of such liability shall, without any further action by such Guarantor, any Loan Party or any other person, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount (after giving effect to the right of contribution established in Section 11.10) that is valid and enforceable and not subordinated to the claims of other creditors as determined in such action or proceeding.

Section 11.09. Release of Guarantors .

If, in compliance with the terms and provisions of the Loan Documents, Equity Interests of any Subsidiary Guarantor (a “ Transferred Guarantor ”) are sold or otherwise transferred, following which transfer such Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be a Subsidiary, such Transferred Guarantor shall, upon the consummation of such sale or transfer, be automatically released from its obligations under this Agreement (including under Section 10.05 hereof) and the other Loan Documents and, so long as the Borrower shall have provided the Agents such certifications or documents as any Agent shall reasonably request, the Collateral Agent shall take such actions as are necessary to effect the releases described in this Section 11.09.

When all Commitments hereunder have terminated, and all Loans or other Obligation hereunder which are accrued and payable have been paid or satisfied, and no Letter of Credit remains outstanding (except any Letter of Credit the Outstanding Amount of which the Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized or for which a backstop letter of credit reasonably satisfactory to the applicable L/C Issuer has been put in place), this Agreement and the Guarantees made herein shall terminate with respect to all Obligations, except with respect to Obligations that expressly survive such repayment pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

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Section 11.10. Right of Contribution .

Each Guarantor hereby agrees that to the extent that a Subsidiary Guarantor shall have paid more than its proportionate share of any payment made hereunder, such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be entitled to seek and receive contribution from and against any other Guarantor hereunder which has not paid its proportionate share of such payment. Each Subsidiary Guarantor’s right of contribution shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 11.04. The provisions of this Section 11.10 shall in no respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Subsidiary Guarantor to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender and the Lenders, and each Subsidiary Guarantor shall remain liable to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender and the Lenders for the full amount guaranteed by such Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder.

Section 11.11. Keepwell .

Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support to each Specified Guarantor as may be needed by such Specified Guarantor from time to time to honor all of its obligations under its Guaranty and the other Loan Documents in respect of any Swap Obligation (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section for up to the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering such Qualified ECP Guarantor’s obligations and undertakings under this Article XI voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The obligations and undertakings of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section shall remain in full force and effect until the date upon which all Commitments under this Agreement have been terminated and all Obligations have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section constitute, and this Section shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each Specified Guarantor for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

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Exhibit 10.2

JOINDER AGREEMENT

THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of May 6, 2015, is entered into between SWBG Orlando Corporate Operations Group, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and SEA Holdings I, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (collectively, the “ New Subsidiaries ” and each a “ New Subsidiary ”) and Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (the “ Agent ”) under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2009 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., the direct parent of the Borrower, and the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and individually, a “ Lender ”), Bank of America, N.A., as L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, and the other agents named therein. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

The New Subsidiaries and the Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, hereby agree as follows:

1. Each New Subsidiary hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Agreement, such New Subsidiary will be deemed to be a “Loan Party” under the Credit Agreement and a “Subsidiary Guarantor” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement and shall have all of the obligations of a Loan Party and a Subsidiary Guarantor thereunder as if it had executed the Credit Agreement. Each New Subsidiary hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Credit Agreement, including without limitation (a) all of the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in Article V of the Credit Agreement, (b) all of the covenants set forth in Articles VI and VII of the Credit Agreement and (c) all of the guaranty obligations set forth in Article XI of the Credit Agreement.

2. If required, each New Subsidiary is, simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, executing and delivering such Collateral Documents (and such other documents and instruments) as requested by the Agent in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

3. The address of each New Subsidiary for purposes of Section 10.02 of the Credit Agreement is as follows:

9205 Southpark Center Loop

Suite 400

Orlando, FL 32819

Attention: Chief Financial Officer


4. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

5. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each New Subsidiary has caused this Agreement to be duly executed by its authorized officer, and the Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, has caused the same to be accepted by its authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.

 

SWBG ORLANDO CORPORATE OPERATIONS GROUP, LLC

By:

/s/ James M. Heaney

Name: James M. Heaney
Title: Chief Financial Officer

SEA HOLDINGS I, LLC

By:

/s/ James M. Heaney

Name: James M. Heaney
Title: Chief Financial Officer

[ Signature Page to Joinder ]


Acknowledged and accepted:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent
By:

/s/ David H. Strickert

Name: David H. Strickert
Title: Managing Director

[ Signature Page to Joinder ]

Exhibit 10.3

SUPPLEMENT NO. 2 dated as of May 6, 2015, to the Security Agreement (the “ Security Agreement ”), dated as of December 1, 2009, among the Grantors identified therein and Bank of America, N.A., as Collateral Agent.

A. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of December 1, 2009 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., the direct parent of the Borrower, and the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and individually, a “ Lender ”), Bank of America, N.A., as L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, and the other agents named therein.

B. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement and the Security Agreement.

C. The Grantors have entered into the Security Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make Loans and the L/C Issuers to issue Letters of Credit. Section 6.13 of the Security Agreement provides that additional Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower may become Grantors under the Security Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement. The undersigned (each a “ New Grantor ”) is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become a Grantor under the Security Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make additional Loans and the L/C Issuers to issue additional Letters of Credit and as consideration for Loans previously made and Letters of Credit previously issued.

Accordingly, the Collateral Agent and each New Grantor agree as follows:

SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 6.13 of the Security Agreement, each New Grantor by its signature below becomes a Grantor under the Security Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Grantor and each New Grantor hereby (a) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Security Agreement applicable to it as a Grantor thereunder and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it as a Grantor thereunder are true and correct on and as of the date hereof. In furtherance of the foregoing, each New Grantor, as security for the payment and performance in full of the Secured Obligations, does hereby create and grant to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, their successors and assigns, a security interest in and lien on all of the New Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) of the New Grantor. Each reference to a “Grantor” in the Security Agreement shall be deemed to include each New Grantor. The Security Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. Each New Grantor represents and warrants to the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity.

SECTION 3. This Supplement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Supplement shall become effective when the Collateral Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Supplement that bears the signature of each New Grantor and the Collateral Agent has executed a counterpart hereof. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Supplement by facsimile transmission or other electronic communication shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement.


SECTION 4. Each New Grantor hereby represents and warrants that (a) set forth on Schedule I attached hereto is a true and correct schedule of the information required by Schedules II and III to the Security Agreement applicable to it and its subsidiaries legal name, jurisdiction of formation and location of Chief Executive Office and (b) set forth under its signature hereto is the true and correct legal name of each New Grantor, its jurisdiction of formation and the location of its chief executive office.

SECTION 5. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Security Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 6. THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

SECTION 7. If any provision of this Supplement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Supplement shall not be affected or impaired thereby. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

SECTION 8. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 6.01 of the Security Agreement.

SECTION 9. Each New Grantor agrees to reimburse the Collateral Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the execution and delivery of this Supplement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Collateral Agent.

[ Signature pages follow ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each New Grantor and the Collateral Agent have duly executed this Supplement to the Security Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

SWBG ORLANDO CORPORATE OPERATIONS GROUP, LLC

By:

/s/ James M. Heaney

Name: James M. Heaney
Title: Chief Financial Officer

Legal Name: SWBG Orlando Corporate

Operations Group, LLC

Jurisdiction of Formation: Florida

Location of Chief Executive Office: 9205

Southpark Center Loop, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32819

SEA HOLDINGS I, LLC

By:

/s/ James M. Heaney

Name: James M. Heaney
Title: Chief Financial Officer

Legal Name: Sea Holdings I, LLC

Jurisdiction of Formation: Florida

Location of Chief Executive Office: 9205

Southpark Center Loop, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32819

[ Signature Page to Supplement No. 2 ]


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Collateral Agent
By:

/s/ David H. Strickert

Name: David H. Strickert
Title: Managing Director

[ Signature Page to Supplement No. 2 ]


Schedule I

to the Supplement No 2 to the

Security Agreement

EQUITY INTERESTS

 

Issuer

   Number of
Certificate
   Registered
Owner
   Number and
Class of
Equity Interest
   Percentage
of Equity Interests
 
SWBG Orlando Corporate Operations Group, LLC    N/A    SeaWorld Parks &
Entertainment, Inc.
   N/A      100
Sea Holdings I, LLC    N/A    SeaWorld Parks &
Entertainment, Inc.
   N/A      100

INSTRUMENTS AND DEBT SECURITIES

None.

Exhibit 10.4

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

OUTSIDE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION POLICY

Effective March 4, 2014

Amended and Restated April 3, 2014

Amended and Restated as of March 3, 2015

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (the “ Company ”) believes that the granting of equity and cash compensation to its members of the Board of Directors (the “ Board ,” and members of the Board, “ Directors ”) represents a powerful tool to attract, retain and reward Directors who are not employees of the Company or The Blackstone Group L.P. (“ Outside Directors ”). This Outside Director Compensation Policy (this “ Policy ”) is intended to formalize the Company’s policy regarding cash compensation and grants of equity to its Outside Directors. The cash compensation and equity grants described in this Policy will be paid or made, as applicable, automatically and without further action of the Board, to each Outside Director. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Policy will have the meaning given such terms in the Company’s 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”). Outside Directors will be solely responsible for any tax obligations they incur as a result of the equity and cash payments received under this Policy.

 

I. CASH COMPENSATION .

A. Annual Fee . Subject to Section I.B. below, the Company will pay each Outside Director an annual fee of $60,000 for serving on the Board (the “ Annual Fee ”). At the election of the Outside Director, the Annual Fee will be paid, in arrears, either (a) in twelve equal installments on a monthly basis with each monthly payment paid on the last day of the applicable month or (b) in four equal installments on a quarterly basis with each quarterly payment paid on the last day of the applicable quarter.

B. Annual Board Chairperson Fee . In lieu of the Annual Fee, the Company will pay the Outside Director who serves as the Chairperson of the Board an annual fee of $200,000 for such service (the “ Annual Board Chairperson Fee ”). At the election of the Outside Director, the Annual Board Chairperson Fee will be paid, in arrears, either (a) in twelve equal installments on a monthly basis with each monthly payment paid on the last day of the applicable month or (b) in four equal installments on a quarterly basis with each quarterly payment paid on the last day of the applicable quarter.

C. Annual Lead Director Fee . In addition to the Annual Fee, the Company will pay any Outside Director who serves as the Lead Director (as defined in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines) an annual fee of $25,000 for such service (the “ Annual Lead Director Fee ”). At the election of the Outside Director, the Lead Director Fee will be paid, in arrears, either (a) in twelve equal installments on a monthly basis with each monthly payment paid on the last day of the applicable month or (b) in four equal installments on a quarterly basis with each quarterly payment paid on the last day of the applicable quarter.


D. Annual Committee Chairperson Fee . In addition to the Annual Fee, the Annual Board Chairperson Fee and the Annual Lead Director Fee, as applicable, the Company will pay each Outside Director who serves as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee or Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board the applicable annual fee set forth in the table below for such service (the “ Annual Committee Chairperson Fee ”). At the election of the Outside Director, the Annual Committee Chairperson Fee will be paid, in arrears, either (a) in twelve equal installments on a monthly basis with each monthly payment paid on the last day of the applicable month or (b) in four equal installments on a quarterly basis with each quarterly payment paid on the last day of the applicable quarter.

 

Committee

   Annual Committee
Chairperson Fee
 

Audit Committee

   $ 20,000   

Compensation Committee

   $ 10,000   

Nominating and Corporate Governance

   $ 10,000   

E. Committee Members . There are no additional fees for a non-Chairperson’s service as a member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee or Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board.

F. Meetings of the Board or Committees . There are no per meeting attendance fees for attending Board meetings or meetings of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee or Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board.

G. Special Committees . In the event that the Board appoints any Outside Director to a special committee of the Board, the Board will determine the amount and terms of any fees payable to such Outside Director for service on such special committee at the time of appointment.

H. Newly Elected or Appointed Outside Director; Ceasing Board Service . The Company will pay each individual who is first elected or appointed as an Outside Director after the effective date of this Policy a prorated portion of the applicable annual fees set forth in this Section I based on the number of days that the Outside Director provided partial service during the year of election or appointment. If any Outside Director ceases to serve on the Board for any reason, the Company will pay such Outside Director a prorated portion of the monthly or quarterly installment due to such Outside Director under this Section I based on the number of days that such Outside Director provided partial service during the applicable month or quarter. Subject to Section I.I. below, after payment of the aforementioned prorated monthly or quarterly installment to any Outside Director that ceases to serve on the Board, the Company will have no further obligations to such Outside Director under this Section I.

 

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I. Reimbursement of Expenses . The Company will reimburse each Outside Director for all reasonable and documented travel and lodging expenses associated with attendance at Board and committee meetings in accordance with the Company’s then current policies.

J. Stock Election with respect to Cash Compensation . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section I, an Outside Director may elect (an “ Election ”) to receive shares of Common Stock in lieu of all or a portion of the Annual Fee, the Annual Board Chairperson Fee, the Annual Lead Director Fee, the Annual Committee Chairperson Fee, and/or the fees payable in respect of service on a special committee (if any), in each case, to the extent applicable (the “ Election Amount ”). An Outside Director must make any such Election in writing to the Company at least 15 days prior to the applicable payment date of the cash fee(s). If a timely Election made, the Outside Director will receive a number of shares of Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole number) with a Fair Market Value equal to the Election Amount, measured as of the date such fee(s) would normally be paid to the Outside Director. Any remaining portion of the Election Amount which would have resulted in the delivery of fractional shares of Common Stock to the Outside Director will be paid to the Outside Director in cash on the normal payment date of such fee(s).

 

II. EQUITY COMPENSATION .

Outside Directors will be entitled to receive all types of Awards (except Incentive Stock Options) under the Plan, including discretionary Awards not covered under this Policy. All grants of Awards to Outside Directors pursuant to this Section II will be automatic and will be made in accordance with the following provisions:

A. Initial Award . Each individual who is first elected or appointed as an Outside Director after the effective date of this Policy, will automatically be granted, on the date of such initial election or appointment, an Award (“ Initial Award ”) of Restricted Stock with an aggregate Fair Market Value of $120,000.

B. Annual Award . On the date of each Annual Stockholders Meeting of the Company, beginning with the 2014 Annual Stockholders Meeting of the Company, but after any stockholder votes are taken on such date, each Outside Director who is to continue to serve as such will automatically be granted an Award (“ Annual Award ”) of Restricted Stock with an aggregate Fair Market Value of $120,000, provided that such Outside Director has served on the Board for at least the preceding six (6) months.

C. Vesting . Each Initial Award and Annual Award will vest in three equal installments, with one-third vesting on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to the Outside Director’s continued service

 

3


on the Board through each such vesting date. In addition, each Initial Award and Annual Award will become fully vested upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan) provided that the Outside Director serves on the Board through the date of such Change in Control.

D. Award Agreement . Each Initial Award and Annual Award granted pursuant to this Policy will be made solely by and subject to the terms set forth in a written agreement in a form, consistent with the terms of the Plan, approved by the Board (or the Compensation Committee of the Board) and duly executed by an executive officer of the Company.

 

III. AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION .

This Policy may be amended, modified or terminated by the Board in the future at its sole discretion.

 

4

Exhibit 10.5

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES

Adopted March 14, 2014

Amended and Restated as of March 3, 2015

 

I. General Statement

The Board of Directors of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”) has adopted these Stock Ownership Guidelines (these “ Guidelines ”) to further align the interests of the Company’s executives and non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors with the interests of the Company’s stockholders.

 

II. Stock Ownership Guidelines

These Guidelines provide that members of the Company’s senior management who are considered executive officers for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, other members of the Company’s Operations Committee and non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors, will be subject to stock ownership guidelines established as a multiple of annual base salary or annual cash retainer, as follows:

 

Leadership Position

  

Value of Shares

Chief Executive Officer    6x annual base salary
Non-employee directors    5x annual cash retainer

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Parks Operations Officer

Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer

   3x annual base salary

Chief Creative Officer

Chief Human Resources Officer

Chief Zoological Officer

   2x annual base salary

Chief Accounting Officer

Other Operations Committee Members

   1x annual base salary

 

III. Stock Ownership Definition

Stock that counts toward satisfaction of these Guidelines include: (a) shares of the Company’s common stock owned directly by the individual or his or her immediate family members residing in the same household, whether held individually or jointly (including, without limitation, shares of restricted stock to the extent the restrictions applicable thereto have lapsed and shares received upon the settlement of restricted stock units); (b) shares of the Company’s common stock held in an individual’s IRA accounts; (c) shares of the Company’s common stock held in the Company’s 401(k) plan; (d) shares of time-based restricted stock (to the extent the restrictions have not lapsed) or time-based restricted stock units (whether or not the restrictions have lapsed); (e) shares of performance-based restricted stock (to the extent the restrictions have


not lapsed) or performance-based restricted stock units (whether or not the restrictions have lapsed), in each case, issued prior to the date of the initial adoption of these Guidelines; (f) shares of the Company’s common stock held in a grantor trust for the benefit of the individual or his or her immediate family members residing in the same household; and (g) shares of the Company’s common stock owned by a partnership, limited liability company or other entity to the extent of the individual’s interest therein (or the interest therein of his or her immediate family members residing in the same household) but only if the individual has or shares power to vote or dispose of the shares. For avoidance of doubt, the following equity awards do not count toward satisfaction of these Guidelines: (1) outstanding stock options and (2) performance-based restricted stock (to the extent the restrictions have not lapsed) or performance based restricted stock units (whether or not the restrictions have lapsed), in each case, issued on or after the date of the initial adoption of these Guidelines.

 

IV. Compliance with Stock Ownership Guidelines

The determination of whether an individual meets the specified guideline level of ownership will be made as of the last day of the fiscal year by using the average closing market price on the New York Stock Exchange (or such other national securities exchange on which the Company’s common stock is then principally listed) of a share of the Company’s common stock for the prior 60-day period.

 

V. Stock Retention Requirements

Until such time as an individual covered by these Guidelines has achieved compliance with these Guidelines, or becomes non-compliant due to a reduction in stock price, he or she will be required to retain at least fifty percent (50%) of the Net Shares that are acquired as a result of the exercise, vesting or payment of any Company equity awards granted to such individual until compliance is achieved or re-achieved. “ Net Shares ” are those shares that remain after shares are sold or withheld, as the case may be, to pay any applicable exercise price for the award and satisfy any tax obligations arising in connection with the exercise, vesting or payment of the award. Because an individual covered by these Guidelines must retain a percentage of Net Shares acquired from Company equity awards until such individual satisfies the specified guideline level of ownership, there is no minimum time period required to achieve the specified guideline level of ownership. The retention requirements of this Section V shall only apply to Net Shares realized after the date of the initial adoption of these Guidelines.

 

VI. Hardships and Waivers

There may be instances in which these Guidelines would place a hardship on an individual covered by these Guidelines or prevent such individual from complying with a court order, such as a divorce settlement. In these instances, such individual must submit a request in writing to the Company’s Compensation Committee summarizing the circumstances and describing the extent to which an exemption is being requested. The Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, shall make the final decision as to whether an exemption will be granted.

 

2

Exhibit 10.6

RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE

UNDER THE

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

(Employees – Annual Incentive Plan Award)

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), pursuant to its 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), hereby grants to the Participant set forth below the number of shares of Restricted Stock set forth below. The shares of Restricted Stock are subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein, in the Restricted Stock Agreement (attached hereto or previously provided to the Participant in connection with a prior grant), and in the Plan, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

 

Participant: [ Participant Name ]
Date of Grant: [ Date of Grant ]
Performance Period: The period commencing on January 1, 2015 and ending on December 31,
2015 (the “ Performance Period ”)
Number of Shares of Restricted Stock: [ No. of Shares of Restricted Stock ]
Vesting Schedule: The shares of Restricted Stock shall vest at such times and in such amounts as set forth in
Exhibit A to the Restricted Stock Agreement.

*    *    *


THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THIS RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE, THE RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN, AND, AS AN EXPRESS CONDITION TO THE GRANT OF SHARES OF RESTRICTED STOCK HEREUNDER, AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE, THE RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN.

 

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. PARTICIPANT 1

 

 

By:
Title:

 

1   To the extent that the Company has established, either itself or through a third-party plan administrator, the ability to accept this award electronically, such acceptance shall constitute the Participant’s signature hereof.

 

2


RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

UNDER THE

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

Pursuant to the Restricted Stock Grant Notice (the “ Grant Notice ”) delivered to the Participant (as defined in the Grant Notice), and subject to the terms of this Restricted Stock Agreement (this “ Restricted Stock Agreement ”) and the SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the Participant agree as follows. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Plan.

1. Grant of Shares of Restricted Stock . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Plan, the Company hereby grants to the Participant the number of shares of Restricted Stock provided in the Grant Notice. The Company may make one or more additional grants of shares of Restricted Stock to the Participant under this Restricted Stock Agreement by providing the Participant with a new Grant Notice, which may also include any terms and conditions differing from this Restricted Stock Agreement to the extent provided therein. The Company reserves all rights with respect to the granting of additional shares of Restricted Stock hereunder and makes no implied promise to grant additional shares of Restricted Stock.

2. Vesting . Subject to the conditions contained herein and in the Plan, the shares of Restricted Stock shall vest and the restrictions on such shares of Restricted Stock shall lapse as provided in Exhibit A attached hereto. With respect to any share of Restricted Stock, the period of time that such share of Restricted Stock remains subject to vesting shall be its Restricted Period.

3. Issuance of Shares of Restricted Stock . The provisions of Section 9(d)(i) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

4. Treatment of Shares of Restricted Stock Upon Termination . The provisions of Sections 9(b) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. In the event the Participant undergoes a Termination, the treatment of the unvested shares of Restricted Stock shall be set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto.

5. Company; Participant .

(a) The term “Company” as used in this Restricted Stock Agreement with reference to employment shall include the Company and its Subsidiaries.

(b) Whenever the word “Participant” is used in any provision of this Restricted Stock Agreement under circumstances where the provision should logically be construed to apply to the executors, the administrators, or the person or persons to whom the shares of Restricted Stock may be transferred by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, the word “Participant” shall be deemed to include such person or persons.

 

3


6. Non-Transferability . The shares of Restricted Stock are not transferable by the Participant except to Permitted Transferees in accordance with Section 14(b) of the Plan. Except as otherwise provided herein, no assignment or transfer of the shares of Restricted Stock, or of the rights represented thereby, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, shall vest in the assignee or transferee any interest or right herein whatsoever, but immediately upon such assignment or transfer the shares of Restricted Stock shall terminate and become of no further effect.

7. Rights as Stockholder; Legend . The provisions of Sections 9(b) and 9(e) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof; provided, that any cash or in-kind dividends paid with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock which have not, prior to the record date of the dividend, become vested shall be withheld by the Company without interest and shall be paid to the Participant only when, and if, such shares of Restricted Stock shall become vested pursuant to Section 2.

8. Tax Withholding . The provisions of Section 14(d) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

9. Notice . Every notice or other communication relating to this Restricted Stock Agreement between the Company and the Participant shall be in writing, and shall be mailed to or delivered to the party for whom it is intended at such address as may from time to time be designated by such party in a notice mailed or delivered to the other party as herein provided; provided that, unless and until some other address be so designated, all notices or communications by the Participant to the Company shall be mailed or delivered to the Company at its principal executive office, to the attention of the Corporate Secretary, and all notices or communications by the Company to the Participant may be given to the Participant personally or may be mailed to the Participant at the Participant’s last known address, as reflected in the Company’s records. Notwithstanding the above, all notices and communications between the Participant and any third-party plan administrator shall be mailed, delivered, transmitted or sent in accordance with the procedures established by such third-party plan administrator and communicated to the Participant from time to time.

10. No Right to Continued Service . This Restricted Stock Agreement does not confer upon the Participant any right to continue as an employee or service provider to the Company.

11. Binding Effect . This Restricted Stock Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators and successors of the parties hereto.

12. Waiver and Amendments . Except as otherwise set forth in Section 13 of the Plan, any waiver, alteration, amendment or modification of any of the terms of this Restricted Stock Agreement shall be valid only if made in writing and signed by the parties hereto; provided, however , that any such waiver, alteration, amendment or modification is consented to on the Company’s behalf by the Committee. No waiver by either of the parties hereto of their rights hereunder shall be deemed to constitute a waiver with respect to any subsequent occurrences or transactions hereunder unless such waiver specifically states that it is to be construed as a continuing waiver.

 

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13. Clawback/Forfeiture . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, if the Participant has engaged in or engages in any Detrimental Activity, then the Committee may, in its sole discretion, take actions permitted under the Plan, including: (i) cancel the shares of Restricted Stock, or (ii) require that the Participant forfeit any gain realized on the vesting of the Restricted Stock, and repay such gain to the Company. In addition, if the Participant receives any amount in excess of what the Participant should have received under the terms of this Restricted Stock Agreement for any reason (including without limitation by reason of a financial restatement, mistake in calculations or other administrative error), then the Participant shall be required to repay any such excess amount to the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, all shares of Restricted Stock shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law and applicable Company policies.

14. Governing Law. This Restricted Stock Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Restricted Stock Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan to the contrary, if any suit or claim is instituted by the Participant or the Company relating to this Restricted Stock Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan, the Participant hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of and venue in the courts of Delaware.

15. Plan. The terms and provisions of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and provisions of the Plan and the provisions of this Restricted Stock Agreement, the Plan shall govern and control.

 

5


Exhibit A

1. Normal Vesting of Restricted Stock .

(a) Provided the Participant has not undergone a Termination on or prior to the last day of the Performance Period, a number of shares of Restricted Stock shall vest and the restrictions on such shares of Restricted Stock shall lapse on the date (the “ Vesting Date ”) the Committee determines the level of attainment of Consolidated EBITDA (as defined below) in accordance with the table below:

 

Consolidated EBITDA Attainment*

  

Percentage of the number of shares of

Restricted Stock that will Vest

Below $[            ] million    0%
$[            ] million or greater    100%

 

* For the avoidance of doubt, the attainment of Consolidated EBITDA in between the levels set forth in the table above will not be pro-rated.

(b) Any remaining shares of unvested Restricted Stock that do not become vested in accordance with Section 1(a) of this Exhibit A (if any) shall immediately be forfeited to the Company by the Participant for no consideration as of the Vesting Date.

(c) For purposes of this Exhibit A , the term “ Consolidated EBITDA ” shall mean the Adjusted EBITDA which is publicly disclosed in (or otherwise calculated in a manner consistent with) the Company’s earnings release for the applicable fiscal year. In connection with foregoing, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer shall certify in writing to the Committee the Consolidated EBITDA.

2. Treatment of Shares of Restricted Stock Upon Termination .

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 9(c)(ii) of the Plan, in the Event of Participant’s Termination for any reason on or prior to the last day of the Performance Period, all unvested shares of Restricted Stock shall be forfeited to the Company by the Participant for no consideration as of the date of such Termination. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event the Participant’s Termination occurs after the last day of the Performance Period but prior to the Vesting Date, the shares of Restricted Stock shall remain eligible to vest in accordance with Section 1 of this Exhibit A .

Exhibit 10.7

RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE

UNDER THE

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

(Employees – Time-Based Shares)

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), pursuant to its 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), hereby grants to the Participant set forth below the number of shares of Restricted Stock set forth below. The shares of Restricted Stock are subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein, in the Restricted Stock Agreement (attached hereto or previously provided to the Participant in connection with a prior grant), and in the Plan, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

 

Participant : [ Participant Name ]
Date of Grant : [ Date of Grant ]
Number of Shares of Restricted Stock : [ No. of Shares of Restricted Stock Granted ]
Vesting Schedule : Provided the Participant has not undergone a Termination at the time of each applicable vesting date (or event), 25% of the Restricted Stock will vest on each of the first four anniversaries of the Date of Grant.

*    *    *


THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THIS RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE, THE RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN, AND, AS AN EXPRESS CONDITION TO THE GRANT OF SHARES OF RESTRICTED STOCK HEREUNDER, AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE, THE RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN.

 

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. PARTICIPANT 1

 

 

By:
Title:

 

1 To the extent that the Company has established, either itself or through a third-party plan administrator, the ability to accept this award electronically, such acceptance shall constitute the Participant’s signature hereof.

 

2


RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

UNDER THE

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

Pursuant to the Restricted Stock Grant Notice (the “ Grant Notice ”) delivered to the Participant (as defined in the Grant Notice), and subject to the terms of this Restricted Stock Agreement (this “ Restricted Stock Agreement ”) and the SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the Participant agree as follows. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Plan.

1. Grant of Shares of Restricted Stock . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Plan, the Company hereby grants to the Participant the number of shares of Restricted Stock provided in the Grant Notice. The Company may make one or more additional grants of shares of Restricted Stock to the Participant under this Restricted Stock Agreement by providing the Participant with a new Grant Notice, which may also include any terms and conditions differing from this Restricted Stock Agreement to the extent provided therein. The Company reserves all rights with respect to the granting of additional shares of Restricted Stock hereunder and makes no implied promise to grant additional shares of Restricted Stock.

2. Vesting . Subject to the conditions contained herein and in the Plan, the shares of Restricted Stock shall vest and the restrictions on such shares of Restricted Stock shall lapse as provided in the Grant Notice. With respect to any share of Restricted Stock, the period of time that such share of Restricted Stock remains subject to vesting shall be its Restricted Period.

3. Issuance of Shares of Restricted Stock . The provisions of Section 9(d)(i) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

4. Treatment of Shares of Restricted Stock Upon Termination .

(a) The provisions of Sections 9(b) and 9(c)(ii) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. In addition to (and not in lieu of) Section 9(c)(ii) of the Plan, in the event of the Participant’s Termination due to death or Disability prior to the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant and other than within 12 months following a Change in Control, a pro-rata portion (rounded up to the nearest whole number) of the next (25%) tranche of the shares of Restricted Stock that was scheduled to vest on the next vesting date immediately following Participant’s Termination due to death or Disability shall vest (and the restrictions thereon shall immediately lapse) as of the date of such Termination based on a fraction (x) the numerator of which is equal to the number of completed months that have elapsed in the one-year period ending on such next vesting date through and including the date of such Termination and (y) the denominator of which is equal to 12.

(b) If the Participant undergoes a Termination other than under circumstances described in Section 4(a), then all unvested shares of Restricted Stock shall be forfeited to the Company by the Participant for no consideration as of the date of such Termination.

 

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5. Company; Participant .

(a) The term “Company” as used in this Restricted Stock Agreement with reference to employment shall include the Company and its Subsidiaries.

(b) Whenever the word “Participant” is used in any provision of this Restricted Stock Agreement under circumstances where the provision should logically be construed to apply to the executors, the administrators, or the person or persons to whom the shares of Restricted Stock may be transferred by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, the word “Participant” shall be deemed to include such person or persons.

6. Non-Transferability . The shares of Restricted Stock are not transferable by the Participant except to Permitted Transferees in accordance with Section 14(b) of the Plan. Except as otherwise provided herein, no assignment or transfer of the shares of Restricted Stock, or of the rights represented thereby, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, shall vest in the assignee or transferee any interest or right herein whatsoever, but immediately upon such assignment or transfer the shares of Restricted Stock shall terminate and become of no further effect.

7. Rights as Stockholder; Legend . The provisions of Sections 9(b) and 9(e) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof; provided, that any cash or in-kind dividends paid with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock which have not, prior to the record date of the dividend, become vested shall be withheld by the Company without interest and shall be paid to the Participant only when, and if, such shares of Restricted Stock shall become vested pursuant to Section 2.

8. Tax Withholding . The provisions of Section 14(d) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

9. Notice . Every notice or other communication relating to this Restricted Stock Agreement between the Company and the Participant shall be in writing, and shall be mailed to or delivered to the party for whom it is intended at such address as may from time to time be designated by such party in a notice mailed or delivered to the other party as herein provided; provided that, unless and until some other address be so designated, all notices or communications by the Participant to the Company shall be mailed or delivered to the Company at its principal executive office, to the attention of the Corporate Secretary, and all notices or communications by the Company to the Participant may be given to the Participant personally or may be mailed to the Participant at the Participant’s last known address, as reflected in the Company’s records. Notwithstanding the above, all notices and communications between the Participant and any third-party plan administrator shall be mailed, delivered, transmitted or sent in accordance with the procedures established by such third-party plan administrator and communicated to the Participant from time to time.

10. No Right to Continued Service . This Restricted Stock Agreement does not confer upon the Participant any right to continue as an employee or service provider to the Company.

 

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11. Binding Effect . This Restricted Stock Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators and successors of the parties hereto.

12. Waiver and Amendments . Except as otherwise set forth in Section 13 of the Plan, any waiver, alteration, amendment or modification of any of the terms of this Restricted Stock Agreement shall be valid only if made in writing and signed by the parties hereto; provided, however , that any such waiver, alteration, amendment or modification is consented to on the Company’s behalf by the Committee. No waiver by either of the parties hereto of their rights hereunder shall be deemed to constitute a waiver with respect to any subsequent occurrences or transactions hereunder unless such waiver specifically states that it is to be construed as a continuing waiver.

13. Restrictive Covenants; Clawback/Forfeiture .

(a) Participant acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates and accordingly agrees, in his capacity as an equity (and/or equity-based Award) holder in the Company, to the provisions of Appendix A to this Agreement (the “ Restrictive Covenants ”). Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 1 of Appendix A (or a material breach or material threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 2 of Appendix A of this Agreement) would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, Participant agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to cease making any payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. Notwithstanding the foregoing and Appendix A , the provisions of Section 1(a)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)(B) of Appendix A shall not apply to the Participant if Participant’s principal place of employment is located in the State of California. The shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder shall be subject to Participant’s continued compliance with such restrictions. For the avoidance of doubt, the Restrictive Covenants contained in this Agreement are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other restrictive covenants or similar covenants or agreements between the Participant and the Company or any of its Affiliates.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, if the Participant has engaged in or engages in any Detrimental Activity (including, without limitation, a breach of any of the covenants contained in Appendix A to this Agreement), then the Committee may, in its sole discretion, take actions permitted under the Plan, including: (i) cancel the shares of Restricted Stock, or (ii) require that the Participant forfeit any gain realized on the vesting of the Restricted Stock, and repay such gain to the Company. In addition, if the Participant receives any amount in excess of what the Participant should have received under the terms of this Restricted Stock Agreement for any reason (including without limitation by reason of a financial restatement, mistake in calculations or other administrative error), then the Participant shall be required to repay any such excess amount to the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, all shares of Restricted Stock shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law and applicable Company policies.

 

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14. Governing Law . This Restricted Stock Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Restricted Stock Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan to the contrary, if any suit or claim is instituted by the Participant or the Company relating to this Restricted Stock Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan, the Participant hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of and venue in the courts of Delaware.

15. Plan . The terms and provisions of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and provisions of the Plan and the provisions of this Restricted Stock Agreement, the Plan shall govern and control.

 

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Appendix A

Restrictive Covenants

 

  1. Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement .

(a) Participant acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates and accordingly agrees as follows:

(i) During Participant’s employment with the Company or its Subsidiaries (the “ Employment Term ”) and for a period of one year following the date Participant ceases to be employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries (the “ Restricted Period ”), Participant will not, whether on Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever (“ Person ”), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting in competition with the Restricted Group in the Business, the business of any then current or prospective client or customer with whom Participant (or his direct reports) had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one-year period preceding Participant’s termination of employment.

(ii) During the Restricted Period, Participant will not directly or indirectly:

(A) engage in the Business in any geographical area that is within 100 miles of any geographical area where the Restricted Group engages in the Business, including the greater metropolitan areas of Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, San Diego, California, San Antonio, Texas, Williamsburg, Virginia and Philadelphia/Langhorne, Pennsylvania;

(B) enter the employ of, or render any services to, a Core Competitor, except where such employment or services do not relate in any manner to the Business;

(C) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Person engaged in the Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or

(D) intentionally and adversely interfere with, or attempt to adversely interfere with, business relationships between the members of the Restricted Group and any of their clients, customers, suppliers, partners, members or investors.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Appendix A , Participant may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in a Business (including, without limitation, a Core Competitor) which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if Participant (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 2% or more of any class of securities of such Person.


(iv) During the Employment Term and for a period of two years from the date Participant ceases to be an employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries, Participant will not, whether on Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly:

(A) solicit or encourage any employee of the Restricted Group to leave the employment of the Restricted Group;

(B) hire any executive-level employee who was employed by the Restricted Group as of the date of Participant’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Restricted Group coincident with, or within one year prior to or after, the termination of Participant’s employment with the Company; or

(C) encourage any material consultant of the Restricted Group to cease working with the Restricted Group.

(v) For purposes of this Appendix A :

(A) “ Restricted Group ” shall mean, collectively, the Company and its Subsidiaries and, to the extent engaged in the Business, their respective Affiliates.

(B) “ Business ” shall mean the entertainment and theme park business.

(C) “ Core Competitor ” shall mean Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Inc., Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and Merlin Entertainments Group Ltd. and each of their respective Affiliates.

(b) Non-Disparagement. Participant will not at any time (whether during or after Participant’s Employment Term) make public statements or public comments intended to be (or having the effect of being) of defamatory or disparaging nature regarding (including any statements or comments likely to be harmful to the business, business reputation or personal reputation of) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of their respective businesses, shareholders, members, partners, employees, agents, officers, directors or contractors (it being understood that comments made in Participant’s good faith performance of his duties hereunder shall not be deemed disparaging or defamatory for purposes of this paragraph); provided that the Participant shall be permitted to make truthful disclosures that are required by applicable law, regulations or order of a court or government agency.

(c) It is expressly understood and agreed that although Participant and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 1 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Appendix A is an unenforceable restriction against Participant, the provisions of this Appendix A shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially


determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this Appendix A is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein.

(d) The period of time during which the provisions of Section 1(a) shall be in effect shall be extended by the length of time during which Participant is in breach of the terms hereof as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction on the Company’s application for injunctive relief.

(e) The provisions of Section 1 hereof shall survive the termination of Participant’s employment for any reason, including but not limited to, any termination other than for Cause (except as otherwise set forth in Section 1 hereof).

(f) The provisions of Section 1(a)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)(B) hereof shall not apply if Participant’s principal place of employment is in the state of California.

 

  2. Confidentiality; Intellectual Property .

(a) Confidentiality .

(i) Participant will not at any time (whether during or after Participant’s Employment Term) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of Participant or any other Person; or (y) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any Person outside the Company (other than its professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations or otherwise in performance of Participant’s duties under Participant’s employment and pursuant to customary industry practice), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information —including without limitation trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals — concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“ Confidential Information ”) without the prior written authorization of the Board.

(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (a) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Participant’s breach of this covenant; (b) made legitimately available to Participant by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation of which Participant has knowledge; or (c) required by law to be disclosed; provided that with respect to subsection (c) Participant shall give prompt written notice to the Company of such requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and reasonably cooperate with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.


(iii) Except as required by law, Participant will not disclose to anyone, other than Participant’s family (it being understood that, in this Agreement, the term “family” refers to Participant, Participant’s spouse, children, parents and spouse’s parents) and advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement; provided that Participant may disclose to any prospective future employer the provisions of this Appendix A . This Section 2(a)(iii) shall terminate if the Company publicly discloses a copy of this Agreement (or, if the Company publicly discloses summaries or excerpts of this Agreement) to the extent so disclosed.

(iv) Upon termination of Participant’s employment with the Company for any reason, Participant shall (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and (y) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in Participant’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in Participant’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information, except that Participant may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information.

(b) Intellectual Property .

(i) If Participant has created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to or improved any works of authorship, inventions, intellectual property, materials, documents or other work product (including without limitation, research, reports, software, databases, systems, applications, presentations, textual works, content, or audiovisual materials) (“ Works ”), either alone or with third parties, prior to Participant’s employment by the Company, that are relevant to or implicated by such employment (“ Prior Works ”), Participant hereby grants the Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, assignable, sublicensable license under all rights and intellectual property rights (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) therein for all purposes in connection with the Company’s current and future business.

(ii) If Participant creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves any Works, either alone or with third parties, at any time during Participant’s employment by the Company and within the scope of such employment and with the use of any the Company resources (“ Company Works ”), Participant shall promptly and fully disclose same to the Company and hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, all rights and intellectual property rights therein (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) to the Company to the extent ownership of any such rights does not vest originally in the Company.


(iii) Participant shall take all reasonably requested actions and execute all reasonably requested documents (including any licenses or assignments required by a government contract) at the Company’s expense (but without further remuneration) to assist the Company in validating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of the Company’s rights in the Prior Works and Company Works. If the Company is unable for any other reason, after reasonable attempt, to secure Participant’s signature on any document for this purpose, then Participant hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Participant’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in Participant’s behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts required in connection with the foregoing.

(iv) Participant shall not improperly use for the benefit of, bring to any premises of, divulge, disclose, communicate, reveal, transfer or provide access to, or share with the Company any confidential, proprietary or non-public information or intellectual property relating to a former employer or other third party without the prior written permission of such third party. Participant shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company that are from time to time previously disclosed to Participant, including regarding the protection of Confidential Information and intellectual property and potential conflicts of interest. Participant acknowledges that the Company may amend any such policies and guidelines from time to time, and that Participant remains at all times bound by their most current version from time to time previously disclosed to Participant.

(v) The provisions of Section 2 hereof shall survive the termination of Participant’s employment for any reason (except as otherwise set forth in Section 2(a)(iii) hereof).

Exhibit 10.8

OPTION GRANT NOTICE

UNDER THE

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

(Employees – Time-Based Options)

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), pursuant to its 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), hereby grants to the Participant set forth below the number of Options (each Option representing the right to purchase one share of Common Stock) set forth below, at an Exercise Price per share as set forth below. The Options are subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein, in the Option Agreement (attached hereto or previously provided to the Participant in connection with a prior grant), and in the Plan, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

 

Participant : [ Participant Name ]
Date of Grant : [ Date of Grant ]
Number of Options : [ No. of Options Granted ]
Exercise Price : [ Exercise Price per share ]
Option Period Expiration Date : Ten (10) years from the Date of Grant.
Type of Option : Nonqualified Stock Option
Vesting Schedule : Provided the Participant has not undergone a Termination at the time of each applicable
vesting date (or event), 25% of the Options will vest on each of the first four (4)
anniversaries of the Date of Grant.

*    *    *


THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THIS OPTION GRANT NOTICE, THE OPTION AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN, AND, AS AN EXPRESS CONDITION TO THE GRANT OF OPTIONS HEREUNDER, AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS OPTION GRANT NOTICE, THE OPTION AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN.

 

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. PARTICIPANT 1

 

 

By:
Title:

 

1   To the extent that the Company has established, either itself or through a third-party plan administrator, the ability to accept this award electronically, such acceptance shall constitute the Participant’s signature hereof.

 

2


OPTION AGREEMENT

UNDER THE

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

Pursuant to the Option Grant Notice (the “ Grant Notice ”) delivered to the Participant (as defined in the Grant Notice), and subject to the terms of this Option Agreement (this “ Option Agreement ”) and the SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the Participant agree as follows. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Plan.

1. Grant of Option . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Plan, the Company hereby grants to the Participant the number of Options provided in the Grant Notice (with each Option representing the right to purchase one share of Common Stock), at an Exercise Price per share as provided in the Grant Notice. The Company may make one or more additional grants of Options to the Participant under this Option Agreement by providing the Participant with a new Grant Notice, which may also include any terms and conditions differing from this Option Agreement to the extent provided therein. The Company reserves all rights with respect to the granting of additional Options hereunder and makes no implied promise to grant additional Options.

2. Vesting . Subject to the conditions contained herein and in the Plan, the Options shall vest as provided in the Grant Notice.

3. Exercise of Options Following Termination . The provisions of Sections 7(c)(ii) and 7(c)(iii) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. In addition to (and not in lieu of) Section 7(c)(ii) of the Plan, in the event of the Participant’s Termination due to death or Disability prior to the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant and other than within 12 months following a Change in Control, a pro-rata portion (rounded up to the nearest whole number) of the next (25%) tranche of the Options that was scheduled to vest on the next vesting date immediately following Participant’s Termination due to death or Disability will become immediately vested as of the date of such Termination based on a fraction (x) the numerator of which is equal to the number of completed months that have elapsed in the one-year period ending on such next vesting date through and including the date of such Termination and (y) the denominator of which is equal to 12.

4. Method of Exercising Options . The Options may be exercised by the delivery of notice of the number of Options that are being exercised accompanied by payment in full of the Exercise Price applicable to the Options so exercised. Such notice shall be delivered either (x) in writing to the Company at its principal office or at such other address as may be established by the Committee, to the attention of the Corporate Secretary; or (y) to a third-party plan administrator as may be arranged for by the Company or the Committee from time to time for purposes of the administration of outstanding Options under the Plan, in the case of either (x) or (y), as communicated to the Participant by the Company from time to time. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price may be made using any of the methods described in Section 7(d)(i) or (ii) of the Plan; provided , that the Participant shall obtain written consent from the Committee prior to the use of the method described in Section 7(d)(ii)(A) of the Plan.

 

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5. Issuance of Shares . Following the exercise of an Option hereunder, as promptly as practical after receipt of such notification and full payment of such Exercise Price and any required income or other tax withholding amount (as provided in Section 9 hereof), the Company shall issue or transfer, or cause such issue or transfer, to the Participant the number of shares with respect to which the Options have been so exercised, and shall either (a) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Participant a certificate or certificates therefor, registered in the Participant’s name or (b) cause such shares to be credited to the Participant’s account at the third-party plan administrator.

6. Company; Participant .

(a) The term “Company” as used in this Option Agreement with reference to employment shall include the Company and its Subsidiaries.

(b) Whenever the word “Participant” is used in any provision of this Option Agreement under circumstances where the provision should logically be construed to apply to the executors, the administrators, or the person or persons to whom the Options may be transferred by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, the word “Participant” shall be deemed to include such person or persons.

7. Non-Transferability . The Options are not transferable by the Participant except to Permitted Transferees in accordance with Section 14(b) of the Plan. Except as otherwise provided herein, no assignment or transfer of the Options, or of the rights represented thereby, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, shall vest in the assignee or transferee any interest or right herein whatsoever, but immediately upon such assignment or transfer the Options shall terminate and become of no further effect.

8. Rights as Stockholder . The Participant or a Permitted Transferee of the Options shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any share of Common Stock covered by an Option until the Participant shall have become the holder of record or the beneficial owner of such Common Stock, and no adjustment shall be made for dividends or distributions or other rights in respect of such share of Common Stock for which the record date is prior to the date upon which the Participant shall become the holder of record or the beneficial owner thereof.

9. Tax Withholding . The provisions of Section 14(d) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

10. Notice . Every notice or other communication relating to this Option Agreement between the Company and the Participant shall be in writing, and shall be mailed to or delivered to the party for whom it is intended at such address as may from time to time be designated by such party in a notice mailed or delivered to the other party as herein provided; provided that, unless and until some other address be so designated, all notices or communications by the Participant to the Company shall be mailed or delivered to the Company at its principal executive office, to the attention of the Corporate Secretary, and all notices or

 

4


communications by the Company to the Participant may be given to the Participant personally or may be mailed to the Participant at the Participant’s last known address, as reflected in the Company’s records. Notwithstanding the above, all notices and communications between the Participant and any third-party plan administrator shall be mailed, delivered, transmitted or sent in accordance with the procedures established by such third-party plan administrator and communicated to the Participant from time to time.

11. No Right to Continued Service . This Option Agreement does not confer upon the Participant any right to continue as an employee or service provider to the Company.

12. Binding Effect . This Option Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators and successors of the parties hereto.

13. Waiver and Amendments . Except as otherwise set forth in Section 13 of the Plan, any waiver, alteration, amendment or modification of any of the terms of this Option Agreement shall be valid only if made in writing and signed by the parties hereto; provided , however, that any such waiver, alteration, amendment or modification is consented to on the Company’s behalf by the Committee. No waiver by either of the parties hereto of their rights hereunder shall be deemed to constitute a waiver with respect to any subsequent occurrences or transactions hereunder unless such waiver specifically states that it is to be construed as a continuing waiver.

14. Restrictive Covenants; Clawback/Forfeiture .

(a) Participant acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates and accordingly agrees, in his capacity as an equity (and/or equity-based Award) holder in the Company, to the provisions of Appendix A to this Agreement (the “ Restrictive Covenants ”). Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 1 of Appendix A (or a material breach or material threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 2 of Appendix A of this Agreement) would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, Participant agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to cease making any payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. Notwithstanding the foregoing and Appendix A , the provisions of Section 1(a)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)(B) of Appendix A shall not apply to the Participant if Participant’s principal place of employment is located in the State of California. The Options granted (and the shares that may be issued upon exercise of the Options) hereunder shall be subject to Participant’s continued compliance with such restrictions. For the avoidance of doubt, the Restrictive Covenants contained in this Agreement are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other restrictive covenants or similar covenants or agreements between the Participant and the Company or any of its Affiliates.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, if the Participant has engaged in or engages in any Detrimental Activity (including, without limitation,

 

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a breach of any of the covenants contained in Appendix A to this Agreement), then the Committee may, in its sole discretion, take actions permitted under the Plan, including: (i) cancel the Options, or (ii) require that the Participant forfeit any gain realized on the exercise of the Options, and repay such gain to the Company. In addition, if the Participant receives any amount in excess of what the Participant should have received under the terms of this Option Agreement for any reason (including without limitation by reason of a financial restatement, mistake in calculations or other administrative error), then the Participant shall be required to repay any such excess amount to the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, all Options shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law and applicable Company policies.

15. Governing Law . This Option Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Option Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan to the contrary, if any suit or claim is instituted by the Participant or the Company relating to this Option Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan, the Participant hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of and venue in the courts of Delaware.

16. Plan . The terms and provisions of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and provisions of the Plan and the provisions of this Option Agreement, the Plan shall govern and control.

 

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Appendix A

Restrictive Covenants

 

  1. Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement .

(a) Participant acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates and accordingly agrees as follows:

(i) During Participant’s employment with the Company or its Subsidiaries (the “ Employment Term ”) and for a period of one year following the date Participant ceases to be employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries (the “ Restricted Period ”), Participant will not, whether on Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever (“ Person ”), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting in competition with the Restricted Group in the Business, the business of any then current or prospective client or customer with whom Participant (or his direct reports) had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one-year period preceding Participant’s termination of employment.

(ii) During the Restricted Period, Participant will not directly or indirectly:

(A) engage in the Business in any geographical area that is within 100 miles of any geographical area where the Restricted Group engages in the Business, including the greater metropolitan areas of Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, San Diego, California, San Antonio, Texas, Williamsburg, Virginia and Philadelphia/Langhorne, Pennsylvania;

(B) enter the employ of, or render any services to, a Core Competitor, except where such employment or services do not relate in any manner to the Business;

(C) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Person engaged in the Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or

(D) intentionally and adversely interfere with, or attempt to adversely interfere with, business relationships between the members of the Restricted Group and any of their clients, customers, suppliers, partners, members or investors.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Appendix A , Participant may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in a Business (including, without limitation, a Core Competitor) which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if Participant (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 2% or more of any class of securities of such Person.


(iv) During the Employment Term and for a period of two years from the date Participant ceases to be an employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries, Participant will not, whether on Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly:

(A) solicit or encourage any employee of the Restricted Group to leave the employment of the Restricted Group;

(B) hire any executive-level employee who was employed by the Restricted Group as of the date of Participant’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Restricted Group coincident with, or within one year prior to or after, the termination of Participant’s employment with the Company; or

(C) encourage any material consultant of the Restricted Group to cease working with the Restricted Group.

(v) For purposes of this Appendix A :

(A) “ Restricted Group ” shall mean, collectively, the Company and its Subsidiaries and, to the extent engaged in the Business, their respective Affiliates.

(B) “ Business ” shall mean the entertainment and theme park business.

(C) “ Core Competitor ” shall mean Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Inc., Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and Merlin Entertainments Group Ltd. and each of their respective Affiliates.

(b) Non-Disparagement. Participant will not at any time (whether during or after Participant’s Employment Term) make public statements or public comments intended to be (or having the effect of being) of defamatory or disparaging nature regarding (including any statements or comments likely to be harmful to the business, business reputation or personal reputation of) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of their respective businesses, shareholders, members, partners, employees, agents, officers, directors or contractors (it being understood that comments made in Participant’s good faith performance of his duties hereunder shall not be deemed disparaging or defamatory for purposes of this paragraph); provided that the Participant shall be permitted to make truthful disclosures that are required by applicable law, regulations or order of a court or government agency.

(c) It is expressly understood and agreed that although Participant and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 1 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Appendix A is an unenforceable restriction against Participant, the provisions of this Appendix A shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially


determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this Appendix A is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein.

(d) The period of time during which the provisions of Section 1(a) shall be in effect shall be extended by the length of time during which Participant is in breach of the terms hereof as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction on the Company’s application for injunctive relief.

(e) The provisions of Section 1 hereof shall survive the termination of Participant’s employment for any reason, including but not limited to, any termination other than for Cause (except as otherwise set forth in Section 1 hereof).

(f) The provisions of Section 1(a)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)(B) hereof shall not apply if Participant’s principal place of employment is in the state of California.

 

  2. Confidentiality; Intellectual Property .

(a) Confidentiality .

(i) Participant will not at any time (whether during or after Participant’s Employment Term) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of Participant or any other Person; or (y) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any Person outside the Company (other than its professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations or otherwise in performance of Participant’s duties under Participant’s employment and pursuant to customary industry practice), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information —including without limitation trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals — concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“ Confidential Information ”) without the prior written authorization of the Board.

(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (a) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Participant’s breach of this covenant; (b) made legitimately available to Participant by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation of which Participant has knowledge; or (c) required by law to be disclosed; provided that with respect to subsection (c) Participant shall give prompt written notice to the Company of such requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and reasonably cooperate with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.


(iii) Except as required by law, Participant will not disclose to anyone, other than Participant’s family (it being understood that, in this Agreement, the term “family” refers to Participant, Participant’s spouse, children, parents and spouse’s parents) and advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement; provided that Participant may disclose to any prospective future employer the provisions of this Appendix A . This Section 2(a)(iii) shall terminate if the Company publicly discloses a copy of this Agreement (or, if the Company publicly discloses summaries or excerpts of this Agreement) to the extent so disclosed.

(iv) Upon termination of Participant’s employment with the Company for any reason, Participant shall (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and (y) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in Participant’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in Participant’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information, except that Participant may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information.

(b) Intellectual Property .

(i) If Participant has created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to or improved any works of authorship, inventions, intellectual property, materials, documents or other work product (including without limitation, research, reports, software, databases, systems, applications, presentations, textual works, content, or audiovisual materials) (“ Works ”), either alone or with third parties, prior to Participant’s employment by the Company, that are relevant to or implicated by such employment (“ Prior Works ”), Participant hereby grants the Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, assignable, sublicensable license under all rights and intellectual property rights (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) therein for all purposes in connection with the Company’s current and future business.

(ii) If Participant creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves any Works, either alone or with third parties, at any time during Participant’s employment by the Company and within the scope of such employment and with the use of any the Company resources (“ Company Works ”), Participant shall promptly and fully disclose same to the Company and hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, all rights and intellectual property rights therein (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) to the Company to the extent ownership of any such rights does not vest originally in the Company.


(iii) Participant shall take all reasonably requested actions and execute all reasonably requested documents (including any licenses or assignments required by a government contract) at the Company’s expense (but without further remuneration) to assist the Company in validating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of the Company’s rights in the Prior Works and Company Works. If the Company is unable for any other reason, after reasonable attempt, to secure Participant’s signature on any document for this purpose, then Participant hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Participant’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in Participant’s behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts required in connection with the foregoing.

(iv) Participant shall not improperly use for the benefit of, bring to any premises of, divulge, disclose, communicate, reveal, transfer or provide access to, or share with the Company any confidential, proprietary or non-public information or intellectual property relating to a former employer or other third party without the prior written permission of such third party. Participant shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company that are from time to time previously disclosed to Participant, including regarding the protection of Confidential Information and intellectual property and potential conflicts of interest. Participant acknowledges that the Company may amend any such policies and guidelines from time to time, and that Participant remains at all times bound by their most current version from time to time previously disclosed to Participant.

(v) The provisions of Section 2 hereof shall survive the termination of Participant’s employment for any reason (except as otherwise set forth in Section 2(a)(iii) hereof).

Exhibit 10.9

RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE

UNDER THE

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

(Employees – Performance-Based Shares)

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), pursuant to its 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), hereby grants to the Participant set forth below the “Maximum Number of Shares of Restricted Stock” set forth below. The shares of Restricted Stock are subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein, in the Restricted Stock Agreement (attached hereto or previously provided to the Participant in connection with a prior grant), and in the Plan, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

 

Participant : [ Participant Name ]
Date of Grant : [ Date of Grant ]
Performance Period: The period commencing on January 1, 2015 and ending on December 31, 2017 (the “ Performance Period ”)
Target Number of Shares of Restricted Stock: [ Target No. of Shares of Restricted Stock ]
Maximum Number of Shares of Restricted Stock : [ Maximum No. of Shares of Restricted Stock at Maximum Level of Performance ]
Vesting Schedule : The shares of Restricted Stock shall vest at such times and in such amounts as set forth in Exhibit A to the Restricted Stock Agreement.

*    *    *


THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THIS RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE, THE RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN, AND, AS AN EXPRESS CONDITION TO THE GRANT OF SHARES OF RESTRICTED STOCK HEREUNDER, AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE, THE RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN.

 

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. PARTICIPANT 1

 

 

By:
Title:

 

1 To the extent that the Company has established, either itself or through a third-party plan administrator, the ability to accept this award electronically, such acceptance shall constitute the Participant’s signature hereof.

 

2


RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

UNDER THE

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

Pursuant to the Restricted Stock Grant Notice (the “ Grant Notice ”) delivered to the Participant (as defined in the Grant Notice), and subject to the terms of this Restricted Stock Agreement (this “ Restricted Stock Agreement ”) and the SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the Participant agree as follows. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Plan.

1. Grant of Shares of Restricted Stock . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Plan, the Company hereby grants to the Participant the “Maximum Number of Shares of Restricted Stock” provided in the Grant Notice. The Company may make one or more additional grants of shares of Restricted Stock to the Participant under this Restricted Stock Agreement by providing the Participant with a new Grant Notice, which may also include any terms and conditions differing from this Restricted Stock Agreement to the extent provided therein. The Company reserves all rights with respect to the granting of additional shares of Restricted Stock hereunder and makes no implied promise to grant additional shares of Restricted Stock.

2. Vesting . Subject to the conditions contained herein and in the Plan, the shares of Restricted Stock shall vest and the restrictions on such shares of Restricted Stock shall lapse as provided in Exhibit A attached hereto. With respect to any share of Restricted Stock, the period of time that such share of Restricted Stock remains subject to vesting shall be its Restricted Period.

3. Issuance of Shares of Restricted Stock . The provisions of Section 9(d)(i) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

4. Treatment of Shares of Restricted Stock Upon Termination . The provisions of Sections 9(b) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. In the event the Participant undergoes a Termination, the treatment of the unvested shares of Restricted Stock shall be set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto.

5. Company; Participant .

(a) The term “Company” as used in this Restricted Stock Agreement with reference to employment shall include the Company and its Subsidiaries.

(b) Whenever the word “Participant” is used in any provision of this Restricted Stock Agreement under circumstances where the provision should logically be construed to apply to the executors, the administrators, or the person or persons to whom the shares of Restricted Stock may be transferred by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, the word “Participant” shall be deemed to include such person or persons.

 

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6. Non-Transferability . The shares of Restricted Stock are not transferable by the Participant except to Permitted Transferees in accordance with Section 14(b) of the Plan. Except as otherwise provided herein, no assignment or transfer of the shares of Restricted Stock, or of the rights represented thereby, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, shall vest in the assignee or transferee any interest or right herein whatsoever, but immediately upon such assignment or transfer the shares of Restricted Stock shall terminate and become of no further effect.

7. Rights as Stockholder; Legend . The provisions of Sections 9(b) and 9(e) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof; provided, that any cash or in-kind dividends paid with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock which have not, prior to the record date of the dividend, become vested shall be withheld by the Company without interest and shall be paid to the Participant only when, and if, such shares of Restricted Stock shall become vested pursuant to Section 2.

8. Tax Withholding . The provisions of Section 14(d) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

9. Notice . Every notice or other communication relating to this Restricted Stock Agreement between the Company and the Participant shall be in writing, and shall be mailed to or delivered to the party for whom it is intended at such address as may from time to time be designated by such party in a notice mailed or delivered to the other party as herein provided; provided that, unless and until some other address be so designated, all notices or communications by the Participant to the Company shall be mailed or delivered to the Company at its principal executive office, to the attention of the Corporate Secretary, and all notices or communications by the Company to the Participant may be given to the Participant personally or may be mailed to the Participant at the Participant’s last known address, as reflected in the Company’s records. Notwithstanding the above, all notices and communications between the Participant and any third-party plan administrator shall be mailed, delivered, transmitted or sent in accordance with the procedures established by such third-party plan administrator and communicated to the Participant from time to time.

10. No Right to Continued Service . This Restricted Stock Agreement does not confer upon the Participant any right to continue as an employee or service provider to the Company.

11. Binding Effect . This Restricted Stock Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators and successors of the parties hereto.

12. Waiver and Amendments . Except as otherwise set forth in Section 13 of the Plan, any waiver, alteration, amendment or modification of any of the terms of this Restricted Stock Agreement shall be valid only if made in writing and signed by the parties hereto; provided, however , that any such waiver, alteration, amendment or modification is consented to on the Company’s behalf by the Committee. No waiver by either of the parties hereto of their rights hereunder shall be deemed to constitute a waiver with respect to any subsequent occurrences or transactions hereunder unless such waiver specifically states that it is to be construed as a continuing waiver.

 

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13. Restrictive Covenants; Clawback/Forfeiture .

(a) Participant acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates and accordingly agrees, in his capacity as an equity (and/or equity-based Award) holder in the Company, to the provisions of Appendix A to this Agreement (the “ Restrictive Covenants ”). Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 1 of Appendix A (or a material breach or material threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 2 of Appendix A of this Agreement) would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, Participant agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to cease making any payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. Notwithstanding the foregoing and Appendix A , the provisions of Section 1(a)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)(B) of Appendix A shall not apply to the Participant if Participant’s principal place of employment is located in the State of California. The shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder shall be subject to Participant’s continued compliance with such restrictions. For the avoidance of doubt, the Restrictive Covenants contained in this Agreement are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other restrictive covenants or similar covenants or agreements between the Participant and the Company or any of its Affiliates.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, if the Participant has engaged in or engages in any Detrimental Activity (including, without limitation, a breach of any of the covenants contained in Appendix A to this Agreement), then the Committee may, in its sole discretion, take actions permitted under the Plan, including: (i) cancel the shares of Restricted Stock, or (ii) require that the Participant forfeit any gain realized on the vesting of the Restricted Stock, and repay such gain to the Company. In addition, if the Participant receives any amount in excess of what the Participant should have received under the terms of this Restricted Stock Agreement for any reason (including without limitation by reason of a financial restatement, mistake in calculations or other administrative error), then the Participant shall be required to repay any such excess amount to the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, all shares of Restricted Stock shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law and applicable Company policies.

14. Governing Law . This Restricted Stock Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Restricted Stock Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan to the contrary, if any suit or claim is instituted by the Participant or the Company relating to this Restricted Stock Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan, the Participant hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of and venue in the courts of Delaware.

 

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15. Plan . The terms and provisions of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and provisions of the Plan and the provisions of this Restricted Stock Agreement, the Plan shall govern and control.

 

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Exhibit A

1. Normal Vesting of Restricted Stock .

(a) The Performance Period shall be divided into three (3) consecutive one-year periods as follows:

from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 (“ Year 1 ”);

from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 (“ Year 2 ”); and

from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 (“ Year 3 ” and each referred to as a “ Year ”).

One-third (1/3) of the “Target Number of Shares of Restricted Stock” provided on the Grant Notice will be eligible to be earned (based on a multiple from 0% up to a maximum of 200%) pursuant to Section 1(b) below in each of Year of the Performance Period (each one-third, a “ Tranche ”) and the Earned Amount (as defined below) of each Tranche will be eligible to become vested pursuant to Section 1(c) below.

(b) During the first ninety (90) days of each of Year of the Performance Period, the Committee will determine a projected Consolidated EBITDA target for such Year (the “ Annual Consolidated EBITDA Target ”). For purposes of this Exhibit A, the term “ Consolidated EBITDA ” shall mean the Adjusted EBITDA which is publicly disclosed in (or otherwise calculated in a manner consistent with) the Company’s earnings release for the applicable fiscal year. In connection with foregoing, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer shall certify in writing to the Committee the Consolidated EBITDA for each Year.

Following the completion of each Year of the Performance Period, the Committee will determine the “ Actual Performance Percentage ” by calculating for the applicable Year the percentage by which the Company’s actual Consolidated EBITDA met or exceeded the Annual Consolidated EBITDA Target for such Year. The number of shares in the applicable Tranche of Restricted Stock that will be earned (the “ Earned Amount ”) with respect to each Year will be based on the achievement of Actual Performance Percentage as set forth in the table below:

 

Actual Performance Percentage* for the

Applicable Year

  

Percentage of Tranche of Restricted

Stock for the Applicable Year Earned**

Actual Performance Percentage less than [threshold]%

   0%

Actual Performance Percentage greater than or equal to [threshold]%

   50%

Actual Performance Percentage greater than or equal to [target]%

   100%

Actual Performance Percentage greater than or equal to [maximum]%

   200%

 

* For an Actual Performance Percentage at least equal to [threshold]% which falls in between the levels set forth in the table above, the Committee shall apply straight-line interpolation to determine the Earned Amount for the applicable Tranche, provided that in no event shall the Earned Amount exceed 200% of any Tranche.


** By way of illustration, if the “Target Number of Shares of Restricted Stock” in each Tranche is [                ] shares of Restricted Stock and the Company’s Actual Performance Percentage (x) in Year 1 is [    ]%, (y) in Year 2 is [    ]% and (z) in Year 3 is [    ]%, then the Earned Amount with respect to Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 will be [                ] shares, [                ] shares and [                ] shares, respectively. [                ] shares of Restricted Stock will vest on the date the Committee determines the Actual Performance Percentage for Year 3.

The sum of the Earned Amount for each of Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 is referred to as the “ Total Earned Amount ”. A number of shares of Restricted Stock equal to the Total Earned Amount will be eligible to vest pursuant to Section 1(c) below.

(c) Subject to Section 2 of this Exhibit A, provided the Participant has not undergone a Termination on or prior to the last day of the Performance Period, a number of shares of Restricted Stock equal to the Total Earned Amount shall vest and the restrictions on such shares of Restricted Stock shall lapse on the date (the “ Normal Vesting Date ”) on which the Committee determines the Actual Performance Percentage in respect of Year 3 of the Performance Period. Any remaining shares of unvested Restricted Stock that do not become vested in accordance with the preceding sentence (if any) shall immediately be forfeited to the Company by the Participant for no consideration as of the Normal Vesting Date.

2. Treatment of Shares of Restricted Stock Upon a Change in Control .

(a) Notwithstanding Section 1 of this Exhibit A, in the event a Change in Control that occurs during the Participant’s employment and prior to the Normal Vesting Date, to the extent outstanding and unvested at such time, a number of unvested Restricted Stock equal to the Specified Number (as defined below) shall remain outstanding and shall vest (and the restrictions thereon shall immediately lapse) on the later of (x) the last day of the Performance Period and (y) the date of the Change in Control, solely based on Participant’s continued employment with the Company through such date (and without regard to the conditions set forth in Sections 1(b) and (c) of this Exhibit). Any remaining shares of unvested Restricted Stock that do not become vested pursuant to the preceding sentence (if any) shall immediately be forfeited to the Company by the Participant for no consideration as of the last day of the Performance Period.

(b) For purposes of this Exhibit A, the term “ Specified Number ” shall mean:

(A) in the event a Change in Control occurs at any time during Year 1, the “Target Number of Shares of Restricted Stock” set forth on the Grant Notice,

(B) in the event a Change in Control occurs at any time during Year 2, the sum of (x) the Earned Amount with respect Year 1, (y) actual number of shares of Restricted Stock that would have been earned in accordance with Section 1 of this Exhibit A based on the Committee’s determination of the Actual Performance Percentage for the portion of Year 2 that has elapsed through the date of the Change in Control (the “ Partial Period ”) measured against an adjusted Annual Consolidated EBITDA Target which shall be pro-rated based on a fraction (i) the numerator of which is the number of


days in the Partial Period and (ii) the denominator of which is the number of days in the Year 2 (such resulting number of shares, the “ Pro-Rata Actual Performance Amount ”) and (z) the number of shares of Restricted Stock in the Year 3 Tranche (assuming an Actual Performance Percentage of 100%);

(C) in the event a Change in Control occurs at any time during Year 3, the sum of (x) the Earned Amount with respect Year 1, (y) the Earned Amount with respect to Year 2 and (z) the Pro-Rata Actual Performance Amount with respect to Year 3; and

(D) in the event a Change in Control occurs at any time after the completion of Year 3 but before the Normal Vesting Date, the Total Earned Amount.

3. Treatment of Shares of Restricted Stock Upon Certain Terminations .

(a) In the Event of Participant’s Termination on or prior to the last day of the Performance Period other than under circumstances described in Sections 3(b) of this Exhibit A, all unvested shares of Restricted Stock shall be forfeited to the Company by the Participant for no consideration as of the date of such Termination. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event the Participant’s Termination occurs after the last day of the Performance Period but prior to the Normal Vesting Date, the shares of Restricted Stock shall remain eligible to vest in accordance with Sections 1 and 2 of this Exhibit A .

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 9(c)(ii) of the Plan:

(A) in the event of (i) Participant’s Termination by the Company other than for Cause, or (ii) Participant’s Termination due to death or Disability, in each case, on or prior to the last day of the Performance Period and within 12 months following a Change in Control, to the extent outstanding and unvested at such time, a number of shares of Restricted Stock (if any) equal to the Specified Number shall vest (and the restrictions thereon shall immediately lapse) as of the date of such Termination. Any remaining shares of unvested Restricted Stock that do not become vested pursuant to the preceding sentence (if any) shall immediately be forfeited to the Company by the Participant for no consideration as of the date of such Termination.

(B) in the event of the Participant’s Termination due to death or Disability on or prior to the last day of the Performance Period and other than within 12 months following a Change in Control, to the extent outstanding and unvested at such time, a number of shares of Restricted Stock equal to the product of (x) the D&D Specified Number (as defined below) multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is equal to the number of completed months that have elapsed in the Performance Period through


and including the date of such Termination and the denominator of which is equal to 36, (rounded up to the nearest whole number) shall vest (and the restrictions thereon shall immediately lapse) as of the date of such Termination. Any remaining shares of unvested Restricted Stock that do not become vested pursuant to the preceding sentence (if any) shall immediately be forfeited to the Company by the Participant for no consideration as of the date of such Termination. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “ D&D Specified Number ” shall mean the Specified Number (as defined in Section 2(b) of this Exhibit A) assuming solely for purposes of this definition (and not for purposes of the vesting of shares of Restricted Stock under Section 3(b)(B) of this Exhibit A) that a Change in Control had occurred on the date of the Participant’s Termination due to death or Disability.


Appendix A

Restrictive Covenants

 

  1. Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement .

(a) Participant acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates and accordingly agrees as follows:

(i) During Participant’s employment with the Company or its Subsidiaries (the “ Employment Term ”) and for a period of one year following the date Participant ceases to be employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries (the “ Restricted Period ”), Participant will not, whether on Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever (“ Person ”), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting in competition with the Restricted Group in the Business, the business of any then current or prospective client or customer with whom Participant (or his direct reports) had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one-year period preceding Participant’s termination of employment.

(ii) During the Restricted Period, Participant will not directly or indirectly:

(A) engage in the Business in any geographical area that is within 100 miles of any geographical area where the Restricted Group engages in the Business, including the greater metropolitan areas of Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, San Diego, California, San Antonio, Texas, Williamsburg, Virginia and Philadelphia/Langhorne, Pennsylvania;

(B) enter the employ of, or render any services to, a Core Competitor, except where such employment or services do not relate in any manner to the Business;

(C) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Person engaged in the Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or

(D) intentionally and adversely interfere with, or attempt to adversely interfere with, business relationships between the members of the Restricted Group and any of their clients, customers, suppliers, partners, members or investors.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Appendix A , Participant may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in a Business (including, without limitation, a Core Competitor) which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if Participant (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 2% or more of any class of securities of such Person.


(iv) During the Employment Term and for a period of two years from the date Participant ceases to be an employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries, Participant will not, whether on Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly:

(A) solicit or encourage any employee of the Restricted Group to leave the employment of the Restricted Group;

(B) hire any executive-level employee who was employed by the Restricted Group as of the date of Participant’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Restricted Group coincident with, or within one year prior to or after, the termination of Participant’s employment with the Company; or

(C) encourage any material consultant of the Restricted Group to cease working with the Restricted Group.

(v) For purposes of this Appendix A :

(A) “ Restricted Group ” shall mean, collectively, the Company and its Subsidiaries and, to the extent engaged in the Business, their respective Affiliates.

(B) “ Business ” shall mean the entertainment and theme park business.

(C) “ Core Competitor ” shall mean Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Inc., Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and Merlin Entertainments Group Ltd. and each of their respective Affiliates.

(b) Non-Disparagement. Participant will not at any time (whether during or after Participant’s Employment Term) make public statements or public comments intended to be (or having the effect of being) of defamatory or disparaging nature regarding (including any statements or comments likely to be harmful to the business, business reputation or personal reputation of) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of their respective businesses, shareholders, members, partners, employees, agents, officers, directors or contractors (it being understood that comments made in Participant’s good faith performance of his duties hereunder shall not be deemed disparaging or defamatory for purposes of this paragraph); provided that the Participant shall be permitted to make truthful disclosures that are required by applicable law, regulations or order of a court or government agency.

(c) It is expressly understood and agreed that although Participant and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 1 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Appendix A is an unenforceable restriction against Participant, the provisions of this Appendix A shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially


determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this Appendix A is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein.

(d) The period of time during which the provisions of Section 1(a) shall be in effect shall be extended by the length of time during which Participant is in breach of the terms hereof as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction on the Company’s application for injunctive relief.

(e) The provisions of Section 1 hereof shall survive the termination of Participant’s employment for any reason, including but not limited to, any termination other than for Cause (except as otherwise set forth in Section 1 hereof).

(f) The provisions of Section 1(a)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)(B) hereof shall not apply if Participant’s principal place of employment is in the state of California.

 

  2. Confidentiality; Intellectual Property .

(a) Confidentiality .

(i) Participant will not at any time (whether during or after Participant’s Employment Term) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of Participant or any other Person; or (y) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any Person outside the Company (other than its professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations or otherwise in performance of Participant’s duties under Participant’s employment and pursuant to customary industry practice), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information —including without limitation trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals — concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“ Confidential Information ”) without the prior written authorization of the Board.

(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (a) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Participant’s breach of this covenant; (b) made legitimately available to Participant by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation of which Participant has knowledge; or (c) required by law to be disclosed; provided that with respect to subsection (c) Participant shall give prompt written notice to the Company of such requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and reasonably cooperate with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.


(iii) Except as required by law, Participant will not disclose to anyone, other than Participant’s family (it being understood that, in this Agreement, the term “family” refers to Participant, Participant’s spouse, children, parents and spouse’s parents) and advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement; provided that Participant may disclose to any prospective future employer the provisions of this Appendix A . This Section 2(a)(iii) shall terminate if the Company publicly discloses a copy of this Agreement (or, if the Company publicly discloses summaries or excerpts of this Agreement) to the extent so disclosed.

(iv) Upon termination of Participant’s employment with the Company for any reason, Participant shall (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and (y) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in Participant’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in Participant’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information, except that Participant may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information.

(b) Intellectual Property .

(i) If Participant has created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to or improved any works of authorship, inventions, intellectual property, materials, documents or other work product (including without limitation, research, reports, software, databases, systems, applications, presentations, textual works, content, or audiovisual materials) (“ Works ”), either alone or with third parties, prior to Participant’s employment by the Company, that are relevant to or implicated by such employment (“ Prior Works ”), Participant hereby grants the Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, assignable, sublicensable license under all rights and intellectual property rights (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) therein for all purposes in connection with the Company’s current and future business.

(ii) If Participant creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves any Works, either alone or with third parties, at any time during Participant’s employment by the Company and within the scope of such employment and with the use of any the Company resources (“ Company Works ”), Participant shall promptly and fully disclose same to the Company and hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, all rights and intellectual property rights therein (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) to the Company to the extent ownership of any such rights does not vest originally in the Company.


(iii) Participant shall take all reasonably requested actions and execute all reasonably requested documents (including any licenses or assignments required by a government contract) at the Company’s expense (but without further remuneration) to assist the Company in validating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of the Company’s rights in the Prior Works and Company Works. If the Company is unable for any other reason, after reasonable attempt, to secure Participant’s signature on any document for this purpose, then Participant hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Participant’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in Participant’s behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts required in connection with the foregoing.

(iv) Participant shall not improperly use for the benefit of, bring to any premises of, divulge, disclose, communicate, reveal, transfer or provide access to, or share with the Company any confidential, proprietary or non-public information or intellectual property relating to a former employer or other third party without the prior written permission of such third party. Participant shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company that are from time to time previously disclosed to Participant, including regarding the protection of Confidential Information and intellectual property and potential conflicts of interest. Participant acknowledges that the Company may amend any such policies and guidelines from time to time, and that Participant remains at all times bound by their most current version from time to time previously disclosed to Participant.

(v) The provisions of Section 2 hereof shall survive the termination of Participant’s employment for any reason (except as otherwise set forth in Section 2(a)(iii) hereof).

Exhibit 10.12

RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE

UNDER THE

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

(Employees – Time-Based Shares)

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), pursuant to its 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), hereby grants to the Participant set forth below the number of shares of Restricted Stock set forth below. The shares of Restricted Stock are subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein, in the Restricted Stock Agreement (attached hereto or previously provided to the Participant in connection with a prior grant), and in the Plan, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

 

Participant : Joel Manby
Date of Grant : April 7, 2015
Number of Shares of Restricted Stock : 249,875
Vesting Schedule : Provided the Participant has not undergone a Termination at the time of each applicable vesting date (or event), 25% of the Restricted Stock will vest on each of the first four anniversaries of the Date of Grant.

*    *    *


THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THIS RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE, THE RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN, AND, AS AN EXPRESS CONDITION TO THE GRANT OF SHARES OF RESTRICTED STOCK HEREUNDER, AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE, THE RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN.

 

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. PARTICIPANT

LOGO

 

/s/ Joel Manby

By: David L. Hammer Joel Manby
Title: Chief Human Resources Officer

 

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RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

UNDER THE

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

Pursuant to the Restricted Stock Grant Notice (the “ Grant Notice ”) delivered to the Participant (as defined in the Grant Notice), and subject to the terms of this Restricted Stock Agreement (this “ Restricted Stock Agreement ”) and the SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the Participant agree as follows. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Plan.

1. Grant of Shares of Restricted Stock . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Plan, the Company hereby grants to the Participant the number of shares of Restricted Stock provided in the Grant Notice.

2. Vesting . Subject to the conditions contained herein and in the Plan, the shares of Restricted Stock shall vest and the restrictions on such shares of Restricted Stock shall lapse as provided in the Grant Notice. With respect to any share of Restricted Stock, the period of time that such share of Restricted Stock remains subject to vesting shall be its Restricted Period.

3. Issuance of Shares of Restricted Stock . The provisions of Section 9(d)(i) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

4. Treatment of Shares of Restricted Stock Upon Termination .

(a) The provisions of Sections 9(b) and 9(c)(ii) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. In addition to (and not in lieu of) Section 9(c)(ii) of the Plan, in the event of the Participant’s Termination (A) by the Company other than for Cause or (B) due to Participant’s death or Disability, in each case, prior to the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant and other than within 12 months following a Change in Control or (C) by the Participant for Good Reason prior to the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant, the shares of Restricted Stock granted to the Participant hereunder, to the extent then outstanding and unvested, shall become fully vested and the restrictions thereon shall immediately lapse as of the date of such Termination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, for purposes of this Restricted Stock Agreement, the terms “Cause”, “Good Reason” and “Disability” (including, without limitation, incorporated references to the terms “Cause” and “Disability” set forth in Section 9(c)(ii) of the Plan) shall have the same respective meanings as set forth in the Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2015, by and between the Company and the Participant (the “ Executive Employment Agreement ”).

(b) If the Participant undergoes a Termination other than under circumstances described in Section 4(a), then all unvested shares of Restricted Stock shall be forfeited to the Company by the Participant for no consideration as of the date of such Termination.

 

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5. Company; Participant .

(a) The term “Company” as used in this Restricted Stock Agreement with reference to employment shall include the Company and its Subsidiaries.

(b) Whenever the word “Participant” is used in any provision of this Restricted Stock Agreement under circumstances where the provision should logically be construed to apply to the executors, the administrators, or the person or persons to whom the shares of Restricted Stock may be transferred by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, the word “Participant” shall be deemed to include such person or persons.

6. Non-Transferability . The shares of Restricted Stock are not transferable by the Participant except to Permitted Transferees in accordance with Section 14(b) of the Plan. Except as otherwise provided herein, no assignment or transfer of the shares of Restricted Stock, or of the rights represented thereby, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, shall vest in the assignee or transferee any interest or right herein whatsoever, but immediately upon such assignment or transfer the shares of Restricted Stock shall terminate and become of no further effect.

7. Rights as Stockholder; Legend . The provisions of Sections 9(b) and 9(e) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof; provided, that any cash or in-kind dividends paid with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock which have not, prior to the record date of the dividend, become vested shall be withheld by the Company without interest and shall be paid to the Participant only when, and if, such shares of Restricted Stock shall become vested pursuant to Section 2.

8. Tax Withholding . The provisions of Section 14(d) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

9. Notice . Every notice or other communication relating to this Restricted Stock Agreement between the Company and the Participant shall be in writing, and shall be mailed to or delivered to the party for whom it is intended at such address as may from time to time be designated by such party in a notice mailed or delivered to the other party as herein provided; provided that, unless and until some other address be so designated, all notices or communications by the Participant to the Company shall be mailed or delivered to the Company at its principal executive office, to the attention of the Corporate Secretary, and all notices or communications by the Company to the Participant may be given to the Participant personally or may be mailed to the Participant at the Participant’s last known address, as reflected in the Company’s records. Notwithstanding the above, all notices and communications between the Participant and any third-party plan administrator shall be mailed, delivered, transmitted or sent in accordance with the procedures established by such third-party plan administrator and communicated to the Participant from time to time.

10. No Right to Continued Service . This Restricted Stock Agreement does not confer upon the Participant any right to continue as an employee or service provider to the Company.

11. Binding Effect . This Restricted Stock Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators and successors of the parties hereto.

 

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12. Waiver and Amendments . Except as otherwise set forth in Section 13 of the Plan, any waiver, alteration, amendment or modification of any of the terms of this Restricted Stock Agreement shall be valid only if made in writing and signed by the parties hereto; provided, however , that any such waiver, alteration, amendment or modification is consented to on the Company’s behalf by the Committee. No waiver by either of the parties hereto of their rights hereunder shall be deemed to constitute a waiver with respect to any subsequent occurrences or transactions hereunder unless such waiver specifically states that it is to be construed as a continuing waiver.

13. Restrictive Covenants; Clawback/Forfeiture .

(a) Participant acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates and accordingly agrees, in his capacity as an equity (and/or equity-based Award) holder in the Company, to the provisions of Appendix A to this Agreement (the “ Restrictive Covenants ”). Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 1 of Appendix A (or a material breach or material threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 2 of Appendix A of this Agreement) would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, Participant agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to cease making any payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. Notwithstanding the foregoing and Appendix A , the provisions of Section 1(a)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)(B) of Appendix A shall not apply to the Participant if Participant’s principal place of employment is located in the State of California. The shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder shall be subject to Participant’s continued compliance with such restrictions. For the avoidance of doubt, the Restrictive Covenants contained in this Agreement are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other restrictive covenants or similar covenants or agreements between the Participant and the Company or any of its Affiliates.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, if the Participant has engaged in or engages in any Detrimental Activity (including, without limitation, a breach of any of the covenants contained in Appendix A to this Agreement), then the Committee may, in its sole discretion, take actions permitted under the Plan, including: (i) cancel the shares of Restricted Stock, or (ii) require that the Participant forfeit any gain realized on the vesting of the Restricted Stock, and repay such gain to the Company. In addition, if the Participant receives any amount in excess of what the Participant should have received under the terms of this Restricted Stock Agreement for any reason (including without limitation by reason of a financial restatement, mistake in calculations or other administrative error), then the Participant shall be required to repay any such excess amount to the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, all shares of Restricted Stock shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law and applicable Company policies.

 

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14. Governing Law . This Restricted Stock Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Restricted Stock Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan to the contrary, if any suit or claim is instituted by the Participant or the Company relating to this Restricted Stock Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan, the Participant hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of and venue in the courts of Delaware.

15. Plan . The terms and provisions of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and provisions of the Plan and the provisions of this Restricted Stock Agreement, the Plan shall govern and control; provided , however , for purposes of this Restricted Stock Agreement, the terms “Cause”, “Good Reason” and “Disability” (including, without limitation, incorporated references to the terms “Cause” and “Disability” set forth in Section 9(c)(ii) of the Plan) shall have the same respective meanings as set forth in the Executive Employment Agreement.

 

6


Appendix A

Restrictive Covenants

 

  1. Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement .

(a) Participant acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates and accordingly agrees as follows:

(i) During Participant’s employment with the Company or its Subsidiaries (the “ Employment Term ”) and for a period of one year following the date Participant ceases to be employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries (the “ Restricted Period ”), Participant will not, whether on Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever (“ Person ”), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting in competition with the Restricted Group in the Business, the business of any then current or prospective client or customer with whom Participant (or his direct reports) had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one-year period preceding Participant’s termination of employment.

(ii) During the Restricted Period, Participant will not directly or indirectly:

(A) engage in the Business in any geographical area that is within 100 miles of any geographical area where the Restricted Group engages in the Business, including the greater metropolitan areas of Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, San Diego, California, San Antonio, Texas, Williamsburg, Virginia and Philadelphia/Langhorne, Pennsylvania;

(B) enter the employ of, or render any services to, a Core Competitor, except where such employment or services do not relate in any manner to the Business;

(C) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Person engaged in the Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or

(D) intentionally and adversely interfere with, or attempt to adversely interfere with, business relationships between the members of the Restricted Group and any of their clients, customers, suppliers, partners, members or investors.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Appendix A , Participant may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in a Business (including, without limitation, a Core Competitor) which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if Participant (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 2% or more of any class of securities of such Person.


(iv) During the Employment Term and for a period of two years from the date Participant ceases to be an employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries, Participant will not, whether on Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly:

(A) solicit or encourage any employee of the Restricted Group to leave the employment of the Restricted Group;

(B) hire any executive-level employee who was employed by the Restricted Group as of the date of Participant’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Restricted Group coincident with, or within one year prior to or after, the termination of Participant’s employment with the Company; or

(C) encourage any material consultant of the Restricted Group to cease working with the Restricted Group.

(v) For purposes of this Appendix A :

(A) “ Restricted Group ” shall mean, collectively, the Company and its Subsidiaries and, to the extent engaged in the Business, their respective Affiliates.

(B) “ Business ” shall mean the entertainment and theme park business.

(C) “ Core Competitor ” shall mean Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Inc., Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and Merlin Entertainments Group Ltd. and each of their respective Affiliates.

(b) Non-Disparagement. Participant will not at any time (whether during or after Participant’s Employment Term) make public statements or public comments intended to be (or having the effect of being) of defamatory or disparaging nature regarding (including any statements or comments likely to be harmful to the business, business reputation or personal reputation of) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of their respective businesses, shareholders, members, partners, employees, agents, officers, directors or contractors (it being understood that comments made in Participant’s good faith performance of his duties hereunder shall not be deemed disparaging or defamatory for purposes of this paragraph); provided that the Participant shall be permitted to make truthful disclosures that are required by applicable law, regulations or order of a court or government agency.

(c) It is expressly understood and agreed that although Participant and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 1 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Appendix A is an unenforceable restriction against Participant, the provisions of this Appendix A shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially


determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this Appendix A is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein.

(d) The period of time during which the provisions of Section 1(a) shall be in effect shall be extended by the length of time during which Participant is in breach of the terms hereof as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction on the Company’s application for injunctive relief.

(e) The provisions of Section 1 hereof shall survive the termination of Participant’s employment for any reason, including but not limited to, any termination other than for Cause (except as otherwise set forth in Section 1 hereof).

(f) The provisions of Section 1(a)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)(B) hereof shall not apply if Participant’s principal place of employment is in the state of California.

 

  2. Confidentiality; Intellectual Property .

(a) Confidentiality .

(i) Participant will not at any time (whether during or after Participant’s Employment Term) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of Participant or any other Person; or (y) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any Person outside the Company (other than its professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations or otherwise in performance of Participant’s duties under Participant’s employment and pursuant to customary industry practice), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information —including without limitation trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals — concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“ Confidential Information ”) without the prior written authorization of the Board.

(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (a) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Participant’s breach of this covenant; (b) made legitimately available to Participant by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation of which Participant has knowledge; or (c) required by law to be disclosed; provided that with respect to subsection (c) Participant shall give prompt written notice to the Company of such requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and reasonably cooperate with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.


(iii) Except as required by law, Participant will not disclose to anyone, other than Participant’s family (it being understood that, in this Agreement, the term “family” refers to Participant, Participant’s spouse, children, parents and spouse’s parents) and advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement; provided that Participant may disclose to any prospective future employer the provisions of this Appendix A . This Section 2(a)(iii) shall terminate if the Company publicly discloses a copy of this Agreement (or, if the Company publicly discloses summaries or excerpts of this Agreement) to the extent so disclosed.

(iv) Upon termination of Participant’s employment with the Company for any reason, Participant shall (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and (y) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in Participant’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in Participant’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information, except that Participant may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information.

(b) Intellectual Property .

(i) If Participant has created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to or improved any works of authorship, inventions, intellectual property, materials, documents or other work product (including without limitation, research, reports, software, databases, systems, applications, presentations, textual works, content, or audiovisual materials) (“ Works ”), either alone or with third parties, prior to Participant’s employment by the Company, that are relevant to or implicated by such employment (“ Prior Works ”), Participant hereby grants the Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, assignable, sublicensable license under all rights and intellectual property rights (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) therein for all purposes in connection with the Company’s current and future business.

(ii) If Participant creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves any Works, either alone or with third parties, at any time during Participant’s employment by the Company and within the scope of such employment and with the use of any the Company resources (“ Company Works ”), Participant shall promptly and fully disclose same to the Company and hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, all rights and intellectual property rights therein (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) to the Company to the extent ownership of any such rights does not vest originally in the Company.


(iii) Participant shall take all reasonably requested actions and execute all reasonably requested documents (including any licenses or assignments required by a government contract) at the Company’s expense (but without further remuneration) to assist the Company in validating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of the Company’s rights in the Prior Works and Company Works. If the Company is unable for any other reason, after reasonable attempt, to secure Participant’s signature on any document for this purpose, then Participant hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Participant’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in Participant’s behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts required in connection with the foregoing.

(iv) Participant shall not improperly use for the benefit of, bring to any premises of, divulge, disclose, communicate, reveal, transfer or provide access to, or share with the Company any confidential, proprietary or non-public information or intellectual property relating to a former employer or other third party without the prior written permission of such third party. Participant shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company that are from time to time previously disclosed to Participant, including regarding the protection of Confidential Information and intellectual property and potential conflicts of interest. Participant acknowledges that the Company may amend any such policies and guidelines from time to time, and that Participant remains at all times bound by their most current version from time to time previously disclosed to Participant.

(v) The provisions of Section 2 hereof shall survive the termination of Participant’s employment for any reason (except as otherwise set forth in Section 2(a)(iii) hereof).

Exhibit 10.13

OPTION GRANT NOTICE

UNDER THE

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

(Employees – Time-Based Options)

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), pursuant to its 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), hereby grants to the Participant set forth below the number of Options (each Option representing the right to purchase one share of Common Stock) set forth below, at an Exercise Price per share as set forth below. The Options are subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein, in the Option Agreement (attached hereto or previously provided to the Participant in connection with a prior grant), and in the Plan, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

 

Participant: Joel Manby
Date of Grant: April 7, 2015
Number of Options: 1,089,324
Exercise Price: $20.01
Option Period Expiration Date: Ten (10) years from the Date of Grant.
Type of Option: Nonqualified Stock Option
Vesting Schedule: Provided the Participant has not undergone a Termination at the time of each applicable vesting date (or event), 25% of the Options will vest on each of the first four (4) anniversaries of the Date of Grant.

*    *    *


THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THIS OPTION GRANT NOTICE, THE OPTION AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN, AND, AS AN EXPRESS CONDITION TO THE GRANT OF OPTIONS HEREUNDER, AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS OPTION GRANT NOTICE, THE OPTION AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN.

 

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. PARTICIPANT

LOGO

 

/s/ Joel Manby

By: David L. Hammer Joel Manby
Title: Chief Human Resources Officer

 

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OPTION AGREEMENT

UNDER THE

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

Pursuant to the Option Grant Notice (the “ Grant Notice ”) delivered to the Participant (as defined in the Grant Notice), and subject to the terms of this Option Agreement (this “ Option Agreement ”) and the SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the Participant agree as follows. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Plan.

1. Grant of Option . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Plan, the Company hereby grants to the Participant the number of Options provided in the Grant Notice (with each Option representing the right to purchase one share of Common Stock), at an Exercise Price per share as provided in the Grant Notice.

2. Vesting . Subject to the conditions contained herein and in the Plan, the Options shall vest as provided in the Grant Notice.

3. Exercise of Options Following Termination .

(a) The provisions of Sections 7(c)(ii) and 7(c)(iii) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

(b) In addition to (and not in lieu of) Section 7(c)(ii) of the Plan:

(i) in the event of the Participant’s Termination (A) by the Company other than for Cause prior to the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant and other than within 12 months following a Change in Control or (B) by the Participant for Good Reason prior to the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant, the Options granted to the Participant hereunder, to the extent then outstanding and unvested, shall become fully vested and immediately exercisable as of the date of such Termination; and

(ii) in the event of the Participant’s Termination due to death or Disability prior to the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant and other than within 12 months following a Change in Control, a pro-rata portion (rounded up to the nearest whole number) of the next (25%) tranche of the Options that was scheduled to vest on the next vesting date immediately following Participant’s Termination due to death or Disability will become immediately vested as of the date of such Termination based on a fraction (x) the numerator of which is equal to the number of completed months that have elapsed in the one-year period ending on such next vesting date through and including the date of such Termination and (y) the denominator of which is equal to 12.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, for purposes of this Option Agreement, the terms “Cause”, “Good Reason” and “Disability” (including, without limitation, incorporated references to the terms “Cause” and “Disability” set forth in Sections 7(c)(ii) and 7(c)(iii) of the Plan) shall have the same respective meanings as set forth in the Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2015, by and between the Company and the Participant (the “ Executive Employment Agreement ”).

 

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4. Method of Exercising Options . The Options may be exercised by the delivery of notice of the number of Options that are being exercised accompanied by payment in full of the Exercise Price applicable to the Options so exercised. Such notice shall be delivered either (x) in writing to the Company at its principal office or at such other address as may be established by the Committee, to the attention of the Corporate Secretary; or (y) to a third-party plan administrator as may be arranged for by the Company or the Committee from time to time for purposes of the administration of outstanding Options under the Plan, in the case of either (x) or (y), as communicated to the Participant by the Company from time to time. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price may be made using any of the methods described in Section 7(d)(i) or (ii) of the Plan; provided , that the Participant shall obtain written consent from the Committee prior to the use of the method described in Section 7(d)(ii)(A) of the Plan.

5. Issuance of Shares . Following the exercise of an Option hereunder, as promptly as practical after receipt of such notification and full payment of such Exercise Price and any required income or other tax withholding amount (as provided in Section 9 hereof), the Company shall issue or transfer, or cause such issue or transfer, to the Participant the number of shares with respect to which the Options have been so exercised, and shall either (a) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Participant a certificate or certificates therefor, registered in the Participant’s name or (b) cause such shares to be credited to the Participant’s account at the third-party plan administrator.

6. Company; Participant .

(a) The term “Company” as used in this Option Agreement with reference to employment shall include the Company and its Subsidiaries.

(b) Whenever the word “Participant” is used in any provision of this Option Agreement under circumstances where the provision should logically be construed to apply to the executors, the administrators, or the person or persons to whom the Options may be transferred by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, the word “Participant” shall be deemed to include such person or persons.

7. Non-Transferability . The Options are not transferable by the Participant except to Permitted Transferees in accordance with Section 14(b) of the Plan. Except as otherwise provided herein, no assignment or transfer of the Options, or of the rights represented thereby, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, shall vest in the assignee or transferee any interest or right herein whatsoever, but immediately upon such assignment or transfer the Options shall terminate and become of no further effect.

8. Rights as Stockholder . The Participant or a Permitted Transferee of the Options shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any share of Common Stock covered by an Option until the Participant shall have become the holder of record or the beneficial owner of such Common Stock, and no adjustment shall be made for dividends or distributions or other rights in respect of such share of Common Stock for which the record date is prior to the date upon which the Participant shall become the holder of record or the beneficial owner thereof.

 

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9. Tax Withholding . The provisions of Section 14(d) of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

10. Notice . Every notice or other communication relating to this Option Agreement between the Company and the Participant shall be in writing, and shall be mailed to or delivered to the party for whom it is intended at such address as may from time to time be designated by such party in a notice mailed or delivered to the other party as herein provided; provided that, unless and until some other address be so designated, all notices or communications by the Participant to the Company shall be mailed or delivered to the Company at its principal executive office, to the attention of the Corporate Secretary, and all notices or communications by the Company to the Participant may be given to the Participant personally or may be mailed to the Participant at the Participant’s last known address, as reflected in the Company’s records. Notwithstanding the above, all notices and communications between the Participant and any third-party plan administrator shall be mailed, delivered, transmitted or sent in accordance with the procedures established by such third-party plan administrator and communicated to the Participant from time to time.

11. No Right to Continued Service . This Option Agreement does not confer upon the Participant any right to continue as an employee or service provider to the Company.

12. Binding Effect . This Option Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators and successors of the parties hereto.

13. Waiver and Amendments . Except as otherwise set forth in Section 13 of the Plan, any waiver, alteration, amendment or modification of any of the terms of this Option Agreement shall be valid only if made in writing and signed by the parties hereto; provided , however, that any such waiver, alteration, amendment or modification is consented to on the Company’s behalf by the Committee. No waiver by either of the parties hereto of their rights hereunder shall be deemed to constitute a waiver with respect to any subsequent occurrences or transactions hereunder unless such waiver specifically states that it is to be construed as a continuing waiver.

14. Restrictive Covenants; Clawback/Forfeiture .

(a) Participant acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates and accordingly agrees, in his capacity as an equity (and/or equity-based Award) holder in the Company, to the provisions of Appendix A to this Agreement (the “ Restrictive Covenants ”). Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 1 of Appendix A (or a material breach or material threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 2 of Appendix A of this Agreement) would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, Participant agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to cease making any

 

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payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. Notwithstanding the foregoing and Appendix A , the provisions of Section 1(a)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)(B) of Appendix A shall not apply to the Participant if Participant’s principal place of employment is located in the State of California. The Options granted (and the shares that may be issued upon exercise of the Options) hereunder shall be subject to Participant’s continued compliance with such restrictions. For the avoidance of doubt, the Restrictive Covenants contained in this Agreement are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other restrictive covenants or similar covenants or agreements between the Participant and the Company or any of its Affiliates.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, if the Participant has engaged in or engages in any Detrimental Activity (including, without limitation, a breach of any of the covenants contained in Appendix A to this Agreement), then the Committee may, in its sole discretion, take actions permitted under the Plan, including: (i) cancel the Options, or (ii) require that the Participant forfeit any gain realized on the exercise of the Options, and repay such gain to the Company. In addition, if the Participant receives any amount in excess of what the Participant should have received under the terms of this Option Agreement for any reason (including without limitation by reason of a financial restatement, mistake in calculations or other administrative error), then the Participant shall be required to repay any such excess amount to the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, all Options shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law and applicable Company policies.

15. Governing Law . This Option Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Option Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan to the contrary, if any suit or claim is instituted by the Participant or the Company relating to this Option Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan, the Participant hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of and venue in the courts of Delaware.

16. Plan . The terms and provisions of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and provisions of the Plan and the provisions of this Option Agreement, the Plan shall govern and control; provided , however , for purposes of this Option Agreement, the terms “Cause”, “Good Reason” and “Disability” (including, without limitation, incorporated references to the terms “Cause” and “Disability” set forth in Sections 7(c)(ii) and 7(c)(iii) of the Plan) shall have the same respective meanings as set forth in the Executive Employment Agreement.

 

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Appendix A

Restrictive Covenants

 

  1. Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement .

(a) Participant acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates and accordingly agrees as follows:

(i) During Participant’s employment with the Company or its Subsidiaries (the “ Employment Term ”) and for a period of one year following the date Participant ceases to be employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries (the “ Restricted Period ”), Participant will not, whether on Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever (“ Person ”), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting in competition with the Restricted Group in the Business, the business of any then current or prospective client or customer with whom Participant (or his direct reports) had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one-year period preceding Participant’s termination of employment.

(ii) During the Restricted Period, Participant will not directly or indirectly:

(A) engage in the Business in any geographical area that is within 100 miles of any geographical area where the Restricted Group engages in the Business, including the greater metropolitan areas of Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, San Diego, California, San Antonio, Texas, Williamsburg, Virginia and Philadelphia/Langhorne, Pennsylvania;

(B) enter the employ of, or render any services to, a Core Competitor, except where such employment or services do not relate in any manner to the Business;

(C) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Person engaged in the Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or

(D) intentionally and adversely interfere with, or attempt to adversely interfere with, business relationships between the members of the Restricted Group and any of their clients, customers, suppliers, partners, members or investors.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Appendix A , Participant may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in a Business (including, without limitation, a Core Competitor) which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if Participant (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 2% or more of any class of securities of such Person.


(iv) During the Employment Term and for a period of two years from the date Participant ceases to be an employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries, Participant will not, whether on Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly:

(A) solicit or encourage any employee of the Restricted Group to leave the employment of the Restricted Group;

(B) hire any executive-level employee who was employed by the Restricted Group as of the date of Participant’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Restricted Group coincident with, or within one year prior to or after, the termination of Participant’s employment with the Company; or

(C) encourage any material consultant of the Restricted Group to cease working with the Restricted Group.

(v) For purposes of this Appendix A :

(A) “ Restricted Group ” shall mean, collectively, the Company and its Subsidiaries and, to the extent engaged in the Business, their respective Affiliates.

(B) “ Business ” shall mean the entertainment and theme park business.

(C) “ Core Competitor ” shall mean Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Inc., Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and Merlin Entertainments Group Ltd. and each of their respective Affiliates.

(b) Non-Disparagement. Participant will not at any time (whether during or after Participant’s Employment Term) make public statements or public comments intended to be (or having the effect of being) of defamatory or disparaging nature regarding (including any statements or comments likely to be harmful to the business, business reputation or personal reputation of) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of their respective businesses, shareholders, members, partners, employees, agents, officers, directors or contractors (it being understood that comments made in Participant’s good faith performance of his duties hereunder shall not be deemed disparaging or defamatory for purposes of this paragraph); provided that the Participant shall be permitted to make truthful disclosures that are required by applicable law, regulations or order of a court or government agency.

(c) It is expressly understood and agreed that although Participant and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 1 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Appendix A is an unenforceable restriction against Participant, the provisions of this Appendix A shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially


determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this Appendix A is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein.

(d) The period of time during which the provisions of Section 1(a) shall be in effect shall be extended by the length of time during which Participant is in breach of the terms hereof as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction on the Company’s application for injunctive relief.

(e) The provisions of Section 1 hereof shall survive the termination of Participant’s employment for any reason, including but not limited to, any termination other than for Cause (except as otherwise set forth in Section 1 hereof).

(f) The provisions of Section 1(a)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)(B) hereof shall not apply if Participant’s principal place of employment is in the state of California.

 

  2. Confidentiality; Intellectual Property .

(a) Confidentiality .

(i) Participant will not at any time (whether during or after Participant’s Employment Term) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of Participant or any other Person; or (y) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any Person outside the Company (other than its professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations or otherwise in performance of Participant’s duties under Participant’s employment and pursuant to customary industry practice), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information —including without limitation trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals — concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“ Confidential Information ”) without the prior written authorization of the Board.

(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (a) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Participant’s breach of this covenant; (b) made legitimately available to Participant by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation of which Participant has knowledge; or (c) required by law to be disclosed; provided that with respect to subsection (c) Participant shall give prompt written notice to the Company of such requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and reasonably cooperate with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.


(iii) Except as required by law, Participant will not disclose to anyone, other than Participant’s family (it being understood that, in this Agreement, the term “family” refers to Participant, Participant’s spouse, children, parents and spouse’s parents) and advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement; provided that Participant may disclose to any prospective future employer the provisions of this Appendix A . This Section 2(a)(iii) shall terminate if the Company publicly discloses a copy of this Agreement (or, if the Company publicly discloses summaries or excerpts of this Agreement) to the extent so disclosed.

(iv) Upon termination of Participant’s employment with the Company for any reason, Participant shall (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and (y) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in Participant’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in Participant’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information, except that Participant may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information.

(b) Intellectual Property .

(i) If Participant has created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to or improved any works of authorship, inventions, intellectual property, materials, documents or other work product (including without limitation, research, reports, software, databases, systems, applications, presentations, textual works, content, or audiovisual materials) (“ Works ”), either alone or with third parties, prior to Participant’s employment by the Company, that are relevant to or implicated by such employment (“ Prior Works ”), Participant hereby grants the Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, assignable, sublicensable license under all rights and intellectual property rights (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) therein for all purposes in connection with the Company’s current and future business.

(ii) If Participant creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves any Works, either alone or with third parties, at any time during Participant’s employment by the Company and within the scope of such employment and with the use of any the Company resources (“ Company Works ”), Participant shall promptly and fully disclose same to the Company and hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, all rights and intellectual property rights therein (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) to the Company to the extent ownership of any such rights does not vest originally in the Company.


(iii) Participant shall take all reasonably requested actions and execute all reasonably requested documents (including any licenses or assignments required by a government contract) at the Company’s expense (but without further remuneration) to assist the Company in validating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of the Company’s rights in the Prior Works and Company Works. If the Company is unable for any other reason, after reasonable attempt, to secure Participant’s signature on any document for this purpose, then Participant hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Participant’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in Participant’s behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts required in connection with the foregoing.

(iv) Participant shall not improperly use for the benefit of, bring to any premises of, divulge, disclose, communicate, reveal, transfer or provide access to, or share with the Company any confidential, proprietary or non-public information or intellectual property relating to a former employer or other third party without the prior written permission of such third party. Participant shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company that are from time to time previously disclosed to Participant, including regarding the protection of Confidential Information and intellectual property and potential conflicts of interest. Participant acknowledges that the Company may amend any such policies and guidelines from time to time, and that Participant remains at all times bound by their most current version from time to time previously disclosed to Participant.

(v) The provisions of Section 2 hereof shall survive the termination of Participant’s employment for any reason (except as otherwise set forth in Section 2(a)(iii) hereof).

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT UNDER SECTION 302 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Joel K. Manby, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015 of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: May 8, 2015 Signature:        

/s/ Joel K. Manby

Joel K. Manby
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT UNDER SECTION 302 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, James M. Heaney, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015 of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: May 8, 2015 Signature:    

/s/ James M. Heaney

James M. Heaney
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Joel K. Manby, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented therein.

Date: May 8, 2015

 

/s/ Joel K. Manby

Joel K. Manby
President and Chief Executive Officer, Director
(Principal Executive Officer )

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, James M. Heaney, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented therein.

Date: May 8, 2015

 

/s/ James M. Heaney

James M. Heaney
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

Exhibit 99.1

SECTION 13(r) DISCLOSURE

The disclosure with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2015 reproduced below was included in Travelport Worldwide Limited’s (“Travelport Worldwide”) Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, respectively, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Travelport Worldwide may be considered an affiliate of The Blackstone Group L.P., and, therefore, an affiliate of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. did not independently verify or participate in the preparation of any of these disclosures.

Travelport Worldwide included the following disclosure in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 :

Iran Sanctions Disclosure

As part of our global business in the travel industry, we provide certain passenger travel related Travel Commerce Platform and Technology Services to Iran Air. We also provide certain Technology Services to Iran Air Tours. All of these services are either exempt from applicable sanctions prohibitions pursuant to a statutory exemption permitting transactions ordinarily incident to travel or, to the extent not otherwise exempt, specifically licensed by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control. Subject to any changes in the exempt/licensed status of such activities, we intend to continue these business activities, which are directly related to and promote the arrangement of travel for individuals.

The gross revenue and net profit attributable to these activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 were approximately $660,000 and $470,000, respectively.

Travelport Worldwide included the following disclosure in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015 :

Trade Sanctions Disclosure

The following activities are disclosed as required by Section 13(r)(1)(D)(iii) of the Exchange Act.

As part of our global business in the travel industry, we provide certain passenger travel related Travel Commerce Platform and Technology Services to Iran Air. We also provide certain Technology Services to Iran Air Tours. All of these services are either exempt from applicable sanctions prohibitions pursuant to a statutory exemption permitting transactions ordinarily incident to travel or, to the extent not otherwise exempt, specifically licensed by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control. Subject to any changes in the exempt/licensed status of such activities, we intend to continue these business activities, which are directly related to and promote the arrangement of travel for individuals.

The gross revenue and net profit attributable to these activities in the quarter ended March 31, 2015 were approximately $157,000 and $109,000, respectively.