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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2017.

Registration No. 333-                

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

SMART GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in Its charter)

 

Cayman Islands   3674   98-1013909

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

c/o Maples Corporate Services Limited

P.O. Box 309

Ugland House

Grand Cayman

KY1-1104

Cayman Islands

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

Bruce Goldberg

Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.

39870 Eureka Drive

Newark, CA 94560

(510) 623-1231

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Alan F. Denenberg

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

1600 El Camino Real

Menlo Park, CA 94025

 

Tad J. Freese

Latham & Watkins LLP

140 Scott Drive

Menlo Park, CA 94025

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.  ☐

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

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

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

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

 

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer   ☐  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company  
     Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each class of securities to be registered   Proposed maximum aggregate offering price (1)(2)   Amount of registration fee

Ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per share

  $50,000,000   $5,795

 

 

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

(2) Includes the aggregate offering price of additional shares that the underwriters have the right to purchase from us, if any.

The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to such Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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

 

Subject to Completion, dated April 28, 2017

PROSPECTUS

 

 

                 Shares

LOGO

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.

Ordinary Shares

 

 

This is the initial public offering of ordinary shares of SMART Global Holdings, Inc. We are offering              of our ordinary shares. No public market currently exists for our ordinary shares.

We have applied to list our ordinary shares on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SGH.” Upon completion of this offering, we will be a “controlled company” as defined in the NASDAQ corporate governance rules of The NASDAQ Global Market.

We are an “emerging growth company” as that term is used in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 and, as such, have elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements.

We anticipate that the initial public offering price will be between $        and $        per ordinary share.

Investing in our ordinary shares involves risks. See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 12 of this prospectus.

 

     Per Share      Total  

Price to the public

   $                   $               

Underwriting discounts and commissions (1)

   $                   $  

Proceeds to us (before expenses)

   $                   $  

 

(1) We refer you to “ Underwriting ” beginning on page 134 of this prospectus for additional information regarding underwriting compensation.

To the extent the underwriters sell more than              ordinary shares in this offering, the underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional              ordinary shares at the public offering price less the underwriting discount.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed on the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares on or about                     , 2017.

 

 

 

Barclays   Deutsche Bank Securities

 

Jefferies   Stifel

 

 

Needham & Company   Roth Capital Partners

Prospectus dated                     , 2017


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LOGO

 

SMART GLOBAL HOLDINGS

SSCS SMART SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Summary

     1  

The Offering

     7  

Summary Consolidated Financial Data and Other Information

     8  

Risk Factors

     12  

Market and Industry Data

     47  

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     48  

Use of Proceeds

     49  

Dividend Policy

     50  

Capitalization

     51  

Dilution

     52  

Selected Consolidated Financial Data and Other Information

     54  

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

     58  

Business

     81  

Management

     98  

Executive Compensation

     106  

Principal Shareholders

     112  

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

     114  

Description of Share Capital

     119  

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

     127  

Taxation

     130  

Underwriting

     134  

Legal Matters

     142  

Experts

     142  

Enforcement of Judgments

     143  

Where You Can Find More Information

     144  

Index to Financial Statements

     F-1  

 

 

Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, all references in this prospectus to “SMART Global Holdings” or the “Company,” “Registrant,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” “us” or similar terms refer to SMART Global Holdings, Inc., or SMART Global Holdings, together with its subsidiaries, and, where the context requires, our predecessor entities. We use a 52- to 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Friday in August. Unless the context indicates otherwise, whenever we refer in this prospectus to a particular year, with respect to ourselves, we mean the fiscal year ending in that particular calendar year. Financial information for two of our subsidiaries, SMART Modular Technologies Indústria de Componentes Eletrônicos Ltda., or SMART Brazil, and SMART Modular Technologies do Brasil Indústria e Comércio de Componentes Ltda., or SMART do Brazil, is included in our consolidated financial statements on a one-month lag because their fiscal years begin August 1 and end July 31.

All references herein to the “ real ,” “ reais ” or “R$” are to the Brazilian real . All references herein to “U.S. dollars,” “dollars” or “$” are to U.S. dollars. Solely for the convenience of the reader, we have translated certain amounts in this prospectus from reais into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate as reported by the Banco Central do Brazil as of January 31, 2017 of R$3.127 to $1.00. These translations should not be considered representations that any such amounts have been, could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at that or at any other exchange rate as of that or any other date. In addition, translations should not be construed as representations that the real amounts represent or have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars as of that or any other date.

 

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We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we may have referred you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We and the underwriters have not authorized any other person to provide you with different or additional information. Neither we nor the underwriters are making an offer to sell the ordinary shares in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. This offering is being made in the United States and elsewhere solely on the basis of the information contained in this prospectus. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of the ordinary shares. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since the date on the front cover of this prospectus.

 

 

Through and including                 , 2017 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

 

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary may not contain all the information that may be important to you, and we urge you to read this entire prospectus carefully, including the “Risk Factors,” “Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections and our consolidated financial statements and notes to those statements, included elsewhere in this prospectus, before deciding to invest in our ordinary shares.

Our Business

Overview

We are a global leader in specialty memory solutions, serving the electronics industry for over 25 years. As part of our global business, we have established a leading market position, as measured by market share, in Brazil as the largest in-country manufacturer of memory for desktops, notebooks and servers, as well as mobile memory for smartphones. We also have a leading market position worldwide, as measured by revenue, in specialty memory where we work closely with original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, customers to develop memory solutions, which incorporate customer-specific requirements. We believe our customers rely on us as a strategic supplier due to our customer-specific designs, product quality and technical support, our global footprint and, in Brazil, our ability to provide locally manufactured memory products. We also provide customized, integrated supply chain services to certain OEM customers to assist them in the management and execution of their procurement processes. Our global, diversified customer base includes over 250 end customers such as Cisco Systems, Inc., or Cisco, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., or Samsung, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, or HPE, Dell Technologies, or Dell, and LG Electronics Inc., or LG.

Since 2002, when we commenced our operations in Brazil, we have invested over $170 million to build and improve our advanced manufacturing facilities and have assembled and trained a staff of over 480 employees, who comprise many of the leading semiconductor technology professionals in the country. In Brazil, we process imported wafers and cut, package and test them to create memory components used to manufacture modules and other memory and Flash-based products. We are the only company engaged in packaging and test for mobile memory for smartphones in Brazil. We have a strategic, long-term relationship with a global memory wafer supplier that has provided us with a stable source of competitively priced wafers for the Brazilian market and provides our supplier with access to that market through our in-country infrastructure and capabilities.

Our business in Brazil has historically focused on Dynamic Random Access Memory, or DRAM, components and modules for desktops, notebooks and servers, where local content and tax regulations provide substantial financial incentives to our customers to procure locally manufactured memory products, particularly when they are made with locally processed components. We have leveraged our experience and success in these markets to expand into mobile memory, primarily for smartphones, which include embedded multi-media controller, or eMMC, and embedded multi-chip packages, or eMCP, where additional local content requirements and tax incentives have been introduced. During the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, these mobile memory products accounted for 69%, 65% and 29%, respectively, of our net sales in Brazil. Based on expected unit sales for mobile phones in Brazil provided by ITData Consultoria, a Brazilian consulting and market intelligence firm, or ITData Consultoria, taking into account our average selling price of approximately $17.09 per component for mobile memory during the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we believe that the total addressable market for locally produced mobile memory for mobile phones in Brazil will reach approximately $499 million by 2019. We have also demonstrated our ability to service the smartphone market in Brazil as we are now qualified at seven of the top ten mobile vendors in Brazil representing, according to ITData Consultoria, 87% of the mobile phones sold in Brazil in calendar 2016. With the local content requirements for various information technology, or IT, products increasing, we believe that our local manufacturing capabilities

 



 

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provide a valuable and differentiated offering to our OEM customers in Brazil. We also believe that our long-term relationships with many of these customers as the largest supplier of locally manufactured memory products provides us with stability and visibility for our Brazilian business, as well as significant growth prospects.

In our specialty memory solutions business, we offer an extensive portfolio of over 2,000 products, which includes all generations of DRAM, as well as embedded and removable Flash, enterprise memory and hybrid volatile and non-volatile memory solutions. We also offer customized, integrated supply chain services to enable our customers to manage supply chain planning and execution, which reduces costs and increases productivity. Our supply chain services are based on our proprietary software platform that we develop and are integrated with our customers’ respective procurement management systems as well as our suppliers’ distribution management systems.

We believe our close collaboration with customers, customer-specific designs, long-lifecycle solutions and proprietary supply chain services create significant customer attachment, allow us to identify new opportunities for growth and provide us with a high level of relative visibility and stability through macroeconomic cycles. Furthermore, we believe our business has relatively low capital expenditure requirements, and we have been able to leverage a flexible cost structure to maintain generally stable margins throughout market cycles.

Our Industry

We believe that a number of trends are driving the expansion of our market opportunity in Brazil and elsewhere:

Memory continues to be critical to system performance . With the growth in mobility, cloud computing and data intensive applications, the importance of and demand for memory continues to increase. According to IDC Research, Inc., a global technology research and advisory firm, or IDC, worldwide demand for DRAM and NAND Flash memory units will increase by 117% and 358%, respectively, when comparing 2021 to 2016. Memory density also continues to increase. We believe that 8 gigabit, or Gb, die will be the next leading DRAM density, which will drive DRAM bit growth. According to IDC, 8Gb die will account for 40% of worldwide DRAM bit shipments in 2017, up from 7% in 2015. IDC forecasts that 8Gb die will grow rapidly in 2018, with 8Gb die accounting for 49% of worldwide DRAM bit shipments by 2018.

Stabilization of DRAM market. Industry consolidation, increased capital expenditure requirements, continued technology advancements and the shift in new production from DRAM to NAND have stabilized global DRAM supply and pricing in recent years. Furthermore, according to IDC, the top three DRAM suppliers are estimated to have 94% of the worldwide market share in 2016. In addition, an IDC report shows an increase in worldwide DRAM demand being driven by widening applications as usage of DRAM for smartphones is increasing along with worldwide consumption of DRAM for desktops, notebooks and servers. We believe this trend is expected to continue through at least 2021. According to IDC, while DRAM unit consumption is expected to be 117% higher in 2021 than in 2016, worldwide DRAM revenue for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 is expected to be $41.2 billion, $54.6 billion, $47.5 billion, $45.3 billion, $45.5 billion and $44.4 billion, respectively, which is a significant reduction in the historic volatility experienced in the DRAM market.

Flash memory market continues to grow . Flash consumption is driven by the growth in demand for smartphones, solid state drives, or SSDs, for notebooks, servers and cloud computing, and other NAND-based applications. According to IDC, the worldwide NAND market is expected to grow from $31.9 billion in 2016 to $44.6 billion by 2021, representing a 6.9% compound annual growth rate, or CAGR.

Increasing memory demand for smartphones in Brazil . Consumer demand for smartphones in Brazil is expected to grow, supported by the growing middle class, improvement in cellular and wireless infrastructure

 



 

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and current low levels of penetration of mobile devices. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, the Brazilian middle class is expected to expand from 41% of the population, or 76 million people, in 2005, to 58% of the population, or 127 million people, by 2025. As a result, smartphone penetration is expected to increase. According to ITData Consultoria, sales of mobile phones in Brazil are expected to reach 53.5 million units in 2018 (a 6.7% increase over 2016) and to grow to 56.0 million units in 2020.

Increasing local content requirements in Brazil and other incentives . Local content requirements have been central to the Brazilian regulatory environment since the 1960s. These regulations are aimed at promoting job creation, sustaining economic growth and increasing the competitiveness of various domestic industries, and have helped enable a significant expansion of the Brazilian middle class. Local content requirements have been instrumental in the development of numerous key industries in Brazil, including automotive, oil and gas, aerospace, healthcare and IT. In the IT industry, government programs have been introduced to incentivize manufacturers to establish and expand their operations in Brazil and to incentivize OEMs to purchase locally manufactured components for their products. Local content requirements for mobile memory products for smartphones increased from 25% in 2015 to 50% in 2017 and is expected to increase to 60% in 2018.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe our core competitive strengths include:

Strong presence in Brazil. We are the largest local manufacturer of DRAM components and DRAM modules for the desktop, notebook and server markets in Brazil as measured by market share. We are also the first company to develop manufacturing capabilities for Flash-based products in Brazil, where we are the leading manufacturer of mobile memory products, such as low power or mobile DRAM, eMMC and eMCP. We benefit from having a first mover advantage in Brazil and understand government initiatives and how to navigate regulatory requirements to benefit our company and our customers. We are the only company engaged in packaging and test for mobile memory for smartphones in Brazil.

Well positioned to benefit from Brazilian local content regulations. Increasing local content requirements help drive our growth strategy in Brazil. Global suppliers of memory components and modules not manufactured in Brazil cannot address the local content purchasing requirements of OEM customers selling products in Brazil. As a result of our infrastructure, scale and capabilities in Brazil, we have a significant advantage in being able to satisfy these local content requirements.

Business model focused on specialized markets and strong customer collaboration. The complexity of applications today requires sophisticated memory solutions with a high degree of specialization and customization to fulfill the requirements of OEMs. In specialty memory, we focus on opportunities in markets that feature products with longer life cycles (typically five to seven years), specialized form factors and customized firmware, which typically require intensive and time consuming qualification processes and create high switching costs for our customers.

Global footprint and delivery network . We are located near many of our largest customers and their manufacturing partners around the world, offering extensive global manufacturing, engineering and supply chain management capabilities. We have three manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Brazil and Malaysia; eight facilities with engineering and research and development operations located in five countries; and employees located in nine countries across the world.

Advanced manufacturing capabilities. We have invested in facilities and processes tailored to meet the exacting demands and specialized requirements of our OEM customers while maintaining a high level of efficiency, quality and productivity.

 



 

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Flexible operating model . We believe our operating model has enabled us to maintain margins that are more stable than those of many of the largest memory manufacturers, as such memory manufacturers own their own semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities, or wafer fabs. As we do not own or operate our own wafer fabs, we have low capital expenditures relative to semiconductor manufacturers. Our business also is characterized by low fixed costs. Both factors have helped us maintain generally stable margins through market cycles.

Ability to manage complex supply chains at scale. We integrate our proprietary supply chain software platform with our customers’ procurement management as well as our suppliers’ distribution management systems to enable supply chain planning and execution, which lowers costs and increases efficiency. We believe this ability to manage complex supply chains at scale helps our customers minimize inventory levels while ensuring timely supply of material.

Proven management team with history of execution . We have an experienced and long-serving senior management team with an average tenure of approximately 18 years. The management team has a successful track record of operating the business through many market cycles and industry changes.

Our Strategy

Our goals are to further strengthen our leadership position in the design, manufacture and supply of specialty memory solutions for leading OEMs and to pursue opportunities for growth in existing and new markets. We are pursuing the following strategies to achieve our goals:

Maintain our existing leadership in Brazil and enhance our manufacturing capabilities. We plan to continue to invest in our Brazilian desktop, notebook and server DRAM businesses to ensure that we are well positioned to maintain our leadership in these markets. We are enhancing our manufacturing capabilities to meet the increasing technological requirements of improved and new generations of DRAM devices needed to address the demand for our memory products manufactured in Brazil.

Capture growing mobile memory market in Brazil. We expect to continue to leverage our experience and success in our desktop, notebook and server DRAM business to capitalize upon high-growth markets for mobile memory. We will seek to grow our market share with OEMs that are currently utilizing imported mobile memory components to manufacture smartphones in Brazil, as local content requirements for mobile memory components, such as eMMC, eMCP and mobile DRAM, have been implemented.

Maintain our leadership in specialty memory . We intend to remain a leader among specialty memory suppliers. We will continue to focus on delivering innovative solutions to help our customers improve functionality, enhance their supply chain, reduce costs and accelerate their time-to-market.

Expand our total addressable market by offering innovative new products and by capitalizing on new market opportunities . We intend to leverage our experience and capabilities to launch new products and expand into new markets. We believe this will allow us to further penetrate our existing customers as well as increase the number of customers that we serve.

Expand our global coverage . Devices and applications using memory are required in every region of the world, requiring OEMs to maintain a global supply chain to meet that demand. In addition to the United States and Brazil, we plan to increase our presence internationally and target new OEM and original design manufacturer, or ODM, customers in Europe and Asia.

Risk Factors

Our business is subject to risks, as discussed more fully in the section entitled “Risk Factors.” You should carefully consider all of the risks discussed in the “Risk Factors” section before investing in our ordinary shares.

 



 

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The following risks, which are described more fully in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition, which could cause a decrease in the price of our ordinary shares and result in a loss of all or a portion of your investment:

 

   

we have experienced losses in the past and may experience losses in the future;

 

   

our operating results fluctuate from quarter to quarter and are unpredictable;

 

   

we depend on the desktop, notebook, server and smartphone markets in Brazil, which have in the past, and could again in the future, stop growing or contract;

 

   

the markets in which we compete have been highly cyclical and have experienced severe downturns;

 

   

declines in memory component prices and average selling prices may cause declines in our net sales and gross profit;

 

   

worldwide economic and political conditions as well as other factors may adversely affect our operations and cause fluctuations in the demand for our products;

 

   

our success in Brazil depends partly on the continuing existence of local content requirements for electronics products;

 

   

a significant portion of our net sales depends on the continuing existence of, and demand from, a limited number of key customers; and

 

   

the amount of corporate income and excise and import taxes we pay may increase significantly if tax incentives or tax holiday arrangements in Brazil or Malaysia are discontinued or if our interpretations and assumptions with respect to such tax incentives or tax holiday arrangements are incorrect.

Our History

Our business was originally founded in 1988 as SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., or SMART Modular, which became a publicly traded company in 1995. In 1999, SMART Modular was acquired by Solectron Corporation, or Solectron, and operated as its subsidiary. In 2004, a group of private equity investors acquired our business from Solectron, and we began to operate our business as an independent company, SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc., or SMART Worldwide. SMART Worldwide became a publicly traded company in 2006 and operated independently until substantially all of its equity interests were acquired by investment funds affiliated with Silver Lake Partners and Silver Lake Sumeru, or collectively, Silver Lake, in August 2011, which we refer to as the Acquisition. Following the Acquisition, SMART Worldwide, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of SMART Global Holdings, repositioned its business and began to operate as two business units: a business unit focused on the design, manufacture and sale of specialty memory products and services, and a business unit focused on Flash, or solid state, storage products, which we refer to as the Storage Business, substantially all of which we sold to SanDisk Corporation, or SanDisk, in August 2013.

Our Principal Investors

Upon completion of this offering, investment funds affiliated with Silver Lake will beneficially own approximately         % of our outstanding ordinary shares, or approximately         % if the underwriters exercise their overallotment option to purchase additional ordinary shares in full. In anticipation of this offering, we will enter into a new shareholder agreement, which we refer to in this prospectus as the Sponsor Shareholder Agreement, with Silver Lake, pursuant to which Silver Lake will have the right to nominate members of our board of directors as described in “Management—Board of Directors.” The Sponsor Shareholder Agreement will further provide that, for so long as Silver Lake collectively owns ordinary shares in an amount equal to or greater than 25% of our ordinary shares outstanding immediately following this offering, in addition to the approval of

 



 

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our board of directors, the approval of Silver Lake will be required for certain corporate actions such as change in control transactions, acquisitions with a value in excess of $5 million and any material change in the nature of the business conducted by us or our subsidiaries. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Sponsor Shareholder Agreement.”

Silver Lake is a global investment firm focused on the technology, technology-enabled and related growth industries with offices in Silicon Valley, New York, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. Silver Lake was founded in 1999 and has over $24 billion in combined assets under management and committed capital across its large-cap private equity, middle-market private equity, growth equity and credit investment strategies.

Corporate Information

Our address in the Cayman Islands is c/o Maples Corporate Services Limited, P.O. Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. Our U.S. principal executive offices are located at 39870 Eureka Drive, Newark, California 94560. Our telephone number at this address is (510) 623-1231. Our principal website is http://www.smartm.com. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of this prospectus.

SMART Global Holdings, SMART Modular Technologies, SMART, the SMART logo and our other trademarks or service marks appearing in this prospectus are our property. Trade names, trademarks and service marks of other companies appearing in this prospectus are the property of the respective holders.

Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company

As a company with less than $1.07 billion in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other obligations that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These reduced obligations include:

 

   

a requirement to have only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations disclosure; and

 

   

an exemption from the auditor attestation requirement in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

We may take advantage of these provisions for up to five years or such earlier time that we are no longer an emerging growth company. We would cease to be an emerging growth company if we have more than $1.07 billion in annual revenue, have more than $700 million in market value of our ordinary shares held by non-affiliates or issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period. We may choose to take advantage of some but not all of these reduced burdens. We have taken advantage of many of these reduced reporting burdens in this prospectus, and intend to do so in future filings. As a result, the information that we provide shareholders may be different than you might get from other public companies in which you hold equity.

The JOBS Act permits an “emerging growth company” like us to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We are irrevocably electing to “opt out” of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted.

 



 

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THE OFFERING

This summary highlights information presented in greater detail elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary is not complete and does not contain all the information you should consider before investing in our ordinary shares. You should carefully read this entire prospectus before investing in our ordinary shares including “Risk Factors” and our consolidated financial statements.

 

Ordinary shares offered by us

            shares (or                 shares if the underwriters exercise their overallotment option to purchase additional shares in full)

 

Ordinary shares to be outstanding immediately after this offering

             shares (or                  shares if the underwriters exercise their overallotment option to purchase additional shares in full)

 

Use of proceeds

We estimate that the net proceeds to us from the offering will be approximately $                million (or approximately $                million, if the underwriters exercise their overallotment option to purchase additional shares in full), assuming an initial public offering price of $                per ordinary share, the midpoint of the estimated public offering price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus.

 

  We intend to use $                 million of the net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of our outstanding indebtedness. In addition, we intend to use a portion of the net proceeds to make a payment of $                 million to affiliates of Silver Lake for unpaid management fees in respect of past periods under a management agreement, which we intend to terminate upon the completion of this offering. We intend to use any remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes.

 

  See “Use of Proceeds” for more information.

 

Listing

We have applied to list our ordinary shares on The NASDAQ Global Market, or NASDAQ, under the symbol “SGH”.

 

Risk factors

See “Risk Factors” and the other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should consider before deciding to invest in our ordinary shares.

The number of our ordinary shares that will be outstanding after this offering is based on 46,234,508 ordinary shares outstanding as of February 24, 2017 (including 4,623,449 ordinary shares subject to outstanding warrants with an exercise price of $0.01 per share issued to our term loan lenders in November 2016, which will be deemed net exercised upon the completion of this offering if not previously exercised) and, as of that date:

 

   

excludes                  ordinary shares subject to outstanding options, with a weighted-average exercise price of $                per share; and

 

   

excludes                  ordinary shares reserved for future issuance under our SMART Global Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 2011 Share Incentive Plan, or the SGH Plan.

Unless otherwise indicated, all information contained in this prospectus assumes:

 

   

no exercise by the underwriters of their overallotment option to purchase up to                 additional ordinary shares; and

 

   

the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association which will occur prior to the closing of this offering.

 



 

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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION

The summary consolidated statement of operations and balance sheet data for the years ended and as of August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015 presented below are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of February 24, 2017 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated interim financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus, which, in the opinion of our management, includes all adjustments necessary to present fairly our results of operations and financial condition at the dates and for the periods presented. The results for the six months ended February 24, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that you should expect for the entire year ending August 25, 2017 or any other period.

We maintain our books and records in U.S. dollars and prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP.

This financial information should be read in conjunction with “Selected Consolidated Financial Data and Other Information,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 
     (in thousands, other than per share data)  

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

        

Net sales

   $ 331,298     $ 238,613     $ 534,423     $ 643,469  

Cost of sales (1)

     264,431       192,169       427,491       512,032  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     66,867       46,444       106,932       131,437  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

        

Research and development (1) (2)

     19,645       18,096       38,116       43,741  

Selling, general and administrative (1) (2)

     31,844       28,283       57,495       89,233  

Management advisory fees

     2,000       2,001       4,001       4,030  

Restructuring

     457       1,015       1,135       1,143  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     53,946       49,395       100,747       138,147  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

     12,921       (2,951     6,185       (6,710

Other income (expense):

        

Interest expense, net

     (14,778     (12,939     (25,575     (27,560

Other income (expense), net

     (902     (1,372     1,874       (5,532
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expense

     (15,680     (14,311     (23,701     (33,092
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

     (2,759     (17,262     (17,516     (39,802

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     2,785       (108     2,444       6,649  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (5,544   $ (17,154   $ (19,960   $ (46,451
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per share, basic and diluted

   $ (0.13   $ (0.41   $ (0.48   $ (1.12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share

     41,610       41,503       41,524       41,498  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 



 

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(1) Includes share-based compensation expense as follows:

 

Cost of sales

   $     268      $     236      $     461      $     771  

Research and development

     445        382        725        844  

Selling, general and administrative

     1,431        1,405        2,686        4,517  

 

(2) Includes amortization of intangible assets expense as follows:

 

Research and development

   $ 2,448      $ 2,448      $ 4,897      $   6,160  

Selling, general and administrative

     3,522        4,170        8,471        24,669  

 

     Six Months Ended      Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
     February 26,
2016
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Other Financial Data:

           

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

   $ 38,240      $ 18,105      $ 51,760      $ 55,762  

Gross billings to customers (2)

   $ 733,686      $ 1,024,527      $ 1,925,047      $ 2,147,437  

Days sales outstanding (DSO) (3)

     34        24        27        31  

Inventory turns (4)

     10        20        18        15  

Days payable outstanding (DPO) (5)

     50        44        40        51  

 

(1) We define Adjusted EBITDA as our net income (loss) adjusted to exclude share-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, interest income (expense), provision for (benefit from) income taxes, depreciation and other adjustments. We have provided a reconciliation below of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.

We have included Adjusted EBITDA in this prospectus because it is a key measure used by our management and board of directors to understand and evaluate our core operating performance and trends, to prepare and approve our annual budget and to develop short-term and long-term operational and compensation plans. In particular, the exclusion of certain non-cash, non-recurring or infrequent expenses in calculating Adjusted EBITDA can provide useful measures for period-to-period comparisons of our core business. Accordingly, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.

Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider this measure in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA does not consider the cost of equity-based compensation, which is an ongoing expense for us;

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash capital past expenditures and future requirements for replacements or for new capital expenditures;

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us; and

 

   

other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure.

 



 

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Because of these limitations, you should consider Adjusted EBITDA along with other financial performance measures, including various cash flow metrics, net income (loss) and our other U.S. GAAP results. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) is provided below:

 

     Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
         2017        
    February 26,
         2016        
    August 26,
        2016         
    August 28,
        2015         
 
     (in thousands)  

Net loss

   $ (5,544   $ (17,154   $ (19,960   $ (46,451

Share-based compensation expense

     2,144       2,023       3,872       6,132  

Amortization of intangible assets

     5,970       6,618       13,368       30,829  

Interest expense, net

     14,778       12,939       25,575       27,560  

Provision for (benefit from) income tax

     2,785       (108     2,444       6,649  

Depreciation

     11,583       9,063       18,111       19,315  

Management advisory fees

     2,000       2,001       4,001       4,030  

Debt extension and extinguishment costs*

     3,130       —         —         —    

Restructuring

     457       1,015       1,135       1,143  

In-process research and development charge

     —         —         —         1,582  

Write-off of public offering expenses

     —         —         —         4,388  

Special retention bonuses

     25       1,013       1,611       123  

Storage sale-related legal costs

     —         —         —         987  

Valuation adjustment related to prepaid state value-added taxes

     —         —         908       —    

Investment advisory fees

     540       —         —         —    

Insurance settlement related to a fiscal 2013 claim

     —         —         —         (525

Obsolete inventory related to restructuring

     372       —         —         —    

Misappropriated product shipment

     —         695       695       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 38,240     $ 18,105     $ 51,760     $ 55,762  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  * Debt extension costs consist of $1.7 million associated with the amendment of our senior secured term loan and revolving credit facility in November 2016 and debt extinguishment costs represent a $1.4 million loss on a February 2017 extinguishment.

 

(2) Gross billings to customers consists of product net sales and our gross billings for services. We provide procurement, logistics, inventory management, kitting or packaging services for certain customers. We account for sales from these services on an agency basis (that is, we recognize the fees associated with serving as an agent with no associated cost of sales). We recognize revenue for these arrangements as service revenue, which is determined as a fee for services based on material procurement costs. See Note 1(d) to our consolidated financial statements.
(3) We calculate days sales outstanding as (i) accounts receivable outstanding as of the period end divided by (ii) gross billings to customers for the period divided by the number of days in the period.
(4) We calculate inventory turns as (i) cost of sales plus cost of purchased materials—service for the period, on an annualized basis ( i.e. , multiplied by four and then divided by the number of quarters in the period) divided by (ii) inventory as of the period end.

 



 

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(5) We calculate days payables outstanding as (i) accounts payable outstanding as of the period end divided by (ii) (x) cost of sales plus cost of purchased materials—service for the period divided by (y) the number of days in the period.

 

     As of February 24, 2017  
     Actual      As  Adjusted (1)(2)  
     (in thousands)  

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 23,341        $                  

Working capital

     94,359     

Total assets

     440,937     

Long-term debt

     202,744     

Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)

     20,708     

 

(1) As adjusted amounts give effect to the issuance and sale of                ordinary shares by us in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $                per ordinary share, the midpoint of the estimated public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and giving effect to the application of the net proceeds of the offering as set forth in “Use of Proceeds.”

 

(2) Each $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial offering price of $                per ordinary share, the midpoint of the estimated public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease our cash and cash equivalents, working capital, total assets and total shareholders’ equity by $                , assuming the number of shares to be sold by us in this offering remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each increase or decrease of 1,000,000 shares in the number of ordinary shares offered by us would increase or decrease the cash and cash equivalents, working capital, total assets and total shareholders’ equity by $                , assuming the public offering price remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 



 

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RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and the other information in this prospectus before making an investment in our ordinary shares. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected if any of these risks occurs and, as a result, the market price of our ordinary shares could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.

This prospectus also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks facing our company described below and elsewhere in this prospectus.

Risks Relating to Our Business

We have experienced losses in the past and may experience losses in the future.

Our business has experienced quarterly and annual operating losses during the periods presented in the financial statements included in this prospectus. During the six months ended February 24, 2017, we had a net loss and income from operations of $5.5 million and $12.9 million, respectively. In fiscal 2016, we had a net loss and income from operations of $20.0 million and $6.2 million, respectively. In fiscal 2015, we had a net loss and loss from operations of $46.5 million and $6.7 million, respectively. Our ability to achieve and maintain profitability will depend in part on revenue growth from, among other things, increased demand for our memory solutions, products and related service offerings in our current markets including Brazil, as well as our ability to expand into new markets. We may not be successful in achieving and maintaining the necessary revenue growth. Moreover, as we continue to expend substantial funds for research and development projects, enhancements to sales and marketing efforts and to otherwise operate our business, we cannot assure you that we will achieve and maintain profitability on an annual or quarterly basis even if our revenue does grow.

Our operating results may fluctuate from quarter to quarter in the future, which makes them difficult to predict.

Our quarterly operating results have fluctuated in the past and may fluctuate in the future. As a result, our past quarterly operating results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Furthermore, we may not be able to maintain the margins we have achieved in recent periods. Our operating results in any given quarter can be influenced by numerous factors, many of which we are unable to predict or are outside of our control, including:

 

   

the cyclical nature of the markets in which we compete;

 

   

changes in memory component prices or the average selling prices of our products, including fluctuations in the market price of DRAM and Flash memory components;

 

   

lack of growth or contraction or increased competition in the memory market in Brazil or other markets;

 

   

adverse changes to the local content regulations in Brazil;

 

   

corruption or adverse political situations in Brazil or other markets;

 

   

increased trade restrictions or trade wars;

 

   

the loss of, significant reduction in sales to, or demand from, key customers;

 

   

industry consolidation, which may further reduce the number of our potential customers and/or suppliers;

 

   

fluctuations in the markets served by our OEM customers, including the computing, networking, communications, storage, aerospace, defense, mobile and industrial markets;

 

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difficulty matching our purchasing and production to customer demand, which is difficult to forecast accurately;

 

   

cancellations, modifications or delays in customer orders, product returns and inventory value or obsolescence risk;

 

   

competitive developments, including the introduction of new competitive products;

 

   

our failure to develop new or enhanced products and introduce them in a timely manner; and

 

   

the other factors described in this “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this prospectus.

Due to the various factors mentioned above and other factors, the results of any prior quarterly or annual period should not be relied upon as an indication of our future operating performance. In one or more future periods, our results of operations may fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors. In that event, the market price of our ordinary shares would likely decline. In addition, the market price of our ordinary shares may fluctuate or decline regardless of our operating performance.

We depend on the desktop, notebook, server and smartphone markets in Brazil, and lack of growth, or the occurrence of contraction, in these markets have in the past, and could again in the future, have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A significant portion of our sales and operations are focused on Brazil. Sales to customers in Brazil accounted for 47%, 46% and 52% of our net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. We have invested substantial financial and management resources to develop a research and development center and a semiconductor packaging and test facility in Brazil in order to target the growing market for memory in Brazil and to take advantage of certain Brazilian laws and government incentives, as described below in “—Risks Relating to our International Operations.” Our future financial performance will depend in large part on growth in the Brazilian market, which may not grow again at historical rates, or at all.

Demand for our products in Brazil is dependent upon, among other things, demand in the markets served by our customers, including the Brazilian computing and mobile markets. From time to time, the markets served by our Brazilian customers have experienced downturns, often in connection with political unrest or in connection with, or in anticipation of, declines in general economic conditions. A decline or significant shortfall in demand in any of the markets that we serve could have a significant negative impact on the demand for our products. In addition, a prolonged economic downturn in Brazil, even absent a worldwide economic downturn, may lead to higher interest rates or significant changes in the rate of inflation in Brazil, or an inability of our Brazilian customers and suppliers to access capital on acceptable terms. Our customers and suppliers in Brazil could experience cash flow problems, credit defaults or other financial hardships. A major corruption scandal involving Brazil’s largest energy company, Petrobras, began to unfold in 2014, and by 2015 contributed to a significant decrease in the value of the Brazilian real , which in turn led to a substantial downturn in the Brazilian economy and a substantial rise in unemployment. This in turn had a significant negative impact on our revenues, results of operations and our financial condition.

In addition, as discussed in greater detail below, our sales and our profit margins in Brazil are favorably impacted by laws establishing local content requirements for electronics products. See “—Our success in Brazil depends in part on Brazilian laws establishing local content requirements for electronics products. The elimination of or a reduction in the local content requirements, or our inability to secure the benefits of these regulations, could significantly reduce the demand for, and the profit margins on, our products in Brazil.”

Any of these circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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The markets in which we compete historically have been highly cyclical and have experienced severe downturns that have materially adversely affected, and may in the future materially adversely affect, our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Historically, the markets in which we compete have been highly cyclical and have experienced significant downturns often connected with, or in anticipation of, maturing product cycles of both component suppliers and electronic equipment manufacturers, and/or declines in general economic conditions. These downturns have been characterized by diminished product demand, production overcapacity, high inventory levels and accelerated erosion of selling prices and inventory values. Our industry depends on the continued growth of the electronics industry and on end-user demand for our customers’ products. Economic downturns often have had an adverse effect upon manufacturers and end-users of electronics products. The timing of new product developments, the lifecycle of existing electronics products and the level of acceptance and growth of new products can also affect demand for our products. Downturns in the markets we serve could have a significant negative impact on the demand for our products. Additionally, due to changing conditions, our customers have experienced and may in the future experience periods of excess inventory that could have a significant adverse impact on our sales. During an industry downturn, there is also a higher risk that some of our trade receivables become delinquent or even uncollectible and that our inventory would decrease in value. We cannot predict the timing or the severity of the cycles within our industry. In particular, it is difficult to predict how long and to what levels any industry upturn or downturn, or general economic strength or weakness, will last or develop.

Our customers primarily serve end users in the computing, networking, communications, storage, aerospace, defense, mobile and industrial markets. Sales of our products are dependent upon demand in these markets. From time to time, each of these markets has experienced cyclical downturns, often in connection with, or in anticipation of, declines in general economic conditions, and we may experience substantial period-to-period fluctuations in our operating results due to factors affecting these markets. Changes in end-user demand for our customers’ products could have a material adverse effect on demand for our products, particularly if the customer has accumulated excess inventories of products purchased from us or from competitors selling similar products. Reduced demand for our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Declines in memory component prices and our average selling prices may result in declines in our net sales and gross profit and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our industry has historically been characterized by declines in average selling prices. Our average selling prices may decline due to several factors, including general declines in demand for our products and excess supply of DRAM and Flash memory components as a result of overcapacity. In the past, transitions to smaller design geometries and other factors causing overcapacity in memory markets have led to significant increases in the worldwide supply of memory components. If not accompanied by increases in demand, supply increases usually result in significant declines in component prices and, in turn, declines in the average selling prices and profit margins of our products. During periods of overcapacity, our net sales may decline if we fail to increase sales volume of existing products or to introduce and sell new products in quantities sufficient to offset declines in selling prices. Our efforts to increase sales or to introduce new products to offset the impact of declines in average selling prices may not be successful. Furthermore, our competitors and customers also impose significant pricing pressures on us. These declines in average selling prices have in the past had, and may again in the future have, a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Declines in prices also could affect the valuation of our inventory, which could result in inventory write-downs. Declines in average selling prices also might enable OEMs to pre-install higher density memory modules into new systems at existing price points, thereby reducing the demand for future memory upgrades. In addition, our net sales and gross profit may be negatively affected by shifts in our product mix during periods of declining average selling prices.

 

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Worldwide economic and political conditions as well as other factors may adversely affect our operations and cause fluctuations in demand for our products.

Uncertainty in global economic and political conditions poses a risk to the overall economy, as consumers and businesses have made it difficult for customers, suppliers and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities. Declines in the worldwide semiconductor market, economic conditions or consumer confidence would likely decrease the overall demand for our products. Other factors that could cause demand for our products to fluctuate include:

 

   

a downturn in the computing, networking, communications, storage, aerospace, defense, mobile or industrial markets;

 

   

changes in consumer confidence caused by changes in market conditions, including changes in the credit markets, expectations for employment and inflation and energy prices;

 

   

corruption or adverse political situations in Brazil or other markets;

 

   

increased trade restrictions or trade wars;

 

   

changes in the level of customers’ components inventory;

 

   

competitive pressures, including pricing pressures, from companies that have competing products, architectures, manufacturing technologies and marketing programs;

 

   

changes in technology or customer product needs;

 

   

strategic actions taken by our competitors; and

 

   

market acceptance of our products.

If demand for our products decreases, our manufacturing or assembly and test capacity could be under-utilized, and we may be required to record an impairment on our long-lived assets, including facilities and equipment, as well as intangible assets, which would increase our expenses. In addition, if product demand decreases or we fail to forecast demand accurately, we could be required to write-off inventory or record under-utilization charges, which would have a negative impact on our profitability. If product demand increases more or faster than anticipated, we may not be able to add manufacturing or assembly and test capacity fast enough to meet market demand. These changes in demand for our products, and changes in our customers’ product needs, could have a variety of negative effects on our competitive position and our financial results, and, in certain cases, may reduce our net sales, increase our costs, lower our profit margins or require us to recognize impairments of our assets. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our success in Brazil depends in part on Brazilian laws establishing local content requirements for electronics products. The elimination of or a reduction in the local content requirements, or our inability to secure the benefits of these regulations, could significantly reduce the demand for, and the profit margins on, our products in Brazil.

Successive Brazilian governmental administrations have adopted economic policies intended to foster innovation and investment in local production, stimulate job growth, provide stimulus to exports and defend local manufacturers in various industries. In recent decades, the Brazilian government identified the design and manufacture of integrated circuits, or ICs, as a priority and established tax incentives and local content requirements intended to promote the development of the local IT industry. These incentives include the Lei da Informática—Processo Produtivo Básico, or PPB/IT Program, which is intended to promote local content by allowing qualified companies to sell specified IT products, including desktops, notebooks, servers, SmartTVs and mobile products, with a reduced Brazilian federal excise tax rate, or the IPI, as compared to the rate that is required to be collected by non-qualified suppliers. The PPB/IT Program provides an incentive for certain customers to purchase products from us because they are not required to pay the regular level of IPI on their

 

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purchases. Under the PPB/IT Program, the percentage of local content required in specified IT products has increased significantly from 2006 to present, and the law that provides the PPB/IT Program benefits is currently legislated to remain in force through the end of 2029. For example, under the PPB/IT Program, from 2006 to present the total requirement of DRAM modules made with locally packaged DRAM ICs for notebook computers has increased from 0% to 80% and is expected to remain at current levels through the end of 2029. In order to receive the intended treatment as a PPB/IT Program supplier, our subsidiary, SMART do Brazil, is required to invest in research and development activities in an amount equal to 3% of its gross annual sales revenues reduced by the following: the cost of raw materials qualified as products eligible for the PPB/IT Program, including the ICs that are purchased from our other Brazilian subsidiary, SMART Brazil, and that are used to make memory modules; applicable sales taxes; the value of products exported out of Brazil; and the value of products shipped to the Manaus Free Trade Zone. Brazil’s local content requirements for the IT industry have been subject to criticism by other governments and international organizations.

In 2013, the European Union, or the EU, later joined by Japan, requested the establishment of a panel within the World Trade Organization, or WTO, to determine whether certain measures enacted by the Brazilian government concerning tax incentives and local content requirements for the automotive sector and several other industries including the IT industry and including Brazil’s Support Program for the Technological Development of the Semiconductor and Display Industries Act, or PADIS, the PPB/IT Program and Lei do Bem, are inconsistent with WTO rules. The panel was formed, hearings were held and in December 2016, the WTO circulated its report to the parties. This report is subject to feedback from the parties and has not been released to the public. While we cannot predict the outcome of the WTO’s decision, a negative ruling could result in significant adverse changes to the local content rules and incentives available to us and our customers in Brazil. Any suspension, early termination or other adverse change in the local content requirements could significantly reduce the demand for, and the profit margins on, our products in Brazil, and would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, we benefit from various other tax incentives extended to us in Brazil to promote the development of the local IT industry, and are subject to related risks, as described below under “—Risks Relating to our International Operations—If the tax incentive or tax holiday arrangements from which we benefit in Brazil or Malaysia change or cease to be in effect or applicable in part or in whole, for any reason, or if our assumptions and interpretations regarding tax laws and incentive or holiday arrangements prove to be incorrect, the amount of corporate income, excise, import and contribution taxes we have to pay could increase significantly.”

Sales to a limited number of customers represent a significant portion of our net sales, and the loss of any key customer or key program, or the demands of our key customers, could materially harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our principal end customers include global OEMs that compete in the computing, networking, communications, storage, aerospace, defense, mobile and industrial markets. During the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, sales to our ten largest end customers (including sales to contract manufacturers or ODMs at the direction of such end customers) accounted for 77%, 81% and 75% of net sales, respectively. Of our end customers, Samsung accounted for 18%, 13% and 11% of net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively; Cisco accounted for 15%, 19% and 16% of net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively; Lenovo Group Ltd., or Lenovo, accounted for 13% of net sales in fiscal 2016; Hewlett-Packard Company, or HP, accounted for 14% of net sales in fiscal 2015 (in fiscal 2016, HP undertook a spin-off and divided into two distinct companies, following which neither company accounted for 10% or more of our net sales); and Dell accounted for 15% of net sales in fiscal 2015. Direct sales to Samsung accounted for 18%, 13% and 11% of net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively; direct sales to Flex Ltd., or Flex, accounted for 17% of net sales in fiscal 2016; direct sales to Hon Hai accounted for 11%, 11% and 11% of net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively; and direct sales to Dell accounted for 15% of net sales in fiscal 2015. While Samsung is a significant customer of ours, purchasing eMCPs from us in their smartphone division and DRAM modules from us in their PC division,

 

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Samsung’s semiconductor division is also a major supplier and a competitor. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—Our dependence on a small number of sole or limited source suppliers subjects us to certain risks, including the risk that we may be unable to obtain adequate supplies at a reasonable price and in a timely manner” and “—The memory market is intensely competitive, and we may not be able to maintain or improve our competitive position.”

We expect that sales to relatively few customers will continue to account for a significant percentage of our net sales for the foreseeable future. However, we can provide no assurance that any of these customers or any of our other customers will continue to utilize our products or our services at current levels, or at all. Although we have master agreements with one or more key customers, these agreements govern the terms and conditions of the relationship and do not contain requirements for them to purchase minimum volumes.

Our customer concentration may also subject us to perceived or actual bargaining leverage that our key customers may have, given their relative size and importance to us. Since a large percentage of our sales is to a small number of customers that are primarily large OEMs, these customers are able to exert, have exerted and we expect will continue to exert, pressure on us to make concessions on price and on terms and conditions which can adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. If our key customers seek to negotiate their agreements on terms less favorable to us and we accept such unfavorable terms, such unfavorable terms may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Accordingly, unless and until we diversify and expand our customer base, our future success will significantly depend upon the timing and volume of business from our largest customers and the financial and operational success of these customers. If we were to lose one of our key customers or have a key customer cancel a key program or otherwise significantly reduce its volume of business with us, our sales and profitability would be materially reduced and our business and financial condition would be seriously harmed.

The memory market is intensely competitive, and we may not be able to maintain or improve our competitive position.

The memory market is characterized by intense competition. Our competitors include many large domestic and international companies that have substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution and other resources, greater name recognition, broader product lines, lower cost structures and longer-standing relationships with customers and suppliers than we do. As a result, our competitors may be able to respond better to new or emerging technologies or standards and to changes in customer requirements. Further, some of our competitors are in a better financial and marketing position from which to influence industry acceptance of a particular product standard or competing technology than we are. Our competitors may also be able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of products, and may be able to deliver competitive products at a lower price than we can.

Our primary competitors in the specialty memory market include Viking Technology (a division of Sanmina Corporation), or Viking Technology; ATP Electronics, Inc., or ATP; Unigen Corporation, or Unigen; Apacer Technology Inc., or Apacer; and Transcend Information, Inc., or Transcend. In Brazil, we compete against local manufacturers of DRAM modules and local manufacturers of memory ICs, including HT Micron Semicondutores Ltda., or HT Micron, and Multilaser Indústria de Equipamentos de Informática, Eletrônicos e Ópticos Ltda.

We compete globally against semiconductor memory IC manufacturers that also manufacture DRAM ICs and modules and Flash products, including Samsung; Micron Technology, Inc., or Micron; Western Digital Corporation, or Western Digital; SK Hynix Inc. or SK Hynix; and Toshiba Corporation, or Toshiba. While these companies generally focus on higher volume commodity products, they sometimes compete with some of our specialty memory products. In addition to competing with certain portions of our product offering, Samsung is also a major supplier and a significant customer. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—Sales to a limited number of customers represents a significant portion of our net sales, and the loss of any key customer or key program, or the demands of our key customers, could materially harm our business, results of operations and

 

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financial condition” and “—Our dependence on a small number of sole or limited source suppliers subjects us to certain risks, including the risk that we may be unable to obtain adequate supplies at a reasonable price and in a timely manner.”

In our supply chain services business, we compete in a fragmented market with a broad set of companies, including distributors and third party logistics providers as well as our customers’ in-house solutions.

Through imports of DRAM components and modules and Flash products, we face some of the same competitors in Brazil as we do elsewhere. We also face competition from local manufacturers of DRAM modules and Flash products, and expect to face competition in the future from local start-up semiconductor packaging companies, such as Adata Integration Brazil S/A, which has announced the beginning of production of its new packaging plant in Brazil in the first half of calendar year 2017. We believe that import duties and local content requirements in Brazil give us an advantage over companies that import DRAM modules or Flash products or import memory components; however, that competitive advantage may become less significant in the event that competitors build manufacturing facilities in Brazil or local content regulations change or are eliminated. As the local market grows, competition may increase in Brazil.

We face competition from existing competitors and expect to face new companies that may enter our existing or future markets with similar or alternative products, which may be less costly or provide additional features. We also face competition from current and prospective customers that evaluate our capabilities against the merits of manufacturing products internally. Competition may also arise due to the development of cooperative relationships among our current and potential competitors and/or suppliers or third parties to increase the ability of their products to address the needs of our prospective customers. Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors or alliances among competitors and/or suppliers may emerge and acquire significant market share.

We expect that our competitors will continue to improve the performance of their current products, reduce their prices and introduce new products that may offer greater performance and improved pricing, any of which could cause a decline in sales or market acceptance of our products. In addition, our competitors may develop enhancements to, or future generations of, competitive products that may render our technology or products obsolete or uncompetitive. To remain competitive, we must continue to provide technologically advanced products and manufacturing services, maintain high quality, offer flexible delivery schedules, deliver finished products on a reliable basis, reduce manufacturing and testing costs, and compete favorably on the basis of price. Competitive pressure has led in the past and may continue to lead to intensified price competition resulting in lower net sales and profit margins which could negatively impact our financial performance. Our efforts to maintain and improve our competitive position, or our failure to do so, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Industry consolidation and company failures may reduce the number of our potential customers, increase our reliance on our existing key customers and negatively impact the competitiveness of our supplier base.

Our customer and supplier markets are characterized by a limited number of large companies. Some participants in the industries in which we serve have merged and/or been acquired, and this trend may continue. In addition, there have been company failures among both our customer and supplier base. Industry consolidation and company failures could decrease the number of potential significant customers for our products and services. Consolidation and company failures in some of our customers’ industries may also result in the loss of customers. The decrease in the number of potential significant customers will increase our reliance on key customers and, due to the increased size of these companies, may negatively impact our bargaining position and thus our profit margins. Furthermore, the loss of, or a relatively reduced relationship with, key customers due to industry consolidation and company failures could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, consolidation and company failures in our supplier base could reduce our purchasing alternatives and reduce the competition for our business resulting in higher cost of goods and less availability of components which would have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Customer demand is difficult to forecast accurately and, as a result, we may be unable to optimally match purchasing and production to customer demand, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In most cases we do not obtain long-term purchase orders or commitments from our customers but instead we work with our customers to develop non-binding estimates or forecasts of future requirements. Utilizing these non-binding estimates or forecasts, we make significant decisions based on our estimates of customer requirements including determining the levels of business that we will seek and accept, production scheduling, component purchasing and procurement commitments, inventory levels, personnel and production facility needs and other resource requirements. A variety of conditions, both specific to each individual customer and generally affecting each customer’s industry, may cause customers to cancel, reduce or delay orders that were either previously made or anticipated, and often with little or no notice to us. Generally, customers may cancel, reduce or delay purchase orders and commitments without penalty. The short-term and flexible nature of commitments by many of our customers, and the possibility of unexpected changes in demand for their products, reduces our ability to accurately estimate future customer requirements. On occasion, customers may require rapid increases in production, which can challenge our resources and can reduce profit margins. We may not have sufficient capacity at any given time to meet our customers’ demands. Downturns in the markets in which our customers compete can, and have, caused our customers to significantly reduce the amount of products ordered from us or to cancel or delay existing orders leading to lower utilization of our facilities. This in turn can cause us to have more inventory than we need and can result in inventory write-downs or write-offs. Additionally, as many of our costs and operating expenses are relatively fixed, reduction in customer demand would have an adverse effect on our operating income, results of operations and financial condition.

We may experience inventory write-downs or write-offs.

To the extent we manufacture products or make purchases in anticipation of future demand that does not materialize, or in the event a customer cancels or reduces outstanding orders, we could experience an unanticipated increase in our inventory. We have had in the past and expect we could again have in the future, inventory write-downs and/or write-offs due to obsolescence, excess quantities and declines in market value below our costs. In particular, if product obsolescence causes product demand to decrease or we fail to forecast demand accurately, we could be required to write-off inventory or record under-utilization charges, which would have a negative impact on our profit margins and our profitability. Any one or more of these occurrences could have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

In connection with delivering our supply chain services, we make significant inventory purchases based on customer forecasts and/or customer purchase orders. In most instances, forecasts are non-binding and purchase orders can be rescheduled at the customer’s option, often times without penalty. When actual consumption does not meet the customer’s forecast or the customer’s purchase orders, it will result in unanticipated and sometimes significant increases in our inventory. Additionally, some of our logistics transactions contemplate extended periods of inventory management. These programs generally obligate customers to eventually purchase certain aged logistics inventory with minimal right to price reductions, and typically provide for periodic carrying charges. We can provide no assurance, however, that the customers will comply with these obligations. If a customer of our supply chain services has significant delays in delivery of inventory, this could have a negative impact on our profitability. If a customer of our supply chain services fails to consume the inventory that we purchase for it, this could result in significant inventory write-downs or write-offs. Any one or more of these occurrences could have a significant negative impact on our cash flows, business, results of operations and financial condition. At the end of each of the last four fiscal quarters, logistics inventory (including inventory specifically requested by customers) ranged between 36% and 47% of our total inventory.

New product development requires significant investment. Our failure to develop new or enhanced products and introduce them in a timely manner would undermine our competitiveness.

The memory market is subject to rapid technological change, product obsolescence, frequent new product introductions and feature enhancements, changes in end-user requirements and evolving industry standards. Our

 

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ability to successfully compete and to continue to grow our business depends in significant part upon our ability to develop, introduce and sell new and enhanced products on a timely and cost-effective basis, and to anticipate and respond to changing customer requirements. We have experienced, and may experience in the future, delays and unanticipated expenses in the development and introduction of new products. A failure to develop products with required feature sets or performance standards, or a delay as short as a number of weeks in bringing a new product to market could significantly reduce our return on investment as well as our net sales, all of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Delays in the development, introduction and qualification of new products could provide a competitor a first-to-market advantage and allow a competitor to achieve greater market share. These delays could also result in customers having the right to cancel orders without penalty. Defects or errors found in our products after sampling or commencement of commercial shipments could result in delays in market acceptance of our products. Lack of market acceptance for our new products for any reason would jeopardize our ability to recoup substantial research and development expenditures, hurt our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Accordingly, we can provide no assurance that our future product development efforts will be successful or result in products that gain market acceptance.

We have invested in the past and expect in the future to invest in new technologies and emerging markets. If these new technologies and emerging markets fail to gain acceptance or grow, it would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In particular, we have made and expect to continue to make significant investments in embedded Flash-based products. There is significant competition in these markets and we can provide no assurance that we will develop and introduce products in a timely manner or that our new products will gain market acceptance, be price competitive or result in any significant increase in our net sales. If these investments fail to provide the expected returns, then such failure would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our OEM customers require that our products undergo a lengthy and expensive process of evaluation and qualification without any assurance of net sales.

Our products are often incorporated into our OEM customers’ systems at the design stage. As a result, we rely on OEMs to select our product designs, which we refer to as design wins, and then to qualify our products for production buys. We often incur significant expenditures in the development of a new product without any assurance that any OEM will select our product for design into its system. Additionally, in some instances, we are dependent on third parties to obtain or provide information that we need to achieve a design win. These third parties may not supply this information to us on a timely basis, if at all. Furthermore, even if an OEM designs one of our products into its system, we cannot be assured that they will qualify or use our product in production, that the OEM’s product will be commercially successful or that we will receive significant orders as a result of that design win or qualification. Generally, our OEM customers are not obligated to purchase our products even if we get a design win. If we are unable to achieve design wins or if our OEM customers’ systems incorporating our products are not commercially successful, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, because the qualification process is both product-specific and platform-specific, our existing customers sometimes require us to requalify our products, or to qualify our new products, for use in new platforms or applications. For example, as our OEM customers transition from second generation double-data-rate, or DDR2, DRAM architectures to third generation double-data-rate, or DDR3, or fourth generation double-data-rate, or DDR4, DRAM architectures, we must design and qualify new products for use by those customers. In the past, the process of design and qualification has taken several months to complete, during which time our net sales to those customers declined significantly. After our products are qualified, it can take several months before the customer begins production and we begin to generate net sales from such customer.

Likewise, when our suppliers discontinue production of components, it may be necessary for us to design and qualify new products for our customers. Such customers may require of us or we may decide to purchase an

 

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estimated quantity of discontinued memory components necessary to ensure a steady supply of existing products until products with new components can be qualified. Purchases of this nature may affect our liquidity. Additionally, our estimation of quantities required during the transition may be incorrect, which could adversely impact our results of operations through lost revenue opportunities or charges related to excess and obsolete inventory.

We must devote substantial resources, including design, engineering, sales, marketing and management efforts, to qualify our products with prospective customers in anticipation of sales. Significant delays in the qualification process could result in an inability to keep up with rapid technological change or new, competitive technologies. If we delay or do not succeed in qualifying a product with an existing or prospective customer, we will not be able to sell that product to that customer, which may result in us losing potential revenue and holding excess or obsolete inventory, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If our OEM customers decide to utilize a standardized memory solution instead of our specialty memory products, our net sales and market share may decline.

Many of our specialty memory products are specifically designed for our OEM customers’ systems. In an effort to reduce costs and assure supply of their memory module requirements, a number of our OEM customers design commodity Joint Electron Device Engineering Council-standard, or JEDEC-standard, DRAM modules into their products. Although we also manufacture JEDEC-standard modules, an increase in such efforts by our customers could reduce the demand for our higher priced specialized or customized memory solutions, which in turn would have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, when customers utilizing custom memory solutions choose to adopt a JEDEC-standard instead of a custom module, new competitors producing standardized memory modules may take a portion of our customers’ business previously purchased from us.

Our dependence on a small number of sole or limited source suppliers subjects us to certain risks, including the risk that we may be unable to obtain adequate supplies at reasonable prices and in a timely manner.

We are dependent upon a small number of sole or limited source suppliers for certain materials, including certain critical components, we use in manufacturing our products. We purchase almost all of our materials from our suppliers on a purchase order basis and generally do not have long-term commitments from suppliers. Our suppliers are not required to supply us with any minimum quantities and there is no assurance that our suppliers will supply the quantities of components we may need to meet our production goals. Our major suppliers include Samsung, Micron and SK Hynix. These suppliers also compete with us in the memory market. For example, while Samsung, Micron and SK Hynix all sell DRAM modules to us, and Samsung and Micron supply us with DRAM ICs, Flash ICs and finished products, they also compete with us by selling DRAM ICs and modules and Flash ICs and finished products to many of our customers, usually focusing on higher volume commodity products. Samsung is also a significant customer, as Samsung’s smartphone division purchases eMCPs from us, and its PC division purchases DRAM modules from us.

In Brazil, we purchase the wafers used in our memory products exclusively from a single global memory wafer supplier. The target volume and pricing of wafers are established annually, and our purchases are generally made monthly on a purchase order basis and are not cancelable. In the event that our wafer supply relationship or our purchase orders are terminated, or if our supplier’s production of silicon wafers is reduced or disrupted, we may be unable to obtain sufficient quantities of high-quality wafers at reasonable prices, and in a timely manner, to fulfill our Brazilian customers’ requirements. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will reach agreement with our wafer supplier on the pricing and quantities of wafers that they will supply and we will purchase.

The markets in which we operate have experienced, and may experience in the future, shortages in components, including DRAM and Flash ICs, which are essential components of our memory products. These shortages cause some suppliers to place their customers, including us, on component allocation. As a result, we

 

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may not be able to obtain the components that we need to fill customer orders. If any of our suppliers experience quality control or intellectual property infringement problems, we may not be able to fill customer orders. Furthermore, our products that utilize that supplier’s components may be disqualified by one or more of our customers and we may not be able to fill their orders. The inability to fill customer orders could cause delays, customer cancellations, disruptions or reductions in product shipments or require costly product redesigns and/or re-qualifications which could, in turn, damage relationships with current or prospective customers, increase costs and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A disruption in or termination of our supply relationship with any of our significant suppliers or our inability to develop relationships with new suppliers, if required, would cause delays, disruptions or reductions in product manufacturing and shipments or require product redesigns which could damage relationships with our customers, increase our costs or the prices we need to charge for our products and could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Unless we maintain manufacturing efficiency, we may not become or remain profitable and our future profitability could be materially adversely affected.

The memory industry is characterized by constant and rapid technological changes and product obsolescence. For example, new manufacturing process technologies using smaller feature sizes and offering better performance characteristics are generally introduced every one to two years. The introduction of new manufacturing process technologies allows us to increase the functionality of our products while at the same time optimizing performance parameters, decreasing power consumption and/or increasing storage capacity. In order to remain competitive, it is essential that we secure the capabilities to develop and qualify new manufacturing process technologies. If we are delayed in transitioning to new technologies, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

If the lifecycle of a product is shortened as a result of the introduction of a new technology, we may be forced to transition our manufacturing capabilities to a new configuration more quickly than originally planned. This can result in increased capital and other expenditures. This can also cause decreases in demand for the older technology products and our manufacturing or assembly and test capacity to be under-utilized. As a result, we may be required to record an impairment on our long-lived assets, including facilities and equipment, as well as intangible assets, which would increase our expenses. When new technologies are introduced, the capacity to manufacture the new products often cannot meet the demand and product shortages can arise. If our suppliers cannot support such demand, we may not be able to fill customer orders or participate in new markets as they emerge.

Our manufacturing efficiency can significantly affect our results of operations, and we cannot be sure that we will be able to maintain or increase our manufacturing efficiency to the same extent as our competitors. We continuously modify our manufacturing processes in an effort to improve yields and product performance and decrease costs. During periods when we are implementing new process technologies, manufacturing facilities may not be fully productive and may experience higher than acceptable defect rates. We may fail to achieve acceptable yields or may experience product delivery delays as a result of, among other things, capacity constraints, delays in the development of new process technologies, increased defect rates, changes in our process technologies, upgrades or expansion of existing facilities, impurities or other difficulties in the manufacturing process. Any of these occurrences could adversely impact our relationships with customers, cause harm to our reputation in the marketplace, cause customers to move future business to our competitors or cause us to make financial concessions to our customers. Improving our manufacturing efficiency in future periods is dependent on our ability to:

 

   

develop advanced process technologies and advanced products that utilize those technologies;

 

   

successfully transition to more advanced process technologies;

 

   

continue to reduce test times;

 

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ramp product and process technology improvements rapidly and effectively to commercial volumes across our facilities;

 

   

achieve acceptable levels of manufacturing output and yields, which may decrease as we implement more advanced technologies; and

 

   

maintain our quality controls and rely upon the quality and process controls of our suppliers.

Disruption of our operations at our manufacturing facilities would substantially harm our business.

A disruption at one of our manufacturing facilities could adversely impact our manufacturing operations and consequently our customer relations and our business. Such a disruption could result from, among other things, sustained process abnormalities, government intervention, waste disposal issues, power failures or other circumstances, or from ramp-up related challenges, such as obtaining sufficient raw materials, hiring of qualified factory personnel, installation and efficient operation of new equipment and management and coordination of our logistics networks within our global operations. We maintain insurance to protect against certain claims associated with business interruption; however, our insurance may not cover all or any part of a particular loss. Since a large percentage of our production is done in a small number of facilities, a disruption to operations, or a loss that is in excess of, or excluded from, our insurance coverage could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If our products are defective or are used in defective systems, we may be subject to warranty, product recalls or product liability claims.

If our products are defectively manufactured, contain defective components or are used in defective or malfunctioning systems, we could be subject to warranty and product liability claims and product recalls, safety alerts or advisory notices. While we have product liability insurance coverage, it may not be adequate to satisfy claims made against us. We also may be unable to obtain insurance in the future at satisfactory rates or in adequate amounts. Warranty and product liability claims or product recalls, regardless of their ultimate outcome, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and reputation, and on our ability to attract and retain customers. In addition, we may determine that it is in our best interest to accept product returns in circumstances where we are not contractually obligated to do so to maintain good relations with our customers. Accepting product returns may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Our indemnification obligations to our customers and suppliers for product defects, intellectual property infringement and other matters could require us to pay substantial damages.

A number of our product sales and product purchase agreements provide that we will defend, indemnify and hold harmless our customers and suppliers from damages and costs which may arise from various matters including, without limitation, product warranty claims or claims for injury or damage resulting from defects in, or usage of, our products or the products of our suppliers. In addition, we currently have in effect a number of agreements in which we agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless our customers and suppliers from damages and costs which may arise from the infringement or alleged infringement by our products of third-party patents, trademarks or other intellectual property rights. We periodically have to respond to claims and may have to litigate indemnification obligations in the future.

Indemnification obligations could require us to expend significant amounts of money to defend claims and/or to pay damages or settlement amounts. We maintain insurance to protect against certain claims associated with the use of our products; however, our insurance may not cover all or any part of a claim asserted against us. Our insurance does not cover intellectual property infringement in most instances. A claim brought against us that is in excess of, or excluded from, our insurance coverage could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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We may need to raise additional funds, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all.

We may need to raise additional funds, which we may seek to obtain through, among other things, public or private equity offerings and debt financings. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including, without limitation, our levels of net sales, our levels of inventory, the timing and extent of expenditures to support research and development activities, the expansion of manufacturing and test capacity and the continued market acceptance of our products. Additional funds may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all. If we issue equity or convertible debt securities to raise additional funds, our existing shareholders may experience dilution and the new equity or debt securities may have rights, preferences, and privileges senior to those of our then existing shareholders. If we incur additional debt, it may increase our leverage relative to our earnings or to our equity capitalization, as well as impose financial and operating covenants that could restrict the operations of our business. In addition, our existing indebtedness may limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future, as discussed in greater detail below under “—Risks Relating to our Debt—Our indebtedness could impair our financial condition and harm our ability to operate our business.”

During the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, we spent $7.4 million, $13.8 million and $31.7 million, respectively, on capital expenditures, which we used, among other things, to expand manufacturing and test capacity as well as research and development. We plan to continue to make capital expenditures in the future. If our expected returns on these investments are not achieved, it could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If adequate capital is not available when needed, we may be required to modify our business model and operations to reduce spending. This could cause us to be unable to execute our business plan, take advantage of future opportunities or respond to competitive pressures or customer requirements. It may also cause us to delay, scale back or eliminate some or all of our research and development programs, or to reduce or cease operations, which could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We may make acquisitions of companies and/or technologies which involve numerous risks. If we are not successful in integrating the technologies, operations and personnel of acquired businesses or fail to realize the anticipated benefits of an acquisition, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

As part of our business and growth strategy, we may acquire or make significant investments in businesses, products or technologies in an effort to complement our existing product offering, expand our market coverage, increase our engineering workforce or enhance our technological capabilities. Any acquisitions or investments would expose us to the risks commonly encountered in acquisitions of businesses or technologies. Such risks include, among others:

 

   

problems integrating the purchased operations, technologies, products or personnel;

 

   

unanticipated costs or expenses associated with an acquisition or investment, including write-offs of goodwill or other intangible assets;

 

   

negative effects on profitability resulting from an acquisition or investment;

 

   

adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers;

 

   

risks associated with entering markets in which we have little or no prior experience and markets with complex government regulations;

 

   

loss of key employees of the acquired business; and

 

   

litigation arising from an acquired company’s operations.

Problems encountered in connection with an acquisition could divert the attention of management, utilize scarce corporate resources and otherwise harm our business. If we make any future acquisitions, we could issue

 

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ordinary shares that would dilute our existing shareholders’ percentage ownership, incur substantial additional debt, expend cash and reduce our cash reserves or assume additional liabilities. Furthermore, acquisitions may require material charges and could result in adverse tax consequences, substantial depreciation, deferred compensation charges, liabilities under earn-out provisions, the amortization of amounts related to deferred compensation and identifiable purchased intangible assets or impairment of goodwill or other intangibles, any of which could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. We are unable to predict whether or when any prospective acquisition candidate will become available or the likelihood that any acquisition will be completed. We may expend significant resources and management time pursuing an acquisition that we are unable to consummate. Even if we do find suitable acquisition opportunities, we may not be able to consummate the acquisitions on commercially acceptable terms or at all, or may not realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions we do undertake. Our investments in private companies are subject to risk of loss of investment capital. These investments are inherently risky because the markets for the technologies or products they may have under development are typically in the early stages and may never materialize. We could lose our entire investment in these companies.

In connection with the sale of the Storage Business, we agreed to indemnify SanDisk against specified losses.

In August 2013, we completed the sale of substantially all of the Storage Business to SanDisk (now a part of Western Digital) for approximately $304 million in cash, subject to certain escrows and holdbacks. The sale agreement for the Storage Business, or the Sale Agreement, contained certain indemnification obligations that are typical for transactions of this nature, including, among others, for losses arising from breaches of our representations and warranties relating to the sale, as well as for taxes arising with respect to pre-closing tax periods. These indemnification obligations are subject to a number of limitations, including certain deductibles and caps and limited time periods for making indemnification claims. At the closing of the sale, $30.5 million of the purchase price was placed into a third party escrow to secure certain of our indemnification obligations. On August 21, 2014, SanDisk made a claim against us under the indemnification provisions of the Sale Agreement in connection with a lawsuit filed by Netlist, Inc., or Netlist, against SanDisk alleging that certain products of the Storage Business that we sold to SanDisk, infringe various Netlist patents, which SanDisk in turn alleges would, if true, constitute a breach of representations and warranties under the Sale Agreement. Under the Sale Agreement, our indemnification obligation in respect of intellectual property matters, including those claimed by SanDisk, is subject to a deductible of approximately $1.8 million and a cap of $60.9 million. The SanDisk claim included what purported to be an estimate of SanDisk’s alleged indemnifiable losses that is greater than the cap in the Sale Agreement for intellectual property matters.

On December 4, 2014, we entered into an agreement with SanDisk to release the entire balance of the third party escrow, and on December 5, 2014, we received $30.5 million that had previously been held in escrow. Following the release of the escrow, our board declared a $28.3 million cash distribution out of our share premium account which was paid in January 2015 to shareholders of record on January 1, 2015. The release of the escrow amount by SanDisk does not relieve us of our indemnification obligations to SanDisk, and SanDisk has not amended or reduced the amount of its indemnification claim.

We believe that the allegations giving rise to the indemnification claim are without merit and we intend to dispute SanDisk’s claim for indemnification. In addition, there may be other grounds for us to dispute the indemnification claim and/or the amounts of any indemnifiable losses of SanDisk. While we believe that the infringement claims are without merit, we can provide no assurance that SanDisk will be successful in defending the infringement claims or that we will otherwise be successful in disputing the indemnification claim and/or the amount of indemnifiable losses. In addition to the infringement claim described above, we continue to have an obligation to indemnify SanDisk for certain specified matters, including tax obligations for pre-closing tax periods, some of which indemnification obligations are capped at certain amounts and survive for periods of time set forth in the Sale Agreement. An indemnity claim brought against us by SanDisk, including the claim described above, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Our future success is dependent on our ability to retain key personnel, including our executive officers, and to attract qualified personnel. If we lose the services of these individuals or are unable to attract new talent, our business may be adversely affected.

Our future operating results depend in significant part upon the continued contributions of our key senior management and technical personnel, many of whom would be difficult to replace. We are particularly dependent on the continued service of Iain MacKenzie, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Jack Pacheco, our Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Our future operating results also depend in significant part upon our ability to attract, train and retain qualified management, manufacturing and quality assurance, engineering, design, finance, marketing, sales and support personnel. We are continually recruiting such personnel in various parts of the world. However, competition for such personnel can be strong and we can provide no assurance that we will be successful in attracting or retaining such personnel now or in the future. In addition, particularly in the high-technology industry, the value of stock options, restricted stock unit, or RSU, grants or other share-based compensation is an important element in the retention of employees. Declines in the value of our ordinary shares after our initial public offering could adversely affect our ability to retain employees and we may have to take additional steps to make the equity component of our compensation packages more attractive to attract and retain employees. These steps could result in dilution to shareholders.

In Brazil in particular, there is limited availability of labor with the technical skills required for our operations. As a result, we rely heavily on our ability to train personnel or relocate individuals from outside of the country. Relocation from a foreign country is expensive. To keep pace with our anticipated growth in Brazil, we anticipate the need to increase the number of our technical personnel. Additionally, to meet the obligations associated with certain tax incentives, we are required to invest in research and development activities which could require an increase in engineering and other technical personnel. To the extent that competitors enter or expand in the local market, our labor force could be targeted, which could result in the loss of personnel and/or the increase in wages to retain personnel.

The loss of any key employee, the failure of any key employee to adequately perform in his or her current position, our inability to attract, train and retain skilled employees as needed or the inability of our key employees to expand, train and manage our employee base as needed, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We rely, in part, on third-party sales representatives to assist in selling our products, and the failure of these representatives to perform as expected could reduce our future sales.

Sales of our products to some of our OEM customers are accomplished, in part, through the efforts of third-party sales representatives. We are unable to predict the extent to which these third-party sales representatives will be successful in marketing and selling our products. Moreover, many of these third-party sales representatives also market and sell competing products and may more aggressively pursue sales of our competitors’ products. Our third-party sales representatives may terminate their relationships with us at any time on short or no notice. Our future performance may also depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain additional third-party sales representatives that will be able to market and support our products effectively, especially in markets in which we have not previously sold our products. If we cannot retain our current third-party sales representatives or recruit additional or replacement third-party sales representatives or if these sales representatives are not effective, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, our operating results may be adversely affected.

Our success is dependent, in part, upon protecting our intellectual property rights. We rely on a combination of trade secrets, know-how, trademarks, copyright and, to a lesser extent, patents. We do not own or apply for patents in respect of the majority of our products. The absence of patent protection for most of our products means that we cannot prevent our competitors from reverse-engineering and duplicating our products.

 

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We believe that our continued success depends largely on the technical expertise we have developed in manufacturing and designing products, and we rely on confidential proprietary information, including trade secrets and know-how to develop and maintain our competitive position. Any disclosure to or misappropriation by third parties of our confidential proprietary information could enable competitors to quickly duplicate or surpass our technological achievements, thus eroding our competitive position in our market. We seek to protect our confidential proprietary information, in part, by confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements and invention assignment agreements with our employees, consultants, advisors, contractors and collaborators. These agreements are designed to protect our proprietary information, however, we cannot be certain that such agreements have been entered into with all relevant parties, and we cannot be certain that our trade secrets and other confidential proprietary information will not be disclosed or that competitors will not otherwise gain access to our trade secrets or independently develop substantially equivalent information and techniques. For example, any of these parties may breach the agreements and disclose our proprietary information, including our trade secrets, and we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches. We also seek to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of our confidential proprietary information by maintaining physical security of our premises and physical and electronic security of our information technology systems, but it is possible that these security measures could be breached. If any of our confidential proprietary information were to be lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor, we would have no right to prevent such competitor from using that technology or information to compete with us, which could harm our competitive position.

It is possible that our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights may not:

 

   

prevent our competitors from independently developing similar products, duplicating our products or from designing around the patents owned by us;

 

   

prevent third-party patents from having an adverse effect on our ability to do business;

 

   

prevent disputes with third parties regarding ownership of our intellectual property rights;

 

   

prevent the challenge, invalidation or circumvention of our existing patents;

 

   

result in issued patents or registered trademarks from any of our pending applications; or

 

   

result in patents that lead to commercially viable products or provide competitive advantages for our products.

If any of our issued patents are found to be invalid or if any of our patent applications are rejected, our ability to exclude competitors from making, using or selling the same or similar products as us could be compromised. In addition, because we conduct a substantial portion of our operations and sell a large percentage of our products outside the United States, we have exposure to intellectual property risks from operating in foreign countries, many of which have laws that may not adequately protect our intellectual property rights.

Activities in the area of intellectual property rights, including litigation and various patent processes can cause us to incur substantial expenses. We are currently involved in contested proceedings, which may result in decisions against us.

The markets in which we compete are characterized by frequent claims alleging misappropriation of trade secrets or infringement of patents, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property rights of others. From time to time, third parties may assert against us or our customers alleged infringement of such intellectual property rights on technologies that are important to our business. We can provide no assurance that third parties will not in the future pursue claims against us or our customers with respect to the alleged infringement of intellectual property rights. In addition, litigation or other legal and technical processes may be necessary to protect our intellectual property rights, to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to defend against third party claims of infringement and/or invalidity. Litigation and other legal and administrative processes, whether as plaintiff, defendant, or otherwise, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of

 

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operations and financial condition, whether or not such litigation or other processes are ultimately determined in our favor. In the event of an adverse result in, or a settlement of, a litigation matter, we could be required to pay substantial damages or settlement amounts; cease the manufacture, use, import and sale of certain products or components; expend significant resources to develop or acquire rights to use non-infringing technology; and/or discontinue the use of certain processes or obtain licenses and pay one-time fees and/or on-going royalties to use the infringing or allegedly infringing technology. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could result in unexpected expenses or require us to recognize an impairment of our assets, which would reduce the value of our assets and increase our expenses. Alternate technology development or license negotiations would likely result in significant expenses and divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel. We cannot assure that we would be successful in such development or negotiations. Moreover, there could be public announcements of the results of interim proceedings or developments. If securities analysts or investors perceive these announcements or results to be negative, it could have a substantial adverse effect on the price of our ordinary shares.

We are currently involved in patent litigation with Netlist. In our proceeding with Netlist, we filed a complaint against Netlist, alleging infringement of certain claims of one of our patents. Netlist filed certain counterclaims and has sought compensatory damages for the harm it claims to have suffered, as well as an award of treble damages and attorneys’ fees.

As we increase our sales, develop more technology and expand our product offerings, the possibility of being involved in more intellectual property contests grows. Increased intellectual property contests could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We may not have rights to manufacture and sell particular products that we currently offer, or we may be required to pay a royalty to sell certain products.

The memory and storage markets are constantly undergoing rapid technological change and evolving industry standards. From time to time, third parties may claim that we are infringing upon technology to which they have proprietary rights and that we require a license to manufacture and/or sell certain of our products. If we are unable to supply certain products at competitive prices due to royalty payments we are required to make or at all because we were unable to secure a required license, our customers might cancel orders or seek other suppliers to replace us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in, or interpretations of, tax regulations or rates, or changes in the geographic dispersion of our net sales, or changes in other tax benefits, may adversely affect our income, value-added and other taxes, which may in turn have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Our future effective tax rates could be unfavorably affected by the resolution of issues arising from tax audits with various tax authorities in the United States and abroad; adjustments to income taxes upon finalization of various tax returns; increases in expenses not deductible for tax purposes, including write-offs of acquired in-process research and development and impairments of goodwill in connection with acquisitions; changes in available tax credits; changes in tax laws or regulations or tax rates; changes in the interpretation or application of tax laws; changes in tax regulations or rates; increases or decreases in the amount of net sales or earnings in countries with particularly high or low statutory tax rates; changes in exemptions from taxes in certain jurisdictions or in connection with certain transactions; or by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. In addition, taxable income in any jurisdiction is dependent upon acceptance of our operational practices and intercompany transfer pricing by local tax authorities as being on an arm’s length basis. Due to inconsistencies in application of the arm’s length standard among taxing authorities, as well as lack of adequate treaty-based protection, transfer pricing challenges by tax authorities could, if successful, substantially increase our income tax expense. While we enjoy and expect to continue to enjoy beneficial tax treatment in certain foreign jurisdictions, most notably Brazil and Malaysia, we are subject to meeting specific conditions in order to

 

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receive the beneficial treatment. Additionally, many of the beneficial treatments must be renewed periodically, and our enjoyment thereof is conditioned upon compliance with several legal requirements and is subject to change. See “—Risks Relating to our International Operations—If the tax incentive or tax holiday arrangements from which we benefit in Brazil or Malaysia change or cease to be in effect or applicable in part or in whole, for any reason, or if our assumptions and interpretations regarding tax laws and incentive or holiday arrangements prove to be incorrect, the amount of corporate income, excise, import and contribution taxes we have to pay could increase significantly.”

We are subject to tax examination in the United States and in foreign jurisdictions, including in Brazil where we have had several audits and are currently being audited with respect to certain taxes. We regularly assess the likelihood of outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for taxes and have reserved for potential adjustments that may result from current examinations. We believe such estimates to be reasonable; however, there can be no assurance that the final determination of any examinations will be in the amounts of our estimates.

Any significant variance in the results of an examination as compared to our estimates, any failure to continue to receive any beneficial tax treatment in any of our foreign locations or any increase in our future effective tax rates due to any of the factors set forth above or otherwise could reduce net income and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If Brazilian administrative tax courts find that we have used an incorrect product code on our imports, then the amount of taxes, interest and penalties that we have to pay on past transactions could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

On February 23, 2012, Brazilian federal tax authorities served our Brazilian operating subsidiary, SMART Brazil, with a tax assessment for approximately R$117.0 million (or $37.4 million), alleging that SMART Brazil had incorrectly used an import product classification code for its imports of unmounted ICs for the five calendar years of 2007 through and including 2011. Brazilian federal tax authorities subsequently served a second assessment for an administrative penalty of approximately R$6.0 million (or $1.9 million) for the alleged use of an improper import code. Each assessment is subject to increases for interest and other charges.

In March 2012, SMART Brazil filed defenses to the tax assessments. On May 2, 2013, the first level administrative tax court ruled in favor of the tax authorities and against SMART Brazil for the first tax assessment, but did not rule on the second assessment for the administrative penalty. SMART Brazil filed an appeal on May 31, 2013 at the second level tax court, known as CARF. SMART Brazil’s appeal resulted in a unanimous favorable decision rejecting the position of the tax authorities. Subsequently, the tax authorities filed a request for clarification of certain points in the decision published by CARF, and on September 17, 2014, we received a unanimous ruling rejecting the tax authorities request for clarification. On November 7, 2014, the tax authorities notified CARF that they would not be appealing the CARF decision. As a result, the R$117.0 million (or $37.4 million) tax assessment has been extinguished. We have not received a decision from the first level administrative court with respect to the second notice of assessment for the administrative penalty.

Due to the issuance of these tax assessments, Brazilian federal tax authorities conducted an enrollment of assets of SMART Brazil. Brazilian legislation states that whenever the sum of the debts owed to the Brazilian Revenue Service exceeds 30% of the known equity of a company and R$2.0 million (or $0.6 million), the Brazilian Revenue Service may conduct an enrollment of assets of the company, which is a means of monitoring the company’s equity. During this period, the taxpayer must notify the Brazilian Revenue Service of any disposal, encumbrance or transfer of the assets or rights enrolled within five days from the occurrence of the act; if the company does not provide such notice, then the Brazilian Revenue Service may file a tax injunction. The enrollment does not constitute a lien or encumbrance on the assets. The assets covered by the enrollment are typically assets classified as fixed assets or non-current assets and include assets that are subject to any form of registration before a public deed service or equivalent, such as real estate and vehicles. Other assets may be

 

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subject to enrollment in the event that the assets described above are not sufficient to satisfy the amount of the tax liability. The enrollment does not create any limitation or prohibition against remitting dividends or making cash payments of interest on equity. As the first assessment for R$117.0 million (or $37.4 million) has been extinguished, SMART Brazil has petitioned to have the enrollment cancelled. While the tax authorities have substantially reduced the amount of the enrollment to R$13.9 million (or $4.4 million) as of January 31, 2017, there can be no assurance that the enrollment will be cancelled unless all of the assessments are extinguished.

On December 12, 2013, SMART Brazil received another notice of assessment in the amount of R$3.6 million (or $1.2 million) with respect to the same import-related tax issues and penalties as discussed above. This new assessment does not seek import duties and related taxes on DRAM products and only seeks import duties and related taxes on Flash unmounted components with respect to the months of January 2012 to June 2012. This is because SMART Brazil’s imports of DRAM unmounted components were subject to 0%, and after June 2012, SMART Brazil’s imports of Flash unmounted components became subject to 0%, import duties and related taxes as a result of PADIS. Even with this 0%, if SMART Brazil is found to have used the incorrect product classification code, SMART Brazil will be subject to an administrative penalty equal to 1% of the value of the imports. SMART Brazil has filed defenses to this assessment.

We can provide no assurance that SMART Brazil ultimately will prevail on the remaining tax assessments or the administrative penalties, and no amounts have been accrued in the financial statements for any such assessments or penalties. In addition, in the event that SMART Brazil does not prevail, the amount of the assessments and the penalties and interest could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards are limited.

As of August 26, 2016, we had U.S. federal and California state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $98.5 million and $57.9 million, respectively. The federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire, if not utilized, in fiscal 2023 through fiscal 2036, and the California net operating loss carryforwards will expire in fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2036, both in varying amounts, if not utilized. In addition, under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards to offset its post-change taxable income may be limited. In general, an “ownership change” will occur if there is a cumulative change in our ownership by certain “5-percent shareholders” that exceeds 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. Similar rules may apply under state tax laws. Our net operating loss carryforwards are subject to limitations per Section 382 of the Code. We have experienced ownership changes in the past, and we may experience ownership changes in the future as a result of this offering or future transactions in our ordinary shares, some changes of which may be outside our control. As a result, our ability to use our pre-change net operating loss carryforwards to offset post-change U.S. federal and state taxable income may be subject to additional limitations.

If our goodwill or intangible assets become impaired, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings.

Under U.S. GAAP, we review our long-lived intangible and tangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at least annually. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill or other intangible assets may not be recoverable include declines in our share price and market capitalization or future cash flow projections. We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in our financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill or other intangible assets is determined. Impairment charges could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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We are subject to a variety of federal, state, foreign and international laws and regulatory regimes. Failure to comply with governmental laws and regulations could subject us to, among other things, mandatory product recalls, penalties and investigation and legal expenses which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our business is subject to regulation by various U.S. federal and state governmental agencies. Such regulation includes, without limitation, the radio frequency emission regulatory activities of the Federal Communications Commission, the antitrust regulatory activities of the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, and the Department of Justice, the consumer protection laws of the FTC, the import/export regulatory activities of the Department of Commerce, the product safety regulatory activities of the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the regulatory activities of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the environmental regulatory activities of the Environmental Protection Agency, the labor regulatory activities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the export control regulatory activities of the Department of State, and tax and other regulations by a variety of regulatory authorities in each of the areas in which we conduct business. We are also subject to similar, and in some cases additional, regulation in other countries where we conduct business, including import and export laws and foreign currency control. In certain jurisdictions, such regulatory requirements may be more stringent and complex than in the United States. We are also subject to a variety of U.S. federal and state employment and labor laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the Worker Adjustment and Restructuring Notification Act, which requires employers to give affected employees at least 60 days’ notice of a plant closing or a mass layoff, and other regulations related to working conditions, wage-hour pay, overtime pay, employee benefits, antidiscrimination and termination of employment.

Like other companies operating or selling internationally, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, and other laws which generally prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials and political parties by U.S. companies and their intermediaries for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or otherwise obtaining favorable treatment. We are also subject to similar or even more restrictive anticorruption laws imposed by the governments of other countries where we do business, including the UK Bribery Act, the Malaysian Anticorruption Act and the Brazil Clean Company Act. We make sales and operate in countries known to experience corruption that are rated as high-risk nations. Our business activities in such countries create the risk of unauthorized conduct by one or more of our employees, consultants, customs brokers, freight forwarders, sales agents or distributors that could be in violation of various laws including the FCPA or similar local regulations. In addition, we may be held liable for actions taken by such parties even though such parties are not subject to the FCPA or similar laws. Any determination that we have violated the FCPA or similar laws may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our Brazilian operations are subject to periodic and regular investigations by labor officials and governmental bodies, including the Brazilian Ministry of Labor and the Brazilian Labor Public Prosecutor’s Office, with respect to our compliance with labor rules and regulations. These investigations could result in fines and proceedings that may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Noncompliance with applicable regulations or requirements could subject us to investigations, sanctions, mandatory product recalls, enforcement actions, disgorgement of profits, disbarment from government projects, fines, damages and civil and criminal penalties or injunctions that could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, from time to time we have received, and may receive in the future, correspondence from former employees and parties with whom we have done business with, threatening to bring claims against us alleging that we have violated one or more regulations related to customs, labor and employment, foreign currency control or other laws or regulations. An adverse outcome in any litigation or proceeding related to such matters could require us to pay damages, attorneys’ fees and/or other costs.

 

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If any governmental sanctions were to be imposed, or if we were not to prevail in any civil action or criminal proceeding, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. In addition, responding to any litigation or action would likely result in a significant diversion of management’s attention and resources and a significant increase in professional fees.

We could incur substantial costs or liabilities as a result of violations of environmental laws.

Our operations and properties are subject to a variety of U.S., foreign government and international environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, environmental licensing and registries, protection of flora and fauna, air emissions, use of water resources, wastewater discharges, management and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials and wastes, reverse logistics (take-back policy) and remediation of releases of hazardous materials. Our failure to comply with present and future requirements, or the management of known or identification of new or unknown contamination, could cause us to incur substantial costs, including cleanup costs, indemnifications, compensations, fines, suspension of activities and other penalties, investments to upgrade our facilities or change our processes or curtailment of operations. For example, the presence of lead in quantities not believed to be significant have been found in the ground under one of the multi-tenant buildings we lease in Brazil. While we did not cause the contamination, we may be held responsible if remediation is required, although we may be entitled to seek indemnification from responsible parties under Brazilian law and from our lessor under our lease. The identification of presently unidentified environmental conditions, more vigorous enforcement by regulatory agencies, enactment of more stringent laws and regulations or other unanticipated events may arise in the future and give rise to material environmental liabilities and related costs. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Worldwide political conditions and threats of terrorist attacks may adversely affect our operations and demand for our products.

Armed conflicts around the world could have an impact on our sales, our supply chain and our ability to deliver products to our customers. Political and economic instability in some regions of the world could also have a negative impact on our business. More generally, various events could cause consumer confidence and spending to decrease, or could result in increased economic or financial volatility, any of which could result in a decrease in demand for our products.

Additionally, the occurrence or threat of terrorist attacks may in the future adversely affect demand for our products. In addition, such attacks may negatively affect our operations directly or indirectly and such attacks or other armed conflicts may directly impact our physical facilities or those of our suppliers or customers. Such attacks may make travel and the transportation of our products more difficult and more expensive, ultimately having a negative effect on our business.

Any such occurrences could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our operations in different parts of the world could be subject to natural disasters, health epidemics and other business disruptions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation and financial condition.

Our operations in different parts of the world could be subject to natural disasters, including earthquakes, monsoons, cyclones and floods. For example, our United States headquarters in Newark, California is located near major earthquake fault lines. Our manufacturing facility in Penang, Malaysia is also prone to natural disasters, such as cyclones, monsoons and floods. In the event of a major earthquake, cyclone, monsoon or other natural or manmade disaster, we could experience business interruptions, destruction of facilities and/or loss of life, any of which could materially adversely affect our business.

 

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In addition, our business could be adversely affected by the outbreak of influenza A (H1N1), avian influenza, H7N9, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Zika, ebola or other pandemics. Any occurrence of these pandemic diseases or other adverse public health developments in Malaysia or elsewhere could severely disrupt our business or the business of our customers and suppliers, which could materially adversely affect our business.

Since a large percentage of our production is done in a small number of facilities, a disruption to operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Relating to our International Operations

Significant changes in the political or economic environments in Brazil or Malaysia could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We have extensive operations in Malaysia and significant operations and sales in Brazil. The governments of these countries frequently intervene in their respective economies and occasionally make significant changes in policies and regulations. The Brazilian government’s actions to control inflation and other policies and regulations have often involved, among other measures, increases in interest rates, changes in tax policies, price controls, currency devaluations, capital controls and limits on imports. Our business, results of operations and financial condition, as well as the market price of our securities, may be adversely affected by changes in these and in other countries, to policies or regulations involving or affecting general economic factors, such as:

 

   

interest rates;

 

   

exchange rates and currency controls and restrictions on the movement of capital out of country, such as those which were briefly imposed in 1989 and early 1990 in Brazil;

 

   

currency fluctuations;

 

   

import and export controls;

 

   

inflation;

 

   

liquidity of the domestic capital and lending markets;

 

   

reduction or cancellation of tax incentives to which we are currently entitled;

 

   

other changes to tax and regulatory policies; and

 

   

other political, social and economic developments.

A major corruption scandal involving Brazil’s largest energy company, Petrobras, began to unfold in 2014, and by 2015 contributed to a significant decrease in the value of the Brazilian real , which in turn led to a substantial downturn in the Brazilian economy and a substantial rise in unemployment, and ultimately resulted in the impeachment of the president of the country. We cannot predict what fiscal, monetary, social and other policies will be adopted by the new administration or whether the economic policies that were adopted by the prior administration will be maintained. Uncertainties and speculation about actions of the new administration may result in further adverse consequences to the Brazilian economy and to our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, market conditions in Brazil have been volatile during this time of significant change due to these uncertainties, which may influence investors’ perception of risk in Brazil.

If the tax incentive or tax holiday arrangements from which we benefit in Brazil or Malaysia change or cease to be in effect or applicable in part or in whole, for any reason, or if our assumptions and interpretations regarding tax laws and incentive or holiday arrangements prove to be incorrect, the amount of corporate income, excise, import and contribution taxes we have to pay could increase significantly.

We have structured our operations in a manner designed to maximize our benefit from various tax incentives and/or tax holidays extended to manufacturers in Brazil and Malaysia to encourage investment and

 

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employment. In Brazil, we participate in the following government investment incentive programs, among others:

 

   

Support Program for the Technological Development of the Semiconductor and Display Industries (PADIS), 2007, extended in 2016 . PADIS is designed to promote the development of the local semiconductor industry. In December 2010 and January 2011, the required agencies of the Brazilian government approved our application for beneficial tax treatment under the PADIS program for DRAM ICs and we began operations under the PADIS rules in February 2011. Subsequently, we received approvals for PADIS benefits for microSD cards and USB Flash drives in June 2012, mobile, or low power DRAM in March 2013, eMMC and Flash Fine-pitch Ball Grid Array, or Flash FBGA, in February 2014, eMCP in June 2014, DDR4 DRAM in July 2016, and for any other mounted components in May 2015. The PADIS benefits include: (i) relief from Brazil’s corporate income tax, resulting in a reduction in the Brazilian statutory income tax rate from 34% to 9% on taxable income from the semiconductor IC portion of our operations, (ii) relief from the PIS and COFINS Contributions, the IPI, and Brazil’s import tax, on both the import and domestic acquisition of fixed assets, inputs, software and sale of final products eligible for PADIS, and (iii) relief from Brazil’s tax on outbound royalties, or CIDE. To realize these benefits, our subsidiary, SMART Brazil, is required to invest a percentage of its gross annual semiconductor sales revenues (reduced by the following: the cost of raw materials covered within the scope of PADIS, applicable sales taxes, the value of products exported out of Brazil and the value of products shipped to the Manaus Free Trade Zone) in research and development activities conducted in Brazil each calendar year. The applicable percentage was 3% for 2015, increasing to 4% for 2016 through 2018, and increasing to 5% for 2019 and beyond. Furthermore, SMART Brazil is not permitted to distribute to shareholders (through dividends, capital reductions or otherwise) the amount of corporate income taxes not paid as a result of the PADIS benefits. Failure to comply with our obligations under the PADIS would result in our being charged the amount of the relieved taxes, plus interest equal to the Central Bank of Brazil’s overnight rate, or the SELIC rate, plus a 75% penalty and could also result in the suspension of our participation in PADIS and ultimate termination of PADIS should SMART Brazil fail to repair the infraction within 90 days or should SMART Brazil have PADIS suspended twice in the period of two years. If SMART Brazil’s participation in PADIS were terminated, it would be permitted to reapply for the program only after a two-year period.

 

   

Lei da Informática—Processo Produtivo Básico (PPB/IT Program), 1991 . Brazil’s PPB/IT Program, in which we also began to participate in February 2011, is intended to promote local content by allowing qualified PPB/IT Program companies to sell certain IT products with a reduced rate of IPI as compared to the rate that is required to be collected by non-qualified suppliers. The PPB/IT Program provides an incentive for certain customers to purchase from us because our sales will not be subject to the regular level of IPI. In order to receive the intended treatment as a PPB/IT Program supplier, our subsidiary SMART do Brazil is required to invest in research and development activities conducted in Brazil in an amount equal to 3% of its gross annual sales revenues reduced by the following: the cost of raw materials qualified as products eligible for the PPB/IT Program, including the ICs that are purchased from our other Brazilian subsidiary, SMART Brazil, and that are used to make memory modules; applicable sales taxes; the value of products exported out of Brazil; and the value of products shipped to the Manaus Free Trade Zone. Failure to comply with our obligations under the PPB/IT Program would result in our being charged the amount of the relieved taxes, plus interest equal to the SELIC rate, plus a 75% penalty and could also result in the suspension of our participation in the PPB/IT Program and ultimate termination should SMART do Brazil fail to cure the infraction within 180 days.

Compliance with these programs is measured annually, based on the calendar year. In 2015 and prior years, we believe that our subsidiaries fulfilled these research and development investment requirements and have received government confirmation of compliance through and including calendar 2014. The authorities have not completed their review for 2015. We fulfilled our requirements for calendar year 2016 by the deadline of March 31, 2017. We cannot guarantee, however, that we will be able to make the required investments in the

 

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future or that the Brazilian tax authorities will agree with our classification of certain expenses as constituting research and development, in which case we may lose the anticipated benefits of these programs and could be penalized for failing to pay required statutory income taxes or to collect the required IPI upon our sales. In addition, there is a risk that modifications to tax laws may prohibit, interrupt, limit, terminate early or change the use of these existing tax incentives.

In 2013, the EU, later joined by Japan, requested the establishment of a panel within the WTO to determine whether certain measures enacted by the Brazilian government concerning tax incentives and local content requirements for the automotive sector and several other industries including the IT industry and including PADIS, the PPB/IT Program and Lei do Bem, are inconsistent with WTO rules. The panel was formed, hearings were held and in December 2016, the WTO circulated its report to the parties. This report is subject to feedback from the parties and has not been released to the public. While we cannot predict the outcome of the WTO’s decision, a negative ruling could result in significant adverse changes to the local content rules and incentives available to us and our customers in Brazil.

Any suspension, early termination or other adverse change in the local content requirements in Brazil, or our failure to comply with the requirements of the various regulations, could significantly reduce the demand for, and the profit margins on, our products in Brazil, and would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, we have obtained tax incentives from Malaysia, which provide that certain classes of income we earn in Malaysia are subject to tax holidays. Each tax incentive is separate and distinct from the others and may be granted, withheld, extended, modified, truncated, complied with or terminated independently without any effect on the other incentives. To retain these tax benefits in Malaysia, we must continue to meet certain operating conditions specific to each incentive relating to, among other things, investments in fixed assets, research and development expenditures, minimum operating expenditures, required ratio of staff with degrees in science and technology, local purchasing programs, minimum numbers of patents with local involvement and registration and segregated accounting for the covered products or businesses. The Malaysian tax incentives are presently scheduled to expire at various dates in calendar 2018. If we cannot or elect not to comply with the operating conditions included in any particular tax incentive, we will lose the related tax benefits. In such event, we could be required to refund material tax benefits previously realized by us with respect to that incentive and, depending on the incentive at issue, could likely be required to modify our operational structure and tax strategy. Any such modified structure or strategy may not be as beneficial to us from an income tax expense or operational perspective as the benefits provided under the present tax incentive arrangements.

Our interpretations and conclusions regarding the tax incentives are not binding on any taxing authority. If our assumptions about tax and other laws are incorrect, if these tax incentives are substantially modified or rescinded or if we fail to meet the conditions of any of the tax incentives, we could suffer material adverse tax and other financial consequences including owing significant amounts of taxes and penalties that would increase our expenses, reduce our profitability and adversely affect our cash flows, results of operations and financial condition.

Our business is subject to the risks generally associated with international business operations.

Sales outside of the United States accounted for 79%, 80% and 81% of our net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. In addition, a significant portion of our product design and manufacturing is performed at our facilities in Brazil and Malaysia. As a result, our business is and will continue to be subject to the risks generally associated with international business operations in Brazil, Malaysia and other foreign countries, including:

 

   

changes in tax and other laws and regulations, including recent proposals to impose a tax on goods imported into the United States;

 

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changes in social, political and economic conditions;

 

   

transportation delays;

 

   

power and other utility shutdowns or shortages;

 

   

limitations on foreign investment;

 

   

restrictions on currency convertibility and volatility of foreign exchange markets;

 

   

import-export quotas;

 

   

increased trade regulations or trade wars;

 

   

corruption or adverse political situations in Brazil or other markets;

 

   

changes in local labor conditions;

 

   

difficulties resulting from different employment regulations;

 

   

difficulties in obtaining governmental approvals;

 

   

expropriation and nationalization of our assets in a particular jurisdiction; and

 

   

restrictions on repatriation of cash, dividends or profits.

Some of the foreign countries in which we do business or have operations have been subject to social and political instability in the past, and interruptions in operations could occur in the future. Our net sales, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected by any of the foregoing factors.

Our global operations expose us to numerous and sometimes conflicting legal and regulatory requirements, and violation of these regulations could harm our business.

We are subject to numerous, and sometimes conflicting, legal regimes on matters as diverse as anticorruption, import/export controls, content requirements, trade restrictions, tariffs, taxation, sanctions, immigration, internal and disclosure control obligations, securities regulation, anti-competition, data privacy and labor relations. This includes in emerging markets where legal systems may be less developed or familiar to us. Compliance with diverse legal requirements is costly, time consuming and requires significant resources. Violations of one or more of these regulations in the conduct of our business could result in significant fines, criminal sanctions against us or our officers, prohibitions on doing business and damage to our reputation. Violations of these regulations in connection with the performance of our obligations to our customers or suppliers also could result in liability for significant monetary damages, fines and/or criminal prosecution, unfavorable publicity and other reputational damage, restrictions on our ability to process information and allegations by our customers or suppliers that we have not performed our contractual obligations. Due to the varying degrees of development of the legal systems of the countries in which we operate or sell, local laws might be insufficient to protect our rights.

Our operations in foreign countries are more difficult to manage, which may expose us to additional risks that may not exist in the United States, which in turn could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A significant portion of our operations is outside of the United States. Additionally, international sales account for a significant portion of our overall sales. In some of the countries in which we operate or sell our products, it is difficult to recruit, employ and retain qualified personnel to manage and oversee our local operations, sales and other activities. The effects of instabilities in the labor market, including strikes, work stoppages, protests and changes in employment regulations, increases in wages and the conditions of collective bargaining agreements could directly affect the development of our activities and those of our customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our results. Further, given our executive officers’ lack of physical

 

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proximity to our foreign country activities and the inherent limitations of cross-border information flow, our executive officers may at times face extra challenges in their ability to effectively oversee the day-to-day management of our international operations. The challenges facing management to effectively recruit, employ and retain qualified personnel and to otherwise effectively manage our international operations could result in compliance, control or other issues that could have a material negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If we were to lose the tax-related benefits of being a Cayman Islands company, our business could be adversely affected.

We are a Cayman Islands company and operate through subsidiaries in a number of countries throughout the world. As a result, income generated in certain non-U.S. subsidiaries is not subject to taxation in the United States. We are subject to changes in tax laws, treaties and regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof in the United States, the Cayman Islands and jurisdictions in which we or any of our subsidiaries operate or are resident. In the past, legislative proposals have been introduced in the United States that, if enacted into law, could result in us being considered a U.S. company for tax purposes. This could have the effect of subjecting a larger portion of our worldwide income to U.S. taxation. While no such laws have been enacted to date, there can be no assurance that they will not be enacted in the future.

Unfavorable currency exchange rate fluctuations could cause currency exchange losses, result in our products becoming relatively more expensive to our overseas customers and increase our manufacturing costs, each of which could adversely affect our business and our profitability.

Our international sales and our operations in foreign countries expose us to certain risks associated with fluctuating currency values and exchange rates. Because some of our sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, increases in the value of the U.S. dollar could increase the price of our products so that they become relatively more expensive to customers in a particular country, possibly leading to a reduction in sales and profitability in that country. Some of the sales of our products, including sales in Brazil, are denominated in foreign currencies. Gains and losses on the conversion to U.S. dollars of such revenues and of other associated monetary assets and liabilities, as well as profits and losses incurred in certain countries, may contribute to fluctuations in the value of our assets and our results of operations. We also have costs and expenses that are denominated in foreign currencies, and decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar could result in increases in such costs that could have a significant negative impact on our results of operations. In addition, fluctuating values between the U.S. dollar and other currencies can result in currency gains which are used in the computation of foreign taxes and can increase foreign taxable income. We do not presently purchase financial instruments to hedge foreign exchange risk, but we may do so in the future.

We are a holding company. If enacted, exchange controls may limit our ability to receive dividends and other distributions from our foreign subsidiaries.

We conduct all of our operations through subsidiaries and are dependent on dividends or other intercompany transfers of funds from our subsidiaries to meet our obligations and pay intercompany dividends. If enacted, restrictions on intercompany dividends or other distributions in certain jurisdictions could have a material adverse effect on our ability to transfer funds from certain subsidiaries. Additionally, Brazilian law permits the Brazilian government to impose temporary restrictions on conversions of Brazilian currency into foreign currencies and on remittances to foreign investors of proceeds from their investments in Brazil whenever there is a serious imbalance in Brazil’s balance of payments or there are reasons to expect a pending serious imbalance. Aside from the remittance restrictions imposed for approximately six months in 1989 and early 1990, the Brazilian government last imposed remittance restrictions more than 25 years ago. The Brazilian government may take similar measures in the future. Any imposition of restrictions on conversions and remittances could hinder or prevent us from converting Brazilian reais into U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies and remitting abroad dividends, distributions or the proceeds from operations in Brazil.

 

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Inflation and certain measures by the Brazilian government to curb inflation have historically adversely affected the Brazilian economy and Brazilian securities market, and high levels of inflation in the future would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In the past, Brazil has experienced extremely high rates of inflation. Inflation and some of the measures taken by the Brazilian government in an attempt to curb inflation have had significant negative effects on the Brazilian economy generally. Inflation, policies adopted to curb inflationary pressures and uncertainties regarding possible future governmental intervention have contributed to economic uncertainty and heightened volatility in the Brazilian securities market.

Since the introduction of the real in 1994, Brazil’s inflation rate has been substantially lower than in previous periods. According to the Extended National Consumer Price Index (Índice Nacional de Preços ao Consumidor Amplo), Brazilian inflation rates were 6.3%, 10.7%, 6.4%, 5.9%, 5.8% and 6.5% in 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. However, the Brazilian government’s measures to control inflation have often included maintaining a tight monetary policy with high interest rates, thereby restricting the availability of credit and reducing economic growth. The Central Bank of Brazil has frequently adjusted the interest rate in situations of economic uncertainty and to achieve objectives under the economic policy of the Brazilian government. Inflation, along with government measures to curb inflation and public speculation about possible future government measures, have had significant negative effects on the Brazilian economy and contributed to economic uncertainty in Brazil and heightened volatility in the Brazilian securities market, which may have an adverse effect on us.

If Brazil experiences substantial inflation or deflation in the future, we and our ability to comply with our obligations may be adversely affected. In addition, we may not be able to adjust the prices we charge our customers to offset the impact of inflation on our expenses, leading to an increase in our expenses and a reduction in our net operating margin. This could have a material negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Developments and the perception of risk in other countries, such as the 2008-2009 developments in the global financial markets, and particularly in emerging market countries, may adversely affect the perceived value of companies with substantial operations in Brazil, causing the market price of our ordinary shares to decline.

The market value of securities of companies with substantial operations in Brazil is affected to varying degrees by political, economic and market conditions in other countries, including other Latin American and emerging market countries. Developments or economic conditions in other emerging market countries have at times significantly affected the availability of credit to the Brazilian economy and resulted in considerable outflows of funds from Brazil and decreases in the amount of foreign investments in Brazil. Although economic conditions in these countries may differ significantly from economic conditions in Brazil, investors’ reactions to developments in these other countries, such as the 2008-2009 developments in the global financial markets, may have an adverse effect on the market value of Brazilian companies or companies with significant operations in Brazil. Since a significant portion of our total assets is located in Brazil, a decrease of the perceived value of companies with substantial operations in Brazil could adversely impact the market price of our ordinary shares.

Risks Relating to our Debt

Our indebtedness could impair our financial condition and harm our ability to operate our business.

Certain of our subsidiaries have incurred indebtedness under a senior secured term loan and revolving credit facility, which we refer to, together with all related loan documents and as amended and restated in November 2016, as the Senior Secured Credit Agreement. The obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement are jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior basis by certain of our subsidiaries and secured by a pledge of the capital stock of, or equity interests in, most of our subsidiaries and by substantially all of our assets and those of our subsidiaries.

 

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Our Brazilian operating subsidiary, SMART Brazil, has incurred additional indebtedness under a credit facility with the Brazilian Development Bank, or BNDES, which we refer to, together with all related loan documents and as amended from time to time, as the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement. Under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement, credit in the amount of R$50.6 million (or $16.2 million) was made available to SMART Brazil for investments in infrastructure, research and development in Brazil and acquisitions of equipment not otherwise available in the Brazilian domestic market. Our obligations under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Banco Itaú BBA S.A., or Itaú Bank, which guarantee is in turn secured by a guarantee from SMART Brazil and SMART do Brazil and a commitment by SMART Brazil to maintain minimum cash balances with Itaú Bank equal to 11.85% of the maximum aggregate balance of principal, interest and fees outstanding under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement, or R$6.0 million (or $1.9 million) of required cash balances.

In December 2014, SMART Brazil entered into a second credit facility with BNDES, which we refer to, together with all related loan documents and as amended from time to time, as the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement. The BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement and the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement are collectively referred to as the BNDES Agreements. Under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement, a total of R$52.8 million (or $16.9 million) was made available to SMART Brazil for research and development conducted in Brazil related to IC packaging and for acquisitions of equipment not otherwise available in the Brazilian domestic market. SMART Brazil’s obligations under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement are also guaranteed by Itaú Bank, which guarantee is in turn secured by a guarantee from SMART Brazil and SMART do Brazil and a commitment by SMART Brazil to maintain minimum cash balances with Itaú Bank equal to 30.31% of the maximum aggregate balance of principal, interest and fees outstanding under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement, or approximately R$16.0 million (or $5.1 million) of required cash balances.

As of February 24, 2017, the outstanding principal balance under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement and the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement, respectively, was $216.0 million, R$31.9 million (or $10.2 million) and R$46.2 million (or $14.8 million). We have a right to draw an additional $50.0 million under the revolving loan provisions of the Senior Secured Credit Agreement.

Our indebtedness may have important consequences, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

   

increasing our vulnerability to general economic downturns and adverse industry conditions;

 

   

requiring us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flows from operations to the payment of interest and principal on our debt, which would reduce the funds available to us for our working capital, capital expenditures or other general corporate requirements;

 

   

limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry;

 

   

placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with less indebtedness or more liquidity; and

 

   

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes.

All of our debt under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and approximately half of the debt under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement bears interest at variable rates. If the rates were to increase significantly, our ability to borrow additional funds may be reduced and the risks related to our indebtedness would be exacerbated.

Our Senior Secured Credit Agreement contains restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business.

Our Senior Secured Credit Agreement contains restrictive covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified transactions and prohibit us from voluntarily prepaying certain of our other indebtedness. These covenants limit our ability to, among other things:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness;

 

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pay dividends on, or repurchase or make distributions in respect of, our capital stock or make other restricted payments;

 

   

make certain investments, including limitations on capital expenditures and acquisitions;

 

   

sell or transfer assets;

 

   

enter into or effect sale leaseback transactions;

 

   

enter into swap agreements;

 

   

prepay, repurchase, redeem, otherwise defease or amend the terms of any subordinated indebtedness;

 

   

change fiscal periods;

 

   

create liens;

 

   

enter into contractual obligations that restrict our ability to grant liens on assets or capital stock;

 

   

change the character of our business;

 

   

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and

 

   

enter into certain transactions with affiliates.

Under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, under certain circumstances we also are required to satisfy and maintain specified financial ratios. Our ability to meet those financial ratios could be affected by events beyond our control, and there can be no assurance that we will meet those ratios.

The failure to comply with any of these covenants would cause a default under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement. A default, if not waived, could result in acceleration of the outstanding indebtedness under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, in which case such indebtedness would become immediately due and payable. If any default occurs, we may not be able to pay our debt or borrow sufficient funds to refinance it. Even if new financing is available, it may not be available on terms that are acceptable to us. Complying with these covenants may cause us to take actions that we otherwise would not take or not take actions that we otherwise would take.

Our ability to generate cash to service our debt depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on the financial condition and operating performance of our business. This, to a certain extent, is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flows from operations, and future borrowings may not be available to us under our Senior Secured Credit Agreement or the BNDES Agreements in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our debt or to fund our other liquidity needs. If we are unable to meet our debt obligations or fund our other liquidity needs, we may need to restructure or refinance all or a portion of our debt or sell certain of our assets on or before the maturity of our debt. We may not be able to restructure or refinance any of our debt on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, which could cause us to default on our debt obligations and impair our liquidity. Any refinancing of our indebtedness could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants that could further restrict our business operations.

In addition, if our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets or seek additional capital. These alternative measures may not be available to us, may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations, which could result in substantial liquidity problems. Our Senior Secured Credit Agreement restricts our ability to dispose of our assets and use the proceeds from the disposition. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds which we could realize from them, and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. Any of these circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Disruption in the financial markets may adversely impact the availability and cost of credit and cause other disruptions and additional costs at a time when we may need capital to refinance our debt or to fund growth.

Refinancing our existing debt or securing new debt or equity financing may be difficult, expensive, dilutive or impossible. As in the past, future instability in the financial markets may have an adverse effect on the U.S. and/or world economy which could adversely impact our business. If we are not able to obtain the capital required to refinance our existing debt or to fund future growth or if we are required to incur significant expenses and/or dilution to do so, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and may require us to undertake alternative plans, such as selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or downsizing our business.

Risks Relating to Investments in Cayman Islands Companies

We are a Cayman Islands company and, because the rights of shareholders under Cayman Islands law differ from those under U.S. law, shareholders may have difficulty protecting their shareholder rights.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Cayman Islands Companies Law (2013 Revision), or the Companies Law, and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, which has persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less exhaustive body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and some states, such as Delaware, have more fulsome and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law. See “Description of Share Capital—Comparison of Cayman Islands Corporate Law.”

It may be difficult to enforce a judgment of U.S. courts for civil liabilities under U.S. federal securities laws against us in the Cayman Islands.

We are a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands courts are unlikely:

 

   

to recognize or enforce against us judgments of courts of the United States based on certain civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws; or

 

   

to impose liabilities against us, in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, based on certain civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws that are penal in nature.

Although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognize and enforce a foreign money judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits based on the principle that a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been given provided certain conditions are met. For a foreign judgment to be enforced in the Cayman Islands, such judgment must be final and conclusive and for a liquidated sum, and must not be in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty, inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same matter, impeachable on the grounds of fraud or obtained in a manner, and/or be of a kind the enforcement of which is, contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands (awards of punitive or multiple damages may well be held to be contrary to public policy). A Cayman Islands Court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.

 

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As a result of all of the above, public shareholders may have more difficulty protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a U.S. company. See “Enforcement of Judgments.”

Risks Relating to Our Ordinary Shares and the Offering

Control by our principal shareholders could adversely affect our other shareholders.

Prior to the completion of this offering, a substantial portion of our outstanding ordinary shares will be owned by investment funds affiliated with Silver Lake. Immediately following the completion of this offering, Silver Lake will own        % of our outstanding ordinary shares, or        % if the underwriters exercise their overallotment option to purchase additional shares in full. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Sponsor Shareholder Agreement we will enter into in connection with this offering, Silver Lake will have the right to nominate members of our board of directors as described in “Management—Board of Directors.” The Sponsor Shareholder Agreement will further provide that, for so long as Silver Lake collectively owns ordinary shares in an amount equal to or greater than 25% of our ordinary shares outstanding immediately following this offering, in addition to the approval of our board of directors, the approval of Silver Lake will be required for certain corporate actions such as change in control transactions, acquisitions with a value in excess of $5 million and any material change in the nature of the business conducted by us or our subsidiaries. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Sponsor Shareholder Agreement.” As a result, based on Silver Lake’s ownership of our ordinary shares and the rights in the Sponsor Shareholder Agreement, Silver Lake will have the ability to elect the members of our board of directors, and thereby to control our management and affairs. Silver Lake will have a continuing ability to control our board of directors and will continue to have significant influence over our affairs for the foreseeable future. This concentrated control will limit the ability of other shareholders to influence corporate matters and, as a result, we may take actions that our other shareholders do not view as beneficial. For example, this concentration of control could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control or otherwise discouraging a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of us, which in turn could cause the market price of our ordinary shares to decline or prevent our shareholders from realizing a premium over the market price for their ordinary shares. Furthermore, Silver Lake may have interests that are different from, or opposed to, the interests of the public shareholders.

The price of our ordinary shares may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations.

The initial public offering price for our ordinary shares will be determined by negotiations between us and the underwriters and may not be indicative of prices that will prevail in the open market following this offering. The market price of the securities of technology companies can be especially volatile. Broad market and industry factors may adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares regardless of our actual operating performance. The market price of our ordinary shares could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to the risk factors listed in this section and others beyond our control, including, among other things:

 

   

actual or anticipated variations in our operating results;

 

   

overall conditions in our industry;

 

   

events affecting Brazil or the market for our products there;

 

   

addition or loss of a major customer or of significant business at a major customer;

 

   

changes in laws or regulations applicable to our products or our operations;

 

   

actual or anticipated changes in our growth rate relative to our competitors;

 

   

announcements of technological innovations by us or other companies operating in our industry;

 

   

announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, divestitures, restructuring initiatives or other events that affect us or companies in our industry;

 

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additions or departures of key personnel;

 

   

competition from existing products or new products that may emerge;

 

   

the failure of financial analysts to cover our company after this offering;

 

   

changes in financial estimates by financial analysts, any failure by us to meet or exceed any of these estimates or changes in the recommendations of any financial analysts that elect to follow our company or our competitors;

 

   

changes in the market valuations of other companies operating in our industry;

 

   

developments in existing litigation or disputes or the filing of new litigation or claims against us;

 

   

disputes or other developments related to proprietary rights, including patents, litigation matters and our ability to obtain intellectual property protection for our technologies;

 

   

announcement of, or expectation of, additional financing efforts;

 

   

future sales of our ordinary shares;

 

   

share price and volume fluctuations attributable to inconsistent trading volume levels of our ordinary shares;

 

   

the expiration of contractual lock-up agreements with us and our executive officers, directors and shareholders; and

 

   

general economic and market conditions.

In addition, the stock market in general has experienced substantial price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies affected. These broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our ordinary shares, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of certain companies’ securities, securities class action litigation has been instituted against these companies. This litigation, if instituted against us, could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

There is no existing market for our ordinary shares, and we do not know whether one will develop to provide you with adequate liquidity.

Prior to this offering, there has not been a public market for our ordinary shares. If an active trading market does not develop, you may have difficulty selling any of our ordinary shares that you buy. We cannot predict the extent to which investor interest in our company will lead to the development of an active trading market on NASDAQ or otherwise, or how liquid that market might become. Consequently, you may not be able to sell our ordinary shares when desired at prices equal to or greater than the price paid by you in this offering or in the secondary market, or at all.

If financial analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or publish negative reports about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our ordinary shares will depend in part on the research and reports that financial analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our shares or change their opinion of our shares, our share price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our share price or trading volume to decline.

 

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If our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies are based on assumptions that change or prove to be incorrect, our results of operations could fall below expectations of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in the market price of our ordinary shares.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, as described in the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets, liabilities, equity, revenue and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Significant assumptions and estimates used in preparing our consolidated financial statements include those related to revenue recognition, accounts receivable, inventory valuation, income taxes, impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed, share-based compensation and fair value of ordinary shares. If our assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions, our results of operations may be adversely affected and may fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in the market price of our ordinary shares.

Future sales of our ordinary shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could cause our share price to fall.

Sales of substantial amounts of our ordinary shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could cause the market price of our ordinary shares to decline. This could also impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our equity securities. Under our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, we are authorized to issue up to                  ordinary shares, of which                  ordinary shares will be outstanding following this offering. We, our directors and executive officers and holders of substantially all of our outstanding equity securities have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, sell, or dispose of any ordinary shares or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any ordinary shares during the 180-day period following the date of this prospectus. The underwriters may, in their sole discretion, release all or some portion of the ordinary shares subject to lock-up agreements prior to expiration of the lock-up period. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale.”

Following the expiration of the lock-up period, certain of our existing shareholders have the right to demand that we file a registration statement covering the offer and sale of their securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and to require us to include their securities on a registration statement filed by us after this offering. If we file a registration statement for the purpose of selling additional ordinary shares to raise capital and are required to include ordinary shares held by these shareholders pursuant to the exercise of their registration rights, our ability to raise capital may be impaired. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement.” In addition, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register the shares available for issuance under our SGH Plan. Once we register these ordinary shares and after the expiration of the 180-day lock up period, they can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance and once vested, subject to any restrictions on such shares pursuant to the terms of award agreements or contractual arrangements the holders may have with us or Silver Lake.

We cannot predict the size of future sales or issuances of our ordinary shares or the effect, if any, that such future sales and issuances would have on the market price of our ordinary shares.

The requirements of being a public company will increase our costs and may disrupt the regular operations of our business.

Since August 2011, we have operated as a privately owned company. As a public company, we expect to incur significant additional legal, accounting, reporting and other expenses.

We also anticipate that we will incur costs associated with corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as rules implemented by the U.S. Securities and Exchange

 

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Commission, or the SEC, and NASDAQ. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and make some management and corporate governance activities more time consuming and costly, particularly after we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” These rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. This could have an adverse impact on our ability to recruit and bring on qualified directors.

The additional demands associated with being a public company may disrupt regular operations of our business by diverting the attention of some of our senior management team away from revenue producing activities to management and administrative oversight, adversely affecting our ability to attract and complete business opportunities and increasing the difficulty in both retaining professionals and managing and growing our businesses. Any of these effects could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

For as long as we are an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years. See “Summary—Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company.” Even if our management concludes that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may still issue a report that is qualified if it is not satisfied with our controls or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or if it interprets the relevant requirements differently from us. In addition, in connection with the implementation of the necessary procedures and practices related to internal control over financial reporting, we may identify deficiencies that we may not be able to remediate in time to meet the deadline imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for compliance with the requirements of Section 404. Failure to comply with Section 404 could subject us to regulatory scrutiny and sanctions, impair our ability to raise revenue, cause investors to lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and negatively affect the price of our ordinary shares.

As a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ corporate governance rules, we are permitted to, and we will, rely on exemptions from certain NASDAQ corporate governance standards, including the requirement that a majority of our board of directors consist of independent directors. Our reliance on such exemptions may afford less protection to holders of our ordinary shares.

The NASDAQ corporate governance rules require listed companies to have, among other things, a majority of independent board members and independent director oversight of executive compensation, nomination of directors and corporate governance matters. However, we intend to rely on the “controlled company” exemption under the NASDAQ corporate governance rules. A “controlled company” under the NASDAQ corporate governance rules is a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, group or another company. Following this offering, Silver Lake will control a majority of the voting power of our outstanding ordinary shares, making us a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ corporate governance rules. As a controlled company, we would be eligible to, and we intend to, elect not to comply with certain of the NASDAQ corporate governance standards, including the requirement that a majority of directors on our board of directors are independent directors and the requirement that our compensation committee and our nominating and corporate governance committee consist entirely of independent directors. Accordingly, our shareholders will not have the same protection afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the NASDAQ corporate governance standards, and the ability of our independent directors to influence our business policies and affairs may be reduced.

We are an “emerging growth company” and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our ordinary shares less attractive to investors.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we intend to take advantage of certain accommodations that are not available to public companies that are not “emerging growth companies”

 

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including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and providing two years of audited financial statements, rather than three years, and three years, rather than five years, of selected financial data in this prospectus. We cannot predict if investors will find our ordinary shares less attractive because we will take advantage of these accommodations. If some investors find our ordinary shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our ordinary shares and our share price may be more volatile.

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. However, we are choosing to “opt out” of such extended transition period, and as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.

Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents may discourage our acquisition by a third party, which could limit shareholders’ opportunity to sell their ordinary shares at a premium.

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association include provisions that could limit the ability of others to acquire control of us, modify our structure or cause us to engage in change of control transactions. These provisions include, among other things:

 

   

a classified board of directors with staggered three-year terms;

 

   

restrictions on the ability of our shareholders to call meetings or make shareholder proposals;

 

   

our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may only be amended by a vote of shareholders representing at least 75% of the outstanding ordinary shares or by a unanimous written consent;

 

   

so long as Silver Lake collectively owns at least 40% of our outstanding ordinary shares, directors may be removed with or without cause, the size our board may be increased and vacancies on the board may be filled upon the affirmative vote of a majority of our outstanding ordinary shares; however, at any time when Silver Lake owns less than 40% of our outstanding ordinary shares, shareholders will not be permitted to increase the size of our board, fill vacancies on our board or remove directors without cause; and

 

   

the ability of our board of directors, without action by our shareholders, to issue preferred shares and to issue additional ordinary shares that could have the effect of impeding the success of an attempt to acquire us or otherwise effect a change in control.

These provisions could deter, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring control of us in a tender offer or similar transactions, even if such transaction would benefit our shareholders. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our ordinary shares if they are viewed as discouraging future takeover attempts.

We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, for the foreseeable future, to repay indebtedness and to fund the development and growth of our business. We do not intend to pay any dividends to holders of our ordinary shares. In addition, our Senior Secured Credit Agreement contains restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. As a result, capital appreciation in the price of our ordinary shares, if any, will be your only source of gain on an investment in our ordinary shares.

 

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MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA

Market data and certain industry forecast data used in this prospectus were obtained from internal reports and studies, where appropriate, as well as estimates, market research, publicly available information (including information available from the SEC website) and industry publications, including IDC and ITData Consultoria. Industry publications generally state that the information they include has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but that the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed. Similarly, internal reports and studies, estimates and market research, which we believe to be reliable and accurately extracted by us for use in this prospectus, have not been independently verified. However, we believe such data is accurate.

Certain information in the text of the prospectus is contained in independent industry publications, including the following reports of IDC:

 

   

Worldwide CY4Q16 DRAM Market Update

 

   

Worldwide CY4Q16 NAND Market Update

The IDC report(s) described herein represent(s) data, research opinion or viewpoints published, as part of a syndicated subscription service, by IDC, and are not representations of fact. Each IDC report speaks as of its original publication date (and not as of the date of this prospectus) and the opinions expressed in the IDC report(s) are subject to change without notice.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate” and “potential,” among others.

Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this prospectus and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to, those identified under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this prospectus. These risks and uncertainties include factors relating to:

 

   

the losses we have experienced in the past and may experience in the future;

 

   

the unpredictable fluctuation of our operating results from quarter to quarter;

 

   

the highly cyclical markets in which we compete have experienced severe downturns;

 

   

declines in memory component prices and average selling prices that may cause declines in our net sales and gross profit;

 

   

worldwide economic and political conditions in Brazil or other countries, as well as other factors may adversely affect our operations and cause fluctuations in the demand for our products;

 

   

our dependence on growth in the memory market in Brazil, which could cease or contract;

 

   

the dependence of our sales and profit margins in Brazil on the continuing existence of local content requirements for electronics products;

 

   

the dependence of a significant portion of our net sales on the continuing existence of, and demand from, a limited number of key customers;

 

   

the amount of corporate income and excise and import taxes we pay that may increase significantly if tax incentives or tax holiday arrangements in Brazil or Malaysia are discontinued or if our interpretations and assumptions with respect to such tax incentives or tax holiday arrangements are incorrect;

 

   

other factors that may affect our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations; and

 

   

other risk factors discussed under “Risk Factors.”

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as otherwise required by the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We expect to receive total estimated net proceeds of approximately $         million (or approximately $         million if the underwriters exercise their overallotment option to purchase additional shares in full), based on the midpoint of the estimated public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses payable by us. Each $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial offering price of $         per ordinary share, the midpoint of the estimated public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease the net proceeds to us by $         million, assuming the number of shares to be sold by us in this offering remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each increase or decrease of 1,000,000 in the number of ordinary shares offered by us would increase or decrease our the net proceeds to us by $         million, assuming the public offering price remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

We intend to use $         million of the net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of our outstanding indebtedness. The indebtedness that we intend to repay bears interest at a rate of 9.25% per annum and matures in August 2019. In addition, we intend to use $         million of the net proceeds to make a payment to affiliates of Silver Lake for unpaid management fees in respect of past periods under the Amended and Restated Transaction and Management Fee Agreement, which we intend to terminate upon the completion of this offering. We intend to use any remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes. Our management will have broad discretion in using any such proceeds.

Pending specific application of these proceeds, we expect to invest them primarily in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

We do not plan to pay dividends on our ordinary shares for the foreseeable future. The payment of cash dividends on ordinary shares is restricted under the terms of our Senior Secured Credit Agreement. In addition, because we are a holding company, our ability to pay cash dividends on our ordinary shares may be limited by restrictions on our ability to obtain sufficient funds through dividends from subsidiaries, including restrictions under the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Agreement. Subject to the foregoing, the amount of any distributions, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on many factors, such as our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, prospects and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. If we do pay a cash dividend on our ordinary shares in the future, we will pay such dividend out of our profits or share premium (subject to solvency requirements) as permitted under Cayman Islands law.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The tables below set forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of February 24, 2017 derived from our unaudited consolidated interim financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP:

 

   

on an actual basis; and

 

   

as adjusted to give effect to (i) the amendment and restatement of our memorandum and articles of association, which will occur prior to the closing of this offering, (ii) the deemed net exercise of outstanding warrants for 4,623,449 shares, with an exercise price of $0.01 per share, issued to our term loan lenders in November 2016, which will occur upon the completion of this offering, (iii) our sale of the ordinary shares in the offering and our receipt of approximately $         million in estimated net proceeds, assuming an initial public offering price of $         per ordinary share (the midpoint of the estimated public offering price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and (iv) the application of the net proceeds of the offering as set forth in “Use of Proceeds.”

You should read these tables in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Use of Proceeds” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this prospectus.

 

     As of February 24, 2017  
     Actual     As  Adjusted (1)  
     (in thousands, except share
and per share amounts)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $    23,341     $                 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt, excluding current portion

   $ 202,744     $                 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Preferred shares, $0.01 par value per share; no shares authorized, actual;             shares authorized, as adjusted; no shares issued and outstanding, actual and as adjusted

     —      

Ordinary shares, $0.01 par value per share; 70,000,000 shares authorized, actual;             shares authorized, as adjusted; 41,611,059 shares issued and outstanding, actual;             shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted

     416    

Additional paid-in capital

     168,769    

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (143,519  

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

     (4,958  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)

     20,708    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 223,452     $  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Each $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial offering price of $         per ordinary share, the midpoint of the estimated public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease our cash and cash equivalents, additional paid-in capital, total shareholders’ equity and total capitalization by $         million, assuming the number of shares to be sold by us in this offering remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each increase or decrease of 1,000,000 in the number of ordinary shares offered by us would increase or decrease our cash and cash equivalents, additional paid-in capital, total shareholders’ equity and total capitalization by $         million, assuming the public offering price remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

The as adjusted column in the table above is based on 46,234,508 ordinary shares outstanding as of February 24, 2017 (including 4,623,449 ordinary shares subject to outstanding warrants with an exercise price of $0.01 per share issued to our term lenders in November 2016, which will be deemed net exercised upon the completion of this offering if not previously exercised), as of that date:

 

   

excludes              ordinary shares subject to outstanding options with a weighted-average exercise price of $         per share; and

 

   

excludes              ordinary shares reserved for future issuance under the SGH Plan.

 

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DILUTION

If you invest in our ordinary shares, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of our ordinary shares and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of ordinary shares immediately upon completion of this offering.

At February 24, 2017, we had a negative net tangible book value of $         million, corresponding to a negative net tangible book value of $         per share. Net tangible book value per share represents the amount of our total assets less our total liabilities, excluding goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by 41,611,059, the total number of our shares outstanding at February 24, 2017.

After giving effect to the sale by us of the             ordinary shares offered by us in the offering, and assuming an initial public offering price of $         per ordinary share (the midpoint of the estimated public offering price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our net tangible book value at February 24, 2017 would have been approximately $        , representing $         per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $         per share to existing shareholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $         per share to new investors purchasing ordinary shares in this offering. Dilution for this purpose represents the difference between the price per ordinary share paid by these purchasers and net tangible book value per ordinary share immediately after the completion of the offering.

The following table illustrates this dilution to new investors purchasing ordinary shares in the offering.

 

Assumed initial public offering price per share

      $               

Net tangible book value per share at February 24, 2017

   $                  

Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors

     
  

 

 

    

Pro forma net tangible book value per share after the offering

     
     

 

 

 

Dilution per share to new investors

      $  
     

 

 

 

A $1.00 increase or decrease in the offering price per ordinary share, respectively, would increase or decrease the pro forma net tangible book value after this offering by $         per share and the dilution to investors in the offering by $         per share. Similarly, an increase or decrease of 1,000,000 shares in the number of ordinary shares offered by us would increase or decrease the pro forma net tangible book value by approximately $         per share and the dilution to new investors by $         per share, assuming the public offering price remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

If the underwriters exercise their overallotment option to purchase additional shares in full, the pro forma net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering would be $         per share, and the dilution in net tangible book value per share to investors in this offering would be $         per share.

The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of February 24, 2017, the difference between existing shareholders and new investors with respect to the number of ordinary shares purchased from us, the total consideration paid to us and the average price per share paid or to be paid to us at an assumed public offering price of $         per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, before deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us:

 

     Shares Purchased     Total Consideration     Average Price
Per Share
 
     Number      Percent     Amount      Percent    

Existing shareholders

        %     $                     %     $               

New public investors

            
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

        100.0        100.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

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Each $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $         per share, the midpoint of the estimated public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease total consideration paid by new investors and total consideration paid by all shareholders by approximately $        million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

Except as otherwise indicated, the above discussion and tables assume no exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option to purchase additional shares. If the underwriters exercise their overallotment option to purchase             additional shares in full, our existing shareholders would own     % and our new investors would own     % of the total number of our ordinary shares outstanding upon the completion of this offering.

To the extent that any outstanding options are exercised, investors will experience further dilution.

The number of our ordinary shares that will be outstanding after this offering is based on 46,234,508 ordinary shares outstanding as of February 24, 2017 (including 4,623,449 ordinary shares subject to outstanding warrants with an exercise price of $0.01 per share issued to our term loan lenders in November 2016, which will be deemed net exercised upon the completion of this offering, if not previously exercised) and, as of that date:

 

   

excludes                  ordinary shares subject to outstanding options with a weighted-average exercise price of $        per share; and

 

   

excludes                  ordinary shares reserved for future issuance under the SGH Plan.

 

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION

The selected consolidated statement of operations and balance sheet data for the years ended and as of August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015 presented below are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of February 24, 2017 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated interim financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus, which, in the opinion of our management, includes all adjustments necessary to present fairly our results of operations and financial condition at the dates and for the periods presented. The results for the six months ended February 24, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that you should expect for the entire year ending August 25, 2017 or any other period.

We maintain our books and records in U.S. dollars and prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

This financial information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 
     (in thousands, other than per share data)  

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

        

Net sales

   $ 331,298     $ 238,613     $ 534,423     $ 643,469  

Cost of sales (1)

     264,431       192,169       427,491       512,032  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     66,867       46,444       106,932       131,437  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

        

Research and development (1) (2)

     19,645       18,096       38,116       43,741  

Selling, general and administrative (1) (2)

     31,844       28,283       57,495       89,233  

Management advisory fees

     2,000       2,001       4,001       4,030  

Restructuring

     457       1,015       1,135       1,143  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     53,946       49,395       100,747       138,147  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

     12,921       (2,951     6,185       (6,710

Other income (expense):

        

Interest expense, net

     (14,778     (12,939     (25,575     (27,560

Other income (expense), net

     (902     (1,372     1,874       (5,532
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expense

     (15,680     (14,311     (23,701     (33,092
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

     (2,759     (17,262     (17,516     (39,802

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     2,785       (108     2,444       6,649  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (5,544   $ (17,154   $ (19,960   $ (46,451
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per share, basic and diluted

   $ (0.13   $ (0.41   $ (0.48   $ (1.12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares used in computing basic and diluted
net loss per share

     41,610       41,503       41,524       41,498  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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(1) Includes share-based compensation expense as follows:

 

Cost of sales

   $   268      $   236      $   461      $   771  

Research and development

     445        382        725        844  

Selling, general and administrative

     1,431          1,405        2,686        4,517  

 

(2) Includes amortization of intangible assets expense as follows:

 

Research and development

   $ 2,448      $ 2,448      $ 4,897      $   6,160  

Selling, general and administrative

     3,522        4,170        8,471        24,669  

 

     Six Months Ended      Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
     February 26,
2016
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Other Financial Data:

           

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

   $ 38,240      $ 18,105      $ 51,760      $ 55,762  

Gross billings to customers (2)

   $ 733,686      $ 1,024,527      $ 1,925,047      $ 2,147,437  

Days sales outstanding (DSO) (3)

     34        24        27        31  

Inventory turns (4)

     10        20        18        15  

Days payable outstanding (DPO (5)

     50        44        40        51  

 

(1) We define Adjusted EBITDA as our net income (loss) adjusted to exclude share-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, interest income (expense), provision for (benefit from) income taxes, depreciation and other adjustments. We have provided a reconciliation below of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.

We have included Adjusted EBITDA in this prospectus because it is a key measure used by our management and board of directors to understand and evaluate our core operating performance and trends, to prepare and approve our annual budget and to develop short-term and long-term operational and compensation plans. In particular, the exclusion of certain non-cash, non-recurring or infrequent expenses in calculating Adjusted EBITDA can provide useful measures for period-to-period comparisons of our core business. Accordingly, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.

Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider this measure in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA does not consider the cost of equity-based compensation, which is an ongoing expense for us;

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash capital past expenditures and future requirements for replacements or for new capital expenditures;

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us; and

 

   

other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure.

 

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Because of these limitations, you should consider Adjusted EBITDA along with other financial performance measures, including various cash flow metrics, net income (loss) and our other U.S. GAAP results. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) is provided below:

 

     Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 
     (in thousands)  

Net loss

   $ (5,544   $ (17,154   $ (19,960   $ (46,451

Share-based compensation expense

     2,144       2,023       3,872       6,132  

Amortization of intangible assets

     5,970       6,618       13,368       30,829  

Interest expense, net

     14,778       12,939       25,575       27,560  

Provision for (benefit from) income tax

     2,785       (108     2,444       6,649  

Depreciation

     11,583       9,063       18,111       19,315  

Management advisory fees

     2,000       2,001       4,001       4,030  

Debt extention and extinguishment costs*

     3,130       —         —         —    

Restructuring

     457       1,015       1,135       1,143  

In-process research and development charge

     —         —         —         1,582  

Write-off of public offering expenses

     —         —         —         4,388  

Special retention bonuses

     25       1,013       1,611       123  

Storage sale-related legal costs

     —         —         —         987  

Valuation adjustment related to prepaid state value-added taxes

     —         —         908       —    

Investment advisory fees

     540       —         —         —    

Insurance settlement related to a fiscal 2013 claim

     —         —         —         (525

Obsolete inventory related to restructuring

     372       —         —         —    

Misappropriated product shipment

     —         695       695       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 38,240     $ 18,105     $ 51,760     $ 55,762  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  * Debt extension costs consist of $1.7 million associated with the amendment of our senior secured term loan and revolving credit facility in November 2016 and debt extinguishment costs represent a $1.4 million loss on a February 2017 extinguishment.

 

(2) Gross billings to customers consists of product net sales and our gross billings for services. We provide procurement, logistics, inventory management, kitting or packaging services for certain customers. We account for sales from these services on an agency basis (that is, we recognize the fees associated with serving as an agent with no associated cost of sales). We recognize revenue for these arrangements as service revenue, which is determined as a fee for services based on material procurement costs. See Note 1(d) to our consolidated financial statements.
(3) We calculate days sales outstanding as (i) accounts receivable outstanding as of the period end divided by (ii) gross billings to customers for the period divided by the number of days in the period.
(4) We calculate inventory turns as (i) cost of sales plus cost of purchased materials—service for the period, on an annualized basis ( i.e. , multiplied by four and then divided by the number of quarters in the period) divided by (ii) inventory as of the period end.
(5) We calculate days payables outstanding as (i) accounts payable outstanding as of the period end divided by (ii) (x) cost of sales plus cost of purchased materials—service for the period divided by (y) the number of days in the period.

 

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     As of  
     February 24,
2017
     August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 
     (in thousands)  

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 23,341      $ 58,634     $ 68,094  

Working capital

     94,359        90,095       98,074  

Total assets

     440,937        458,655       564,707  

Long-term debt

     202,744        225,587       234,617  

Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)

     20,708        (1,237     8,639  

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF

OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes and other financial information, which appear elsewhere in this prospectus. The following discussion contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See the disclosure regarding “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including those factors discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus.

We use a 52- to 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Friday in August. Unless the context indicates otherwise, whenever we refer in this prospectus to a particular year, with respect to ourselves, we mean the fiscal year ending in that particular calendar year. Financial information for two of our subsidiaries SMART Brazil and SMART do Brazil is included in our consolidated financial statements on a one-month lag because their fiscal years begin August 1 and end July 31.

Overview

We are a global leader in specialty memory solutions, serving the electronics industry for over 25 years. As part of our global business, we have established a leading market position, as measured by market share, in Brazil as the largest in-country manufacturer of memory for desktops, notebooks and servers, as well as mobile memory for smartphones. We also have a leading market position worldwide, as measured by revenue, in specialty memory where we work closely with OEM customers to develop memory solutions, which incorporate customer-specific requirements. We believe our customers rely on us as a strategic supplier due to our customer-specific designs, product quality and technical support, our global footprint and, in Brazil, our ability to provide locally manufactured memory products. We also provide customized, integrated supply chain services to certain OEM customers to assist them in the management and execution of their procurement processes.

Our business was originally founded in 1988 as SMART Modular, which became a publicly traded company in 1995. In 1999, SMART Modular was acquired by Solectron and operated as its subsidiary. In 2002, we acquired a memory module manufacturing company in Brazil to expand our global footprint and our manufacturing capabilities. In 2004, a group of private equity investors acquired our business from Solectron, and we began to operate our business as SMART Worldwide. SMART Worldwide became a publicly traded company in 2006 and operated independently until the Acquisition by Silver Lake in August 2011. Following the Acquisition, SMART Worldwide, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of SMART Global Holdings, repositioned its business and began to operate as two business units: a business unit focused on the design, manufacture and sale of memory products and services, and the Storage Business, substantially all of which we sold to SanDisk in August 2013.

Since 2002, when we commenced our operations in Brazil, we have invested over $170 million to build and improve our advanced manufacturing facilities and have assembled and trained a staff of over 480 employees, who comprise many of the leading semiconductor technology professionals in the country. In Brazil, we process imported wafers and cut, package and test them to create memory components used to manufacture modules and other memory and Flash-based products. We are the only company engaged in packaging and test for mobile memory for smartphones in Brazil. We have a strategic, long-term relationship with a global memory wafer supplier that has provided us with a stable source of competitively priced wafers for the Brazilian market and provides our supplier with access to that market through our in-country infrastructure and capabilities.

Our business in Brazil has historically focused on DRAM components and modules for desktops, notebooks and servers, where local content and tax regulations provide substantial financial incentives to our customers to procure locally manufactured memory products, particularly when they are made with locally processed components. We have leveraged our experience and success in these markets to expand into mobile memory,

 

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primarily for smartphones, which include eMMC and eMCP, where additional local content requirements and tax incentives have been introduced. During the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, these mobile memory products accounted for 69%, 65% and 29%, respectively, of our net sales in Brazil. Based on expected unit sales for mobile phones in Brazil provided by ITData Consultoria, taking into account our average selling price of approximately $17.09 per component for mobile memory during the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we believe that the total addressable market for locally produced mobile memory for mobile phones in Brazil will reach approximately $499 million by 2019. We have also demonstrated our ability to service the smartphone market in Brazil as we are now qualified at seven of the top ten mobile vendors in Brazil representing, according to ITData Consultoria, 87% of the mobile phones sold in Brazil in calendar 2016. With the local content requirements for various IT products increasing, we believe that our local manufacturing capabilities provide a valuable and differentiated offering to our OEM customers in Brazil. We also believe that our long-term relationships with many of these customers as the largest supplier of locally manufactured memory products provides us with visibility for our Brazilian business.

We began participating in Brazil’s PPB/IT Program in February 2011. The PPB/IT Program is intended to promote local content by allowing qualified PPB/IT Program companies to sell certain IT products with a reduced rate of IPI as compared to the rate that is required to be collected by non-qualified suppliers. The PPB/IT Program provides an incentive for certain customers to purchase from us because our sales will not be subject to the regular level of IPI. In order to receive the intended treatment as a PPB/IT Program supplier, our subsidiary SMART do Brazil is required to invest in research and development activities conducted in Brazil in an amount equal to 3% of its gross annual sales revenues reduced by the following: the cost of raw materials qualified as products eligible for the PPB/IT Program, including the ICs that are purchased from our other Brazilian subsidiary, SMART Brazil, and that are used to make memory modules; applicable sales taxes; the value of products exported out of Brazil; and the value of products shipped to the Manaus Free Trade Zone. In August 2014, the government of Brazil enacted legislation extending the PPB/IT Program until 2029 and maintaining the required research and development investment with respect to DRAM modules at 3.00% of adjusted sales through 2029, repealing the previously approved increases to 3.75% in 2015 and 3.50% in 2016 through 2019.

In 2013, the EU, later joined by Japan, requested the establishment of a panel within the WTO to determine whether certain measures enacted by the Brazilian government concerning tax incentives and local content requirements for the automotive sector and several other industries including the IT industry and including PADIS, the PPB/IT Program and Lei do Bem, are inconsistent with WTO rules. The panel was formed, hearings were held and in December 2016, the WTO circulated its report to the parties. This report is subject to feedback from the parties and has not been released to the public. While we cannot predict the outcome of the WTO’s decision, a negative ruling could result in significant adverse changes to the local content rules and incentives available to us and our customers in Brazil. Any suspension, early termination or other adverse change in the local content requirements could significantly reduce the demand for, and the profit margins on, our products in Brazil, and would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A major corruption scandal involving Brazil’s largest energy company, Petrobras, began to unfold in 2014, and by 2015 contributed to a significant decrease in the value of the Brazilian real , which in turn led to a substantial downturn in the Brazilian economy and a substantial rise in unemployment. Our net sales in Brazil decreased from $407.4 million in fiscal 2014 to $245.5 million in fiscal 2016. While economic conditions in Brazil remain challenging, the value of the Brazilian real has strengthened in recent periods, and our net sales in Brazil increased from $99.2 million in the six months ended February 26, 2016 to $154.3 million in the six months ended February 24, 2017.

In our specialty memory solutions business, we offer an extensive portfolio of over 2,000 products, which includes all generations of DRAM, as well as embedded and removable Flash, enterprise memory and hybrid volatile and non-volatile memory solutions. We also offer customized, integrated supply chain services to enable our customers to manage supply chain planning and execution, which reduces costs and increases productivity. Our supply chain services are based on our proprietary software platform that we develop and are integrated with

 

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our customers’ respective procurement management systems as well as our suppliers’ distribution management systems.

We generated net sales of $331.3 million, $534.4 million and $643.5 million during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our net sales grew 39% during the six months ended February 24, 2017 over the same period in the prior year and decreased 17% in fiscal 2016 over fiscal 2015. Our net loss was $5.5 million, $20.0 million and $46.5 million during the six months ended February 24, 2017, fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our income (loss) from operations was $12.9 million during the six months ended February 24, 2017, $6.2 million in fiscal 2016 and ($6.7) million in fiscal 2015.

Our global, diversified customer base includes over 250 end customers, such as Cisco, Samsung, HPE, Dell and LG. Our top ten end customers, five of which have been our end customers for over a decade, accounted for 81% of our net sales, including sales to contract manufacturers or ODMs at the direction of such end customers, in fiscal 2016. Of our end customers, Samsung accounted for 18%, 13% and 11% of net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively; Cisco accounted for 15%, 19% and 16% of net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively; Lenovo accounted for 13% of net sales in fiscal 2016; HP accounted for 14% of net sales in fiscal 2015 (in fiscal 2016, HP undertook a spin-off and divided into two distinct companies, following which neither company accounted for 10% or more of our net sales); and Dell accounted for 15% of net sales in fiscal 2015. Direct sales to Samsung accounted for 18%, 13% and 11% of net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively; direct sales to Flex accounted for 17% of net sales in fiscal 2016; direct sales to Hon Hai accounted for 11%, 11% and 11% of net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively; and direct sales to Dell accounted for 15% of net sales in fiscal 2015. During these periods, no other customers accounted for more than 10% of our net sales. Of the $331.3 million of net sales for the six months ended February 24, 2017, 47% were generated in Brazil, 25% were generated in Asia, 24% were generated in North America and 4% were generated in Europe. Of the $534.4 million of net sales in fiscal 2016, 46% were generated in Brazil, 26% were generated in Asia, 23% were generated in North America and 5% were generated in Europe. For further geographic information regarding our net sales and property and equipment, net, see Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements.

Components of Operating Results

Net Sales

We generate product revenues predominantly from sales of our memory solutions, including memory modules, Flash memory cards and other solid state storage products, principally to OEMs that compete in the computing, networking, communications, storage, aerospace, defense, mobile and industrial markets. Sales of our products are made primarily pursuant to purchase orders and are not based on long-term supply agreements. We generate service revenue by providing procurement, logistics, inventory management, temporary warehousing, kitting and packaging services. Our net sales are dependent upon demand in the end markets for our customers’ products and fluctuations in end-user demand can have a rapid and material effect on our net sales. Furthermore, sales to relatively few customers have accounted for, and we expect for the foreseeable future will continue to account for, a significant percentage of our net sales.

Cost of Sales

The most significant components of cost of sales are materials, fixed manufacturing costs, labor, depreciation, freight and customs charges. Increases in capital expenditures may increase our future cost of sales due to higher levels of depreciation expense. Cost of sales also includes any inventory write-downs. We have in the past, and may in the future, write down inventory for a variety of reasons, including obsolescence, excess quantities and declines in market value below our cost. A significant percentage of our cost of sales consists of the cost of DRAM and Flash components and wafers. While we have historically received competitive pricing

 

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and have had consistent sources of supply for these supplies, we do not have agreements that provide us with fixed pricing or guarantees of supply. Increases in DRAM pricing typically improve our margins, at least in the short term and particularly in our operations in Brazil, as we consume previously purchased inventory. However, declines in DRAM pricing often require us to reduce our prices even as we consume higher priced DRAM inventory, thereby reducing our margins.

Gross Profit

Gross profit and gross margin has been and will continue to be affected by a variety of factors, including the average sales prices of our products, manufacturing and overhead costs, the mix of products sold and our ability to leverage our existing infrastructure as we continue to grow. We expect our gross margins to fluctuate over time depending on the factors described above.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses consist of research and development expense, selling, general and administrative expense and management advisory fees. Personnel costs are the most significant component of operating expenses.

Research and development expense. Research and development expense consists primarily of personnel costs, consulting costs, allocated overhead and other costs to support our development activities. To date, we have expensed all research and development costs as incurred. We expect research and development expense to increase in absolute dollars as we continue to invest in our research and product development efforts to enhance our product capabilities and access new customer markets, although such expense may fluctuate as a percentage of total net sales. In order to qualify for certain tax incentives under PADIS and PPB/IT Program in Brazil, we are required to expend a minimum amount on research and development in Brazil.

Selling, general and administrative expense. Sales and marketing expense consists primarily of personnel costs, sales commission costs and allocated overhead. We expense sales commission costs as incurred. Sales and marketing expense also includes costs for recruiting and training channel partners, market development programs, promotional and other marketing activities, travel, office equipment and outside consulting costs. We expect sales and marketing expense to increase in absolute dollars as we expand our sales and marketing headcount in all markets and expand our international operations, although such expense may fluctuate as a percentage of net sales.

General and administrative expense consists primarily of personnel costs, facilities and non-manufacturing equipment costs, allowances for bad debt and other support costs, including utilities, insurance and professional fees. We expect that we will incur increased general and administrative expenses as a result of being a publicly-traded company, including significant increased legal and accounting costs related to compliance with rules and regulations implemented by the SEC and NASDAQ, as well as additional insurance, investor relations and other costs associated with being a public company.

Management advisory fees. Management advisory fees consist of quarterly fees plus out-of-pocket expenses, which are payable by us to Silver Lake Management Company III, L.L.C. and Silver Lake Management Company Sumeru, L.L.C., affiliates of Silver Lake, or the Managers, under the Amended and Restated Transaction and Management Fee Agreement, or the Management Agreement. We will no longer be obligated to pay such fees following a payment by us to the Managers of $             million for unpaid fees in respect of past periods. We intend to terminate the Management Agreement upon the completion of this offering.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net consists primarily of interest expense on our debt obligations.

 

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Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense), net includes gains and losses from foreign currency transactions and other non-operating items.

Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes

We record income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, we generally consider all expected future events other than enactments or changes in the tax law or rates. We provide valuation allowances when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

We recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. We then measure the tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. In the event that we recognize any unrecognized tax benefits, the effective tax rate will be affected. If recognized, approximately $2.1 million of unrecognized tax benefit would impact the effective tax rate at August 26, 2016. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, we cannot assure that the final tax outcome of these matters will be the same as these estimates. We update these estimates quarterly based on factors such as changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, new audit activity and effectively settled issues.

We follow specific and detailed guidelines in each tax jurisdiction regarding the recoverability of any tax assets recorded on the balance sheet and provide necessary valuation allowances as required. Future realization of deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character (for example, ordinary income or capital gain) within the carryback or carryforward periods available under the tax law. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. Our judgments regarding future profitability may change due to many factors, including future market conditions and our ability to successfully execute our business plans and/or tax planning strategies. Should there be a change in our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, our tax provision would increase or decrease in the period in which the assessment is changed.

 

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Results of Operations

The following tables summarize our consolidated results of operations for the periods presented. The period-to-period comparison of results is not necessarily indicative of results for future periods.

 

     Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 
     (in thousands, other than per share data)  

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

        

Net sales

   $ 331,298     $ 238,613     $ 534,423     $ 643,469  

Cost of sales (1)

     264,431       192,169       427,491       512,032  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     66,867       46,444       106,932       131,437  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

        

Research and development (1) (2)

     19,645       18,096       38,116       43,741  

Selling, general and administrative (1) (2)

     31,844       28,283       57,495       89,233  

Management advisory fees

     2,000       2,001       4,001       4,030  

Restructuring

     457       1,015       1,135       1,143  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     53,946       49,395       100,747       138,147  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

     12,921       (2,951     6,185       (6,710

Other income (expense):

        

Interest expense, net

     (14,778     (12,939     (25,575     (27,560

Other income (expense), net

     (902     (1,372     1,874       (5,532
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expense

     (15,680     (14,311     (23,701     (33,092
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

     (2,759     (17,262     (17,516     (39,802

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     2,785       (108     2,444       6,649  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (5,544   $ (17,154   $ (19,960   $ (46,451
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per share, basic and diluted

   $ (0.13   $ (0.41   $ (0.48   $ (1.12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share

     41,610       41,503       41,524       41,498  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes share-based compensation expense as follows:

 

Cost of sales

     $   268      $ 236      $ 461      $ 771  

Research and development

     445        382        725        844  

Selling, general and administrative

     1,431        1,405        2,686        4,517  

 

(2) Includes amortization of intangible assets expense as follows:

 

Research and development

   $ 2,448      $ 2,448      $ 4,897      $ 6,160  

Selling, general and administrative

     3,522        4,170        8,471        24,669  

 

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     Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 

Net sales

     100     100     100     100

Cost of sales

     80       80       80       80  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     20       20       20       20  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

        

Research and development

     6       8       7       6  

Selling, general and administrative

     10       12       11       14  

Management advisory fees

     1       1       1       1  

Restructuring

     0       0       0       0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     17       21       19       21  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

     3       (1     1       (1

Other income (expense):

        

Interest expense, net

     (4     (5     (5     (4

Other income (expense), net

     0       (1     0       (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expense

     (4     (6     (5     (5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

     (1     (7     (4     (6

Provision for income taxes

     1       0       0       1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

     (2 %)      (7 %)      (4 %)      (7 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comparison of the Six Months Ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016

Net Sales, Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

 

     Six Months Ended     Change  
     February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    Amount      %  
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Net sales

   $ 331,298     $ 238,613     $ 92,685        38.8

Cost of sales (1)

     264,431       192,169       72,262        37.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

Gross profit

   $ 66,867     $ 46,444     $ 20,423        44.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

Gross margin

     20.2     19.5     

 

  (1) Includes share-based compensation expense of $0.3 million and $0.2 million in the same six-month period in both fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Net sales increased by $92.7 million, or 38.8%, during the six months ended February 24, 2017 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in net sales was primarily due to a 43% higher sales volume of mobile memory products in Brazil, which was driven in part by new product introductions of higher density eMCP products and the increase in local content requirements from 25% to 40% for mobile memory products for smartphones. Strategic investments to increase production capacity in prior periods helped enable us to meet the increased demand in the Brazil mobile memory market. Our specialty DRAM sales were also positively impacted by overall strength in the worldwide DRAM market, leading to 32% higher volume and a 17% increase in the average selling prices, as well as strength in the server, networking and communications markets.

Cost of sales increased by $72.3 million, or 37.6%, during the six months ended February 24, 2017 compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to an increase of 40% in the cost of materials for the higher level of sales, as well as higher depreciation in Brazil due to the technology transition from DDR3 FBGA

 

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packaging to DDR4 flip chip. Included in the cost of sales increase was an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $3.1 million due to locally sourced cost of sales in Brazil. Gross margin increased to 20.2% during the six months ended February 24, 2017, compared to 19.5% for the same period in fiscal 2016, primarily due to higher Brazil mobile memory and specialty DRAM revenue while cost of sales associated with higher density memory modules increased at a lower rate.

Operating Expenses

 

                                                   
     Six Months Ended      Change  
     February 24,
2017
     February 26,
2016
     Amount     %  
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Operating expenses:

          

Research and development (1) (2)

   $ 19,645      $ 18,096      $ 1,549       8.6

Selling, general and administrative (1) (2)

     31,844        28,283        3,561       12.6

Management advisory fees

     2,000        2,001        (1     (0.0 %) 

Restructuring

     457        1,015        (558     (55.0 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

   $ 53,946      $ 49,395      $ 4,551       9.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

  (1) Includes share-based compensation expense as follows:

 

                                                   

Research and development

   $ 445      $ 382      $ 63        16.5

Selling, general and administrative

     1,431        1,405        26        1.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

   $   1,876      $   1,787      $ 89        5.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

  (2) Includes amortization of intangible assets expense as follows:

 

                                                   

Research and development

   $ 2,448      $ 2,448      $ —         0.0

Selling, general and administrative

     3,522        4,170        (648     (15.5 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

   $   5,970      $   6,618      $ (648     (9.8 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Research and Development Expense

Research and development expense increased by $1.5 million, or 8.6%, during the six months ended February 24, 2017 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to higher personnel-related expenses in Brazil, as well as higher depreciation relating to research and development expenses as part of the requirements of the PADIS and PPB/IT Program for Brazil. Included in the research and development expense increase was an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $0.9 million.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $3.6 million, or 12.6%, during the six months ended February 24, 2017 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to $1.7 million debt extension costs, as well as personnel-related, facilities and professional services expenses, aggregating $2.4 million, partially offset by a $0.6 million decrease in intangible amortization expense as some intangible assets became fully amortized. Included in the selling, general and administrative expense increase was an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $0.9 million.

 

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Other Income (Expense)

 

     Six Months Ended     Change  
     February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    Amount     %  
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Other income (expense):

        

Interest expense, net

   $ (14,778   $ (12,939   $ (1,839     14.2

Other income (expense), net

     (902     (1,372     470       (34.3 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total other expense

   $ (15,680   $ (14,311   $ (1,369     9.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Interest expense, net increased $1.8 million, or 14.2%, during the six months ended February 24, 2017 compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to additional debt discount amortization and interest expense related to our debt extension. Other income (expense), net increased by $0.5 million primarily due to $1.8 million currency gains (mainly in Brazil), partially offset by a $1.4 million loss on a February 2017 debt extinguishment.

Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes

 

     Six Months Ended     Change  
     February 24,
2017
     February 26,
2016
    Amount      %  
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   $ 2,785      $ (108   $ 2,893        (2678.7 %) 

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes increased by $2.9 million during the six months ended February 24, 2017 compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to higher income in non-U.S. jurisdictions subject to tax and increased withholding taxes.

Comparison of the Years Ended August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015

Net Sales, Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

 

     Fiscal Year Ended     Change  
     August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
    Amount     %  
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Net sales

   $ 534,423     $ 643,469     $ (109,046     (16.9 %) 

Cost of sales (1)

     427,491       512,032       (84,541     (16.5 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Gross profit

   $ 106,932     $ 131,437     $ (24,505     (18.6 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Gross margin

     20.0     20.4    

 

  (1) Includes share-based compensation expense of $0.5 million and $0.8 million in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Net sales decreased by $109.0 million, or 16.9%, during fiscal 2016 compared to the prior fiscal year. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to 47% lower volume and 32% lower average selling price of our DRAM products in Brazil due in large part to a major corruption scandal involving Brazil’s largest energy company, Petrobras, which began to unfold in calendar 2014, and by calendar 2015 contributed to a significant decrease in the value of the Brazilian real . This led to a substantial downturn in the Brazilian economy toward the end of fiscal 2015, which continued into fiscal 2016. The decrease in net sales was offset in part by a 79% increase in average selling prices and a 15% increase in volume for our mobile memory products in Brazil, as local content requirements for mobile memory products for smartphones increased from 25% to 40% in 2016. In addition, our

 

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net sales were also negatively impacted by lower worldwide DRAM prices, leading to a 23% decrease in our average selling prices of our specialty DRAM products in fiscal 2016, partially offset by 10% higher volume.

Cost of sales decreased by $84.5 million, or 16.5%, during fiscal 2016 compared to the prior fiscal year. The decrease in cost of sales was driven primarily by a $73.4 million decrease in the cost of materials due to lower sales. In addition, our factory overhead and other components of cost of sales decreased by $11.1 million, primarily due to lower production costs, personnel-related expenses and depreciation as well as charges for inventory reserves. The cost of sales decrease is net of an offsetting favorable foreign exchange impact of $10.7 million due to locally sourced cost of sales in Brazil. Gross margin remained relatively flat for both periods.

Operating Expenses

 

     Fiscal Year Ended      Change  
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
     Amount     %  
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Operating expenses:

          

Research and development (1) (2)

   $ 38,116      $ 43,741      $ (5,625     (12.9 %) 

Selling, general and administrative (1) (2)

     57,495        89,233        (31,738     (35.6 %) 

Management advisory fees

     4,001        4,030        (29     (0.7 %) 

Restructuring

     1,135        1,143        (8     (0.7 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

   $ 100,747      $ 138,147      $ (37,400     (27.1 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

  (1) Includes share-based compensation expense as follows:

 

Research and development

   $ 725      $ 844      $ (119     (14.1 %) 

Selling, general and administrative

     2,686        4,517        (1,831     (40.5 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

   $ 3,411      $ 5,361      $ (1,950     (36.4 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

  (2) Includes amortization of intangible assets expense as follows:

 

Research and development

   $ 4,897      $ 6,160      $ (1,263     (20.5 %) 

Selling, general and administrative

     8,471        24,669        (16,198     (65.7 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

   $ 13,368      $ 30,829      $ (17,461     (56.6 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Research and Development Expense

Research and development expense decreased by $5.6 million, or 12.9%, during fiscal 2016 compared to the prior fiscal year. The decrease was primarily due to decreased spending as a result of the deteriorating economic conditions in Brazil, lower intangible amortization expense as certain intangible assets were fully amortized in fiscal 2015, as well as an in-process research and development charge of $1.6 million in fiscal 2015, which did not recur in fiscal 2016. Included in the research and development expense decrease was a favorable foreign exchange impact of $3.4 million.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, general and administrative expense decreased by $31.7 million, or 35.6%, during fiscal 2016 compared to the prior fiscal year. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $16.2 million in intangible amortization expense related to assets that were fully amortized in fiscal 2015, lower professional services and personnel-related costs, aggregating $8.9 million, as well as a non-recurring write-off of $4.0 million of deferred

 

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public offering costs in fiscal 2015. Included in the selling, general and administrative expense decrease was a favorable foreign exchange impact of $3.7 million.

Other Income (Expense)

 

     Fiscal Year Ended     Change  
     August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
    Amount      %  
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Other income (expense):

         

Interest expense, net

   $ (25,575   $ (27,560   $ 1,985        (7.2 %) 

Other income (expense), net

     1,874       (5,532     7,406        (133.9 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total other expense

   $ (23,701   $ (33,092   $ 9,391        (28.4 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

Interest expense, net, decreased by $2.0 million, or 7.2%, during fiscal 2016 compared to the prior fiscal year primarily due to $0.5 million higher interest income and $1.4 million lower interest expense, due mainly to lower balances on our revolver and term loan. Other income (expense), net increased by $7.4 million during fiscal 2016 compared to the prior fiscal year. This increase was primarily due to an $11.8 million currency gain (mainly in Brazil) arising from transactions not denominated in the functional currency, partially offset by a $4.3 million decrease in fees received in fiscal 2015 under a transition services agreement that we entered into with SanDisk in connection with the sale of the Storage Business as this agreement terminated in fiscal 2015.

Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes

 

     Fiscal Year Ended      Change  
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
     Amount     %  
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   $ 2,444      $ 6,649      $ (4,205     (63.2 %) 

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes decreased by $4.2 million, or 63.2%, during fiscal 2016 compared to the prior fiscal year primarily due to lower foreign income in certain taxable jurisdictions.

 

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Quarterly Results of Operations

The following unaudited quarterly consolidated statements of operations data for the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 and each of the four quarters of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 have been prepared on a basis consistent with our audited annual consolidated financial statements and include, in our opinion, all normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair statement of the financial information contained in those statements. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in the future, and the results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full year or any other period. The following quarterly financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

    Three Months Ended  
    Feb 24,
2017
    Nov 25,
2016
    Aug 26,
2016
    May 27,
2016
    Feb 26,
2016
    Nov 27,
2015
    Aug 28,
2015
    May 29,
2015
    Feb 27,
2015
    Nov 28,
2014
 
          (in thousands)  

Consolidated Statements of Operations:

                   

Net sales:

                   

Brazil DRAM

  $ 28,695     $ 19,328     $ 19,473     $ 20,824     $ 20,804     $ 25,835     $ 39,354     $ 51,336     $ 65,120     $ 83,261  

Brazil Mobile Memory

    49,932       56,211       46,992       58,916       29,583       23,473       16,492       34,416       31,475       15,626  

Specialty Memory

    93,327       83,805       79,736       69,869       66,574       72,344       76,610       72,414       71,206       86,159  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net sales

    171,954       159,344       146,201       149,609       116,961       121,652       132,456       158,166       167,801       185,046  

Cost of sales (1)

    134,797       129,634       116,325       118,997       93,865       98,304       110,672       125,016       129,573       146,771  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

    37,157       29,710       29,876       30,612       23,096       23,348       21,784       33,150       38,228       38,275  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

                   

Research and development (1)(2)

    9,948       9,697       10,353       9,667       8,960       9,136       10,310       11,879       9,318       12,234  

Selling, general and
administrative (1)(2)

    16,434       15,410       14,532       14,680       13,169       15,114       21,907       20,321       22,868       24,137  

Management advisory fees

    1,000       1,000       1,000       1,000       1,001       1,000       1,000       1,034       999       997  

Restructuring

    471       (14     (8     128       330       685       1,143       —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    27,853       26,093       25,877       25,475       23,460       25,935       34,360       33,234       33,185       37,368  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                   

Income (loss) from operations

    9,304       3,617       3,999       5,137       (364     (2,587     (12,576     (84     5,043       907  

Other income (expense):

                   

Interest expense, net

    (8,512     (6,266     (6,310     (6,326     (6,434     (6,505     (6,772     (7,050     (7,225     (6,513

Other income (expense), net

    (1,005     103       1,144       2,102       (177     (1,195     (1,528     (1,730     (1,188     (1,086
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expense

    (9,517     (6,163     (5,166     (4,224     (6,611     (7,700     (8,300     (8,780     (8,413     (7,599
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

    (213     (2,546     (1,167     913       (6,975     (10,287     (20,876     (8,864     (3,370     (6,692

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

    2,124       661       294       2,258       (640     532       849       1,558       2,302       1,940  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

  $ (2,337   $ (3,207   $ (1,461   $ (1,345   $ (6,335   $ (10,819   $ (21,725   $ (10,422   $ (5,672   $ (8,632
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes share-based compensation expense as follows:

 

Cost of sales

  $ 142     $ 126     $ 113     $ 112     $ 83     $ 153     $ 194     $ 172     $ 227     $ 178  

Research and development

    230       215       162       181       159       223       253       193       210       188  

Selling, general and administrative

    722       709       627       654       402       1,003       1,041       1,022       1,429       1,025  

 

(2) Includes amortization of intangible assets expense as follows:

 

Research and development

  $ 1,224     $ 1,224     $ 1,225     $ 1,224     $ 1,224     $ 1,224     $ 1,224     $ 1,224     $ 1,224     $ 2,488  

Selling, general and administrative

    1,723       1,799       2,196       2,105       2,068       2,102       6,000       6,053       6,232       6,384  

 

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The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) for the periods presented.

 

    Three Months Ended  
    Feb 24,
2017
    Nov 25,
2016
    Aug 26,
2016
    May 27,
2016
    Feb 26,
2016
    Nov 27,
2015
    Aug 28,
2015
    May 29,
2015
    Feb 27,
2015
    Nov 28,
2014
 
    (in thousands)  

Net loss

  $ (2,337   $ (3,207   $ (1,461   $ (1,345   $ (6,335   $ (10,819   $ (21,725   $ (10,422   $ (5,672   $ (8,632

Share-based compensation expense

    1,094       1,050       902       947       644       1,379       1,488       1,387       1,866       1,391  

Amortization of intangible assets

    2,947       3,023       3,421       3,329       3,292       3,326       7,224       7,277       7,456       8,872  

Interest expense, net

    8,512       6,266       6,310       6,326       6,434       6,505       6,772       7,050       7,225       6,513  

Provision for (benefit from) income tax

    2,124       661       294       2,258       (640     532       849       1,558       2,302       1,940  

Depreciation

    6,044       5,539       4,668       4,380       4,467       4,596       4,857       4,567       4,934       4,957  

Management advisory fees

    1,000       1,000       1,000       1,000       1,001       1,000       1,000       1,034       999       997  

Debt extension and extinguishment costs*

    3,130       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

Restructuring

    471       (14     (8     128       330       685       1,143       —         —         —    

In-process research and development charge

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         1,582       —         —    

Write-off of public offering expenses

    —         —         —         —         —         —         3,962       —         —         426  

Special retention bonuses

    —         25       265       333       306       707       123       —         —         —    

Storage sale-related legal costs

    —         —         —         —         —         —         (780     256       750       761  

Valuation adjustment related to prepaid state value-added taxes

    —         —         908       —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

Investment advisory fees

    134       406       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

Insurance settlement related to a fiscal 2013 claim

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (525

Obsolete inventory related to restructuring

    372       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

Misappropriated product shipment

    —         —         —         —         —         695       —         —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $   23,491     $   14,749     $   16,299     $   17,356     $     9,499     $     8,606     $     4,913     $   14,289     $   19,860     $   16,700  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Debt extension costs consist of $1.7 million associated with the amendment of our senior secured term loan and revolving credit facility in November 2016 and debt extinguishment costs represent a $1.4 million loss on a February 2017 extinguishment.

Quarterly Sales Trends

Net sales for the three sequential fiscal quarters ended February 26, 2016 were adversely impacted by a major corruption scandal involving Brazil’s largest energy company, Petrobras, which began to unfold in 2014, and by 2015 contributed to a significant decrease in the value of the Brazilian real , which in turn led to a substantial downturn in the Brazilian economy and a substantial rise in unemployment. In other quarters, net sales fluctuated as a result of a variety of factors, principally the state of the overall DRAM market, and the demand levels impacting the mobile memory market in Brazil.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

     As of  
     February 24,
2017
     February 26,
2016
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 
     (in thousands)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 23,341      $ 83,813      $ 58,634      $ 68,094  

 

     Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 
     (in thousands)  

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ (15,648   $ 26,012     $ 15,050     $ 40,762  

Cash used in investing activities

     (7,353     (5,316     (13,369     (8,716

Cash used in financing activities

     (12,673     (3,236     (10,914     (32,645

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
cash equivalents

     381       (1,741     (227     (9,399
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents

   $ (35,293   $ 15,719     $ (9,460   $ (9,998
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At February 24, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $23.3 million, of which approximately $18.0 million was held outside of the United States.

We expect that our existing cash and cash equivalents and cash generated by operating activities will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. Our principal uses of cash and capital resources are debt service requirements as described below, capital expenditures, research and development expenditures and working capital requirements. We expect that future capital expenditures will focus on expanding capacity of our Brazilian operations, expanding our research and development activities, manufacturing equipment upgrades and/or acquisitions and IT infrastructure and software upgrades. Cash and cash equivalents consist of funds held in demand deposit accounts and money market funds. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes.

Operating Activities

During the six months ended February 24, 2017, cash used in operating activities was $15.6 million. The primary factors affecting our cash flows during this period were $34.0 million change in our net operating assets and liabilities and a $5.5 million net loss, offset by $23.9 million of non-cash related expenses. The $34.0 million change in net operating assets and liabilities consisted of decreases of $3.4 million in accounts receivable and $1.5 million in prepaid expenses and other assets, and an increase of $3.3 million in accrued expenses and other liabilities, offset by an increase of $26.4 million in inventory, and a decrease of $15.7 million in accounts payable. The decreases in accounts receivable and accounts payable were primarily due to lower gross sales, while the increase in inventory was due to higher DRAM prices. See the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies.”

During fiscal 2016, cash provided by operating activities was $15.1 million. The primary factors affecting our cash flows during this period were $38.6 million of non-cash related expenses, offset by a $20.0 million net loss and a $3.5 million change in our net operating assets and liabilities. The $3.5 million change in operating assets and liabilities consisted of decreases of $44.9 million in accounts receivable, $31.3 million in inventory and $11.0 million in prepaid expenses and other assets, offset by decreases of $86.5 million in accounts payable and $4.2 million in accrued expenses and other liabilities. The decreases in accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable were primarily due to lower gross sales.

 

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During fiscal 2015, cash provided by operating activities was $40.8 million. The primary factors affecting our cash flows during this period were $64.2 million of non-cash related expenses and a $23.1 million change in our net operating assets and liabilities, offset by a $46.5 million net loss. The $23.1 million change in operating assets and liabilities consisted of a decrease of $8.6 million in accounts receivable and an increase of $53.2 million in accounts payable, offset by increases of $20.0 million in inventory and $0.4 million in prepaid expenses and other assets, and a decrease of $18.3 million in accrued expenses and other liabilities. The increases in inventory and accounts payable were primarily due to higher gross sales.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended February 24, 2017 was $7.4 million consisting of purchases of property and equipment. Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2016 was $13.4 million consisting primarily of $13.8 million used for purchases of property and equipment. Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2015 was $8.7 million, primarily resulting from $31.7 million used for purchases of property and equipment, $6.1 million of restricted cash related to our BNDES Credit Agreements in Brazil and $1.6 million used to purchase other assets, offset by $30.5 million of proceeds from the Escrow Release related to the sale of our Storage Business.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities during the six months ended February 24, 2017 was $12.7 million, consisting of long-term debt payments for both the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and the BNDES Credit Agreements, as well as payment for extinguishment of long-term debt. Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal 2016 was $10.9 million, consisting primarily of $16.7 million of long-term debt payments, offset by $5.8 million received under our BNDES Credit Agreements in Brazil. Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal 2015 was $32.6 million, consisting primarily of $28.3 million for distribution of share premium to our shareholders in connection with the Escrow Release, $13.3 million of long-term debt payments, $3.1 million for payment of costs related to our proposed initial public offering, $1.1 million of payments for the cancellation of options related to the Escrow Release and $0.9 million for strike price floor payments to optionholders as equitable adjustments required under the SGH Plan in connection with the Escrow Release, offset by $14.1 million received under our BNDES Credit Agreements in Brazil.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations as of February 24, 2017 (giving effect to the subsequent amendment to the Senior Secured Credit Agreement) are set forth below:

 

     Payments due by Period  
     1 year      2-3 years      4-5 years      After 5 years      Total  
     (in millions)  

Senior Secured Credit Agreement Debt

   $ 7.8      $ 208.2      $ —        $ —        $ 216.0  

Interest expense in connection with the Senior Secured Credit Agreement

     10.0        39.6        —          —          49.6  

BNDES Credit Agreements

     4.2        16.6        4.2        —          25.0  

Interest expense in connection with the BNDES Credit Agreements

     0.5        1.1        0.1        —          1.7  

Operating leases

     1.3        4.9        4.5        1.6       
12.3
 

Non-cancellable product purchase commitments

     43.5        —          —          —          43.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

   $ 67.3      $ 270.4      $ 8.8      $ 1.6      $ 348.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries are borrowers under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement provided by a syndicate of bank lenders. The Senior Secured Credit Agreement provides for a $310.0 million senior secured term loan facility maturing on August 26, 2019 and a $50.0 million revolving facility also maturing on August 26, 2019. The Senior Secured Credit Agreement is jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior basis by certain of our other wholly owned subsidiaries, which we refer to, together with the borrowers under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, as the loan parties. In addition, the Senior Secured Credit Agreement is secured by a pledge of the capital stock of, or equity interests in, certain of our subsidiaries and by substantially all of the assets of certain of our subsidiaries. We are not a loan party under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement.

The Senior Secured Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants including, among other things, limitations on the loan parties’ ability to engage in certain transactions, incur debt, pay dividends and make investments. If letters of credit in excess of $1.0 million (not including any cash collateralized letters of credit) or any revolving loans are outstanding at the end of any fiscal quarter, then the secured net leverage ratio cannot exceed 4.5:1.0 as of the end of the applicable fiscal quarter. The borrowers under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement did not have any borrowings under the revolving facility and did not have letters of credit in excess of $1.0 million on any measurement date during the six months ended February 24, 2017 or in fiscal 2016 and 2015.

Loans under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin plus, at the borrowers’ option, either (i) a LIBOR rate (with a floor of 1.25% on term loans and a floor of 1.00% on revolving loans), or (ii) a base rate (with a floor of 2.25% on term loans and a floor of 2.00% on revolving loans). The applicable margin for term loans with respect to LIBOR borrowings is 8.0% increasing to 8.75% on November 5, 2017 if there are balances still outstanding on the term loans on such date, and with respect to base rate borrowings is 7.0% increasing to 7.75% on November 5, 2017 if there are balances still outstanding on term loans on such date. The applicable margin for revolving loans adjusts every quarter based on the secured leverage ratio. The applicable margin for revolving loans with respect to LIBOR borrowings is in the range of 3.75% to 4.00% and the applicable margin for revolving loans with respect to base rate borrowings is in the range of 2.75% to 3.00%. Interest on base rate loans is payable on the last day of each fiscal February, May, August and November. Interest on LIBOR-based loans is payable every one, two, three, six, nine or twelve months after the date of each borrowing, dependent on the particular interest period selected with respect to such borrowing.

The Senior Secured Credit Agreement requires quarterly scheduled principal payments of term loans. During the six months ended February 24, 2017, and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, the borrowers made scheduled principal payments totaling $7.8 million, $13.3 million and $13.3 million, respectively. The remaining quarterly payments are in the amounts of $3.9 million per quarter through and including the third quarter of fiscal 2019. The balance of the principal amount then outstanding is due in full on the maturity date of August 26, 2019. The required principal payment amounts may be reduced by certain permitted prepayments of principal.

The borrowers have the right at any time to make optional prepayments of the principal amounts outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement. If there are balances still outstanding on the term loans as of November 5, 2017, the borrowers are obligated to pay a fee of $5 million in cash to term lenders of record as of November 5, 2016.

The Senior Secured Credit Agreement also requires certain mandatory prepayments of principal whereby the borrowers must prepay outstanding term loans, subject to certain exceptions, which includes, among other things:

 

   

75% of excess cash flow after each fiscal year if the secured leverage ratio is greater than 2.0:1.0; 50% of excess cash flow if the secured leverage ratio is greater than 1.5:1.0 but less than or equal to 2.0:1.0; 25% of excess cash flow if the secured leverage ratio is greater than 1.0:1.0 but less than or equal to

 

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1.5:1.0; and 0% of excess cash flow if the secured leverage ratio is less than or equal to 1.0:1.0, which amounts will be reduced by any permitted voluntary prepayments of principal made in the applicable fiscal year;

 

   

100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales or other dispositions of property of the borrower or any restricted subsidiary;

 

   

100% of the net cash proceeds from the incurrence of debt by any restricted subsidiary, other than proceeds from debt permitted to be incurred under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement (subject to certain customary exceptions); and

 

   

100% of any cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet at the end of any fiscal quarter, in excess of $25 million (such amount being subject to certain specified adjustments).

Early mandatory repayments of principle are applied in the reverse order of maturity.

In November 2016, we issued warrants, or the Lender Warrants, to purchase 10,402,766 of our ordinary shares to the term loan lenders, or the Warrant Holders, in connection with the amendment and restatement of our Senior Secured Credit Agreement. The Lender Warrants are exercisable at $0.01 per share, with 4,623,449 of the Lender Warrants, or First Tranche Warrants, currently exercisable and 5,779,317 of the Lender Warrants, or Second Tranche Warrants, exercisable only if there are balances outstanding under the term loans on November 5, 2017. Upon the completion of this offering, the First Tranche Warrants will be deemed net exercised if not previously exercised, and the Second Tranche Warrants will not be exercisable and will terminate.

As of February 24, 2017, the outstanding principal balance of term loans under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement was $216.0 million, and there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving loan.

BNDES Credit Agreements

In December 2013, SMART Brazil, one of our Brazilian subsidiaries, entered into the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement. Under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement, a total of R$50.6 million (or $16.2 million) was made available to SMART Brazil for investments in infrastructure, research and development in Brazil and acquisitions of equipment not otherwise available in the Brazilian domestic market. Our obligations under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Itaú Bank, which guarantee is in turn secured by a guarantee from SMART Brazil and SMART do Brazil and a commitment by SMART Brazil to maintain minimum cash balances with Itaú Bank equal to 11.85% of the maximum aggregate balance of principal, interest and fees outstanding under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement. As of February 24, 2017, the committed amount was R$6.0 million (or $1.9 million), which is shown on our consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash.

Approximately half of the available debt under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement accrues interest at a fixed rate of 3.5% per annum while the other half accrues interest at a floating rate of 0.5% above the TJLP rate published by the Central Bank of Brazil, or BZTJLP, corresponding to an effective interest rate of 5.5% per annum. The facility under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement is a term loan fully amortizing in 48 equal monthly installments beginning on August 15, 2015 with the final principal payment being due on July 15, 2019.

As of February 24, 2017, our outstanding debt under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement was R$31.9 million (or $10.2 million), of which R$15.7 million (or $5.0 million) accrues interest at the fixed rate of 3.5% and R$16.2 million (or $5.2 million) accrues interest at the floating rate of 0.5% above BZTJLP (5.0%).

In December 2014, SMART Brazil entered into the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement. The BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement and the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement are collectively referred to as the BNDES Agreements. Under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement, a total of R$52.8 million (or $16.9 million) was made available to SMART Brazil for research and development conducted in Brazil related to IC packaging and for

 

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acquisitions of equipment not otherwise available in the Brazilian domestic market. SMART Brazil’s obligations under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement are also guaranteed by Itaú Bank, which guarantee is in turn secured by a guarantee from SMART Brazil and SMART do Brazil and a commitment by SMART Brazil to maintain minimum cash balances with Itaú Bank equal to 30.31% of the maximum aggregate balance of principal, interest and fees outstanding under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement, or approximately R$16.0 million (or $5.1 million) of required cash balances.

The available debt under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement accrues interest at a fixed rate of 4% per annum. The BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement is a term loan fully amortizing in 48 equal monthly installments beginning on August 15, 2016 with the final principal payment being due on July 15, 2020.

As of February 24, 2017, our outstanding debt under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement was R$46.2 million (or $14.8 million).

While the BNDES Agreements do not include any financial covenants, they contain affirmative and negative covenants customary for loans of this nature, including, among other things, an obligation to comply with all laws and regulations; a right for BNDES to terminate the loan in the event of a change of effective control; and a prohibition against the disposition or encumbrance, without BNDES consent, of intellectual property developed with the funds from the loans.

The future minimum principal payments under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and the BNDES Agreements as of February 24, 2017 are (in thousands):

 

     Senior
Secured
Credit
Agreement
               
        BNDES      Total  

Fiscal year ending August:

        

2017

   $ 7,750      $ 4,152      $ 11,902  

2018

     15,500        8,304        23,804  

2019

     192,760        8,308        201,068  

2020

     —          4,227        4,227  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 216,010      $ 24,991      $ 241,001  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Tender Offer

On April 25, 2016, we offered the SGH Plan option holders the opportunity to exchange certain outstanding and unexercised options with exercise prices higher than $3.85 per share for new replacement options with the following terms: (a) an exercise price of $3.85 per share, (b) a lower number of shares based on pre-determined formula, (c) a vesting schedule of 2 years with 50% vesting on first anniversary and the balance vesting quarterly over the second year, and (d) a new ten-year term.

On May 23, 2016, the exchange, or the Tender Offer, was completed and resulted in 4,958,038 options being cancelled, in exchange for 2,434,113 replacement options. As a result of the Tender Offer, there was an option modification charge of $2.7 million to be expensed over the next two years, which is the vesting period of the replacement options.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In

 

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addition, we do not have any undisclosed borrowings or debt, and we have not entered into any synthetic leases. We are, therefore, not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial conditions, net sales or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

Critical Accounting Policies

We believe the following critical accounting policies are the most significant to the presentation of our financial statements and they at times require the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Our product revenues are predominantly derived from the sale of specialty memory solutions, including memory modules, Flash memory cards and solid state storage products, which we design and manufacture. We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, product delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Product revenue typically is recognized at the time of shipment or when the customer takes title to the goods. Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are classified as sales, while costs incurred by us for shipping and handling are classified as cost of sales. Taxes, including value-added taxes, assessed by a government authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue producing transaction are excluded from revenue.

Our service revenues are derived from procurement, logistics, inventory management, temporary warehousing, kitting and packaging services. The terms of our contracts vary, but we generally recognize service revenue upon the completion of the contracted services. Our service revenue is accounted for on an agency basis. Service revenue for these arrangements is typically based on material procurement costs plus a fee for the services provided. We determine whether to report revenue on a net or gross basis depending on a number of factors, including whether we are the primary obligor in the arrangement, have general inventory risk, have the ability to set the price, have the ability to determine who the suppliers are, can physically change the product or have credit risk. Under some service arrangements, we retain inventory risk. All inventories held under service arrangements are included in the inventories reported on the consolidated balance sheet.

The following is a summary of our gross billings to customers and net sales for services and products (in thousands):

 

     Six Months Ended      Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
     February 26,
2016
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 

Service revenue, net

   $ 17,984      $ 22,088      $ 44,453      $ 40,235  

Cost of purchased materials—service (1)

     402,388        785,914        1,390,624        1,503,968  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross billings for services

     420,372        808,002        1,435,077        1,544,203  

Product net sales

     313,314        216,525        489,970        603,234  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross billings to customers

   $ 733,686      $ 1,024,527      $ 1,925,047      $ 2,147,437  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Product net sales

   $ 313,314      $ 216,525      $ 489,970      $ 603,234  

Service revenue, net

     17,984        22,088        44,453        40,235  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net sales

   $ 331,298      $ 238,613      $ 534,423      $ 643,469  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents cost of sales associated with service revenue reported on a net basis.

 

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Inventory Valuation

At each balance sheet date, we evaluate our ending inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. This evaluation includes analysis of sales levels by product family. Among other factors, we consider historical demand and forecasted demand in relation to the inventory on hand, competitiveness of product offerings, market conditions and product life cycles when determining obsolescence and net realizable value. We adjust the carrying values to approximate the lower of our manufacturing cost or net realizable value. Inventory cost is determined on a specific identification basis and includes material, labor and manufacturing overhead. From time to time, our customers may request that we purchase and maintain significant inventory of raw materials for specific programs. Such inventory purchases are evaluated for excess quantities and potential obsolescence and could result in a provision at the time of purchase or subsequent to purchase. Inventory levels may fluctuate based on inventory held under service arrangements. Our provisions for excess and obsolete inventory are also impacted by our arrangements with our customers and/or suppliers, including our ability or inability to re-sell such inventory to them. If actual market conditions or our customers’ product demands are less favorable than those projected or if our customers or suppliers are unwilling or unable to comply with any arrangements related to their purchase or sale of inventory, additional provisions may be required and would have a negative impact on our gross margins in that period. We have had material inventory write-downs in the past for reasons such as obsolescence, excess quantities and declines in market value below our costs, and we may be required to do so from time to time in the future. Our inventory write-downs were $1.8 million, $0.9 million, $1.8 million and $2.2 million for the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 and fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and net operating loss and credit carry-forwards. When necessary, a valuation allowance is recorded or reduced to value tax assets to amounts expected to be realized. The effect of changes in tax rates is recognized in the period in which the rate change occurs. U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes are not provided on that portion of unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are expected to be reinvested indefinitely.

After excluding ordinary losses in a tax jurisdiction for which no tax benefit can be recognized, we estimate our annual effective tax rate and apply such rate to year-to-date income, adjusting for unusual or infrequent items that are treated as discrete events in the period. We also evaluate our valuation allowance to determine if a change in circumstances causes a change in judgment regarding realization of deferred tax assets in future years. If the valuation allowance is adjusted as a result of a change in judgment regarding future years, that adjustment is recorded in the period of such change affecting our tax expense in that period.

The calculation of our tax liabilities involves accounting for uncertainties in the application of complex tax rules, regulations and practices. We recognize benefits for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition of a benefit (or the absence of a liability) by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position taken will be sustained upon audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. If it is not, in our judgment, more likely than not that the position will be sustained, then we do not recognize any benefit for the position. If it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained, a second step in the process is required to estimate how much of the benefit we will ultimately receive. This second step requires that we estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, is $2.1 million for fiscal 2016. This evaluation is based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, new facts, correspondence with tax authorities during the course of an audit, effective settlement of audit issues and commencement of new audit

 

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activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement could result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision in the period.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. As of February 24, 2017, the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets was $46.1 million and $11.1 million, respectively. Assets to be disposed are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell.

Share-Based Compensation

We recognize compensation costs related to share-based awards granted to employees based on the estimated fair value of the awards on the date of grant, net of estimated forfeitures. We estimate the grant date fair value, and the resulting share-based compensation expense, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The grant date fair value of the share-based awards is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the respective awards.

We have used the Black-Scholes valuation model to assist us in determining the fair value of share-based awards. The Black-Scholes model requires the use of subjective and highly complex assumptions which determine the fair value of share-based awards. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatilities of the common stock of comparable publicly traded companies. The expected term of options granted represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules and the historical exercise patterns. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the average U.S. Treasury yield curve at the end of the quarter in which the option was granted.

We used the following assumptions to value options granted under our SGH equity plan during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016, and in fiscal 2016 and 2015:

 

     Six Months Ended      Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
     February 26,
2016
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 

Stock options:

           

Expected term (years)

     6.25        6.25        6.25        6.25  

Expected volatility

     54.41% - 55.75%        49.46% - 51.92%        49.46% - 56.00%        49.51% - 53.28%  

Risk-free interest rate

     1.96% - 2.01%        1.39% -1.82%        1.36% - 1.82%        1.49% - 1.72%  

Expected dividends

     —          —          —          —    

The following table sets forth our total share-based compensation expense during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

 

     Six Months Ended      Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
     February 26,
2016
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 

Cost of sales

   $ 268      $ 236      $ 461      $ 771  

Research and development

     445        382        725        844  

Selling, general and administrative

     1,431        1,405        2,686        4,517  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,144      $ 2,023      $ 3,872      $ 6,132  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Fair value of ordinary shares . The fair value of the ordinary shares underlying our share options for each of our equity plans has historically been determined by our board of directors. Because there has been no public market for our ordinary shares and in the absence of recent arm’s length cash sales transactions of our ordinary shares with independent third parties, our board of directors has determined the fair value of our ordinary shares by considering at the time of grant a number of objective and subjective factors, including the following: the value of tangible and intangible assets of our company, the present value of anticipated future cash flows of our company, the market value of stock or equity interests in similar corporations and other entities engaged in businesses substantially similar to those engaged in by our company, our current financial condition and anticipated expenses, our need for additional capital, current and potential strategic relationships and competitive developments and periodic valuations from an independent third-party valuation firm.

The valuations used the income, guideline and transaction approaches based on our expected future cash flows and applied a discount for lack of marketability. The guideline approach measures value on a minority-interest basis; the transaction and income approaches measure value on a controlling basis. This approach is outlined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Practice Aid, “Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation” as the probability weighted expected return method. Enterprise values were calculated based on three exit scenarios, including an initial public offering, merger or acquisition, or M&A, and continuing to operate on a standalone basis. Each value was weighted equally together to arrive at an indicated enterprise value. In estimating the value of equities, management estimated a term for each of the initial public offering, M&A and continuing to operate on a stand-alone basis scenarios.

Following the completion of this offering, the fair value of our ordinary shares generally will be determined by reference to the closing sales price of a share of our ordinary shares on the grant date (or if there is no closing price as of such date, the last preceding date for which a closing sales price is quoted); provided, that with respect to any equity awards granted after the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, but prior to the date on which the shares subject to this offering are publicly traded, the fair value will be the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Our exposure to market rate risk includes risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, changes in interest rates and translation risk.

Foreign Exchange Risks

We are subject to inherent risks attributed to operating in a global economy. Our international sales and our operations in foreign countries subject us to risks associated with fluctuating currency values and exchange rates. Because a portion of our sales are denominated in United States dollars, increases in the value of the United States dollar could increase the price of our products so that they become relatively more expensive to customers in a particular country, possibly leading to a reduction in sales and profitability in that country. A significant portion of the sales of our products are denominated in reais . In addition, we have certain costs that are denominated in foreign currencies, and decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar could result in increases in such costs that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We do not currently purchase financial instruments to hedge foreign exchange risk, but may do so in the future.

As a result of our international operations, we generate a portion of our net sales and incur a portion of our expenses in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, particularly the reais . Approximately 47%, 46% and 52% of our net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively, originated in reais . We present our combined financial statements in U.S. dollars, and we must translate the assets, liabilities, net sales and expenses of a substantial portion of our foreign operations into U.S. dollars at applicable exchange rates. Consequently, increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar may affect the value of these items with respect to our non-U.S. dollar businesses in our combined financial statements, even if their value has not changed in their local currency. Our customer pricing and material cost of sales are based on U.S. dollars, as

 

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is the global market for memory products. Accordingly, the impact of currency fluctuations to our consolidated statement of operations is primarily to our other costs of sales (i.e., non-material components) and our operating expenses as those items are typically denominated in local currency. Our consolidated statement of operations is also impacted by foreign currency gains and losses recorded in Other Income (Expense) arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the respective subsidiary. These translations could significantly affect the comparability of our results between financial periods or result in significant changes to the carrying value of our assets, liabilities and equity. As a result, changes in foreign currency exchange rates impact our reported results.

During the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, we recorded $0.3 million, $1.1 million, and ($10.7) million, respectively, of foreign exchange gains (losses). The loss in fiscal 2015 was primarily related to the devaluation of the Brazilian real associated with the corruption scandal in fiscal 2015.

Interest Rate Risk

We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with our long-term and short-term debt, including the $216.0 million aggregate balance under the term loan under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, R$31.9 million (or $10.2 million) balance under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement and R$46.2 million (or $14.8 million) balance under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement, in each case as of February 24, 2017. Although we did not have any revolving balances outstanding as of February 24, 2017, the revolving facility under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement provides for borrowings of up to $50 million that would also bear interest at variable rates. Assuming that we will satisfy the financial covenants required to borrow and that the Senior Secured Credit Agreement is fully drawn and other variables are held constant, each 1.0% increase in interest rates on our variable rate borrowings would result in an increase in annual interest expense and a decrease in our cash flow and income before taxes of $2.8 million per year.

Inflation Risk

We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. If our costs were to become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset such higher costs through price increases. Our inability or failure to do so could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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BUSINESS

Overview

We are a global leader in specialty memory solutions, serving the electronics industry for over 25 years. As part of our global business, we have established a leading market position, as measured by market share, in Brazil as the largest in-country manufacturer of memory for desktops, notebooks and servers, as well as mobile memory for smartphones. We also have a leading market position worldwide, as measured by revenue, in specialty memory where we work closely with OEM customers to develop memory solutions, which incorporate customer-specific requirements. We believe our customers rely on us as a strategic supplier due to our customer-specific designs, product quality and technical support, our global footprint and, in Brazil, our ability to provide locally manufactured memory products. We also provide customized, integrated supply chain services to certain OEM customers to assist them in the management and execution of their procurement processes. Our global, diversified customer base includes over 250 end customers such as Cisco, Samsung, HPE, Dell and LG.

Since 2002, when we commenced our operations in Brazil, we have invested over $170 million to build and improve our advanced manufacturing facilities and have assembled and trained a staff of over 480 employees, who comprise many of the leading semiconductor technology professionals in the country. In Brazil, we process imported wafers and cut, package and test them to create memory components used to manufacture modules and other memory and Flash-based products. We are the only company engaged in packaging and test for mobile memory for smartphones in Brazil. We have a strategic, long-term relationship with a global memory wafer supplier that has provided us with a stable source of competitively priced wafers for the Brazilian market and provides our supplier with access to that market through our in-country infrastructure and capabilities.

Our business in Brazil has historically focused on DRAM components and modules for desktops, notebooks and servers, where local content and tax regulations provide substantial financial incentives to our customers to procure locally manufactured memory products, particularly when they are made with locally processed components. We have leveraged our experience and success in these markets to expand into mobile memory, primarily for smartphones, which include eMMC and eMCP, where additional local content requirements and tax incentives have been introduced. During the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, these mobile memory products accounted for 69%, 65% and 29%, respectively, of our net sales in Brazil. Based on expected unit sales for mobile phones in Brazil provided by ITData Consultoria, taking into account our average selling price of approximately $17.09 per component for mobile memory during the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we believe that the total addressable market for locally produced mobile memory for mobile phones in Brazil will reach approximately $499 million by 2019. We have also demonstrated our ability to service the smartphone market in Brazil as we are now qualified at seven of the top ten mobile vendors in Brazil representing, according to ITData Consultoria, 87% of the mobile phones sold in Brazil in calendar 2016.

The Brazilian government has a long history of utilizing local content requirements to promote job creation, sustain economic growth and increase the competitiveness of various domestic industries. Local content requirements have been important in the development of numerous industries in Brazil, including automotive, oil and gas, aerospace, healthcare and IT. Beginning in 1991, local content regulation was introduced to vitalize Brazil’s IT industry. Specifically, requirements for locally manufactured memory have been in place for over 22 years and have increased significantly over time as manufacturing capacity has increased. For example, in notebooks, the requirement for locally manufactured DRAM ICs has increased from 30% in 2010 to 80% in 2016, which means that 80% of the DRAM modules purchased by an OEM in 2016 for use in notebooks for the Brazil market must contain ICs locally manufactured in order for the OEM to qualify for certain tax benefits. As a result of the proliferation of mobile devices, the requirement for locally manufactured embedded memory for smartphones was introduced in March 2014, which has increased from 15% in 2014 to 50% in 2017 and is expected to increase to 60% in 2018. While qualified suppliers are allowed to import a relatively small portion of this requirement with minimal local processing, we are the only company currently qualified that can package

 

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and test these products locally. With the local content requirements for various IT products increasing, we believe that our local manufacturing capabilities provide a valuable and differentiated offering to our OEM customers in Brazil. We also believe that our long-term relationships with many of these customers as the largest supplier of locally manufactured memory products provides us with stability and visibility for our Brazilian business, as well as significant growth prospects.

In our specialty memory solutions business, we focus on providing extensive customer-specific design, manufacturing, technical support and value-added testing services that differ from the core focus of standard memory module providers. We collaborate closely with our global OEM customers throughout their design process and across multiple projects to create memory solutions for demanding applications with differentiated requirements, such as specific form factors, higher density, lower power, specific firmware or greater durability and reliability compared to standard memory modules. We target opportunities where we believe we can be a primary supplier of longer-lifecycle memory solutions to OEM customers for diverse and growing end markets within the networking, communications, storage, industrial, medical and automotive industries. In our specialty memory solutions business, we offer an extensive portfolio of over 2,000 products, which includes all generations of DRAM, as well as embedded and removable Flash, enterprise memory and hybrid volatile and non-volatile memory solutions. We also offer customized, integrated supply chain services to enable our customers to manage supply chain planning and execution, which reduces costs and increases productivity. Our supply chain services are based on our proprietary software platform that we develop and are integrated with our customers’ respective procurement management systems as well as our suppliers’ distribution management systems.

We believe our close collaboration with customers, customer-specific designs, long-lifecycle solutions and proprietary supply chain services create significant customer attachment, allow us to identify new opportunities for growth and provide us with a high level of relative visibility and stability through macroeconomic cycles. Furthermore, we believe our business has relatively low capital expenditure requirements, and we have been able to leverage a flexible cost structure to maintain generally stable margins throughout market cycles.

We sell our solutions directly to a diversified base of global OEMs. Our top ten end customers, five of which have been our end customers for over a decade, accounted for 81% and 75% of our net sales in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our global sales channel consists of a direct sales force supported by a broad network of independent sales representatives located throughout North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Our integrated sales process incorporates our direct sales force and customer service representatives and a high level of involvement from our senior executives. Our on-site field application engineers, or FAEs, collaborate with our OEM customers and provide us with insight into their product roadmaps, allowing us to identify opportunities to grow our business. The combination of our integrated sales network with our FAEs allows us to be more responsive to each customer’s unique requirements, enabling us to navigate the complex qualification processes at leading global OEMs. We believe our strong and often longstanding relationships with our customers reinforce our competitive position.

Our Industry

We believe that significant opportunities exist across the major markets in which our business operates due to the increasing global demand for existing and next generation memory technologies and OEM requirements for high quality and reliability backed by premium service and support. We believe that a number of trends are driving the expansion of our market opportunity in Brazil and elsewhere:

Memory continues to be critical to system performance . With the growth in mobility, cloud computing and data intensive applications, the importance of and demand for memory continues to increase. According to IDC, worldwide demand for DRAM and NAND Flash memory units will increase by 117% and 358%, respectively, when comparing 2021 to 2016. The increasing diversity of demanding applications requires memory solutions tailored to meet these varying and growing needs. Memory density also continues to increase. We believe that 8Gb die will be the next leading DRAM density, which will drive DRAM bit growth. According to IDC, 8Gb die

 

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will account for 40% of worldwide DRAM bit shipments in 2017, up from 7% in 2015. IDC forecasts that 8Gb die will grow rapidly in 2018, with 8Gb die accounting for 49% of worldwide DRAM bit shipments by 2018. Higher memory densities, lower power requirements and increasingly smaller form factors are especially important in mobile and embedded devices, where high performance and lower power consumption are critical.

Stabilization of DRAM market . Industry consolidation, increased capital expenditure requirements, continued technology advancements and the shift in new production from DRAM to NAND have stabilized global DRAM supply and pricing in recent years. Furthermore, according to IDC, the top three DRAM suppliers are estimated to have 94% of the worldwide market share in 2016. In addition, an IDC report shows an increase in worldwide DRAM demand being driven by widening applications as usage of DRAM for smartphones is increasing along with worldwide consumption of DRAM for desktops, notebooks and servers. We believe this trend is expected to continue through at least 2021. Continuous advancements in process geometries require significant capital investments, making it difficult for new entrants and for existing suppliers to increase memory supply. According to IDC, while DRAM unit consumption is expected to be higher in 2021 than in 2016, worldwide DRAM revenue for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 is expected to be $41.2 billion, $54.6 billion, $47.5 billion, $45.3 billion, $45.5 billion and $44.4 billion, respectively, which is a significant reduction in the historic volatility experienced in the DRAM market.

Flash memory market continues to grow . Flash consumption is driven by the growth in demand for smartphones, SSDs for notebooks, servers and cloud computing, and other NAND based applications. According to IDC, the worldwide NAND market is expected to grow from $31.9 billion in 2016 to $44.6 billion by 2021, representing a 6.9% CAGR.

Increasing memory demand for smartphones in Brazil . Consumer demand for smartphones in Brazil is expected to grow, supported by the growing middle class, improvement in cellular and wireless infrastructure and current low levels of penetration of mobile devices. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, the Brazilian middle class is expected to expand from 41% of the population, or 76 million people, in 2005, to 58% of the population, or 127 million people, by 2025. As a result, smartphone penetration is expected to increase. According to ITData Consultoria, sales of mobile phones in Brazil are expected to reach 53.5 million units in 2018 (a 6.7% increase over 2016) and to grow to 56.0 million units in 2020, with smartphones sales expected to account for 50.0 million units in 2018 (a 12% increase over 2016) and 53.5 million units in 2020. We expect this increase in smartphone penetration to drive a corresponding increase in the demand for mobile memory components and modules.

Increasing local content requirements in Brazil and other incentives. Local content requirements have been central to the Brazilian regulatory environment since the 1960s. These regulations are aimed at promoting job creation, sustaining economic growth and increasing the competitiveness of various domestic industries, and have helped enable a significant expansion of the Brazilian middle class. Local content requirements have been instrumental in the development of numerous key industries in Brazil, including automotive, oil and gas, aerospace, healthcare and IT. For example, local content regulation in Brazil’s automotive industry has helped the country become the world’s eighth largest automotive market and tenth largest producer of cars and commercial vehicles in 2016, according to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Once implemented, Brazil’s local content requirements have been generally maintained or increased over time. In 2012, regulations were passed that require that automotive companies perform certain manufacturing activities in Brazil, and the granting of tax relief is conditioned on the amount of local content applied within the manufacturing process.

In the IT industry, government programs have been introduced to incentivize manufacturers to establish and expand their operations in Brazil and to incentivize OEMs to purchase locally manufactured components for their products.

 

   

Lei da Informática—Processo Produtivo Básico (PPB/IT Program), 1991 : Provides for significant tax benefits for companies that develop or produce computing and automation goods locally and invest in

 

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IT-related research and development in Brazil. The PPB/IT Program requirements for local content are published publicly on a periodic basis and typically include the requirements for the three to four-year period following publication. The PPB/IT Program requirements for locally sourced memory components from calendar years 2008 to 2019 are set forth below.

 

Local Content Requirements

 

PPB/IT Program Requirements for PC and
Server Memory

  2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     2019  

Notebook DRAM

  IC Packaging     0     30     30     40     50     60     80     80     80     80     80     80

Desktop DRAM

  IC Packaging     10     10     10     10     10     30     50     60     80     80     80     80

Server DRAM

  IC Packaging     80     80     80     80     80     80     80     80     80     80     80     80

PPB/IT Program Requirements for Mobile
Memory

  2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     2019  

Notebook SSD

  IC Packaging     0     0     0     35     40     30     40     40     40     40     40     40

SSD Module

  Flash IC Packaging     0     0     0     0     0     40     60     80     30     40     60     80

Mobile/Smartphones

  microSD Cards     0     0     0     0     5     5     10     20     40     50     50     50
  All Other Memory
Types (1)
    0     0     0     0     0     0     5     20     40     50     60 % (2)       60 % (2)  

PPB/IT Program Requirements for TV

  2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     2019  

TV

  IC Packaging     0     0     0     0     0     0     0     10     30     40     40     40

 

(1) Includes mobile DRAM, eMMC and eMCP.
(2) For mobile memory components, 60% has been recommended by the ministries for 2018 and 2019 but is still subject to final approval.

Source: Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Interministerial Ordinances 287/2014, 85/2014, 239/2016, 179/2016, 141/2015, 263/2014 and 14/2016 and Public Consultation 36/16.

OEMs that are PPB/IT Program-compliant and who fulfill the above local content requirements receive substantial benefits, including a reduction in excise taxes on their purchases from qualified suppliers as well as a reduction in the taxes that they are required to charge on sales to their end customers. We estimate that the aggregate of the PPB/IT Program-related tax benefits is around 28% of the resale value of the OEM’s end products. These tax benefits provide a strong incentive for OEMs to purchase products from local content manufacturers such as us. Local content requirements for mobile memory products for smartphones increased from 25% in 2015 to 50% in 2017 and is expected to increase to 60% in 2018.

Other tax incentives introduced to incentivize manufacturers to establish and expand their operations in Brazil, include the following:

 

   

Lei do Bem, 2005: Fosters technology innovation in Brazil by providing a reduction in corporate income tax through allowance of expenses related to research and development activities.

 

   

PADIS, 2007, extended in 2016: Awards incentives and provides significant tax relief, including reductions in the Brazilian aggregate statutory income tax rates, to semiconductor and display companies that invest in research and development and that promote the development, design, test and packaging processes in Brazil. Furthermore, combining PADIS and PPB/IT Program-compliance provides additional financial incentives to OEMs that purchase modules containing components that are locally processed from wafers.

In 2013, the EU, later joined by Japan, requested the establishment of a panel within the WTO to determine whether certain measures enacted by the Brazilian government concerning tax incentives and local content requirements for the automotive sector and several other industries including the IT industry and including PADIS, the PPB/IT Program and Lei do Bem, are inconsistent with WTO rules. The panel was formed, hearings were held and in December 2016, the WTO circulated its report to the parties. This report is subject to feedback from the parties and has not been released to the public. While we cannot predict the outcome of the WTO’s decision, a negative ruling could result in significant adverse changes to the local content rules and incentives available to us and our customers in Brazil. Any suspension, early termination or other adverse change in the

 

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local content requirements could significantly reduce the demand for, and the profit margins on, our products in Brazil, and would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe our core competitive strengths include:

Strong presence in Brazil. We are the largest local manufacturer of DRAM components and DRAM modules for the desktop, notebook and server markets in Brazil as measured by market share. We are also the first company to develop manufacturing capabilities for Flash-based products in Brazil, where we are the leading manufacturer of mobile memory products, such as mobile DRAM, eMMC and eMCP. We benefit from having a first mover advantage in Brazil (having invested over $170 million in the country since 2002 to build and improve our advanced manufacturing facilities) and understand government initiatives and how to navigate regulatory requirements to benefit our company and our customers. We believe we are well positioned to maintain our established leadership in Brazil’s memory market and to extend our leadership in the growing mobile memory market.

Our experience in Brazil has helped us develop expertise in semiconductor technology and advanced manufacturing that allows us to be a trusted local supplier to OEMs. We have demonstrated our ability to produce solutions with shrinking geometries and increasing complexity. In addition, we benefit from a strategic wafer supply relationship that has provided us with a strong, continuous supply of competitively priced wafers for use in the local market. Through this relationship, our collaboration on technology and processes with key suppliers and our continued capital investment, we strive to maintain our advanced manufacturing capabilities and operate at a high level of efficiency with capabilities and scale that are difficult for a competitor to replicate. We have also made significant investments in assembling and training a staff of over 480 employees who comprise many of the leading semiconductor technology professionals in the country.

Well positioned to benefit from Brazilian local content regulations. Increasing local content requirements help drive our growth strategy in Brazil. For example, local content requirements for mobile memory products for smartphones increased from 25% in 2015 to 50% in 2017 and is expected to increase to 60% in 2018. While qualified suppliers are allowed to import a relatively small portion of this requirement with minimal local processing, we are the only company currently qualified that can package and test these products locally. Global suppliers of memory components and modules not manufactured in Brazil cannot address the local content purchasing requirements of OEM customers selling products in Brazil. As a result of our infrastructure, scale and capabilities in Brazil, we have a significant advantage in being able to satisfy these local content requirements.

Business model focused on specialized markets and strong customer collaboration. The complexity of applications today requires sophisticated memory solutions with a high degree of specialization and customization to fulfill the requirements of OEMs. In specialty memory, we focus on opportunities in markets that feature products with longer life cycles (typically five to seven years), specialized form factors and customized firmware which typically require intensive and time consuming qualification processes and create high switching costs for our customers. Our research and development teams are closely aligned with our customers, and this collaboration enables early stage adoption of our solutions and significant visibility into our customers’ product roadmaps. Our global supply chain services also foster further customer attachment. Our high level of collaboration and integration with our customers make it difficult, costly and time consuming for them to switch to an alternative supplier.

Global footprint and delivery network. We are located near many of our largest customers and their manufacturing partners around the world, offering extensive global manufacturing, engineering and supply chain management capabilities. We have three manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Brazil and Malaysia; eight facilities with engineering and research and development operations located in five countries; and employees located in nine countries across the world. Our established global network of component sources

 

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helps to ensure that our pricing remains competitive and that we are able to provide a stable source of supply for our customers.

Advanced manufacturing capabilities. We have invested in facilities and processes tailored to meet the exacting demands and specialized requirements of our OEM customers while maintaining a high level of efficiency, quality and productivity. Our advanced processes enable us to provide quick turnaround to meet our customer demands. Our extensive quality control programs and sophisticated test capabilities help to ensure a low defect rate and, for markets that require it, we offer reliability testing and screening substantially above standard industry practices. Our advanced manufacturing capabilities and processes are International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, 9001:2008, 14001:2004 and Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series, or OHSAS, 18001:2007 compliant, and our manufacturing facilities have been audited for compliance with the standards of the Electronics Industry Citizenship Coalition, or EICC, which is increasingly a requirement of major global OEMs.

Flexible operating model. We believe our operating model has enabled us to maintain margins that are more stable than those of many of the largest memory manufacturers, as such memory manufacturers own their own wafer fabs which are extremely costly to build. Our advanced manufacturing capabilities are focused on packaging and test of ICs after they are produced in wafer form at a wafer fab. As we do not own or operate our own wafer fabs, we have low capital expenditures relative to semiconductor manufacturers. Our business also is characterized by low fixed costs. Both factors have helped us maintain generally stable margins through market cycles.

Ability to manage complex supply chains at scale . Our need to manage complex supply chains helped us develop our proprietary software platform, utilized by a team of dedicated professionals to meet the specific needs of our customers. We integrate our proprietary software platform with our customers’ procurement management as well as our suppliers’ distribution management systems to enable supply chain planning and execution, which lowers costs and increases efficiency. We believe this ability to manage complex supply chains at scale helps our customers minimize inventory levels while ensuring timely supply of material.

Proven management team with history of execution. We have an experienced and long-serving senior management team with an average tenure of approximately 18 years. The management team has a successful track record of operating the business through many market cycles and industry changes. Our senior management team has deep relationships throughout the sector and extensive knowledge of the global memory market as well as the Brazilian IT industry and regulatory environment.

Our Strategy

Our goals are to further strengthen our leadership position in the design, manufacture and supply of specialty memory solutions for leading OEMs and to pursue opportunities for growth in existing and new markets. We are pursuing the following strategies to achieve our goals:

Maintain our existing leadership in Brazil and enhance our manufacturing capabilities. We plan to continue to invest in our Brazilian desktop, notebook and server DRAM businesses to ensure that we are well positioned to maintain our leadership in these markets. We are enhancing our manufacturing capabilities to meet the increasing technological requirements of improved and new generations of DRAM devices needed to address the demand for our memory products manufactured in Brazil. We expect these enhancements to enable us to improve efficiencies, increase yields and advance our competitive position in our core DRAM businesses.

Capture growing mobile memory market in Brazil. We expect to continue to leverage our experience and success in our desktop, notebook and server DRAM business to capitalize upon high-growth markets for mobile memory. We will seek to grow our market share with OEMs that are currently utilizing imported mobile memory components to manufacture smartphones in Brazil, as local content requirements for mobile memory components, such as eMMC, eMCP and mobile DRAM, increased from 40% in 2016 to 50% in 2017 and is expected to increase to 60% in 2018. In December 2013 and again in December 2014, one of our subsidiaries in

 

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Brazil obtained financing from BNDES to purchase capital equipment and invest in further expansion of our operations in Brazil. We utilized much of the proceeds from the BNDES Agreements to purchase capital equipment and expand our manufacturing capabilities to capture growth opportunities in the mobile memory market. We believe our investments in infrastructure, customer relationships and broad set of solutions position us to capitalize on growing mobile memory demand and increasing local content requirements.

Maintain our leadership in specialty memory. We intend to remain a leader among specialty memory suppliers. We will continue to focus on delivering innovative solutions to help our customers improve functionality, enhance their supply chain, reduce costs and accelerate their time-to-market. To ensure we can meet the demands of our existing customers, we will continue to invest in research and development, our facilities and our workforce, especially as our new product offerings in DDR4 and embedded Flash memory continue to ramp.

Expand our total addressable market by offering innovative new products and by capitalizing on new market opportunities . We intend to leverage our experience and capabilities to launch new products and expand into new markets. We believe this will allow us to further penetrate our existing customers as well as increase the number of customers that we serve. Our strategy is based on providing specialized products that require levels of service and support that larger semiconductor manufacturers often do not provide. As part of this strategy, we introduced eMMC products for networking, communications, industrial and medical markets, where we expect strong growth for eMMC solutions. We believe that our long-term customer and supplier relationships provide a key advantage in gaining entry into new markets. In addition, we recently added memory solutions for SmartTVs to our product offerings in Brazil. We plan to continue investing in innovation in strategic areas, such as Flash and solid state storage and the evolving technology transition to DDR4.

Expand our global coverage. Devices and applications using memory are required in every region of the world, requiring OEMs to maintain a global supply chain to meet that demand. In addition to the United States and Brazil, we plan to increase our presence internationally and target new OEM and ODM customers in Europe and Asia.

Our Products and Services

We design, manufacture and supply specialty memory solutions for leading OEMs worldwide. By working closely with our customers we are able to deliver technically advanced products designed to meet their specific needs. As a result of close collaboration with our customers and suppliers, we are able to design competitive solutions to satisfy our customers’ memory and storage requirements, shorten their time-to-market and enhance the performance of their end products. We also offer a wide array of integrated supply chain services to enable our customers to manage supply chain planning and execution, which reduces costs and increases productivity.

 

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Category

  

Description

  

SMART Product

Brazil    DRAM Components   

Modules for desktops, notebooks and

  

• DRAM ICs

   DRAM Modules    servers and ICs for SmartTVs   

• RDIMM,UDIMM,SODIMM,DIMM

   Flash Components   

Mobile DRAM and Flash

  

• Flash ICs

   Mobile Memory   

products for mobile devices

  

• LPDDR3, eMMC, eMCP

• Flash FBGA

• Flash: LGA /microSD /UFD

• Flash: SSD

 

Specialty Memory

  

 

DRAM

  

 

Specialty DRAM modules:

• DDR4

• DDR3

• DDR2

• DDR

• PC133/100

• FPM/EDO

• SDRAM

  

 

• NVDIMM

• LRDIMM

• FBDIMM

• RDIMM

• UDIMM

• SO-DIMM

• Mini-DIMM

• XR-DIMM

• MIP: Module in a package

  

 

Flash

  

 

Embedded and Removable NAND Flash:

• SLC

• MLC

  

 

• eMMC

• Compact Flash: CF card, CFast

• SATA: mSATA, SATA Slim, iSATA, uSATA

• 2.5” SSD, M.2

• EFD: Embedded flash drive

• USB: eUSB, Enterprise USBMK

• SD cards

• microSD cards

• M.2 PCIe NVMe

 

Supply Chain Services

  

 

Supply Chain Services

  

 

Customized, integrated supply chain services to assist customers in the management and execution of their procurement processes

  

 

• Procurement

• Inventory management

• Temporary warehousing

• Kitting

• Packaging services

• Programming

DRAM

In Brazil, we process imported wafers and cut, package and test them to create DRAM memory components used to manufacture modules and other products. We also manufacture standard, high-volume DRAM modules for desktop, notebook and server applications. In 2014, we began to manufacture mobile DRAM components to address new markets in Brazil for mobile products, such as smartphones.

In our specialty memory solutions business, we offer an extensive lineup of DRAM modules utilizing a wide range of DRAM technologies from legacy Synchronous DRAM to double-data-rate, or DDR, DDR2, DDR3 and leading-edge, high-performance DDR4 DRAM devices. These modules encompass a broad range of form factors and functions, including dual in-line memory modules, or DIMMs, nonvolatile DIMMs, load reducing DIMMs, registered DIMMs, unbuffered DIMMs, small outline dual in-line memory modules, and mini-DIMMs and XR-DIMMs for industrial, communications and networking applications. These memory modules come in configurations of up to 288 pins and densities of up to 128 gigabytes. We utilize advanced printed circuit board and device packaging/stacking technologies to achieve cost-effective high-density solutions. We also develop specialized memory module designs based on specific OEM requirements. We employ extensive software based electrical and thermal simulations in the design of DDR, DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4 DIMMs and test those designs on high-end functional testers utilizing a broad set of test suites. These products are designed to meet the quality requirements of enterprise class systems pursuant to stringent specifications required by various high speed applications described above.

 

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Flash

In Brazil, we have in the past three years begun to process wafers to create Flash components. We use these components to manufacture eMMC and eMCP products to address the markets for mobile products in Brazil, including smartphones.

In our specialty memory solutions business, we design and manufacture Flash memory products in a variety of form factors and capacities. Our wide range of Flash memory products includes CompactFlash, SD/micro SD Cards and PCIe configurations. We also offer USB products in removal key and embedded configurations, and Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, or SATA, products in mSATA, SATA Slim, iSATA, uSATA, M.2 and 2.5” form factors. Our Flash modules are predominantly used in communications equipment, aerospace, automotive, industrial, defense, printers, servers and storage, switches and routers. Additionally, we are developing a line of eMMCs to address industrial, medical and networking specialty memory markets.

Supply Chain Services

We also offer supply chain services, including procurement, logistics, inventory management, temporary warehousing, programming, kitting and packaging services. We tailor our supply chain service offerings to meet the specific needs of our customers to enable our customers to manage supply chain planning and execution, which reduces costs and increases productivity. Our supply chain services are based on our proprietary software platform that we develop, which are then integrated with our customers’ respective procurement management systems as well as our suppliers’ distribution management systems. Our global footprint allows us to provide these services to our customers and their manufacturing partners in many regions of the world. Our global inventory management capabilities allow us to manage a vast array of customer and supplier part numbers across our worldwide manufacturing and logistics hubs, helping our customers minimize inventory levels while maintaining reliable delivery and availability of supply. In fiscal 2016, we processed over 1.9 million transactions with an aggregate value of $1.4 billion. We believe that our close collaboration with customers on proprietary supply chain services increases the switching costs and the level of attachment of our specialty memory customers.

Manufacturing and Test

Manufacturing

We have manufacturing facilities in Atibaia, Brazil; Newark, California; and Penang, Malaysia. Our manufacturing facilities have been ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007 certified. Additionally, we are a member of the EICC, and our manufacturing facilities are compliant with the EICC Code of Conduct, which is increasingly a business requirement of global OEM customers. We believe that our manufacturing operations have benefited from our many years of design experience and our existing library of proven designs which stress high manufacturability and quality. Over 25 years of manufacturing experience enables us to quickly move from manufacturing initiation to full production volumes of new products which is paramount in helping our customers achieve rapid time-to-market for their new product introductions. As a result of our design efficiencies, high level of automation and expertise in utilizing advanced manufacturing processes, we achieve high manufacturing yields and reduced direct labor costs and offer our customers quick turnaround of both small and large production orders, which is a key factor in enabling our build-to-order model.

While we do not own or operate wafer fabs, we have capabilities for subsequent stages of the product manufacturing cycle. Our manufacturing capabilities in Brazil consist of receiving unmounted ICs in wafer form from third-party wafer fabs, preparing and packaging the ICs into semiconductor components, testing the components, and in some cases placing these components on substrates or printed circuit boards to make modules or multi-chip packages. Our advanced manufacturing capabilities have enabled us to become the largest local manufacture of DRAM components and DRAM modules for the desktop, notebook and server markets in Brazil, as measured by market share. In recent years, we have expanded our manufacturing capabilities to enable us to manufacture mobile DRAM components and products as well as to process Flash wafers to manufacture

 

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NAND components. We also manufacture various Flash-based products, including eMCP and eMMC products. Through our investments and experience in Brazil, we have developed expertise in semiconductor technology and advanced manufacturing that allows us to manufacture products with shrinking geometries and increasing complexity. We continue to make significant capital investments to expand our manufacturing capabilities and operate at a high level of efficiency.

Test

Product testing is an important aspect of our manufacturing operations and we believe that we have established substantial technical expertise in the testing of products for high-end applications. Our extensive testing capabilities not only help to ensure a low defect rate, but they also enable us, in certain situations, to sell specialized testing as an additional service. We test our products for full functionality and we design customer-specific testing processes that differ from the core focus of standard memory module providers. We have achieved stringent quality targets across a broad spectrum of system applications and customer-specific designs. Our staff includes experienced test engineers who have developed proprietary testing routines and parameters which, combined with our advanced test equipment, enable us to diagnose problems in components as well as in system design, and enable us to characterize the performance of new products and to provide high quality products in volume.

We employ extensive software-based electrical and thermal simulations in the design of DDR, DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4 modules and test those designs on high-end functional testers utilizing a broad set of test suites. These tests are designed to meet the quality requirements of enterprise class systems pursuant to stringent specifications required by various high speed applications. We also conduct design verification testing of hardware and firmware as well as system integration and reliability testing. We work to continually improve our test routines and associated software and have recently developed a high-volume, fully automated reliability testing and screening capability substantially beyond standard industry practices that enables us to reduce the occurrence of early life failures and weak module fallout which can save our customers from the often significant expenses associated with replacing products that fail after their field deployment.

Customers

Our principal end customers include global OEMs that compete in the computing, networking, communications, storage, aerospace, defense, mobile and industrial markets. Overall, we served more than 250 end customers in fiscal 2016. During the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, sales to our ten largest end customers (including sales to contract manufacturers or ODMs at the direction of such end customers) accounted for 77%, 81% and 75% of net sales, respectively. Of our end customers, Samsung accounted for 18%, 13% and 11% of net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively; Cisco accounted for 15%, 19% and 16% of net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively; Lenovo accounted for 13% of net sales in fiscal 2016; HP accounted for 14% of net sales in fiscal 2015 (in fiscal 2016, HP undertook a spin-off and divided into two distinct companies, following which neither company accounted for 10% or more of our net sales); and Dell accounted for 15% of net sales in fiscal 2015. Direct sales to Samsung accounted for 18%, 13% and 11% of net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively; direct sales to Flex accounted for 17% of net sales in fiscal 2016; direct sales to Hon Hai accounted for 11%, 11% and 11% of net sales during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively; and direct sales to Dell accounted for 15% of net sales in fiscal 2015. During these periods, no other customers accounted for more than 10% of our net sales. Our longstanding relationship with Cisco, spanning approximately 20 years, exists within multiple business units and engineering organizations within Cisco. Our products are manufactured on a build-to-order basis for OEMs. Our sales are made primarily pursuant to customer purchase orders and are not based on long-term supply agreements. Most of our business is on a purchase order basis; accordingly, we have limited backlog and we do not believe our backlog is material or indicative of anticipated net sales.

 

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Suppliers

To address the needs of our customers, we have developed and maintained relationships with leading semiconductor suppliers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Our semiconductor suppliers include many of the world’s largest memory manufacturers including Samsung, Micron, SK Hynix and Toshiba. We frequently work jointly with our suppliers in bidding for customers’ design-in opportunities. We also work closely with our suppliers to better ensure that materials are available and delivered on time. Our established global network of component sources helps to ensure that our pricing remains competitive and that we are able to provide a stable source of supply for our customers.

We believe that our longstanding relationships with leading suppliers put us in a favorable position to procure sufficient quantities of materials, including during periods of industry shortages. Our flexible and responsive global manufacturing capabilities, inventory management systems and global IT system allow us to cost-effectively move materials from one site to another and often deploy what might otherwise be excess inventory among other products and OEM customers. We purchase almost all of our materials, including wafers used in our memory products in Brazil, from our suppliers on a purchase order basis and generally do not have long-term commitments from suppliers.

Sales, Support and Marketing

We primarily sell our products directly to global OEMs through our direct sales force located across North America, Latin America, Asia and Europe. Our sales and marketing efforts are conducted through an integrated process incorporating our direct sales force, customer service representatives and our FAEs with a network of independent sales representatives. Our sales and marketing efforts also include a high level of involvement from our senior executives. Larger OEM customers are also often supported by dedicated sales and support teams. As of February 24, 2017, we had 56 sales and marketing personnel worldwide.

Our on-site FAEs work closely with our sales team to provide product design support to our OEM customers. Our FAEs collaborate closely with our OEM customers, providing us with insight into their product roadmaps and allowing us to identify opportunities at an early stage to help grow our business. The combination of our integrated sales network with our FAEs enables us to be more responsive and successful in navigating through each customer’s unique and oftentimes complex design qualification process.

Our marketing activities include advertising in technical journals, publishing articles in leading industry periodicals and utilizing direct email solicitation. In addition to these marketing activities, we also participate in many industry trade shows worldwide. We have active memberships in industry organizations such as JEDEC, the USB Implementers Forum, the SD Card Association, the Storage Networking Industry Association, the CompactFlash Association, and Peripheral Component Interconnect Special Interest Group (PCI-SIG).

Research and Development

The timely development of new products is essential to maintaining our competitive position. Our research and development activities are conducted primarily at our research and development centers in Newark and Irvine, California; Atibaia, Brazil; Penang, Malaysia; Gilbert, Arizona; Seongnam-City, South Korea; and Tewksbury, Massachusetts. In 2013 we opened a new research and development center in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Our research and development activities are focused on driving innovation in our products as well as continuous process improvement for our procurement and manufacturing. Our product development includes innovations for next generation DRAM products, mobile DRAM, hybrid memories such as hybrid volatile and non-volatile DRAM or NVDIMM, enterprise memory, and many Flash-based products, such as eMMC and eMCP. We plan to continue to devote research and development efforts to the innovation and design of these and other new products which address the requirements of our customers, especially for growing markets for DRAM and Flash mobile memory products, such as mobile and automotive.

 

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We are developing a broad offering of Flash-based products targeting the automotive, industrial, medical, communications, mobile and networking markets. In order to enhance our efforts to develop innovative Flash products, we have increased our engineering resources significantly, including opening our research and development center in New Taipei City in 2013, where our engineering team is dedicated to firmware development, systems engineering and integration, system and platform validation and applications, and product and reliability engineering for new Flash memory products, including our eMMC product. In addition, in order to take advantage of local regulations and government incentive programs for the growing mobile memory market in Brazil, we have invested substantial financial and management resources to expand our Brazilian research and development capabilities to enable us to develop a broad offering of Flash-based products for the local market.

Our advanced engineering and design capabilities allow us to address our customers’ increasingly complex needs. We design our products to be compatible with existing industry standards and, where appropriate, develop and promote new standards or provide custom solutions to meet customers’ requirements. An important aspect of our research and development effort is understanding the challenges presented by our customers’ requirements and addressing them by utilizing our industry knowledge, proprietary technologies and technical expertise. By working closely with our customers and suppliers, we are able to deliver technically advanced products designed to meet customer-specific needs with competitive solutions to satisfy our customers’ memory and storage requirements, shorten their time-to-market and enhance the performance of our customers’ end products.

We spent $19.6 million, $38.1 million and $43.7 million on research and development during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of February 24, 2017, we had 129 research and development personnel worldwide.

Competition

We primarily compete against global and local memory module providers, and to a lesser extent, large semiconductor memory IC manufacturers that utilize a portion of their capacity to manufacture memory modules. The principal competitive factors in our markets include the ability to meet customer-specific requirements and provide high product quality, strong technical support, technologically advanced products and services, advanced testing capabilities, flexible and global delivery options, reliable supply and reasonable pricing. Our principal competitors include:

 

   

Providers of specialty memory products, including Viking Technology, ATP, Unigen, Apacer and Transcend;

 

   

In Brazil, local manufacturers of DRAM modules and Flash products and local manufacturers of memory ICs, including HT Micron;

 

   

Semiconductor memory IC manufacturers that also manufacture DRAM modules and Flash products, including Samsung, Micron, Western Digital, SK Hynix and Toshiba; and

 

   

In our supply chain services business, a broad set of companies, including distributors and third party logistics providers as well as our customers’ in-house solutions.

Some of our global competitors are large international companies that have substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution and other resources, as well as greater name recognition and longer-standing relationships with customers and suppliers than we do. In contrast with our focus on specialty memory products with high levels of service and support, these competitors are generally focused on high-volume memory and storage products that are manufactured to industry standard specifications, and they have limited customization and service capabilities.

In addition, some of our competitors are also our suppliers or customers. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—Sales to a limited number of customers represents a significant portion of our net sales, and the loss of any key customer or key program, or the demands of our key customers, could materially harm our

 

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business, results of operations and financial condition” and “—Our dependence on a small number of sole or limited source suppliers subjects us to certain risks, including the risk that we may be unable to obtain adequate supplies at a reasonable price and in a timely manner.”

In Brazil, our competitors are generally much smaller in scale than we are in terms of revenue and capabilities for manufacturing and for research and development. To a lesser degree, we compete with companies that import DRAM and Flash components and products. We believe that import duties and local content requirements in Brazil give us an advantage over these companies. As the local market grows, competition may increase in Brazil.

Intellectual Property

We rely on a combination of trade secrets, know-how, trademarks, copyright and, to a lesser extent, patents to protect our intellectual property rights. As of April 28, 2017, we have 26 issued patents, including 25 patents issued in the United States and one patent issued in South Korea, expiring between 2022 and 2035, excluding any additional patent term for patent term adjustments. In addition, we have 29 patent applications pending, including 17 patent applications in the United States, seven patent applications in Brazil, three patent applications in Malaysia, one patent application in South Korea, and one patent application in Argentina. We also own a number of trademark registrations, including registrations in the United States for the word marks MHUB and SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES and for our stylized “S” logo in combination with the word SMART and, in Brazil, registrations for our stylized “S” logo.

While many of our products contain proprietary aspects, the majority of our products are built to meet industry standards, such as those set by JEDEC, the standards-setting organization for the semiconductor industry. The absence of patent protection for most of our products means that we cannot prevent our competitors from reverse-engineering and duplicating those products. Much of our intellectual property is know-how and trade secrets, and often we rely on the technological skills and innovation of our personnel rather than on patent protection. We believe that our continued success depends largely on our customer relationships, manufacturing and support capabilities and the technical expertise we have developed in manufacturing and designing products, and we rely on trade secret laws and non-disclosure agreements to protect this aspect of our business.

Employees

As of February 24, 2017, we had 1,139 full-time employees.

Our employee relations in Brazil are subject to Brazilian labor laws and regulations as well as collective bargaining arrangements that are negotiated every year. Four of these collective bargaining agreements are specific to our company while there are other collective bargaining agreements that are generally applicable to certain segments of the electronics industry. The applicable labor laws and regulations, as well as the collective bargaining agreements, principally relate to matters such as formal working time compensation, paid annual vacation, paid sick days, length of the workday and payments for overtime, profit sharing and severance. Although a very small number of our employees in Brazil are members of a labor union, all employees in Brazil are represented by the unions for labor and employment matters.

We have never experienced a work stoppage in any of our locations worldwide, and we consider our employee relations to be good.

 

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Facilities

We have facilities in Newark, California; Atibaia, Brazil; Penang, Malaysia; New Taipei City, Taiwan; Gilbert, Arizona; Tewksbury, Massachusetts; Irvine, California; East Kilbride, Scotland; and Seongnam-City, South Korea.

 

Location

  

Facility size
(Sq. Feet)

  

Leased or
Owned

  

Lease Expiration

  

Capabilities

Newark, CA

   79,480 13,863   

Leased

Leased

  

April 2021

September 2017

  

U.S. Headquarters Procurement

R&D

Manufacturing

Sales

Supply Chain Services

Atibaia, Brazil

   121,632    Leased    June 2022   

Procurement

R&D

Manufacturing

Sales

Penang, Malaysia*

   86,730    Owned    N/A   

Procurement

R&D

Manufacturing

Sales

Supply Chain Services

New Taipei City, Taiwan

   13,957    Leased    November 2019   

Procurement

R&D

Sales

Gilbert, AZ

   9,750    Leased    February 2019   

Procurement

R&D

Sales

Tewksbury, MA

   7,666    Leased    July 2018    R&D

Irvine, CA

   4,394    Leased    August 2017   

Procurement

R&D

Sales

East Kilbride, Scotland

   3,300    Leased    July 2019    Supply Chain Services

Seongnam-City, South Korea

   2,836    Leased    July 2018    R&D

 

* Our Penang facility is situated on leased land with a term expiring in 2070.

We also lease a number of smaller design, planning and sales facilities worldwide.

Brazilian Local Content Requirements and Other Regulatory Issues

Brazilian Local Content Requirements

We expect to continue to invest both in maintaining our leadership position, as measured by market share, in our core Brazilian desktop, notebook and server DRAM businesses and in positioning ourselves to be a leading provider in Brazil for mobile DRAM and Flash memory products. We further expect that local content requirements as well as other government incentive programs in Brazil will help drive our growth strategies, as various tax incentives exist to promote the development of the local IT industry. In Brazil, we participate in three government investment incentive programs.

 

   

PPB/IT Program, 1991 : Provides for significant relief from various tax provisions for companies that develop or produce computing and automation goods and invest in IT-related research and development

 

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in Brazil. OEMs that are PPB/IT Program-compliant and who fulfill the local content requirements receive substantial benefits including a reduction in excise taxes on their purchases from qualified suppliers as well as a reduction in the taxes that they are required to charge on sales to their end customers. We estimate that the aggregate of the PPB/IT Program-related tax benefits can range from 15% to as high as 36% of the resale value of the OEMs’ end products. These tax benefits are a strong incentive for OEMs to purchase products from local content manufacturers such as SMART Brazil, our Brazilian operating subsidiary.

 

   

Lei do Bem, 2005 : Fosters technology innovation in Brazil by providing a reduction in corporate income tax through the allowance of deductions for expenses related to research and development activities.

 

   

PADIS, 2007, extended in 2016: Awards incentives and significant tax relief, including reductions in the Brazilian aggregate statutory income tax rates, to semiconductor and display companies that invest in research and development and that promote the development, design, test and packaging processes in Brazil. Furthermore, combining PADIS with PPB/IT Program-compliance provides additional financial incentives to OEMs that purchase modules that contain components that are locally processed from wafers.

As the leading local manufacturer of desktop, notebook and server DRAM modules and DRAM components as well as DRAM and Flash mobile memory products in Brazil, as measured by market share, we benefit substantially from these incentives and local content requirements. A cancellation, reduction or other adverse change in any of these incentives or local content requirements, or our failure to meet these requirements, could have a negative impact on our tax rates and could significantly reduce the demand for, and the profit margins on, our products in Brazil.

In 2013, the EU, later joined by Japan, requested the establishment of a panel within the WTO to determine whether certain measures enacted by the Brazilian government concerning tax incentives and local content requirements for the automotive sector and several other industries including the IT industry and including PADIS, the PPB/IT Program and Lei do Bem, are inconsistent with WTO rules. The panel was formed, hearings were held and in December 2016, the WTO circulated its report to the parties. This report is subject to feedback from the parties and has not been released to the public. While we cannot predict the outcome of the WTO’s decision, a negative ruling could result in significant adverse changes to the local content rules and incentives available to us and our customers in Brazil. Any suspension, early termination or other adverse change in the local content requirements could significantly reduce the demand for, and the profit margins on, our products in Brazil, and would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Environmental Regulations

Our operations and properties are subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations of the United States and other jurisdictions governing, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, management and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials and wastes, reverse logistics (take-back policy) and remediation of releases of hazardous materials. The presence of lead in quantities not believed to be significant have been found in the ground under one of the multi-tenant buildings we lease in Brazil. While we did not cause the contamination, we may be held responsible if remediation is required, although we may be entitled to seek indemnification from responsible parties under Brazilian law and from our lessor under our lease. We cannot be certain that identification of presently unidentified environmental conditions, more vigorous enforcement by regulatory agencies, enactment of more stringent laws and regulations or other unanticipated events will not arise in the future and cause additional material liabilities which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Legal Proceedings

We are currently involved in, and may in the future be involved in, legal proceedings, claims and government investigations in the ordinary course of business. We are involved in litigation, and may in the future be involved in litigation, with third parties asserting, among other things, infringement of their intellectual property rights. We are currently involved in several proceedings, including the following:

Netlist patent litigation . On September 10, 2012, SMART Modular filed a complaint in the Eastern District of California against Netlist alleging infringement of certain claims of SMART Modular’s U.S. Patent No. 8,250,295, or the ‘295 patent, and seeking, among other things, a preliminary injunction. Netlist filed certain counterclaims alleging, among other things, attempted monopolization, collusion, unfair competition, fraud on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or the USPTO, and sham litigation, and asserting that the ‘295 patent is invalid. The counterclaims do not specify the amount of damages. Netlist also filed a request for reexamination of the ‘295 patent in the USPTO. On May 30, 2013, the court denied SMART Modular’s motion for a preliminary injunction and granted a stay in the proceedings pending the outcome of the reexamination. On or about April 29, 2014, the USPTO issued a non-final Action Closing Prosecution, or ACP, confirming the patentability of the original claims of SMART Modular’s ‘295 patent and rejecting certain claims added during the reexamination process. On May 29, 2014, after the ACP, SMART Modular filed comments requesting that all of the original claims and certain of the added claims be confirmed as patentable. On June 30, 2014, Netlist filed comments challenging SMART Modular’s comments to the ACP. On August 4, 2015, the USPTO rejected Netlist’s challenges and affirmed its previous decision confirming the patentability of the original claims of SMART Modular’s ‘295 patent. On September 4, 2015, Netlist filed an appeal of the USPTO examiner’s decision to the Patent Trial and Appeals Board, or the PTAB. On February 25, 2016, the USPTO ruled in favor of SMART Modular and on September 21, 2016, the court granted SMART Modular’s motion to lift the stay in the Eastern District of California case. On November 14, 2016, the PTAB reversed the examiner’s decision to confirm certain claims of SMART Modular’s ‘295 patent and reversed the examiner’s decision to determine that certain newly added claims are patentable. On February 22, 2017, Netlist filed a motion to reinstate the stay in the court proceedings pending the outcome of the USPTO proceedings. SMART Modular filed an opposition to this motion, which is pending. SMART Modular is evaluating the next course of action with respect to the proceedings in the USPTO and the Eastern District of California.

On July 1, 2013, Netlist filed a lawsuit in the Central District of California against SMART Modular alleging claims very similar to Netlist’s counterclaims set forth in the Eastern District case. Netlist later amended its complaint to add additional parties, including SMART Worldwide Holdings, Inc., or SMART Worldwide Holdings. Netlist has sought compensatory damages for the harm it claims to have suffered, as well as an award of treble damages and attorneys’ fees. The claims against SMART Modular and SMART Worldwide Holdings were transferred to the Eastern District of California.

We believe that there are valid defenses to all of the claims and counterclaims made by Netlist and that the claims are without merit. SMART Modular and SMART Worldwide Holdings intend to vigorously fight the claims and counterclaims. The Company believes that the likelihood of any material charge resulting from these claims is remote.

Brazil tax assessments . On February 23, 2012, Brazilian federal tax authorities served our Brazilian operating subsidiary, SMART Brazil, with a tax assessment for approximately R$117.0 million (or $37.4 million), alleging that SMART Brazil had incorrectly used an import product classification code for its imports of unmounted ICs for the five calendar years of 2007 through and including 2011. The Brazilian tax authorities asserted that a different classification code, which carries an import duty of 8%, excise tax of 5% and the PIS and COFINS Contributions, at an aggregate 9.25%, should have been used instead of the classification code used by SMART Brazil, which carries an import duty of 0%, tax on manufactured products of 2% and PIS and COFINS Contributions at the same 9.25% rate. Brazilian federal tax authorities subsequently served a second assessment for an administrative penalty of approximately R$6.0 million (or $1.9 million) for the alleged use of an improper import code. Each assessment is subject to increases for interest and other charges.

 

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In March 2012, SMART Brazil filed defenses to the tax assessments. On May 2, 2013, the first level administrative tax court ruled in favor of the tax authorities and against SMART Brazil for the first tax assessment, but did not rule on the second assessment for the administrative penalty. SMART Brazil filed an appeal on May 31, 2013 at the second level tax court, known as CARF. SMART Brazil’s appeal was heard on November 26, 2013, and resulted in a unanimous favorable decision rejecting the position of the tax authorities. The ruling was published by the tax authorities and made official in February 2014. Subsequently, the tax authorities filed a request for clarification of certain points in the decision published by CARF, and on September 17, 2014, we received a unanimous ruling rejecting the tax authorities’ request for clarification. This ruling was published in October 2014. On November 7, 2014, the tax authorities notified CARF that they will not be appealing the CARF decision. As a result, the R$117.0 million (or $37.4 million) tax assessment has been extinguished. We have not received a decision from the first level administrative court with respect to the second notice of assessment for the administrative penalty. Due to the issuance of these tax assessments, Brazilian federal tax authorities conducted an enrollment of assets of SMART Brazil. Brazilian legislation states that whenever the sum of the debts owed to the Brazilian Revenue Service exceeds 30% of the known equity of a company and R$2.0 million (or $0.6 million), the Brazilian Revenue Service may conduct an enrollment of assets of the company, which is a means of monitoring the company’s equity. During this period, the taxpayer must notify the Brazilian Revenue Service of any disposal, encumbrance or transfer of the assets or rights enrolled within five days from the occurrence of the act; if the company does not provide such notice, then the Brazilian Revenue Service may file a tax injunction. The enrollment does not constitute a lien or encumbrance on the assets. The assets covered by the enrollment are typically assets classified as fixed assets or non-current assets and include assets that are subject to any form of registration before a public deed service or equivalent, such as real estate and vehicles. Other assets may be subject to enrollment in the event that the assets described above are not sufficient to satisfy the amount of the tax liability. The enrollment does not create any limitation or prohibition against remitting dividends or making cash payments of interest on equity. As the first assessment for R$117.0 million (or $37.4 million) has been extinguished, SMART Brazil has petitioned to have the enrollment cancelled. While the tax authorities have substantially reduced the amount of the enrollment to R$13.9 million (or $4.4 million) as of January 31, 2017, there can be no assurance that the enrollment will be cancelled unless all of the assessments are extinguished.

On December 12, 2013, SMART Brazil received another notice of assessment in the amount of R$3.6 million (or $1.2 million) relating to the same import issues and penalties described above, but for calendar years 2012 and 2013. This assessment only covers import-related taxes for the months of January 2012 to June 2012 because after this period the import duty and related taxes became 0% as a result of amendments to PADIS.

Although we believe that we have valid defenses to the assessment actions described above, we cannot provide assurance that we will ultimately prevail on the remaining tax assessments or the administrative penalties. In the event that we do not prevail in the assessment actions described above, the aggregate amount of the assessments and related penalties and interest could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flow and financial condition.

General. Litigation in general, and intellectual property litigation and governmental proceedings and litigation in particular, can be expensive and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict. We believe that we have defenses to the cases currently pending against us, including those set forth above, and although the results of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that there is a reasonable possibility that the final outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Regardless of the outcome, current or future litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors. For further information regarding the legal proceedings, claims and government investigations that we are involved in, see Note 10(c) to our consolidated financial statements.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers and Directors

The following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of our executive officers and directors as of March 31, 2017.

 

Name

   Age     

Position

Executive Officers:

     

Iain MacKenzie

     58      President and Chief Executive Officer, Director

Jack Pacheco

     57      Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Alan Marten

     57      Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer

KiWan Kim

     54      Senior Vice President, Emerging Markets and President, SMART Brazil

Bruce Goldberg

     61      Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer

Non-Employee Directors:

     

Ajay Shah (2)

     57      Chairman of the Board

James Davidson

     57      Director

Kenneth Hao

     48      Director

Paul Mercadante (3)

     56      Director

Sandeep Nayyar (1)(3)

     57      Director

Mukesh Patel (1)(2)

     59      Director

Jason White (1)(3)

     36      Director

 

(1) Member of the audit committee.
(2) Member of the compensation committee.
(3) Member of the nominating and corporate governance committee.

Executive Officers

Iain MacKenzie has served as President of SMART Modular since February 2002. He served as a director of SMART Worldwide since April 2004 and became Chief Executive Officer of SMART Worldwide in September 2005. Mr. MacKenzie also served as a director of SMART Global Holdings since the Acquisition in August 2011. Previously, from 1998 to 2002, Mr. MacKenzie served as Vice President of Worldwide Operations through the sale of SMART Modular to Solectron, an electronics manufacturing services provider, in November 1999, and its integration into Solectron’s Technology Solutions Business unit. Prior to that, Mr. MacKenzie was responsible for the formation and growth of SMART Modular Technologies (Europe) Ltd., and he served as its general manager from 1997 to 1998. Before joining us in 1997, Mr. MacKenzie held various management and leadership positions at other high technology corporations including Hughes Microelectronics, Ferrofluidics, Inc. (NH), Digital Equipment Corp. (semiconductor division), and Apricot Computers Ltd., which was acquired by Mitsubishi Company. Mr. MacKenzie currently serves as a director of Ichor Systems and a member of its Compensation Committee and Audit Committee. Mr. MacKenzie holds the Higher National Diploma in mechanical and production engineering and the Ordinary National Diploma in electrical/electronics engineering, both from the Kirkcaldy College of Technology (Fife University) in Scotland.

As our President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. MacKenzie brings to our board of directors significant senior leadership, as well as technical expertise and significant experience in operations, engineering, sales, marketing and international transactions. As our top executive, Mr. MacKenzie has direct responsibility for strategy development and execution, and we believe that this perspective, coupled with his 19-year tenure with us, makes him well suited for service on our board of directors.

Jack Pacheco has served as our Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer since October 2011. Previously, from 2004 to 2008, Mr. Pacheco served as our Chief Financial Officer. Prior to rejoining us, from 2008 to 2011, Mr. Pacheco served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Mirion

 

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Technologies, Inc., a provider of radiation detection, measurement, analysis and monitoring products. From 2001 to 2004, Mr. Pacheco served as Chief Financial Officer for Ignis Optics, Inc., an optical components startup acquired by Bookham Technology Inc. He holds an M.B.A. degree from Golden Gate University and a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Washington State University.

Alan Marten has served as our Chief Strategy Officer since 2013 and Senior Vice President since October 2007. Previously, he served as Vice President and General Manager of our Memory Business Unit from April 2004 to October 2007 and held an equivalent position when our company was a business unit within Solectron from 1999 through its divestiture in 2004. Mr. Marten also held the positions of Vice President of Sales and Marketing from 1995 to 1999, and Director of Sales from 1990 to 1994. Prior to that, Mr. Marten served as Director of Product Management, Semiconductor and Memory Products, at Arrow Electronics, Inc. from 1987 to 1989. Mr. Marten began his career at Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. as a financial analyst and product-marketing manager. Mr. Martens holds a B.S. degree in Economics from Santa Clara University.

KiWan Kim has served as our Senior Vice President, Emerging Markets and President, SMART Brazil since January 2010 and is responsible for developing strategies to grow our business in emerging markets. Previously, from December 2000 to December 2009, Mr. Kim served in various positions in our company, including Vice President of Strategic Planning and Advanced Packaging from November 2006 to December 2009, Vice President and General Manager of our Display Product Group from October 2004 to October 2006 and Vice President of our DRAM Business Unit from December 2000 to September 2004. Mr. Kim began his career at Samsung Electronics, where he spent 13 years in various positions, ultimately serving as Sales Director. Mr. Kim holds a B.B.A. degree from Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea.

Bruce Goldberg has served as our Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer since August 2009. Previously, from 1988 to 2007, Mr. Goldberg served in various legal and executive positions at All American Semiconductor, Inc., ultimately serving as President and Chief Executive Officer from 1997 to 2007. From 2007 to 2008, Mr. Goldberg served as a consultant to a public telecommunications company and, in 2008, as interim General Counsel for VeriFone Systems Inc. Mr. Goldberg holds a B.B.A. degree in Finance from the University of Miami School of Business and a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law.

Non-Employee Directors

Ajay Shah has served as director and Chairman of the Board of SMART Worldwide since its spin-off from Solectron in April 2004 and a director and Chairman of the Board of SMART Global Holdings since the Acquisition in August 2011. Mr. Shah joined Silver Lake, a global investment firm, in 2007, and is the co-founder and Managing Partner of the firm’s middle market strategy, Silver Lake Sumeru. Since 2014, Mr. Shah has also served as a Senior Operating Partner of Sumeru Equity Partners, a middle-market private equity firm. Previously, he founded Shah Capital Partners, a private equity firm. Mr. Shah co-founded SMART Modular in 1988 and served as Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer through SMART Modular’s initial public offering in 1995 and until 1999, when it was acquired by Solectron. Mr. Shah founded and managed the Technology Solutions Business unit of Solectron from 1999 to 2002. Mr. Shah currently serves on the boards of directors of a number of private technology companies including Opera Solutions, LLC and Velocity Technology Solutions, Inc. Mr. Shah previously served on the boards of directors of Magellan Navigation, Inc., AVI-SPL, Inc., CMAC MicroTechnology, Flex, Ingenient Technologies Inc., Northern California Public Broadcasting, Power-One, Inc., PulseCore Semiconductor, Spansion Inc. and TES Electronic Solutions. He is a senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum, serves on the boards of National Audubon Society and The Indian School of Business, India and is a Trustee of the America India Foundation. Mr. Shah has a B.S. in Engineering from the University of Baroda, India and an M.S. degree in Engineering Management from Stanford University.

As co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer of SMART Modular, Mr. Shah brings to our board of directors extensive strategic and operational experience, as well as considerable historical knowledge about our

 

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company and industry. We believe that these factors, combined with Mr. Shah’s substantial experience in investing and finance and his service on the boards and board committees of technology companies make him well qualified for service as a director and Chairman of the board of directors of SMART Global Holdings.

James Davidson has served as a director since 2011. Mr. Davidson co-founded Silver Lake in 1999 and serves as a Managing Partner and Managing Director. From 1990 to 1998, Mr. Davidson was an investment banker with Hambrecht & Quist, a technology-focused investment bank and venture capital firm, most recently serving as Managing Director and Head of Technology Investment Banking. From 1984 to 1990, Mr. Davidson was a corporate and securities lawyer with Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro. Mr. Davidson currently serves on the boards of directors of a number of private technology companies. In addition, Mr. Davidson previously served on the boards of directors of Avago Technologies Ltd., Flex and Seagate Technology plc. Mr. Davidson holds B.S. degrees in Mathematics and Political Science from the University of Nebraska and a J.D. from the University of Michigan.

We believe that Mr. Davidson’s leadership and business experience, his broad understanding of the operational, financial and strategic issues facing technology companies and his service on the boards and board committees of technology companies make him well qualified for service as a director.

Kenneth Hao has served as a director since 2011. He is a Managing Partner and Managing Director of Silver Lake. Prior to joining Silver Lake in 2000, Mr. Hao was an investment banker with Hambrecht & Quist, a technology-focused investment bank and venture capital firm, for 10 years, most recently serving as a Managing Director in the Technology Investment Banking group. Mr. Hao currently serves on the boards of directors of Broadcom, SolarWinds and Symantec. In addition, Mr. Hao previously served as a director of NetScout Systems, Inc., UGS Corp., Network General Corporation and Certance Holdings, which was acquired by Quantum Corporation and formerly a division of Seagate Technology. Mr. Hao holds an A.B. degree in Economics from Harvard College.

We believe that Mr. Hao’s substantial experience as an investor in, and advisor to, technology companies and his service on the boards and board committees of technology companies make him well qualified for service as a director.

Paul Mercadante has served as a director since August 2011. He joined Silver Lake in 2007, and serves as a Managing Director of Silver Lake Sumeru. Mr. Mercadante has also served as a Managing Director of Sumeru Equity Partners since 2014. Previously, Mr. Mercadante was Operating Partner at Shah Capital Partners from 2004 to 2006. Prior to that, from 2002 to 2004, Mr. Mercadante was President of Force Computers, an embedded computing business owned by Solectron, which subsequently was acquired by Motorola, Inc. Prior to Force Computers, Mr. Mercadante was Vice President of Strategic Planning for the Technology Solutions Business Unit of Solectron and Vice President and Product Line Manager of SMART Modular. Mr. Mercadante currently serves on the boards of directors of a number of private technology companies. In addition, Mr. Mercadante previously served on the board of directors of Spansion Inc. Mr. Mercadante holds a B.A. degree in Economics from the State University of New York.

We believe that Mr. Mercadante’s substantial experience in private equity and finance, his technology background and his service on the boards and board committees of technology companies make him well qualified for service as a director.

Sandeep Nayyar has served as a director since September 2014. Mr. Nayyar has been the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Power Integrations, Inc., a supplier of high performance electronic components, from 2010 to the present. Prior to that, from 2001 to 2009, Mr. Nayyar served as the Vice President of Finance for Applied Biosystems, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of life-sciences products. From 1990 to 2001, Mr. Nayyar served in various senior finance roles at Quantum Corporation, a computer storage company. Mr. Nayyar served as an Audit Manager at Ernst & Young LLP, a public accounting firm from 1986 to 1990.

 

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Mr. Nayyar is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California and has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Delhi, India.

We believe that Mr. Nayyar’s experience in complex technology companies in the semiconductor, life sciences and storage industries, and the perspective he brings as a Certified Public Accountant, make him well qualified for service as a director.

Mukesh Patel has served as a director of SMART Worldwide since April 2004, as a director of SMART Modular Technologies (Global Holdings), Inc. since March 2012 and as a director of SMART Global Holdings since March 2013. Mr. Patel is the founder and Managing Director of Invati Capital LLC, a role he has held since 2008. Previously, Mr. Patel served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Metta Technology, which he co-founded in 2004, until its acquisition by LSI Logic Corporation in 2006. From 1999 to 2001, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Sparkolor Corporation, which was acquired by Intel Corporation in 2002. Mr. Patel co-founded our company in 1988 and served as a director and in various management and executive roles until its acquisition by Solectron in 1999, including as Vice President, Engineering, from 1989 to 1995, and Vice President and General Manager Memory/Processor Product Line, from 1995 to 1999. Prior to co-founding our company, Mr. Patel served in various roles at semiconductor technology companies, including Seeq Technology Corporation, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. and Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. Mr. Patel currently serves on the boards of directors of a number of other private technology companies, including AEHR Test Systems. He holds a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Bombay University, India.

As our co-founder and former executive, Mr. Patel brings to our board of directors significant strategic and operational experience, as well as a wealth of historical knowledge about our company and industry. These factors, combined with Mr. Patel’s experience as a venture capital investor and semiconductor executive, his service on the boards and board committees of technology companies and his expertise in mergers and acquisitions make him well qualified for service as a director.

Jason White has served as a director since 2011. He joined Silver Lake in 2006, and is a Director of Silver Lake Partners. Prior to joining Silver Lake, Mr. White was an investment banker with the Media & Communications Investment Banking Group and the Equity Products Group at Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, an investment bank, from 2003 to 2006. Mr. White currently serves on the boards of directors of a number of private technology companies. Mr. White holds a B.S.E. degree in Operations Research & Financial Engineering from Princeton University.

We believe that Mr. White’s experience in investment banking and private equity make him well qualified for service as a director.

Our executive officers are appointed by, and serve at the discretion of, our board of directors. There are no family relationships between our directors and executive officers.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Our board of directors has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all of our employees, executive officers and directors, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other executive and senior financial officers. The full text of our code of business conduct and ethics will be posted on the investor relations page on our website. We intend to disclose any amendments to our code of business conduct and ethics, or waivers of its requirements, on our website or in filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act.

Board of Directors

Our board of directors currently consists of, and our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association authorize, eight directors, two of whom will be “independent” as defined under the applicable rules

 

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and regulations of the SEC and NASDAQ at the time of the completion of this offering. Any director on our board may be removed by way of an ordinary resolution of shareholders or by shareholders holding a majority of our outstanding ordinary shares by notice in writing to us, so long as Silver Lake collectively owns at least 40% of our outstanding ordinary shares. See “Description of Share Capital—Anti-Takeover Provisions of our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association” elsewhere in this prospectus.

Pursuant to the Sponsor Shareholder Agreement described under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Sponsor Shareholder Agreement,” Silver Lake will be entitled to nominate members of our board of directors as follows: so long as affiliates of Silver Lake own, in the aggregate, (i) at least 50% of our ordinary shares outstanding immediately following the consummation of this offering, Silver Lake will be entitled to nominate five directors, (ii) less than 50% but at least 35% of our ordinary shares outstanding immediately following the consummation of this offering, Silver Lake will be entitled to nominate four directors, (iii) less than 35% but at least 20% of our ordinary shares outstanding immediately following the consummation of this offering, Silver Lake will be entitled to nominate three directors, (iv) less than 20% but at least 10% of our ordinary shares outstanding immediately following the consummation of this offering, Silver Lake will be entitled to nominate two directors, (v) less than 10% but at least 5% of our ordinary shares outstanding immediately following the consummation of this offering, Silver Lake will be entitled to nominate one director, and (vi) less than 5% of our ordinary shares outstanding immediately following the consummation of this offering, Silver Lake will not be entitled to nominate any directors.

We refer to directors nominated by Silver Lake in this prospectus as the Silver Lake Directors. The initial Silver Lake Directors are Messrs. Davidson, Hao, White, Shah and Mercadante. The affiliates of Silver Lake Partners, Silver Lake Sumeru and Ajay Shah will agree in the Sponsor Shareholder Agreement to vote their shares in favor of the directors nominated as set forth above, and we will agree to take actions necessary to facilitate such nominations.

In accordance with our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, our board of directors will be divided into three classes with staggered three year terms. At each annual meeting of shareholders after the initial classification, the successors to the directors whose terms will then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following their election. Our directors will be divided among the three classes as follows:

 

   

the Class I directors will be Sandeep Nayyar and Mukesh Patel and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in                      ;

 

   

the Class II directors will be Ajay Shah and Jason White, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in                     ; and

 

   

the Class III directors will be Paul Mercadante and Kenneth Hao, and Iain MacKenzie their terms will expire at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in                    .

Any increase or decrease in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. This classification of our board of directors may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control of our company. See “Description of Share Capital—Anti-Takeover Provisions—Classified Board of Directors” elsewhere in this prospectus.

Controlled Company Exemption

Upon completion of this offering, investment funds affiliated with Silver Lake will beneficially own approximately     % of our outstanding ordinary shares, or approximately     % if the underwriters exercise their overallotment option to purchase additional ordinary shares in full. As a result, we intend to rely on the

 

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“controlled company” exemption under the NASDAQ corporate governance rules, including exemptions from the requirements that a majority of the directors on our board of directors be independent directors and the requirement that our compensation committee and our nominating and corporate governance committee consist entirely of independent directors.

The “controlled company” exemption does not modify the independence requirements for the audit committee, which require that our audit committee be comprised exclusively of independent directors. However, under the NASDAQ corporate governance rules, we are permitted to phase in our independent audit committee with one independent member at the time of listing, a majority of independent members within 90 days of listing and a fully independent committee within one year of listing.

If at any time we cease to be a “controlled company” under the NASDAQ corporate governance rules, our board of directors will take all action necessary to comply with the NASDAQ corporate governance rules.

Board Committees

We have established three committees of the board of directors, an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and have adopted a written charter for each of the committees that satisfies the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and NASDAQ. Each committee’s members and functions are described below.

Pursuant to the Sponsor Shareholder Agreement, for so long as Silver Lake may nominate a Silver Lake Director, Silver Lake is entitled to have a Silver Lake Director serve as a member of each of the committees of the board of directors; however, if we establish a committee to consider a proposed transaction between Silver Lake and us, then such board committee may exclude from participation such Silver Lake Director nominated by the Silver Lake entity which transaction is being considered by such committee. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Sponsor Shareholder Agreement” elsewhere in this prospectus.

Audit Committee

Our audit committee consists of three directors, Mukesh Patel, Jason White and Sandeep Nayyar, its chair. Our board of directors has determined that Sandeep Nayyar and Mukesh Patel satisfy the “independence” requirements of the NASDAQ and the Exchange Act. We will phase-in to the independence requirements of the NASDAQ corporate governance rules, which require a fully independent committee within one year of listing. In addition, our board of directors has determined that all three members are qualified as audit committee financial experts within the meaning of SEC regulations. The audit committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

   

selecting the independent auditors and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent auditors;

 

   

setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors;

 

   

reviewing with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response;

 

   

reviewing and approving all related party transactions;

 

   

discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors;

 

   

discussing with management and the independent auditors major issues regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentations;

 

   

reviewing reports prepared by management or the independent auditors relating to significant financial reporting issues and judgments;

 

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reviewing with management and the independent auditors related party transactions and off-balance sheet transactions and structures;

 

   

reviewing with management and the independent auditors the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives;

 

   

reviewing policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management;

 

   

reviewing our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting;

 

   

reviewing reports from the independent auditors regarding all critical accounting policies and practices to be used by our company;

 

   

establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints we receive regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters;

 

   

periodically reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit committee charter;

 

   

such other matters that are specifically delegated to our audit committee by our board of directors from time to time; and

 

   

meeting separately with management, the internal auditors and the independent auditors on a periodic basis.

Compensation Committee

Our compensation committee consists of two directors, Mukesh Patel and Ajay Shah, its chair. We intend to avail ourselves of certain exemptions afforded to controlled companies under NASDAQ corporate governance rules, which will exempt us from the requirement that we have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

   

reviewing and approving the compensation for our senior executives;

 

   

reviewing and evaluating our executive compensation and benefits policies generally;

 

   

reporting to our board of directors periodically;

 

   

evaluating its own performance and reporting to our board of directors on such evaluation;

 

   

periodically reviewing and assessing the adequacy of the compensation committee charter and recommending any proposed changes to our board of directors; and

 

   

such other matters that are specifically delegated to the compensation committee by our board of directors from time to time.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of three directors, Paul Mercadante, Sandeep Nayyar and Jason White, its chair. We intend to avail ourselves of certain exemptions afforded to controlled companies under NASDAQ corporate governance rules, which will exempt us from the requirement that we have a nominating and governance committee composed entirely of independent directors. The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

   

identifying and recommending to the board of directors qualified individuals for membership on the board of directors and its committees;

 

   

evaluating, at least annually, its own performance and reporting to the board of directors on such evaluation;

 

   

overseeing compliance with the corporate governance guidelines and code of business conduct and ethics and reporting on such compliance to the board of directors; and

 

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reviewing and assessing periodically the adequacy of its charter and recommending any proposed changes to the board of directors for approval.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of the members of our compensation committee is or has been an officer or employee of our company. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions) of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving on our board of directors or compensation committee. Ajay Shah has been designated by Silver Lake to serve on our Compensation Committee and is affiliated with the Silver Lake entities that are party to our Management Agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Management Agreement.”

Duties of Directors and Conflicts of Interest

Under Cayman Islands law, our directors have a duty of loyalty to act honestly, in good faith and with a view to our best interests. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the care, diligence and skills that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. In certain limited circumstances, a shareholder has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached.

Pursuant to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, a director who is in any way interested in a contract or transaction with the company will declare the nature of his interest at a meeting of the board of directors. A director may vote in respect of any such contract or transaction notwithstanding that he may be interested therein and if he does so his vote will be counted and he may be counted in the quorum at any meeting of the board of directors at which any such contract or transaction shall come before the meeting for consideration. See “Description of Share Capital.”

Director Compensation

Our non-employee directors did not receive in fiscal 2016 any cash or equity compensation for their service on our board of directors and committees of our board of directors. As of the end of fiscal 2016, Mr. Nayyar held 13,451 RSUs. No other non-employee directors held any equity awards.

On October 18, 2016, Mr. Nayyar received annual retainers of $20,000 for serving as our independent director and $6,000 for serving as the chair of our audit committee, in each case payable quarterly commencing with the first quarter of fiscal 2017. In addition, Mr. Nayyar received 16,000 RSUs with 50% vesting on September 23, 2017 and 50% vesting on September 23, 2018. As of February 24, 2017, no other non-employee directors held any equity awards.

Mr. MacKenzie, our only employee director, receives no compensation for his services as a director.

Following the completion of this offering, we intend to implement a policy pursuant to which our non-employee directors would be eligible to receive equity awards and cash retainers as compensation for service on our board of directors and committees of our board of directors.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation paid to Iain MacKenzie, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and our two other most highly compensated executive officers, Jack Pacheco, our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and Alan Marten, our Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, during fiscal 2016. We refer to these individuals as our “named executive officers.”

 

Name and Principal Position

  Fiscal Year     Salary
($)
    Option
Awards
($) (1)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($) (2)
    All Other
Compensation
($) (3)
    Total
($)
 

Iain MacKenzie,

President and Chief Executive Officer, Director

    2016       533,000       1,592,933       391,462       14,824       2,532,219  

Jack Pacheco,

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

    2016       400,000       433,397       218,365       14,700       1,066,462  

Alan Marten,

Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer

    2016       300,000       613,694       135,000       12,908       1,061,602  

 

(1) Amount represents option awards issued pursuant to the SGH Plan and represents the grant date fair value of such awards granted during fiscal 2016, as calculated in accordance with ASC 718 or the incremental fair value of option awards issued in replacement of cancelled options. See Note 9(a) to the fiscal 2016 consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus for the assumptions used in calculating this amount.
(2) See the “Incentive Plan Awards” section below for a description of these amounts.
(3) Amounts in this column consist of (i) 401(k) match of $10,600 for each of Messrs. MacKenzie, Pacheco and Marten, respectively; (ii) reimbursed financial consulting expenses of $4,224 and $4,100 for Messrs. MacKenzie and Pacheco, respectively; and (iii) charitable gift matching donations of $2,308 for Mr. Marten.

Employment and Severance Agreements

We have entered into agreements with our named executive officers, pursuant to which such officer will be eligible for severance and/or change in control benefits under specified conditions. The following summarizes the severance and change in control benefits under these agreements:

Iain MacKenzie

We have entered into an employment agreement with Mr. MacKenzie that provides for the severance payments and benefits described below. The initial term of Mr. MacKenzie’s employment agreement ended on August 28, 2015, at which time it automatically renewed for an additional one-year term, and has and will continue to be automatically renewed for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless either party provides written notice of termination no later than 90 days prior to the expiration of the then-current term.

Benefits provided upon termination or non-renewal by us without cause, or termination by employee for good reason . Subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims against us or any of our affiliates within 60 days following termination, if Mr. MacKenzie’s employment is terminated by us without cause (as defined in Mr. MacKenzie’s employment agreement), we provide a notice of our intention not to renew Mr. MacKenzie’s employment at the end of any current term or if Mr. MacKenzie terminates employment for

 

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good reason (as defined in Mr. Mackenzie’s employment agreement), then in any of these events we will be obligated to (i) pay an amount equal to 100% of his then current annual base salary plus the annual bonus paid or payable with respect to the most recently ended fiscal year (in addition to the annual bonus paid or payable with respect to the most recently completed fiscal year), payable in a lump sum on the first payroll date following the date the release of claims becomes effective and irrevocable, (ii) pay, to the extent a bonus could be earned for the year, any annual bonus for the current fiscal year pro-rated through the date of termination (based on the board of directors’ determination of our performance through the date of termination) payable when we pay bonuses to other senior executives and (iii) continue to provide for or reimburse health benefit continuation coverage until the earlier of 12 months following the date of termination or the date Mr. MacKenzie becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer.

Benefits provided upon termination by us without cause or termination by employee for good reason related to a change of control . Subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims against us or any of our affiliates, if Mr. MacKenzie’s employment is terminated within 12 months following a change in control (as defined in Mr. MacKenzie’s employment agreement) by Mr. MacKenzie for good reason or by us without cause, then in lieu of the basic severance above, we will be obligated to: (i) pay an amount equal to 200% of his then current annual base salary plus 200% the annual bonus paid or payable for the most recently completed fiscal year (in addition to the annual bonus paid or payable for the most recently completed fiscal year), payable in a lump sum on the first payroll date following the date the release of claims becomes effective and irrevocable, (ii) pay, to the extent a bonus could be earned for the year, any annual bonus for the current fiscal year pro-rated through the date of termination (based on the board of directors’ determination of our performance through the date of termination), payable when we pay bonuses to other senior executives, (iii) continue to provide for or reimburse health benefit continuation coverage until the earlier of 24 months following the date of termination or the date Mr. MacKenzie becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer and (iv) accelerate the vesting of 100% of Mr. MacKenzie’s unvested and outstanding options.

Jack Pacheco

We have entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Pacheco that provides for the severance payments and benefits described below. The initial term of Mr. Pacheco’s employment agreement ended on October 9, 2014, at which time it automatically renewed for an additional one-year term, and has and will continue to be automatically renewed for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless either party provides written notice of termination no later than 90 days prior to the expiration of the then-current term.

Benefits provided upon termination or non-renewal by us without cause, or termination by employee for good reason . Subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims against us or any of our affiliates within 60 days following termination, if Mr. Pacheco’s employment is terminated by us without cause (as defined in Mr. Pacheco’s employment agreement), if we provide a notice of our intention not to renew Mr. Pacheco’s employment at the end of any current term or if Mr. Pacheco terminates employment for good reason (as defined in Mr. Pacheco’s employment agreement), then in any of these events, we will be obligated to (i) pay an amount equal to 25% of his then current annual base salary; (ii) pay, to the extent a bonus could be earned for the year, the annual bonus for the then current fiscal year pro-rated through the date of termination (based on the board of directors’ determination of our performance through the date of termination); and (iii) continue to provide for or reimburse health benefit continuation coverage until the earlier of nine months following the date of termination or the date Mr. Pacheco becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer. We are obligated to pay the foregoing benefits in accordance with our regular payroll practices in equal or substantially equal payments over a maximum of 12 months following the execution and non-revocation of Mr. Pacheco’s release of claims against us or any of our affiliates.

Benefits provided upon termination by us without cause or termination by employee for good reason related to a change of control . Subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims against us or any of our affiliates, if Mr. Pacheco’s employment is terminated within 12 months following a change in control (as defined

 

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in Mr. Pacheco’s employment agreement) by Mr. Pacheco for good reason or by us without cause, then in lieu of the basic severance above, we will be obligated to: (i) pay an amount equal to 100% of his then current annual base salary plus 150% the annual bonus paid or payable for the most recently completed fiscal year (in addition to the annual bonus paid or payable for the most recently completed fiscal year), (ii) pay any annual bonus for the current fiscal year pro-rated through the date of termination (based on the board of directors’ determination of our performance through the date of termination), (iii) continue to provide for or reimburse health benefit continuation coverage until the earlier of 18 months following the date of termination or the date Mr. Pacheco becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer and (iv) accelerate the vesting of 100% of Mr. Pacheco’s unvested and outstanding options. We are obligated to pay the foregoing benefits in accordance with our regular payroll practices in equal or substantially equal payments over a maximum of 12 months following the execution and non-revocation of Mr. Pacheco’s release of claims against us or any of our affiliates.

Alan Marten

We have entered into a severance and change of control agreement with Mr. Marten providing for the severance and change in control benefits set forth below. The initial term of the agreement ended on December 10, 2014, at which time it automatically renewed for an additional one-year term, and has and will continue to be automatically renewed for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless we give written notice of termination at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the then-current term; provided that we may not give such notice if a change of control (as defined in Mr. Marten’s severance and change in control agreement) has occurred prior to such date until at least 12 months following such change of control.

Benefits provided upon termination without cause . Subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims against us or any of our affiliates, if Mr. Marten is terminated by us without cause (as defined in Mr. Marten’s severance and change of control agreement), we will be obligated to: (i) pay an amount equal to 75% of his then existing annual base salary in a lump sum within 60 days following termination, (ii) pay, to the extent a bonus could be earned for the year, any annual bonus for the current fiscal year pro-rated through the date of termination in a lump sum within 60 days following termination and (iii) continue to provide and to pay for health benefit continuation coverage until the earlier of 9 months following the date of termination or the date Mr. Marten becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer.

Benefits provided upon a change of control . Upon a change of control, a pro-rated portion of any options or share-based awards that remain subject to issuance or vesting based on performance shall be issued and/or vested based on performance measured immediately prior to the change of control. The remainder of the options or share-based awards that remain subject to issuance or vesting based on performance shall be issued and/or vested in equal monthly installments over the original performance period, unless the successor to the company does not assume or substitute such remaining options or share-based awards with a substantially equivalent award, in which case such remaining options or share-based awards shall be issued and/or vested upon the change of control.

Benefits provided upon termination by us without cause or termination by employee for good reason related to a change of control . Subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims against us or any of our affiliates, if within the two months prior to or the twelve months after a change of control Mr. Marten is terminated by us without cause or Mr. Marten resigns for good reason (as defined in Mr. Marten’s severance and change of control agreement), then in lieu of the basic severance above, we will be obligated to: (i) pay an amount equal to 150% of his then current annual base salary plus 150% the annual bonus paid or payable for the most recently completed fiscal year (in addition to the annual bonus paid or payable for the most recently completed fiscal year) in a lump sum within 60 days following termination, (ii) pay, to the extent a bonus could be earned for the year, any annual bonus for the current fiscal year pro-rated through the date of termination in a lump sum within 60 days following termination, (iii) continue to provide for or reimburse health benefit continuation coverage until the earlier of 18 months following the date of termination or the date Mr. Marten becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer and (iv) accelerate the vesting of 100% of Mr. Marten’s unvested and outstanding options or share-based awards.

 

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Incentive Plan Awards

The total amount of cash incentives paid to Messrs. MacKenzie, Pacheco and Marten in fiscal 2016 is set forth under the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table. For fiscal 2016, the target bonuses for Messrs. MacKenzie, Pacheco and Marten were 100%, 75% and 65% of base salary, respectively.

Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in our cash incentive program, which is designed to reward overall company performance and to encourage individual performance and individual contribution to company performance. In fiscal 2016, 80% of the target incentives were related to achievement of non-U.S. GAAP adjusted EBITDA for the overall company, and 20% of the target incentives were related to other business goals.

Executives were required to be actively employed on the date the cash incentive was paid to earn the applicable bonus. In 2016, 34% of the targeted annual bonus was attainable for first half performance, with payment not to exceed 34% of the annual target for the first half, and 66% of the targeted annual bonus was attributable to the second half and was paid based on performance for the year as a whole. For the full year, we paid Messrs. MacKenzie, Pacheco and Marten 73% of their respective annualized targeted cash incentive.

Equity Awards

In connection with the Tender Offer, the options awards referenced in the table under “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End” below sets forth options that were issued in May 2016 to the named executive officers in exchange for the cancellation of a number of previously outstanding options. As a result, the options issued in fiscal 2016 have a special vesting schedule of 50% vesting in May 2017 and the balance vesting quarterly over the following year.

Pension Benefits and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

We do not provide a pension plan for our employees, and none of our named executive officers participated in a nonqualified deferred compensation plan in fiscal 2016.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

The following table sets forth information concerning outstanding options to purchase our ordinary shares held by our named executive officers as of the end of fiscal 2016. There were no unvested stock awards other than options at such date.

 

Name

   Grant
Date
     Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
     Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
    Option
Exercise

Price
     Option
Expiration
Date
 

Iain MacKenzie,

President and Chief Executive Officer, Director

    

09/28/10

10/26/11

05/23/16

 

 

 

    

46,750

58,153

—  

 

 

 

    

—  

—  

574,601

 

 

(1)  

  $

$

$

0.88

7.49

3.85

 

 

 

    

09/28/20

10/26/19

05/23/26

 

 

 

Jack Pacheco,

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

    

09/23/14

05/23/16

 

 

    

78,674

—  

 

 

    

85,516

272,264

 

(1)  

  $

$

8.31

3.85

 

 

    

09/23/24

05/23/26

 

 

Alan Marten,

Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer

    

09/23/08

09/29/09

09/28/10

10/02/07

05/23/16

 

 

 

 

 

    

80,000

100,000

60,000

26,082

—  

 

 

 

 

 

    

—  

—  

—  

—  

290,768

 

 

 

 

(1)  

  $

$

$

$

$

0.88

0.88

0.88

1.11

3.85

 

 

 

 

 

    

09/23/18

09/29/19

09/27/20

10/02/17

05/23/26

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(1) In connection with the Tender Offer, the options awards referenced in the table sets forth options that were issued in May 2016 in exchange for the cancellation of a number of previously outstanding options and therefore have a special vesting schedule of 50% vesting on the first anniversary and the balance vesting quarterly over the second year.

Employee Benefit and Share Plans

SMART Global Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 2011 Share Incentive Plan

Our SGH Plan was originally approved by our board of directors and shareholders in 2011 as a continuation of a prior plan and was amended and restated on August 19, 2014. The SGH Plan provides for grants of options and other equity-based awards with respect to our ordinary shares to our employees, directors and consultants. Options granted under the SGH Plan have exercise prices of no less than the fair market value of such shares on the grant date. As of February 24, 2017, equity awards for 4,425,066 options to purchase ordinary shares were outstanding with a weighted-average exercise price of approximately $3.58 per ordinary share, other awards with respect to 1,479,967 shares were outstanding, and 3,810,965 ordinary shares remained available for future grants.

Pursuant to the terms of the SGH Plan, our board of directors, or a committee appointed by our board, administers the SGH Plan.

In the event of any share dividend, share split, reverse share split, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, spin-off, combination, transaction or exchange of shares, or other corporate exchange, or any cash dividend or distribution to shareholders other than ordinary cash dividends or any transaction similar to the foregoing, the administrator shall equitably adjust:

 

   

the number or kind of shares or securities issued or reserved for issuance pursuant to the SGH plan or pursuant to outstanding awards under the SGH Plan;

 

   

the exercise price of any option; and/or

 

   

any other affected terms of such awards.

Upon a change in control, as defined in the SGH Plan, the administrator may cause any outstanding award to be:

 

   

continued by us;

 

   

assumed, or substituted with a substantially equivalent award, by the successor company (or its parents or any of its subsidiaries); or

 

   

canceled in consideration of a cash payment or alternative award equal in value of the consideration to be paid in the change in control transaction, directly or indirectly, to holders of the same number of shares subject to such award (or if no consideration is paid, then the fair market value) over the aggregate exercise price.

In the event of a dissolution or liquidation, then all outstanding awards will terminate immediately prior to such event. The administrator may amend, modify or terminate any award under the SGH Plan; provided that any such amendment, modification or termination that would adversely affect a participant’s rights requires the consent of such participant.

401(k) Plan

We maintain a tax-qualified retirement plan, or the 401(k) plan, for U.S. employees that provides eligible employees with an opportunity to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis. Eligible employees are able to participate in the 401(k) plan when they meet the 401(k) plan’s eligibility requirements, and participants are able

 

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to defer eligible compensation subject to applicable annual Code limits. All participants’ interests in their deferrals are 100% vested when contributed. The 401(k) plan permits us to make matching contributions and profit sharing contributions to eligible participants.

Indemnification and Insurance

As we are a Cayman Islands exempted company, the laws of the Cayman Islands will be relevant to the provisions relating to indemnification of our directors and officers. Although the Companies Law does not specifically restrict a Cayman Islands exempted company’s ability to indemnify its directors or officers, it does not expressly provide for such indemnification either. Certain Commonwealth case law (which is likely to be persuasive in the Cayman Islands), however, indicates that the indemnification is generally permissible, unless there had been actual fraud, willful default or reckless disregard on the part of the director or officer in question.

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that each of our directors, agents or officers shall be indemnified out of our assets against any liability incurred by them as a result of any act or failure to act in carrying out their functions other than such liability, if any, that they may incur by their own actual fraud, willful neglect or default. No such director, agent or officer shall be liable to us for any loss or damage in carrying out their functions unless that liability arises through the actual fraud, willful neglect or default of such director, agent or officer.

We have also entered into indemnification agreements with our directors, executive officers and certain other employees under which we have agreed to indemnify each such person and hold them harmless against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts payable under settlement agreements in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding to which they have been made a party or in which they became involved by reason of the fact that they are or were our director or officer. Except with respect to expenses to be reimbursed by us in the event that the indemnified person has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of the action, suit or proceeding, our obligations under the indemnification agreements are subject to certain customary restrictions and exceptions.

In addition, we maintain standard policies of insurance under which coverage is provided to our directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act, and to us with respect to payments which may be made by us to such directors and officers pursuant to the above indemnification provision or otherwise as a matter of law.

 

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PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

Each of our ordinary shares entitles its holder to one vote. The following table presents the beneficial ownership of our shares as of March 31, 2017 for:

 

   

each of our named executive officers;

 

   

each of our directors;

 

   

each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our ordinary shares; and

 

   

all of our executive officers and directors as a group.

We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the tables below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all ordinary shares that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws.

Ordinary shares subject to options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2017 are deemed to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding the options for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Percentage ownership is based on 42,031,110 ordinary shares outstanding on March 31, 2017.

We have based our calculation of the percentage of beneficial ownership after the offering on ordinary shares outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares).

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Number of  Shares
Beneficially Owned (1)
    Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned  
     Before the Offering     After the Offering  

5% Shareholders:

      

Entities affiliated with Silver Lake Partners (2)

     25,513,513       60.7  

Entities affiliated with Silver Lake Sumeru (3)

     12,756,755       30.4  

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

      

Iain MacKenzie (4)

     1,542,182       3.6  

Jack Pacheco (5)

     245,593    

Alan Marten (6)

     669,819       1.6  

Ajay Shah (3)(7)

     733,812       1.7  

James Davidson (2)(3)

     —         —      

Kenneth Hao (2)

     —         —      

Paul Mercadante (3)

     —         —      

Sandeep Nayyar (8)

     8,968    

Mukesh Patel (9)

     477,006       1.1  

Jason White (10)

     —         —      

All directors and executive officers as a group
(12 persons)
(11)

     4,108,611       9.5  

 

* Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%
(1) Shares shown in the table above include shares held in the beneficial owner’s name or jointly with others, or in the name of a bank, nominee or trustee for the beneficial owner’s account.
(2)

Consists of (i) 25,376,761 shares held of record by Silver Lake Partners III Cayman (AIV III), L.P. (“SLP III Cayman”), the general partner of which is Silver Lake Technology Associates III Cayman, L.P. (“SLTA III Cayman”), and (ii) 136,752 shares held of record by Silver Lake Technology Investors III Cayman, L.P. (together with SLP III Cayman and SLTA III Cayman, the “SLP III Cayman Entities”), the general partner

 

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  of which is SLTA III Cayman. Silver Lake (Offshore) AIV GP III, Ltd. (“SL III Offshore Ltd”) is the general partner of SLTA III Cayman. As such, SL III Offshore Ltd may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the securities over which any of the SLP III Cayman Entities has voting or dispositive power. SL III Offshore Ltd is controlled by a board of eight directors that acts by majority approval and possesses sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares held by the SLP III Cayman Entities. The address for each of the entities referenced above is c/o Silver Lake, 2775 Sand Hill Road, Suite 100, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
(3) Consists of (i) 12,603,292 shares held of record by Silver Lake Sumeru Fund Cayman, L.P. (“SLS Cayman”), the general partner of which is Silver Lake Technology Associates Sumeru Cayman, L.P. (“SLTA Sumeru Cayman”), the general partner of which is SLTA Sumeru (GP) Cayman L.P. (“SLTA Sumeru GP Cayman”), and (ii) 153,463 shares held of record by Silver Lake Technology Investors Sumeru Cayman, L.P. (together with SLS Cayman, SLTA Sumeru Cayman, SLTA Sumeru GP Cayman, the “SLS Cayman Entities”), the general partner of which is SLTA Sumeru Cayman. Silver Lake Sumeru (Offshore) AIV GP, Ltd. (“SL Sumeru Offshore Ltd”) is the general partner of SLTA Sumeru GP Cayman. As such, SL Sumeru Offshore Ltd may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the securities over which any of the SLS Cayman Entities has voting or dispositive power. SL Sumeru Offshore Ltd. is controlled by a board of nine directors that acts by majority approval and possesses sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares held by the SLS Cayman Entities. The address for each of the entities referenced above is c/o Silver Lake, 2775 Sand Hill Road, Suite 100, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
(4) Consists of (i) 1,149,978 shares of record held by Mr. MacKenzie and (ii) 392,204 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding share options which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2017.
(5) Consists of 245,593 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding share options which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2017.
(6) Consists of (i) 338,000 shares of record held by Mr. Marten and (ii) 331,819 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding share options which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2017.
(7) Consists of (i) 281,635 shares of record held by Krishnan-Shah Family Partners, L.P. Fund No. 1, for which Mr. Shah serves as a trustee; (ii) 31,684 shares of record held by Krishnan-Shah Family Partners, L.P. Fund No. 3, for which Mr. Shah serves as a trustee; (iii) 350,248 shares of record held by The Ajay B. Shah and Lata K. Shah 1996 Trust (U/A/D 5/28/1996), for which Mr. Shah serves as a trustee; (iv) 54,354 shares of record held by Krishnan-Shah Family Partners, L.P. Fund No. 4, for which Mr. Shah serves as a trustee; and (v) 15,891 shares held of record by Mr. Shah. The address for Mr. Shah is c/o Silver Lake, 2775 Sand Hill Road, Suite 100, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
(8) The address for Mr. Nayyar is c/o Power Integrations, Inc., 5245 Hellyer Avenue, San Jose, CA 95138.
(9) Consists of (i) 284,287 shares held of record by Patel Family Partners L.P.—Fund No. 2, for which Mr. Patel serves as a trustee; (ii) 164,116 shares held of record by The Patel Revocable Trust (U/A/D 6/6/2002), for which Mr. Patel serves as a trustee; and (iii) 28,603 shares held of record by Mr. Patel.
(10) The address for Mr. White is c/o Silver Lake, 2775 Sand Hill Road, Suite 100, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
(11) Includes 1,133,304 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding share options which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2017.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Since August 30, 2014, there has not been, nor is there any proposed transaction in which we were or will be a party, in which the amount involved exceeded or will exceed $120,000 and in which any director, executive officer, holder of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than as set forth below and the compensation, employment and other agreements and transactions which are described in “Management” and “Executive Compensation” elsewhere in this prospectus.

Sponsor Shareholder Agreement

In anticipation of this offering, we have entered into the Sponsor Shareholder Agreement with Silver Lake and Ajay Shah and his affiliated investment vehicles. The Sponsor Shareholder Agreement will become effective upon the closing of this offering. The Sponsor Shareholder Agreement, as further described below, will contain specific rights, obligations and agreements of these parties as owners of our ordinary shares. In addition, the Sponsor Shareholder Agreement will contain provisions related to the composition of our board of directors and its committees, which are discussed under “Management—Board of Directors” and “Management—Board Committees.”

Sponsor Approvals

Under the Sponsor Shareholder Agreement, the actions listed below by us or any of our subsidiaries will require the approval of Silver Lake for so long as Silver Lake collectively owns ordinary shares in an amount equal to or greater than 25% of our ordinary shares outstanding immediately following the consummation of this offering. The actions include:

 

   

entering into change of control transactions;

 

   

acquiring or disposing of assets or entering into joint ventures with a value in excess of $5 million;

 

   

incurring capital expenditures in any fiscal year in excess of 10% over the amount of capital expenditures provided for in the annual budget;

 

   

incurring indebtedness for borrowed money;

 

   

initiating any liquidation, dilution, bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding involving any of our subsidiaries;

 

   

making any material change in the nature of the business conducted by us or our subsidiaries;

 

   

terminating the employment of our Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer or hiring a new Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer;

 

   

changing the size or composition of our board of directors;

 

   

entering into certain transactions with Silver Lake Partners, Silver Lake Sumeru or any of our other affiliates; and

 

   

amending, waiving or otherwise modifying the Investors Shareholders Agreement or any other key contractual terms with our management.

Employee Investors Shareholders Agreement

In connection with the closing of the Acquisition, and as a condition to being eligible to receive future grants of share-based incentives, certain employee investors entered into a shareholder agreement, which we refer to in this prospectus as the Employee Investors Shareholders Agreement, with us, Silver Lake and Ajay

 

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Shah and his affiliated investment vehicles. Under the Employee Investors Shareholders Agreement, the employee investors are subject to certain transfer restrictions, drag-along rights and call rights. The drag-along rights and call rights will terminate upon the occurrence of this offering; however, certain transfer restrictions survive this offering, including that no such employee investor may transfer our ordinary shares without the consent of Silver Lake to any person that is a competitor or potential competitor of ours or that is known to hold (directly or indirectly) more than 5% ownership interest in any such competitor (other than in a registered public offering or under Rule 144 through a securities exchange or national quotation system or through a broker, dealer or other market maker, in a manner in which the identity of the purchaser has not been designated by the seller and is effected in a manner through which the identity of the purchaser would not customarily be available to the seller).

Investors Shareholders Agreement

In connection with the closing of the Acquisition, certain management and employee investors entered into a shareholder agreement with us, Silver Lake and Ajay Shah and his affiliated investment vehicles. This agreement was amended and restated as of November 5, 2016 in connection with the amendment and restatement of our Senior Secured Credit Agreement, at which time the Warrant Holders became parties to the agreement, which we refer to in this prospectus as the Investors Shareholders Agreement. Under the Investors Shareholders Agreement, the Warrant Holders and certain members of our management are subject to transfer restrictions, tag-along rights, drag-along rights, participation rights and call rights. The tag-along rights, drag-along rights, participation rights and call rights will terminate upon the occurrence of this offering; however, certain transfer restrictions survive this offering including that no such Warrant Holders or management investors may transfer our ordinary shares without the consent of Silver Lake to any person that is a competitor or potential competitor of ours or that is known to hold (directly or indirectly) more than 5% ownership interest in any such competitor (other than in a registered public offering or under Rule 144 through a securities exchange or national quotation system or through a broker, dealer or other market maker, in a manner in which the identity of the purchaser has not been designated by the seller and is effected in a manner through which the identity of the purchaser would not customarily be available to the seller).

In addition, a group of key management investors, including Iain MacKenzie, Alan Marten and Bruce Goldberg, are also subject to additional transfer restrictions following this offering until the third anniversary of such initial public offering. These transfer restrictions include caps on the number of ordinary shares that may be transferred by such key management investor (or his or her permitted transferees). Such caps will be based on the number of shares transferred by the Silver Lake investors during the applicable period; provided that (i) from the period beginning on the first anniversary of this offering and ending on the second anniversary of this offering, the cap with respect to each key management investor shall be no lower than 20% of the sum of the number of ordinary shares held by such investor and the number of ordinary shares underlying vested options and restricted stock units held by such investor, each as of the first anniversary of this offering and (ii) from the period beginning on the second anniversary of this offering and ending on the third anniversary of this offering, the cap with respect to each key management investor shall be no lower than 20% of the sum of the number of ordinary shares held by such investor and the number of ordinary shares underlying vested options and restricted stock units held by such investor, each as of the second anniversary of this offering.

Management Agreement

In August 2011, in connection with the closing of the Acquisition, we became party to a transaction and management fee agreement with the Managers, which, as amended and restated as of November 5, 2016 in connection with the amendment and restatement of our Senior Secured Credit Agreement, we refer to in this prospectus as the Management Agreement. At the closing of the Acquisition, we paid the Managers a $15.0 million transaction fee for services provided to us in evaluating, negotiating, documenting, financing and closing the Acquisition.

 

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Pursuant to the Management Agreement, following the closing of the Acquisition, we retained the Managers to provide general executive, management and other services to us, for which we record quarterly fees of $1.0 million, plus out-of-pocket expenses. During the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal years 2016 and 2015, we recorded expenses of $2.0 million, $4.0 million and $4.0 million, respectively, in connection with the Management Agreement, of which $3.7 million was unpaid as of February 24, 2017. We expect to record quarterly expenses in connection therewith until the completion of this offering.

The Management Agreement has an initial term of 10 years from the date of the original agreement, with automatic one-year renewal terms thereafter, subject to the Managers’ right to terminate the agreement in connection with a change in control transaction or an initial public offering. The Management Agreement specifies that, upon termination, we will pay to the Managers any unpaid management fees. We and the Managers intend to terminate the Management Agreement upon the completion of this offering and to make a related payment of approximately $            million for unpaid management fees in respect of past periods, in accordance with the termination provisions of the agreement. See “Use of Proceeds.”

Indemnification

Under the Sponsor Shareholder Agreement, we will agree, subject to certain exceptions, to indemnify Silver Lake and various affiliated persons from certain losses arising out of the indemnified persons’ investment in, or actual, alleged or deemed control or ability to influence, us.

We also have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers and intend to continue doing so in the future. See “Executive Compensation—Indemnification and Insurance.”

Registration Rights Agreement

We entered into a registration rights agreement, dated August 26, 2011, with Silver Lake, Mr. Ajay Shah and certain entities affiliated with him, Mr. Mukesh Patel and certain entities affiliated with him and certain of our executive officers. This agreement was amended and restated as of November 5, 2016 in connection with the amendment and restatement of our Senior Secured Credit Agreement, at which time the Warrant Holders became parties to the agreement, which we refer to in this prospectus as the Registration Rights Agreement. Upon the completion of this offering, holders of a total of 49,135,153 ordinary shares as of March 31, 2017, including 2,480,594 shares subject to options and 4,623,449 shares subject to warrants, in each case exercisable as of March 31, 2017 or exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2017, will have the right to require us to register these shares under the Securities Act or to participate in future registrations of securities by us, under the circumstances described below. After registration pursuant to these rights, these shares will become freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act. If not otherwise exercised, the rights described below will expire (a) with the prior consent of both Silver Lake and the Warrant Holders in connection with a non-qualifying change of control, as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement, (b) with the prior consent of Silver Lake in connection with any other change of control, as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement, or (c) with respect to any party to the Registration Rights Agreement, at such time such party does not beneficially own any registrable shares subject to the Registration Rights Agreement.

Shelf Registration Rights

Beginning 90 days after the date on which Silver Lake is no longer subject to any lock-up or contractual restrictions (excluding the Sponsor Shareholder Agreement), Silver Lake may at any time request in writing that we file a shelf registration statement to permit the sale or distribution of all or a portion of their registrable shares. Beginning 90 days after the date on which the Warrant Holders are no longer subject to any lock-up or contractual restrictions, the Warrant Holders may at any time request in writing that we file a shelf registration statement to permit the sale or distribution of their registrable shares at an aggregate offering price of at least

 

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$25 million. Subject to specified limitations set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, holders may request that their registrable shares be joined to this request. Subject to specified limitations set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, we may delay filing a registration statement pursuant to this provision on no more than two occasions in any 12-month period.

Demand Registration Rights

Subject to specified limitations set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, Silver Lake may demand in writing that we register all or a portion of the registrable shares under the Securities Act if the total amount of registrable shares registered can reasonably be anticipated to have a net aggregate offering price of at least $25 million. Subject to specified limitations set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, we may delay filing a registration statement pursuant to this provision on no more than two occasions in any 12-month period.

Piggyback Registration Rights

In the event that we propose to register any of our shares under the Securities Act, either for our own account or for the account of other security holders, each holder of registrable shares is entitled to notice of such registration and are entitled to certain “piggyback” registration rights allowing them to include their shares in such registration, subject to certain marketing and other limitations. Any such limitations on the number of registrable securities that may be included by such holders must be on a pro-rata basis.

The Registration Rights Agreement also contains certain customary cross-indemnification provisions.

Other Relationships

In addition to transactions pursuant to the Management Agreement, in the ordinary course of business, we sold goods and services to affiliates of Silver Lake during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, for which we recorded net sales of $26.7 million, $38.8 million and $97.0 million, respectively. In October 2013, investment funds affiliated with Silver Lake, together with other investors, acquired Dell, one of our top three end customers by net sales during fiscal 2015.

We also have entered into employment agreements with our executive officers. See “Executive Compensation—Employment and Severance Agreements.”

Procedures for Approval of Related Person Transactions

Pursuant to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, a director who is in any way interested in a contract or transaction with the company will declare the nature of his interest at a meeting of the board of directors. A director may vote in respect of any such contract or transaction notwithstanding that he may be interested therein and if he does so his vote will be counted and he may be counted in the quorum at any meeting of the board of directors at which any such contract or transaction shall come before the meeting of the board of directors for consideration. In connection with this offering, we have adopted a written audit committee charter, pursuant to which the audit committee must review all related party transactions required to be disclosed in our financial statements and approve any such related party transaction, unless the transaction is approved by another independent committee of our board. In approving or rejecting the proposed agreement, our audit committee shall consider the relevant facts and circumstances available and deemed relevant to the audit committee, including, but not limited to the risks, costs and benefits to us, the terms of the transaction, the availability of other sources for comparable services or products and, if applicable, the impact on a director’s independence. In addition, our written code of business conduct and ethics requires that directors, executive officers and employees make appropriate disclosure of potential conflicts of interest situations to the audit committee, in the case of directors and executive officers, or to the supervisor who will then seek authorization from the compliance officer, in the case of employees.

 

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Prior to this offering, we have not had a written policy for the review and approval of transactions with related persons. However, our board of directors has reviewed and approved any transaction where a director or executive officer had a financial interest, including the transactions described above. Prior to approving such a transaction, the material facts as to a director’s or officer’s relationship or interest as to the agreement or transaction were disclosed to our board of directors. Our board of directors would take this information into account when evaluating the transaction and in determining whether such transaction was fair to us and in the best interest of all of our shareholders.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL

The following description of our share capital assumes the adoption of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, which we will file in connection with this offering. Throughout this description, we summarize the material terms of our share capital as though such amended and restated memorandum and articles of association were presently in effect. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association authorize the issuance of up to             ordinary shares and            preferred shares. As of February 24, 2017, 41,611,059 ordinary shares were issued and outstanding and held of record by 98 shareholders. In addition,             ordinary shares were subject to warrants outstanding as of February 24, 2017, with an exercise price of $             per share, and             ordinary shares were subject to options outstanding as of February 24, 2017, with a weighted-average exercise price of $             per share.

We are incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability under Cayman Islands law and our affairs are governed by the provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time, and by the provisions of the Companies Law. A Cayman Islands company qualifies for exempted status if its operations will be conducted mainly outside of the Cayman Islands. Exempted companies are exempted from complying with certain provisions of the Companies Law. An exempted company is not required to obtain prior approval for registration or to hold an annual general meeting, and the annual return that must be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands is considerably more simple than for non-exempted Cayman Islands companies. Names of shareholders are not required to be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands. While there are currently no forms of direct taxation, withholding or capital gains tax in the Cayman Islands, an exempted company is entitled to apply for a tax exemption certificate from the Governor in Cabinet, which provides written confirmation that, among other things, should the laws of the Cayman Islands change, the company will not be subject to taxes for the period during which the certificate is valid (usually 20 years). See “Taxation—Cayman Islands Tax Considerations.” The following is a summary of some of the more important terms of our share capital that we expect will become effective on the consummation of this offering. For a complete description, you should refer to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, which are filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and the applicable provisions of the Companies Law.

Ordinary Shares

General

All of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Certificates representing the ordinary shares are issued in registered form. Our ordinary shares are not entitled to any sinking fund or pre-emptive or redemption rights. Our shareholders may freely hold and vote their shares.

Dividends

The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors subject to the Companies Law. Dividends may be paid only out of profits, which include net earnings and retained earnings undistributed in prior years, and out of share premium, a concept analogous to paid-in surplus in the United States, subject to a statutory solvency test.

Voting Rights

Each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each ordinary share on all matters upon which the ordinary shares are entitled to vote, including the election of directors. Voting at any shareholders’ meeting is by way of a poll.

A quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of one or more holders of shares present in person or by proxy (or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative) together

 

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holding (or representing by proxy) not less than a majority of the total voting power of all shares outstanding and entitled to vote. General meetings of our shareholders are held annually and may be convened by our board of directors on its own initiative. Extraordinary meetings of our shareholders may be called at any time only by or at the direction of the board of directors or the chairman of the board of directors; however, so long as Silver Lake owns at least 40% of our outstanding ordinary shares, extraordinary meetings of our shareholders will also be called by the board of directors at the request of either Silver Lake Partners or Silver Lake Sumeru. Advance notice to shareholders of at least 14 calendar days is required for the convening of any annual general meeting or other shareholders’ meetings.

An ordinary resolution to be passed by the shareholders requires a simple majority of votes cast in a general meeting, while a special resolution requires no less than 75% of the votes cast. Under the Companies Law, certain matters must be approved by special resolution of the shareholders, including alteration of the memorandum or articles of association, reduction of share capital, change of name, or voluntary winding up the company.

Liquidation

On a return of capital on winding up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of shares), assets available for distribution among the holders of ordinary shares shall be distributed among the holders of the ordinary shares in accordance with the Companies Law and our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets will be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders proportionately.

Inspection of Books and Records

Holders of our ordinary shares will have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or our corporate records.

Register of Members

Under Cayman Islands law, we must keep a register of members and include the following items:

 

   

the names and addresses of the members, a statement of the shares held by each member and the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid on the shares of each member;

 

   

the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a member; and

 

   

the date on which any person ceased to be a member.

Under Cayman Islands law, the register of members is prima facie evidence of the matters set forth therein ( i.e. , the register will raise a presumption of fact on the matters referred to above unless rebutted), and a member registered in the register of members shall be deemed as a matter of Cayman Islands law to have legal title to the shares as set against its name in the register of members. Upon the closing of this offering, the register of members shall be immediately updated to reflect the shares that we will have issued in connection with this offering. Once our register of members has been updated, the shareholders recorded in the register of members shall be deemed to have legal title to the shares set against their names. If the name of any person is incorrectly entered in or omitted from our register of members, or if there is any default or unnecessary delay in updating the register for any person that has ceased to be a member of our company, such aggrieved person or member (or any member of our company or our company itself) may apply to the Cayman Islands Grand Court for an order that the register be rectified, and the Court may either refuse such application or, if satisfied with the justice of the case, order the register be rectified.

Undesignated Preferred Shares

Pursuant to our amended and restated articles of association, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the shareholders, to issue up to             preferred shares in one or more series and to

 

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designate the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of such preferred shares without any further vote or action by our shareholders, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of the ordinary shares.

Lender Warrants

In November 2016, we issued Lender Warrants to purchase 10,402,766 of our ordinary shares to the Warrant Holders. The Lender Warrants are exercisable at $0.01 per share, with the 4,623,449 First Tranche Warrants currently exercisable and the 5,779,317 Second Tranche Warrants exercisable only if there are balances outstanding under the term loans on November 5, 2017. Upon the completion of this offering, the First Tranche Warrants will be deemed net exercised if not previously exercised, and the Second Tranche Warrants will not be exercisable and will terminate.

Registration Rights Agreement

See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement” and “Shares Eligible for Future Sale—Registration Rights” for a description of the Registration Rights Agreement entered into with Silver Lake, certain entities affiliated with Mr. Ajay Shah, certain entities affiliated with Mr. Mukesh Patel, the Warrant Holders and certain of our executive officers.

Sponsor Shareholder Agreement

Pursuant to our Sponsor Shareholder Agreement, we will not take certain actions specified in the Sponsor Shareholder Agreement without the consent of Silver Lake. Please see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Sponsor Shareholder Agreement” elsewhere in this prospectus.

Anti-Takeover Provisions of our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association

Some provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or management that shareholders might otherwise view as favorable and are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our board of directors and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened acquisition of our company. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, reduce our vulnerability to a hostile change in control or other unsolicited acquisition proposal and enhance the ability of our board of directors to maximize shareholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these provisions may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or other takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider in its best interest, including attempts that might result in a premium over the prevailing market price for our ordinary shares.

Classified Board of Directors

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that our board of directors is classified into three classes of directors with staggered three year terms . A third party may be discouraged from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us as it is more difficult and time consuming for shareholders to replace a majority of the directors on a classified board of directors . See “Management—Board of Directors.”

Breaches of Fiduciary Duty

To the maximum extent permitted under Cayman Islands law, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will indemnify our directors against any personal liability of our directors for breaches of fiduciary duty.

 

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Removal of Directors

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provides that directors may be removed with or without cause upon the affirmative vote of a majority of our outstanding ordinary shares, so long as Silver Lake collectively owns at least 40% of our outstanding ordinary shares; however, at any time when Silver Lake collectively owns less than 40% of our outstanding ordinary shares, directors may only be removed for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 75% of our outstanding ordinary shares.

Vacancies

In addition, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association also provides that any newly created directorship on the board of directors that results from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancies on our board of directors will be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, even if less than a quorum, by a sole remaining director or by the affirmative vote of a majority of our outstanding ordinary shares, so long as Silver Lake collectively owns at least 40% of our outstanding ordinary shares; however, at any time when Silver Lake collectively owns less than 40% of our outstanding ordinary shares, any newly created directorship on the board of directors that results from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancy occurring in the board of directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director (and not by the shareholders). Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provides that the board of directors may increase the number of directors by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors or, at any time when Silver Lake collectively owns at least 40% of our outstanding ordinary shares, by the affirmative vote of a majority of our outstanding ordinary shares.

Board Quorum

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provides that at any meeting of the board of directors, a majority of the total number of directors then in office constitutes a quorum for all purposes; however, so long as there is at least one Silver Lake Director on the board, a quorum shall also require at least one Silver Lake Director for all purposes. Following the consummation of this offering, if any such required Silver Lake Director fails to appear at a meeting of the board of directors, and such meeting is adjourned with proper notice and postponed with no change to the agenda, and such Silver Lake Director again fails to appear at such postponed meeting, a majority of the total number of directors then in office without such Silver Lake Director constitutes a quorum for all purposes.

Shareholder Action by Written Consent

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that any action required to be taken at any annual or extraordinary meeting of the shareholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if, in the case of an ordinary resolution, a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by the holders of outstanding ordinary shares having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all of our outstanding ordinary shares were present and voted, or in the case of a special resolution by all holders of ordinary shares having the right to vote, unless our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provides otherwise, so long as Silver Lake collectively owns at least 40% of our outstanding ordinary shares. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will preclude shareholder action by written consent at any time when Silver Lake collectively owns less than 40% of our outstanding ordinary shares, provided that shareholders may always act by a unanimous written resolution.

Extraordinary Shareholder Meetings

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association limits the ability of shareholders to requisition and convene general meetings of shareholders and provides that extraordinary meetings of our

 

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shareholders may be called at any time only by or at the direction of the board of directors or the chairman of the board of directors; however, so long as Silver Lake collectively owns at least 40% of our outstanding ordinary shares, extraordinary meetings of our shareholders may also be called by the board of directors at the request of either Silver Lake Partners or Silver Lake Sumeru.

Supermajority Provisions

Cayman Islands law and our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that the affirmative vote of at least 75% of our outstanding ordinary shares attending and voting at a general meeting or a unanimous written resolution is required to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.

The combination of the foregoing provisions will make it more difficult for our existing shareholders to replace our board of directors as well as for another party to obtain control of us by replacing our board of directors. Because our board of directors has the power to retain and discharge our officers, these provisions could also make it more difficult for existing shareholders or another party to effect a change in management. However, under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company.

Comparison of Cayman Islands Corporate Law

Cayman Islands companies are governed by the Companies Law. The Companies Law is modeled on English Law but does not follow recent English Law statutory enactments, and differs from laws applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of the material differences between the provisions of the Companies Law applicable to us and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders.

Mergers and Similar Arrangements

In certain circumstances the Companies Law allows for mergers or consolidations between two or more Cayman Islands companies, or between one or more Cayman Islands companies and one or more companies incorporated in another jurisdiction (provided that is permitted or not prohibited by the laws of that other jurisdiction).

Where the merger or consolidation is between two Cayman Islands companies, the directors of each company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation containing certain prescribed information. That plan or merger or consolidation must then be authorized by either (i) a special resolution of the shareholders of each company; or (ii) such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent company’s articles of association. A shareholder may have the right to vote on a merger or consolidation regardless of whether the shares that he holds otherwise give him voting rights. No shareholder resolution is required for a merger between a parent company ( i.e. , a company that owns at least 90% of the issued shares of each class in a subsidiary company) and its subsidiary company if a copy of the plan of merger is given to every member of such subsidiary company unless a member agrees otherwise. The consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest of a constituent company must be obtained, unless the court waives such requirement. If the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies is satisfied that the requirements of the Companies Law (which includes certain other formalities) have been complied with, the Registrar of Companies will register the plan of merger or consolidation.

Where the merger or consolidation involves a foreign company, the procedure is similar, save that with respect to the foreign company, the director of the Cayman Islands company is required to make a declaration to the effect that, having made due enquiry, he is of the opinion that the requirements set out below have been

 

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met: (i) that the merger or consolidation is permitted or not prohibited by the constitutional documents of the foreign company and by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the foreign company is incorporated, and that those laws and any requirements of those constitutional documents have been or will be complied with; (ii) that no petition or other similar proceeding has been filed and remains outstanding or order made or resolution adopted to wind up or liquidate the foreign company in any jurisdictions; (iii) that no receiver, trustee, administrator or other similar person has been appointed in any jurisdiction and is acting in respect of the foreign company, its affairs or its property or any part thereof; (iv) that no scheme, order, compromise or other similar arrangement has been entered into or made in any jurisdiction whereby the rights of creditors of the foreign company are and continue to be suspended or restricted.

Where the surviving company is the Cayman Islands company, the director of the Cayman Islands company is further required to make a declaration to the effect that, having made due enquiry, he is of the opinion that the requirements set out below have been met: (i) that the foreign company is able to pay its debts as they fall due and that the merger or consolidated is bona fide and not intended to defraud unsecured creditors of the foreign company; (ii) that in respect of the transfer of any security interest granted by the foreign company to the surviving or consolidated company (a) consent or approval to the transfer has been obtained, released or waived; (b) the transfer is permitted by and has been approved in accordance with the constitutional documents of the foreign company; and (c) the laws of the jurisdiction of the foreign company with respect to the transfer have been or will be complied with; (iii) that the foreign company will, upon the merger or consolidation becoming effective, cease to be incorporated, registered or exist under the laws of the relevant foreign jurisdiction; and (iv) that there is no other reason why it would be against the public interest to permit the merger or consolidation.

Where the above procedures are adopted, the Companies Law provides for a right of dissenting shareholders to be paid a payment of the fair value of his shares upon their dissenting to the merger or consolidation if they follow a prescribed procedure. In essence, that procedure is as follows: (i) the shareholder must give his written objection to the merger or consolidation to the constituent company before the vote on the merger or consolidation, including a statement that the shareholder proposes to demand payment for his shares if the merger or consolidation is authorized by the vote; (ii) within 20 days following the date on which the merger or consolidation is approved by the shareholders, the constituent company must give written notice to each shareholder who made a written objection; (iii) a shareholder must within 20 days following receipt of such notice from the constituent company, give the constituent company a written notice of his intention to dissent including, among other details, a demand for payment of the fair value of his shares; (iv) within seven days following the date of the expiration of the period set out in paragraph (ii) above or seven days following the date on which the plan of merger or consolidation is filed, whichever is later, the constituent company, the surviving company or the consolidated company must make a written offer to each dissenting shareholder to purchase his shares at a price that the company determines is the fair value and if the company and the shareholder agree the price within 30 days following the date on which the offer was made, the company must pay the shareholder such amount; (v) if the company and the shareholder fail to agree a price within such 30-day period, within 20 days following the date on which such 30-day period expires, the company (and any dissenting shareholder) must file a petition with the Cayman Islands Grand Court to determine the fair value and such petition must be accompanied by a list of the names and addresses of the dissenting shareholders with whom agreements as to the fair value of their shares have not been reached by the company. At the hearing of that petition, the court has the power to determine the fair value of the shares together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid by the company upon the amount determined to be the fair value. Any dissenting shareholder whose name appears on the list filed by the company may participate fully in all proceedings until the determination of fair value is reached. These rights of a dissenting shareholder are not available in certain circumstances, for example, to dissenters holding shares of any class in respect of which an open market exists on a recognized stock exchange or recognized interdealer quotation system at the relevant date or where the consideration for such shares to be contributed are shares of any company listed on a national securities exchange or shares of the surviving or consolidated company.

 

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Moreover, Cayman Islands law also has separate statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction or amalgamation of companies in certain circumstances, schemes of arrangement will generally be more suited for complex mergers or other transactions involving widely held companies, commonly referred to in the Cayman Islands as a “scheme of arrangement” which may be tantamount to a merger. In the event that a merger was sought pursuant to a scheme of arrangement (the procedure of which are more rigorous and take longer to complete than the procedures typically required to consummate a merger in the United States), the arrangement in question must be approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders and creditors with whom the arrangement is to be made and who must in addition represent three-fourths in value of each such class of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meeting summoned for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the terms of the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting shareholder would have the right to express to the court the view that the transaction should not be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it satisfies itself that:

 

   

we are not proposing to act illegally or beyond the scope of our corporate authority and the statutory provisions as to majority vote have been complied with;

 

   

the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question;

 

   

the arrangement is such as a businessman would reasonably approve; and

 

   

the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Law or that would amount to a “fraud on the minority.”

If a scheme of arrangement or takeover offer (as described below) is approved, any dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights, which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of United States corporations, providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares.

Squeeze-out Provisions

When a takeover offer is made and accepted by holders of 90% of the shares to whom the offer is made within four months, the offeror may, within a two-month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but this is unlikely to succeed unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith, collusion or inequitable treatment of the shareholders.

Further, transactions similar to a merger, reconstruction and/or an amalgamation may in some circumstances be achieved through other means to these statutory provisions, such as a share capital exchange, asset acquisition or control, through contractual arrangements, of an operating business.

Shareholders’ Suits

Our Cayman Islands counsel is not aware of any reported class action having been brought in a Cayman Islands court. Derivative actions have been brought in the Cayman Islands courts, and the Cayman Islands courts have confirmed the availability for such actions. In most cases, we will be the proper plaintiff in any claim based on a breach of duty owed to us, and a claim against (for example) our officers or directors usually may not be brought by a shareholder. However, based on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority and be applied by a court in the Cayman Islands, exceptions to the foregoing principle apply in circumstances in which:

 

   

a company is acting, or proposing to act, illegally or beyond the scope of its authority;

 

   

the act complained of, although not beyond the scope of the authority, could be effected if duly authorized by more than the number of votes which have actually been obtained; or

 

   

those who control the company are perpetrating a “fraud on the minority.”

 

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A shareholder may have a direct right of action against us where the individual rights of that shareholder have been infringed or are about to be infringed.

Enforcement of Civil Liabilities

The Cayman Islands has a different body of securities laws as compared to the United States and provides less protection to investors. Additionally, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to sue before the federal courts of the United States. Although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognize a foreign judgment as the basis for a claim at common law in the Cayman Islands, provided such judgment:

 

   

is given by a competent foreign court;

 

   

imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given;

 

   

is final;

 

   

is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty; and

 

   

was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to the public policy of the Cayman Islands.

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification Matters

See “Executive Compensation—Indemnification and Insurance.”

Listing

We have applied to list our ordinary shares on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SGH”.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

                         is acting as transfer agent and registrar for our ordinary shares. The transfer agent’s address is             .

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our ordinary shares, and we cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of our ordinary shares or the availability of our ordinary shares for sale will have on the market price of our ordinary shares prevailing from time to time. Future sales of our ordinary shares in the public market, or the availability of such shares for sale in the public market, could adversely affect market prices prevailing from time to time. As described below, only a limited number of our ordinary shares will be available for sale shortly after this offering due to contractual and legal restrictions on resale. Nevertheless, sales of our ordinary shares in the public market after such restrictions lapse, or the perception that those sales may occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price at such time and our ability to raise equity capital in the future.

Following the completion of this offering, based on the number of our ordinary shares outstanding as of February 24, 2017, we will have a total of              ordinary shares outstanding. Of these outstanding shares, all ordinary shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable, except that any shares purchased in this offering by our affiliates, as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, would only be able to be sold in compliance with the Rule 144 limitations described below.

The remaining outstanding ordinary shares will be, and shares subject to outstanding stock options will be upon issuance, deemed “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if they are registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or Rule 701 under the Securities Act, which rules are summarized below. All of our executive officers, directors and holders of substantially all of our equity securities have entered into lock-up agreements with the underwriters under which they have agreed, subject to specific exceptions, not to sell any of our equity securities for 180 days following the date of this prospectus. As a result of these agreements and subject to the provisions of Rule 144 or Rule 701, ordinary shares will be available for sale in the public market as follows:

 

   

beginning on the date of this prospectus, all ordinary shares sold in this offering will be immediately available for sale in the public market except to the extent purchased by one of our affiliates; and

 

   

beginning 181 days after the date of this prospectus, the remainder of the ordinary shares will be eligible for sale in the public market from time to time thereafter, subject in some cases to restrictions in award agreements and contractual obligations with us or with Silver Lake or the volume and other restrictions of Rule 144, as described below.

Lock-up Agreements

We, our executive officers and directors and holders of substantially all of our outstanding equity securities have agreed not to sell or transfer any ordinary shares or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for, or repayable with ordinary shares, for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without first obtaining the written consent of Barclays Capital Inc. Specifically, we and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly:

 

   

offer for sale, sell, pledge, or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction or device that is designed to, or could be expected to, result in the disposition by any person at any time in the future of) any ordinary shares (including, without limitation, ordinary shares that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by the undersigned in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and ordinary shares that may be issued upon exercise of any options or warrants) or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares;

 

   

enter into any swap or other derivatives transaction that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic benefits or risks of ownership of ordinary shares, whether any such transaction described in the immediately preceding bullet or this bullet is to be settled by delivery of ordinary shares or other securities, in cash or otherwise;

 

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make any demand for or exercise any right or cause to be filed a registration statement, including any amendments thereto, with respect to the registration of any ordinary shares or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares or any of our other securities; or

 

   

publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing, in each case for a period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the 180th day after the date of this prospectus.

This lock-up provision applies to ordinary shares and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with ordinary shares. It also applies to ordinary shares owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition. Barclays Capital Inc. may, in its discretion, release any of the securities subject to these lock-up agreements at any time.

Rule 144

In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, once we have been subject to the public company reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act for at least 90 days, a person who is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates for purposes of the Securities Act at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale and who has beneficially owned the ordinary shares proposed to be sold for at least six months is entitled to sell those shares without complying with the manner of sale, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144, subject to compliance with the public information requirements of Rule 144. If such a person has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates, then that person would be entitled to sell those shares without complying with any of the requirements of Rule 144.

In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, our affiliates or persons selling ordinary shares on behalf of our affiliates are entitled to sell upon expiration of the market standoff agreements and lock-up agreements described above, within any three-month period, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:

 

   

1% of the number of our ordinary shares then outstanding, which will equal              shares immediately after this offering; or

 

   

the average weekly trading volume of our ordinary shares during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to that sale.

Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates or persons selling ordinary shares on behalf of our affiliates are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.

Rule 701

Rule 701 generally allows a shareholder who purchased ordinary shares pursuant to a written compensatory plan or contract and who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of our company during the immediately preceding 90 days to sell these shares in reliance upon Rule 144, but without being required to comply with the public information, holding period, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144. Rule 701 also permits affiliates of our company to sell their Rule 701 shares under Rule 144 without complying with the holding period requirements of Rule 144. All holders of Rule 701 shares, however, are required to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling those shares pursuant to Rule 701.

Registration Rights

See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement” for a description of the Registration Rights Agreement entered into with Silver Lake, certain entities affiliated with

 

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Mr. Ajay Shah, certain entities affiliated with Mr. Mukesh Patel, the Warrant Holders and certain of our executive officers. Upon the completion of this offering, holders of a total of 49,135,153 ordinary shares as of March 31, 2017, including 2,480,594 shares subject to options and 4,623,449 shares subject to warrants, in each case exercisable as of March 31, 2017 or exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2017, will have the right to require us to register these shares under the Securities Act or to participate in future registrations of securities by us, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. After registration pursuant to these rights, these shares will become freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act. If not otherwise exercised, the rights described below will expire (a) with the prior consent of both Silver Lake and the Warrant Holders in connection with a non-qualifying change of control, as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement, (b) with the prior consent of Silver Lake in connection with any other change of control, as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement, or (c) with respect to any party to the Registration Rights Agreement, at such time such party does not beneficially own any registrable shares subject to the Registration Rights Agreement.

Registration Statement

We intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act promptly after the completion of this offering to register ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, as well as any ordinary shares reserved for future issuance, under our SGH Plan. The registration statement on Form S-8 is expected to become effective immediately upon filing, and ordinary shares covered by the registration statement will then become eligible for sale in the public market, subject to the Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates, vesting restrictions and any applicable market standoff agreements and lock-up agreements. See the section titled “Executive Compensation—Employee Benefit and Stock Plans” for a description of our equity compensation plans.

 

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TAXATION

The following summary contains a description of certain Cayman Islands and U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares, but it does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all the tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase ordinary shares. The summary is based upon the tax laws of Cayman Islands and regulations thereunder and on the tax laws of the United States and regulations thereunder as of the date hereof, which are subject to change.

Cayman Islands Tax Considerations

Prospective investors should consult their professional advisers on the possible tax consequences of buying, holding or selling any of our ordinary shares under the laws of their country of citizenship, residence or domicile. The following is a discussion on certain Cayman Islands income tax consequences of an investment in our ordinary shares. The discussion is a general summary of present law, which is subject to prospective and retroactive change. It is not intended as tax advice, does not consider any investor’s particular circumstances and does not consider tax consequences other than those arising under Cayman Islands law.

Payments of dividends and capital in respect of our ordinary shares will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding will be required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of our ordinary shares, as the case may be, nor will gains derived from the disposal of our ordinary shares be subject to Cayman Islands income or corporation tax. The Cayman Islands currently have no income, corporation or capital gains tax and no estate duty, inheritance tax or gift tax.

No stamp duty is payable in respect of the issue of our ordinary shares or on an instrument of transfer in respect of an ordinary share.

The Company has been incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability and, as such, has obtained an undertaking from the Governor in Cabinet of the Cayman Islands in substantially the following form:

The Tax Concessions Law

(2011 Revision)

Undertaking as to Tax Concessions

In accordance with Section 6 of the Tax Concessions Law (2011 Revision) the Governor in Cabinet undertakes with SMART Global Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”).

 

  (a) that no Law which is hereafter enacted in the Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations shall apply to the Company or its operations; and

 

  (b) in addition, that no tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations or which is in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax shall be payable:

 

  (i) on or in respect of the shares, debentures or other obligations of the Company; or

 

  (ii) by way of the withholding in whole or part, of any relevant payment as defined in Section 6(3) of the Tax Concessions Law (2011 Revision).

These concessions shall be for a period of TWENTY years from the 13th day of May 2014.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

In the opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, the following is a description of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to the U.S. Holders described below of owning and disposing of our ordinary shares. It is not a comprehensive description of all tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular person’s decision

 

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to acquire the ordinary shares. This discussion applies only to a U.S. Holder that acquires our ordinary shares pursuant to this offering and holds them as capital assets for tax purposes. In addition, it does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant in light of the U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances, including alternative minimum tax consequences, the potential application of the Medicare contribution tax and tax consequences applicable to U.S. Holders subject to special rules, such as:

 

   

certain financial institutions;

 

   

dealers or traders in securities who use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting;

 

   

persons holding our ordinary shares as part of a hedging transaction, straddle, wash sale, conversion transaction or integrated transaction or persons entering into a constructive sale with respect to the ordinary shares;

 

   

persons whose functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar;

 

   

entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

   

tax-exempt entities, “individual retirement accounts” or “Roth IRAs”;

 

   

persons that own or are deemed to own ten percent or more of our voting stock; or

 

   

persons holding our ordinary shares in connection with a trade or business conducted outside of the United States.

If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes owns ordinary shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships owning our ordinary shares and partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of our ordinary shares.

This discussion is based on the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, all as of the date hereof, any of which is subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.

A “U.S. Holder” is a holder who, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a beneficial owner of ordinary shares and is:

 

   

a citizen or individual resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state therein or the District of Columbia; or

 

   

an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.

U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of owning and disposing of our ordinary shares in their particular circumstances.

This discussion assumes that the Company is not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company, as described below.

Taxation of Distributions

As discussed above under “Dividend Policy,” the Company does not currently intend to declare dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. In the event that the Company does pay dividends, distributions paid on our ordinary shares, other than certain pro rata distributions payable only in ordinary shares, will be treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid out of the Company’s current or

 

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accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Subject to applicable limitations, dividends paid by qualified foreign corporations to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders may be taxable at preferential rates. A non-U.S. corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid on stock that is readily tradable on a securities market in the United States, such as NASDAQ, on which the Company has applied to list its ordinary shares. Non-corporate U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the availability of the reduced tax rate on dividends. The amount of the dividend will generally be treated as foreign-source dividend income to U.S. Holders for foreign tax credit purposes and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally available to U.S. corporations under the Code. Dividends will be included in a U.S. Holder’s income on the date of the U.S. Holder’s receipt of the dividend.

Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Ordinary Shares

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, gain or loss realized on the sale or other taxable disposition of our ordinary shares will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder held the ordinary shares for more than one year. The amount of the gain or loss will equal the difference between the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the ordinary shares disposed of and the amount realized on the disposition. This gain or loss will generally be U.S.-source gain or loss for foreign tax credit purposes.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

In general, a non-U.S. corporation is a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for any taxable year if: (i) 75% or more of its gross income consists of passive income or (ii) 50% or more of the average quarterly percentage of its assets consists of assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. For this purpose, passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and capital gains. Goodwill is generally treated as a non-passive asset. The average quarterly percentage of a corporation’s active and passive assets for a taxable year is determined by value unless a corporation is a controlled foreign corporation, or CFC, that is not a publicly traded corporation for the taxable year, in which case it is determined in accordance with the corporation’s adjusted basis in the assets. The Company expects to be a CFC for our current taxable year.

If a non-U.S. corporation owns at least 25% (by value) of the stock of another corporation, it will be treated, for purposes of the PFIC tests, as owning its proportionate share of the other corporation’s assets and receiving its proportionate share of the other corporation’s income. Under attribution rules, if the Company is a PFIC, U.S. Holders will be deemed to own their proportionate share of lower-tier PFICs and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on (i) certain distributions by a lower-tier PFIC and (ii) a disposition of shares of a lower-tier PFIC, in each case as if the U.S. Holder held such shares directly, even though the U.S. Holders have not received the proceeds of those distributions or dispositions directly.

Based upon the nature of our business and the expected composition of our income and assets following the offering, the Company does not expect to be a PFIC for our current taxable year or in the foreseeable future. However, the determination of whether the Company is a PFIC is an annual test based on the composition of our income and assets and the value of our assets from time to time, which may be based in part on the market price of our ordinary shares, which is likely to fluctuate, and there are uncertainties as to the appropriate characterization and value of certain of our assets for purposes of the PFIC tests. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be a PFIC for our current or any future taxable year.

In general, if the Company were a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder held ordinary shares, gain recognized by a U.S. Holder on a sale or other disposition (including certain pledges) of our ordinary shares would be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ordinary shares. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and to any year before the Company became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as appropriate, for that taxable year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the tax on the amount allocated to that taxable year. Further, to the extent that any

 

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distribution received by a U.S. Holder on its ordinary shares exceeds 125% of the average of the annual distributions on the ordinary shares received during the preceding three years or the U.S. Holder’s holding period, whichever is shorter, that distribution would be subject to taxation in the same manner as gain described immediately above. Certain elections may be available that would result in alternative treatments (such as mark-to-market treatment) of the ordinary shares. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers to determine whether any of these elections would be available and, if so, what the consequences of the alternative treatments would be in their particular circumstances.

If the Company were a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. Holder held ordinary shares, it generally would continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to that holder for all succeeding years during which the U.S. Holder held ordinary shares, even if the Company ceased to meet the threshold requirements for PFIC status. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the potential availability of a “deemed sale” election that would allow them to eliminate this continuing PFIC status under certain circumstances.

If a U.S. Holder owns ordinary shares during any year in which the Company is a PFIC (or is treated as such with respect to the U.S. Holder), the holder will generally be required to file an IRS Form 8621 with their annual U.S. federal income tax return, subject to certain exceptions.

U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding whether the Company is or may become a PFIC and the potential application of the PFIC rules.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting, and may be subject to backup withholding, unless (i) the U.S. Holder is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii) in the case of backup withholding, the U.S. Holder provides a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that it is not subject to backup withholding.

The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle it to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Certain U.S. Holders who are individuals, and certain entities controlled by individuals, may be required to report information relating to their ownership of an interest in certain foreign financial assets in excess of certain thresholds, including stock of a non-U.S. person, generally on IRS Form 8938, subject to exceptions (including an exception for stock held through a U.S. financial institution). U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding their reporting obligations with respect to ordinary shares.

 

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UNDERWRITING

Barclays Capital Inc. is acting as the representative of the underwriters of this offering. Under the terms of an underwriting agreement, which will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, each of the underwriters named below has severally agreed to purchase from us the respective number of ordinary shares shown opposite its name below:

 

Underwriters

   Number of Shares  

Barclays Capital Inc.

  

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

  

Jefferies LLC

  

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated

  

Needham & Company, LLC

  

Roth Capital Partners, LLC

  
  

 

 

 

Total

  
  

 

 

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters’ obligation to purchase ordinary shares depends on the satisfaction of the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, including:

 

   

the obligation to purchase all of the ordinary shares offered hereby (other than those ordinary shares covered by their overallotment option to purchase additional shares as described below), if any of the shares are purchased;

 

   

the representations and warranties made by us to the underwriters are true;

 

   

there is no material change in our business or the financial markets; and

 

   

we deliver customary closing documents to the underwriters.

Commissions and Expenses

The following table summarizes the underwriting discounts and commissions we will pay to the underwriters. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional ordinary shares. The underwriting fee is the difference between the initial price to the public and the amount the underwriters pay to us for the ordinary shares.

 

     No Exercise      Full Exercise  

Per Ordinary Share

   $                   $               

Total

   $      $  

The representative has advised us that the underwriters propose to offer the ordinary shares directly to the public at the public offering price on the cover of this prospectus and to selected dealers, which may include the underwriters, at such offering price less a selling concession not in excess of $             per ordinary share. After the offering, the representative may change the offering price and other selling terms.

The expenses of the offering that are payable by us are estimated to be approximately $             (excluding underwriting discounts and commissions). We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriters for their legal expenses relating to clearance of the offering with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. in an amount up to $            .

Option to Purchase Additional Shares

We have granted the underwriters an option exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus to purchase, from time to time, in whole or in part, up to an aggregate of              ordinary shares from us at the

 

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public offering price less underwriting discounts and commissions. This option may be exercised to the extent the underwriters sell more than              ordinary shares in connection with this offering. To the extent that this option is exercised, each underwriter will be obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase its pro rata portion of these additional ordinary shares based on the underwriter’s percentage underwriting commitment in the offering as indicated in the table at the beginning of this “Underwriting” section.

Lock-Up Agreements

We, all of our directors and executive officers and holders of substantially all of our outstanding ordinary shares have agreed that, subject to certain limited exceptions, without the prior written consent of Barclays Capital Inc., we and they will not directly or indirectly, (i) offer for sale, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction or device that is designed to, or could be expected to, result in the disposition by any person at any time in the future of) any ordinary shares (including, without limitation, ordinary shares that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by us or them in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and ordinary shares that may be issued upon exercise of any options or warrants) or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares; (ii) enter into any swap or other derivatives transaction that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic benefits or risks of ownership of ordinary shares, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of ordinary shares or other securities, in cash or otherwise; (iii) make any demand for or exercise any right or file or cause to be filed a registration statement, including any amendments thereto, with respect to the registration of any ordinary shares or securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable into ordinary shares or any of our other securities; or (iv) publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus.

Barclays Capital Inc., in its sole discretion, may release the ordinary shares and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above in whole or in part at any time with or without notice. When determining whether or not to release ordinary shares and other securities from lock-up agreements, Barclays Capital Inc. will consider, among other factors, the holder’s reasons for requesting the release, the number of ordinary shares and other securities for which the release is being requested and market conditions at the time.

Offering Price Determination

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our ordinary shares. The initial public offering price will be negotiated between the representative and us. In determining the initial public offering price of our ordinary shares, the representative will consider:

 

   

the history and prospects for the industry in which we compete;

 

   

our financial information;

 

   

the ability of our management and our business potential and earning prospects;

 

   

the prevailing securities markets at the time of this offering; and

 

   

the recent market prices of, and the demand for, publicly traded shares of generally comparable companies.

Indemnification

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and to contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make for these liabilities.

 

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Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

The representative may engage in stabilizing transactions, short sales and purchases to cover positions created by short sales and penalty bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the ordinary shares, in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act:

 

   

Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.

 

   

A short position involves a sale by the underwriters of shares in excess of the number of shares the underwriters are obligated to purchase in the offering, which creates the syndicate short position. This short position may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of shares involved in the sales made by the underwriters in excess of the number of shares they are obligated to purchase is not greater than the number of shares that they may purchase by exercising their overallotment option to purchase additional shares. In a naked short position, the number of shares involved is greater than the number of shares in their overallotment option to purchase additional shares. The underwriters may close out any short position by either exercising their overallotment option to purchase additional shares and/or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through their overallotment option to purchase additional shares. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.

 

   

Syndicate-covering transactions involve purchases of the ordinary shares in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions.

 

   

Penalty bids permit the representative to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the ordinary shares originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions.

These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our ordinary shares or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our ordinary shares. As a result, the price of our ordinary shares may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on NASDAQ or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our ordinary shares. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make representation that the representative will engage in these stabilizing transactions or that any transaction, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Electronic Distribution

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the Internet sites or through other online services maintained by one or more of the underwriters and/or selling group members participating in this offering, or by their affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and, depending upon the particular underwriter or selling group member, prospective investors may be allowed to place orders online. The underwriters may agree with us to allocate a specific number of ordinary shares for sale to online brokerage account holders. Any such allocation for online distributions will be made by the representative on the same basis as other allocations.

Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on any underwriter’s or selling group member’s web site and any information contained in any other web site maintained by an underwriter or selling

 

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group member is not part of the prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or any underwriter or selling group member in its capacity as underwriter or selling group member and should not be relied upon by investors.

The NASDAQ Global Market

We have applied to list our ordinary shares on NASDAQ under the symbol “SGH”.

Discretionary Sales

The underwriters have informed us that they do not expect to sell more than 5% of the ordinary shares sold in this offering to accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.

Stamp Taxes

If you purchase ordinary shares offered in this prospectus, you may be required to pay stamp taxes and other charges under the laws and practices of the country of purchase, in addition to the offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus.

Relationships

Certain of the underwriters and their related entities have engaged and may engage in commercial and investment banking transactions with us in the ordinary course of their business. They have received customary compensation and expenses for these commercial and investment banking transactions.

Affiliates of Barclays Capital Inc. are lenders under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and affiliates of Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc. and Jefferies LLC are lenders under the revolving facility of the Senior Secured Credit Agreement. In such capacity, such affiliates have received, and will in the future receive, customary fees and compensation in the ordinary course of business. In November 2016, in connection with the amendment and restatement of the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, an affiliate of Barclays Capital Inc. received 4,352 First Tranche Warrants and 5,441 Second Tranche Warrants. For more information regarding the Lender Warrants, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Contractual Obligations —Senior Secured Credit Agreement.”

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and certain of their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of the issuer or its affiliates. If the underwriters or their affiliates have a lending relationship with us, they routinely hedge their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. The underwriters and their affiliates may hedge such exposure by entering into transactions that consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities or the securities of our affiliates, including potentially the ordinary shares offered hereby. Any such short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the ordinary shares offered hereby. The underwriters and certain of their affiliates may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market color or trading ideas and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

Selling Restrictions

Notice to Prospective Investors in Brazil

For purposes of Brazilian law, this offer of securities is addressed to you personally, upon your request and for your sole benefit, and is not to be transmitted to anyone else, to be relied upon elsewhere or for any other purpose either quoted or referred to in any other public or private document or to be filed with anyone, without our prior express and written consent.

 

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This offering does not constitute or form part of any public offering of shares in Brazil and, accordingly, has not been and will not be registered under Brazilian Federal Law No. 6385 of December 7, 1976, as amended, Brazilian Securities Commission (CVM) Rule (Instrução) No. 400 of December 29, 2003, as amended, or under any other Brazilian securities law or regulation. Furthermore, our ordinary shares and we have not been and will not be registered before the CVM under CVM Rule (Instrução) No. 480 of December 7, 2009, as amended.

Therefore, the ordinary shares offered hereby have not been, will not be and may not be offered for sale or sold in Brazil except in circumstances that do not constitute a public offering or other unauthorized distribution under applicable Brazilian laws and regulations. Documents relating to the ordinary shares, as well as the information contained therein, may not be supplied to the public as a public offering in Brazil or be used in connection with any offer for subscription or sale of the shares to the public in Brazil.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area that has implemented the Prospectus Directive, or Relevant Member State, an offer to the public of any ordinary shares that are the subject of the offering contemplated herein may not be made in that Relevant Member State, except that an offer to the public in that Relevant Member State of any ordinary shares may be made at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive, if they have been implemented in that Relevant Member State:

 

   

to legal entities which are qualified investors as defined under the Prospectus Directive;

 

   

by the underwriters to fewer than 100, or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provisions of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150, natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representative of the underwriters for any such offer; or

 

   

in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive;

provided that no such offer of ordinary shares shall result in a requirement for us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.

Each person in a Relevant Member State who receives any communication in respect of, or who acquires any ordinary shares under, the offers contemplated here in this prospectus will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with each underwriter and us that:

 

   

it is a qualified investor as defined under the Prospectus Directive; and

 

   

in the case of any ordinary shares acquired by it as a financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, (i) the ordinary shares acquired by it in the offering have not been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in any Relevant Member State other than qualified investors, as that term is defined in the Prospectus Directive, or in the circumstances in which the prior consent of the representative of the underwriters has been given to the offer or resale; or (ii) where ordinary shares have been acquired by it on behalf of persons in any Relevant Member State other than qualified investors, the offer of such ordinary shares to it is not treated under the Prospectus Directive as having been made to such persons.

For the purposes of this representation and the provision above, the expression an “offer of ordinary shares to the public” in relation to any ordinary shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any ordinary shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the ordinary shares, as the same may be varied in that Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State, the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including

 

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the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State, and the expression “2010 PD Amending Directive” means Directive 2010/73/EU.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

This prospectus has only been communicated or caused to have been communicated, and will only be communicated or caused to be communicated, as an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000 (as amended), or FSMA) as received in connection with the issue or sale of the shares in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the Company. All applicable provisions of the FSMA will be complied with in respect to anything done in relation to the shares in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada

The ordinary shares may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the ordinary shares must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland

The ordinary shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, or SIX, or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under Article 652a or Article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under Article 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company or the ordinary shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of ordinary shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA and the offer of ordinary shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes, or CISA. The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of ordinary shares.

 

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Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre

This prospectus relates to an “Exempt Offer” in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA. This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus. The shares to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the ordinary shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the ordinary shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia

No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission in relation to the offering. This prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001, or the Corporations Act, and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.

Any offer in Australia of the ordinary shares may only be made to persons, which we refer to as Exempt Investors, who are “sophisticated investors” (within the meaning of Section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), “professional investors” (within the meaning of Section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in Section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the ordinary shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

The ordinary shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under Section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring ordinary shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

The ordinary shares have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (i) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under such ordinance or (ii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of such ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the ordinary shares has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to ordinary shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under such ordinance.

 

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Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan

The ordinary shares have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, “Japanese Person” shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore

This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of ordinary shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the ordinary shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore, or the SFA; (ii) to a relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:

 

   

a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)), the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or

 

   

a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor), which sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor,

securities (as defined in Section 239(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:

 

   

to an institutional investor or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA;

 

   

where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;

 

   

where the transfer is by operation of law;

 

   

as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or

 

   

as specified in Regulation 32 of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Shares and Debentures) Regulations 2005 of Singapore.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Certain matters of U.S. federal and New York State law will be passed upon for us by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, Menlo Park, California. Certain legal matters relating to this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Latham & Watkins LLP. The validity of the ordinary shares and certain other matters of Cayman Island law will be passed upon for us by Maples and Calder, Cayman Islands, and for the underwriters by Walkers, Cayman Islands.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements as of August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, and for the years then ended, included in this prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein. Such financial statements have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS

We are an exempted company under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and certain of the board members of each of our subsidiaries and certain of the experts named herein reside outside the United States. Certain of our assets and the assets of such other persons are located outside the United States.

We have been advised by Maples and Calder, Cayman Islands, our Cayman Islands legal counsel, that the courts of the Cayman Islands are unlikely (i) to recognize or enforce against the Company, its directors or officers judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any State; and (ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, to impose liabilities against the Company, its directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any State, so far as the liabilities imposed by those provisions are penal in nature. In those circumstances, although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognize and enforce a foreign money judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits based on the principle that a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been given provided certain conditions are met. For a foreign judgment to be enforced in the Cayman Islands, such judgment must be final, conclusive, for a liquidated sum and must not be in respect of taxes, fines or penalties, inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same matter, impeachable on the grounds of fraud or obtained in a manner, or be of a kind the enforcement of which is, contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands (awards of punitive or multiple damages may well be held to be contrary to public policy). A Cayman Islands Court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere. There is recent Privy Council authority (which is binding on the Cayman Islands Court) in the context of a reorganization plan approved by the New York Bankruptcy Court that suggests that due to the universal nature of bankruptcy/insolvency proceedings, foreign money judgments obtained in foreign bankruptcy/insolvency proceedings may be enforced without applying the principles outlined above. However, a more recent English Supreme Court authority (which is highly persuasive but not binding on the Cayman Islands Court) has expressly rejected that approach in the context of a default judgment obtained in an adversary proceeding brought in the New York Bankruptcy Court by the receivers of the bankruptcy debtor against a third party, which would not have been enforceable upon the application of the traditional common law principles summarized above. It held that foreign money judgments obtained in bankruptcy/insolvency proceedings should be enforced by applying the principles set out above and not by the simple exercise of the Court’s discretion. Those cases have now been considered by the Cayman Islands Court. The Cayman Islands Court was not asked to consider the specific question of whether a judgment of a bankruptcy court in an adversary proceeding would be enforceable in the Cayman Islands, but it did endorse the need for active assistance of overseas bankruptcy proceedings. We understand that the Cayman Islands Court’s decision in that case has been appealed and it remains the case that the law regarding the enforcement of bankruptcy/insolvency-related judgments is still in a state of uncertainty.

There can be no assurance that investors will be able to enforce against us, our board members or the experts named herein, any judgments in civil and commercial matters, including judgments under the securities laws of the United States or any state. In addition, it is uncertain whether a court in the Cayman Islands would impose civil liability on us or such other persons in an original action predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in the Cayman Islands against us or such persons.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement (including amendments and exhibits to the registration statement) on Form S-1 under the Securities Act. This prospectus, which is part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further information, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as part of the registration statement. If a document has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, we refer you to the copy of the document that has been filed. Each statement in this prospectus relating to a document filed as an exhibit is qualified in all respects by the filed exhibit.

Upon completion of this offering, we will become subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, we will be required to file reports and other information with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. You may inspect and copy reports and other information filed with the SEC at the Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports and other information about issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is www.sec.gov.

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

     F-3  

Consolidated Statements of Operations

     F-4  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

     F-5  

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)

     F-6  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     F-7  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-8  

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.

Newark, California

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SMART Global Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion . An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SMART Global Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

San Jose, California

November 29, 2016

 

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Index to Financial Statements

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     February 24,
2017
    August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 
Assets      (unaudited)      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 23,341     $ 58,634     $ 68,094  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $192, $228 and $347 as of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, respectively

     138,592       141,036       184,082  

Inventories

     131,884       103,066       132,904  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     13,346       16,522       26,023  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     307,163       319,258       411,103  

Property and equipment, net

     53,902       57,600       60,311  

Other noncurrent assets

     22,701       19,937       19,459  

Intangible assets, net

     11,112       16,884       30,240  

Goodwill

     46,059       44,976       43,594  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 440,937     $ 458,655     $ 564,707  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity       

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

   $ 183,331     $ 197,976     $ 284,180  

Accrued liabilities

     17,311       14,071       16,467  

Current portion of long-term debt

     12,162       17,116       12,382  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     212,804       229,163       313,029  

Long-term debt

     202,744       225,587       234,617  

Deferred tax liabilities

     2,174       2,677       4,193  

Other long-term liabilities

     2,507       2,465       4,229  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 420,229     $ 459,892     $ 556,068  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 10)

      

Shareholders’ equity (deficit):

      

Ordinary shares, $0.01 par value. Authorized 70,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 41,611,059, 41,606,575 and 41,507,292 shares as of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, respectively

     416       416       415  

Additional paid-in capital

     168,769       145,284       141,404  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (143,519     (147,523     (153,726

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

     (4,958     586       20,546  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)

     20,708       (1,237     8,639  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 440,937     $ 458,655     $ 564,707  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year ended  
   February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    August  26,
2016
    August  28,
2015
 
        
   (unaudited)              

Net sales (1)

   $ 331,298     $ 238,613     $ 534,423     $ 643,469  

Cost of sales

     264,431       192,169       427,491       512,032  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     66,867       46,444       106,932       131,437  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

        

Research and development

     19,645       18,096       38,116       43,741  

Selling, general, and administrative

     31,844       28,283       57,495       89,233  

Management advisory fees

     2,000       2,001       4,001       4,030  

Restructuring charge

     457       1,015       1,135       1,143  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     53,946       49,395       100,747       138,147  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

     12,921       (2,951     6,185       (6,710
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

     (14,778     (12,939     (25,575     (27,560

Other income (expense), net

     (902     (1,372     1,874       (5,532
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expense

     (15,680     (14,311     (23,701     (33,092
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

     (2,759     (17,262     (17,516     (39,802

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     2,785       (108     2,444       6,649  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (5,544   $ (17,154   $ (19,960   $ (46,451
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per share, basic and diluted

   $ (0.13   $ (0.41   $ (0.48   $ (1.12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share

     41,610       41,503       41,524       41,498  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes sales to affiliates of $26,688, $22,807, $38,817 and $96,996 in the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016, and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively (see Note 3).

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

(In thousands)

 

    Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year ended  
    February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 
    (unaudited)              

Net loss

  $ (5,544   $ (17,154   $ (19,960   $ (46,451

Other comprehensive loss:

       

Foreign currency translation

    4,004       (22,333     6,203       (70,970
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

    4,004       (22,333     6,203       (70,970
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

  $ (1,540   $ (39,487   $ (13,757   $ (117,421
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

   

 

Ordinary shares

    Additional
paid-in

capital
    Accumulated
Other
comprehensive

loss
    Retained
earnings
(accumulated
deficit)
    Total
shareholders’
equity (deficit)
 
    Shares     Amount          

Balances as of August 29, 2014

    41,492,771     $ 415     $ 165,625     $ (82,756   $ 66,997     $ 150,281  

Stock-based compensation expense

    —         —         6,132       —         —         6,132  

Issuance of ordinary shares from exercises

    14,521       —         12       —         —         12  

Distribution of share premium

    —         —         (28,338     —         —         (28,338

Payments for strike price reductions

    —         —         (900     —         —         (900

Payments for Storage options related to Escrow Release

    —         —         (1,127     —         —         (1,127

Foreign currency translation

    —         —         —         (70,970     —         (70,970

Net loss

    —         —         —         —         (46,451     (46,451
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances as of August 28, 2015

    41,507,292       415       141,404       (153,726     20,546       8,639  

Stock-based compensation expense

    —         —         3,872       —         —         3,872  

Issuance of ordinary shares from exercises

    129,990       1       132       —         —         133  

Issuance of ordinary shares from release of restricted stock units

    4,484       —         —         —         —         —    

Repurchase of ordinary shares

    (35,191     —         (124     —         —         (124

Foreign currency translation

    —         —         —         6,203       —         6,203  

Net loss

    —         —         —         —         (19,960     (19,960
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances as of August 26, 2016

    41,606,575       416       145,284       (147,523     586       (1,237

Stock-based compensation expense*

    —         —         2,144       —         —         2,144  

Issuance of ordinary shares from release of restricted stock units*

    4,484       —         —         —         —         —    

Warrants issued in connection with debt*

    —         —         21,341       —         —         21,341  

Foreign currency translation*

    —         —         —         4,004       —         4,004  

Net loss*

    —         —         —         —         (5,544     (5,544
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances as of February 24, 2017*

    41,611,059     $ 416     $ 168,769     $ (143,519   $ (4,958   $ 20,708  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* unaudited

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year ended  
   February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 
   (unaudited)              

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net loss

   $ (5,544   $ (17,154   $ (19,960   $ (46,451

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

        

Depreciation and amortization

     17,553       15,681       31,480       50,145  

Share-based compensation

     2,144       2,023       3,872       6,132  

Provision for (recovery from) doubtful accounts receivable and sales returns

     (174     (19     18       109  

Deferred income tax benefit

     (1,111     (389     (1,417     (2,464

(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment

     129       (111     (55     122  

Extinguishment loss on long-term debt

     1,386       —         —         —    

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     1,223       1,511       3,042       2,963  

Amortization of debt original issuance discount

     541       820       1,654       1,599  

Amortization of debt discount

     2,180       —         —         —    

Write-off of other assets

     —         —         —         1,582  

Write-off of deferred initial public offering costs

     —         —         —         3,962  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable

     3,375       45,293       44,922       8,597  

Inventories

     (26,351     27,756       31,326       (19,989

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     1,476       1,810       11,007       (451

Accounts payable

     (15,726     (46,266     (86,588     53,236  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     3,251       (4,943     (4,251     (18,330
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     (15,648     26,012       15,050       40,762  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Capital expenditures and deposits on equipment

     (7,395     (5,742     (13,844     (31,663

Restricted cash

     —         181       194       (6,115

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     42       245       281       161  

Purchase of other assets

     —         —         —         (1,597

Proceeds from Escrow Release related to sale of business

     —         —         —         30,498  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (7,353     (5,316     (13,369     (8,716
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Distribution of share premium

     —         —         —         (28,338

Payment for strike price reductions

     —         —         —         (900

Proceeds from long-term debt borrowing

     —         5,179       5,771       14,060  

Long-term debt payment

     (11,735     (8,285     (16,694     (13,258

Payment for extinguishment of long-term debt

     (938     —         —         —    

Payment of costs related to initial public offering

     —         (6     —         (3,094

Payment for Storage options related to Escrow Release

     —         —         —         (1,127

Proceeds from borrowings under revolving line of credit

     215,250       119,200       279,200       357,000  

Repayments of borrowings under revolving line of credit

     (215,250     (119,200     (279,200     (357,000

Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares from share option exercises

     —         —         133       12  

Repurchase of ordinary shares

     —         (124     (124     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (12,673     (3,236     (10,914     (32,645

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     381       (1,741     (227     (9,399
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (35,293     15,719       (9,460     (9,998

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     58,634       68,094       68,094       78,092  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 23,341     $ 83,813     $ 58,634     $ 68,094  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

        

Cash paid during the year:

        

Cash paid for interest

   $ 11,591     $ 11,280     $ 22,413     $ 23,750  

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds

     1,771       1,309       5,300       7,996  

Noncash activities information:

        

Capital expenditures included in accounts payable at period end

     385       767       552       633  

Warrants issued in connection with debt

     21,341       —         —         —    

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015

 

(1) Overview, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

 

(a) Overview

On August 26, 2011, SMART Global Holdings, Inc., formerly known as Saleen Holdings, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (SMART Global Holdings, and together with its subsidiaries, the Company), consummated a transaction with SMART Worldwide Holdings, Inc., formerly known as SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. (SMART Worldwide), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) whereby, through a series of transactions, SMART Global Holdings acquired substantially all of the equity interests of SMART Worldwide with SMART Worldwide surviving as an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of SMART Global Holdings (the Acquisition). SMART Global Holdings is an entity that was formed by investment funds affiliated with Silver Lake Partners and Silver Lake Sumeru (collectively Silver Lake). As a result of the Acquisition, since there was a change of control resulting in Silver Lake as the controlling shareholder group, the Company applied the acquisition method of accounting and established a new basis of accounting.

Prior to the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company operated as two reporting units: Memory and Storage. SMART Modular Technologies (Global Holdings), Inc. (Memory), through its subsidiaries, provides specialty memory solutions sold primarily to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Memory offers these solutions to customers worldwide and also offers custom supply chain services including procurement, logistics, inventory management, temporary warehousing, kitting and packaging services. SMART Storage Systems (Global Holdings), Inc. (Storage), through its subsidiaries, is a designer, manufacturer and supplier of Flash-based solid state drives (SSDs) sold to customers worldwide.

During fiscal year 2013, the Company separated the Storage operating segment into two reporting units, Enterprise and High Reliability Solutions (HRS). In August 2013, Storage sold the Enterprise business to SanDisk Corporation (SanDisk) for approximately $304 million in cash (the Sale), subject to certain adjustments and certain escrow and holdback provisions (see Note 2 for further discussion of the Escrow).

On December 1, 2014, Storage sold HRS to a subsidiary of Memory. As of January 2, 2015, Memory merged with and into SMART Worldwide (the Memory-WWH Merger) with SMART Worldwide being the surviving entity and Memory no longer having a separate corporate existence. As of February 12, 2015, Storage was merged with and into a direct wholly owned subsidiary of SMART Global Holdings, Saleen Intermediate Holdings, Inc. (the Storage-Intermediate Merger) with Saleen Intermediate Holdings, Inc. (Saleen Intermediate) being the surviving entity and Storage no longer having a separate corporate existence.

The Company’s U.S. headquarters is in Newark, California, and the Company has operations in the United States, Brazil, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Scotland, Singapore and South Korea.

 

(b) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements comprise SMART Global Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

The Company uses a 52- to 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Friday in August. Fiscal 2016 and 2015 ended on August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, respectively, and both included 52 weeks. The six month periods ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 were both 26-week fiscal periods.

 

F-8


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and in conformity with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) applicable to interim financial information. As such, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in complete annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company and its results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The financial data and other information disclosed in these notes to the consolidated financial statements related to the interim periods are unaudited.

All financial information for two of the Company’s subsidiaries, SMART Modular Technologies Indústria de Componentes Eletrônicos Ltda. (SMART Brazil) and SMART Modular Technologies do Brasil Indústria e Comércio de Componentes Ltda. (SMART do Brazil), is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements on a one-month lag because their fiscal years begin August 1 and end July 31.

 

(c) Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods presented. Actual results could differ from the estimates made by management. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the useful lives of long-lived assets, the valuation of deferred tax assets and inventory, share-based compensation, the estimated net realizable value of Brazilian tax credits, income tax uncertainties and other contingencies.

 

(d) Revenue Recognition

Product revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, product delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Product revenue typically is recognized at the time of shipment or when the customer takes title to the goods. All amounts billed to a customer related to shipping and handling are classified as revenue, while all costs incurred by the Company for shipping and handling are classified as cost of sales. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and, therefore, are excluded from net sales in the consolidated statements of operations.

In addition, the Company has classes of transactions with customers that are accounted for on an agency basis (i.e., the Company recognizes as revenue the amount billed less the material procurement costs of products serviced as an agent with the cost of providing these services embedded with the cost of sales). The Company provides procurement, logistics, inventory management, temporary warehousing, kitting and packaging services for these customers. Revenue from these arrangements is recognized as service revenue and is determined by a fee for services based on material procurement costs. The Company recognizes service revenue upon the completion of the services, typically upon shipment of the product. There are no postshipment obligations subsequent to shipment of the product under the agency arrangements.

 

F-9


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

The following is a summary of the Company’s gross billings to customers and net sales for services and products (in thousands):

 

     Six Months Ended      Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
     February 26,
2016
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 

Service revenue, net

   $ 17,984      $ 22,088      $ 44,453      $ 40,235  

Cost of purchased materials—service (1)

     402,388        785,914        1,390,624        1,503,968  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross billings for services

     420,372        808,002        1,435,077        1,544,203  

Product net sales

     313,314        216,525        489,970        603,234  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross billings to customers

   $ 733,686      $ 1,024,527      $ 1,925,047      $ 2,147,437  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Product net sales

   $ 313,314      $ 216,525      $ 489,970      $ 603,234  

Service revenue, net

     17,984        22,088        44,453        40,235  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net sales

   $ 331,298      $ 238,613      $ 534,423      $ 643,469  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (1) Represents cost of sales associated with service revenue reported on a net basis.

 

(e) Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less from original dates of purchase are carried at cost, which approximates fair value, and are considered to be cash. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash deposited in checking and saving accounts, money market accounts, and securities with maturities of less than 90 days at the time of purchase.

 

(f) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In cases where the Company is aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, the Company records a specific allowance against amounts due and, thereby, reduces the net recognized receivable to the amount management reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes allowances for doubtful accounts based on a combination of factors including the length of time the receivables are outstanding, industry and geographic concentrations, the current business environment and historical experience.

 

(g) Sales of Receivables

Designated subsidiaries of the Company may, from time to time, sell certain of their receivables to third parties. Sales of receivables are recognized at the point in which the receivables sold are transferred beyond the reach of the Company and its creditors, the purchaser has the right to pledge or exchange the receivables and the subsidiaries have surrendered control over the transferred receivables. See Note 4 for further details.

 

(h) Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of actual cost or market value. Inventory value is determined on a specific identification basis for material and an allocation of labor and manufacturing overhead. At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates the ending inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. This evaluation includes an analysis of sales levels by product family and considers historical demand and forecasted demand in relation to the inventory on hand, competitiveness of product offerings, market conditions and product life cycles. The Company adjusts carrying value to the lower of its cost or market value. Inventory write-downs are not reversed and create a new cost basis.

 

F-10


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements
(i) Prepaid State Value-Added Taxes (ICMS)

Since 2004, the Sao Paulo State tax authorities have granted SMART Brazil a tax benefit to defer and eventually eliminate the payment of ICMS levied on certain imports from independent suppliers. This benefit, known as an ICMS Special Regime, is subject to renewal every two years. When the then current ICMS Special Tax Regime expired on March 31, 2010, SMART Brazil timely applied for a renewal of the benefit, however, the renewal was not granted until August 4, 2010.

On June 22, 2010, the Sao Paulo authorities published a regulation allowing companies that applied for a timely renewal of an ICMS Special Regime to continue utilizing the benefit until a final conclusion on the renewal request was rendered. As a result of this publication, SMART Brazil was temporarily allowed to utilize the benefit while it waited for its renewal. From April 1, 2010, when the ICMS benefit lapsed, through June 22, 2010 when the regulation referred to above was published, SMART Brazil was required to pay the ICMS taxes on imports, which payments result in ICMS credits that may be used to offset ICMS obligations generated from sales by SMART Brazil of its products; however, the vast majority of SMART Brazil’s sales in Sao Paulo were either subject to a lower ICMS rate or were made to customers that were entitled to other ICMS benefits that enabled them to eliminate the ICMS levied on their purchases of products from SMART Brazil. As a result, from April 1, 2010 through June 22, 2010, SMART Brazil did not have sufficient ICMS collections against which to apply the credits and the credit balance increased significantly.

Effective February 1, 2011, in connection with its participation in a Brazilian government incentive program known as Support Program for the Technological Development of the Semiconductor and Display Industries Laws, or PADIS, SMART Brazil spun off the module manufacturing operations into SMART do Brazil, a separate subsidiary of the Company. In connection with this spin off, SMART do Brazil applied for a tax benefit from the State of Sao Paulo in order to obtain a deferral of state ICMS. This tax benefit is referred to as State PPB, or CAT 14. The CAT 14 approval was not obtained until July 21, 2011, and from February 1, 2011 until the CAT 14 approval was granted, SMART do Brazil did not have sufficient ICMS collections against which to apply the credits accrued upon payment of the ICMS on SMART do Brazil’s imports and inputs locally acquired, and therefore, it generated additional excess ICMS credits.

As of February 24, 2017, the total ICMS tax credits reported on the Company’s accompanying consolidated balance sheet are R$40.3 million (or $12.9 million), of which (i) R$36.2 million (or $11.6 million) are fully vested ICMS credits, classified as other noncurrent assets, and (ii) R$4.1 million (or $1.3 million) are ICMS credits subject to vesting in 48 equal monthly amounts, classified as other noncurrent assets (R$1.5 million or $0.5 million) and prepaid expenses and other current assets (R$2.7 million or $0.9 million). As of August 26, 2016, the total ICMS tax credits reported on the Company’s accompanying consolidated balance sheet are R$39.5 million (or $12.2 million), of which (i) R$33.1 million (or $10.2 million) are fully vested ICMS credits, classified as other noncurrent assets, and (ii) R$6.4 million (or $2.0 million) are ICMS credits subject to vesting in 48 equal monthly amounts, classified as other noncurrent assets (R$2.9 million or $0.9 million) and prepaid expenses and other current assets (R$3.5 million or $1.1 million). It is expected that the excess ICMS credits will continue to be recovered in fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2022. The Company updates its forecast of the recoverability of the ICMS credits quarterly, considering the following key variables in Brazil: timing of government approvals of automated credit utilization, the total amount of sales, the product mix and the inter and intra state mix of sales. If these estimates or the mix of products or regions vary, it could take longer or shorter than expected to recover the accumulated ICMS credits, resulting in a reclassification of ICMS credits from current to noncurrent, or vice versa.

In April and June 2016, SMART Brazil and SMART do Brazil, respectively, filed cases with the Brazilian tax authorities to seek approval to sell these excess ICMS credits. If approval is obtained, it is anticipated to take approximately 24 to 36 months from April 2016 to complete the sale of excess ICMS credits. Such sales of ICMS excess credits usually incur a discount to the face amount of the credits sold.

 

F-11


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

The Company expects that it will recover these excess credits by means of a sale, as such the Company recorded a valuation adjustment of R$3.0 million (or $0.9 million) in fiscal 2016, which represents the estimated discount that the Company will need to offer in order to sell the ICMS credits to other companies if and when the approval from the tax authorities is obtained. This charge is classified as cost of sales in the Company’s accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 

(j) Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed based on the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the related lease terms, using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are presented below:

 

     Period  

Asset:

  

Manufacturing equipment

     2 to 5 years  

Office furniture, software, computers and equipment

     2 to 5 years

Leasehold improvements*

     2 to 70 years  

 

  * Includes the Penang facility, which is situated on leased land with a term expiring in 2070.

 

(k) Goodwill

The Company performs a goodwill impairment test annually during the fourth quarter of its fiscal year and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Such events or circumstances may, among others, include significant adverse changes in the general business climate. The Company performed the impairment tests on the first day of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, and determined there was no impairment. As of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016, and August 28, 2015, the carrying value of goodwill on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet was $46.1 million, $45.0 million and $43.6 million, respectively.

When conducting the annual impairment test for goodwill, the Company compares the estimated fair value of a reporting unit containing goodwill to its book value. The estimated fair value is computed using two approaches: the income approach, which is the present value of expected cash flows, discounted at a risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital; and the market approach, which is based on using market multiples of companies in similar lines of business. If the fair value of the reporting unit is determined to be more than its book value, no goodwill impairment is recognized. If the fair value of the reporting unit is determined to be less than its book value, actual goodwill impairment, if any, is computed using a second step of the impairment test. The second step requires the fair value of the reporting unit to be allocated to all the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination at the date of the impairment test. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value of assets less liabilities is the implied value of goodwill and is used to determine the amount of impairment.

All of the $46.1 million carrying value of goodwill on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of February 24, 2017 is associated with the Company’s single reporting unit. No impairment of goodwill was recognized through February 24, 2017.

 

F-12


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the six months ended February 24, 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Total  

Balance as of August 29, 2014

   $ 57,940  

Translation adjustments

     (14,346
  

 

 

 

Balance as of August 28, 2015

     43,594  

Translation adjustments

     1,382  
  

 

 

 

Balance as of August 26, 2016

     44,976  

Translation adjustments

     1,083  
  

 

 

 

Balance as of February 24, 2017

   $ 46,059  
  

 

 

 

 

(l) Intangible Assets, Net

The following table summarizes the gross amounts and accumulated amortization of intangible assets from the Acquisition by type as of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

 

            February 24, 2017  
     Weighted
avg. life
(yrs)
     Gross
Carrying
amount
     Accumulated
amortization
    Net  

Customer relationships

     5      $ 104,212      $ (96,528   $ 7,684  

Technology

     4        75,397        (71,969     3,428  

Trademarks/tradename

     5        10,217        (10,217     —    

Favorable leases

     4        234        (234     —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total SGH

      $ 190,060      $ (178,948   $ 11,112  
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

          August 26, 2016     August 28, 2015  
    Weighted
avg. life
(yrs)
    Gross
Carrying
amount
    Accumulated
amortization
    Net     Gross
Carrying
amount
    Accumulated
amortization
    Net  

Customer relationships

    5     $ 103,279     $ (92,326   $ 10,953     $ 102,088     $ (84,700   $ 17,388  

Technology

    4       74,063       (68,186     5,877       72,361       (61,588     10,773  

Trademarks/tradename

    5       10,092       (10,043     49       9,934       (7,900     2,034  

Favorable leases

    4       228       (223     5       221       (176     45  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total SGH

    $ 187,662     $ (170,778   $ 16,884     $ 184,604     $ (154,364   $ 30,240  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortization expense related to intangible assets totaled approximately $6.0 million, $6.6 million, $13.4 million and $30.8 million during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Acquired intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining estimated economic life of the underlying intangible assets.

 

     Six Months Ended      Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
     February 26,
2016
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 
     (unaudited)                

Amortization of intangible assets classification (in thousands):

 

        

Research and development

   $ 2,448      $ 2,448      $ 4,897      $ 6,160  

Selling, general and administrative

     3,522        4,170        8,471        24,669  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 5,970      $ 6,618      $ 13,368      $ 30,829  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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As of August 26, 2016, estimated amortization expenses of these intangible assets for each of the fiscal years in the remaining economic live are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount  

Fiscal year ending August:

  

2017

   $ 11,909  

2018

     4,710  

2019

     265  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 16,884  
  

 

 

 

 

(m) Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell. No impairment of long-lived assets was recognized during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 or in fiscal 2016 and 2015.

 

(n) Research and Development Expense

Research and development expenditures are expensed in the period incurred.

 

(o) Deferred Initial Public Offering (IPO) Costs Charge

The Company has a policy to defer all direct and incremental costs related to an IPO in order to offset the IPO proceeds. As of February 24, 2017, the Company had no accrued IPO costs. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company decided to postpone the offering efforts that were underway at that time and expensed $4.0 million of deferred IPO costs; this expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2015.

 

(p) Restructuring Expense

In fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Company had multiple reductions-in-force in order to streamline operations and achieve operating efficiencies. During the six months ended February 24, 2017, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $0.5 million for severance, severance-related benefits and building-related charges, of which $0.2 million was remaining to be paid as of February 24, 2017. During the fiscal year ended August 26, 2016, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $1.1 million for severance and severance-related benefits most of which was settled prior to August 26, 2016. During the fiscal year ended August 28, 2015, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $1.1 million for severance and severance-related benefits of which $1.0 million was settled prior to August 28, 2015 and the remaining accrued liability of $0.1 million was paid in December 2015. For both fiscal 2016 and 2015, the reductions-in-force were completed by the end of the respective periods.

 

(q) Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and net operating loss and credit carryforwards. When necessary, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce tax assets to amounts expected to be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be

 

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recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income (or loss) in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense.

 

(r) Foreign Currency Translation

For foreign subsidiaries using the local currency as their functional currency, assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the period. The effect of this translation is reported in other comprehensive income (loss). In fiscal 2016 and 2015, foreign currency translation was primarily impacted by the fluctuation in the Brazil Reis exchange rate, due primarily to the economic instability in Brazil. Exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the respective foreign subsidiaries are included in results of operations.

For foreign subsidiaries using the U.S. dollar as their functional currency, the financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the historical exchange rate for property and equipment and certain other nonmonetary assets and liabilities and related depreciation and amortization on these assets and liabilities. The Company uses the exchange rate at the balance sheet date for the remaining assets and liabilities, including deferred taxes. A weighted average exchange rate is used for each period for revenues and expenses.

All foreign subsidiaries, except Brazil and South Korea, use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. The gains or losses resulting from the remeasurement process are recorded in other expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

During the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded $0.3 million, ($1.6) million, $1.1 million and ($10.7) million, respectively, of foreign exchange gains (losses) primarily related to its Brazilian operating subsidiaries.

 

(s) Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based compensation under ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation , which requires companies to recognize in their statement of operations all share-based payments, including grants of share options and other types of equity awards, based on the grant-date fair value of such share-based awards.

 

     Six Months Ended      Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
     February 26,
2016
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 
     (unaudited)                

Stock-based compensation expense by category (in thousands):

           

Cost of sales

   $ 268      $ 236      $ 461      $ 771  

Research and development

     445        382        725        844  

Selling, general and administrative

     1,431        1,405        2,686        4,517  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,144      $ 2,023      $ 3,872      $ 6,132  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(t) Loss Contingencies

The Company is subject to the possibility of various loss contingencies arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company considers the likelihood of a loss and the ability to reasonably estimate the amount

 

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of loss in determining the necessity for and amount of any loss contingencies. Estimated loss contingencies are accrued when it is probable that a liability has been incurred or an asset impaired and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company regularly evaluates the most current information available to determine whether any such accruals should be recorded or adjusted.

 

(u) Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting shareholders’ equity that, under U.S. GAAP are excluded from net income (loss). For the Company, other comprehensive income (loss) generally consists of foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

(v) Concentration of Credit and Supplier Risk

The Company’s concentration of credit risk consists principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company’s revenues and related accounts receivable reflect a concentration of activity with three customers (see Note 12). The Company does not require collateral or other security to support accounts receivable. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers to minimize collection risk on accounts receivable and maintains allowances for potentially uncollectible accounts.

The Company relies on five suppliers for the majority of its raw materials. At February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, the Company owed these five suppliers $146.4 million, $164.8 million and $127.2 million, respectively, which was recorded as accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The inventory purchases from these suppliers during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015 were $0.6 billion, $0.6 billion, $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.

 

(w) Transition Services Agreement

On August 22, 2013, the Company entered into a transition service agreement with SanDisk, pursuant to which the Company has provided services to facilitate the orderly transfer of the Enterprise business unit which SanDisk had purchased from the Company. The nature, magnitude and duration of the services provided under the agreement varied depending on the specific circumstances of the service, location or business need. The fees related to the agreement are recorded in other income and the associated costs are primarily selling, general and administrative expenses. The services provided under this agreement included manufacturing services, support of financial and operational processes and information services and were immaterial to the Company. This agreement was concluded in May 2015. The Company recognized $4.3 million of other income related to this transition services agreement in fiscal 2015.

 

(x) New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU” No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which simplified the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. ASU 2017-04 will be effective for the Company beginning on December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this ASU in fiscal 2017 and it does not believe the adoption will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash , which clarifies the presentation of changes in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 will be effective for the Company beginning on December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of ASU 2016-18 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Cash Flow Statements, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments . The new guidance is intended to address the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and other Topics. The guidance addresses eight specific cash flow classification issues with the objective of reducing diversity in practice. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. The amendments should be applied using a retrospective transition period to each period presented. The Company does not believe the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplified certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income taxes, classification of awards and classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 will be effective for the Company on September 1, 2017. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-09 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which modified lease accounting for both lessees and lessors to increase transparency and comparability by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous accounting standards and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for the Company beginning on September 1, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. Although the Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, as disclosed in Note 10(a), the Company has over $14 million in lease commitments at August 26, 2016 and believes that the adoption will have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities , which updates certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 will be effective for the Company beginning on September 1, 2018. The Company does not believe the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes , which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 will be effective for the Company beginning on September 1, 2017 with early application permitted as of the beginning of any interim or annual reporting period. The Company early adopted this ASU in fiscal 2017 and it did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. ASU 2015-03 is effective for the Company’s annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. However, early adoption is permitted and the Company adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, and the guidance was applied retrospectively to each prior period presented in the Company’s financials. The accompanying consolidated balance for fiscal 2015 reflects the reclassification of unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the issuance of the term loan of $2.9 million from other current assets and $2.4 million from other noncurrent assets to long-term debt.

 

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In May 2014, the FASB issued a new standard, ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , as amended, which will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance. Under ASU 2014-09, an entity is required to recognize revenue upon transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. ASU No. 2014-09 defines a five-step process in order to achieve this core principle, which may require the use of judgment and estimates, and also requires expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosures relating to the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including significant judgments and estimates used. The FASB has recently issued several amendments to the new standard, including clarification on identifying performance obligations. The amendments include ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)—Principal versus Agent Considerations , which was issued in March 2016, and clarifies the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations in ASU 2014-09. The new standard permits adoption either by using (i) a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or (ii) a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company does not plan to early adopt, and accordingly, will adopt the new standard effective September 1, 2018. The Company currently plans to adopt using the modified retrospective approach; however, a final decision regarding the adoption method has not been finalized at this time. The Company’s final determination will depend on a number of factors such as the significance of the impact of the new standard on the Company’s financial results, system readiness, including that of software procured from third-party providers if needed, and the Company’s ability to accumulate and analyze the information necessary to assess the impact on the financial statements, as necessary. The Company is in the initial stages of its evaluation of the impact of the new standard on its accounting policies, processes, and system requirements. The Company has assigned internal resources and, if necessary, will engage third party service providers to assist in the evaluation. Furthermore, the Company has made and will continue to make investments in its systems to enable timely and accurate reporting under the new standard. While the Company continues to assess all potential impacts under the new standard, there is the potential for significant impacts to the timing of recognition of revenue.

 

(y) Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated the effects of subsequent events on its annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 26, 2016 through November 29, 2016, and for the unaudited interim financial statements for the six months ended February 24, 2017 through April 7, 2017, which are the dates the consolidated financial statements were issued.

 

(2) Escrow Release

The terms of the Sale of the Enterprise business unit to SanDisk in August 2013 required that 10% of the Sale proceeds be set aside in an escrow account (the Escrow) to satisfy any claims under certain indemnification obligations that could have arisen under the Stock Purchase Agreement entered into in July 2013 between Storage and SanDisk (the Sale Agreement). The indemnification obligations relate to representations and warranties that are typical in transactions of this nature including, without limitation, representations as to the accuracy of financial information, absence of undisclosed liabilities, compliance with laws, clear title to assets sold, proper payment of taxes and correct filings of tax returns, and no infringement of intellectual property rights of third parties. On August 21, 2014, SanDisk made a claim for an amount in excess of the amount held in escrow (see Note 10(c) Commitments and Contingencies). On December 4, 2014, SanDisk and the Company instructed the escrow agent to release the entire escrow balance (the Escrow Release). On December 5, 2014, the Company received $30.5 million from the escrow account. On January 1, 2015, utilizing the funds received from the Escrow Release, the Company’s board of directors declared a $28.3 million cash distribution out of the Company’s share premium account (additional

 

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Index to Financial Statements

paid-in capital) to be paid to holders of record of ordinary shares of the Company on that date (the Escrow Distribution). The Escrow Distribution was paid to the shareholders in January 2015.

 

(3) Related Party Transactions

In the normal course of business, the Company had transactions with its affiliates as follows (in thousands):

 

     Six Months Ended      Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
     February 26,
2016
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 
     (unaudited)                

Affiliates:

           

Net sales

   $ 26,688      $ 22,807      $ 38,817      $ 96,996  

Expenses:

           

Management advisory fees

     2,000        2,001        4,001        4,030  

On October 29, 2013, investment funds affiliated with Silver Lake completed a go-private transaction with Dell Inc., a customer of the Company. Accordingly, Dell is considered an affiliate of the Company since that date.

As of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, amounts due from these affiliates were $7.2 million, $0.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively.

On August 26, 2011, Saleen Acquisition, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (Merger Sub) entered into a Transaction and Management Fee Agreement (the Management Agreement) with Silver Lake Management Company III, L.L.C. and Silver Lake Management Company Sumeru, L.L.C. (collectively, the Managers), which entities are affiliated with Silver Lake. As part of the Acquisition, Merger Sub was merged into SMART Worldwide. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, each of the Managers provides Services, as defined in the Management Agreement, for which the Managers, or their designees, are entitled to receive annual fees in the amount of $4.0 million per year which accrue in quarterly installments in arrears at the end of each calendar quarter, plus out-of-pocket expenses. The amount of the fees is subject to adjustments, as set forth in the Management Agreement. The Management Agreement has an initial term of ten years with automatic one-year renewal terms thereafter. During the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016, and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Company expensed $2.0 million, $2.0 million, $4.0 million and $4.0 million, respectively, in management advisory fees and related expenses and had a payable due to the Managers of $3.7 million, $1.7 million and $0.7 million as of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, respectively.

 

(4) Accounts Receivable Purchasing Facility

In May 2012, SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. (SMART Modular) and SMART Modular Technologies (Europe) Limited (collectively, for this footnote only, Sellers), both wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, entered into a Receivables Purchasing Agreement (as amended, the RPA) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (Wells Fargo). Under the RPA, the Sellers can offer to sell to Wells Fargo certain Eligible Receivables (as defined in the RPA) due from certain designated customers, and Wells Fargo has the right to purchase Eligible Receivables offered for sale by Sellers. The maximum amount of Eligible Receivables that Wells Fargo can purchase is capped based upon the aggregate outstanding balances of purchased receivables which maximum is set at $50 million with sublimits assigned to each of Sellers’ customers that are approved for the program. Wells Fargo has no obligation to purchase any Eligible Receivables under the RPA. All purchases of Eligible Receivables are at a discount equal to a 2-month LIBOR plus 2.75% annual discount margin, calculated on a daily basis for the number of days between the payment of the purchase price by Wells Fargo to the Sellers and the actual collection of the Eligible Receivables by Wells Fargo from the account debtor. Purchases are also subject to a 95% advance rate with the 5% being reimbursed to the Sellers upon collection by Wells Fargo from the account debtor. Under the

 

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terms of the RPA, Sellers retain limited recourse for product warranties and commercial disputes and Wells Fargo bears the full risk of insolvency and collectability. Sellers are appointed as the agent of Wells Fargo to perform collection services. The RPA is not a committed facility and can be terminated by either party upon 30 days’ notice. The RPA has standard representations and warranties, including for the validity and collectability of the Eligible Receivables, and various negative and affirmative covenants that are typical for arrangements of this nature. The obligations of the Sellers are jointly and severally guaranteed by SMART Worldwide and its subsidiary SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc. (Global). Financing under this receivables purchase program qualifies for off-balance sheet financing as the transfer of receivables to Wells Fargo represents a true-sale.

During the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Sellers sold $112.4 million, $431.3 million, $639.8 million and $717.6 million of accounts receivables under the RPA respectively. The outstanding balance of receivables sold and not yet collected was approximately $25.9 million, $28.5 million and $78.9 million as of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, respectively. Total interest expense fees paid during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015 was $0.4 million, $1.1 million, $1.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

 

(5) Balance Sheet Details

Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     February 24,
2017
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 
     (unaudited)                

Raw materials

   $ 59,015      $ 46,746      $ 57,894  

Work in process

     19,059        10,932        11,360  

Finished goods

     53,810        45,388        63,650  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total inventories*

   $ 131,884      $ 103,066      $ 132,904  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  * As of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, 38%, 45% and 48%, respectively, of total inventories represented inventory held under the Company’s supply chain services.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     February 24,
2017
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 
     (unaudited)                

Prepayment for VAT and other transaction taxes

   $ 2,791      $ 1,478      $ 2,479  

Prepaid ICMS taxes in Brazil*

     —          —          2,404  

Receivable from Purchasing Facility**

     1,295        1,429        3,946  

Unbilled service receivables

     1,504        3,563        9,016  

Prepaid income taxes

     3,666        4,602        2,519  

Deferred tax assets

     —          812        1,114  

Other prepaid expenses and other current assets

     4,090        4,638        4,545  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets

   $ 13,346      $ 16,522      $ 26,023  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  * See Note 1(i)
  ** See Note 4.

 

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Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     February 24,
2017
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 
     (unaudited)                

Office furniture, software, computers and equipment

   $   17,010      $   15,932      $   16,432  

Manufacturing equipment

     91,809        89,432        77,677  

Leasehold improvements*

     22,509        20,490        14,334  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     131,328        125,854        108,443  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     77,426        68,254        48,132  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net property and equipment

   $ 53,902      $ 57,600      $ 60,311  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  * Includes Penang facility, which is situated on leased land.

Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was approximately $11.6 million, $9.1 million, $18.1 million and $19.3 million during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Other Noncurrent Assets

Other noncurrent assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     February 24,
2017
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 
     (unaudited)                

Prepaid ICMS taxes in Brazil*

   $ 11,574      $ 10,219      $ 6,581  

Prepayment for VAT and other transaction taxes

     521        980        3,752  

Restricted cash

     7,035        6,792        6,693  

Deferred tax assets

     1,556        290        127  

Other

     2,015        1,656        2,306  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other noncurrent assets

   $ 22,701      $ 19,937      $ 19,459  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  * See Note 1(i)

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consisted of (in thousands):

 

     February 24,
2017
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 
     (unaudited)                

Accrued employee compensation

   $ 10,336      $ 8,888      $ 5,356  

Accrued credits payable to customers

     724        —          3,144  

VAT and other transaction taxes payable

     1,107        1,791        4,261  

Income taxes payable

     1,917        1,055        588  

Accrued warranty reserve

     303        266        290  

Deferred tax liability

     —          155        195  

Other accrued liabilities

     2,924        1,916        2,633  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accrued liabilities

   $ 17,311      $ 14,071      $ 16,467  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-21


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Index to Financial Statements
(6) Income Taxes

Loss before provision for income taxes for all annual periods presented consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 

U.S.

   $ (5,545   $ (26,680

Non-U.S.

     (11,971     (13,122
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (17,516   $ (39,802
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 

Current:

     

Federal

   $ 3      $ (352

State

     50        58  

Other foreign

     3,678        9,407  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,731        9,113  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred:

     

Federal and state

     —          (308

Other foreign

     (1,287      (2,156
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (1,287      (2,464
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total income tax provision

   $ 2,444      $ 6,649  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

In applying the statutory tax rate in the effective income tax rate reconciliation, the Company used the U.S. statutory tax rate, rather than the Cayman Islands zero percent tax rate. The effective income tax rate, expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes, varied from the U.S. statutory income tax rate applied to loss before provision for income taxes as a result of the following items:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 

Statutory tax benefit rate

     35.0     35.0

Foreign income taxes at different rates

     (37.5     (30.6

State income tax, net of federal tax benefit

     (0.2     2.1  

Tax on uncertain tax positions

     0.3       0.1  

Change in valuation allowance

     (9.7     (21.7

Non-deductible expenses

     —         (0.2

Other—net

     (1.8     (1.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

     (13.9 )%      (16.7 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-22


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Index to Financial Statements

The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

 

     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 

Deferred tax assets:

     

Accruals and allowances

   $ 2,094      $ 2,235  

Share-based compensation

     9,186        8,169  

Research and other tax credits carryforwards

     522        117  

Property and equipment

     838        790  

Net operating loss carryforwards

     33,520        34,311  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

     46,160        45,622  

Valuation allowance

     (43,644      (41,112
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance

     2,516        4,510  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

     

Unrealized gain on currency

     —          (388

Purchase accounting intangibles

     (4,160      (7,075

Other

     —          (194
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

     (4,160      (7,657
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

   $ (1,644    $ (3,147
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The net deferred tax assets (liabilities) are classified as follows in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

 

     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 

Net current deferred tax assets (liabilities)

   $ 743      $ 919  

Net long-term deferred tax assets (liabilities)

     (2,387      (4,066
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (1,644    $ (3,147
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of August 26, 2016, the Company had U.S. (federal) and California (state) net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $98.5 million and $57.9 million, respectively. The federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire, if not utilized, in fiscal 2023 through fiscal 2036, and the California net operating loss carryforwards will expire in fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2036, both in varying amounts. These federal and California carryforwards are subject to an annual limitation, under the provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Section 382 provides an annual limitation on net operating loss carryforwards following an ownership change. Any unused annual limitation is carried forward and added to the limitation in the subsequent year.

During fiscal 2016 and 2015, there were no excess tax deductions attributable to share-based payments that reduce taxes payable. Accordingly, the Company recorded no tax benefit to additional paid-in capital.

The valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, primarily related to U.S. net operating loss carry forwards and tax credit carryforwards, was $43.6 million and $41.1 million as of August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, respectively. The increase in valuation allowance of $2.5 million is primarily attributable to the increase in U.S. deferred tax assets for timing differences, net operating losses and tax credits that require a full valuation allowance. We intend to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support the realization of such deferred tax assets.

Provisions have been made for deferred income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries to the extent that dividend payments by such foreign subsidiaries are expected to result in additional tax liability. The undistributed foreign earnings of approximately $166.3 million would not be included in

 

F-23


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Index to Financial Statements

U.S. taxable income because the U.S. subsidiaries are not direct or indirect shareholders of these foreign subsidiaries. The Company, a Cayman Islands entity, is the indirect holding company for which the Cayman Islands do not assess income taxes. The undistributed foreign earnings would incur an insignificant amount of foreign country withholding taxes if it were to be distributed to the Company due to foreign tax laws and rulings.

The Company’s Malaysia subsidiary, SMART Modular Technologies Sdn. Bhd. (SMART Malaysia), has been approved for tax holidays for the operations of its Pioneer business and Global Supply Chain (GSC) business. Both tax holidays are effective for five years. The Pioneer tax holiday commenced on January 1, 2014 and will expire on December 31, 2018. The GSC tax holiday commenced on September 1, 2013 and will expire on August 31, 2018. The Malaysian tax holidays are subject to certain conditions, with which SMART Malaysia has complied for all applicable periods in fiscal 2016 and 2015. The net impact of these tax holidays in Malaysia, as compared to the Malaysia statutory tax rate, was to decrease income tax expense by approximately $4.9  million ($0.12 per share) and $7.8 million ($0.19 per share) in fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively.

Effective February 1, 2011, SMART Brazil began to participate in PADIS. This program is specifically designed to promote the development of the local semiconductor industry. The Brazilian government has approved multiple applications for different products by SMART Brazil for certain beneficial tax treatment under the PADIS incentive. This beneficial tax treatment includes a reduction in the Brazil statutory income tax rate from 34% to 9% on taxable income for the Brazilian semiconductor operations of SMART Brazil. The net impact of the PADIS beneficial tax treatment, as compared to the Brazilian statutory tax rate, was to decrease income tax expense by approximately $0.7 million ($0.02 per share) and $10.3 million ($0.25 per share) for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively. In order to receive the expected benefits, SMART Brazil is required to invest 5% of its net semiconductor sales in research and development (R&D) activities each calendar year, which is the measurement period. In May 2014, the R&D investment requirement was reduced to 3% for calendar years 2014 and 2015. SMART Brazil fulfilled this R&D investment requirement in calendar year 2015 and expects to fulfill this R&D requirement in calendar year 2016 which will be 4%. In computing the tax expense for fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Company estimated its annual effective tax rate including the anticipated impact of beneficial tax treatment under the PADIS incentive.

The total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $15.3 million and $14.0 million as of August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, respectively. The Company records interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. The balance of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits was $0.3 million as of both August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015. As of August 26, 2016, changes to our uncertain tax positions in the next twelve months that are reasonably possible are not expected to have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.

The aggregate changes in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits were as follows (in thousands):

 

     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 

Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period

   $ 14,048      $ 19,272  

Tax positions taken in prior periods:

     

Gross increases

     823        462  

Gross decreases

     (58      (5,802

Tax positions taken in current period:

     

Gross increases

     520        174  

Settlements

     —          —    

Lapse of statute of limitations

     —          (58
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period

   $ 15,333      $ 14,048  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized is $2.1 million and $2.2 million for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively.

 

 

F-24


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Index to Financial Statements

The Company’s U.S. subsidiaries file federal and state income/franchise tax returns in the United States. The tax periods ended August 2013 through August 2016 remain open to federal income tax examination. Generally, in the major state jurisdictions, the tax periods ended August 2012 through August 2016 remain open to state income/franchise tax examination. In addition, any prior year that generated a net operating loss or tax credit carryforward available for use in the taxable periods ending after August 2012 and August 2011 for federal and state income/franchise taxes, respectively, remains open to income tax examination to the extent of such net operating loss carryforward.

The Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries file income tax returns in various non-U.S. jurisdictions, including Malaysia, Brazil, Luxembourg, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Italy. The years that are open for examination by the tax authorities of these jurisdictions vary by country. The earliest year open for examination by any non-U.S. subsidiary is the fiscal year ended August 2010 is SMART Malaysia.

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act (“Act”) was signed into law on December 18, 2015. The Act contains a number of provisions including, most notably, a retroactive and permanent reinstatement of the United States federal research tax credit. The Act did not have a material impact on our effective tax rate for fiscal 2016 due to the effect of the valuation allowance on the Company’s deferred tax assets.

 

(7) Long-Term Debt

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

On August 26, 2011, in connection with the Acquisition, Memory and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a new senior secured credit agreement (together with all related loan documents, and as amended from time to time, prior to Amendment 4 and the ARCA, each as defined below, the Senior Secured Credit Agreement) with the lenders party thereto. Memory and, after the Memory-WWH Merger, SMART Worldwide as Memory’s successor in interest, the borrowers named in the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and the subsidiaries of Memory that entered into a guarantee with respect to the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, are collectively referred to as the Loan Parties and together with SMART Malaysia, the Credit Group. The Senior Secured Credit Agreement provides for a $310 million senior secured term loan B facility and a $50 million revolving facility. The maturity dates of the term loan B facility and the revolving facility were extended to August 26, 2019 under the ARCA as discussed below. SMART Global Holding is not a party to the Senior Secured Credit Agreement. As a result of the Memory-WWH Merger, SMART Worldwide assumed all of the obligations of Memory and became one of the Loan Parties and a member of the Credit Group as of January 2, 2015. Term loans aggregating $310.0 million were issued on August 26, 2011 at a discount of 3.5% or $10.9 million, resulting in net proceeds of $299.1 million to Global and SMART Modular, wholly owned subsidiaries of SMART Worldwide and the co-borrowers under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement.

The Senior Secured Credit Agreement is jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior basis by certain subsidiaries of Global (excluding, among other subsidiaries, SMART Malaysia). In addition, the Senior Secured Credit Agreement is secured by a pledge of the capital stock of, or equity interests in, most of the subsidiaries of SMART Worldwide (including, without limitation, SMART Malaysia) and by substantially all of the assets of SMART Worldwide and the subsidiaries of SMART Worldwide, excluding the assets of SMART Malaysia and certain other subsidiaries.

Covenants . The Senior Secured Credit Agreement contains various representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants that are usual and customary for loans of this nature including, among other things, limitations on the Loan Parties’ ability to engage in certain transactions, incur debt, pay dividends, and make investments. If letters of credit in excess of $1.0 million in the aggregate, or any revolving loans are outstanding at the end of any fiscal quarter, then the Secured Net Leverage ratio cannot exceed 4.5:1.0 as of the end of the applicable fiscal quarter. SMART Worldwide and its subsidiaries did not

 

F-25


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

have any borrowings under the revolver and did not have letters of credit in excess of $1.0 million on any measurement date during fiscal 2016 and 2015. In order to draw on the revolving facility, the Secured Net Leverage Ratio cannot exceed 4.5:1.0 when taking the requested draw into account.

Interest and Interest Rates . Loans under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the borrowers’ option, either (i) a LIBOR rate (with a floor of 1.25% on term loans and a floor of 1.00% on revolving loans), or (ii) a base rate (with a floor of 2.25% on term loans and a floor of 2.00% on revolving loans). The applicable margin for term loans with respect to LIBOR borrowings is 7.0% and with respect to base rate borrowings is 6.0%. The interest rate on the term loan was 8.25% as of August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015. The applicable margin for revolving loans adjusts every quarter. The adjustments are based on the Secured Net Leverage Ratio for the most recent fiscal quarter for which financial statements were delivered to the lenders. The applicable margin for revolving loans with respect to LIBOR borrowings ranges from 3.75% to 4.00% and the applicable margin for revolving loans with respect to base rate borrowings ranges from 2.75% to 3.00%. Interest on base rate loans under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement is payable on the last day of each February, May, August and November. Interest on LIBOR-based loans under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement is payable every one, two, three, six, nine or twelve months after the date of each borrowing, dependent on the particular interest rate selected with respect to such borrowing.

Principal Payments . The Senior Secured Credit Agreement required quarterly scheduled principal payments of term loans. These quarterly principal repayments were reduced from their original amounts as a result of the April 2012 Prepayment and January 2014 Prepayment discussed below. During the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016, and in fiscal 2016 and 2015, SMART Worldwide and Memory made scheduled principal payments of $7.8 million, $6.6 million, $13.3 million and $13.3 million, respectively.

Prepayments . The borrowers have the right at any time to make optional prepayments of the principal amounts outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement. On or about April 9, 2012, the subsidiary borrowers of Memory made a discounted prepayment of $25 million resulting in a principal reduction of $36.7 million (the April 2012 Prepayment). The April 2012 Prepayment was made at a 32% discount to par value and resulted in an $8.9 million gain on early repayment of long-term debt in fiscal 2012. Memory incurred $0.2 million of agent and attorney fees in connection with the April 2012 Prepayment. On or about January 7, 2014, the subsidiary borrowers of Memory made another discounted prepayment in the amount of $6.6 million resulting in a principal reduction of $7.5 million (the January 2014 Prepayment). The January 2014 Prepayment was made at a 12% discount to par value and resulted in a $0.4 million gain on early repayment of long-term debt in the second quarter of fiscal 2014.

The Senior Secured Credit Agreement also requires certain mandatory prepayments of principal whereby the borrowers must prepay outstanding loans, subject to certain exceptions, which includes, among other things:

 

   

75% of excess cash flow after each fiscal year if the Secured Net Leverage Ratio is greater than 2.0:1.0; 50% of excess cash flow if the Secured Net Leverage Ratio is greater than 1.5:1.0 but less than or equal to 2.0:1.0; 25% of excess cash flow if the Secured Net Leverage Ratio is greater than 1.0:1.0 but less than or equal to 1.5:1.0; and 0% of excess cash flow if the Secured Net Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 1.0:1.0, which amounts will be reduced by any permitted voluntary prepayments of principal made in the applicable fiscal year;

 

   

100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales or other dispositions of property of SMART Worldwide or any restricted subsidiary, subject to the borrowers’ rights to reinvest the proceeds; and

 

   

100% of the net cash proceeds of incurrence of certain debt by any restricted subsidiary, other than proceeds from certain debt to be incurred under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement.

During fiscal 2016 and 2015, SMART Worldwide and Memory were not required to make any mandatory prepayments.

 

F-26


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

Memory incurred approximately $18.4 million in debt issuance costs upon entering into the Senior Secured Credit Agreement. Debt issuance costs related to this loan and the debt discount of $10.9 million are being amortized to interest expense based on the effective interest rate method over the life of this loan. The April 2012 Prepayment resulted in a write-off of $2.9 million of original issue discount and debt issuance fees. The January 2014 Prepayment resulted in a write-off of $0.4 million of original issue discount and debt issuance fees.

As of December 4, 2015, the Credit Group entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement (Amendment 3) which enabled the Credit Group to draw on the revolving facility if the Secured Net Leverage Ratio did not exceed 5.5:1.0 in the first fiscal quarter of 2016; if the Secured Net Leverage Ratio did not exceed 6.75:1.0 in the second fiscal quarter of 2016; and if the Secured Net Leverage Ratio did not exceed 5.75:1.0 in the third fiscal quarter of 2016; in each instance when taking the requested draw into account. Additionally, until August 26, 2016, Amendment 3 further limited the Credit Group’s ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, permit liens, make investments, sell assets, make restricted payments or prepay junior debt.

On November 29, 2016, the Credit Group received all required approvals from the Lenders and entered into Amendment No. 4 to the Credit Agreement (Amendment 4) dated as of November 5, 2016 (the Amendment Date) which, among other things, adopted the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among SMART Worldwide, Global, SMART Modular and the Loan Parties and lenders party thereto (the ARCA or debt extension). Pursuant to Amendment 4, the borrowers agreed to pay the Administrative Agent a fee in the amount of $1 million pursuant to a separate agreement and a fee, to be paid in the form of an additional term loan, in the amount of $5 million for the ratable account of the term lenders party to Amendment 4. Additionally, SMART Global Holdings was obligated to make an aggregate equity investment of at least $9.9 million in cash in Global, and SMART Global Holdings was obligated on the Amendment Date to issue warrants (the Lender Warrants) to purchase 20%, on a pro forma basis, of the outstanding ordinary shares of SMART Global Holdings, to the term lenders party to Amendment 4 upon the signing of Amendment 4, which Warrants are exercisable at $0.01 per share, with warrants totaling 10% of SMART Global Holdings shares exercisable immediately and warrants to purchase an additional 10% of SMART Global Holdings then outstanding shares, exercisable only if there are balances still outstanding on the term loans at the one year anniversary of the effective date of the Amendment Date. The relative fair value of the warrants and the fees payable to the lenders in connection with the ARCA were recorded as debt discount and will result in additional interest expense over the amended term of the loan using the effective interest method following debt modification accounting.

Under the terms of the ARCA, the maturity date of the term loans and the revolving loans was extended to August 26, 2019. If there are balances still outstanding on the term loans at the one year anniversary of the ARCA, the borrowers are obligated to pay an additional fee to the term lenders of $5 million in cash. In addition, the ARCA increases the quarterly scheduled principal payments of term loans to $3,875,000 per quarter to be paid on the last day of each fiscal quarter starting November 25, 2016. The balance of the principal amount then outstanding is due in full on the maturity date of August 26, 2019. Additionally the ARCA further limited the Credit Group’s ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, permit liens, make investments, sell assets, retain cash proceeds from the sale of assets, make restricted payments or prepay junior debt. The ARCA reduces the limit on the allowable sale or factoring of accounts receivables to $60 million as of the ARCA effective date and to $50 million on the first anniversary of the Amendment Date if there are still balances outstanding on the term loans on such date. The ARCA also requires the borrowers to repay principal after the end of each quarter in an amount equal to any cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet for such quarter, in excess of $25 million; provided that, for the fiscal quarters ended November 25, 2016 and February 24, 2017 such prepayment shall not be in an amount that would cause the Secured Net Leverage Ratio to exceed the amount permissible to incur all amounts of revolving loans otherwise available under the revolving commitments provided under the ARCA. Under the terms of the ARCA the borrowers can no longer reinvest in the Credit Group, proceeds from the sale of assets which proceeds must be used to repay principal except that, in certain situations the borrowers may retain an aggregate of $40 million from such sale proceeds solely to the extent necessary to

 

F-27


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

meet the requirement to have a total of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents plus available unused funds under the revolving commitments equal to $40 million during the 60 days following receipt of such proceeds. Early mandatory repayments of principle are applied in the reverse order of maturity.

Under the ARCA the interest rate charged on loans has been amended to be a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the borrowers’ option, either (i) a LIBOR rate (with a floor of 1.25% on term loans and a floor of 1.00% on revolving loans), or (ii) a base rate (with a floor of 2.25% on term loans and a floor of 2.00% on revolving loans). The applicable margin for term loans with respect to LIBOR borrowings is 8.0% increasing to 8.75% on the first anniversary of the effective date of the ARCA if there are balances still outstanding on the term loans on such date, and with respect to base rate borrowings is 7.0% increasing to 7.75% on the first anniversary of the ARCA if there are balances still outstanding on term loans on such date. The applicable margin for revolving loans continues to adjust every quarter with such adjustments are now based on the Secured Leverage Ratio for the most recent fiscal quarter for which financial statements were delivered to the lenders. The applicable margin for revolving loans with respect to LIBOR borrowings remains in the range of 3.75% to 4.00% and the applicable margin for revolving loans with respect to base rate borrowings remains in the range of 2.75% to 3.00%. Interest on base rate loans under the ARCA is payable on the last day of each February, May, August and November. Interest on LIBOR-based loans under the ARCA is payable every one, two, three, six, nine or twelve months after the date of each borrowing, dependent on the particular interest rate selected with respect to such borrowing.

As of February 24, 2017, the outstanding principal balance of term loans under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement was $216.0 million and there were no outstanding revolving loans. As of August 26, 2016, the outstanding principal balance of term loans under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement was $218.8 million and there were no outstanding revolving loans. The fair value of the term loans as of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015 was estimated to be approximately $187.9 million, $192.5 million and $219.3 million, respectively. As of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, since the Company used broker quotes from inactive markets and there were no unobservable inputs, this was treated as a Level 2 financial instrument.

BNDES Credit Agreements

In December 2013, SMART Brazil, entered into a credit facility with the Brazilian Development Bank, or BNDES, referred to as the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement. Under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement, a total of R$50.6 million (or $16.2 million) was made available to SMART Brazil for investments in infrastructure, research and development conducted in Brazil and acquisitions of equipment not otherwise available in the Brazilian domestic market. SMART Brazil’s obligations under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Banco Itaú BBA S.A., or Itaú Bank, which guarantee is in turn secured by a guarantee from SMART Brazil and SMART do Brazil and a commitment by SMART Brazil to maintain minimum cash balances with Itaú Bank equal to 11.85% of the maximum aggregate balance of principal, interest and fees outstanding under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement. As of both February 24, 2017 and August 26, 2016, the committed amount was R$6.0 million (or $1.9 million), which is shown on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash in other noncurrent assets.

Approximately half of the available debt under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement accrues interest at a fixed rate while the other half accrues interest at a floating rate. The facility under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement is a term loan fully amortizing in 48 equal monthly installments beginning on August 15, 2015 with the final principal payment being due on July 15, 2019.

As of February 24, 2017, SMART Brazil’s outstanding debt under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement was R$31.9 million (or $10.2 million), of which R$15.7 million (or $5.0 million) accrues interest at the fixed rate of 3.5% and R$16.2 million (or $5.2 million) of the debt accrues interest at the floating rate of 0.5% above the TJLP rate published by the Central Bank of Brazil, or BZTJLP (5.0%), combined corresponding to an overall effective interest rate of 5.5% per annum. As of August 26, 2016, SMART Brazil’s outstanding debt under the BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement was R$38.2 million (or $11.8 million), of which R$18.9 million (or

 

F-28


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Index to Financial Statements

$5.8 million) accrues interest at the fixed rate of 3.5% and R$19.3 million (or $6.0 million) of the debt accrues interest at the floating rate of 0.5% above the TJLP rate published by the Central Bank of Brazil, or BZTJLP (5.0%), combined corresponding to an overall effective interest rate of 5.5% per annum.

In December 2014, SMART Brazil, entered into a second credit facility with BNDES, referred to as the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement. The BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement and the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement are collectively referred to as the BNDES Agreements. Under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement, a total of R$52.8 million (or $16.9 million) was made available to SMART Brazil for research and development conducted in Brazil related to integrated circuit (IC) packaging and for acquisitions of equipment not otherwise available in the Brazilian domestic market.

SMART Brazil’s obligations under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement are also guaranteed by Itaú Bank, which guarantee is in turn secured by a guarantee from SMART Brazil and SMART do Brazil and a commitment by SMART Brazil to maintain minimum cash balances with Itaú Bank equal to 30.31% of the maximum aggregate balance of principal, interest and fees outstanding under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement, or approximately R$16.0 million (or $5.1 million) of required cash balances, which is shown on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash in other noncurrent assets.

The available debt under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement accrues interest at a fixed rate of 4% per annum. The BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement is a term loan fully amortizing in 48 equal monthly installments beginning on August 15, 2016 with the final principal payment being due on July 15, 2020.

As of February 24, 2017 and August 26, 2016, SMART Brazil’s outstanding debt under the BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement was R$46.2 million (or $14.8 million) and R$52.8 million (or $16.3 million), respectively.

While the BNDES Agreements do not include any financial covenants, they contain affirmative and negative covenants customary for loans of this nature, including, among other things, an obligation to comply with all laws and regulations; a right for BNDES to terminate the loan in the event of a change of effective control; and a prohibition against the disposition or encumbrance, without BNDES consent, of intellectual property developed with the funds from the loans. The BNDES 2013 Credit Agreement includes an obligation to draw down the entire loan within specified periods of time or pay unused commitment fees of 0.1%. The BNDES 2014 Credit Agreement required a loan fee of 0.3% of the total face amount of the loan facility.

The fair value of amounts outstanding under the BNDES Agreements as of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015 was estimated to be approximately $18.8 million, $19.4 million and $12.9 million, respectively. Since the Company used broker quotes from inactive markets and there were no unobservable inputs, this was treated as a Level 2 financial instrument.

The Senior Secured Credit agreement and the BNDES Agreements are classified as follows in the accompanying consolidating balance sheets (in thousands):

 

     February 24,
2017
    August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 
     (unaudited)              

Term loan

   $ 216,010     $ 218,760     $ 232,018  

BNDES 2013 principal balance

     10,212       11,785       14,910  

BNDES 2014 principal balance

     14,779       16,306       8,839  

Unamortized 3.5% debt discount

     (1,156     (1,716     (3,370

Unamortized debt issuance costs

     (24,939     (2,432     (5,398
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount

     214,906       242,703       246,999  

Current portion of long-term debt

     (12,162     (17,116     (12,382
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt

   $ 202,744     $ 225,587     $ 234,617  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Index to Financial Statements

The future minimum principal payments under the ARCA and the BNDES Agreements as of August 26, 2016 are (in thousands):

 

     ARCA      BNDES      Total  

Fiscal year ending August:

        

2017

   $ 15,500      $ 7,998      $ 23,498  

2018

     15,500        8,005        23,505  

2019

     192,760        8,005        200,765  

2020

     —          4,083        4,083  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 223,760      $ 28,091      $ 251,851  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(8) Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates the carrying amount due to the relatively short maturity of these items. Cash and cash equivalents consist of funds held in general checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, and securities with maturities of less than 90 days at the time of purchase. The Company does not have investments in variable rate demand notes or auction rate securities.

The FASB guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets to identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

   

Level 1. Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that an entity has the ability to access. The Company’s Level 1 assets include money market funds that are classified as cash equivalents and restricted cash which is classified under long-term assets.

 

   

Level 2. Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets and liabilities. The Company’s Level 2 liabilities include the term loans under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and the BNDES Credit Agreements that are classified as long-term debt.

 

   

Level 3. Valuations based on inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The Company did not have any financial instruments measured under Level 3 as of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following (in millions):

 

    Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
or Liabilities

(Level 1)
    Observable/
Unobservable
Inputs
Corroborated by
Market Data

(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
    Total  

Balances as of February 24, 2017 (unaudited):

       

Assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 23.3     $ —       $ —       $ 23.3  

Restricted cash (1)

    7.0       —         —         7.0  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value

  $ 30.3     $ —       $ —       $ 30.3  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

          —    

Term loan

  $ —       $ 187.9     $ —       $ 187.9  

BNDES Credit Agreements

    —         18.8       —         18.8  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value (2)

  $ —       $ 206.7     $ —       $ 206.7  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances as of August 26, 2016:

       

Assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 58.6     $ —       $ —       $ 58.6  

Restricted cash (1)

    6.8       —         —         6.8  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value

  $ 65.4     $ —       $ —       $ 65.4  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

          —    

Term loan

  $ —       $ 192.5     $ —       $ 192.5  

BNDES Credit Agreements

    —         19.4       —         19.4  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value (2)

  $ —       $ 211.9     $ —       $ 211.9  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances as of August 28, 2015:

       

Assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 68.1     $ —       $ —       $ 68.1  

Restricted cash (1)

    6.7       —         —         6.7  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value

  $ 74.8     $ —       $ —       $ 74.8  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

          —    

Term loan

  $ —       $ 219.3     $ —       $ 219.3  

BNDES Credit Agreements

    —         12.9       —         12.9  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value (2)

  $ —       $ 232.2     $ —       $ 232.2  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (1) Included in other noncurrent assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
  (2) Included under long-term debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

(9) Share-Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans

 

(a) Share-Based Compensation

Equity Awards

On August 26, 2011, the board of directors adopted the Saleen Holdings, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan which has been amended and restated and is now known as the SMART Global Holdings, Inc. 2011 Share Incentive Plan (the SGH Plan). The SGH Plan provides for grants of equity awards to employees, directors and consultants of SMART Global Holdings and its subsidiaries. Options granted under the SGH Plan provide the option to purchase SMART Global Holdings’ ordinary shares at the fair value of such shares on the grant date. The options generally vest over a four-year period beginning on the grant date with a two year cliff and then monthly thereafter, and generally have a ten year term. Options granted after August 26, 2011 and before September 23, 2014 have an eight year term. As of February 24, 2017, there

 

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Index to Financial Statements

were 24,297,659 ordinary shares reserved for issuance under the SGH Plan, of which 3,810,965 ordinary shares were available for grant. As of August 26, 2016, there were 24,297,659 ordinary shares reserved for issuance under the SGH Plan, of which 5,112,065 ordinary shares were available for grant.

In October 2011, the board of directors of Memory approved the SMART Modular Technologies (Global Holdings), Inc. 2011 Share Incentive Plan (the Memory Plan). The Memory Plan provided for grants of equity awards to employees, directors and consultants of Memory and its subsidiaries. Options granted under the Memory Plan provided the option to purchase Memory’s ordinary shares at the fair value of such shares on the grant date. The options generally vest over a four year period beginning on the grant date with a two year cliff and then monthly thereafter, and generally have an eight year term. On January 2, 2015, the Memory Plan was cancelled as a result of the Memory-WWH Merger.

In October 2011, the board of directors of Storage approved the SMART Storage Systems (Global Holdings), Inc. 2011 Share Incentive Plan (the Storage Plan). The Storage Plan provided for grants of equity awards to employees, directors and consultants of Storage and its subsidiaries. Options granted under the Storage Plan provided the option to purchase Storage’s ordinary shares at the fair value of such shares on the grant date. During fiscal 2013 and 2012, certain Memory employees who performed functions for Storage also received option grants under the Storage Plan; these were accounted for as employee awards based on common control and ownership of the two affiliated companies. The options generally vested over a four year period beginning on the grant date with a two year cliff and then monthly thereafter, and generally have an eight year term. On February 12, 2015, the Storage Plan was cancelled as a result of the Storage-Intermediate Merger.

On August 19, 2014, the shareholders authorized that the name of the Company be changed from Saleen Holdings, Inc. to SMART Global Holdings, Inc. and that the authorized share capital of the Company be increased from $500,000 divided into 50,000,000 ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per share, to $600,000 divided into 60,000,000 ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per share, by the creation of an additional 10,000,000 ordinary shares with a par or nominal value of $0.01 each ranking pari passu in all respects with the existing ordinary shares.

On August 19, 2014, the shareholders also authorized that the SGH Plan be amended and restated to, among other things, increase the amount of ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per share, available under the SGH Plan from 18,297,659 ordinary shares to 24,297,659 ordinary shares.

Tender Offer

On April 25, 2016, the Company offered the SGH Plan option holders the opportunity to exchange certain outstanding and unexercised grants with exercise prices higher than $3.85 per share, for new replacement grants with the following terms: (a) an exercise price of $3.85 per share, (b) a lower number of shares based on pre-determined formula, (c) a vesting schedule of 2 years with 50% vesting on first anniversary and the balance vesting quarterly over the second year, and (d) a new ten-year term.

On May 23, 2016, the Tender Offer was completed and resulted in 4,958,038 options being cancelled, in exchange for 2,434,113 replacement options. As a result of the Tender Offer, there was an option modification charge of $2.7 million which will be expensed over the next 2 years, which is the vesting period of the replacement grants.

Option Exchange

On January 2, 2015, as a result of the Memory-WWH Merger, Memory merged with and into SMART Worldwide and Memory ceased to exist as a separate legal entity. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement among Memory, SMART Worldwide and SMART Global Holdings, SMART Global Holdings assumed all unexercised options under the Memory Plan with a continuation of their respective vesting schedules and otherwise on the same terms and conditions to which such assumed options were subject prior to the assumption except for adjustments to the exercise price and quantity of underlying shares (the Option

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Exchange). The methodology used in the Option Exchange was intended to preserve the intrinsic value of such assumed options pursuant to the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. As a result of the Option Exchange, 5,570,580 options outstanding under the Memory Plan were exchanged for 3,649,145 options under the SGH Plan. The Option Exchange resulted in an option modification charge of $0.5 million share-based compensation expense, of which $0.3 million was recognized upon the modification (in the second quarter of fiscal 2015) and the remaining $0.2 million will be recognized over the remaining service period.

Sale Impact on Share Options, Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

In connection with the Sale in August 2013, certain transactions occurred relating to share options, RSAs and RSUs under the SGH Plan. In connection with an Escrow Distribution (as defined in Note 2) declared on January 1, 2015 (see Note 2), the following transactions occurred in the second quarter of fiscal 2015: (a) all SGH options received a strike price reduction of $0.68 per share in order to make an equitable adjustment as required in the SGH Plan due to the extraordinary cash distribution to shareholders resulting from the Escrow Distribution and, to the extent that the strike price reduction would have gone below the strike price floor of $0.88 per share, a strike price floor payment was made; (b) for the awards under the Storage Plan that were fully or partially accelerated in August 2013 in connection with the Sale, an additional cash payment was made; and (c) all RSU unexpired and outstanding as of January 1, 2015 received an adjustment in quantity in order to make an equitable adjustment as required in the SGH Plan due to the extraordinary cash distribution to shareholders resulting from the Escrow Distribution.

Summary of Assumptions and Activity

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The fair value of the ordinary shares underlying the Company’s equity awards has historically been determined by the Company’s board of directors. Because there has been no public market for the Company’s ordinary shares and in the absence of recent arm’s-length cash sales transactions of the Company’s ordinary shares with independent third parties, the Company’s board of directors has determined the fair value of the Company’s ordinary shares by considering at the time of grant a number of objective and subjective factors, including the following: the value of tangible and intangible assets of the Company, the present value of anticipated future cash flows of the Company, the market value of stock or equity interests in similar corporations and other entities engaged in businesses substantially similar to those engaged in by the Company, the Company’s current financial condition and anticipated expenses, control discounts for the lack of marketability, the Company’s need for additional capital, current and potential strategic relationships and competitive developments and periodic valuations from an independent third-party valuation firm.

The expected volatility is based on the historical volatilities of the common stock of comparable publicly traded companies. The expected term of options granted represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules and the historical exercise patterns. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the average U.S. Treasury yield curve at the end of the quarter in which the option was granted.

The following assumptions were used to value the Company’s stock options:

 

     Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24, 2017     February 26, 2016     August 26, 2016     August 28, 2015  
     (unaudited)              

Stock options:

        

Expected term (years)

     6.25       6.25       6.25       6.25  

Expected volatility

     54.41% - 55.75%       49.46% - 51.92%       49.46% - 56.00%       49.51% - 53.28%  

Risk-free interest rate

     1.96% - 2.01%       1.39% - 1.82%       1.36% - 1.82%       1.49% - 1.72%  

Expected dividends

     —         —         —         —    

 

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SGH Plan—Options

A summary of option activity for the SGH Plan is presented below (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Shares     Weighted
average
per share
exercise
price
     Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term
(years)
     Aggregate
intrinsic
value
 

SGH Plan:

          

Options outstanding at August 29, 2014

     1,971     $ 3.58        5.01      $ 12,396  

Options granted (1)

     5,476       7.88        

Options exercised

     (15     0.88        

Options forfeited and canceled

     (145     6.94        
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options outstanding at August 28, 2015

     7,287     $ 6.54        5.37      $ 3,548  

Options granted (2)

     2,775       3.82        

Options exercised

     (130     1.02        

Options forfeited and canceled (3)

     (5,347     7.78        
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options outstanding at August 26, 2016

     4,585     $ 3.60        7.36      $ 2,373  

Options granted

     71       3.01        

Options cancelled

     (231     3.73        
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options outstanding at February 24, 2017

     4,425     $ 3.58        6.77      $ 8,073  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options exercisable at February 24, 2017

     1,698     $ 2.90        2.97      $ 4,814  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options vested and expected to vest at February 24, 2017

     4,277     $ 3.57        6.68      $ 7,885  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (1) Includes 3,649 shares granted in connection with the Option Exchange.
  (2) Includes 2,434 shares granted in connection with the Tender Offer.
  (3) Includes 4,958 shares cancelled in connection with the Tender Offer.

The Black-Scholes weighted average fair value of options granted under the SGH Plan during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and fiscal 2016 and 2015 was $1.62, $3.20 and $2.25 per share, respectively. The total intrinsic value of employee stock options exercised in fiscal 2016 and 2015 was approximately $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively. As of February 24, 2017, there was approximately $5.5 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options under the SGH Plan, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.41 years. As of August 26, 2016, there was approximately $8.2 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options under the SGH Plan, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.92 years.

In connection with the Escrow Distribution declared on January 1, 2015 (see Note 2), the following transactions occurred: all SGH outstanding options received a strike price reduction of $0.68 per share in order to make an equitable adjustment as required in the SGH Plan due to the extraordinary cash distribution to shareholders resulting from the Escrow Distribution and, to the extent that the strike price reduction would have gone below the strike price floor of $0.88 per share, strike price floor payments aggregating $0.9 million were made in January 2015. The strike price adjustments did not result in any additional share-based compensation expense to the Company since the fair value of the options decreased after the modification.

 

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Memory Plan

A summary of option activity for the Memory Plan is presented below (dollars and shares in thousands except per share data):

 

     Shares     Weighted
average
per share
exercise
price
     Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term
(years)
     Aggregate
intrinsic
value
 

Memory Plan:

          

Options outstanding at August 29, 2014

     5,644     $ 4.84        5.34      $ 5,048  

Options forfeited and cancelled

     (73     4.27        

Options cancelled in exchange for SGH options

     (5,571   $ 4.84        
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

Options outstanding at February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015

     —       $ —          —        $ —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options exercisable at February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015

     —       $ —          —        $ —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options vested and expected to vest at February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015

     —       $ —          —        $ —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As a result of the Option Exchange on January 2, 2015, all 5,570,580 options outstanding under the Memory Plan were exchanged for 3,649,145 options under the SGH Plan. As a result of the Memory-WWH Merger, the Memory Plan was cancelled on January 2, 2015.

As of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to the Memory Plan.

Storage Plan

In connection with the Escrow Release (as defined in Note 2) additional cash payments aggregating $1.1 million were made in December 2014 to Enterprise, Memory and HRS employees in connection with the options under the Storage Plan that were accelerated and cancelled in connection with the Sale.

On February 12, 2015, the Storage Plan was cancelled as a result of the Storage-Intermediate Merger. As of February 24, 2017, August 26, 2016 and August 28, 2015, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to the Storage Plan.

SGH Plan—Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Awards

A summary of the changes in RSAs and RSUs outstanding is presented below (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Shares     Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
per share
     Aggregate
intrinsic
value
 

SGH Plan:

       

Awards outstanding at August 29, 2014

     —       $ —        $ —    

Awards granted

     18       8.99     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Awards outstanding at August 28, 2015

     18     $ 8.99      $ 63  

Awards vested and paid out

     (5     8.99     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Awards outstanding at August 26, 2016

     13     $ 8.99      $ 40  

Awards granted

     1,471       2.58     

Awards vested and paid out

     (4     8.99     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Awards outstanding at February 24, 2017

     1,480     $ 2.62      $ 7,503  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The share-based compensation expense related to RSAs and RSUs during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016, and in fiscal 2016 and 2015 was approximately $0.1 million, $24 thousand, $40 thousand and $30 thousand, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015 was approximately $13 thousand, $16 thousand, $16 thousand and $0, respectively.

Equity Rights and Restrictions

The holders of ordinary shares of SMART Global Holdings are entitled to such dividends and other distributions as may be declared by the board of directors of SMART Global Holdings from time-to-time, out of the funds of SMART Global Holdings lawfully available therefor.

All SMART Global Holdings shares owned by employees (Employee Shares) and all shares underlying the SMART Global Holdings options (Option Shares), RSUs (RSU Shares) and Lender Warrants (Warrant Shares; Employee Shares, Option Shares, RSU Shares and Warrant Shares are collectively referred to as Restricted Shares) are subject to either the Employee Investors Shareholders Agreement dated August 26, 2011 (the Employee Investors Shareholders Agreement) or the Amended and Restated Investors Shareholders Agreement dated as of November 5, 2016 (as amended, the Amended and Restated Investors Shareholders Agreement; the Employee Investors Shareholders Agreement and the Amended and Restated Investors Shareholders Agreement are collectively referred to as the Shareholders Agreements). Effective November 5, 2016, the Management Investors Shareholder Agreement was amended to include shares issued pursuant to the Lender Warrants. Under the terms of the Shareholders Agreements, the Restricted Shares cannot be sold or otherwise transferred except under limited circumstances, are subject to lock-up restrictions in the event of an initial public offering, are subject to drag-along obligations whereby a shareholder may be required to sell certain amounts of their shares along with Silver Lake at a price set by Silver Lake, and are subject to call-rights whereby SMART Global Holdings or Silver Lake may have the right to purchase the Restricted Shares at prices subject to certain pre-determined formulas upon termination of employment or services from the Company and only in the event that the Restricted Shares have been issued, vested (if applicable) and outstanding for at least six months. Additionally, all Restricted Shares are subject to an irrevocable proxy granted to Silver Lake to vote or act on behalf of the employee shareholders in connection with any and all matters set forth in the Shareholders Agreements as to which any vote or actions may be requested or required.

Owners of Restricted Shares covered by the Amended and Restated Investors Shareholders Agreement, subject to certain exceptions and conditions, are entitled to certain tag-along rights to sell certain amounts of Restricted Shares along with certain sales by the affiliates of Silver Lake at the same price and on the same other terms as the affiliates of Silver Lake. Additionally, owners of Restricted Shares covered by the Amended and Restated Investors Shareholders Agreement, subject to certain exceptions and prior to the completion of an initial public offering of SMART Global Holdings shares, are entitled to participation rights, which enable them to purchase a portion of any issuances of shares of equity securities or debt securities that are convertible or exchangeable into equity securities.

 

(b) Savings and Retirement Program

The Company offers a 401(k) Plan to U.S. employees, which provides for tax-deferred salary deductions for eligible U.S. employees. Employees may contribute up to 60% of their annual eligible compensation to this plan, limited by an annual maximum amount determined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The Company may also make discretionary matching contributions, which vest immediately, as periodically determined by management. The matching contributions made by the Company during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015 were approximately $0.5 million, $0.4 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

 

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(10) Commitments and Contingencies

 

(a) Commitments

Minimum rent payments under operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease including any periods of free rent. Rent expense for operating leases during the six months ended February 24, 2017 and February 26, 2016 and in fiscal 2016 and 2015 was $1.4 million, $1.1 million, $2.4 million, and $2.4 million, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under all leases as of August 26, 2016 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount  

Fiscal year ended August:

  

2017

   $ 2,481  

2018

     2,343  

2019

     2,205  

2020

     2,122  

2021

     1,946  

Thereafter

     2,926  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 14,023  
  

 

 

 

 

(b) Product Warranty and Indemnities

Product warranty reserves are established in the same period that revenue from the sale of the related products is recognized, or in the period that a specific issue arises as to the functionality of a Company’s product. The amounts of the reserves are based on established terms and the Company’s best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet date.

The following table reconciles the changes in the Company’s accrued warranty (in thousands):

 

     Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 
     (unaudited)              

Beginning accrued warranty reserve

   $ 266     $ 290     $ 290     $ 238  

Warranty claims

     (244     (108     (345     (690

Provision for product warranties

     281       134       321       742  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending accrued warranty reserve

   $ 303     $ 316     $ 266     $ 290  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Product warranty reserves are recorded in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

In addition to potential liability for warranties related to defective products, the Company currently has in effect a number of agreements in which it has agreed to defend, indemnify and hold harmless its customers and suppliers from damages and costs, which may arise from product defects as well as from any alleged infringement by its products of third-party patents, trademarks or other proprietary rights. The Company believes its internal development processes and other policies and practices limit its exposure related to such indemnities. Maximum potential future payments cannot be estimated because many of these agreements do not have a maximum stated liability. However, to date, the Company has not had to reimburse any of its customers or suppliers for any losses related to these indemnities. The Company has not recorded any liability in its financial statements for such indemnities.

 

(c) Legal Matters

From time to time, the Company is involved in legal matters that arise in the normal course of business. Litigation in general and intellectual property, employment and shareholder litigation in particular, can be expensive and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings

 

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are difficult to predict. The Company believes that it has defenses to the cases pending, including those set forth below. Except as noted below, the Company is not currently able to estimate, with reasonable certainty, the possible loss, or range of loss, if any, from such legal matters, and accordingly, no provision for any potential loss, which may result from the resolution of these matters, has been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Indemnification Claims by SanDisk

In connection with the Company’s Sale of the Enterprise business to SanDisk in August 2013, the Sale Agreement contained certain indemnification obligations, including, among others, for losses arising from breaches of representations and warranties relating to the Sale. These indemnification obligations are subject to a number of limitations, including certain deductibles and caps and limited time periods for making indemnification claims. At the closing of the Sale, $30.5 million of the purchase price was placed into a third party escrow to secure certain of the Company’s indemnification obligations. The escrow was due to terminate on August 22, 2014 in the event that SanDisk did not timely submit a claim for indemnification. On August 21, 2014, SanDisk made a claim against the Company under the indemnification provisions of the Sale Agreement in connection with a lawsuit filed by Netlist, Inc. (Netlist) against SanDisk alleging that certain products of the Enterprise business infringe various Netlist patents, which SanDisk in turn alleges would, if true, constitute a breach of representations and warranties under the Sale Agreement. Under the Sale Agreement, the Company’s indemnification obligation in respect of intellectual property matters, such as those claimed by SanDisk, is subject to a deductible of approximately $1.8 million and a cap of $60.9 million. As required in the Sale Agreement, the SanDisk claim purported to include a preliminary good faith estimate of SanDisk’s alleged indemnifiable losses, which estimate was greater than the Sale Agreement cap for intellectual property matters. The Company believes that the allegations giving rise to the indemnification claim are without merit and the Company intends to dispute SanDisk’s claim for indemnification. In addition, there may be other grounds for the Company to dispute the indemnification claim and/or the amounts of any indemnifiable losses of SanDisk. On December 4, 2014, SanDisk and the Company agreed to the Escrow Release and SanDisk and the Company instructed the escrow agent to release the entire escrow balance. On December 5, 2014, the Company received $30.5 million from the Escrow Release. The Escrow Release does not relieve the Company of its indemnification obligations to SanDisk, and SanDisk has not amended or reduced the amount of its indemnification claim.

Netlist

On September 10, 2012, SMART Modular filed a complaint in the Eastern District of California against Netlist alleging infringement of certain claims of SMART Modular’s U.S. Patent No. 8,250,295 (the ‘295 patent) and seeking, among other things, a preliminary injunction. Netlist filed certain counterclaims alleging, among other things, attempted monopolization, collusion, unfair competition, fraud on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the USPTO) and sham litigation, and asserting that the ‘295 patent is invalid. The counterclaims do not specify the amount of damages. Netlist also filed a request for reexamination of the ‘295 patent in the USPTO. On May 30, 2013, the court denied SMART Modular’s motion for a preliminary injunction and granted a stay in the proceedings pending the outcome of the reexamination. On or about April 29, 2014, the USPTO issued a non-final Action Closing Prosecution (ACP) confirming the patentability of the original claims of SMART Modular’s ‘295 patent and rejecting certain claims added during the reexamination process. On May 29, 2014, after the ACP, SMART Modular filed comments requesting that all of the original claims and certain of the added claims be confirmed as patentable. On June 30, 2014, Netlist filed comments challenging SMART Modular’s comments to the ACP. On August 4, 2015, the USPTO rejected Netlist’s challenges and affirmed its previous decision confirming the patentability of the original claims of SMART Modular’s ‘295 patent. On September 4, 2015, Netlist filed an appeal of the USPTO examiner’s decision to the Patent Trial and Appeals Board (the PTAB). On February 25, 2016, the USPTO ruled in favor of SMART and on September 21, 2016, the court granted SMART’s motion to lift the stay in the Eastern District of California case. On November 14, 2016, the PTAB reversed the examiner’s decision to confirm certain claims of SMART Modular’s ‘295 patent and

 

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reversed the examiner’s decision to determine that certain newly added claims are patentable. On February 22, 2017, Netlist filed a motion to reinstate the stay in the court proceedings pending the outcome of the USPTO proceedings. SMART Modular filed an opposition to this motion, which is pending. SMART Modular is evaluating the next course of action with respect to the proceedings in the USPTO and the Eastern District of California.

On July 1, 2013, Netlist filed a lawsuit in the Central District of California against SMART Modular alleging claims very similar to Netlist’s counterclaims set forth in the Eastern District case. Netlist later amended its complaint to add additional parties, including SMART Worldwide. Netlist has sought compensatory damages for the harm it claims to have suffered, as well as an award of treble damages and attorneys’ fees. The claims against SMART Modular and SMART Worldwide were transferred to the Eastern District of California.

The Company believes that there are valid defenses to all of the claims and counterclaims made by Netlist and that the claims are without merit. SMART Modular and SMART Worldwide intends to vigorously fight the claims and counterclaims. The Company believes that the likelihood of any material charge resulting from these claims is remote.

 

(d) Contingencies

Import Duty Tax assessment in Brazil

On February 23, 2012, SMART Brazil was served with a notice of a tax assessment for approximately R$117 million (or $37.4 million) (the First Assessment). The assessment was from the federal tax authorities of Brazil and related to four taxes in connection with importation processes. The tax authorities claimed that SMART Brazil categorized its imports of unmounted integrated circuits in the format of wafers under an incorrect product classification code, which carries an import duty of 0%. The authorities alleged that a different classification code should have been used that would require an 8% import duty and the authorities were seeking to recover these duties, as well as other related taxes, for the five calendar years of 2007 through and including 2011. Subsequent to the initial assessment, SMART Brazil received a second notice of an additional administrative penalty of approximately R$6.0 million (or $1.9 million) directly related to the same issue and which has been imposed exclusively for the alleged usage of an inappropriate import tax code (the Second Assessment).

The Company believes that SMART Brazil used the correct product code on its imports and that none of the above assessments are due. In March 2012, SMART Brazil filed defenses to the First Assessment and the Second Assessment. On May 2, 2013, the first level administrative tax court issued a ruling in favor of the tax assessor and against SMART Brazil on the First Assessment. On May 31, 2013, SMART Brazil filed an appeal to the second level tax court known as CARF. The appeal was heard on November 26, 2013 and the Company received a unanimous favorable ruling rejecting the position of the tax authorities. This ruling was published by the tax authorities and made official in February 2014. Subsequently, the tax authorities filed a request for clarification and on September 17, 2014, the Company received a unanimous ruling rejecting the request from the tax authorities for clarification. On November 7, 2014, the tax authorities notified CARF that they would not be appealing the CARF decision, and the First Assessment has been extinguished. SMART Brazil has not received a decision from the first level administrative court with respect to the Second Assessment.

On December 12, 2013, SMART Brazil received another notice of assessment in the amount of R$3.6 million (or $1.2 million) with respect to the same import-related tax issues and penalties discussed above for 2012 and 2013 (the Third Assessment). The Third Assessment does not seek import duties and related taxes on DRAM products and only seeks import duties and related taxes on Flash unmounted components with respect to the months of January 2012 to June 2012. This is because SMART Brazil’s imports of DRAM unmounted components were subject to 0%, and, after June 2012, SMART Brazil’s imports of Flash unmounted components became subject to 0%, import duties and related taxes, both as a result of PADIS. Even with this 0%, if SMART Brazil is found to have used the incorrect product

 

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classification code, SMART Brazil will be subject to an administrative penalty equal to 1% of the value of the imports. SMART Brazil has filed defenses to the Third Assessment. The Company believes that SMART Brazil used the correct product code on its imports and that the Third Assessment is incorrect. SMART Brazil intends to vigorously fight this matter. Although SMART Brazil did not receive the Third Assessment until December 12, 2013, the Third Assessment was issued before the CARF decision in favor of SMART Brazil on the First Assessment as discussed above was published.

The amounts claimed by the tax authorities on the Second Assessment and on the Third Assessment are subject to increases for interest and other charges, which resulted in a combined assessment balance of approximately R$13.9 million (or $4.4 million) and R$13.3 million (or $4.1 million) as of February 24, 2017 and August 26, 2016, respectively.

As a result of the CARF decision in favor of SMART Brazil on the First Assessment, the Company believes that the probability of any material charges as a result of the Second Assessment and the Third Assessment is remote and the Company does not expect the resolution of these disputed assessments to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. While the Company believes that the Second Assessment and the Third Assessment are incorrect, there can be no assurance that SMART Brazil will prevail in the disputes.

 

(11) Segment and Geographic Information

The Company operates in one reportable segment: the design, manufacture and sale of specialty memory solutions and services to the electronics industry. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker, the President and CEO, evaluates financial performance on a company-wide basis.

A summary of the Company’s net sales by geographic area, based on the ship-to location of the customer, and property and equipment by geographic area is as follows (in thousands):

 

    Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
    February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 
    (unaudited)              

Geographic Net Sales:

       

U.S.

  $ 69,616     $ 50,956     $ 104,788     $ 124,560  

Brazil

    154,262       99,236       245,503       336,442  

Asia

    82,969       68,667       141,811       137,769  

Europe

    14,979       11,853       24,502       26,238  

Other Americas

    9,472       7,901       17,819       18,460  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 331,298     $ 238,613     $ 534,423     $ 643,469  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     February 24,
2017
     August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 
     (unaudited)                

Property and Equipment, Net:

        

U.S.

   $ 2,835      $ 2,908      $ 3,618  

Brazil

     42,698        44,339        45,121  

Malaysia

     5,754        6,722        7,376  

Other

     2,615        3,631        4,196  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 53,902      $ 57,600      $ 60,311  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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(12) Major Customers

A majority of the Company’s net sales are attributable to customers operating in the information technology industry. Net sales to significant end user customers, including sales to their manufacturing subcontractors, defined as net sales in excess of 10% of total net sales, are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Six Months Ended  
     February 24, 2017     February 26, 2016  
     Amount      Percentage
of net sales
    Amount      Percentage
of net sales
 
     (unaudited)  

Customer A

   $ 59,461        18   $ 36,263        15

Customer B

     49,975        15     48,614        20
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 109,436        33   $ 84,877        35
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     August 26, 2016     August 28, 2015  
     Amount      Percentage
of net sales
    Amount      Percentage
of net sales
 
     (unaudited)  

Customer A

   $ 70,670        13   $ 69,773        11

Customer B

     100,529        19     101,127        16

Customer C

     71,063        13     —          —    

Customer D

     —          —         92,586        14

Customer E

     —          —         95,962        15
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 242,262        45   $ 359,448        56
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of February 24, 2017, three direct customers that represented less than 10% of net sales, Customers F, H and I, accounted for approximately 28%, 16% and 13% of accounts receivable, respectively. As of August 26, 2016, direct customer Customer F accounted for approximately 28% of accounts receivable. As of August 28, 2015, direct customers Customer F and Customer D accounted for approximately 48% and 14% of accounts receivable, respectively.

 

(13) Net Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per ordinary share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per ordinary share is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted average of ordinary shares and dilutive potential ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential ordinary shares consist of dilutive shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of RSUs computed using the treasury stock method. The dilutive weighted shares are excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share when a net loss is recorded for the period as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

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The following table sets forth for all periods presented the computation of basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share, including the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    August 26,
2016
    August 28,
2015
 
     (unaudited)              

Numerator:

        

Net loss

   $ (5,544   $ (17,154   $ (19,960   $ (46,451

Denominator:

        

Weighted average ordinary shares, basic

     41,610       41,503       41,524       41,498  

Weighted average ordinary shares equivalent from stock options and awards

     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding, diluted

     41,610       41,503       41,524       41,498  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per share

   $ (0.13   $ (0.41   $ (0.48   $ (1.12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Anti-dilutive weighted shares excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share

     6,416       6,958       6,252       3,422  

 

(14) Other Income (Expense), Net

The following table provides the detail of other income (expense), net as follows (in thousands):

 

     Six Months Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
     February 24,
2017
    February 26,
2016
    August 26,
2016
     August 28,
2015
 
     (unaudited)               

Foreign currency gains (losses)

   $ 262     $ (1,552   $ 1,101      $ (10,747

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     (1,386     —         —          —    

Transition services agreement income*

     —         —         —          4,341  

Other

     222       180       773        874  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

   $ (902   $ (1,372   $ 1,874      $ (5,532
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Agreement entered into with SanDisk (see Note 1(w)).

 

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                Shares

LOGO

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.

Ordinary Shares

 

 

Prospectus

                    , 2017

 

Barclays

 

Deutsche Bank Securities

 

Jefferies

 

Stifel

 

 

Needham & Company

 

Roth Capital Partners


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Index to Financial Statements

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution .

 

     Amount
To Be Paid
 

Registration fee

   $ 5,795  

FINRA filing fee

     8,000  

NASDAQ listing fee

     *  

Transfer agent’s fees

     *  

Printing and engraving expenses

     *  

Legal fees and expenses

     *  

Accounting fees and expenses

     *  

Blue Sky fees and expenses

     *  

Miscellaneous

     *  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $             *  
  

 

 

 

 

* To be filed by amendment.

Each of the amounts set forth above, other than the Registration fee and the FINRA filing fee, is an estimate.

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers .

As we are a Cayman Islands exempted company, the laws of the Cayman Islands will be relevant to the provisions relating to indemnification of our directors and officers. Although the Companies Law does not specifically restrict a Cayman Islands exempted company’s ability to indemnify its directors or officers, it does not expressly provide for such indemnification either. Certain Commonwealth case law (which is likely to be persuasive in the Cayman Islands), however, indicates that the indemnification is generally permissible, unless there had been actual fraud, willful default or reckless disregard on the part of the director or officer in question.

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that each of our directors, agents or officers shall be indemnified out of our assets against any liability incurred by him as a result of any act or failure to act in carrying out his functions other than such liability, if any, that he may incur by his own willful neglect or default. No such director, agent or officer shall be liable to us for any loss or damage in carrying out his functions unless that liability arises through the willful neglect or default of such director, agent or officer.

We have also entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers under which we have agreed to indemnify each such person and hold him harmless against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts payable under settlement agreements in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding to which he has been made a party or in which he became involved by reason of the fact that he is or was our director or officer. Except with respect to expenses to be reimbursed by us in the event that the indemnified person has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of the action, suit or proceeding, our obligations under the indemnification agreements are subject to certain customary restrictions and exceptions. The indemnification agreements are governed under Cayman Islands law or New York law.

In addition, we maintain standard policies of insurance under which coverage is provided to our directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act, and to us with respect to payments which may be made by us to such directors and officers pursuant to the above indemnification provision or otherwise as a matter of law.

 

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The proposed form of Underwriting Agreement, to be filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this Registration Statement, provides for indemnification of directors and officers of the Registrant by the underwriters against certain liabilities.

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

Since three years before the date of the initial filing of this Registration Statement, the Registrant has sold the following securities without registration under the Securities Act:

 

  (1) the Registrant has granted a total of 9,700,218 options to purchase ordinary shares to certain employees under the SGH Plan, which includes 2,434,113 options that were issued in exchange for 4,958,038 options that were cancelled in the Tender Offer on May 23, 2016, and also includes 3,649,145 options that were issued in exchange for 5,570,580 options that were cancelled in the Option Exchange on January 2, 2015 in connection with the termination of an employee option plan of one of our former subsidiaries;

 

  (2) the Registrant has granted a total of 1,488,935 RSUs to certain employees and directors under the SGH Plan;

 

  (3) the Registrant has issued a total of 578,286 ordinary shares pursuant to exercises of options and 8,968 ordinary shares pursuant to the vesting of RSUs which were previously granted under its SGH Plan; and

 

  (4) in November 2016, the Registrant issued Lender Warrants to purchase 10,402,766 of our ordinary shares to the Warrant Holders in connection with the amendment and restatement of the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, which are exercisable at $0.01 per share.

The option and RSU grants and the share and warrant issuances described above were effected without registration in reliance on (1) the exemptions afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, because the sales did not involve any public offering, (2) Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act for shares that were sold under a written compensatory benefit plan or contract for the participation of employees, directors, officers, consultants and advisors of the Registrant and (3) Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act relating to offerings of securities outside of the United States.

 

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Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

    1.1*    Form of Underwriting Agreement
    2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 26, 2011, among Saleen Holdings, Inc., Saleen Acquisition, Inc. and SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc.
    3.1*    Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, to be in effect upon completion of this offering
    4.1*    Form of Specimen Ordinary Share Certificate
    4.2*    Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2016
    4.3*    Form of Sponsor Shareholder Agreement, to be in effect upon completion of this offering
    4.4*    Saleen Holdings, Inc. Employee Investors Shareholders Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011, by and among Saleen Holdings, Inc., Silver Lake Partners III Cayman (AIV III), L.P., Silver Lake Technology Investors III Cayman, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund Cayman, L.P., Silver Lake Technology Investors Sumeru Cayman, L.P. and the Employee Investors.
    4.5*    Amended and Restated Investors Shareholders Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2016, by and among SMART Global Holdings, Inc., Silver Lake Partners III Cayman (AIV III), L.P., Silver Lake Technology Investors III Cayman, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund Cayman, L.P., Silver Lake Technology Investors Sumeru Cayman, L.P., the Management Investors and the Warrant Investors
    4.6*   

Form of Warrant to Purchase Ordinary Shares

    5.1*    Opinion of Maples and Calder
    8.1*    Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
  10.1†*    Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into with each of the Registrant’s officers and directors
  10.2†*    SMART Global Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 2011 Share Incentive Plan, and forms of award agreements thereunder
  10.3†    Employment Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2012, among SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., Saleen Holdings, Inc. and Iain MacKenzie
  10.4†    Employment Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2011, between SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. and Jack Pacheco
  10.5†    Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2010, between SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. and Alan Marten
  10.6†    Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2010, between SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. and Bruce Goldberg
  10.7†    Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2010, between SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. and KiWan Kim
  10.8    Credit Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011, among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the Lender Parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
  10.9    Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2011, among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
  10.10    First Refinancing Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2014, among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Holdings), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the new revolving lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  10.11    Master Guarantee Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011, among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors identified therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent
  10.12    Collateral Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011, among SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the other grantors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent
  10.13*    Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2014, among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Holdings), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the lenders party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent
  10.14*    Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2015, among SMART Worldwide Holdings, Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., the revolving lenders party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent
  10.15*    Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2016, among SMART Worldwide Holdings, Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., the lenders party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent
  10.16*    Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2016, among SMART Worldwide Holdings, Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the lenders party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent (included in Exhibit 10.15)
  10.17    Lease Agreement, dated as of February 18, 2009, between Newark Eureka Industrial Capital LLC and SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.
  10.18    First Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2014, between Newark Eureka Industrial Capital LLC and SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.
  10.19*    Amended and Restated Transaction and Management Fee Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2016, among Smart Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc., Silver Lake Management Company III, L.L.C. and Silver Lake Management Company Sumeru, L.L.C.
  10.20    Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 2, 2013, among SMART Storage Systems (Global Holdings), Inc., SanDisk Corporation, SanDisk Manufacturing and solely for the purposes of Section 5.7(c), Section 5.8, Article VIII and Article IX, Saleen Holdings, Inc., Saleen Intermediate Holdings, Inc. and SMART Worldwide Holdings, Inc.
  10.21    Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 16, 2012, among SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Europe) Limited and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as amended
  10.22    First Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2013, among SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Europe) Limited and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and confirmed by SMART Modular Technologies (Global Holdings), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc.
  21.1*    Subsidiaries of the Registrant
  23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
  23.2*    Consent of Maples and Calder (included in Exhibit 5.1)
  24.1    Power of Attorney (included on signature page)

 

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.
* To be filed by amendment.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

(b) No financial statement schedules are provided because the information called for is not required or is shown either in the financial statements or the notes thereto.

Item 17. Undertakings

The undersigned hereby undertakes:

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions referenced in Item 14 of this Registration Statement, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered hereunder, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.

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

(d) Each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(e) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

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

 

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Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

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

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

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

 

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Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Newark, State of California, on the 28th day of April, 2017.

 

SMART GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By:

 

 /s/ Iain MacKenzie

 

Name:

 

    Iain MacKenzie

 

Title:

 

    President & Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Iain MacKenzie and Jack Pacheco, and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power to act separately and full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and all additional registration statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them or his or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

Iain MacKenzie

  

President &

Chief Executive Officer

( Principal Executive Officer )

  April 28, 2017

/s/ Jack Pacheco

Jack Pacheco

  

Senior Vice President,

Chief Operating Officer &

Chief Financial Officer

( Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  April 28, 2017

/s/ Ajay Shah

Ajay Shah

  

Director

  April 28, 2017

/s/ James Davidson

James Davidson

  

Director

  April 28, 2017

/s/ Kenneth Hao

Kenneth Hao

  

Director

  April 28, 2017

/s/ Paul Mercadante

Paul Mercadante

  

Director

  April 28, 2017

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Jason White

Jason White

  

Director

  April 28, 2017

/s/ Mukesh Patel

Mukesh Patel

  

Director

  April 28, 2017

/s/ Sandeep Nayyar

Sandeep Nayyar

  

Director

  April 28, 2017

 

II-8


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

    

Description

    1.1*      Form of Underwriting Agreement
    2.1      Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 26, 2011, among Saleen Holdings, Inc., Saleen Acquisition, Inc. and SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc.
    3.1*      Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, to be in effect upon completion of this offering
    4.1*      Form of Specimen Ordinary Share Certificate
    4.2*      Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2016
    4.3*      Form of Sponsor Shareholder Agreement, to be in effect upon completion of this offering
    4.4*      Saleen Holdings, Inc. Employee Investors Shareholders Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011, by and among Saleen Holdings, Inc., Silver Lake Partners III Cayman (AIV III), L.P., Silver Lake Technology Investors III Cayman, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund Cayman, L.P., Silver Lake Technology Investors Sumeru Cayman, L.P. and the Employee Investors.
    4.5*      Amended and Restated Investors Shareholders Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2016, by and among SMART Global Holdings, Inc., Silver Lake Partners III Cayman (AIV III), L.P., Silver Lake Technology Investors III Cayman, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund Cayman, L.P., Silver Lake Technology Investors Sumeru Cayman, L.P., the Management Investors and the Warrant Investors
    4.6*     

Form of Warrant to Purchase Ordinary Shares

    5.1*      Opinion of Maples and Calder
    8.1*      Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
  10.1†*      Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into with each of the Registrant’s officers and directors
  10.2†*      SMART Global Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 2011 Share Incentive Plan, and forms of award agreements thereunder
  10.3†      Employment Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2012, among SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., Saleen Holdings, Inc. and Iain MacKenzie
  10.4†      Employment Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2011, between SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. and Jack Pacheco
  10.5†      Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2010, between SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. and Alan Marten
  10.6†      Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2010, between SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. and Bruce Goldberg
  10.7†      Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2010, between SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. and KiWan Kim
  10.8      Credit Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011, among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the Lender Parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
  10.9      Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2011, among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
  10.10      First Refinancing Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2014, among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Holdings), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the new revolving lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

10.11    Master Guarantee Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011, among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors identified therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent
10.12    Collateral Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011, among SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the other grantors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent
10.13*    Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2014, among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Holdings), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the lenders party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent
10.14*    Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2015, among SMART Worldwide Holdings, Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., the revolving lenders party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent
10.15*    Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2016, among SMART Worldwide Holdings, Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., the lenders party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent
10.16*    Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2016, among SMART Worldwide Holdings, Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., the lenders party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent (included in Exhibit 10.15)
10.17    Lease Agreement, dated as of February 18, 2009, between Newark Eureka Industrial Capital LLC and SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.
10.18    First Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2014, between Newark Eureka Industrial Capital LLC and SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.
10.19*    Amended and Restated Transaction and Management Fee Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2016, among Smart Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc., Silver Lake Management Company III, L.L.C. and Silver Lake Management Company Sumeru, L.L.C.
10.20    Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 2, 2013, among SMART Storage Systems (Global Holdings), Inc., SanDisk Corporation, SanDisk Manufacturing and solely for the purposes of Section 5.7(c), Section 5.8, Article VIII and Article IX, Saleen Holdings, Inc., Saleen Intermediate Holdings, Inc. and SMART Worldwide Holdings, Inc.
10.21    Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 16, 2012, among SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Europe) Limited and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as amended
10.22    First Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2013, among SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Europe) Limited and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and confirmed by SMART Modular Technologies (Global Holdings), Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc.
21.1*    Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2*    Consent of Maples and Calder (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1    Power of Attorney (included on signature page)

 

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.
* To be filed by amendment.

Exhibit 2.1

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

dated as of April 26, 2011

among

SALEEN HOLDINGS, INC.,

SALEEN ACQUISITION, INC.

and

SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (WWH), INC.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ARTICLE I THE MERGER

     2  

1.1 The Merger

     2  

1.2 Closing

     2  

1.3 Effective Time

     2  

1.4 Effects of the Merger

     2  

1.5 The Memorandum and Articles of Association

     2  

1.6 Directors

     2  

1.7 Officers

     3  

ARTICLE II EFFECT OF MERGER ON SHARE CAPITAL

     3  

2.1 Conversion of Securities

     3  

2.2 Dissenters’ Rights

     5  

2.3 Withholding Rights

     5  

2.4 Exchange of Certificates

     6  

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

     8  

3.1 Qualification, Organization and Subsidiaries

     8  

3.2 Capitalization

     8  

3.3 Authority

     10  

3.4 Noncontravention

     11  

3.5 SEC Filings and Financial Statements

     12  

3.6 Internal Controls and Procedures

     13  

3.7 Taxes

     13  

3.8 Compliance with Laws; Orders; Permits; Litigation

     16  

3.9 Real and Personal Properties

     17  

3.10 Intellectual Property

     18  

3.11 Absence of Certain Changes or Events

     19  

3.12 Contracts

     20  

3.13 Employee Benefits

     22  

3.14 Labor and Employment Matters

     24  

3.15 Environmental

     25  

3.16 Insurance

     25  

3.17 Proxy Statement; Schedule 13E-3

     26  

3.18 Brokers and Other Advisors

     26  

3.19 Opinion of the Financial Advisor

     26  

3.20 Takeover Statutes Not Applicable

     26  

3.21 Affiliate Transactions

     27  

3.22 No Other Representations or Warranties

     27  


     Page  

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARENT AND MERGER SUB

     27  

4.1 Organization

     27  

4.2 Authorization

     27  

4.3 Noncontravention

     27  

4.4 Financing

     28  

4.5 Litigation

     29  

4.6 Merger Sub; Ownership of Company Shares

     29  

4.7 Information Supplied

     29  

4.8 Vote/Approval Required

     29  

4.9 Brokers and Other Advisors

     30  

4.10 Solvency

     30  

4.11 No Other Representations or Warranties

     30  

4.12 No Arrangements

     30  

4.13 Investigation by Parent and Merger Sub

     30  

ARTICLE V COVENANTS

     31  

5.1 Operation of the Company’s Business

     31  

5.2 Proxy Statement; Shareholders Meeting

     34  

5.3 Alternative Proposals; Go-Shop

     36  

5.4 Regulatory Matters and Approvals; Further Action

     40  

5.5 Press Releases and Public Announcement

     41  

5.6 Access to Information; Shareholder Litigation

     42  

5.7 Employee Matters

     43  

5.8 Indemnification and Insurance

     44  

5.9 Takeover Laws

     46  

5.10 Financing

     46  

5.11 Treatment of Existing Indebtedness

     49  

5.12 Cash and Marketable Securities

     50  

5.13 Tax Matters

     50  

5.14 Resignation of Directors

     50  

5.15 Delisting

     50  

5.16 Section 16 Matters

     51  

ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER

     51  

6.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Effect the Merger

     51  

6.2 Conditions to Obligations of the Parent and Merger Sub to Effect the Merger

     51  

6.3 Conditions to Obligations of the Company to Effect the Merger

     52  

ARTICLE VII TERMINATION; REMEDIES

     53  

7.1 Termination of Agreement

     53  

7.2 Certain Remedies

     54  

7.3 Effect of Termination

     56  

7.4 Enforcement

     57  

 

ii


     Page  

ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS

     58  

8.1 No Third-Party Beneficiaries

     58  

8.2 Entire Agreement

     58  

8.3 Succession and Assignment

     58  

8.4 Construction

     58  

8.5 Notices

     58  

8.6 Governing Law

     59  

8.7 Waiver of Jury Trial

     60  

8.8 Headings

     60  

8.9 Severability

     60  

8.10 Expenses

     60  

8.11 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements

     61  

8.12 Incorporation of Exhibits and Schedules

     61  

8.13 Exclusive Jurisdiction

     61  

8.14 Counterparts

     61  

8.15 Amendments

     61  

8.16 Waiver

     62  

8.17 Certain Definitions

     62  

 

iii


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER is dated as of April 26, 2011 (this “ Agreement ”) among Saleen Holdings, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “ Parent ”), Saleen Acquisition, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“ Merger Sub ”), and Smart Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “ Company ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, a special committee of independent directors (the “ Special Committee ”) of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board of Directors ”), at a meeting duly called and held, unanimously has (i) determined that this Agreement, the Merger (as defined below) and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, the shareholders of the Company as a whole (other than Parent and its Affiliates) (the “ Unaffiliated Shareholders ”) and the Company as a whole and (ii) resolved to recommend to the Board of Directors that it approve and declare advisable this Agreement and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company such that the Company will be the surviving company (the “ Merger ”);

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors, at a meeting duly called and held, has (i) determined that this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Unaffiliated Shareholders of the Company and the Company as a whole, (ii) approved the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) approved and declared this Agreement advisable, and (iv) resolved to recommend authorization and approval of the Merger, the Cayman Plan of Merger and this Agreement by the shareholders of the Company pursuant to Part XVI of the Companies Law (as amended) of the Cayman Islands (the “ Cayman Companies Law ”);

WHEREAS, the boards of directors of the Parent and Merger Sub have approved this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and as a condition and inducement to the willingness of the Company to enter into this Agreement, Silver Lake Partners III, L.P. and Silver Lake Sumeru Fund, L.P. (collectively, the “ Guarantors ”), have each executed and delivered a limited guarantee in favor of the Company (collectively, the “ Limited Guarantees ”) pursuant to which the Guarantors, upon the terms and subject to the conditions in the Limited Guarantees, have agreed to guarantee certain obligations of the Parent and Merger Sub in connection with this Agreement.


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parent, Merger Sub and the Company hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

THE MERGER

1.1 The Merger . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and in accordance with the Cayman Companies Law, at the Effective Time, Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Company and the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall thereupon cease. The Company shall continue its corporate existence under the Cayman Companies Law as the surviving company (within the meaning of the Cayman Companies Law) in the Merger (the “ Surviving Corporation ”) and shall succeed to and assume all the undertakings, property, assets, rights, privileges, immunities, powers, franchises, debts, liabilities, duties and obligations of Merger Sub in accordance with the Cayman Companies Law. The Surviving Corporation shall be liable for and subject, in the same manner as Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time, to all credit agreements, mortgages, charges or security interests and all contracts, obligations, claims, debts and liabilities of Merger Sub.

1.2 Closing . Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions in Article VI, the consummation of the Merger (the “ Closing ”) will take place at the offices of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, 2550 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, California, at 10:00 a.m. New York City time, on the later of (a) on the second Business Day immediately following the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VI (other than any conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing) and (b) the earlier of (i) a date during the Marketing Period to be specified by the Parent on no fewer than two Business Days’ notice to the Company and (ii) the final day of the Marketing Period, or such other place and time or on such other date as the Parent and the Company may mutually determine (the date on which the Closing actually occurs is referred to as the “ Closing Date ”).

1.3 Effective Time . Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, on or prior to the Closing Date, the Company will duly execute and file a plan of merger, in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto (the “ Cayman Plan of Merger ”) and other documents required to effect the Merger by the Cayman Companies Law with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands as provided in Section 233 of the Cayman Companies Law (together, the “ Merger Documents ”). The Merger will become effective when the Merger Documents have been duly filed with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands or on such subsequent date as Merger Sub and the Company shall agree and specify in the Merger Documents in accordance with the Cayman Companies Law (the date and time the Merger becomes effective, the “ Effective Time ”).

1.4 Effects of the Merger . The Merger will have the effects set forth in this Agreement and the Cayman Companies Law.

1.5 The Memorandum and Articles of Association . At the Effective Time, the memorandum and articles of association of the Surviving Corporation shall be amended and restated to be in the form set forth on Exhibit B hereto (the “ Memorandum and Articles of Associations ”).

1.6 Directors . The directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time, be the directors of the Surviving Corporation until their respective successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal, in accordance with the Surviving Corporation’s memorandum and articles of association.

 

2


1.7 Officers . The officers of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time, continue to be the officers of the Surviving Corporation until their respective successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal, in accordance with the Surviving Corporation’s memorandum and articles of association.

ARTICLE II

EFFECT OF MERGER ON SHARE CAPITAL

2.1 Conversion of Securities . At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Company, the Parent, Merger Sub, any holder of any shares in the share capital of the Company or any other Person:

(a) Conversion of Company Common Stock . Each ordinary share, par value US$0.00016667 per share, of the Company (“ Common Stock ”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares) will be converted into and exchanged for the right to receive an amount in cash, without interest, equal to $9.25 (the “ Merger Consideration ”), whereupon such Common Stock will be cancelled and will cease to exist and no longer be outstanding and the Register of Members of the Company shall be updated accordingly, and each holder thereof will cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive the Merger Consideration, without interest, upon delivery of share certificates (if any) representing the Common Stock (the “ Certificates ”) in accordance with Section 2.4.

(b) Conversion of Merger Sub Common Stock . Each ordinary share, par value US$0.01 per share, of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into one fully paid and non-assessable ordinary share, US$0.01 par value per share, of the Surviving Corporation and the Register of Members of the Company shall be updated to reflect such issuance of ordinary shares of the Surviving Corporation to each holder of shares of Merger Sub.

(c) Cancellation of Excluded Shares . Each share of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (i) that is owned by the Company as a treasury share (if applicable) or (ii) that is owned by the Parent or Merger Sub (collectively, the “ Excluded Shares ”) shall be surrendered and cancelled and shall cease to exist, and no consideration shall be delivered or deliverable in exchange therefor. Each share of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time that is owned by any wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company will be converted into and exchanged for one fully paid and non-assessable ordinary share, US$0.01 par value per share, of the Surviving Corporation and the Register of Members of the Company shall be updated to reflect such issuance of ordinary shares of the Surviving Corporation.

 

3


(d) Company Stock Options; Company Restricted Stock Awards . As soon as practicable following the date hereof, the Board of Directors (or, if appropriate, any committee thereof administering the Company Equity Incentive Plan), in consultation with Parent, shall adopt such resolutions and take such other actions (including adopting any plan amendments) as are required to provide that, except as set forth on Section 2.1(d)(i) of the Disclosure Schedules or as otherwise expressly agreed between the Parent and any holder thereof: (i) with the exception of those Unvested Company Stock Options set forth on Section 2.1(d)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedules that are subject to clause (ii) of this Section 2.1(d), each then outstanding Company Stock Option that is unvested immediately prior to the Effective Time (an “ Unvested Company Stock Option ”) shall cease to represent a right to purchase shares of Common Stock and shall be converted into an option (a “ Parent Option ”) to purchase, on substantially the same terms and conditions applicable to each such Unvested Company Stock Option, immediately prior to the Effective Time (including the same vesting conditions and transfer restrictions), the number of whole ordinary shares of Parent, rounded down to the nearest whole share, that is equal to the product of (A) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such Unvested Company Stock Option immediately prior to the Effective Time, multiplied by (B) a fraction the numerator of which shall be the Merger Consideration and the denominator of which shall be the fair market value of an ordinary share of Parent at the Effective Time as determined in good faith by the board of directors of Parent in a manner which complies with Section 409A of the Code (such fraction, the “ Option Exchange Ratio ”), at an exercise price per ordinary share of Parent (rounded up to the nearest whole penny) equal to (x) the exercise price for each such share of Common Stock subject to such Unvested Company Stock Option immediately prior to the Effective Time divided by (y) the Option Exchange Ratio; (ii) each then-outstanding Company Stock Option granted under the Company Equity Incentive Plan that is vested and exercisable as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, and each outstanding Unvested Company Stock Option that is set forth on Section 2.1(d)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedules , shall be cancelled immediately prior to the Effective Time in exchange for payment of an amount in cash equal to the product of (A) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such Company Stock Option immediately prior to the Effective Time, and (B) the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over the per share exercise price of such Company Stock Option (for the avoidance of doubt, each holder of a Company Stock Option with a per share exercise price that is equal to or greater than the Merger Consideration shall not be entitled to receive any payment in exchange for the cancellation of such Company Stock Options); and (iii) each then-outstanding Company Restricted Stock Award granted under the Company Equity Incentive Plan shall be cancelled immediately prior to the Effective Time in exchange for payment of an amount in cash equal to the product of (A) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such Company Restricted Stock Award immediately prior to the Effective Time; provided that the number of shares of Common Stock subject to Company Restricted Stock Awards that are subject to issuance or vesting based on performance (the “ Performance Awards ”) shall be determined in accordance with either (x) the methodology set forth in Section 3.02 in each of the Severance and Change of Control Agreements, in the case of Performance Awards granted to persons who have entered into a Severance and Change of Control Agreement, or (y) the terms of the Company Equity Incentive Plan and applicable award agreement(s), in the case of Performance Awards granted to all other persons, and (B) the Merger Consideration (all such cash payments to be paid pursuant to the immediately preceding clauses (ii) and (iii) shall be referred to herein as the “ Equity Incentive Amounts ”). The Parent shall take all actions necessary so that, within 15 days of the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall pay or cause to be paid to each holder of Company Restricted Stock or Company Stock Options granted under the Company Equity Incentive Plan the Equity Incentive Amounts to which such holder is entitled pursuant to this Section 2.1(d) through the Surviving Corporation’s or its applicable Subsidiaries’ payroll. The conversion and assumption of the Unvested Company Stock Options is intended to comply with the regulations and other binding guidance under Section 409A of the Code and such converted Parent Options shall be subject to the same terms and conditions (including vesting schedule, expiration date, exercise provisions and transfer restrictions) as were applicable to the corresponding Unvested Company Stock Options immediately prior to the Effective Time.

 

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2.2 Dissenters’ Rights . No shareholder who has validly exercised their appraisal and dissention rights pursuant to Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Law shall be entitled to receive the Merger Consideration as provided for in Section 2.1 with respect to the shares of Common Stock owned by such shareholder (the “ Dissenting Shares ”) unless and until such shareholder shall have effectively withdrawn or lost such shareholder’s appraisal and dissention rights under the Cayman Companies Law. Any such shareholder shall instead be entitled to receive only the payment resulting from the procedure in Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Law with respect to such shareholder’s Dissenting Shares and such Dissenting Shares shall be cancelled at the Effective Time. The Company shall give Parent (i) prompt notice of any written demands for appraisal, attempted withdrawals of such demands, and any other instruments served pursuant to applicable Law that are received by the Company relating to Company shareholders’ rights of appraisal and (ii) the opportunity to direct all negotiations and proceedings with respect to demand for appraisal under the Cayman Companies Law. The Company shall not, except with the prior written consent of the Parent, voluntarily make any payment with respect to any demands for appraisal, offer to settle or settle any such demands or approve any withdrawal of any such demands. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all Dissenting Shares held by any shareholder who shall have failed to validly exercise their appraisal and dissention rights, withdrawn or lost such shareholder’s rights to appraisal of such Dissenting Shares under Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Law shall thereupon be deemed to have been converted into, and to have become exchanged for, as of the Effective Time, the right to receive the Merger Consideration in the manner provided in Section 2.1.

2.3 Withholding Rights . The Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries, the Parent and the Paying Agent will be entitled to deduct and withhold from the amounts otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any Person such amounts as the Surviving Corporation or its Subsidiaries, the Parent or the Paying Agent is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code, or any provision of state, local or foreign Tax Law, and pay such withholding amount over to the appropriate taxing authority. To the extent that amounts are so deducted and withheld by the Surviving Corporation or its Subsidiaries, the Parent or the Paying Agent, such withheld amounts will be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by the Surviving Corporation or its Subsidiaries, Parent or the Paying Agent (as applicable).

 

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2.4 Exchange of Certificates .

(a) Paying Agent . Prior to the Effective Time, the Parent will designate a bank or trust company (which bank or trust company will be reasonably acceptable to the Company) to act as agent (the “ Paying Agent ”) to receive the funds to which shareholders of the Company will become entitled pursuant to Section 2.1(a), and the Parent will enter into a paying agent agreement with the Paying Agent, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company and the Parent, for the payment of the Merger Consideration. At or prior to the Effective Time, the Parent shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Paying Agent for the benefit of the shareholders of the Company an amount of cash equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares) and (ii) the Merger Consideration (the “ Payment Fund ”). The Payment Fund shall not be used for any purpose except as set forth herein. The Payment Fund will be invested by the Paying Agent as directed by the Parent; provided that the Parent shall not direct the Paying Agent to make any such investments that are speculative in nature. No such investment or losses thereon will affect the Merger Consideration payable under this Agreement, and the Parent will promptly provide, or will cause the Surviving Corporation promptly to provide, additional funds to the Paying Agent for the benefit of the former shareholders of the Company in the amount of any such losses.

(b) Exchange Procedure . As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time (but in any event no later than three Business Days after the Closing Date), the Surviving Corporation will cause the Paying Agent to mail to each holder of Common Stock as recorded in the Register of Members of the Company as of the Effective Time a form of letter of transmittal for use in effecting the surrender of Certificates, if any (which will be in customary form and shall specify that delivery will be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates will pass, only upon delivery of such Certificates to the Paying Agent) and instructions for use in effecting the delivery of such Certificates, if any, for payment of the Merger Consideration therefor. Upon delivery of a Certificate, if any, for cancellation to the Paying Agent, and such letter of transmittal, duly executed in accordance with the instructions thereto, and such other documents as may reasonably be required by the Paying Agent, the Paying Agent will pay from the Payment Fund to the holder of such Common Stock, or as otherwise directed in the letter of transmittal, the Merger Consideration for each share of Common Stock represented by any such Certificate, and such Certificate will forthwith be canceled. No interest will be paid or will accrue on the Merger Consideration payable in respect of any Common Stock.

(c) DTC Procedures . Prior to the Effective Time, the Parent and the Company shall cooperate to establish procedures with the Paying Agent and the Depository Trust Company (“ DTC ”) to ensure that (x) if the Closing occurs at or prior to 11:30 am (New York time) on the Closing Date, the Paying Agent will transmit to DTC or its nominee on the Closing Date an amount in cash in immediately available funds equal to the number of shares of Common Stock held of record by DTC or such nominee immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by the Merger Consideration (such amount, the “ DTC Payment ”), and (y) if the Closing occurs after 11:30 am (New York time) on the Closing Date, the Paying Agent will transmit to DTC or its nominee on the first Business Day after the Closing Date an amount in cash in immediately available funds equal to the DTC Payment.

(d) Termination of Payment Fund . At any time following the date that is one year after the Closing Date, the Surviving Corporation will be entitled to require the Paying Agent to deliver to it any funds in the Payment Fund which had been made available to the Paying Agent and not disbursed to holders of Common Stock (including all interest and other income received by the Paying Agent in respect of all funds made available to it), and thereafter such holders who have not received the Merger Consideration therefor may deliver such Common Stock to the Surviving Corporation and, subject to applicable abandoned property, escheat and other similar Laws, receive in consideration therefor the aggregate Merger Consideration that may be payable upon delivery of the Certificates (if any) and such shares of Common Stock held by them, without interest or dividends thereon.

 

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(e) No Further Ownership Rights in Company Shares . The Merger Consideration paid upon the delivery of a Certificate (if any) in accordance with the terms of this Agreement will be deemed to have been paid in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the shares of Common Stock formerly represented by such Certificate (if any). At the Effective Time, there will be no further registration of transfers on the Register of Members of the Surviving Corporation of the shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates (if any) whose holder is recorded as a holder of Common Stock in the Register of Members at the Effective Time are presented to the Surviving Corporation or the Paying Agent for transfer or any other reason, they will be canceled and exchanged for the Merger Consideration as provided in this Article II.

(f) No Liability . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, none of the Parent, Merger Sub, the Company, the Surviving Corporation or the Paying Agent will be liable to any shareholders of the Company or other Person in respect of any cash properly delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Laws. Any portion of the Payment Fund remaining unclaimed by shareholders of the Company as of a date that is immediately prior to such time as such amounts would otherwise escheat to or become property of any Governmental Entity will, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, become the property of the Parent free and clear of any claims or interest of any Person previously entitled thereto.

(g) Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates . In the event that any Certificate has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the Surviving Corporation or Paying Agent will, upon (i) the receipt of an affidavit of that fact by the holder thereof in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Surviving Corporation or Paying Agent, as the case may be, and (ii) the posting of a bond, in such reasonable amount as the Surviving Corporation may direct, as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate, pay in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate whose holder is recorded as a holder of Common Stock in the Register of Members of the Company at the Effective Time the Merger Consideration payable in respect of the shares of Common Stock represented by such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate.

 

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ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

Except as disclosed (i) in the SEC Filings filed with the SEC on or after August 28, 2009 but prior to the date hereof (provided that nothing disclosed in such SEC Filings shall be deemed to be a modification to or qualification of the representations and warranties made in Section 3.2), other than disclosures in such SEC Filings contained under the heading “Risk Factors”, any disclosure of risks included in any “forward-looking statements” disclaimer or any other statements that are similarly predictive or forward-looking in nature or (ii) in the disclosure schedule delivered by the Company to the Parent on the date hereof (the “ Disclosure Schedule ”), it being understood and agreed that disclosure of any item in any section or subsection of Article III of the Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed disclosure in all other sections or subsections if the relevance of such item to such sections or subsections is reasonably apparent on its face, the Company represents and warrants to the Parent and Merger Sub as follows:

3.1 Qualification, Organization and Subsidiaries .

(a) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is a legal entity duly organized, incorporated or formed, validly existing and in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions that recognize the concept of good standing) under the Laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization, incorporation or formation. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries (i) has all requisite corporate or similar power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted and (ii) is qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation (or other applicable entity) in each jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation of its assets or properties or conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing, would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has made available to the Parent prior to the date hereof complete and correct copies of the memorandum and articles of association (or equivalent organizational and governing documents) of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries.

(b) Section 3.1(b) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and correct list of each Subsidiary of the Company, the jurisdiction of organization and the percentage of outstanding equity interests (including partnership interests and limited liability company interests) owned by the Company or its Subsidiaries of each such Subsidiary. All equity interests (including partnership interests and limited liability company interests) of such Subsidiaries held by the Company or by any other Subsidiary have been duly and validly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and were not issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights, purchase option, call or right of first refusal or similar rights. All such equity interests owned by the Company or its Subsidiaries are free and clear of any Liens, other than Permitted Liens and restrictions imposed by applicable Law.

3.2 Capitalization .

(a) The authorized share capital of the Company consists of US$160,002 divided into 600,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 60,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. As of the close of business on April 24, 2011: (i) 63,983,846 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding; (ii) no shares of Common Stock were held as treasury shares; (iii) no shares of Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding; (iv) 7,800,483 shares of Common Stock were subject to outstanding Company Stock Options; and (v) 1,845,155 shares of Common Stock were subject to outstanding Company Restricted Stock Awards. Since April 24, 2011, the Company has not issued any shares in its capital or other rights or securities exercisable, convertible into or exchangeable for shares in its capital, other than or pursuant to any equity awards or interests referred to above that were issued pursuant to the Company Equity Incentive Plan and that were outstanding as of April 24, 2011, or as expressly permitted pursuant to Section 5.1(b). All outstanding shares of Common Stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and are not subject to and were not issued in violation of any preemptive or similar right, purchase option, call or right of first refusal or similar right binding on the Company.

 

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(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.2(a) above or Section 3.2(b)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule , (i) neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries has any shares in its capital or other equity interests issued or outstanding and (ii) there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, convertible securities or other similar rights, agreements or commitments relating to the issuance of shares or other equity interests to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party obligating the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to (A) issue, transfer or sell any shares in its capital or other equity interests of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such shares or equity interests, (B) grant, extend or enter into any such subscription, option, warrant, call, convertible securities or other similar right, agreement or arrangement, (C) redeem or otherwise acquire any such shares in its share capital or other equity interests, or (D) provide funds to, or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in, any of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries or any other Person. Section 3.2(b)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a correct and complete list of all outstanding Company Stock Options (including the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such Company Stock Options and the exercise price with respect thereto) as of the date hereof.

(c) Except for awards to acquire shares of Common Stock under the Company Equity Incentive Stock Plan, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations, the holders of which have the right to vote (or that are convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) with the shareholders of the Company on any matter.

(d) There are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party with respect to the voting, transfer or registration of the shares or other equity interest of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or granting any person the right to elect, or to designate or nominate for election, a director to the Board of Directors or any of its Subsidiaries.

(e) Since August 27, 2010 to the date hereof, the Company has not declared or paid any dividend or distribution in respect of any shares in its capital or other equity interests of the Company, and other than the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of Company Stock Options, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has issued, sold, repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired any shares in its capital or other equity interests of the Company or its Subsidiaries, and their respective boards of directors (or similar governing bodies) have not authorized any such actions.

(f) Each Company Stock Option has an exercise price per share of Common Stock equal to or greater than the fair market value of a share of Common Stock at the close of trading on the date of such grant. Each Company Stock Option and Company Restricted Stock Award (i) was granted in compliance with all applicable Laws in all material respects and all of the terms and conditions of the Company Equity Incentive Plan and (ii) has a grant date no earlier than the date on which the Board of Directors (or applicable committee thereof) actually approved such Company Stock Option or Company Restricted Stock Award, as the case may be.

 

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(g) There is no outstanding Indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries other than Indebtedness reflected in the consolidated balance sheet (and the notes thereto) of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the Balance Sheet Date or incurred after the Balance Sheet Date in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices.

3.3 Authority .

(a) The Company has all requisite company power and authority and has taken all company action necessary in order to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, subject, in the case of the Merger, to the Company obtaining the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two thirds of the Common Stock attending a duly convened shareholders meeting of the Company (in person or by proxy) voting by poll, authorizing the Cayman Plan of Merger, including, without limitation, the adoption of the Memorandum and Articles of Associations (the “ Shareholder Approval ”).

(b) The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary company action and, except for obtaining the Shareholder Approval and assuming the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.2(e) and 6.2(f), no other company action on the part of the Company is necessary to authorize the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered and, assuming due and valid authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the other parties hereto, constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except that such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting or relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and is subject to general principles of equity (the “ Bankruptcy Exceptions ”). Upon receipt of the Shareholder Approval, no further approval or vote of the Company’s shareholders shall be required to approve, adopt and execute this Agreement or consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(c) The Special Committee, at a meeting duly called and held, unanimously (i) determined that this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Unaffiliated Shareholders of the Company and the Company as a whole and (ii) recommended to the Board of Directors that it approve and declare advisable this Agreement and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger. The Board of Directors, at a meeting duly called and held, (A) determined that this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Unaffiliated Shareholders of the Company and the Company as a whole, (B) approved this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (C) declared this Agreement advisable, and (iv) resolved to recommend authorization, adoption and approval of the Merger, the Cayman Plan of Merger and this Agreement by the shareholders of the Company (collectively, the “ Board Recommendation ”). The Board of Directors, acting upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, has directed that the Cayman Plan of Merger and this Agreement be submitted to the holders of Common Stock for their approval. Assuming the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.2(e) and 6.2(f), the Shareholder Approval is the only vote of the holders of any class or series of the Company’s securities necessary to approve, adopt and execute this Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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3.4 Noncontravention .

(a) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby will, with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, (i) violate any provision of the memorandum and articles of association (or equivalent organizational and governing documents) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) assuming compliance with the filing and notice requirements set forth in clauses (i) through (v) of Section 3.4(b), violate any Law applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (iii) except as set forth in Section 3.4(a) of the Disclosure Schedule , result in a breach of, constitute a default under, give rise to any right of modification of any obligations or the loss of any benefit under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or otherwise violate any Contract to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or (iv) result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any properties, rights or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except, in the case of the immediately preceding clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv), to the extent that any such violation would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement does not, and the performance hereof by the Company will not, require any Order, Permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity, except for (i) such filings under state securities Laws or blue sky Laws, the Securities Act and the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (including the filing of the Schedule 13E-3 and a proxy statement relating to the Company Shareholders Meeting (along with any amendments and supplements thereto, the “ Proxy Statement ”)), (ii) such filings as may be required under the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Global Select Market (the “ Nasdaq ”), including any applications for delisting of the Common Stock with the Nasdaq, (iii) such filings as may be required under the HSR Act, (iv) such other filings as may be required under the Other Antitrust Laws, (v) the filing and recordation of appropriate merger or other documents as required by the Cayman Companies Law, (vi) the filings set forth in Section 3.4(b) of the Disclosure Schedule and (vii) such other Orders, Permits, filings and notifications which if not obtained or made would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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3.5 SEC Filings and Financial Statements .

(a) Since August 28, 2009, the Company and each of its Subsidiaries that is required to do so has filed or furnished, on a timely basis, all forms, documents and reports required to be filed or furnished with the SEC under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (collectively with any amendments thereto, the “ SEC Filings ”). Each of the SEC Filings, in each case as of its filing date, as finally amended prior to the date of this Agreement (with respect to those SEC Filings initially filed prior to the date hereof) or prior to the Closing Date (with respect to those SEC Filings initially filed after the date hereof), has complied or, if not yet filed or furnished, will comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. None of the SEC Filings, when filed as finally amended prior to the date hereof (with respect to those SEC Filings initially filed prior to the date hereof) and when filed prior to the Closing Date (with respect to those SEC Filings initially filed after the date hereof) contained or, if not yet filed or furnished, will contain, any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. None of the Subsidiaries of the Company is required to file periodic reports with the SEC. As of the date hereof, there are no material outstanding or unresolved comments received from the SEC with respect to any of the SEC Filings.

(b) The financial statements (including all related notes and schedules) of the Company and its Subsidiaries included in the SEC Filings present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as at the respective dates thereof, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the respective periods then ended (subject, in the case of the unaudited statements, to normal year-end adjustments and to any other adjustments described therein, including the notes thereto) and were prepared in all material respects in conformity with GAAP (except, in the case of the unaudited statements, as permitted by the SEC) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be expressly indicated therein or in the notes thereto). Since August 28, 2009, subject to any applicable grace periods, the Company has been and is in compliance with (i) the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and (ii) the applicable rules and regulations of the Nasdaq, except for any such noncompliance that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) The Company and its Subsidiaries have no Liabilities of a nature required to be reflected on a balance sheet (or in the notes thereto) prepared in accordance with GAAP, other than (i) Liabilities that are specifically reflected, reserved for or disclosed in the balance sheet (or in the notes thereto) included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements set forth in the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC for the quarter ended February 25, 2011 (the “ Balance Sheet Date ”) as filed with the SEC prior to the date of this Agreement, (ii) Liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business since the Balance Sheet Date, (iii) Liabilities incurred in connection with this Agreement and the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby, or (iv) Liabilities that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(d) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, or has any commitment to become a party to, any “off balance sheet arrangement” (as defined in Item 303(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC).

 

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3.6 Internal Controls and Procedures . The Company has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a 15(e) under the Exchange Act) as required by Rule 13a 15(a) under the Exchange Act, and the Company has established and maintains internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a 15(e) under the Exchange Act) as required by Rule 13a 15(b) under the Exchange Act. Such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company 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 rules and forms. The Company has not identified any material weaknesses in its internal controls, and the Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would prevent its chief executive officer and chief financial officer from giving the certifications and authorizations required pursuant to the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to Section 401 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, without qualification, when next due. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, since the August 28, 2009, to the Knowledge of the Company, neither the Company or its Subsidiaries has received any written complaint, allegation, assertion or claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of the Company or its Subsidiary or their respective internal accounting controls.

3.7 Taxes . Except as set forth in Section 3.7 of the Disclosure Schedule :

(a) All material Tax Returns required to have been filed by the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have been timely filed, and each such Tax Return reflects the Company’s or such Subsidiary’s Liability for Taxes and is otherwise complete and accurate in all material respects. All material amounts of Taxes due and payable by the Company and each of its Subsidiaries (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been timely paid. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has made adequate provision in their financial statements in accordance with GAAP for payment of all material amounts of Taxes that are not yet due and payable.

(b) There is no material audit, examination, investigation or other proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in respect of any Taxes. There are no material Tax Liens on any of the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that arose in connection with any failure (or alleged failure) to pay any Tax, other than Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable.

(c) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has withheld and paid all material amounts of Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any third party.

(d) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has waived any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency.

(e) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any Tax allocation or sharing agreement or material Tax indemnity agreement, other than (i) agreements exclusively between or among the Company and/or its Subsidiaries and (ii) commercial Contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business and debt agreements that do not relate primarily to Taxes.

 

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(f) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a “controlled corporation” or a “distributing corporation” in any distribution occurring during the two year period ending on the date hereof that was purported or intended to be governed by Section 355 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law).

(g) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is or has been a member of an affiliated group (other than a group the common parent of which is or was the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) filing an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary Tax return or has any Liability for the Taxes of any other Person (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulation § 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law), as a transferee or successor.

(h) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include amounts in income, or exclude items of deduction, in a taxable period beginning after the Closing Date as a result of (i) a change in method of accounting occurring prior to the Closing Date, (ii) an installment sale or open transaction arising in a taxable period (or portion thereof) ending on or before the Closing Date, (iii) any material prepaid amount received, or paid, prior to the Closing Date, (iv) deferred gains arising prior to the Closing Date or (v) an election under Section 108(i) of the Code.

(i) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in any listed transaction described in Treasury Regulation § 1.6011-4(b)(2).

(j) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice from a Governmental Entity in a jurisdiction where the Company or any of its Subsidiaries does not file Tax Returns claiming that the Company or any such Subsidiary is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction.

(k) To the Company’s knowledge, SMART Modular Technologies (DE), Inc. qualifies as an “existing 80/20 company” as defined in Section 871(l)(1) of the Code.

(l) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance in all material respects with all terms, conditions and formalities necessary for the continuance of any material Tax exemption, Tax holiday or other Tax reduction agreement or Order currently used by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under the Tax laws of Puerto Rico or Malaysia. Each such material Tax exemption, Tax holiday or other Tax reduction agreement or Order shall remain in full force and effect on the Closing Date and, to the Company’s knowledge, the transactions contemplated hereby will not have any adverse effect on the continuing validity and effectiveness of any such Tax exemption, Tax holiday or other Tax reduction agreement or Order. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice of any termination, revocation or discontinuation, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, there is no threatened termination, revocation or discontinuation, of any material Tax exemption, Tax holiday or other Tax reduction agreement. The Malaysian Subsidiary is and has been in compliance with the all the conditions and obligations imposed on it (i) by the Malaysian

 

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Industrial Development Authority in the approval letter dated 22 March 2005 (Reference 130/38329/0347/0005ACI) and extension approval letter dated March 4, 2010 (Reference 180/38329/0347) to benefit from the tax incentives granted thereunder and (ii) in respect of the International Procurement Centre incentive granted pursuant to Section 127 of the Income Tax Act, 1967 of Malaysia in the approval letter dated April 30, 2004 (Reference 200/9/2/39(IPC)). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of or been charged with, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is under investigation with respect to, a material violation of the utilization by the Company and its Subsidiaries of the Tax incentives and benefits claimed by the Malaysian Subsidiary. As of the date hereof, there are no applications for Tax incentives and benefits (or extensions thereof) submitted by or on behalf of the Malaysian Subsidiary pending before the applicable Governmental Entity. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice indicating that any application for new or extended Tax incentives and benefits will be denied, delayed or materially reduced and, to the Knowledge of the Company, there is no reasonable basis for any such denial, delay or reduction. The Malaysian Subsidiary holds all right, title and interest in its Permits representing or evidencing Tax incentives or benefits granted, rights issued or granted by any Governmental Entity.

(m) The Brazil Semiconductor Subsidiary (i) is and has been in compliance, since January 19, 2011, in all material respects with all applicable conditions, obligations, provisions and requirements set forth under Law 11,484/07, as amended, that established tax benefits under the Programa de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Tecnológico da Indústria de Semicondutores (“ PADIS ”), granted by Portaria Interministerial No. 931, dated as of November 5, 2010 and related Ato Declaratório Executivo No. 3, dated as of January 17, 2011, the benefits which the Brazil Semiconductor Subsidiary did not enjoy prior to February 1, 2011, and with all other material Tax incentives or benefits obtained or currently applicable to it, (ii) has obtained all necessary approvals and authorizations from applicable Governmental Entities, in each case, to utilize the applicable Tax incentives and benefits currently claimed by the Brazil Semiconductor Subsidiary, including under PADIS, and (iii) is in compliance with the Special Tax Regime granted by State of São Paulo tax authorities through Processo UA-1000635-194694/2004. The Brazil Module Subsidiary (A) is and has been in compliance, since August 30, 2010, in all material respects with all applicable conditions, obligations, provisions and requirements set forth under Law 8,248/91, as amended, that established tax benefits in connection with the Basic Productive Process (“ PPB ”), granted by Portaria Interministerial No. 644, dated as of August 26, 2010, the benefits which the Brazil Module Subsidiary did not enjoy prior to February 1, 2011, and with all other material Tax incentives or benefits obtained or currently applicable to it, (B) has obtained all necessary approvals and authorizations from applicable Governmental Entities, in each case, to utilize the applicable Tax incentives and benefits currently claimed by the Brazil Module Subsidiary, including under PPB and (C) has regularly applied to be accredited as a PPB company, as set forth by the State of Sao Paulo’s Portaria CAT No. 53, dated as of August 8, 2006, as amended, in order to be eligible for the tax benefits under the State of Sao Paulo legislation. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of or been charged with, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is under investigation with respect to, a material violation of the utilization by the Company and its Subsidiaries of the Tax incentives and benefits claimed by the Brazil Subsidiaries, including under PADIS and PPB (collectively “ Tax Incentives and Benefits ”). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice of any termination, revocation or discontinuation, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, there is no threatened termination, revocation or discontinuation, of any Tax Incentives and Benefits claimed by the Brazil Subsidiaries.

 

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(n) The Brazil Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with the requirements set forth under applicable Law in connection with each application for Tax Incentives and Benefits submitted by or on behalf of the Brazil Subsidiaries that is currently pending before the applicable Governmental Entity and (i) except in relation to certain requests for clarification received from applicable Governmental Entities, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice rejecting or materially delaying, or threatening to reject or materially delay, the approval of such applications, and (ii) to the Knowledge of the Company, there is no reasonable basis for any such rejection or material delay. Correct and complete copies of all written requests for clarification received from any Governmental Authorities relating to any Tax Incentives and Benefits submitted by or on behalf of the Brazil Subsidiaries that are currently pending have been made available to the Parent prior to the date hereof.

(o) The Brazil Subsidiaries hold all right, title and interest in their respective Permits representing or evidencing PADIS, PPB or any other Tax Incentives and Benefits, rights issued or granted by any Governmental Entity.

3.8 Compliance with Laws; Orders; Permits; Litigation . Except with respect to Laws, Orders or Permits relating to Taxes, employee benefits, labor and employment or Environmental Laws, which representations shall be solely covered by Sections 3.7, 3.13, 3.14 and 3.15, respectively:

(a) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are and have since August 28, 2009 been in compliance with all Laws, Orders and Permits to which the Company or such Subsidiary is subject or by which the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ respective properties are bound, except where such failure to comply would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of or been charged with, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is under investigation with respect to, a material violation of any applicable Law. Neither the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, nor any of their respective Affiliates, executive officers or directors (i) appears on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List of the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury (“ OFAC ”) or on any other similar list maintained by OFAC pursuant to any authorizing statute, executive order or regulation; (ii) is otherwise a party with whom, or has its principal place of business or the majority of its business operations (measured by revenues) located in a country in which, transactions are prohibited by (A) United States Executive Order 13224, Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism; (B) the United States Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001; (C) the United States Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917, as amended; (D) the United States International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, as amended or (E) the foreign asset control regulations of the United States Department of the Treasury; (iii) has been convicted of or charged with a felony relating to money laundering; or (iv) to the Knowledge of the Company, is under investigation by any governmental authority for money laundering.

 

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(b) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries owns, holds, possesses or lawfully uses in the operation of its business all Permits that are necessary for it to own or lease its properties and assets and conduct its business as presently conducted, and all such Permits are in full force and effect and no cancellation or suspension of any Permit is pending or threatened, in each case except where such failure to own, hold, possess or lawfully use such Permit would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, none of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their respective directors, officers or employees or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any agent, or any other Person acting for or on behalf of the Company or its Subsidiaries, has (i) made any bribe, influence payment, kickback, payoff, or any other type of payment that would be unlawful under any applicable Law; or (ii) offered, paid, promised to pay, or authorized any payment or transfer of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any officer, employee or any other Person acting in an official capacity for any Governmental Entity (including any political party or official thereof), or to any candidate for political office (individually and collectively, a “ Government Official ”) for the purpose of (1) improperly influencing any act or decision of such Government Official in his official capacity, (2) improperly inducing such Government Official to do or omit to do any act in relation to his lawful duty, (3) securing any improper advantage, or (4) inducing such Government Official to improperly influence or affect any act or decision of any Governmental Entity, in each case, in order to assist the Company or its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective directors, officers or employees in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or in directing business to, any Person.

(d) As of the date hereof, there is no Action pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that (i) challenges or seeks to enjoin, alter, prevent or materially delay the Merger or (ii) would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. There is no Order imposed upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective assets or properties that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

3.9 Real and Personal Properties . Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Company and its Subsidiaries (a) owns and has good and valid title to all of their respective owned real property, (b) has good and valid title to all the personal properties and assets reflected on the latest audited balance sheet included in the SEC Filings as being owned by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or acquired after the date thereof (except properties sold or otherwise disposed of since the date thereof in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices), free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens, and (c) is the lessee of all leasehold estates reflected in the latest audited financial statements included in the SEC Filings or acquired after the date thereof and is in full possession and control of the properties purported to be leased thereunder.

 

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3.10 Intellectual Property .

(a) Section 3.10(a) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all material Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is registered, patented or subject to an application for registration or patent (including the application and registration date, and the jurisdictions where such Intellectual Property is registered, patented or where applications have been filed, and all registration, patent or application numbers, as appropriate) as of the date hereof (the “ Company-Registered Intellectual Property ”).

(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and as set forth on Section 3.10(b) of the Disclosure Schedule : (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries own, license or otherwise possess valid and enforceable rights to use, sell and otherwise commercially exploit, as the case may be, all Intellectual Property necessary to the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as presently conducted; (ii) the Company and its Subsidiaries, in the aggregate, are the exclusive owners of all right, title and interest in and to the Company Owned Intellectual Property, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens); (iii) the Company Registered Intellectual Property is unexpired, subsisting and valid; (iv) none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has since August 28, 2009 made a claim of a violation, infringement, misuse or misappropriation by any Person, of their rights to, or in connection with, any Company Owned Intellectual Property; (v) there is no Order to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or, to the Knowledge of the Company, by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound, that restricts the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ rights to use any Intellectual Property used by the Company or its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices; (vi) since August 28, 2009, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has incorporated any “open source”, “freeware”, “shareware” or other software code having similar license restrictions or distribution models in any material Company-owned software distributed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and (vii) the Company and its Subsidiaries take commercially reasonable steps to protect the confidentiality and security of their software, databases, systems, networks and internet sites from any unauthorized use, access, interruption or modification by third parties, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has since August 28, 2009 suffered a material security breach.

(c) To the Knowledge of the Company, neither the use of the Company Owned Intellectual Property as currently used by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the conduct of the Company’s business, nor the conduct of the business as presently conducted by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (including products and services of the Company and its Subsidiaries), infringes, dilutes, misappropriates or otherwise violates in any material respect the Intellectual Property rights of any Person. To the Knowledge of the Company, no Company-Owned Intellectual Property is being infringed, diluted, misappropriated or otherwise violated by any Person in any material respect, and no Actions by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are pending against any third party in connection with any Company-Owned Intellectual Property. No Actions are pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened that challenge the rights of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in, or the validity or enforceability of the Company-Owned Intellectual Property, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has since August 28, 2009 been or is subject to any Order that may affect such rights. Except as set forth on Section 3.10(c) of the Disclosure Schedule , neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has since August 28, 2009 received any written charge, complaint, claim, demand or notice alleging that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has infringed, misappropriated, misused or otherwise violated the Intellectual Property Rights of any third party.

 

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(d) Except for license agreements delivered with the Company’s products and services in the ordinary course of business and license agreements that are commercially available relating to computer software licensed to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, Section 3.10(d) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a correct and complete list of each material license, sublicense, collaboration or other agreement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party and pursuant to which any rights have been granted to or by the Company or any Subsidiary with respect to any Intellectual Property.

(e) Except as set forth on Section 3.10(e) of the Disclosure Schedule , no Trade Secret or any other confidential, proprietary information where the preservation of confidentiality is material to the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries has been authorized to be disclosed, or to the Knowledge of the Company, has actually been disclosed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any Person (including current and former employees, consultants and contractors of the Company and its Subsidiaries) other than pursuant to a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement restricting the disclosure and the use thereof, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable security measures to protect the confidentiality of Trade Secrets and other confidential information of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and third party confidential information provided to the Company or its Subsidiaries that the Company or such Subsidiary is obligated to maintain in confidence. The Company and its Subsidiaries have in place and enforce in all material respects a practice whereby the Company and its Subsidiaries execute a valid written confidentiality and Intellectual Property assignment agreement with all of their employees, consultants, and contractors who may have developed material Intellectual Property.

3.11 Absence of Certain Changes or Events .

(a) Since August 27, 2010, there has not been any change, state of facts, event, development or effect that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, since the Balance Sheet Date, (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses in the ordinary course of business and (ii) there has not occurred any action or event that, had such action or event occurred after the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time, would have breached any of the covenants contained in Sections 5.1(b)(i), 5.1(b)(ii), 5.1(b)(iii), 5.1(b)(vi), 5.1(b)(viii), 5.1(b)(x) and 5.1(b)(xi).

 

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3.12 Contracts .

(a) Section 3.12(a) of the Disclosure Schedule lists the following Contracts to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party as of the date of this Agreement, other than this Agreement, the Company Plans and the Policies (collectively, the “ Material Contracts ”):

(i) any Contract that would be required to be filed by the Company as a “material contract” pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, as a “definitive material agreement” (as such term is defined in Item 1.01 of Form 8-K of the SEC under the Exchange Act) or that would be required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulations S-K under the Securities Act;

(ii) any Contract containing any right of any exclusivity in favor of the other parties thereto with respect to any matter material to the Company’s business (including the sale, resale or distribution of any of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ products or the geographic area in which any product may be sold, resold or distributed) or any covenant limiting, in any respect, the ability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to engage in any line of business, compete with any Person or in any geographic area or solicit the employees of another Person;

(iii) each Contract that creates, governs or controls a partnership, joint venture or other similar arrangement with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(iv) each Contract that (A) provides for or relates to Indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries having an outstanding amount in excess of $5,000,000, other than any Indebtedness between or among any of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries or (B) provides for or relates to any hedging, derivatives or similar contracts or arrangements;

(v) each lease and sublease pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries uses or holds any material property involving payments by or to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of more than $500,000 on an annual basis;

(vi) (A) each Contract entered into after the Balance Sheet Date or (B) each Contract (x) pursuant to which any material earn-out, deferred or contingent payment remains outstanding or (y) entered into on or after August 28, 2009 pursuant to which indemnification obligations are still in effect (excluding indemnification obligations in respect of representations and warranties that survive indefinitely), in each case that relates to the acquisition or disposition of any business (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise) other than this Agreement;

(vii) each mortgage, pledge, security agreement, deed of trust or other Contract granting a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on any material real property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof;

(viii) each Contract containing restrictions with respect to (A) payment of dividends or any distributions in respect of the equity interests of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (B) the pledging of the shares in its capital or other equity interests of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (C) the issuance of any guaranty in excess of $5,000,000 by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

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(ix) each Contract (or series of related Contracts) for the purchase or sale of materials (other than purchase orders issued pursuant to a Contract governing such purchase orders or Contracts for the purchase or sale of materials entered into in the ordinary course of business), supplies, goods, services, equipment or other assets providing for annual payments by the Company and its Subsidiaries or to the Company and its Subsidiaries, respectively, during the calendar year prior to the date hereof of $40,000,000 or more;

(x) each Contract set forth on Section 3.10(d) of the Disclosure Schedule;

(xi) each material Contract with a Governmental Entity;

(xii) each Contract that provides for the payment, increase or vesting of any benefits or compensation in connection with the consummation of the Merger; and

(xiii) Contracts relating to any single or series of related capital expenditures by the Company pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has future financial obligations in excess of $3,000,000.

(b) (i) Each Material Contract is valid and binding on the Company and any of its Subsidiaries to the extent such Subsidiary is a party thereto, as applicable, and to the Knowledge of the Company, each other party thereto, and is in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms, except where the failure to be valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other party thereto, has performed all obligations required to be performed by it under each Material Contract, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, (iii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice of the existence of any event or condition which constitutes, or, after notice or lapse of time or both, will constitute, a default on the part of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any Material Contract, and to the Knowledge of the Company, there are no events or conditions which constitute, or, after notice or lapse of time or both, will constitute a default on the part of any counterparty under such Material Contract, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; and (iv) to the Knowledge of the Company, the Company has not received any notice from any Person that such Person intends to terminate, or not renew, any Material Contract.

(c) Section 3.12(c) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and accurate list of the top ten (10) customers of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, by net revenue during the 12-month period ended as at the Balance Sheet Date (the “ Top Customers ”) and Section 3.12(c) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and accurate list of the top five (5) suppliers of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, by expenditures during the 12-month period ended as at the Balance Sheet Date (the “ Top Suppliers ”). Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, as of the date hereof, (i) none of the Top Customers or the Top Suppliers has canceled or otherwise terminated, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, has informed the Company of its intention to terminate or not renew its relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice that any such Top Customer or Top Supplier, as the case may be, intends to terminate or otherwise materially and adversely (x) modify its relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (y) limit its purchases from or sales to, as applicable, the Company or its Subsidiaries (other than in the ordinary course of business).

 

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3.13 Employee Benefits .

(a) Except as set forth in Section 3.13(a) of the Disclosure Schedule , the Company does not maintain or contribute to or have any obligation to maintain or contribute to, or have any direct or indirect Liability, whether contingent or otherwise, with respect to any material plan, program, arrangement or agreement that is a pension, profit-sharing, deferred compensation, savings, retirement, employment, consulting, severance pay, termination, executive compensation, incentive compensation, deferred compensation, bonus, stock purchase, stock option, phantom stock or other equity-based compensation, change-in-control, retention, salary continuation, vacation, sick leave, disability, death benefit, group insurance, hospitalization, medical, dental, life, Code Section 125 “cafeteria” or “flexible” benefit, employee loan, educational assistance or fringe benefit plan, program, arrangement or agreement, whether written or oral, including any (i) material “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA or (ii) other material employee benefit plans, agreements, programs, policies, arrangements or payroll practices, whether or not subject to ERISA (including any funding mechanism therefor now in effect) under which any current or former employee, manager, director or individual consultant of the Company has any present or future right to benefits (individually, a “ Company Plan ”, and collectively the “ Company Plans ”). All references to the “Company” in this Section 3.13 shall refer to the Company and any employer that would be considered a single employer with the Company under Sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.

(b) The Company does not maintain, contribute or have any Liability, whether contingent or otherwise, with respect to, and has not within the preceding six years maintained, contributed or had any Liability, whether contingent or otherwise, with respect to any Company Plan (including, for such purpose, any “employee benefit plan,” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, which the Company previously maintained or contributed to within such preceding six years), that is, or has been, (i) subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code, (ii) maintained by more than one employer within the meaning of Section 413(c) of the Code, (iii) subject to Sections 4063 or 4064 of ERISA, (iv) a “multiemployer plan,” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, or (v) a “multiple employer welfare arrangement” as defined in Section 3(40) of ERISA.

 

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(c) Each Company Plan has been established and administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms and in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and all other applicable Laws. With respect to each Company Plan, (i) all reports, returns, notices and other documentation that are required to have been filed with or furnished to the IRS, the United States Department of Labor (“ DOL ”) or any other Governmental Entity, or to the participants or beneficiaries of such Company Plan have been filed or furnished on a timely basis; (ii) each Company Plan that is intended to be qualified within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter, or is entitled to rely on a favorable opinion letter, from the IRS to the effect that the Company Plan satisfies the requirements of Section 401(a) of the Code and that its related trust is exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code and, to the Knowledge of the Company, there are no facts or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to cause the loss of such qualification or the imposition of any Liability, penalty or tax under ERISA, the Code or any other applicable Laws; (iii) other than routine claims for benefits, no Liens, lawsuits or complaints to or by any Person or Governmental Entity have been filed against any Company Plan or the Company or, to the Knowledge of the Company, against any other Person and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no such Liens, lawsuits or complaints are contemplated or threatened with respect to any Company Plan; and (iv) there are no audits or proceedings initiated pursuant to the IRS Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (currently set forth in Revenue Procedure 2008-50) or similar proceedings pending with the IRS or DOL with respect to any Company Plan, except, in the case of the immediately preceding clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(d) All material liabilities or expenses of the Company in respect of any Company Plan that have not been paid, have been properly accrued in all material respects on the Company’s most recent financial statements, as of the date of the Company’s most recent financial statement, in accordance with GAAP. All material contributions (including all employer contributions and employee salary reduction contributions) or premium payments required to have been made under the terms of any Company Plan, or in accordance with applicable Law, as of the date hereof have been timely made or properly reflected on the Company’s financial statements.

(e) The Company has no obligation to provide or make available any post employment benefit under any Company Plan that is a “welfare plan” (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) for any current or former employee, manager, director or individual consultant, except as may be required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, or any similar state Law.

(f) Except as set forth on Section 3.13(f) of the Disclosure Schedule , neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (either alone or in combination with another event) (i) result in any payment becoming due, or increase the amount of any compensation due, to any current or former employee, manager, director or individual consultant of the Company; (ii) increase any benefits otherwise payable under any Company Plan; (iii) result in the acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any such compensation or benefits; or (iv) result in the payment of any amount that could, individually or in combination with any other such payment, constitute an “excess parachute payment,” as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code.

(g) The Company has no direct or indirect Liability, whether absolute or contingent, with respect to any misclassification of any Person as an independent contractor rather than as an employee, or with respect to any employee leased from another employer, except where such Liability would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(h) The Company has made available to the Parent with respect to each Company Plan, a true, correct and complete copy (or, to the extent no such copy exists, an accurate description) thereof, including all amendments, and, to the extent applicable: (i) any related trust agreement or other funding instrument; (ii) the most recent IRS determination letter; (iii) the most recent summary plan description, summary of material modifications and any other material written communication by the Company to its employees concerning the extent of the benefits provided under a Company Plan; and (iv) the most recent (A) Form 5500 and attached schedules, and (B) audited financial statements.

(i) The Company has complied in all material respects with Section 409A of the Code with respect to any compensation paid or payable pursuant to a Company Plan that is a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” (as defined in Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code).

(j) Except as set forth in Section 3.13(j) of the Disclosure Schedule , no Company Plan is maintained outside the jurisdiction of the United States (any such Company Plan set forth in Section 3.13(j) of the Disclosure Schedule , “ Foreign Benefit Plans ”). Except as would not reasonably be expect to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, (i) all Foreign Benefit Plans have been established, maintained and administered in compliance in all material respects with their terms and all applicable statutes, laws, ordinances, rules, orders, decrees, judgments, writs, and regulations of any controlling governmental authority or instrumentality and (ii) all Foreign Benefit Plans that are required to be funded are fully funded, and with respect to all other Foreign Benefit Plans, adequate reserves therefore have been established on the accounting statements of the applicable Company or Subsidiary entity.

3.14 Labor and Employment Matters . Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, wages, hours or work, employment standards, human rights, pay equity, privacy, workers compensation, workplace safety and insurance, labor relations and occupational safety and health, and is not engaged in any act or practice which constitutes or would reasonably be expected to constitute an unfair labor practice as defined in the National Labor Relations Act, as amended, or other applicable Laws. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, there are no pending, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, labor disputes, grievances, work stoppages, requests for representation, pickets, work slow-downs due to labor disagreements or any actions or arbitrations that involve the labor or employment relations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth on Section 3.14 of the Disclosure Schedule , neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is (a) party to any collective bargaining agreement or other Contract or understanding with a labor union or organization or (b) obligated to inform or consult any works council with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. To the Knowledge of the Company, there are no organizational efforts by any labor organization or any group of employees with respect to the formation or recognition of a collective bargaining unit presently being made involving employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth on Section 3.14 of the Disclosure Schedule , the Company has not effectuated, within the 90 day period preceding the date hereof, nor does it currently have plans to effectuate (A) a “plant closing,” as defined in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the “ WARN Act ”), (B) a “mass layoff” (as defined in the WARN Act) or (C) such other layoff, reduction in force or employment terminations sufficient in number to trigger application of any similar state or local law which would be material.

 

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3.15 Environmental . Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect: (a) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all, and have not violated any, applicable Environmental Laws (as defined below); (b) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries possess and comply with, and have not violated any, Permits required under Environmental Law for their respective operations as currently and since the beginning of the last complete fiscal year prior to the date hereof have been conducted, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice that, and to the Knowledge of the Company there is no basis for any such Permit to be revoked, not re-issued, or adversely modified; (c) there are no Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries alleging any violation of or liability (i) under any Environmental Law, or (ii) arising out of the presence or release of any substance or material listed, classified or regulated by any Governmental Entity as toxic or hazardous, as a pollutant or contaminant, or as any other words having the same or similar meaning (“ Materials of Environmental Concern ”); (d) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to or affected by any Order under any Environmental Law or regarding any Materials of Environmental Concern; (e) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has released any Materials of Environmental Concern at any property currently or formerly owned or operated by any of them and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no Materials of Environmental Concern are otherwise present at or affecting any property owned or operated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other location (including any facility for the treatment, storage, or disposal of Materials of Environmental Concern), in such circumstances or under such conditions that could reasonably be expected to result in liability to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to Environmental Laws or adversely affect any of them; and (f) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has assumed or retained, by contract or, to the Knowledge of the Company, by operation of Law, any liability under Environmental Laws or regarding any Materials of Environmental Concern. As used herein, “ Environmental Laws ” means Laws and Orders relating to protection of the environment, or protection of human health and safety as may be affected by environmental conditions or by exposure to Materials of Environmental Concern.

3.16 Insurance . The Company and its Subsidiaries have all material policies of insurance covering the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their respective employees, properties or assets (collectively, the “ Policies ”), including policies of property, fire, workers’ compensation, products liability, directors’ and officers’ liability and other casualty and liability insurance, that is in a form and amount that is customarily carried by persons conducting business similar to that of the Company and which the Company believes is adequate for the operation of its business. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, all of the Policies are in full force and effect and all premiums due and payable thereon from the Company have been paid in full, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other party thereto, is in violation or breach of or default under (or with notice or lapse of time, or both, would be in violation or breach of or default under) the terms of any Policies. There is no material claim pending under any of such policies as to which coverage has been questioned, denied or disputed by the underwriters of such policies and there has been no threatened termination of any such policies. Section 3.16 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth the aggregate amount of the annual premium for the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy (including any Side A coverage) in effect as of the date hereof. Complete and correct copies of each material Policy relating to the business, assets, liabilities, operations, employees, officers and directors of the Company or its Subsidiaries have been made available to the Parent prior to the date hereof.

 

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3.17 Proxy Statement; Schedule 13E-3 . The Proxy Statement (including any amendments or supplements thereto or any document incorporated by reference therein) shall not, on the date it is first mailed to the shareholders of the Company and at the time of the Company Shareholders Meeting, and the Schedule 13E-3 shall not, on the date it (including any amendments or supplements thereto or any document incorporated by reference therein) is filed with the SEC, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Each of the Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3 will comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to information relating to the Parent or its Affiliates supplied in writing by or on behalf of the Parent or Merger Sub for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3.

3.18 Brokers and Other Advisors . No broker, finder, financial advisor, investment banker or other similar Person (other than Barclays Capital, Inc. (the “ Financial Advisor ”), the fees and expenses of which will be paid by the Company) is entitled to any brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Prior to the date hereof, the Company has made available to the Parent a true and correct copy of the each engagement letter between the Company and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the Financial Advisor and any of its Affiliates, on the other hand.

3.19 Opinion of the Financial Advisor . The Financial Advisor has delivered to the Special Committee its opinion, dated as of April 25, 2011, substantially to the effect that, as of such date and based on and subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations contained therein, the Merger Consideration to be received by the Unaffiliated Shareholders of the Company pursuant to this Agreement is fair to such shareholders from a financial point of view.

3.20 Takeover Statutes Not Applicable . The Company has taken all action required to be taken by it in order to exempt this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby from, and this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby are exempt from, the requirements of any “moratorium”, “control share acquisition”, “fair price”, “interested shareholder”, “business combination” or other anti takeover laws and regulations of any Governmental Entity or contained in the memorandum and articles of association of the Company. The Company does not have in effect any shareholder rights plan, “poison pill” or similar plan or arrangement.

 

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3.21 Affiliate Transactions . Except for director and employment related Contracts filed or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to a form, report or other document filed by the Company with the SEC prior to the date hereof, as of the date hereof no officer or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any Person that beneficially owns 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock is a party to any Contract with or binding upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets that is material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, has any interest in any material property owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

3.22 No Other Representations or Warranties . Except for the representations and warranties contained in Article IV, the Company acknowledges that none of the Parent, Merger Sub or any other Person on behalf of the Parent or Merger Sub makes any other express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Parent or Merger Sub or with respect to any other information provided to the Company.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARENT AND MERGER SUB

The Parent and Merger Sub jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Company as follows:

4.1 Organization . Each of the Parent and Merger Sub is duly organized, incorporated or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction.

4.2 Authorization . Each of the Parent and Merger Sub has the requisite legal power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its respective obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance by each of the Parent and Merger Sub of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and no other action on the part of the Parent or Merger Sub is necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (other than the adoption and approval pursuant to the Cayman Companies Law of this Agreement immediately after the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Parent (or a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent) in its capacity as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub and compliance with the filing and notice requirements set forth in Sections 4.3(b)(i) through (v)). Assuming its due authorization, execution and delivery by the Company, this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of the Parent and Merger Sub enforceable against the Parent and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, except as limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions.

4.3 Noncontravention .

(a) Neither the execution and the delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, will, with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, (i) violate any provision of memorandum and articles of association (or comparable organization documents, as applicable) of the Parent or Merger Sub, (ii) assuming compliance with the filing and notice requirements set forth in Sections 4.3(b)(i) through (v), violate any Law applicable to the Parent or Merger Sub on the date hereof, (iii) result in a breach of, constitute a default under, give rise to any right of modification of any obligations or the loss of any benefit under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or otherwise violate any Contract to which the Parent or Merger Sub is a party or (iv) result in the creation of any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on an properties, rights or assets of the Parent or Merger Sub, except in the case of clauses (ii), (iii) or (iv) to the extent that any such violation would not reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Parent and Merger Sub does not, and the performance thereof will not, require any Order, Permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity, except for (i) such filings under state securities Laws or blue sky Laws, the Securities Act and the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3), (ii) such filings required under the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq, (iii) such filings as may be required under the HSR Act, (iv) such other filings as may be required under the Other Antitrust Laws, (v) the filing and recordation of appropriate merger or other documents as required by the Cayman Companies Law, (vi) the filings set forth in Section 3.4(b) of the Disclosure Schedule and (vii) such Orders, Permits, filings and notifications which if not obtained or made would not reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.4 Financing . Parent has delivered to the Company true, complete and correct copies of: (i) the executed commitment letter, dated as of April 26, 2011 among Merger Sub, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, UBS Loan Finance LLC and UBS Securities LLC and excerpts of those portions of the executed fee letter associated therewith that contain any conditions to funding or “flex” provisions or other provisions (excluding provisions related solely to fees and economic terms agreed to by the parties thereto) regarding the terms and conditions of the financing to be provided by such commitment letter (such commitment letter, including all exhibits, schedules, annexes and amendments thereto and each such fee letter, collectively, the “ Debt Financing Commitment ”), pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, UBS Loan Finance LLC and UBS Securities LLC have agreed to lend the amounts set forth therein (the “ Debt Financing ”) for the purpose of funding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and (ii) the executed equity commitment letter, dated as of April 26, 2011 among Parent and the Guarantors (the “ Equity Financing Commitment ” and together with the Debt Financing Commitment, the “ Financing Commitments ”), pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, each of the Guarantors has committed to invest the cash amount set forth therein (the “ Equity Financing ” and together with the Debt Financing, the “ Financing ”). None of the Financing Commitments has been amended or modified prior to the date of this Agreement, and, as of the date hereof, (x) the respective commitments contained in the Financing Commitments have not been withdrawn, modified, amended, terminated or rescinded in any respect and (y) no such withdrawal, termination, rescission, amendment or modification is contemplated (other than amendments and modifications permitted under Section 5.10). As of the date hereof, there are no side letters or other agreements, Contracts or arrangements to which Parent or any of its Affiliates is a party that could affect the availability of the Financing. As of the date hereof, the Financing Commitments are in full force and effect and

 

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constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of each of Parent, Merger Sub and, to the knowledge of Parent, the other parties thereto. There are no conditions precedent or other contingencies related to the funding of the full amount of the Financing (including any “flex” provisions), other than as expressly set forth in the Financing Commitments. Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.2 and performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder, the aggregate net proceeds to be disbursed pursuant to the agreements contemplated by the Financing Commitments, in the aggregate and together with the cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of the Company and its Subsidiaries reflected on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as at the Balance Sheet Date and the contribution contemplated by the letter agreements set forth on Section 4.12 of the Disclosure Schedule in accordance with the terms thereof, will be sufficient for Parent and the Surviving Corporation at the Effective Time to pay all amounts contemplated hereunder to be paid by them, to redeem the Notes and to pay the amount outstanding under the Loan and Security Agreement, to satisfy the obligations of the Company under Section 2.1(d) and to pay all related fees and expenses. As of the date hereof, no event has occurred which would result in any breach or violation of or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) by Parent or Merger Sub under the Financing Commitments, and Parent does not have any reason to believe that any of the conditions to the Financing will not be satisfied or that the Financing will not be available to Parent on the Closing Date. Parent has fully paid all commitment fees or other fees required to be paid on or prior to the date hereof pursuant to the Financing Commitments.

4.5 Litigation . As of the date hereof, there is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of Parent or Merger Sub, threatened against Parent or Merger Sub that challenges or seeks to enjoin, alter, prevent or materially delay the Merger.

4.6 Merger Sub; Ownership of Company Shares . Merger Sub has been formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated hereby and prior to the Effective Time will have engaged in no other business activities and will have incurred no liabilities or obligations other than as contemplated herein. Neither Parent nor Merger Sub owns any shares of Common Stock.

4.7 Information Supplied . None of the information relating to Parent or its Affiliates supplied in writing by Parent or Merger Sub for inclusion in the Proxy Statement shall, on the date it is first mailed to shareholders of the Company and at the time of the Company Shareholders Meeting, and in the Schedule 13E-3 shall, on the date it is filed with the SEC, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.

4.8 Vote/Approval Required . No vote or consent of the holders of any class or series of shares in its capital of Parent is necessary to approve this Agreement or the Merger or the transactions contemplated hereby. The vote or consent of Parent (or a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent) as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub (which shall occur promptly following the execution of this Agreement) is the only vote or consent of the holders of any class or series of shares in its capital of Merger Sub necessary to approve this Agreement or the Merger or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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4.9 Brokers and Other Advisors . No broker, finder, financial advisor or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by Parent, Merger Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries for which the Company could have any Liability prior to the Effective Time.

4.10 Solvency . Neither Parent nor Merger Sub is entering into this Agreement or the Financing Commitments with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud either present or future creditors. Immediately after giving effect to all of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Financing Commitments, including the Financing, the payment of the Merger Consideration and any other repayment or refinancing of debt that may be contemplated in the Debt Financing Commitment, assuming satisfaction of the conditions to Parent’s obligation to consummate the Merger as set forth herein, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Article III and the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder, the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (a) as of such date will be able to pay its debts as they become due and shall own property having a fair saleable value greater than the amounts required to pay its debts as they become absolute and mature; and (b) shall not have, as of such date, unreasonably small capital to carry on its business in which it is engaged. For purposes of this definition, “not have, as of such date, unreasonably small capital to carry on its business in which it is engaged” means that the Surviving Corporation will be able to generate enough cash from operations, asset dispositions or refinancing, or a combination thereof, to meet its obligations as they become due.

4.11 No Other Representations or Warranties . Except for the representations and warranties contained in Article III, each of Parent and Merger Sub acknowledges that neither the Company nor any other person on behalf of the Company makes any other express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries or with respect to any other information provided to Parent or Merger Sub in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, none of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any other Person has made or makes any representation to Parent or Merger Sub or any other Person with respect to the accuracy, reasonableness or otherwise of any projections, estimates, forecasts or budgets for the Company or its Subsidiaries (individually or taken as a whole).

4.12 No Arrangements . Except as set forth on Section 4.12 of the Disclosure Schedule , as of the date hereof, there are no Contracts between Parent or Merger Sub or any of their Affiliates and any member of the Company’s management that relate to the Company or its Subsidiaries, the Merger or the transactions contemplated hereby.

4.13 Investigation by Parent and Merger Sub . Each of Parent and Merger Sub has conducted its own independent review and analysis of the business, assets, condition, operations and prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries. In entering into this Agreement, each of Parent and Merger Sub has relied solely upon its own investigation and analysis and on the Company’s representations and warranties set forth in Article III.

 

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ARTICLE V

COVENANTS

5.1 Operation of the Company’s Business .

(a) From and after the date hereof and prior to the Closing or the date, if any, on which this Agreement is earlier terminated pursuant to Section 7.1 (the “ Termination Date ”), and except (i) with the prior written consent of the Parent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), (ii) as may be required by Law, (iii) as expressly required by this Agreement, or (iv) as expressly set forth in Section 5.1(a) of the Disclosure Schedule , the Company covenants and agrees with the Parent that the Company and its Subsidiaries shall (y) carry on its business in the ordinary course consistent with past practices, and (z) use commercially reasonable efforts to keep available the services of its current officers and employees, to preserve its relations and goodwill with suppliers, customers, landlords, licensors, licensees and other Persons having business relationships with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and to keep in full force and effect any material Permits.

(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 5.1(a) and except as may be required by Law or expressly required by this Agreement, the Company agrees with the Parent that between the date hereof and the Closing or the Termination Date, as applicable, without the prior written consent of the Parent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) or as expressly set forth in Section 5.1(a) of the Disclosure Schedule , the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, do any of the following:

(i) adopt any amendments to its memorandum and articles of association or similar applicable organization documents;

(ii) declare, authorize, set aside or pay any dividends on or make any distribution with respect to any of its outstanding shares or other equity interests (whether in cash, assets, stock or other securities of the Company or such Subsidiaries), except for cash dividends made by any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or one of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries;

(iii) split, combine or reclassify any of its shares or issue or grant or authorize or propose the issuance or grant of any of its shares in its capital or other securities or any option, warrant or other right to acquire or receive any such shares or other securities, except for issuances of Common Stock as required to be issued upon exercise or settlement of Company Stock Options or Company Restricted Stock Awards under the Company Equity Incentive Plan outstanding on the date hereof in accordance with the terms thereof in effect on the date hereof;

(iv) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its or its Subsidiaries shares or any other of its or its Subsidiaries’ securities or any rights, warrants or options to acquire any such shares or other securities, except in each case in connection with the exercise and settlement of outstanding awards as of the date hereof under the Company Equity Incentive Plan;

(v) incur, assume, guarantee or become obligated with respect to any Indebtedness (excluding letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business), except for (A) transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices among the Company and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries or among the Company’s wholly-owned Subsidiaries and (B) borrowings in the ordinary course of business under the Loan and Security Agreement not in excess of $35,000,000;

 

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(vi) (A) (x) make any material change in any method of Tax accounting (y) make or change any material Tax election or (z) make any material change in any of the financial accounting principles or practices, other than changes required by GAAP or applicable Law or regulatory requirements with respect thereto, (B) file any material amended Tax Return, settle or compromise any material Tax liability (other than a Tax liability with respect to which the Company or its Subsidiaries is indemnified), agree to an extension or waiver of the statute of limitations with respect to the assessment or determination of material Taxes, (C) enter into any closing agreement with respect to any material Tax or surrender any right to claim a material Tax refund, (D) seek any Tax related ruling or guidance from any Tax authority or (E) enter into an agreement with any relevant Governmental Entity to amend, modify, waive or affect in any adverse manner the Tax incentives and benefits granted to the Company and its Subsidiaries;

(vii) (A) increase the salary or other cash or equity compensation of any director, employee or individual consultant of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than increases in the salaries of non-officer employees in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, except in each case as required by the terms of any applicable Company Plan in existence on the date of this Agreement, (B) grant any new bonus, benefit or other direct or indirect compensation to any director, officer, or, other than in the ordinary course of business, to any non-officer employee or individual consultant of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (C) increase the coverage or benefits available under any (or create any new) Company Plan or any severance pay, termination pay, vacation pay, company awards, salary continuation for disability, sick leave, deferred compensation, bonus or other incentive compensation, insurance, pension or other employee benefit plan or arrangement made to, for, or with any of the managers, directors, officers or employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or otherwise modify or amend or terminate any such plan or arrangement, except for any modification or amendment that would not result in more than a de minimis increase to the cost to the Company under such plan or arrangement; (D) enter into any employment, deferred compensation, severance, special pay, consulting, non-competition or similar agreement or arrangement with any employees, managers, directors, officers or individual consultants of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or amend any such agreement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party), except for offer letters entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices with any new non-officer employees with annual compensation per employee of less than $100,000, consulting agreements with individual consultant in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, settlement agreements with terminated non-officer employees in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and that provide for aggregate severance payments and benefits of less than $30,000 per individual or agreements or arrangements that restrict an employee, former employee or former individual consultant while imposing no restriction on the Company or any Subsidiary, or (E) enter into any collective bargaining agreement with any labor organization or union, except as may be required by the laws of Brazil;

 

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(viii) (A) acquire (by merger, consolidation, acquisition of stock or assets or otherwise) any corporation, partnership or other business organization or any property or assets of any Person outside of the ordinary course of business with a value in excess of $3,000,000 in the aggregate, (B) make any investment in another entity (other than an entity that is a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company as of the date hereof and other than incorporation of a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company) with a value in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate, (C) sell, lease, license, or otherwise dispose of or subject to any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) any assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with a value in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate, or (D) make any loans or advances to any Person in excess of $100,000 individually, or $200,000 in the aggregate (other than the Company or any wholly-owned Subsidiary and advances to employees in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices), except, in the case of the immediately preceding clauses (A) and (C), for acquisitions or dispositions pursuant to a Contract in effect as of the date hereof, and, solely in the case of the immediately preceding clause (C), for (1) sales and non exclusive licenses of products and services of the Company and its Subsidiaries, including the sale or other disposition of supply, inventory or trading stock, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, (2) dispositions of obsolete or substantially worthless assets and (3) transfers among the Company and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries;

(ix) (A) cancel, materially modify, terminate or grant a waiver of any rights that would be materially adverse to the Company and its Subsidiaries under any Material Contract (other than modification of customer Contracts pursuant to which additional products or services could be provided to the relevant customers and any modification or amendment that is in the aggregate beneficial to or not materially less favorable to the Company) or (B) enter into a new Contract that (x) would be a Material Contract (other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices with respect to Contracts of the type described in Section 3.12(a)(i), (v), (ix), (x), (xi) or (xiii)) if in existence as of the date hereof or (y) contains, unless required by applicable Law, a change in control provision in favor of the other party or parties thereto (unless the provision excludes this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement from the change of control provision) or would otherwise require a payment to or give rise to any rights to such other party or parties in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby;

(x) Settle or compromise any litigation, audit, claim or Action other than settlements or compromises of litigation, audit, claim or Action that provide solely for monetary relief and where the amount paid by the Company in settlement or compromise, does not exceed $500,000, individually, or $1,000,000 in the aggregate;

(xi) (A) merge or consolidate the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with any Person (other than the Merger and other than such transactions solely among wholly owned domestic Subsidiaries of the Company that would not result in a material increase in the Tax liability of the Company or its Subsidiaries), (B) propose or adopt a plan or agreement of complete or partial liquidation or dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization or (C) transfer the equity interests of any Subsidiary of the Company to any entity that is not the current legal or beneficial owner of such Subsidiary, including intercompany transfers to the Company or any or its Subsidiaries, whether by way of contribution, sale, purchase, transfer, assignment, consolidation, merger or otherwise;

 

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(xii) make or agree to make any capital expenditures, capital additions or capital improvements or enter into any agreements providing for any such capital expenditures, capital additions or capital improvements (including with respect to the amount and timing of such capital expenditures, capital additions or capital improvements) that is not set forth in the capital expenditures plan contained in Section 5.1(b)(xii) of the Disclosure Schedule , that exceeds $3,000,000 in the aggregate;

(xiii) grant any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any of its material assets or properties;

(xiv) enter into any material new line of business, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and, provided that such new line of business is related to, and a reasonable expansion of, the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ business that is conducted as of the date hereof;

(xv) permit any material item of Company-Owned Intellectual Property to become abandoned, cancelled, invalidated or dedicated to the public;

(xvi) terminate, cancel, amend or modify any material Policies which are not replaced by a comparable amount of insurance coverage; or

(xvii) agree to take any of the foregoing actions.

(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give Parent or Merger Sub, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ operations prior to the Closing, and nothing contained in this Agreement shall give the Company, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct Parent’s or its Subsidiaries’ operations prior to the Closing. Prior to the Closing, each of the Company and Parent shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over its and its Subsidiaries’, as applicable, respective operations.

5.2 Proxy Statement; Shareholders Meeting .

(a) Subject to Section 5.2(b), the Company shall, as soon as reasonably practical after the Proxy Statement is cleared by the SEC for mailing to the Company’s shareholders, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders (including any adjournment or postponement thereof (the “ Company Shareholders Meeting ”) for the purpose of obtaining the Shareholder Approval; provided , however , that the Company shall be under no obligation to mail the Proxy Statement prior to the start of the No-Shop Period Start Date. The Company shall, through the Board of Directors of the Company or any committee thereof (including the Special Committee), but subject to the right of the Board of Directors of the Company or any committee thereof to make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change pursuant to Section 5.3, provide the Board Recommendation and shall include the Board Recommendation in the Proxy Statement, and, unless there has been a Company Adverse Recommendation Change, the Company shall use all reasonable lawful action to solicit the Shareholder Approval. The Company shall provide Parent with such information with respect to the solicitation of the Shareholder Approval as is reasonably requested by Parent.

 

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(b) As soon as practicable following the date hereof (and in any event within 20 Business Days), (i) the Company shall prepare the Proxy Statement and the Company and Parent shall prepare the Schedule 13E-3, (ii) Parent shall promptly provide to the Company any information required for inclusion in the Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3 and shall promptly provide such other assistance in the preparation thereof as may be reasonably requested by the Company from time to time and (iii) the Company shall file the Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3 with the SEC. The Company shall thereafter use its reasonable best efforts to respond (with the assistance of, and after consultation with, Parent) as promptly as practicable to any comments of the SEC with respect to the Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3 and to cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed to the shareholders of the Company as promptly as practicable after (x) responding to all such comments to the satisfaction of the SEC and (y) the Proxy Statement is cleared by the SEC for mailing to the Company’s shareholders, provided , however , that the Company shall be under no obligation to mail the Proxy Statement prior to the start of the No-Shop Period Start Date. The Company shall promptly notify the Parent upon the receipt of any comments from the SEC or any request from the SEC for amendments or supplements to the Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3, and shall provide the Parent with copies of all correspondence between the Company and its Representatives on the one hand, and the SEC on the other hand, with respect to the Proxy Statement, the Schedule 13E-3 or the transactions contemplated hereby. In the event that the Company receives any comments from the SEC or any request from the SEC for amendments or supplements to the Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3, the Parent shall promptly provide to the Company, upon receipt of notice from the Company, any information required for inclusion in the response of the Company to such comments or such request and shall promptly provide such other information or assistance in the preparation thereof as may be reasonably requested by the Company from time to time. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated above, prior to filing or mailing the Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3 (including any amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement or Schedule 13E-3) or responding to any comments of the SEC with respect thereto, the Company shall provide the Parent with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such documents or responses and shall include in such documents or responses comments reasonably proposed by the Parent. If, at any time prior to the Company Shareholders Meeting, any information relating to the Parent or the Company, or any of their respective Affiliates, officers or directors, should be discovered by the Parent or the Company, respectively, which should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement or Schedule 13E-3, as applicable, so that the Proxy Statement or Schedule 13E-3, as applicable, shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading, the Parent or the Company, as the case may be, shall promptly notify the other, and to the extent required by applicable Law, the Company shall file an appropriate amendment or supplement describing such information promptly with the SEC and disseminate such amendment or supplement its shareholders, as applicable. All documents that the Company is responsible for filing in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby will comply as to form and substance in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and other applicable Laws.

 

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5.3 Alternative Proposals; Go-Shop .

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 5.3 to the contrary, during the period beginning on the date of this Agreement and continuing until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern time) on the forty fifth (45th) calendar day after the date of this Agreement (the “ Go-Shop Period ”), the Company and its Subsidiaries and their respective Representatives shall have the right, directly or indirectly, to: (i) initiate, solicit and encourage, whether publicly or otherwise, any inquiry or the making of any proposals or offers that could constitute Alternative Proposals, including by way of providing access to non-public information to any Person pursuant to a confidentiality agreement on customary terms not materially more favorable to such Person than those contained in the Non-Disclosure Agreement (an “ Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement ”); provided that the Company shall simultaneously make available to the Parent any information concerning the Company or its Subsidiaries that the Company provides to any Person given such access that was not previously made available to the Parent, and (ii) engage or enter into, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations with any Person or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) with respect to any Alternative Proposals or otherwise cooperate with or assist or participate in, or facilitate any such inquiries, proposals, discussions or negotiations or any effort or attempt to make any Alternative Proposals.

(b) Except as expressly permitted by this Section 5.3 and except as may relate to any Excluded Party (for as long as such Person or group is an Excluded Party), the Company and its Subsidiaries shall, and the Company shall instruct and cause its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives to, at 12:00 a.m. on the forty sixth (46th) calendar day after the date of this Agreement (the “ No-Shop Period Start Date ”) immediately cease any activities permitted by Section 5.3(a) and any discussions or negotiations with any Person or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) that may be ongoing with respect to any Alternative Proposal. With respect to any Person or group with whom such discussions or negotiations have been terminated, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to promptly require such Person or group to promptly return or destroy in accordance with the terms of the applicable confidentiality agreement any non-public information furnished by or on behalf of the Company.

(c) Subject to Section 5.3(d) and except as may relate to any Excluded Party (for as long as such Person or group is an Excluded Party), the Company and its Subsidiaries will not, and the Company will cause its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives not to, from the No-Shop Period Start Date until the Effective Time or, if earlier, the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 7.1, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage or facilitate (including by way of furnishing non-public information regarding the Company or any of its Subsidiaries), any inquiries, proposals or offers from any Person or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) (other than the Parent and its Subsidiaries) that constitute, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a proposal or offer for, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, (A) any merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, recapitalization, joint venture, liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving the Company (or any Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Company whose business constitutes 20% or more of the consolidated revenues, income or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in each case, taken as a whole), (B) the direct or indirect acquisition of a 20% or greater interest of the outstanding Common Stock or aggregate voting power of the Company or any class of equity securities of the Company or (C) the direct or indirect acquisition of 20% or more of the consolidated assets or assets representing 20% or more of the consolidated revenues or net income (including, in each case, securities of the Company’s Subsidiaries) of the Company and its Subsidiaries (any such proposal or offer, an “ Alternative Proposal ”), or (ii) engage or participate in any discussions (other than to state only that they are not permitted to have discussions and to refer to this Agreement) or negotiations (including by way of furnishing information regarding the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) in connection with, or which would reasonably be likely to lead to, or for the purpose of encouraging or facilitating, any Alternative Proposal.

 

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(d) Following the No-Shop Period Start Date and prior to the Shareholder Approval being obtained (but not after), if the Board of Directors (or any committee thereof) receives a bona fide written Alternative Proposal and if the receipt of such Alternative Proposal did not result from a material breach of this Section 5.3, the Company or its Representatives may, if the Board of Directors, upon recommendation thereof by the Special Committee, or the Special Committee determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside counsel and financial advisor) that the Alternative Proposal is, or is reasonably expected to result in, a Superior Proposal, (A) furnish information with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries to the Person making such Alternative Proposal and (B) engage or participate in discussions or negotiations regarding such Alternative Proposal if, but only if, (x) in the case of either of the immediately preceding clauses (A) or (B), the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Special Committee determines in good faith (after consultation with outside counsel) that the failure to take such action would be materially inconsistent with the directors’ fiduciary duties under applicable Law and (y) the Company receives from such Person an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement; provided that the Company shall immediately make available to the Parent any information concerning the Company or its Subsidiaries that the Company provides to any Person given such access that was not previously made available to the Parent.

(e) No later than two (2) Business Days after the No-Shop Period Start Date, the Company shall notify the Parent in writing of the identity of each Excluded Party and provide to the Parent (x) a copy of any Alternative Proposal made in writing and other written terms or proposals provided (including financing commitments) to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (y) a written summary of the material terms of any Alternative Proposal not made in writing (including any terms proposed orally or supplementally). Following the No-Shop Period Start Date, the Company shall promptly (and in any event within 24 hours after receipt), notify the Parent both orally and in writing of the receipt of any Alternative Proposal, any inquiries that could reasonably be expected to result in an Alternative Proposal, or any request for information from, or any negotiations sought to be initiated or continued with, either the Company or its Representatives concerning an Alternative Proposal, which notice shall include (i) a copy of any Alternative Proposal (including any financing commitments) made in writing and other written terms or proposals provided to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (ii) a written summary of the material terms of any Alternative Proposal not made in writing or any such inquiry or request. Following the No-Shop Period Start Date, the Company shall keep the Parent reasonably informed on a prompt basis (and in any event within 24 hours) of the status of any Alternative Proposal (including any made by an Excluded Party), inquiry that could reasonably be expected to result in an Alternative Proposal, or request and the status of any discussions or negotiations with respect thereto. None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall, after the date of this Agreement, enter into any agreement that would prohibit them from providing such information to the Parent.

 

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(f) Except as expressly permitted by this Section 5.3, the Board of Directors (or any committee thereof) shall not (1) (A) change, qualify, withdraw or modify, or publicly propose to change, withdraw, modify or qualify, in a manner adverse to the Parent, the Board Recommendation, (B) approve or recommend, or publicly propose to approve or recommend to the shareholders of the Company, an Alternative Proposal, (C) if a tender offer or exchange offer for shares in the capital of the Company that constitutes an Alternative Proposal is commenced, fail to recommend against acceptance of such tender offer or exchange offer by the Company shareholders (including, for these purposes, by taking no position with respect to the acceptance of such tender offer or exchange offer by its shareholders, which shall constitute a failure to recommend against acceptance of such tender offer or exchange offer, provided that a customary “stop, look and listen” communication by the Board of Directors pursuant to Rule 14d-9(f) of the Exchange Act shall not be prohibited), within ten (10) Business Days after commencement or (D) terminate, amend, waive or exempt any Person or group from the restrictions contained in any standstill agreements or any Takeover Laws or otherwise cause any such restrictions therein not to apply (other than any amendments, waivers or exemptions to allow a proposal to be made on a non-public basis in compliance with this Section 5.3 that do not in the aggregate result in terms materially more favorable to such Person than those contained in the Non-Disclosure Agreement) (each of the foregoing, a “ Company Adverse Recommendation Change ”), (2) approve, authorize or permit or allow the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into any letter of intent, merger or acquisition agreement or any similar agreement or understanding with respect to any Alternative Proposal (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement as expressly permitted hereunder) (each of the foregoing, an “ Alternative Proposal Agreement ”) or (3) resolve, propose or agree to any of the foregoing; provided , however , prior to the Shareholder Approval being obtained (but not after), if (x) the Board of Directors determines in good faith (after consultation with outside counsel and upon recommendation thereof by the Special Committee) that the failure to take any of the following actions would be materially inconsistent with the directors’ fiduciary duties under applicable Law, (y) (i) the Special Committee determines in good faith (after consultation with outside counsel and its financial advisors) that a bona fide written Alternative Proposal received by the Company in compliance with this Section 5.3 constitutes a Superior Proposal (including any Superior Proposal made by an Excluded Party) or (ii) a material development or change in circumstances occurs or arises after the date hereof not relating to any Alternative Proposal and that was not known to, or reasonably foreseeable by, the Company or the Board of Directors (or any committee thereof) as of or prior to the date hereof (such development or change in circumstances, an “ Intervening Event ”), it being understood that, for the avoidance of doubt, an Intervening Event shall not include any development or change set forth in Section 5.3(f) of the Disclosure Schedule , and (z) the Company and its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with this Section 5.3, then the Special Committee or the Board of Directors may (I) effect a Company Adverse Recommendation Change or (II) only in the case of the foregoing clause (y)(i), allow the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into any Alternative Proposal Agreement with respect to such Superior Proposal and effect any transaction contemplated by such Superior Proposal; provided , further , however , that the Board of Directors may only take the actions described in (1) clause (II) if the Company terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(e) concurrently with entering into such Alternative Proposal Agreement and pays the Company Termination Fee in compliance with Section 7.2 and (2) clauses (I) or (II) if:

(i) the Company shall have provided prior written notice to the Parent and Merger Sub, of its or the Board of Director’s intention to take such actions at least four (4) calendar days in advance of taking such action, which notice shall specify, as applicable, the details of such Intervening Event or the material terms of the Alternative Proposal received by the Company that constitutes a Superior Proposal, including a copy of the relevant proposed transaction agreements with, and the identity of, the party making the Alternative Proposal and other material documents (including any financing commitments with respect to such Alternative Proposal);

 

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(ii) after providing such notice and prior to taking such actions, the Company shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, negotiate with the Parent and Merger Sub in good faith (to the extent the Parent and Merger Sub desire to negotiate) during such four-day period to make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Financing Commitments as would permit the Company, the Special Committee or the Board of Directors not to take such actions; and

(iii) the Special Committee and the Board of Directors shall have considered in good faith any changes to this Agreement and the Financing Commitments or other arrangements that may be offered in writing by the Parent by 5:00 PM Pacific Time on the fourth day of such four-day period and shall have determined in good faith (x) with respect to the actions described in clause (II), after consultation with outside counsel and its financial advisors that the Alternative Proposal received by the Company would continue to constitute a Superior Proposal and (y) with respect to the actions described in clauses (I) or (II), after consultation with outside counsel, that it would continue to be materially inconsistent with the directors’ fiduciary duties under applicable Law not to effect the Company Adverse Recommendation Change, in each case, if such changes offered in writing by the Parent were given effect.

In the event of any material revisions to the Superior Proposal (it being agreed that material revisions shall include any favorable change in the purchase price, form of consideration, transaction timing or transaction financing for such Superior Proposal), the Company shall be required to deliver a new written notice to the Parent pursuant to the foregoing clause (i) and to comply again with the requirements of this Section 5.3(f) with respect to such new written notice, except the notice period shall be at least two days (rather than the four days contemplated by Section 5.3(f)(i) above). Nothing contained in this Section 5.3 or elsewhere in this Agreement will prohibit the Company, the Board of Directors or the Special Committee from taking and disclosing to the shareholders of the Company a position contemplated by Rule 14d-9 or 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act (or any similar communication to shareholders in connection with the making or amendment of a tender offer or exchange offer) or otherwise complying with the provisions of Rule 14d-9 promulgated under the Exchange Act or Item 1012(a) of Regulation M-A or making such other disclosure as required by applicable Law if, in each such case in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors or the Special Committee, failure to make such disclosure would be materially inconsistent with its obligations under applicable Law; provided , however , that neither the Board of Directors nor any committee thereof shall recommend that the shareholders of the Company tender their shares in connection with any tender or exchange offer (or otherwise approve or recommend any Alternative Proposal) or effect a Company Adverse Recommendation Change, unless in each case, the applicable requirements of this Section 5.3 shall have been satisfied.

 

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(g) As used in this Agreement, “ Superior Proposal ” shall mean a bona fide written Alternative Proposal that the Board of Directors (which may be determined acting through the Special Committee) determines in good faith, after consultation with a financial advisor of nationally recognized reputation and the Company’s outside counsel, is reasonably likely to be consummated in accordance with its terms, taking into account all legal, financial (including the financing terms thereof), regulatory, timing and other aspects of such Alternative Proposal, and, if consummated, would be more favorable to the shareholders of the Company from a financial point of view than the Merger, taking into account all of the terms and conditions of such Alternative Proposal (including the likelihood and timing of consummation thereof) and this Agreement (including any changes to the terms of this Agreement committed to by the Parent to the Company in writing in response to such Alternative Proposal under the provisions of Section 5.3(f) or otherwise); provided that for purposes of the definition of “Superior Proposal”, the references to “20%” in the definition of Alternative Proposal shall be deemed to be references to “50%”.

5.4 Regulatory Matters and Approvals; Further Action .

(a) Each of the Parent, Merger Sub and the Company shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable following the execution of this Agreement and before the expiration of any relevant legal deadline, make or cause to be made filings (i) with the United States Federal Trade Commission and the United States Department of Justice, the notification and report form required under the HSR Act (which form shall be filed no later than ten (10) Business Days after the date hereof, unless the parties mutually agree to extend the deadline), and (ii) to the appropriate Governmental Entities listed on Section 5.4 of the Disclosure Schedule (the “ International Filings ”), the notification and report form filings required under the antitrust and competition Laws and foreign investment Laws of such jurisdictions (which filings shall be made as reasonably promptly as practicable after the date hereof). Each of the Parent, Merger Sub and the Company shall use its respective reasonable best efforts to obtain promptly any clearance required under the HSR Act and under the Laws of the jurisdictions of the International Filings for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement including (A) defending against the entry of any Order under any applicable antitrust or competition Law of the United States or under the Laws set forth on Section 5.4 of the Disclosure Schedule , in each case, that would restrain, prevent, or delay the Closing, including defending any Actions asserted by a Governmental Entity challenging this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby thereunder under the applicable antitrust or competition Laws of the United States or the Laws set forth on Section 5.4 of the Disclosure Schedule , and using its reasonable best efforts to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned any Order under any applicable antitrust or competition Law of the United States or under the Laws set forth on Section 5.4 of the Disclosure Schedule , whether temporary, preliminary or permanent, that is in effect and that prohibits, prevents or restricts consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby and (B) to the extent permitted by Law, keeping each other apprised of the status of any communications with, and any inquiries or requests for additional information, from any Governmental Entity.

 

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(b) Each of the Parent and the Company agrees to instruct its respective counsel to cooperate with each other and shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to the extent permitted by Law to (i) furnish to each other’s counsel such reasonably necessary information and reasonable assistance as the other may request in connection with its preparation of any filing or submission under the HSR Act and the International Filings and (ii) permit the other party’s counsel to review and incorporate such other party’s counsel’s reasonable comments in any filings or other communication given by it to any Governmental Entity or in connection with any proceeding by a private party related to antitrust or competition Laws with any other Person. None of the Parent, the Company nor any of their respective counsel shall independently contact any Governmental Entity or participate in any meeting or discussion (or any other communication by any means) with any Governmental Entity in respect of any such filings, applications, investigation or other inquiry without giving, in the case of the Parent, the Company, and in the case of the Company, the Parent, in either case, where reasonably practicable, prior reasonable notice of the meeting or discussion, the opportunity to confer with each other regarding appropriate contacts with and responses to personnel of said Governmental Entity, the opportunity to review and comment on the contents of any representations (oral or otherwise) expected to be communicated at the meeting or discussion, and, to the extent permitted by the relevant Governmental Entity, the opportunity to attend and participate at the meeting or discussion (which, at the request of the Parent or the Company, as applicable, shall be limited to outside antitrust counsel only).

(c) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each of the parties hereto shall use their reasonable best efforts to effectuate the Merger in accordance with this Agreement as promptly as practicable, including using their reasonable best efforts (i) to request and obtain all necessary or appropriate consents, waivers and approvals under any Contracts to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party in connection with this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby so as to maintain and preserve the benefits under such Contracts following the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; provided that (x) no party shall be obligated to pay any consideration to any third party from whom such consent, waiver or approval is requested and (y) the consent of the Parent shall be required with respect to any amendment or modification to any Contract in connection with obtaining any such consent, waiver or approval that is adverse in any material respect to the Parent, Merger Sub, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (ii) to execute or deliver any additional instruments reasonably necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by, and to fully carry out the purposes of, this Agreement.

5.5 Press Releases and Public Announcement . None of the Parent, Merger Sub, the Company or their respective Representatives will issue any press release or make any public announcement or disclosure relating to this Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the prior written approval of, in the case of the Parent and Merger Sub, the Company, and in the case of the Company, the Parent; provided that each party may issue any such press release or make such public announcement it believes in good faith is required to be made by applicable Law or any applicable rule or regulation promulgated by any applicable securities exchange after consultation with legal counsel, in which case the disclosing party will use its commercially reasonable efforts to advise and consult with the other parties regarding any such press release or other announcement prior to making any such disclosure.

 

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5.6 Access to Information; Shareholder Litigation .

(a) Subject to applicable Law, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending at the earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 7.1, the Company will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, upon reasonable prior written notice of the Parent, permit the Parent and its Representatives and Financing Sources to have (at the Parent’s expense) reasonable access at all reasonable times, and in a manner so as not to interfere with the normal business operations of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, to (i) the officers and senior management, the premises, employees, agents, books, records, and Contracts of or pertaining to the Company and any of its Subsidiaries and (ii) subject to the prior consent of the Company (which consent is not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the customers and suppliers of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries, in each case, as the Parent may reasonably request in writing.

(b) The Company will give prompt written notice to the Parent of any event that would reasonably be expected to give rise to, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The Parent and Merger Sub will give prompt written notice to the Company of any event that would reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each of the Company, the Parent and Merger Sub will give prompt written notice to the other parties of (i) any facts relating to such party which would make it necessary or advisable to amend the Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3 in order to make the statements therein not misleading or to comply with applicable Law and (ii) any notice or other communication received by such party from any Governmental Entity or other Person in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person is or may be required in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby. The Company shall (w) promptly advise the Parent of any Action commenced after the date hereof against the Company or any of its directors (in their capacities as such) by any shareholder of the Company (on their own behalf or on behalf of the Company) relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, (x) keep the Parent reasonably informed regarding any such Action, (y) give the Parent the opportunity to participate in such Action, consult with the Parent regarding the defense or settlement of any such Action and consider the Parent’s views with respect to such Action and (z) not settle any such Action without the Parent’s prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned, provided that (A) any settlement agreed to in writing by the Company’s insurance carriers and the Company pursuant to which the Company’s insurance carriers expressly agree to directly cover the entire costs of such settlement and all related litigation costs of the Company and (B) such settlement is solely for monetary relief, then such settlement shall be deemed reasonable and shall not require any further Parent consent). The delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section 5.6(b) will not limit, expand or otherwise affect the remedies available hereunder (if any) to the party receiving such notice.

(c) Each of the Parent and Merger Sub will, and will cause their respective Representatives to, hold and treat and will cause its officers, employees, auditors and other authorized representatives to hold and treat in confidence all documents and information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries furnished to the Parent, Merger Sub or their respective Representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the letter agreement, dated March 3, 2011, between the Company, Silver Lake Management Company III, L.L.C. and Silver Lake Management Company Sumeru, L.L.C. (the “ Non-Disclosure Agreement ”), which Non-Disclosure Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their respective terms.

 

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5.7 Employee Matters .

(a) Until the twelve month anniversary of the Effective Time (the “ Benefits Continuation Period ”), the Parent shall provide, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Subsidiaries to provide, for those employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries who are employed immediately prior to the Effective Time and who continue as employees of the Parent, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Subsidiaries during the Benefits Continuation Period (the “ Company Employees ”), (i) at least the same level of base salary or wages (as applicable) and (ii) employee benefits and aggregate annual cash incentive opportunities that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to those provided as of the date hereof by the Company or the applicable Subsidiary to such Company Employees pursuant to the Company Plans (excluding, for purposes of currently provided benefits, any equity or equity-based compensation, defined benefit pension benefits, retiree medical benefits or transaction or retention bonuses). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Parent shall provide, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Subsidiaries to provide, severance and any similar benefits to Company Employees that are substantially similar to the severance and similar benefits currently provided under the Company Plans for the Benefit Continuation Period, including by recognizing all service recognized for such purposes under the applicable Company Plan.

(b) For purposes of determining eligibility to participate, vesting and entitlement to benefits, where length of service is relevant under any benefit plan or arrangement of the Parent, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Subsidiaries providing benefits to any Company Employee after the Effective Time (collectively, the “New Plans”), the Company Employees shall receive service credit for service with the Company and its Subsidiaries (and any respective predecessors) to the same extent such service credit was granted under the Company Plans, except to the extent any such service credit would result in the duplication of benefits. In addition and without limiting the generality of the foregoing: (i) each Company Employee shall be immediately eligible to participate, without any waiting time or satisfaction of any other eligibility requirements, in any and all New Plans to the extent that (A) coverage under such New Plan replaces coverage under a Company Plan in which such Company Employee participated immediately before the Effective Time (collectively, the “ Old Plans ”) and (B) such Company Employee has satisfied all waiting time and other eligibility requirements under the Old Plan being replaced by the New Plan; and (ii) for purposes of each New Plan providing medical, dental, pharmaceutical and/or vision benefits to any Company Employee, the Parent shall cause (x) all pre-existing condition exclusions and actively at work requirements of such New Plan to be waived for such Company Employee and his or her covered dependents to the extent such conditions were inapplicable or waived under the comparable Old Plan and (y) any expenses incurred by any Company Employee and his or her covered dependents during the portion of the plan year of the Old Plan ending on the date such Company Employee’s participation in the corresponding New Plan begins to be taken into account under such New Plan for purposes of satisfying all deductible, coinsurance and maximum out-of-pocket requirements applicable to such Company Employee and his or her covered dependents for the applicable plan year as if such amounts had been paid in accordance with such New Plan.

 

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(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended (i) to require the Parent, the Company, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Affiliates to establish or maintain any specific Company Plan or other employee benefit plan or arrangement for any length of time; or (ii) to create or amend any Company Plan or other employee benefit plan or arrangement. This Section 5.7 is included for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their respective transferees and permitted assigns and does not and shall not create any right in any Person, including any Company Employee, or any other participant in or beneficiary under any Company Plan or other employee benefit plan or arrangement that may be established or maintained by the Parent, the Company, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Affiliates following the Merger, or any beneficiary or trustee thereof. Furthermore, nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person, any right to employment or continued employment for any period of time, or any right to a particular term or condition of employment.

5.8 Indemnification and Insurance .

(a) For a period of six years from the Effective Time, the memorandum and articles of association of the Surviving Corporation, subject to compliance with applicable Law, shall contain provisions with respect to exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses that are at least as favorable to the directors or officers of the Company as those contained in the memorandum and articles of association in effect immediately as of the date hereof. From and after the Effective Time, each of the Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall (i) be jointly and severally liable to pay and perform in a timely manner such indemnification, advancement and exculpation obligations, and (ii), to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, indemnify and hold harmless (and advance funds in respect of each of the foregoing, following receipt of any undertakings required by applicable Law), to the same extent that such persons are entitled to indemnification or advancement pursuant to the memorandum and articles of association of the Company as in effect as of the date hereof, each current and former director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (each, together with such person’s heirs, executors or administrators, an “ Indemnified Party ”) against any costs or expenses (including advancing attorneys’ fees and expenses in advance of the final disposition of any claim, suit, proceeding or investigation to each Indemnified Party to the fullest extent permitted by Law and following receipt of any undertaking required by applicable Law), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages, liabilities and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any actual or threatened Actions, arising out of, relating to or in connection with any action or omission occurring or alleged to have occurred (x) in such Indemnified Party’s capacity as a director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (y) in such Indemnified Party’s capacity as a director, officer, member, trustee or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, pension or other employee benefit plan or enterprise at the request or for the benefit of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, before the Effective Time (including acts or omissions in connection with such persons serving as an officer, director or other fiduciary in any entity if such service was at the request or for the benefit of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries), including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with (i) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) actions to enforce this provision or any other indemnification or advancement right of any Indemnified Party. In the event of any such Action, the Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall reasonably cooperate with the Indemnified Party in the defense of any such Action.

 

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(b) For the six (6) year period commencing immediately after the Effective Time (the “ D&O Tail Period ”), the Parent shall maintain in effect the Company’s current directors’ and officers’ liability insurance covering acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time with respect to those persons who are currently (and any additional persons who prior to the Effective Time become) covered by the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy on terms and scope with respect to such coverage, and in amount, not less favorable in any material respects to such individuals than those of such policy in effect on the date hereof (or the Parent may substitute therefor policies, issued by reputable insurers, of at least the same coverage with respect to matters existing or occurring prior to the Effective Time, including a fully-paid “tail” policy for the D&O Tail Period); provided , however , that, if the aggregate annual premium for such insurance shall exceed 300% of the current annual premium, then the Parent shall provide or cause to be provided a policy for the applicable individuals with the best coverage as shall then be available at an aggregate premium of 300% of the current annual premium; provided , further , however , that any such replacement or substitution of insurance policies shall not result in gaps in coverage. Subject to the prior consent of the Parent, the Company shall have the right prior to the Effective Time to purchase, for an aggregate amount not to exceed 300% of the current annual premium, a fully-paid “tail” policy for the D&O Tail Period on terms and scope with respect to such coverage, and in amount, not less (but not more) favorable in any material respect to such individuals than the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy in effect on the date hereof (including Side A coverage) with respect to matters existing or occurring prior to the Effective Time. If such fully-paid “tail” policy has been obtained by the Company prior to the Effective Time, it shall be deemed to satisfy all obligations to obtain insurance pursuant to this Section 5.8(b) and the Surviving Corporation shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause such policy to be maintained in full force and effect, for its full term, and to honor all of its obligations thereunder.

(c) The rights of each Indemnified Party hereunder shall be in addition to, and not in limitation of, any other rights such person may have under the memorandum and articles of association or other organization documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Corporation, any other indemnification arrangement, the Cayman Companies Law, directors’ and officers’ insurance claims under any policy that is or has been in existence with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries or otherwise. Parent and Merger Sub agree that all rights to indemnification by the Company now existing in favor of each Indemnified Party pursuant to any of the agreements set forth on Section 5.8(c) of the Disclosure Schedule , including provisions relating to the advancement of expenses incurred in the defense of any action or suit, shall survive the Merger and shall remain in full force and effect. The provisions of this Section 5.8 shall survive the consummation of the Merger and expressly are intended to benefit, and are enforceable by, each of the Indemnified Parties and his or her heirs, each of whom is an intended third-party beneficiary of this Section 5.8, and shall not be terminated or modified in a manner as to adversely affect the rights of any Indemnified Parties.

 

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(d) In the event the Parent, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity in such consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any person, in each case, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of the Parent or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 5.8.

5.9 Takeover Laws . Without prejudice to Section 3.20, if any “moratorium”, “control share”, “fair price”, “affiliate transaction”, “business combination” or other anti-takeover laws and regulations of any Governmental Entity (“ Takeover Laws ”) is or may become applicable to the Merger, the parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (a) take such actions as are reasonably necessary so that the transactions contemplated hereunder may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated hereby and (b) otherwise take all such actions as are reasonably necessary to eliminate or minimize the effects of any such Takeover Law on the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.10 Financing .

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Parent and Merger Sub acknowledge and agree that Parent’s and Merger Sub’s obligations to consummate the Merger are not conditioned upon Parent’s or Merger Sub’s obtaining any financing. For the avoidance of doubt, Parent and Merger Sub acknowledge and agree that the existence of any conditions contained in the Financing Commitments or any commitment letter for any alternative financing or any agreement relating thereto shall not constitute, nor be construed to constitute, a condition to the consummation of the Merger hereunder.

(b) Each of the Parent and Merger Sub shall not permit any amendment or modification to be made to, or any waiver of any provision or remedy under, or replace, the Financing Commitments if such amendment, modification, waiver or replacement (x) reduces the aggregate amount of the Financing (including by increasing the amount of fees to be paid to the Financing Sources or original issue discount), unless the Debt Financing or the Equity Financing is increased by a corresponding amount or (y) imposes new or additional conditions or otherwise expands, amends or modifies any of the conditions to the receipt of the Financing in a manner that would reasonably be expected to (I) materially delay or prevent the Closing Date, (II) materially delay, prevent or otherwise make materially less likely to occur the funding of the Financing (or satisfaction of the conditions to obtaining the Financing) or (III) adversely impact the ability of Parent or Merger Sub, as applicable, to enforce its rights against other parties to the Financing Letters or the definitive agreements with respect thereto in any material respect, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to arrange and obtain the Financing on the terms and conditions (including the flex provisions) described in the Financing Commitments ( provided that the Parent and Merger Sub may amend or replace the Debt Financing Commitment to add lenders, lead arrangers, bookrunners, syndication agents or similar entities who had not executed the Debt Financing Commitment as of the date hereof), including using its reasonable best efforts to (i) maintain in effect the Financing Commitments, (ii) satisfy on a timely basis (taking into account the expected timing of the Marketing Period) all conditions applicable to the Parent and Merger Sub to obtaining the Debt Financing at the Closing set forth therein that are within its control, (iii) enter into definitive agreements with respect thereto on the terms and

 

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conditions (including the flex provisions) contemplated by the Debt Financing Commitment (and provide copies thereof to the Company), (iv) consummate the Financing in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Debt Financing Commitment at or prior to the Closing, (v) cause the Financing Sources providing Debt Financing to fund on the Closing Date the Debt Financing required to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Debt Financing Commitment. In the event any portion of the Debt Financing becomes unavailable on the terms and conditions contemplated in the Debt Financing Commitment, the Parent shall promptly notify the Company and shall use its reasonable best efforts to arrange to obtain alternative debt financing from alternative debt sources on terms and conditions no less favorable to the Parent and Merger Sub (in the reasonable judgment of the Parent) and in an amount sufficient to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby promptly following the occurrence of such event. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall any Guarantor be required to provide any financing other than equity financing, which equity shall in no event be required to exceed the respective amounts set forth in the Equity Financing Commitment, and in no event shall the Parent or Merger Sub be required to seek or obtain equity financing other than the Equity Financing. The Parent shall promptly deliver to the Company true and complete copies of all agreements pursuant to which any such alternative source shall have committed to provide the Parent and Merger Sub with any portion of the Financing. For purposes of this Section 5.10 and Section 4.4, references to “Financing” and “Debt Financing” shall include the financing contemplated by the Financing Commitments as permitted by this Section 5.10 to be amended, modified or replaced and references to “Financing Commitments” and “Debt Financing Commitment” shall include such documents as permitted by this Section 5.10 to be amended, modified or replaced, in each case from and after such amendment, modification or replacement.

(c) Prior to the Closing, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall provide to the Parent and Merger Sub, and shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause the officers, employees, advisors and other Representatives of the Company and its Subsidiaries to provide to the Parent and Merger Sub, all cooperation that is reasonably requested by the Parent in connection with the Financing (provided that such requested cooperation does not unreasonably interfere with the ongoing operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries), including: (i) participating in a reasonable number of meetings, presentations, road shows, drafting sessions, due diligence sessions and sessions with prospective Financing Sources, investors and ratings agencies, and reasonably cooperating with the marketing efforts of the Parent and Merger Sub and their Financing Sources, in each case in connection with the Financing; (ii) furnishing the Parent, Merger Sub and their Financing Sources as promptly as practicable with financial and other pertinent information regarding the Company and its Subsidiaries as may be reasonably requested by the Parent, including all financial statements and financial and other data of the type customarily included in a bank information memorandum (including pro forma financial information), and other documents reasonably requested by the Financing Sources to consummate the Financings at the time the Financings are to be consummated, including all information and data necessary to satisfy the conditions set forth in paragraphs 5 and 6 of Exhibit C of the Debt Financing Commitment; provided that the Company shall only be required to furnish pro forma information relating to the Merger incorporating proposed debt and equity capitalization if Parent has provided the Company with the assumptions for such pro forma preparation at least ten days prior to the date such pro forma information is required to be delivered (information and data required to be delivered pursuant to this clause (ii) being referred to as the “ Required Information ”);

 

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(iii) assisting with the preparation of materials for rating agency presentations, offering documents, private placement memoranda, bank information memoranda (including, to the extent necessary, a bank information memorandum that does not include material non-public information), prospectuses and similar documents required in connection with the Financing; (iv) executing and delivering any pledge and security documents and otherwise reasonably facilitating the granting of a security interest (and perfection thereof) in collateral, guarantees, mortgages, other definitive financing documents or other certificates or documents (subject to the occurrence of the Closing) as may reasonably be requested by the Parent; (v) obtaining a certificate of the chief financial officer of the Company with respect to solvency matters in the form attached as Annex I to Exhibit C to the Debt Financing Commitment to the extent reasonably required by the Financing Sources in customary form, customary authorization letters with respect to the bank information memoranda from a senior officer of the Company and consents of accountants for use of their reports in any materials relating to the Debt Financing; (vi) using reasonable best efforts to obtain accountants’ comfort letters, legal opinions, surveys and title insurance at the expense of and as reasonably requested by the Parent on behalf of the Financing Sources; (vii) taking all reasonable actions, subject to the occurrence of the Closing, necessary to permit the consummation of such Debt Financing and to permit the proceeds thereof to be made available to the Company, including entering into one or more credit agreements, indentures and/or other instruments on terms satisfactory to the Parent in connection with such Debt Financing immediately prior to (and conditioned upon the occurrence of) the Effective Time to the extent direct borrowings or debt incurrence by the Company is contemplated in the Debt Financing Commitment; (viii) at least five days prior to the Closing, providing all documentation and other information about the Company and each of its Subsidiaries as is reasonably requested in writing by the Parent at least ten days prior to the Closing which is in connection with the Debt Financing relates to applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations including the USA PATRIOT Act; and (ix) providing unaudited consolidated quarterly and monthly financial statements of the Company (excluding footnotes) consisting of a balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows to the extent, in the case of monthly statements, the Company customarily prepares such financial statements; provided , however , that the Company shall not be required to enter into or perform under any agreement with respect to the Financing that is not contingent upon the Closing or that would be effective prior to the Closing. The Company shall not be required to pay any commitment or other similar fee or make any other payment (other than reasonable out-of-pocket costs) or incur any other liability or provide or agree to provide any indemnity in connection with the Financing or any of the foregoing prior to the Effective Time. The Parent shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its Representatives from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs, expenses, interest, awards, judgments and penalties suffered or incurred by them in connection with the arrangement of the Financing and any information (other than information furnished by or on behalf of the Company of its Subsidiaries) utilized in connection therewith. The Parent shall, promptly upon request by the Company, reimburse the Company for all documented and reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Company in connection with such cooperation. Without granting any ownership or other rights, the Company hereby consents to the reasonable and customary use of its and its Subsidiaries’ logos in connection with the Debt Financing contemplated by the Debt Financing Commitment; provided, that such logos are used solely in a manner that is not intended to nor reasonably likely to harm or disparage the Company or its Subsidiaries or the reputation or goodwill of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

 

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(d) Without prejudice to Section 5.13, to the extent permitted by Law, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and their respective Representatives to, reasonably cooperate with and to otherwise provide prompt assistance to the Parent and its Representatives in connection with the Parent’s review of and planning for any internal structuring or reorganization of the Company’s Subsidiaries, employees, assets or liabilities and, if directed by Parent, to cause any such internal structuring or reorganization to be effectuated at or immediately prior to the Closing ( provided that the formation or incorporation of new wholly-owned Subsidiaries may occur upon Parent’s reasonable request at any time following the date hereof); provided that such cooperation will not unreasonably interfere with the ongoing operations of the Company.

5.11 Treatment of Existing Indebtedness .

(a) On or prior to the second Business Day prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall deliver to the Parent a copy of a payoff letter, in commercially reasonable form, from the Agent (as defined in the Loan and Security Agreement) under the Loan and Security Agreement, which payoff letter shall (i) indicate the total amount required to be paid to fully satisfy all principal, interest, prepayment premiums, penalties, breakage costs or similar obligations related to any Obligations (as defined in the Loan and Security Agreement) under the Loan and Security Agreement as of the anticipated Closing Date (and the daily accrual thereafter) (the “ Payoff Amount ”), (ii) state that upon receipt of the Payoff Amount, the Loan and Security Agreement and related instruments evidencing the Loan and Security Agreement shall be terminated and (iii) state that all Liens, guarantees and agreements to subordinate in connection therewith relating to the assets and properties of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries securing such Obligations shall be, upon the payment of the Payoff Amount, released and terminated. The Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, use reasonable best efforts to deliver all notices and take all other actions to facilitate the termination of the Loan and Security Agreement, the repayment in full of all Obligations then outstanding thereunder and the release of all Liens and the termination of all guarantees (including reflecting the release of the pledge of quotas of the Brazil Subsidiaries in their respective articles of association) and the agreements evidencing subordination in connection therewith on the Closing Date prior to the Closing; provided that this Section 5.11(a) shall not require the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to cause such repayment, release and termination unless the Closing shall occur substantially concurrently.

(b) The Company shall (i) prepare notices of redemption for all of the outstanding Notes pursuant to Article III of the Indenture, (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Trustee (as defined in the Indenture) to proceed with the redemption of the Notes on notice of 30 days before the redemption date and provide such notice and take any such action as is reasonably necessary to cause the Trustee to mail the notice of redemption to each Holder (as defined in the Indenture) of the Notes on the Closing Date, (iii) obtain officer’s certificates pursuant to the terms of the Indenture stating that, subject to delivery of funds as arranged by the Parent or Merger Sub, all conditions precedent to the satisfaction and discharge of the Notes have been satisfied, (iv) use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain an appropriate opinion of counsel pursuant to the terms of the Indenture stating that, subject only to delivery of funds as arranged by the Parent and Merger Sub, all conditions precedent to the satisfaction and

 

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discharge of the Notes have been satisfied, (v) provide the Parent the opportunity to review and comment on each of the foregoing notices, certificates and opinions reasonably in advance of their delivery and (vi) use its commercially reasonable efforts to take all other actions and prepare all other documents as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to (A) issue an irrevocable notice of redemption as of the Closing Date (which issuance shall occur immediately prior to the Closing) for all of the Notes (subject to the irrevocable deposit of funds with the Trustee immediately prior to the Closing by the Company as arranged by the Parent and Merger Sub) providing for the redemption 30 days after the Closing Date of all of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Notes (together with all interest, prepayment premiums, penalties, breakage costs or similar obligations related to the Notes) pursuant to the requisite provisions of the Indenture, (B) facilitate the satisfaction and/or discharge of the Notes pursuant to the Indenture, and redeem, satisfy and discharge the Notes in accordance with the terms of the Indenture immediately prior to Closing and (C) obtain the release (including written evidence thereof) of all Liens and the termination of all guarantees (including reflecting the release of the pledge of quotas of the Brazil Subsidiaries in their respective articles of association) and agreements to subordinate in connection therewith relating to the assets and properties of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries securing the Notes immediately prior to the Closing.

5.12 Cash and Marketable Securities . To the extent requested by the Parent, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall cooperate in good faith and use reasonable efforts, to the extent permitted by Law and subject to the reasonable operational requirements of the Company and its Subsidiaries, to (a) repatriate cash, as requested by the Parent, to the United States, the Cayman Islands and/or Brazil (including by direct or indirect transfers of cash, dividends or intercompany loans), in as tax- and cost-efficient manner as reasonably practicable, with a view to maximizing the amount of the Company’s cash held in the United States, the Cayman Islands and/or Brazil on the Closing Date, and (b) sell, in as tax- and cost-efficient manner as reasonably practicable, such amount and type of the marketable securities then owned by the Company and its Subsidiaries, in each case with effect as of a date reasonably proximate to the Closing Date.

5.13 Tax Matters . At the direction of Parent, the Company and its Subsidiaries will cooperate with Parent to prepare and submit a request for a tax ruling from the tax authorities in the Netherlands as promptly as practicable after the date hereof regarding the transfer of SMART Modular Technologies (NL) B.V. to a newly formed Luxembourg or other European holding company. The Company and its Subsidiaries will also consider in good faith seeking additional tax rulings from the tax authorities in the Netherlands as requested by Parent. The Company and its Subsidiaries shall not take any action in connection with or related to such ruling without Parent’s direction and prior written consent and will cooperate with Parent to keep Parent timely informed on all matters related to such ruling.

5.14 Resignation of Directors . At the Closing, the Company shall deliver to the Parent evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Parent of the resignation of all directors of the Company effective at the Effective Time.

5.15 Delisting . The Surviving Corporation will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the shares of Common Stock to be de-listed from the NASDAQ and de registered under the Exchange Act as soon as practicable following the Effective Time.

 

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5.16 Section 16 Matters . Prior to the Effective Time, the Company will take all such steps as may be reasonably necessary or advisable hereto to cause to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act any dispositions of shares of Common Stock (including derivative securities with respect to shares of Common Stock) that are treated as dispositions under such rule and result from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by each director or officer of the Company who is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to the Company.

ARTICLE VI

CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER

6.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Effect the Merger . The respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be subject to the fulfillment (or, to the extent permitted under applicable Law, waiver by the Parent and the Company) at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

(a) The Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained.

(b) All applicable waiting periods (and any extensions thereof) under the HSR Act and the antitrust and competition Laws of the jurisdictions listed on Section 6.1(b) of the Disclosure Schedule shall have expired or otherwise been terminated, and the parties shall have received all other necessary pre-closing authorizations, consents and approvals of all Governmental Entities in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Merger).

(c) No provision of any applicable Law making illegal or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Merger shall be in effect and no temporary, preliminary or permanent restraining Order preventing the consummation of the Merger shall be in effect.

6.2 Conditions to Obligations of the Parent and Merger Sub to Effect the Merger . The respective obligations of the Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger shall be subject to the fulfillment (or, to the extent permitted under applicable Law, waiver by the Parent) at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

(a) (i) The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement (other than Sections 3.2(a), 3.2(b), 3.2(g) and 3.3) will be true and correct (without giving effect to any qualification or limitation as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” contained herein) as of the Closing Date as though made as of such date (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of another time, in which case such representations and warranties will be true and correct as of such other time), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct does not have, and would be not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and (ii) the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Sections 3.2(a), 3.2(b), 3.2(g) and 3.3 will be true and correct as of the Closing Date as though made as of the Closing Date (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of another time, in which case such representations and warranties will be true and correct as of such other time), except for de minimis failures of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct.

 

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(b) The Company shall have performed in all material respects all of the covenants required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date.

(c) The Company shall have delivered to the Parent a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date and signed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer certifying to the effect that the conditions set forth in Sections 6.2(a) and 6.2(b) have been satisfied.

(d) There has not been any change, event, development or effect that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(e) All actions such that the Loan and Security Agreement shall be terminated in accordance with the terms set forth therein immediately prior to the Closing shall have been taken.

(f) All actions such that all Liens securing the Notes shall be released and the Indenture shall cease to be of further effect pursuant to Article VIII thereof, in each case, immediately prior to Closing shall have been taken.

6.3 Conditions to Obligations of the Company to Effect the Merger . The obligation of the Company to effect the Merger shall be subject to the fulfillment (or, to the extent permitted under applicable Law, waiver by the Company) at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

(a) The representations and warranties of each of the Parent and Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement will be true and correct as of the Effective Time (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of another time, in which case such representations and warranties will be true and correct as of such other time), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct does not prevent, materially delay or otherwise materially and adversely affect the ability of the Parent or Merger Sub to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(b) The Parent and Merger Sub shall have performed in all material respects all of the covenants required to be performed by them under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date.

(c) The Parent shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date and signed on behalf of the Parent and Merger Sub by a duly authorized officer of the Parent, certifying to the effect that the conditions set forth in Sections 6.3(a) and 6.3(b) have been satisfied.

 

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ARTICLE VII

TERMINATION; REMEDIES

7.1 Termination of Agreement . This Agreement may be terminated (notwithstanding receipt of the Shareholder Approval) as follows:

(a) by mutual written consent of Merger Sub and the Company at any time prior to the Effective Time;

(b) by either Merger Sub or the Company, if any Governmental Entity will have issued an Order or taken any other action permanently enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and such Order or other action will have become final and nonappealable; provided , however , that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(b) shall not be available to the party seeking to terminate if the issuance of such Order or other action was primarily due to the failure of such party to perform in all material respects any of its obligations contained in this Agreement;

(c) by either Merger Sub or the Company, if the Merger does not occur on or before 5:00 P.M. New York City time on October 26, 2011 (the “ End Date ”); provided , however , that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(c) shall not be available to the party seeking to terminate if the failure of such party (or in the case of Merger Sub, the Parent) to perform in all material respects any of its obligations under this Agreement required to be performed at or prior to the Effective Time has been the primary cause of the failure of the Effective Time to occur on or before the End Date;

(d) by either Merger Sub or the Company, if the Company Shareholders Meeting shall have been held and completed and adoption of this Agreement by the shareholders of the Company referred to in Section 6.1(a) shall not have been obtained at such Company Shareholders Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof; provided , however , that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this 7.1(d) shall not be available to the party seeking to terminate if the failure of such party to perform in all material respects any of its obligations under this Agreement required to be performed at or prior to the Effective Time has been the primary cause of the failure of the adoption of this Agreement by the shareholders of the Company referred to in Section 6.1(a);

(e) by the Company, at any time prior to the time the Shareholder Approval being obtained, in order to enter into an Alternative Proposal Agreement in compliance with Section 5.3(f) that effects a Superior Proposal; provided that (i) such Alternative Proposal Agreement did not result from a breach of Section 5.3 and (ii) the Company has paid the Company Termination Fee in compliance with Section 7.2 prior to or simultaneously with such termination;

(f) by Merger Sub, if the Company shall have breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform (i) would result in a failure of a condition set forth in Section 6.1 or 6.2 and (ii) (x) cannot be cured by the End Date or (y) if capable of being cured, shall not have been cured within 30 days following receipt of written notice (which notice shall specify in reasonable detail the nature of such breach or failure and Merger Sub’s intention to terminate this Agreement if such breach or failure is not cured) from Merger Sub of such breach or failure; provided that Merger Sub shall not have a right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(f) if Parent or it is then in breach of any representations, warranties covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement that would result in a failure of a condition set forth in Section 6.1 or 6.3;

 

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(g) by the Company, if the Parent or Merger Sub shall have breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform (i) would result in a failure of a condition set forth in Section 6.1 or 6.3 and (ii) (x) cannot be cured by the End Date or (y) if capable of being cured, shall not have been cured within 30 days following receipt of written notice (which notice shall specify in reasonable detail the nature of such breach or failure and the Company’s intention to terminate this Agreement if such breach or failure is not cured) from the Company of such breach; provided that the Company shall not have a right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(g) if it is then in breach of any representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement that would result in a failure of a condition set forth in Section 6.1 or 6.2;

(h) by the Company, if (i) all of the conditions set forth in Section 6.1 and 6.2 have been satisfied (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by actions taken at the Closing), (ii) the Parent and Merger Sub fail to complete the Closing within three (3) Business Days following the date the Closing should have occurred pursuant to Section 1.2, (iii) the Company irrevocably confirmed in writing that (x) all of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.1 and 6.3 have been satisfied (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by actions taken at the Closing) or will be waived by the Company and (y) it is prepared to consummate the Closing and (iv) the Company stood ready, willing and able to consummate the Closing, during such period; or

(i) by Merger Sub, at any time prior to the Shareholder Approval being obtained, if (A) the Board of Directors or any committee thereof (or the Company) shall have made a Company Adverse Recommendation Change, (B) the Board of Directors fails to include in the Proxy Statement when mailed, the Board Recommendation, (C) the Company enters into an Alternative Proposal Agreement or (D) the Board of Directors or any committee thereof (or the Company) publicly announces its intention to do any of the foregoing.

Written notice of termination other than pursuant to Section 7.1(a) shall be given to the other party or parties, specifying the provisions hereof pursuant to which such termination is being made.

7.2 Certain Remedies .

(a) Company Termination Fee .

(i) If (A) (i) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 7.1(d), (ii) any Person shall have publicly disclosed a bona fide Alternative Proposal on or after the date hereof but prior to the Company Shareholder Meeting and such Alternative Proposal shall not have been withdrawn at least three Business Days prior to the Company Shareholder Meeting, and (iii) within 12 months after the Termination Date, the Company or any of its Affiliates (x) consummates an Alternative Proposal or (y) enters into a definitive agreement with respect to an Alternative Proposal and ultimately consummates an Alternative Proposal (in each case whether or not the Alternative Proposal was the same Alternative Proposal referred to in clause (ii)), or (B) (i) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 7.1(c), or 7.1(f), (ii) any Person shall have made a bona fide Alternative Proposal on or after the date hereof but prior to the date that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 7.1, and (iii) within 12 months after the Termination Date, the Company or any of its Affiliates (x) consummates an Alternative Proposal or (y) enters into a definitive agreement with respect to an Alternative Proposal and ultimately consummates an Alternative Proposal (in each case whether or not the Alternative Proposal was the same Alternative Proposal referred to in clause (ii)), then the Company will pay the Parent’s designees an aggregate amount equal to the Company Termination Fee, less any Parent Expenses paid by the Company pursuant to Section 7.2(c).

 

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(ii) If this Agreement is terminated (x) by the Company pursuant to Section 7.1(e) or (y) by Merger Sub pursuant to Section 7.1(i), then the Company will pay the Parent’s designees an aggregate amount equal to the Company Termination Fee.

(iii) For the purpose of this Section 7.2(a), all references in the term Alternative Proposal to “20% or more” will be deemed to be references to “more than 50%”.

(iv) The Company Termination Fee will be paid in the aggregate to the Parent’s designees by the Company in immediately available funds (x) in the case of Section 7.2(a)(i) or 7.2(a)(ii)(y), within two (2) Business Days after the date of the event giving rise to the obligation to make such payment and (y) in the case of Section 7.2(a)(ii)(x), prior to or contemporaneously with such termination of this Agreement (and any purported termination pursuant to Section 7.1(e) shall be void and of no force or effect unless the Company shall have made such payment).

(v) As used in this Agreement, “ Company Termination Fee ” means (A) an amount equal to Twelve Million Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($12,900,000) if the Company Termination Fee becomes payable pursuant to Sections 7.1(e) or 7.1(i) in connection with the Company entering into an Alternative Proposal Agreement in compliance with Section 5.3 that reflects a Superior Proposal with an Excluded Party, and (B) an amount equal to Nineteen Million Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($19,400,000) in all other circumstances.

(b) Parent Termination Fee.

(i) If this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to (x) Section 7.1(g), and at such time the conditions set forth in Sections 6.1 and 6.2 have been satisfied (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by actions taken at the Closing and those conditions that the Parent’s or Merger Sub’s breach of this Agreement have caused not to be satisfied), or (y) Section 7.1(h), then the Parent will pay the Company an amount equal to Fifty Eight Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($58,100,000) (the “ Parent Termination Fee ”). Solely for purposes of establishing the basis for the amount thereof, and without in any way increasing the amount of the Parent Termination Fee or expanding the circumstances in which the Parent Termination Fee is to be paid, it is agreed that the Parent Termination Fee is liquidated damages, in a reasonable amount will compensate the Company in the circumstances in which the Parent Termination Fee is payable for the efforts and resources expended and opportunities foregone while negotiating this Agreement and in reliance on this Agreement and on the expectation of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, which amount would otherwise be impossible to calculate with precision and not a penalty, and the payment of the Parent Termination Fee in the circumstances specified herein is supported by due and sufficient consideration.

 

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(ii) In the event the Parent Termination Fee is payable, such fee will be paid to the Company by the Parent in immediately available funds within two (2) Business Days after the date of the event giving rise to the obligation to make such payment.

(c) Reimbursement of Expenses . Without limiting or otherwise affecting in any way the other remedies available to the Parent or Merger Sub, in the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(d), then the Company shall promptly, but in no event later than two (2) Business Days after the Termination Date, pay the Parent’s designee 50% of the documented out-of-pocket Expenses incurred by the Parent, Merger Sub and their respective Affiliates in connection with the preparation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (the “ Parent Expenses ”) up to a maximum amount of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000),by wire transfer of same day funds.

(d) Each of the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the agreements contained in this Section 7.2 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated hereby, and that without these agreements, the other party would not enter into this Agreement. Accordingly, if the Company or Parent or Merger Sub, as the case may be, fails to timely pay any amount due pursuant to this Section 7.2, and in order to obtain payment, Parent and Merger Sub or the Company, as the case may be, commence an Action which results in a judgment in favor of Parent and/or Merger Sub, on the one hand, or the Company, on the other hand, then the non-prevailing party or parties (as the case may be) shall pay each of the other party or parties, as applicable, its reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) in connection with such Action, together with interest on such payment at the prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal in effect on the date such payment was required to be made through the date such payment was actually made.

7.3 Effect of Termination .

(a) In the event of termination of this Agreement by either the Company or Merger Sub as provided in Section 7.1, this Agreement will forthwith become void and have no further force or effect, without any Liability (other than as set forth, and subject to the limitations included, in Section 7.2 or this Section 7.3) on the part of the Parent, Merger Sub or the Company (or any Representative of any such party); provided , however , that the provisions of Sections 5.6(c), 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 and Article VIII and, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Non-Disclosure Agreement and the Limited Guarantees will survive any termination hereof; provided , further , however , that subject to the terms of this Section 7.3, nothing in this Section 7.3(a) shall relieve any party of any Liability for any material breach by such party of this Agreement prior to the Effective Time.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in the event that the Company Termination Fee is paid to the Parent (or its designees), payment of the Company Termination Fee shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Parent, Merger Sub and each of their respective Affiliates against the Company and any of its former, current and future Affiliates, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, controlling Persons or Representatives for any loss or damage based upon, arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the negotiation, execution or performance hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby; and in no event shall the Company be required to pay the Company Termination Fee on more than one occasion.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Parent and Merger Sub fail to effect the Closing when required by Section 1.2 for any or no reason or otherwise breach this Agreement (whether willfully, intentionally, unintentionally or otherwise) or fail to perform hereunder (whether willfully, intentionally, unintentionally or otherwise), then, (i) the Company’s and its Affiliates’ sole and exclusive remedy (whether at law, in equity, in contract, in tort or otherwise) against the Parent, Merger Sub, the Guarantors and any of their respective former, current and future direct or indirect equityholders, controlling persons, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, Affiliates, members, managers, general or limited partners, Financing Sources or assignees (each a “ Related Party ” and collectively, the “ Related Parties ”) or any Related Party of any Related Party for any breach, loss or damage shall be to terminate this Agreement and receive payment of the Parent Termination Fee and any amounts due pursuant to Section 7.2(d), in each case, only to the extent provided by Sections 7.2(b) or 7.2(d) or pursuant to the Limited Guarantees, as applicable, and (ii) except as provided in the immediately foregoing clause (i), none of the Related Parties or any Related Party of a Related Party will have any Liability to the Company or any of its Affiliates relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the Limited Guarantees (except, for the avoidance of doubt, for the Guarantors’ obligation under their respective Limited Guarantees, subject to the limitations contained therein), the Financing Commitments or in respect of any other document or theory of law or equity or in respect of any representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith or therewith, whether at law or equity, in contract, in tort or otherwise. The parties acknowledge and agree that in no event will the Parent be required to pay the Parent Termination Fee on more than one occasion. Upon payment of the Parent Termination Fee and any amounts due pursuant to Section 7.2(d), none of the Related Parties or any Related Party of any Related Party shall have any further Liability to the Company or any of its Affiliates relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the Limited Guarantees, the Financing Commitments or in respect of any other document or theory of law or equity or in respect of any representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith or therewith, whether at law or equity, in contract, in tort or otherwise, and none of the Related Parties or any Related Party of any Related Party shall have any further Liability to the Company or any of its Affiliates relating to or arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

7.4 Enforcement . The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed by the Company in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached by the Company and that money damages may not be an adequate remedy therefor. It is accordingly agreed that the Parent and Merger Sub shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement by the Company and to seek to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement against the Company without bond or other security being required, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the parties further agree that the Company shall not be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement by the Parent or Merger Sub, to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement against the Parent or Merger Sub or otherwise to obtain any equitable relief or remedy against the Parent or Merger Sub and that the Company’s sole and exclusive remedy with respect to any such breach shall be the remedy available to the Company set forth in Sections 7.2(b) and 7.3(c).

 

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ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

8.1 No Third-Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement will not confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, other than: (a) Sections 5.8 and 7.3 (which will be for the benefit of the Persons (including, with respect to Section 7.3, the Financing Sources) set forth therein, and any such Person will have the rights provided for therein); (b) Sections 8.7 and 8.13 (which shall be for the benefit of, among others, the Financing Sources, and the Financing Sources, among others, will have the rights provided for therein); and (c) this Article VIII in respect of the Sections set forth under the foregoing clauses (a) and (b).

8.2 Entire Agreement . This Agreement (including the Exhibits and the Schedules hereto), together with the Non-Disclosure Agreement, the Limited Guarantees and the Financing Commitments, constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral, to the extent they related in any way to the subject matter hereof.

8.3 Succession and Assignment . This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties named herein and their respective successors and permitted assigns. No party hereto may assign either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other parties; provided, however, that the Parent or Merger Sub may assign their respective rights, interests or obligations hereunder to any Affiliate of the Parent without the consent of the other parties hereto, but no such assignment shall relieve the assigning party of its obligations hereunder. Any purported assignment not permitted under this Section 8.3 shall be null and void.

8.4 Construction . The parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement, and, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

8.5 Notices . Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given hereunder by any party to the others (except for notices specifically required to be delivered orally) shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by facsimile or overnight courier:

If to the Company, to:

Smart Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc.

39870 Eureka Drive

Newark, California 94560

Fax No.: 510-624-8231

Attention: Bruce Goldberg

 

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with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Kaye Scholer LLP

Two Palo Alto Square, Suite 400

3000 El Camino Real

Palo Alto, California 94306

Fax No.: 650-319-4918

Attention: Diane Holt Frankle

and

Davis, Polk and Wardwell LLP

1600 El Camino Real

Menlo Park, California 94025

Fax No.: (650) 752-3604

Attention: Alan Denenberg

If to the Parent or Merger Sub, to:

c/o Silver Lake Partners

c/o Silver Lake Sumeru

2775 Sand Hill Road, Suite 100

Menlo Park, California 94025

Fax No.: (650) 233-8125

Attention: Karen King

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

2550 Hanover Street

Palo Alto, California 94304

Fax No.: (650) 251-5002

Attention: Peter S. Malloy

or to such other Persons or addresses as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice as provided above. Any notice, request, instruction or other document given as provided above shall be deemed given to the receiving party (i) upon actual receipt, if delivered personally; (ii) upon confirmation of successful transmission if sent by facsimile (provided that if given by facsimile such notice, request, instruction or other document shall be followed up within one Business Day by dispatch pursuant to one of the other methods described herein); or (iii) at the end of the next Business Day after deposit with an overnight courier, if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier.

8.6 Governing Law . This Agreement and all claims or causes of action (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws ( provided that the Merger and any exercise of appraisal and dissention rights with respect to the Merger shall be governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands).

 

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8.7 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, THE FINANCING COMMITMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY, INCLUDING THE MERGER AND THE FINANCING. EACH OF THE PARTIES (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 8.7.

8.8 Headings . The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

8.9 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future Law (a) such provision will be fully severable, (b) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, (c) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom and (d) in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible; provided that the parties intend that the remedies and limitations thereon (including provisions that payment of the Parent Termination Fee be the exclusive remedy for the Company as provided under Section 7.3) contained in Article VII to be construed as an integral provision of this Agreement and that such remedies and limitations shall not be severable in any manner that increases a party’s liability or obligations hereunder or under the Financing Commitments or the Limited Guarantees.

8.10 Expenses . Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement (including Section 7.2(c)), whether or not the Merger is consummated, all Expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby will be paid by the party incurring such Expenses; provided that any fees incurred in connection with (i) any filings under the HSR Act and any Other Antitrust Laws and (ii) the filing fee for the Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3, in each case, shall be borne equally by the Company, on the one hand, and the Parent and Merger Sub, on the other hand. As used in this Agreement, “ Expenses ” means, with respect to any Person, the fees and expenses of legal counsel, investment bankers, brokers, finders, financial advisors, accountants and other advisors (including any representatives of legal counsel, investment bankers, accountants or other advisors) incurred by or on behalf of such Person and its Affiliates prior to the Closing in connection with the preparation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the other transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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8.11 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements . None of the representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements in this Agreement or in any certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements, will survive the Effective Time, except for those covenants and agreements contained herein that by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the Effective Time and this Article VIII.

8.12 Incorporation of Exhibits and Schedules . The Exhibits and Schedules (including the Disclosure Schedule) identified in this Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

8.13 Exclusive Jurisdiction . Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State court or Federal court of the United States of America sitting in New York County, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Financing Commitments or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding shall be heard and determined in such New York State court or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court, (b) waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Financing Commitments or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby in any New York State or in any such Federal court, (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court and (d) agrees that a final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other matter provided by law. Each of the parties hereto agrees that service of process, summons, notice or document by registered mail addressed to such party at the addresses set forth in Section 8.5 shall be effective service of process for any suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that that the submissions, waivers and agreements in this Section 8.13 shall extend to any action or proceeding that involves any Financing Source.

8.14 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile, “.pdf,” or other electronic transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

8.15 Amendments . This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto by action taken by or on behalf of their respective boards of directors at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after adoption of this Agreement by the shareholders of the Company; provided, however, that, after adoption of this Agreement by the shareholders of the Company, no amendment may be made which by law requires the further approval of the shareholders of the Company without such further approval. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

 

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8.16 Waiver . At any time prior to the Effective Time, any party hereto may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (c) subject to the requirements of applicable law, waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall only be valid if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties to be bound thereby. The failure of any party to assert any rights or remedies shall not constitute a waiver of such rights or remedies.

8.17 Certain Definitions .

(a) When used in this Agreement, the following terms will have the meanings assigned to them in this Section 8.17(a):

Action ” means any investigation, litigation, claim, action, arbitration, suit, hearing or proceeding (whether civil, criminal or administrative).

Affiliate ” means, with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with, such Person; provided that none of the Parent, Merger Sub or any of the Guarantors shall be considered Affiliates of any portfolio company in which the Guarantors or any of their investment fund Affiliates have made a debt or equity investment (and vice versa). For purposes of this definition, “ Control ” (including the terms “ Controlled by ” and “ under common Control with ”) means possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of stock, as trustee or executor, by Contract or otherwise.

Brazil Module Subsidiary ” means Smart Modular Technologies do Brasil — Indústria e Comércio de Componentes Ltda.

Brazil Semiconductor Subsidiary ” means Smart Modular Technologies Indústria de Componentes Eletrônicos Ltda.

Brazil Subsidiaries ” means the Brazil Semiconductor Subsidiary and the Brazil Module Subsidiary.

Business Day ” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks located in New York, New York are authorized or required by Law to close.

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

Company Equity Incentive Plan ” means the Company’s Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan.

Company-Owned Intellectual Property ” means Company-Registered Intellectual Property and all material unregistered Intellectual Property, including any source code, owned by the Company or its Subsidiaries.

 

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Company Restricted Stock Awards ” means awards of restricted stock units to be settled in Common Stock upon vesting and issued under the Company Equity Incentive Plan.

Company Stock Options ” means options to purchase Common Stock issued under the Company Equity Incentive Plan.

Contract ” means any loan or credit agreement, debenture, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, lease, license, contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding or other agreement.

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

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

Excluded Party ” shall mean any Person, “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) or group that includes any Person (so long as such Person and the other members of such group, if any, who were members of such group immediately prior to the No-Shop Period Start Date constitute at least 50% of the equity financing of such group at all times following the No-Shop Period Start Date and prior to the termination of this Agreement) from whom the Company or any of its Representatives has received during the Go-Shop Period a bona fide written Alternative Proposal that the Special Committee determines in good faith (such determination to be made on or prior to the No-Shop Period Start Date), after consultation with outside counsel and its financial advisors, is or is reasonably expected to result in a Superior Proposal; provided , however , that any such Person or group shall cease to be an “Excluded Party” at such time after the No-Shop Period Start Date (i) as discussions or negotiations between the Company and such Person or group with respect to the Alternative Proposal made by such Person or group shall have expired or terminated (including immediately upon the withdrawal, termination or expiration of such Alternative Proposal, unless concurrently replaced by another Alternative Proposal by such Excluded Party) or (ii) that the Alternative Proposal made by such Person or group fails, in the good faith judgment of the Special Committee, after consultation with outside counsel and its financial advisors, to constitute a Superior Proposal or an Alternative Proposal that is or is reasonably expected to result in a Superior Proposal.

Financing Sources ” means the Persons that have committed to provide or otherwise entered into agreements in connection with the Debt Financing Commitment or alternative debt financings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including the parties named in Section 4.4 and any joinder agreements, indentures or credit agreements entered into pursuant thereto or relating thereto together with their Affiliates, officers, directors, employees and representatives involved in the Debt Financing and their successors and assigns.

GAAP ” means United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied.

Governmental Entity ” means any entity or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to United States federal, state or local government or other non-United States, international, multinational or other government, including any department, commission, board, agency, instrumentality, political subdivision, bureau, official or other regulatory, administrative or judicial authority thereof and any self regulatory organization.

 

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HSR Act ” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended.

Indebtedness ” means (i) any indebtedness for borrowed money (including the issuance of any debt security) to any Person other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) any obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar Contracts to any Person other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) any obligations for the deferred purchase price of property, goods or services to any Person other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (iv) any capital lease obligations to any Person other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (v) any obligations in respect of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances, or (v) any guaranty of any such obligations described in clauses (i) through (v) of any Person other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than, in the case of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), accounts payable to trade creditors and accrued expenses, in each case arising in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices); provided that trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and real estate lease obligations are deemed not to be Indebtedness for the purposes of this Agreement.

Indenture ” means that certain Indenture dated as of March 28, 2005, among the Company, the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.

Intellectual Property ” means all worldwide intellectual property rights, including: (i) trade secrets, inventions (whether or not patentable), discoveries, confidential and proprietary information, technologies, know-how, processes, methods, algorithms, schematics, R&D information, techniques, technical information, specifications, drawing, methods, technical data, designs, and documentation related to the foregoing (collectively, “ Trade Secrets ”); (ii) patents and applications therefor, including all disclosures, continuations and continuations-in-part thereof and patents issuing thereon, along with any reexaminations, reissues and extensions thereof; (iii) trademarks, trade names, trade dress, brand names, corporate names, domain names, trademark registrations, trademark applications, service marks, service mark registrations and service mark applications and other source indicators (whether registered, unregistered or existing at common law, including all goodwill attaching thereto); and (iv) copyrights, copyrightable works, computer software and databases, including copyright registrations, copyright applications and unregistered common law copyrights.

Knowledge of the Company ” or any similar phrase means the knowledge of the persons set forth on Section 8.17(a) of the Disclosure Schedule after due inquiry.

Law ” means any statute, law (including common law), ordinance, rule, code, directive, treaty provision or regulation of any Governmental Entity.

Liability ” means all indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities and contingencies of a Person, whether absolute, accrued, contingent, fixed or otherwise, or whether due or to become due.

 

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Lien ” means any mortgage, lien, pledge, claim, option to purchase or lease or otherwise acquire any interest, charge, security interest, hypothecation, easement, right-of-way or other encumbrance in respect of such property or asset.

Loan and Security Agreement ” means that certain Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, among the Company, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and the other parties thereto, dated as of April 30, 2007, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

Malaysian Subsidiary ” means SMART Modular Technologies Sdn. Bhd.

Marketing Period ” shall mean the first period of 20 consecutive calendar days commencing five Business Days following receipt by the Parent of the Required Information that the Company is required to provide and throughout which (A) the Parent shall have the Required Information that the Company is required to provide to Parent pursuant to Section 5.10(c), provided that if the Company shall in good faith reasonably believe it has provided the Required Information and that the conditions set forth in clause (B) below have been satisfied, the Company may deliver to Parent a written notice stating that it believes that it has completed such delivery, in which this clause (A) shall be deemed satisfied, unless Parent in good faith reasonably believes that the Company has not completed the delivery of the Required Information and delivers a notice to the Company to such effect within five Business Days after receipt of the Company’s notice, stating with reasonable specificity material deficiencies in the Required Information as delivered by the Company to date (it being understood that if at any time during the Marketing Period the Required Information becomes stale or otherwise does not include the “Required Information”, as defined, then the Marketing Period shall not have commenced) and (B) the conditions set forth in Sections 6.1 and 6.2 shall be satisfied (other than those conditions that by their nature can only be satisfied at the Closing) and nothing has occurred and no condition exists that would cause any of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.1 and 6.2 to fail to be satisfied assuming the Closing were to be scheduled for any time during such 20 consecutive calendar-day period; provided , however , that (x) if the Marketing Period has not been completed on or prior to August 18, 2011, the Marketing Period shall commence no earlier than September 6, 2011, and (y) the “Marketing Period” shall not be deemed to have commenced if, prior to the completion of such 20 consecutive calendar-day period, (i) KPMG LLP shall have withdrawn its audit opinion with respect to any year-end financial statements contained in the SEC Filings, (ii) the Company shall have publicly announced any intention to restate any material financial information included in the Required Information, in which case the Marketing Period shall be deemed not to commence at the earliest unless and until such restatement has been completed and the SEC Filings have been amended or the Company has determined that no restatement shall be required, or (iii) the Company shall have been delinquent in filing any periodic report with the SEC (exclusive of Reports on Form 8-K that do not contain financial information) required under the Exchange Act, in which case the Marketing Period shall be deemed not to commence at the earliest unless and until such delinquency is cured.

 

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Material Adverse Effect ” means any change, effect, event or occurrence that (A) has a material adverse effect on the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition or results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (B) prevents or materially delays the Company from performing its obligations under this Agreement in any material respect; provided, however, that no change, effect, event or occurrence to the extent arising or resulting from any of the following, either alone or in combination, shall constitute or be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Material Adverse Effect: (i) (A) general economic, financial, political, capital market, credit market, or financial market conditions or (B) general conditions affecting any of the industries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate; (ii) changes in Law or changes in GAAP or accounting standards, in either case, occurring after the date hereof; (iii) any natural disasters, pandemics or acts of war (whether or not declared), sabotage or terrorism, or an escalation or worsening thereof; (iv) the entry into, announcement or performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including compliance with the covenants set forth herein (other than Section 5.1(a)), and the impact thereof on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with customers, suppliers, distributors, partners, employees or regulators, or any shareholder litigation arising from allegations of breach of fiduciary duty relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except that this clause (iv) shall not apply with respect to the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.4; (v) any changes in the price or trading volume of the Common Stock ( provided that the underlying change, effect, event or occurrence that caused or contributed to such change in market price or trading volume shall not be excluded); (vi) any failure by the Company to meet projections or forecasts ( provided that the underlying change, effect, event or occurrence that caused or contributed to such failure to meet projections or forecasts shall not be excluded); and (vii) any change or prospective change in the Company’s credit rating ( provided that the underlying change, effect, event or occurrence that caused or contributed to such change or prospective change in the Company’s credit rating shall not be excluded); provided, further, however, that the change, effect, event or occurrence referred to in the preceding clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) shall be excluded pursuant to such clause only to the extent such change, effect, event or occurrence does not adversely affect the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, disproportionately to other companies operating in the industries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries compete (in which case the incremental disproportionate impact or impacts may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or is reasonably likely to be, a Material Adverse Effect).

Notes ” means the Company’s Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2012 issued pursuant to the Indenture.

Order ” means any order, award, injunction, judgment, decree, enactment, ruling, subpoena or verdict or other decision issued, promulgated or entered by or with any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction.

Other Antitrust Laws ” means the antitrust and competition Laws and foreign investment Laws of all jurisdictions other than those of the United States and any other similar applicable Law.

Permit ” means any authorization, approval, consent, easement, variance, exception, accreditation, certificate, license, permit, acceptance or franchise of or from any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction or pursuant to any Law.

 

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Permitted Liens ” means (a) Liens for Taxes that are not yet due and payable or that are being contested in good faith through appropriate proceedings, (b) statutory Liens of landlords and workers’, carriers’ and mechanics’ or other like Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices for amounts that are not yet due and payable or that are being contested in good faith, (c) Liens, encroachments, covenants, restrictions and other title imperfections which do not materially interfere with the present or proposed use of the properties or assets they affect, and (d) Liens set forth on Section 8.17(b) of the Disclosure Schedule .

Person ” means an individual, a corporation, a company, a partnership, a limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated association, a Governmental Entity or any other entity or body.

Preferred Stock ” means the Preferred Shares, par value US$0.001 per share, of the Company.

Representatives ” means, with respect to any Person, the respective directors, officers, employees, counsel, accountants, agents, advisors and other representatives of such Person and its Subsidiaries.

Schedule 13E-3 ” means the transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 under the Exchange Act to be filed pursuant to Section 13(e) of the Exchange Act relating to the adoption of this Agreement by the shareholders of the Company (together with any amendments thereof or supplements thereto and including any document incorporated by reference therein).

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

Severance and Change of Control Agreements ” means the severance and change of control agreements, dated December 10, 2010, entered into with each of Iain MacKenzie, Barry Zwarenstein, John Scaramuzzo, Alan Marten, Bruce Goldberg, Kiwan Kim, Wayne Eisenberg and John Moyer.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other legal entity of which such Person (either alone or through or together with any other Subsidiary), owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the stock or other equity interests or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power, the holders of which are generally entitled to vote for the election of the board of directors or other governing body of a non-corporate Person.

Taxes ” means all federal, state, local and foreign income, profits, franchise, gross receipts, environmental, customs duty, capital stock, severance, stamp, payroll, sales, service, real property gains, transfer, employment, unemployment, disability, license, alternative or add on minimum, ad valorem, use, property, withholding, excise, production, value added, occupancy and any other taxes, customs, duties, governmental fees or similar assessments of any nature whatsoever, together with any interest, penalties or additions to tax, imposed by any Governmental Entity.

 

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Tax Returns ” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.

(b) Additional Terms . The following terms are defined in the corresponding Sections of this Agreement:

 

Term

   Page  

Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement

     36  

Agreement

     1  

Alternative Proposal

     36  

Alternative Proposal Agreement

     38  

Balance Sheet Date

     12  

Bankruptcy Exceptions

     10  

Benefits Continuation Period

     43  

Board of Directors

     1  

Board Recommendation

     10  

Cayman Companies Law

     1  

Cayman Plan of Merger

     2  

Closing

     2  

Closing Date

     2  

Common Stock

     3  

Company

     1  

Company Adverse Recommendation Change

     38  

Company Employees

     43  

Company Plan

     22  

Company Plans

     22  

Company Registered Intellectual Property

     18  

Company Restricted Stock Awards

     63  

Company Shareholders Meeting

     34  

Company Stock Options

     63  

Company Termination Fee

     55  

D&O Tail Period

     45  

Debt Financing

     28  

Debt Financing Commitment

     28  

Disclosure Schedule

     8  

Dissenting Shares

     5  

DOL

     23  

DTC

     6  

DTC Payment

     6  

Effective Time

     2  

End Date

     53  

Environmental Laws

     25  

Equity Financing

     28  

Equity Financing Commitment

     28  

Equity Incentive Amounts

     4  

 

68


Term

   Page  

Excluded Shares

     3  

Expenses

     60  

Financial Advisor

     26  

Financing

     28  

Financing Commitments

     28  

Foreign Benefit Plans

     24  

Go-Shop Period

     36  

Government Official

     17  

Guarantors

     1  

Indemnified Party

     44  

International Filings

     40  

Intervening Event

     38  

Limited Guarantees

     1  

Material Contracts

     20  

Materials of Environmental Concern

     25  

Memorandum and Articles of Associations

     2  

Merger

     1  

Merger Consideration

     3  

Merger Documents

     2  

Merger Sub

     1  

Nasdaq

     11  

New Plans

     43  

Non-Disclosure Agreement

     42  

No-Shop Period Start Date

     36  

OFAC

     16  

Old Plans

     43  

Option Exchange Ratio

     4  

PADIS

     15  

Parent

     1  

Parent Expenses

     56  

Parent Option

     4  

Parent Termination Fee

     55  

Paying Agent

     6  

Payment Fund

     6  

Payoff Amount

     49  

Performance Awards

     4  

Policies

     25  

PPB

     15  

Proxy Statement

     11  

Related Parties

     57  

Related Party

     57  

Required Information

     47  

SEC Filings

     12  

Shareholder Approval

     10  

Special Committee

     1  

Superior Proposal

     40  

 

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Term

   Page  

Surviving Corporation

     2  

Takeover Laws

     46  

Tax Incentives and Benefits

     15  

Termination Date

     31  

Top Customers

     21  

Top Suppliers

     21  

Trade Secrets

     64  

Unaffiliated Shareholders

     1  

Unvested Company Stock Option

     4  

WARN Act

     24  

(c) For purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided herein or unless the context otherwise requires: (i) the meaning assigned to each term defined herein will be equally applicable to both the singular and the plural forms of such term and vice versa, and words denoting any gender will include all genders as the context requires; (ii) where a word or phrase is defined herein, each of its other grammatical forms will have a corresponding meaning; (iii) the terms “hereof”, “herein”, “hereunder”, “hereby” and “herewith” and words of similar import will, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; (iv) when a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article, Section, paragraph, Exhibit or Schedule without reference to a document, such reference is to an Article, Section, paragraph, Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement; (v) a reference to a subsection without further reference to a Section is a reference to such subsection as contained in the same Section in which the reference appears, and this rule will also apply to paragraphs and other subdivisions; (vi) the word “include”, “includes” or “including” when used in this Agreement will be deemed to include the words “without limitation”, unless otherwise specified; (vii) a reference to any party to this Agreement or any other agreement or document will include such party’s predecessors, successors and permitted assigns; (viii) a reference to any Law means such Law as amended, modified, codified, replaced or reenacted as of the date hereof, and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder as of the date hereof; (ix) all accounting terms used and not defined herein have the respective meanings given to them under GAAP; (x) a reference to “ordinary course” or “ordinary course of business” when used herein will be deemed to mean “ordinary course of business consistent with past practices”; and (xi) any references in this Agreement to “dollars” or “$” shall be to U.S. dollars.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank]

 

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

 

SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (WWH), INC.
By:   /s/ Iain MacKenzie
  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director, President & CEO
SALEEN HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Kenneth Hao

  Name:   Kenneth Hao
  Title:   President
SALEEN ACQUISITION, INC.
By:  

/s/ Kenneth Hao

  Name:   Kenneth Hao
  Title:   President

[Signature Page to Agreement and Plan of Merger]

Exhibit 10.3

Execution Version

E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT

Iain MacKenzie

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of December 18, 2012, by and among SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (the “ Company ”), Saleen Holdings, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“ Parent ”) and Iain MacKenzie (“ Executive ” and, together with the Company and Parent, the “ Parties ” individually, a “ Party ”).

WHEREAS , the Company and Parent desire to continue to employ Executive pursuant to the terms, provisions and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS , Executive desires to accept such continuous employment on the terms hereinafter set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS , Executive acknowledges that (i) Executive’s employment with the Company and Parent will provide Executive with trade secrets of, and confidential information concerning, the “Company Group” (as defined in Section 7 ) and (ii) the covenants contained in this Agreement are essential to protect the business and goodwill of the Company Group.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Term . Subject to earlier termination in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement, Executive shall be employed by the Company and Parent for a period commencing on August 26, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”) and ending at 11:59 pm Pacific time on the last day of the fourth fiscal year (as defined in Section 3) thereafter (the “ Term ”); provided , that the Term shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods thereafter unless, no later than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the initial four-year period, or any such successive one-year renewal period, either Executive or the Company, as applicable shall provide to the other Parties written notice of his or its desire not to extend the Term. In the event that the Company changes its fiscal year-end, the Term shall be adjusted so that the initial Term shall continue to expire at the end of four full fiscal years and each extension shall equal one full fiscal year. Upon Executive’s termination of employment with the Company and Parent for any reason, Executive shall immediately resign all positions with all members of the Company Group, including any position on the Board of Directors of Parent (the “ Board ”) and/or any other position as any officer or director of any other member of the Company Group.

2. Position and Duties

(a) Position . During the Term, Executive shall serve as President and Chief Executive Officer for the Company and for SMART Worldwide Holdings, Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (Global Holdings), Inc. and SMART Storage Systems (Global Holdings), Inc. If requested by the Board, Executive hereby agrees to serve (without additional compensation) as a member of the Board and/or as an officer or director of any other member of the Company Group.


(b) Duties . Executive shall have the powers, authorities, and duties of management usually vested in the offices of President and Chief Executive Officer of a corporation of a similar size and nature to the Company and Parent, subject to the legal directives of the Board. Executive shall report solely to the Board. Executive shall devote Executive’s full business time and attention to the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and shall not engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere with the rendition of such services, either directly or indirectly; provided , that nothing herein shall preclude Executive from (i) with the prior written consent of the Board, serving on the board of directors of other for-profit companies that do not compete with the Company Group, (ii) serving on civic or charitable boards or committees and (iii) managing personal investments, so long as all such activities described in (i) through (iii) above do not materially interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

3. Compensation .

(a) Base Salary . During the Term, Executive shall receive an annual base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) of $533,000, payable in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices. Executive shall be entitled to such increases (but not decreases) in Base Salary, if any, as may be determined from time to time in the sole discretion of the Board.

(b) Annual Bonus . With respect to each fiscal year of the Company ending during the Term (as of the Effective Date, a “ fiscal year ” is the period commencing on the first Monday after the last Friday of August and ending on the last Friday of August) and subject to the achievement of the applicable performance goals of Executive and the Company and/or members of the Company Group, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s annual bonus program pursuant to which Executive shall be eligible to earn an annual bonus with a target amount equal to 100% of the Base Salary (the “ Annual Bonus ”). The applicable performance goals for the Annual Bonus shall be mutually agreed by the Board (or the compensation committee thereof) and Executive within the first ninety (90) days of the applicable fiscal year. The Annual Bonus, if any, earned for a fiscal year shall be paid to Executive on the date selected by the Company and/or the Board, which date shall fall within the two and one-half (2  1 2 ) month period beginning on the first day of the fiscal year following the fiscal year to which the Annual Bonus relates. The Company and/or the Board shall have the right, but not the obligation, at its sole discretion, (i) to change from time-to-time the payment periods of the Annual Bonus to be semi-annual ( i.e. , the payment periods in effect on the Effective Date), quarterly or otherwise, with appropriate holdbacks to year-end within the pre-year-end periods and/or (ii) to change from time-to-time the Company’s fiscal year; provided , however , that in no event shall the payment period or periods for Executive be greater than the payment period or periods set for other executives of the Company. In the event of a change in the Company’s fiscal year, the calculation of Executive’s Annual Bonus shall be prorated in a manner most favorable to Executive.

4. Employee Benefits .

(a) Benefit Plans. During the Term, Executive shall be able to participate in employee benefit plans and perquisite and fringe benefit programs on a basis no less favorable than such benefits and perquisites are provided by the Company from time to time to the

 

2


Company’s other senior executives. Additionally, Executive is entitled to participate in the Company’s executive benefits program as in place from time-to-time, which currently includes an annual comprehensive physical exam, financial counseling services, life insurance, and disability benefits.

(b) Expense Reimbursement . Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all travel and business expenses reasonably incurred and properly accounted for by Executive (in accordance with the policies and procedures established from time to time by the Company) in performing services hereunder.

5. Indemnification; D&O Coverage . Executive shall be subject to the Company’s standard indemnification agreement, which agreement was executed by Executive and the Company on September 13, 2011. Executive shall at all times be entitled to an indemnification agreement as least as favorable as the agreement executed on such date.

6. Termination of Employment . The Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated under the following circumstances:

(a) Death . The Term and Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon Executive’s death. Upon any termination of Executive’s employment hereunder as a result of this Section 6(a) , Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive (A) Executive’s Base Salary through the date of termination (the “ Accrued Salary ”), which shall be paid within fifteen (15) days following the date of termination or such earlier date as may be required by California law, and (B) any earned but unpaid Annual Bonus for any fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the termination occurs (the “ Accrued Bonus ”), which shall be paid at the same time as bonuses are paid to other senior executive officers, but in no event later than the date provided for in Section 3(b) hereof (the Accrued Bonus and the Accrued Salary, including the respective times by which such amounts are to be paid, are hereafter referred to as the “ Accrued Amounts ”). All other benefits, if any, due to Executive’s estate following Executive’s termination due to death shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive’s estate shall not be entitled to any severance payments or benefits under any other agreement or any severance plan, policy or program of the Company Group. Executive’s estate shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following such termination of employment.

(b) Disability . The Company may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder for Disability. “ Disability ” shall mean Executive’s inability, due to physical or mental incapacity, to perform Executive’s duties under this Agreement with substantially the same level of quality as immediately prior to such incapacity for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days or 120 days during any consecutive six-month period. In conjunction with determining Disability for purposes of this Agreement, Executive hereby (i) consents to any such examinations which are relevant to a determination of whether Executive is mentally and/or physically disabled and (ii) agrees to furnish such medical information as may be reasonably requested. Upon any termination of Executive’s employment hereunder pursuant to this Section 6(b), Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the Accrued Amounts. All other benefits, if any, due to Executive following Executive’s termination by the Company for

 

3


Disability shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits under any other agreement or any severance plan, policy or program of the Company Group. Executive shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following such termination of employment.

(c) Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination . At any time during the Term, (i) the Company may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder for “Cause” (as defined below) by Notice of Termination (as defined in Section 6(f) ), and (ii) Executive may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder “voluntarily” (that is, other than by death, Disability or for Good Reason, in accordance with Section 6(a), 6(b) or 6(d) , respectively); provided , that Executive will be required to give at least ninety (90) days advance written notice of such termination. “ Cause ” shall mean Executive’s: (A) act of material fraud or material dishonesty against any member of the Company Group in connection with Executive’s responsibilities which the Board reasonably believes will damage such member’s business, (B) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony (excluding traffic offenses) which the Board reasonably believes had or will have a material detrimental effect on the reputation or business of the Company Group, (C) intentional or gross misconduct, (D) intentional improper disclosure of Confidential Information (as defined in Section 7(b) below), (E) material violation of a material Company Group policy or a material provision of this Agreement (or any other material agreement between Executive and any member of the Company Group), after written notice from the Company, and a reasonable opportunity of not less than thirty (30) days to cure (to the extent capable of cure) such violations, (F) failure to cooperate with any member of the Company Group in any investigation or formal proceeding after written notice from the Company, and a reasonable opportunity of not less than fifteen (15) days to cure (to the extent capable of cure) such failure, or (G) material violation of Executive’s duties, or repeated material failures or material inabilities to perform any reasonably assigned duties, after written notice from the Company, and a reasonable opportunity of not less than thirty (30) days to cure (to the extent capable of cure) such violation, failures or inabilities. The existence or non-existence of Cause will be determined in good faith by the Board (excluding Executive if Executive is a member thereof).

Upon the termination of the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder pursuant to this Section 6(c) by the Company for Cause or due to Executive’s voluntary termination, Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the Accrued Amounts. All other benefits, if any, due to Executive following Executive’s termination of employment for Cause or due to Executive’s voluntary termination pursuant to this Section 6(c) shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive shall not be entitled to any severance payments or benefits under any other agreement or any severance plan, policy or program of the Company Group. Executive shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following such termination of employment. The termination of Executive’s employment upon the expiration of the Term as a result of Executive’s delivery of a notice of nonrenewal pursuant to Section 1 shall be treated as a voluntary termination by Executive pursuant to this Section 6(c) .

 

4


(d) Termination for Good Reason or Without Cause Outside of the Change in Control Protection Period . At any time outside of the “Change in Control Protection Period” (as defined below) during the Term, (i) Executive may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder for “Good Reason” (as defined below) and (ii) the Company may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder “without Cause” (that is, other than by death, Disability or for Cause, in accordance with Section 6(a), 6(b) or 6(c) , respectively).

Upon the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder pursuant to this Section 6(d) , Executive shall receive (i) the Accrued Amounts and (ii) subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Section 7 and subject to Executive’s execution, delivery and non-revocation of an effective release of all claims against each member of the Company Group substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Release ”) within the sixty (60) day period following the date of the termination of Executive’s employment (such 60-day period, the “ Release Period ”): (A) severance pay in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s then current Base Salary plus the amount of the Annual Bonus paid or payable with respect to the most recently ended fiscal year (in addition to the Annual Bonus paid or payable with respect to the most recently completed fiscal year) (the “Severance Payment” ); (B) to the extent any Annual Bonus could be earned in the current fiscal year under the terms of the Company’s bonus program but is not yet earned or paid, a prorated bonus (based on the Board’s determination of Company performance through the date of termination), prorated through the date of termination and payable when the Company pays bonuses to other senior executives; and (C) payment or reimbursement of health benefit continuation coverage under COBRA from the termination date through the earlier of (x) twelve (12) months following the termination date or (y) the date Executive becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer, which shall be paid no later than the due date of payments for such coverage (the “Benefits Continuation Period” ); provided that if and to the extent that any benefit described in this clause (C) cannot be paid or provided under any Company plan or program without adverse tax consequences to Executive or the Company or without the Company incurring a fine or other penalty, then the Company shall pay Executive a monthly payment in an amount equal to 100% of the monthly COBRA premium for the remainder of the Benefits Continuation Period. The Severance Payment will be paid in a lump sum on the first payroll date following the date on which the Release has become effective and irrevocable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Release Period spans two (2) calendar years, then the Severance Payment will be paid on the first payroll date that occurs in the second calendar year. All other benefits, if any, due Executive following a termination pursuant to this Section 6(d) shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive shall not be entitled to any severance payments or benefits under any other agreement or any severance plan, policy or program of the Company Group. Executive shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following such termination of employment. The termination of Executive’s employment upon the expiration of the Term as a result of the Company’s delivery of a notice of nonrenewal pursuant to Section 1 shall be treated as a termination by the Company without Cause pursuant to this Section 6(d) (unless Executive’s employment is earlier terminated pursuant to Sections 6(a), (b), (c)  or (e)  hereof).

(e) Termination for Good Reason or Without Cause during the Change in Control Protection Period. If, during the Change in Control Protection Period (defined below), Executive

 

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is terminated by the Company without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to (i) the Accrued Amounts and (ii) subject to Executive’s execution, delivery and non-revocation of a Release within the Release Period, the following payments and benefits in lieu of any severance benefits under Section 6(d) above : (A) a payment (the “Change in Control Severance Payment” ) equal to 2.0 times Executive’s then current Base Salary plus 2.0 times the Annual Bonus paid or payable for the most recently completed fiscal year (in addition to the Annual Bonus paid or payable with respect to the most recently completed fiscal year); (B) to the extent any Annual Bonus could be earned in the current fiscal year under the terms of the Company’s bonus program but is not yet earned or paid, a prorated bonus (based on the Board’s determination of Company performance through the date of termination), prorated through the date of termination and payable when the Company pays bonuses to other senior executives; (C) payment or reimbursement of health benefit continuation coverage under COBRA from the termination date through the earlier of (x) twenty-four (24) months following the termination date or (y) the date Executive becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer (the “Change in Control Benefits Continuation Period” ), which shall be paid no later than the due date of payments for such coverage; provided that if and to the extent that any benefit described in this clause (C) cannot be paid or provided under any Company plan or program without adverse tax consequences to Executive or the Company or without the Company incurring a fine or other penalty, then the Company shall pay Executive a monthly payment in an amount equal to 100% of the monthly COBRA premium for the remainder of the Change in Control Benefits Continuation Period; and (D) 100% vesting of all of Executive’s unvested and outstanding options. The Change in Control Severance Payment shall be paid in a lump sum on the first payroll date following the date on which the Release has become effective and irrevocable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Release Period spans two (2) calendar years, then Change in Control Severance Payment will be paid on the first payroll date that occurs in the second calendar year. All other benefits, if any, due Executive following a termination pursuant to this Section 6(e) shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive shall not be entitled to any severance payments or benefits under any other agreement or any severance plan, policy or program of the Company Group. Executive shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following such termination of employment. For purposes of this Section 6 , (1) the “ Change in Control Protection Period ” means (i) on or prior to August 26, 2012, or (ii) the twelve (12) month period following a “Change in Control” that occurs following the Effective Date (“ Change in Control ” as used in this Agreement shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Saleen Holdings, Inc. 2011 Share Incentive Plan); and (2) “ Good Reason ” shall mean the occurrence, without Executive’s written consent, of any of the following events: (A) a diminution in Base Salary or target Annual Bonus opportunity; (B) a material diminution in Executive’s titles, operational duties or responsibilities; provided , that Good Reason shall not have occurred if after a Change in Control, Executive is performing substantially the same duties and responsibilities as before such Change in Control but the Company Group (or its successor) is a larger organization, or Executive is performing such duties and responsibilities for a business unit of a parent entity that is a larger organization than the Company Group was before such Change in Control and the business unit continues substantially all of the business of the Company; (C) the relocation of Executive’s primary office to a location that is not within a fifty (50) mile radius of the Company’s offices in Newark, California; or (D) the failure of any successor entity to the Company to assume this Agreement;

 

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provided , that notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive’s termination will not be for Good Reason unless Executive (x) notifies the Company in writing of the existence of the condition which Executive believes constitutes Good Reason within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of such condition (which notice specifically identifies such condition), (y) gives the Company at least thirty (30) days following the date on which the Company receives such notice (and prior to termination) in which to remedy the condition (to the extent such condition is capable of being cured), and (z) if the Company does not remedy such condition within such period, and Executive actually terminates employment within sixty (60) days after the expiration of such remedy period.

(f) Notice of Termination. Any purported termination of Executive’s employment by the Company or by Executive shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the other Party in accordance with Section 10(e) hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Notice of Termination ” shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall, to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.

7. Non-Solicitation of Employees/Contractors; Confidentiality; Intellectual Property.

(a) Non-Solicitation of Employees/Contractors . During the twelve (12) month period following the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, whether on Executive’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 ”):

(i) directly or indirectly solicit, induce or encourage any employee of the Company, Parent or any of their respective affiliates (together, the “ Company Group ”) to leave the employment of the Company Group; or

(ii) directly hire any employee who was a direct report of Executive and was employed by a member of the Company Group as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Company Group coincident with, or within the ninety (90) day period immediately preceding, the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company Group.

(b) Confidentiality.

(i) Executive shall not at any time (whether during or after Executive’s employment with the Company Group) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of Executive or any other Person (other than the Company or any member of the Company Group) 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), 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,

 

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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 or any member of the Company Group and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company or any member of the Company Group on a confidential basis (“ Confidential Information ”) without the prior written authorization of the Board.

(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (x) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Executive’s breach of this covenant or any breach of other confidentiality obligations by third parties (y) made legitimately available to Executive by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation or (z) required by law to be disclosed; provided that Executive shall give prompt written notice to the Company of such requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.

(iii) Except as required by law, Executive shall not disclose to anyone, other than Executive’s immediate family and legal or financial advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement, provided they agree to maintain the confidentiality of such terms.

(iv) Upon termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall (w) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information (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, or any member of the Company Group (x) use his best efforts to 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 Executive’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in Executive’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information or otherwise relate to the business of the Company Group, except that Executive may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information, (y) at the Company’s request, make available for inspection by the Company all electronic devices owned by Executive that may have contained Confidential Information so that the Company may confirm the deletion of such Confidential Information and (z) notify and fully cooperate with the Company regarding the delivery or destruction of any other Confidential Information of which Executive is or becomes aware.

(c) Intellectual Property.

(i) If Executive creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves 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, at any time during Executive’s employment by the Company or any member of the Company Group and within the scope of such employment and/or with the use of any of the Company Group resources (“ Company Works ”), Executive shall promptly and fully disclose same to the Company and hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the

 

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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.

(ii) Executive agrees to keep and maintain adequate and current written records (in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, and any other form or media requested by the Company) of all Company Works. The records will be available to and remain the sole property and intellectual property of the Company at all times.

(iii) Executive shall take all requested actions and execute all 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 Company Works. If the Company is unable for any other reason to secure Executive’s signature on any document for this purpose, then Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Executive’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in Executive’s behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts in connection with the foregoing.

(iv) Executive 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 or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates 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. Executive shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company, including, without limitation, policies and guidelines regarding the protection of confidential information and intellectual property and potential conflicts of interest. Executive acknowledges that the Company may amend any such policies and guidelines from time to time, and that Executive remains at all times bound by their most current version while Executive is employed by the Company Group or, following such termination, the version in effect immediately prior to such termination.

(v) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 7(c) is subject to the provisions of California Labor Code Sections 2870, 2871 and 2872. In accordance with Section 2870 of the California Labor Code, Executive’s obligation to assign Executive’s right, title and interest throughout the world in and to all Company Works does not apply to any Works that Executive developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using the Company’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or Confidential Information except for those Works that relate to either (A) the business of the Company at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the Work, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or (B) result from any work performed by Executive for the Company. A copy of California Labor Code Sections 2870, 2871 and 2872 is attached to this Agreement as Exhibit B . Executive shall disclose all Works to the Company, even if Executive does not believe that Executive is required under this Agreement, or pursuant to California Labor Code Section 2870, to assign Executive’s interest in such Works to the Company.

 

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(d) General . It is expressly understood and agreed that although Executive and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 7 to be reasonable (the “ Covenants ”) 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 Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against Executive, the provisions of this Agreement 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 Agreement 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.

8. Specific Performance . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the Covenants would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or anticipated 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.

9. Make-Whole Payment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in either Article V of the Management Investors Shareholders Agreement, dated August 26, 2011 (the “ MISA ”) or the letter agreement to the MISA (also dated August 26, 2011) with Executive, if an Initial Public Offering (as defined in the MISA) is consummated within six (6) months after Executive is terminated without Cause or resigns for Good Reason, and Parent (or, to the extent provided in Section 5.4 of the MISA, the Silver Lake Investors (as defined in the MISA)) has exercised the call right set forth in the MISA in whole or in part with respect to Call Shares (as defined in the MISA) then held by Executive or a member of Executive’s Call Group (as defined in the MISA) prior to such Initial Public Offering, then upon the date of the consummation of such Initial Public Offering, Executive (or the applicable member of Executive’s Call Group) shall receive a cash payment from the Company or Parent equal to the excess, if any, of (A) the value that would have been payable to Executive (or a member of Executive’s Call Group) in respect of the Call Shares previously sold to Parent (or the Silver Lake Investor(s)) through its exercise of the call right as of the date of such consummation (assuming for this purpose that Executive or a member of Executive’s Call Group had held such Call Shares as of the date of such consummation) over (B) the Call Shares Price (as defined in the MISA) actually received by Executive or a member of Executive’s Call Group for such Call Shares.

10. Miscellaneous .

(a) Executive’s Representations . Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (i) Executive has read this Agreement in its entirety, fully understands the terms of this Agreement, has had the opportunity to consult with counsel prior to executing this Agreement and is signing the Agreement voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance, (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Executive does not and shall not conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument,

 

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order, judgment or decree to which Executive is a party or by which he is bound, (iii) Executive is not a party to or bound by an employment agreement, non-compete agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other person or entity which would interfere in any material respect with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and (iv) Executive shall not use any Confidential Information or trade secrets of any person or party other than a member of the Company Group in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder.

(b) Mitigation . Executive shall have no duty to mitigate Executive’s damages by seeking other employment and, should Executive actually receive compensation from any such other employment, the payments required hereunder shall not be reduced or offset by any other compensation except as specifically provided herein.

(c) Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in a writing signed by Executive and an officer of the Company (other than Executive) duly authorized by the Board to execute such amendment, waiver or discharge. No waiver by either Party of any breach of the other Party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

(d) Successors and Assigns.

(i) This Agreement is personal to Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by Executive other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s legal representatives.

(ii) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and, other than as set forth in Section 10(d)(iii) , shall not be assignable by the Company without the prior written consent of Executive (which shall not be unreasonably withheld).

(iii) This Agreement shall be assignable by the Company and/or Parent to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company and/or Parent; provided that , the Company and/or Parent shall require such successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company and/or Parent would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “ Company ” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to the business and/or assets of the Company which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise and “ Parent ” shall mean Parent as hereinbefore defined and any successor to the business and/or assets of Parent which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

(e) Notice . For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by overnight courier service, or if mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses or sent via facsimile to the respective

 

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facsimile numbers, as the case may be, as set forth below, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt; provided , however , that (i) notices sent by personal delivery or overnight courier shall be deemed given when delivered, (ii) notices sent by facsimile transmission shall be deemed given upon the sender’s receipt of confirmation of complete transmission, and (iii) notices sent by registered mail shall be deemed given two days after the date of deposit in the mail.

If to Executive, to such address as shall most currently appear on the records of the Company.

If to the Company, to:

SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.

39870 Eureka Drive

Newark, California 94560-4809

Attention: Legal Department

With a copy, which shall not constitute notice to the Company, to:

Silver Lake Partners and

Silver Lake Sumeru

2775 Sand Hill Road, Suite 100

Menlo Park, California 94025

Fax No.: (650) 233-8125

Attention: General Counsel

(f) GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION . THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICTING PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO BE APPLIED. IN FURTHERANCE OF THE FOREGOING, THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WILL CONTROL THE INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF UNDER SUCH JURISDICTION’S CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICT OF LAW ANALYSIS, THE SUBSTANTIVE LAW OF SOME OTHER JURISDICTION WOULD ORDINARILY APPLY. ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE THIS AGREEMENT MUST BE BROUGHT IN, AND THE PARTIES HEREBY CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF, A COURT SITUATED IN ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES THE RIGHTS TO CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM FOR THE RESOLUTION OF ANY SUCH ACTION.

(g) Set Off . The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of any amounts owed by Executive to the Company or any of its affiliates except to the extent any such set-off, counterclaim or recoupment would violate, or result in the imposition of tax under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), in which case such right shall be null and void.

 

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(h) Compliance with IRC Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) if at the time of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Code and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of such termination of employment is necessary in order to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to Executive) to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code until the first business day that is more than six months following Executive’s termination of employment with the Company (or the earliest date as is permitted under Section 409A of the Code) and (ii) if any other payments of money or other benefits due to Executive hereunder could cause the application of an accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, such payments or other benefits shall be deferred if deferral will make such payment or other benefits compliant under Section 409A of the Code, or otherwise such payment or other benefits shall be restructured, to the extent possible, in a manner, determined by the Board, that does not cause such an accelerated or additional tax. In the event that payments under this Agreement are deferred pursuant to this Section 10(h) in order to prevent any accelerated tax or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then such payments shall be paid at the time specified under this Section 10(h) without any interest thereon. The Company shall consult with Executive in good faith regarding the implementation of this Section 10(h) ; provided that neither the Company nor any member of the Company Group, employees or representatives shall have any liability to Executive with respect to the imposition of any early or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent required by Section 409A of the Code, a termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “Separation from Service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “resignation,” “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “Separation from Service.” For purposes of Section 409A of the Code, each payment made under this Agreement shall be designated as a “separate payment” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, except to the extent any expense, reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided pursuant to this Agreement does not constitute a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, (x) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided to Executive during any calendar year will not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided to Executive in any other calendar year, (y) the reimbursements for expenses for which Executive is entitled to be reimbursed shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable expense is incurred and (z) the right to payment or reimbursement or in-kind benefits hereunder may not be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.

(i) 280G Cutback. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if payments made or benefits provided pursuant to Section 6 herein are considered

 

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“parachute payments” under Code Section 280G, then such parachute payments plus any other payments made or benefits provided by the Company to Executive which are considered parachute payments shall be limited to the greatest amount which may be paid to Executive under Code Section 280G without causing any loss of deduction to the Company under such section, but only if, by reason of such reduction, the net after tax benefit to Executive shall exceed the net after tax benefit if such reduction were not made. “ Net after tax benefit ” for purposes of this Agreement shall mean the sum of (i) the total amounts payable to Executive under Section 6 , plus (ii) all other payments and benefits which Executive receives or then is entitled to receive from the Company or an affiliate that would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Code Section 280G, less (iii) the amount of federal and state income taxes payable with respect to the foregoing calculated at the maximum marginal income tax rate for each year in which the foregoing shall be paid to Executive (based upon the rate in effect for such year as set forth in the Code at the time of termination of Executive’s employment), less (iv) the amount of excise taxes imposed with respect to the payments and benefits described in (i) and (ii) above by Code Section 4999. The determination as to whether and to what extent payments are required to be reduced in accordance with this Section 10(i) shall be made at the Company’s expense by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm as may be designated by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive prior to a Change in Control (the “ Accounting Firm ”). In the event of any mistaken underpayment or overpayment under this Section 10(i) , as determined by the Accounting Firm, the amount of such underpayment or overpayment shall forthwith be paid to Executive or refunded to the Company, as the case may be, but only to the extent any such refund would result in (i) no portion of such payments being subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code and (ii) a dollar-for-dollar reduction in Executive’s taxable income and wages for purposes of federal, state and local income and employment taxes, with interest at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Code Section 7872(f)(2). Any reduction in payments required by this Section 10(i) shall occur in the following order: (1) any cash severance, (2) any other cash amount payable to Executive, (3) any benefit valued as a “parachute payment,” and (4) the acceleration of vesting of any equity-based awards.

(j) Severability of Invalid or Unenforceable Provisions . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

(k) Advice of Counsel and Construction . Each Party acknowledges that such Party had the opportunity to be represented by counsel in the negotiation and execution of this Agreement. Accordingly, the rule of construction of contract language against the drafting party is hereby waived by each Party.

(l) Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties as of the Effective Date and supersedes all previous agreements and understandings among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof (excluding, however, the MISA or any equity award agreement executed by Executive unless specifically set forth herein).

 

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(m) Withholding Taxes . The Company shall be entitled to withhold from any payment due to Executive hereunder any amounts required to be withheld by applicable tax laws or regulations.

(n) Section Headings . The headings of the Sections hereof are provided for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction, and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement.

(o) Cooperation . During the Term and at any time thereafter, Executive agrees to cooperate (i) with the Company in the defense of any legal matter involving any matter that arose during Executive’s employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group and (ii) with all government authorities on matters pertaining to any investigation, litigation or administrative proceeding pertaining to the Company or any other member of the Company Group. The Company will reimburse Executive for any reasonable travel and out of pocket expenses incurred by Executive in providing such cooperation.

(p) Survival . Sections 5, 7 and 8 shall survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding any termination for any reason of this Agreement or of the Term or of Executive’s employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group.

(q) Continuation of Employment; Termination On or After Expiration of the Term . Unless the Parties otherwise agree in writing, continuation of Executive’s employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group beyond the expiration of the Term shall be deemed an employment “at-will” and shall not be deemed to extend any of the provisions of this Agreement, and Executive’s employment may thereafter be terminated “at-will” by Executive or the Company.

(r) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[ Signature page follows .]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

SMART M ODULAR T ECHNOLOGIES , I NC .
By:   /s/ Jack Pacheco
  Name:   Jack Pacheco
  Title:   SVP, CFO & COO
S ALEEN H OLDINGS , I NC .
By:   /s/ Ajay Shah
  Name:   Ajay Shah
  Title:   Director
EXECUTIVE
  /s/ Iain MacKenzie
  Iain MacKenzie

[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]

 

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EXHIBIT A

GENERAL RELEASE

THIS AGREEMENT AND RELEASE , dated as of             , 20     (this Agreement ), is entered into by and between                      ( “Executive” ) and SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. (the “Company” ).

WHEREAS , Executive is currently employed with the Company; and

WHEREAS , Executive’s employment with the Company will terminate effective as of             , 20    ;

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, Executive and the Company hereby agree as follows:

1. Executive shall be provided severance pay and other benefits (the “Severance Benefits” ) in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 6 of the employment agreement by and between Executive and the Company, dated as of December     , 2012 (the “Employment Agreement” ); provided , that no such Severance Benefits shall be paid or provided if Executive revokes this Agreement pursuant to Section 5 below.

2. Executive, for and on behalf of himself and Executive’s heirs, successors, agents, representatives, executors and assigns, hereby waives and releases any common law, statutory or other complaints, claims, demands, expenses, damages, liabilities, charges or causes of action (each, a “Claim” ) arising out of or in any way relating to Executive’s employment or termination of employment with, Executive’s serving in any capacity in respect of, or Executive’s status at any time as a holder of any securities of, any of the Company and any of its affiliates (collectively, the “Company Group” ), both known and unknown, in law or in equity, which Executive may now have or ever had against any current or former member of the Company Group or any current or former equityholder, investor, agent, representative, administrator, trustee, attorney, insurer, fiduciary, employee, director or officer of any member of the Company Group, including their successors and assigns (collectively, the “Company Releasees” ), including, without limitation, any Claim for any severance benefit which might have been due Executive under any previous agreement executed by and between any member of the Company Group and Executive; any Claim related to compensation or benefits from any of the Company Releasees, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in any member of the Company Group; any Claim for breach of contract, wrongful termination or breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; any tort Claim, including claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of public policy; all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended); and any complaint, charge or cause of action arising out of Executive’s employment with any member of the Company Group under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 ( “ADEA,” a law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age

 

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against individuals who are age 40 or older), the National Labor Relations Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (as amended), Calif. Gov’t Code §12900 et seq., the California Family Rights Act, California law regarding Relocations, Terminations and Mass Layoffs and the California Labor Code, all as amended; Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, California Business and Professions Code § 17200 or any other provisions of the California unfair trade or business practices laws, the California Occupational Safety and Health Act, Divisions 4, 4.5, and 4.7 of the California Labor Code beginning at § 3200, any provision of the California Constitution, any provision of the California Labor Code that may lawfully be released, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (except for any vested benefits under any tax qualified benefit plan), the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act; any public policy, contract, tort, or common law; all other federal, state and local statutes, ordinances and regulations and any basis for recovering costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters. By signing this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that Executive intends to waive and release any rights known or unknown Executive may have against any and all of the Company Releasees under these and any other laws; provided that , Executive does not waive or release Claims (i) with respect to the right to enforce this Agreement or those provisions of the Employment Agreement that expressly survive the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, (ii) with respect to any vested right Executive may have under any employee pension or welfare benefit plan of any member of the Company Group or (iii) any rights to indemnification preserved by Section 5 of the Employment Agreement.

3. Executive has read Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which states in full: “A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him or her must have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor.” Executive expressly waives any rights that Executive may have under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code to the full extent that Executive may lawfully waive such rights pertaining to a general release of claims, and Executive affirms that Executive is releasing all known or unknown claims that Executive has or may have against the Company or any of the Company Releasees as stated in this Release.

THIS MEANS THAT, BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE, EXECUTIVE WILL HAVE WAIVED ANY RIGHT EXECUTIVE MAY HAVE HAD TO BRING A LAWSUIT OR MAKE ANY CLAIM AGAINST ANY OF THE COMPANY RELEASEES BASED ON ANY ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF ANY OF THE COMPANY RELEASEES UP TO THE DATE OF THE SIGNING OF THIS RELEASE. NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABOVE, NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL PREVENT EXECUTIVE FROM (I) INITIATING OR CAUSING TO BE INITIATED ON EXECUTIVE’S BEHALF ANY COMPLAINT, CHARGE, CLAIM OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE COMPANY BEFORE ANY LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY, COURT OR OTHER BODY CHALLENGING THE VALIDITY OF THE WAIVER OF EXECUTIVE’S CLAIMS UNDER ADEA CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT (BUT NO OTHER PORTION OF SUCH WAIVER); OR (II) INITIATING OR PARTICIPATING IN (BUT NOT BENEFITING FROM) AN INVESTIGATION OR PROCEEDING CONDUCTED BY THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO ADEA.

 

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4. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been given twenty-one (21) days from the date of receipt of this Agreement to consider all of the provisions of the Agreement and, to the extent Executive has not used the entire 21-day period prior to executing this Agreement, Executive does hereby knowingly and voluntarily waive the remainder of said 21-day period. EXECUTIVE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT EXECUTIVE HAS READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY, HAS BEEN ADVISED BY THE COMPANY TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY AND FULLY UNDERSTANDS THAT BY SIGNING BELOW EXECUTIVE IS GIVING UP CERTAIN RIGHTS WHICH EXECUTIVE MAY HAVE TO SUE OR ASSERT A CLAIM AGAINST ANY OF THE COMPANY RELEASEES, AS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THE OTHER PROVISIONS HEREOF. EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT EXECUTIVE HAS NOT BEEN FORCED OR PRESSURED IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT AND EXECUTIVE AGREES TO ALL OF ITS TERMS VOLUNTARILY.

5. Executive shall have seven (7) days from the date of Executive’s execution of this Agreement to revoke the release, including with respect to all claims referred to herein (including, without limitation, any and all claims arising under ADEA). If Executive revokes this Agreement, Executive will be deemed not to have accepted the terms of this Agreement.

6. Executive hereby agrees not to defame or disparage any member of the Company Group or any executive, manager, employee, director, or officer of any member of the Company Group in any medium to any person without limitation in time. Notwithstanding this provision, Executive may confer in confidence with Executive’s legal representatives and make truthful statements as required by law.

7. Each party and its counsel have reviewed this Agreement and have been provided the opportunity to review this Agreement and accordingly, the normal rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement. Instead, the language of all parts of this Agreement shall be construed as a whole, and according to their fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either party.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

SMART M ODULAR T ECHNOLOGIES , I NC .
By:  

 

Name:  
Its:  
EXECUTIVE

 

Iain MacKenzie

[Signature Page to General Release]

 

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EXHIBIT B

California Labor Code Sections 2870, 2871 and 2872

SECTION 2870

(a) Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions that either:

 

  (1) Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer; or

 

  (2) Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.

(b) To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.

SECTION 2871

No employer shall require a provision made void and unenforceable by Section 2870 as a condition of employment or continued employment. Nothing in this article shall be construed to forbid or restrict the right of an employer to provide in contracts of employment for disclosure, provided that any such disclosures be received in confidence, of all of the employee’s inventions made solely or jointly with others during the term of his or her employment, a review process by the employer to determine such issues as may arise, and for full title to certain patents and inventions to be in the United States, as required by contracts between the employer and the United States or any of its agencies.

SECTION 2872

If an employment agreement entered into after January 1, 1980 contains a provision requiring the employee to assign or offer to assign any of his or her rights in any invention to his or her employer, the employer must also, at the time the agreement is made, provide a written notification to the employee that the agreement does not apply to an invention which qualifies fully under the provisions of Section 2870. In any suit or action arising thereunder, the burden of proof shall be on the employee claiming the benefits of its provisions.

 

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Exhibit 10.4

E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT

Jack Pacheco

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of October 10, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between SMART Modular Technologies, Inc, a California corporation (the “ Company ”), and Jack Pacheco (“ Executive ” and, together with the Company, the “ Parties ” individually, a “ Party ”).

WHEREAS , the Company desires to employ Executive pursuant to the terms, provisions and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS , Executive desires to accept employment on the terms hereinafter set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS , Executive acknowledges that (i) Executive’s employment with the Company will provide Executive with trade secrets of, and confidential information concerning, the “Company Group” (as defined in Section 7 ) and (ii) the covenants contained in this Agreement are essential to protect the business and goodwill of the Company Group.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Term . Subject to earlier termination in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement, Executive shall be employed by the Company for an initial period commencing on the Effective Date and ending at 11:59 pm Pacific time on the day before the third anniversary thereof (the “ Term ”); provided , that the Term shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods thereafter unless, no later than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the initial three-year period, or any such successive one-year renewal period, either Party shall provide to the other Party written notice of its or Executive’s desire not to extend the Term. Upon Executive’s termination of employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall immediately resign all positions with all members of the Company Group, including any position on the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) and/or any other position as any officer or director of any other member of the Company Group.

2. Position and Duties .

(a) Position . During the Term, Executive shall serve as Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the Company. If requested by the Board, Executive hereby agrees to serve (without additional compensation) as a member of the Board and/or as an officer or director of any other member of the Company Group.

(b) Duties . Executive shall have the powers, authorities, and duties of management usually vested in the offices of Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of a corporation of a similar size and nature to the Company, subject to the legal directives of the Company’s chief executive officer, and, as applicable, the Board. Executive shall report solely to the Company’s chief executive officer and the Board. Executive shall devote Executive’s full business time and attention to the performance of Executive’s


duties hereunder and shall not engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere with the rendition of such services, either directly or indirectly; provided that , nothing herein shall preclude Executive from (i) with the prior written consent of the Board, serving on the board of directors of other for-profit companies that do not compete with the Company, (ii) serving on civic or charitable boards or committees and (iii) managing personal investments, so long as all such activities described in (i) through (iii) above do not materially interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

3. Compensation .

(a) Base Salary . During the Term, Executive shall receive an annual base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) of $400,000.12, payable in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices. Executive shall be entitled to such increases (but not decreases) in Base Salary, if any, as may be determined from time to time in the sole discretion of the Board.

(b) Annual Bonus . With respect to each fiscal year of the Company ending during the Term (as of the Effective Date, a “ fiscal year ” is the period commencing on the first Monday after the last Friday of August and ending on the last Friday of August) and subject to the achievement of the applicable performance goals of the Executive and the Company and/or members of the Company Group, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s annual bonus program pursuant to which Executive shall be eligible to earn an annual bonus with a target amount equal to 75% of the Base Salary (the “ Annual Bonus ”). To reflect that Executive was not employed by the Company for all of fiscal year 2012, the Annual Bonus for such year, if any, shall be pro-rated in an amount equal to the product of (x) the Annual Bonus Executive would have earned if he was employed by the Company for all of fiscal year 2012, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Executive was employed by the Company during fiscal year 2012 and the denominator of which is 365. The applicable performance goals for the Annual Bonus shall be determined by the Board (or the compensation committee thereof), and shall be communicated to Executive within the first 90 days of the applicable fiscal year. The Annual Bonus, if any, earned for a fiscal year shall be paid to Executive on the date selected by the Company and/or the Board, which date shall fall within the two and one-half (2  1 2 ) month period beginning on the first day of the fiscal year following the fiscal year to which the Annual Bonus relates. The Company and/or the Board shall have the right, but not the obligation, at its sole discretion, (i) to change from time-to-time the payment periods of the Annual Bonus to be semi-annual, quarterly or otherwise, with appropriate holdbacks to year-end within the pre-year-end periods and/or (ii) to change from time-to-time the Company’s fiscal year.

(c) Equity Compensation . Executive will be granted an option to purchase (the “Saleen Option” ) that number of ordinary shares of the Company’s parent entity, Saleen Holdings, Inc. (“ Saleen ”), which represent approximately 0.17% of the total outstanding equity of Saleen at the time of grant. Half of the shares subject to the Saleen Option will have an exercise price equal to $13.87 per share, which is 1.5 times the $9.25 per share merger consideration paid by the Silver Lake Investors (as such term is defined in the Saleen Holdings, Inc. 2011 Share Incentive Plan) in connection with the acquisition by Saleen of the Company’s

 

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parent entity, SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc., and the other half of the shares subject to the Saleen Option will have an exercise price equal to $18.50 per share, which is two (2) times the $9.25 per share merger consideration. Additionally, Executive will be eligible to receive an option to purchase ordinary shares of SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc. (“ MemoryCo ”) and an option to purchase ordinary shares of SMART Storage Systems (Global Holdings), Inc. (“ StorageCo ”) in an amount intended to represent approximately 0.88% of the combined companies’ outstanding equity at the time of grant. The 0.88% will represent approximately 1.0% of the outstanding equity of MemoryCo and approximately 0.2% of the outstanding equity of StorageCo, in each case, at the time of grant. The three option grants will provide Executive with the right to purchase approximately 1.0% of the outstanding equity of the Company Group at the time of grant. The exact number of shares subject to each option grant and the exercise prices for the MemoryCo and StorageCo options will be finalized at the time of grant. The shares subject to the options will vest and become exercisable over four years subject to Executive’s continued employment on each applicable vesting date, with 50% of the shares subject to the options vesting on the second year anniversary of the grant date and the balance vesting in equal monthly installments thereafter and will have such other terms and conditions as are set forth in the applicable plans and option agreements pursuant to which the options are granted. Executive will also be required to execute a joinder to the Saleen Holdings, Inc. Management Investors Shareholders Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011 and the agreements described therein, which governs the ownership of the ordinary shares of Saleen acquired upon exercise of the Saleen Option.

4. Employee Benefits .

(a) Benefit Plans . During the Term, Executive shall be able to participate in employee benefit plans and perquisite and fringe benefit programs on a basis no less favorable than such benefits and perquisites are provided by the Company from time to time to the Company’s other senior executives. Additionally, Executive is entitled to participate in the Company’s executive benefits program as in place from time-to-time, which currently includes an annual comprehensive physical exam, financial counseling services, life insurance, and disability benefits.

(b) Expense Reimbursement . Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all travel and business expenses reasonably incurred and properly accounted for by Executive (in accordance with the policies and procedures established from time to time by the Company) in performing services hereunder.

5. Indemnification; D&O Coverage . Executive shall be subject to the Company’s standard indemnification agreement, which agreement shall be executed by Executive and the Company on or prior to the Effective Date.

6. Termination of Employment . The Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated under the following circumstances:

(a) Death . The Term and Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon Executive’s death. Upon any termination of Executive’s employment hereunder as a result of this Section 6(a) , Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive (A) Executive’s Base Salary

 

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through the date of termination (the “ Accrued Salary ”), which shall be paid within fifteen (15) days following the date of termination or such earlier date as may be required by California law, and (B) any earned but unpaid Annual Bonus for any fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the termination occurs (the “ Accrued Bonus ”), which shall be paid at the same time as bonuses are paid to other senior executive officers, but in no event later than the date provided for in Section 3(b) hereof (the Accrued Bonus and the Accrued Salary, including the respective times by which such amounts are to be paid, are hereafter referred to as the “ Accrued Amounts ”). All other benefits, if any, due to Executive’s estate following Executive’s termination due to death shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive’s estate shall not be entitled to any severance payments or benefits under any other agreement or any severance plan, policy or program of the Company Group. Executive’s estate shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following such termination of employment.

(b) Disability . The Company may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder for Disability. “ Disability ” shall mean Executive’s inability, due to physical or mental incapacity, to perform Executive’s duties under this Agreement with substantially the same level of quality as immediately prior to such incapacity for a period of 90 consecutive days or 120 days during any consecutive six-month period. In conjunction with determining Disability for purposes of this Agreement, Executive hereby (i) consents to any such examinations which are relevant to a determination of whether Executive is mentally and/or physically disabled and (ii) agrees to furnish such medical information as may be reasonably requested. Upon any termination of Executive’s employment hereunder pursuant to this Section 6(b) , Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the Accrued Amounts. All other benefits, if any, due to Executive following Executive’s termination by the Company for Disability shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits under any other agreement or any severance plan, policy or program of the Company Group. Executive shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following such termination of employment.

(c) Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination . At any time during the Term, (i) the Company may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder for “Cause” (as defined below) by Notice of Termination (as defined in Section 6(f) ), and (ii) Executive may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder “voluntarily” (that is, other than by death, Disability or for Good Reason, in accordance with Section 6(a), 6(b) or 6(d) , respectively); provided , that Executive will be required to give at least ninety (90) days advance written notice of such termination. “ Cause ” shall mean Executive’s: (A) material breach of this Agreement, including failure to substantially perform Executive’s duties, (B) willful failure to carry out, or comply with, in any material respect, any lawful and reasonable directive of the Board, not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, (C) commission at any time of any act or omission that results in, or that may reasonably be expected to result in, a conviction, plea of guilty or no contest or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, (D) unlawful use (including being under the influence) or possession of illegal drugs on the Company’s premises or while performing Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, (E) breach of any written policies or procedures of the Company

 

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Group that are applicable to Executive and that have previously been provided to Executive, which breach causes or is reasonably expected to cause material harm to any member of Company Group, or (F) commission at any time of any act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, material misconduct, or breach of fiduciary duty against any member of the Company Group (or any of their respective affiliates, predecessors or successors), which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any good faith disputes regarding immaterial amounts that relate to Executive’s expense account, reimbursement claims or other de minimis matters; provided , however , in the case of (A), (B) or (E) above, if any such breach or failure is curable, such breach or failure shall only constitute Cause if Executive fails to cure such breach or failure to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board within fifteen (15) days of the date the Company delivers written notice of such breach or failure to Executive.

Upon the termination of the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder pursuant to this Section 6(c) by the Company for Cause, Executive shall be entitled to receive Executive’s Base Salary through the date of termination. Upon the termination of the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder pursuant to this Section 6(c) due to Executive’s voluntary termination, Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the Accrued Amounts. All other benefits, if any, due to Executive following Executive’s termination of employment for Cause or due to Executive’s voluntary termination pursuant to this Section 6(c) shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive shall not be entitled to any severance payments or benefits under any other agreement or any severance plan, policy or program of the Company Group. Executive shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following such termination of employment. The termination of Executive’s employment upon the expiration of the Term as a result of Executive’s delivery of a notice of nonrenewal pursuant to Section 1 shall be treated as a voluntary termination by Executive pursuant to this Section 6(c) .

(d) Termination for Good Reason or Without Cause Outside of the Change in Control Protection Period . At any time outside of the “Change in Control Protection Period” (as defined below) during the Term, (i) Executive may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder for “Good Reason” (as defined below) and (ii) the Company may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause (that is, other than by death, Disability or for Cause, in accordance with Section 6(a), 6(b) or 6(c) , respectively). “ Good Reason ” shall mean the occurrence, without Executive’s written consent, of any of the following events: (A) a material reduction in the nature or scope of Executive’s responsibilities, duties or authority from those contemplated by this Agreement, (B) a reduction in the then current Base Salary, (C) causing or requiring Executive to report to any person other than the chief executive officer and/or the Board, (D) the relocation of Executive’s primary office to a location that is not within a sixty (60) mile radius of the Company’s offices in Newark, California or (E) any other breach by the Company of a material term of this Agreement, including but not limited to complying with Section 10(d)(iii) by causing any successor to the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement; provided , that any such event described in (A) through (E) above shall not constitute Good Reason unless Executive delivers to the Company a Notice of Termination for Good Reason within ninety (90) days after Executive first learns of the existence of the circumstances giving rise to Good Reason, and within thirty (30) days following the delivery of such Notice of Termination for Good Reason the Company has failed to cure the circumstances giving rise to Good Reason.

 

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Upon the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder pursuant to this Section 6(d) , Executive shall receive (i) the Accrued Amounts and (ii) subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Section 8 and subject to Executive’s execution, delivery and non-revocation of an effective release of all claims against each member of the Company Group substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Release ”) within the sixty (60) day period following the date of the termination of Executive’s employment (such 60-day period, the “ Release Period ”): (A) severance pay in an aggregate amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of Executive’s then current Base Salary; (B) to the extent any Annual Bonus could be earned in the current fiscal year under the terms of the Company’s bonus program but is not yet earned or paid, a prorated bonus (based on the Board’s determination of Company performance through the date of termination), prorated through the date of termination; and (C) payment or reimbursement of health benefit continuation coverage under COBRA or otherwise from the termination date through the earlier of (x) nine (9) months following the termination date or (y) the date Executive becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer, which shall be paid no later than the due date of payments for such coverage; provided that if Executive is no longer eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, the Company may provide a lump sum payment calculated based on the monthly premiums immediately prior to the expiration of COBRA coverage. The severance amounts provided hereunder will be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in equal or substantially equal payments over the twelve (12) month period following the date of termination, with the first installment being paid on the first payroll date following the date on which the Release has become effective and irrevocable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Release Period spans two (2) calendar years, then the first installment of the severance pay will commence on the first payroll date that occurs in the second calendar year, with any amounts otherwise payable prior to such payroll date being paid instead on such payroll date. All other benefits, if any, due Executive following a termination pursuant to this Section 6(d) shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive shall not be entitled to any severance payments or benefits under any other agreement or any severance plan, policy or program of the Company Group. Executive shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following such termination of employment. The termination of Executive’s employment upon the expiration of the Term as a result of the Company’s delivery of a notice of nonrenewal pursuant to Section 1 shall be treated as a termination by the Company without Cause pursuant to this Section 6(d) (unless Executive’s employment is earlier terminated pursuant to Sections 6(a), (b)  or (c)  hereof).

(e) Termination for Good Reason or Without Cause during the Change in Control Protection Period . If, during the Change in Control Protection Period (defined below), Executive is terminated by the Company without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to (i) the Accrued Amounts and (ii) subject to Executive’s execution, delivery and non-revocation of a Release within the Release Period, the following payments and benefits in lieu of any severance benefits under Section 6(d) above : (A) 1.0 times Executive’s then existing Base Salary; (B) 1.5 times the Annual Bonus paid or payable for the most recently completed fiscal year (in addition to the Annual Bonus paid or payable with respect to the most recently completed fiscal year); (C) to the extent any Annual Bonus could be earned in the

 

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current fiscal year under the terms of the Company’s bonus program but is not yet earned or paid, a prorated bonus (based on the Board’s determination of Company performance through the date of termination), prorated through the date of termination; (D) payment or reimbursement of health benefit continuation coverage under COBRA or otherwise from the termination date through the earlier of (x) eighteen (18) months following the termination date or (y) the date Executive becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer, which shall be paid no later than the due date of payments for such coverage; provided that if Executive is no longer eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, the Company may provide a lump sum payment calculated based on the monthly premiums immediately prior to the expiration of COBRA coverage; and (E) 100% vesting of all of the Executive’s unvested and outstanding options. The amounts payable under this Section 6(e) shall be paid, at the Company’s sole discretion, in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in equal or substantially equal payments over a period of no longer than twelve (12) months following the date of termination, with the first installment being paid on the first payroll date following the date on which the Release has become effective and irrevocable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Release Period spans two (2) calendar years, then the first installment will commence on the first payroll date that occurs in the second calendar year, with any amounts otherwise payable prior to such payroll date being paid instead on such payroll date. All other benefits, if any, due Executive following a termination pursuant to this Section 6(e) shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive shall not be entitled to any severance payments or benefits under any other agreement or any severance plan, policy or program of the Company Group. Executive shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following such termination of employment. For purposes of this Section 6 , the “ Change in Control Protection Period ” means the twelve (12) month period following a “Change in Control” ( “Change in Control” as used in this Agreement shall have the meaning as such term is defined in the Saleen Holdings, Inc. 2011 Share Incentive Plan).

(f) Notice of Termination . Any purported termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by Executive shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the other Party in accordance with Section 10(e) hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Notice of Termination ” shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall, to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.

(g) Board/Committee Resignation . Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination and to the extent applicable, from the Board (and any committees thereof) and, as applicable, the board of directors (and any committees thereof) of each of the other members of the Company Group.

7. Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation of Clients; No Hire . Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company, and its affiliates (together, the “ Company Group ”) and accordingly agrees as follows:

(a) During the Term and the “Restricted Period” (as defined below), Executive shall not, whether on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm,

 

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partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever (“ Person ”), directly or indirectly, solicit or service, or assist in soliciting or servicing, in competition with any member of the Company Group, the business of any then current client or “prospective client” (as such term is defined herein), supplier, licensee, licensor or other business relation of any member of the Company Group in order to induce such Person to cease doing business with, or reduce the amount of business conducted with, the member of the Company Group, or in any way interfere with the relationship between any then current or prospective client, supplier, licensee or business relation of any member of the Company Group:

(i) with whom Executive had personal contact or dealings on behalf of any member of the Company Group during the one-year period preceding Executive’s termination of employment;

(ii) with whom Executive had knowledge of any of any member of the Company Group’s plans with respect to such Person;

(iii) with whom any employees reporting to Executive have had personal contact or dealings on behalf of any member of the Company Group during the one-year period immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment; or

(iv) for whom Executive had direct or indirect responsibility during the one-year immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment.

(b) During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not directly or indirectly in any place in the world, own any interest in, manage, control, participate in (whether as an officer, director, manager, employee, partner, equity holder, member, agent, representative or otherwise), consult with, render services for, or in any other manner engage in any business engaged in anywhere in the world, by the Company or as conducted by any member of the Company Group as of the date of Executive’s termination, other than any business that is not directly related to the business conducted by any member of the Company Group as of the date hereof, as such business may be extended or expanded, or proposed to be extended or expanded, prior to the date of Executive’s termination; provided , that nothing herein shall prohibit Executive from investing in stocks, bonds, or other securities in any business if: (x) such stocks, bonds, or other securities are listed on any United States securities exchange or are publicly traded in an over the counter market, and such investment does not exceed, in the case of any capital stock of any one issuer, two percent (2%) of the issued and outstanding capital stock or in the case of bonds or other securities, two percent (2%) of the aggregate principal amount thereof issued and outstanding, or (y) such investment is completely passive and no control or influence over the management or policies of such business is exercised by Executive.

(c) During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, induce or encourage to cease to work with the Company or any member of the Company Group, any independent contractor, consultant or partner then under exclusive contract with any member of the Company Group.

(d) For purposes of this Agreement, the “ Restricted Period ” means the twelve (12) month period following the date of the termination of Executive’s employment if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason at any time during the Term (each, a “ Qualifying Termination ”).

 

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(e) In consideration for the covenants contained in Sections 7(a), (b)  and (c)  and provided that Executive is not otherwise in breach of Sections 7 and 8 hereof or the Release, in the event Executive experiences a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall, during the Restricted Period, pay to Executive payments in the amount of fifty percent (50%) per month of Executive’s monthly Base Salary (the “ Restrictive Covenant Payments ”), which Restrictive Covenant Payments shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices.

8. Non-Solicitation of Employees/Contractors; Confidentiality; Intellectual Property.

(a) Non-Solicitation of Employees/Contractors . During the twelve (12) month period following the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, whether on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person:

(i) directly or indirectly solicit, induce or encourage any employee of any member of the Company Group to leave the employment of the Company Group; or

(ii) directly hire any employee who was a direct report of Executive and was employed by the Company Group as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Company Group coincident with, or within one year after, the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.

(b) Confidentiality .

(i) Executive shall not at any time (whether during or after Executive’s employment with the Company or any of its affiliates) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of Executive or any other Person (other than the Company or any member of the Company Group) 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), 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 or any member of the Company Group and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company or any member of the Company Group on a confidential basis (“ Confidential Information ”) without the prior written authorization of the Board.

(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (x) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Executive’s breach of this covenant or any breach of other confidentiality obligations by third parties (y) made legitimately available to Executive by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation or (z)

 

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required by law to be disclosed; provided that Executive shall give prompt written notice to the Company of such requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.

(iii) Except as required by law, Executive shall not disclose to anyone, other than Executive’s immediate family and legal or financial advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement, provided they agree to maintain the confidentiality of such terms.

(iv) Upon termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information (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, or any member of the Company Group (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 Executive’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in Executive’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information or otherwise relate to the business of the Company and its affiliates, except that Executive may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information and (z) notify and fully cooperate with the Company regarding the delivery or destruction of any other Confidential Information of which Executive is or becomes aware.

(c) Intellectual Property .

(i) If Executive creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves 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, at any time during Executive’s employment by the Company or any member of the Company Group and within the scope of such employment and/or with the use of any of the Company Group resources (“ Company Works ”), Executive 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.

(ii) Executive agrees to keep and maintain adequate and current written records (in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, and any other form or media requested by the Company) of all Company Works. The records will be available to and remain the sole property and intellectual property of the Company at all times.

(iii) Executive shall take all requested actions and execute all 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

 

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Company’s rights in the Company Works. If the Company is unable for any other reason to secure Executive’s signature on any document for this purpose, then Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Executive’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in Executive’s behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts in connection with the foregoing.

(iv) Executive 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 or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates 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. Executive shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company, including, without limitation, policies and guidelines regarding the protection of confidential information and intellectual property and potential conflicts of interest. Executive acknowledges that the Company may amend any such policies and guidelines from time to time, and that Executive remains at all times bound by their most current version.

(v) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 8(c) is subject to the provisions of California Labor Code Sections 2870, 2871 and 2872. In accordance with Section 2870 of the California Labor Code, Executive’s obligation to assign Executive’s right, title and interest throughout the world in and to all Company Works does not apply to any Works that Executive developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using the Company’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or Confidential Information except for those Works that relate to either (A) the business of the Company at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the Work, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or (B) result from any work performed by Executive for the Company. A copy of California Labor Code Sections 2870, 2871 and 2872 is attached to this Agreement as Exhibit B . Executive shall disclose all Works to the Company, even if Executive does not believe that Executive is required under this Agreement, or pursuant to California Labor Code Section 2870, to assign Executive’s interest in such Works to the Company.

(d) General . It is expressly understood and agreed that although Executive and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 8 to be reasonable (the “ Covenants ”) 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 Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against Executive, the provisions of this Agreement 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 Agreement 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.

9. Specific Performance . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the Covenants would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or anticipated or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond,

 

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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.

10. Miscellaneous .

(a) Executive’s Representations . Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (i) Executive has read this Agreement in its entirety, fully understands the terms of this Agreement, has had the opportunity to consult with counsel prior to executing this Agreement and is signing the Agreement voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance, (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Executive does not and shall not conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which Executive is a party or by which he is bound, (iii) Executive is not a party to or bound by an employment agreement, non-compete agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other person or entity which would interfere in any material respect with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and (iv) Executive shall not use any Confidential Information or trade secrets of any person or party other than a member of the Company Group in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder.

(b) Mitigation . Executive shall have no duty to mitigate Executive’s damages by seeking other employment and, should Executive actually receive compensation from any such other employment, the payments required hereunder shall not be reduced or offset by any other compensation except as specifically provided herein.

(c) Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in a writing signed by Executive and an officer of the Company (other than Executive) duly authorized by the Board to execute such amendment, waiver or discharge. No waiver by either Party of any breach of the other Party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

(d) Successors and Assigns .

(i) This Agreement is personal to Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by Executive other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s legal representatives.

(ii) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and, other than as set forth in Section 10(d)(iii) , shall not be assignable by the Company without the prior written consent of the Executive (which shall not be unreasonably withheld).

(iii) This Agreement shall be assignable by the Company to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company; provided that , the Company shall require such successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same

 

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manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “ Company ” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

(e) Notice . For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally, if delivered by overnight courier service, or if mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses or sent via facsimile to the respective facsimile numbers, as the case may be, as set forth below, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt; provided , however , that (i) notices sent by personal delivery or overnight courier shall be deemed given when delivered, (ii) notices sent by facsimile transmission shall be deemed given upon the sender’s receipt of confirmation of complete transmission, and (iii) notices sent by registered mail shall be deemed given two days after the date of deposit in the mail.

If to Executive, to such address as shall most currently appear on the records of the Company.

If to the Company, to:

SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.

39870 Eureka Drive

Newark, California 94560-4809

Attention: Legal Department

With a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:

Silver Lake Partners and

Silver Lake Sumeru

2775 Sand Hill Road, Suite 100

Menlo Park, California 94025

Fax No.: (650) 233-8125

Attention: Karen King

(f) GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION . THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICTING PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO BE APPLIED. IN FURTHERANCE OF THE FOREGOING, THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WILL CONTROL THE INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF UNDER SUCH JURISDICTION’S CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICT OF LAW ANALYSIS, THE SUBSTANTIVE LAW OF SOME OTHER JURISDICTION WOULD ORDINARILY APPLY. ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE THIS

 

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AGREEMENT MUST BE BROUGHT IN, AND THE PARTIES HEREBY CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF, A COURT SITUATED IN ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES THE RIGHTS TO CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM FOR THE RESOLUTION OF ANY SUCH ACTION.

(g) Set Off . The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of any amounts owed by Executive to the Company or any of its affiliates except to the extent any such set-off, counterclaim or recoupment would violate, or result in the imposition of tax under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), in which case such right shall be null and void.

(h) Compliance with IRC Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) if at the time of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Code and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of such termination of employment is necessary in order to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to Executive) to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code until the first business day that is more than six months following Executive’s termination of employment with the Company (or the earliest date as is permitted under Section 409A of the Code) and (ii) if any other payments of money or other benefits due to Executive hereunder could cause the application of an accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, such payments or other benefits shall be deferred if deferral will make such payment or other benefits compliant under Section 409A of the Code, or otherwise such payment or other benefits shall be restructured, to the extent possible, in a manner, determined by the Board, that does not cause such an accelerated or additional tax. In the event that payments under this Agreement are deferred pursuant to this Section 10(h) in order to prevent any accelerated tax or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then such payments shall be paid at the time specified under this Section 10(h) without any interest thereon. The Company shall consult with Executive in good faith regarding the implementation of this Section 10(h) ; provided that neither the Company nor any member of the Company Group, employees or representatives shall have any liability to Executive with respect to the imposition of any early or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent required by Section 409A of the Code, a termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “Separation from Service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “resignation,” “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “Separation from Service.” For purposes of Section 409A of the Code, each payment made under this Agreement shall be designated as a “separate payment” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, except to the extent any expense, reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided pursuant to this Agreement does not constitute a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, (x) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided to

 

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Executive during any calendar year will not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided to Executive in any other calendar year, (y) the reimbursements for expenses for which Executive is entitled to be reimbursed shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable expense is incurred and (z) the right to payment or reimbursement or in-kind benefits hereunder may not be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.

(i) 280G Cutback . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if payments made or benefits provided pursuant to Section 6 herein are considered “parachute payments” under Code Section 280G, then such parachute payments plus any other payments made or benefits provided by the Company to Executive which are considered parachute payments shall be limited to the greatest amount which may be paid to Executive under Code Section 280G without causing any loss of deduction to the Company under such section, but only if, by reason of such reduction, the net after tax benefit to Executive shall exceed the net after tax benefit if such reduction were not made. “ Net after tax benefit ” for purposes of this Agreement shall mean the sum of (i) the total amounts payable to Executive under Section 6 , plus (ii) all other payments and benefits which Executive receives or then is entitled to receive from the Company or an affiliate that would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Code Section 280G, less (iii) the amount of federal and state income taxes payable with respect to the foregoing calculated at the maximum marginal income tax rate for each year in which the foregoing shall be paid to Executive (based upon the rate in effect for such year as set forth in the Code at the time of termination of Executive’s employment), less (iv) the amount of excise taxes imposed with respect to the payments and benefits described in (i) and (ii) above by Code Section 4999. The determination as to whether and to what extent payments are required to be reduced in accordance with this Section 10(i) shall be made at the Company’s expense by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm as may be designated by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive prior to a Change in Control (the “ Accounting Firm ”). In the event of any mistaken underpayment or overpayment under this Section 10(i) , as determined by the Accounting Firm, the amount of such underpayment or overpayment shall forthwith be paid to Executive or refunded to the Company, as the case may be, but only to the extent any such refund would result in (i) no portion of such payments being subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code and (ii) a dollar-for-dollar reduction in Executive’s taxable income and wages for purposes of federal, state and local income and employment taxes, with interest at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Code Section 7872(f)(2). Any reduction in payments required by this Section 10(i) shall occur in the following order: (1) any cash severance, (2) any other cash amount payable to Executive, (3) any benefit valued as a “parachute payment,” and (4) the acceleration of vesting of any equity-based awards.

(j) Severability of Invalid or Unenforceable Provisions . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

(k) Advice of Counsel and Construction . Each Party acknowledges that such Party had the opportunity to be represented by counsel in the negotiation and execution of this Agreement. Accordingly, the rule of construction of contract language against the drafting party is hereby waived by each Party.

 

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(l) Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties as of the Effective Date and supersedes all previous agreements and understandings between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

(m) Withholding Taxes . The Company shall be entitled to withhold from any payment due to Executive hereunder any amounts required to be withheld by applicable tax laws or regulations.

(n) Section Headings . The headings of the Sections hereof are provided for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction, and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement.

(o) Cooperation . During the Term and at any time thereafter, Executive agrees to cooperate (i) with the Company in the defense of any legal matter involving any matter that arose during Executive’s employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group and (ii) with all government authorities on matters pertaining to any investigation, litigation or administrative proceeding pertaining to the Company or any other member of the Company Group. The Company will reimburse Executive for any reasonable travel and out of pocket expenses incurred by Executive in providing such cooperation.

(p) Survival . Sections 5, 7, 8 and 9 shall survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding any termination for any reason of this Agreement or of the Term or of Executive’s employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group.

(q) Continuation of Employment; Termination On or After Expiration of the Term . Unless the Parties otherwise agree in writing, continuation of Executive’s employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group beyond the expiration of the Term shall be deemed an employment “at-will” and shall not be deemed to extend any of the provisions of this Agreement, and Executive’s employment may thereafter be terminated “at-will” by Executive or the Company.

(r) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[ Signature page follows. ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

SMART M ODULAR T ECHNOLOGIES , I NC .
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name: Iain MacKenzie
  Title: President and CEO
EXECUTIVE
 

/s/ Jack Pacheco

  Jack Pacheco

[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]

 

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EXHIBIT A

GENERAL RELEASE

THIS AGREEMENT AND RELEASE , dated as of             , 20    (this Agreement ), is entered into by and between             ( Executive ) and             (the Company ).

WHEREAS , Executive is currently employed with the Company; and

WHEREAS , Executive’s employment with the Company will terminate effective as of             , 20    ;

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, Executive and the Company hereby agree as follows:

1. Executive shall be provided severance pay and other benefits (the Severance Benefits ) in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 6 of the employment agreement by and between Executive and the Company, dated as of October 10, 2011 (the Employment Agreement ); provided , that no such Severance Benefits shall be paid or provided if Executive revokes this Agreement pursuant to Section 5 below.

2. Executive, for and on behalf of himself and Executive’s heirs, successors, agents, representatives, executors and assigns, hereby waives and releases any common law, statutory or other complaints, claims, demands, expenses, damages, liabilities, charges or causes of action (each, a Claim ) arising out of or in any way relating to Executive’s employment or termination of employment with, Executive’s serving in any capacity in respect of, or Executive’s status at any time as a holder of any securities of, any of the Company and any of its affiliates (collectively, the Company Group ), both known and unknown, in law or in equity, which Executive may now have or ever had against any current or former member of the Company Group or any current or former equityholder, investor, agent, representative, administrator, trustee, attorney, insurer, fiduciary, employee, director or officer of any member of the Company Group, including their successors and assigns (collectively, the Company Releasees ), including, without limitation, any Claim for any severance benefit which might have been due Executive under any previous agreement executed by and between any member of the Company Group and Executive; any Claim related to compensation or benefits from any of the Company Releasees, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in any member of the Company Group; any Claim for breach of contract, wrongful termination or breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; any tort Claim, including claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of public policy; all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended); and any complaint, charge or cause of action arising out of Executive’s employment with any member of the Company Group under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 ( ADEA ,” a law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age

 

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against individuals who are age 40 or older), the National Labor Relations Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (as amended), Calif. Gov’t Code §12900 et seq., the California Family Rights Act, California law regarding Relocations, Terminations and Mass Layoffs and the California Labor Code, all as amended; Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, California Business and Professions Code § 17200 or any other provisions of the California unfair trade or business practices laws, the California Occupational Safety and Health Act, Divisions 4, 4.5, and 4.7 of the California Labor Code beginning at § 3200, any provision of the California Constitution, any provision of the California Labor Code that may lawfully be released, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (except for any vested benefits under any tax qualified benefit plan), the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act; any public policy, contract, tort, or common law; all other federal, state and local statutes, ordinances and regulations and any basis for recovering costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters. By signing this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that Executive intends to waive and release any rights known or unknown Executive may have against any and all of the Company Releasees under these and any other laws; provided that , Executive does not waive or release Claims (i) with respect to the right to enforce this Agreement or those provisions of the Employment Agreement that expressly survive the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, (ii) with respect to any vested right Executive may have under any employee pension or welfare benefit plan of any member of the Company Group or (iii) any rights to indemnification preserved by Section 5 of the Employment Agreement.

3. Executive has read Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which states in full: “A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him or her must have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor.” Executive expressly waives any rights that Executive may have under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code to the full extent that Executive may lawfully waive such rights pertaining to a general release of claims, and Executive affirms that Executive is releasing all known or unknown claims that Executive has or may have against the Company or any of the Company Releasees as stated in this Release.

THIS MEANS THAT, BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE, EXECUTIVE WILL HAVE WAIVED ANY RIGHT EXECUTIVE MAY HAVE HAD TO BRING A LAWSUIT OR MAKE ANY CLAIM AGAINST ANY OF THE COMPANY RELEASEES BASED ON ANY ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF ANY OF THE COMPANY RELEASEES UP TO THE DATE OF THE SIGNING OF THIS RELEASE. NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABOVE, NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL PREVENT THE EXECUTIVE FROM (I) INITIATING OR CAUSING TO BE INITIATED ON EXECUTIVE’S BEHALF ANY COMPLAINT, CHARGE, CLAIM OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE COMPANY BEFORE ANY LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY, COURT OR OTHER BODY CHALLENGING THE VALIDITY OF THE WAIVER OF EXECUTIVE’S CLAIMS UNDER ADEA CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT (BUT NO OTHER PORTION OF SUCH WAIVER); OR (II) INITIATING OR PARTICIPATING IN (BUT NOT BENEFITING FROM) AN INVESTIGATION OR PROCEEDING CONDUCTED BY THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO ADEA.

 

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4. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been given twenty-one (21) days from the date of receipt of this Agreement to consider all of the provisions of the Agreement and, to the extent Executive has not used the entire 21-day period prior to executing this Agreement, Executive does hereby knowingly and voluntarily waive the remainder of said 21-day period. EXECUTIVE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT EXECUTIVE HAS READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY, HAS BEEN ADVISED BY THE COMPANY TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY AND FULLY UNDERSTANDS THAT BY SIGNING BELOW EXECUTIVE IS GIVING UP CERTAIN RIGHTS WHICH EXECUTIVE MAY HAVE TO SUE OR ASSERT A CLAIM AGAINST ANY OF THE COMPANY RELEASEES, AS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THE OTHER PROVISIONS HEREOF. EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT EXECUTIVE HAS NOT BEEN FORCED OR PRESSURED IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT AND EXECUTIVE AGREES TO ALL OF ITS TERMS VOLUNTARILY.

5. Executive shall have seven (7) days from the date of Executive’s execution of this Agreement to revoke the release, including with respect to all claims referred to herein (including, without limitation, any and all claims arising under ADEA). If Executive revokes this Agreement, Executive will be deemed not to have accepted the terms of this Agreement.

6. Executive hereby agrees not to defame or disparage any member of the Company Group or any executive, manager, employee, director, or officer of any member of the Company Group in any medium to any person without limitation in time. Notwithstanding this provision, Executive may confer in confidence with Executive’s legal representatives and make truthful statements as required by law.

7. Each party and its counsel have reviewed this Agreement and have been provided the opportunity to review this Agreement and accordingly, the normal rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement. Instead, the language of all parts of this Agreement shall be construed as a whole, and according to their fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either party.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

SMART M ODULAR T ECHNOLOGIES , I NC .
By:  

 

Name:  
Its:  
EXECUTIVE

 

Jack Pacheco

 

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EXHIBIT B

California Labor Code Sections 2870, 2871 and 2872

SECTION 2870

(a) Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions that either:

 

  (1) Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer; or

 

  (2) Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.

(b) To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.

SECTION 2871

No employer shall require a provision made void and unenforceable by Section 2870 as a condition of employment or continued employment. Nothing in this article shall be construed to forbid or restrict the right of an employer to provide in contracts of employment for disclosure, provided that any such disclosures be received in confidence, of all of the employee’s inventions made solely or jointly with others during the term of his or her employment, a review process by the employer to determine such issues as may arise, and for full title to certain patents and inventions to be in the United States, as required by contracts between the employer and the United States or any of its agencies.

SECTION 2872

If an employment agreement entered into after January 1, 1980 contains a provision requiring the employee to assign or offer to assign any of his or her rights in any invention to his or her employer, the employer must also, at the time the agreement is made, provide a written notification to the employee that the agreement does not apply to an invention which qualifies fully under the provisions of Section 2870. In any suit or action arising thereunder, the burden of proof shall be on the employee claiming the benefits of its provisions.

 

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Exhibit 10.5

SEVERANCE AND CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

SEVERANCE AND CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”), dated as of December 10, 2010 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and between SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. (the “ Company ”), and Alan Marten (“ Executive ”).

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties set forth in this Agreement, and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

Definitions

Section 1.01 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall have the following meanings:

(i) “ Cause ” shall mean the occurrence of one or more of the following: (A) an act of material fraud or material dishonesty made by Executive against the Company in connection with Executive’s responsibilities which the Company reasonably believes will damage its business; (B) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony (excluding traffic offenses) which the Board of Directors reasonably believes had or will have a material detrimental effect on the reputation or business of the Company or its affiliates; (C) Executive’s intentional or gross misconduct; (D) Executive’s intentional improper disclosure of confidential information; (E) Executive’s continued material violations of material Company policies or material provisions of Executive’s agreements with the Company, after written notice from the Company or one of its affiliates, and a reasonable opportunity of not less than 30 days to cure (to the extent capable of cure) such violations; (F) Executive’s failure to cooperate with the Company in any investigation or formal proceeding; or (G) Executive’s continued material violations of Executive’s duties, or repeated material failures or material inabilities to perform any reasonably assigned duties, after written notice from the Company or one of its affiliates, and a reasonable opportunity of not less than 30 days to cure (to the extent capable of cure) such violations, failures or inabilities.

(ii) “ Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following:

(A) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other entity (other than with any entity or group in which Executive has not less than a 5% beneficial interest) pursuant to which the holders of outstanding equity of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, hold directly or indirectly 50% or less of the voting power of the equity securities of the surviving entity;


(B) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than to any entity or group in which Executive has not less than a 5% beneficial interest); or

(C) any acquisition by any person or persons (other than any entity or group in which Executive has not less than a 5% beneficial interest) of the beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the voting power of the Company’s equity securities in a single transaction or series of related transactions; provided , however , that an underwritten public offering of the Company’s securities shall not be considered a Change of Control;

(D) if during any period of 12 consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of any such period constitute the Board, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, of each director of the Company first elected during such period was approved or recommended by at least a majority of the directors then still in office who were directors of the Company at the beginning of any such period and any such newly approved directors;

provided , however , that a transaction shall not constitute a Change of Control if its sole purpose is to change the state or jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who directly or indirectly held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.

(iii) “ Equity Awards ” means all options to purchase shares of Company common stock as well as any and all other stock-based awards granted to the Executive, including but not limited to stock bonus awards, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and performance-based stock awards.

(iv) “ Good Reason ” means:

(A) a material diminution in base or total cash compensation, other than a Company-wide salary reduction program;

(B) a material diminution in title, operational duties or responsibilities; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, Good Reason shall not have occurred if after a change of control of the Company, Executive is performing substantially the same duties and responsibilities as before the change of control but the Company (or its successor) is a larger organization, or Executive is performing such duties and responsibilities for a business unit of a parent entity that is a larger organization than Company was before the change of control and the business unit continues substantially all of the business of the Company;

 

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(C) relocation of Executive’s primary work location by at least 50 miles; or

(D) the failure of the successor entity to assume any agreement that Executive had with the Company;

provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, an Executive’s termination will not be for Good Reason unless the Executive (x) notifies the Company in writing of the existence of the condition which the Executive believes constitutes Good Reason within 90 days of the initial existence of such condition (which notice specifically identifies such condition), (y) gives the Company at least 30 days following the date on which the Company receives such notice (and prior to termination) in which to remedy the condition (to the extent such condition is capable of being cured), and (z) if the Company does not remedy such condition within such period, and Executive actually terminates employment within 30 days after the expiration of such remedy period.

ARTICLE 2

Term And Nature Of Agreement

Section 2.01 . Term. This Agreement shall be in force until the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date, and thereafter renew for automatic one-year terms, unless at least 30 days before the expiration of the then-current term the Company shall give the Executive written notice of termination of this Agreement as of the end of the then-current term; provided that the Company may not give such notice if a Change of Control has occurred prior to such date until at least 12 months following such Change of Control.

Section 2.02. At-Will Employment . Nothing in this Agreement shall change the at-will nature of Executive’s employment with the Company.

 

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ARTICLE 3

Severance and Change of Control Benefits

Section 3.01 . Severance Benefits.

(a) If Executive is terminated by the Company without Cause, Executive shall be entitled to all of the following (the “ Severance Benefits ”), provided that Executive executes and lets become effective, a release of claims in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Release ”) within the period of time specified by the Company (which shall be 21 days to sign and 7 days to revoke, unless a longer period is required by law) following the termination of employment:

(i) a lump sum cash payment within 60 days following termination of employment (subject to Section 5.12 below) equal to:

(A) 0.75 times Executive’s then existing annual base salary;

(B) to the extent any bonus could be earned in the current fiscal year under the terms of the Company’s bonus program but is not yet earned or paid, a prorated bonus (based on the determination by the Company’s compensation committee ( “Compensation Committee” ) of Company performance through the date of termination), prorated through the date of termination; and

(ii) payment or reimbursement of health benefit continuation coverage under COBRA or otherwise from the termination date through the earlier of (A) 9 months following the termination date or (B) the date Executive becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer, which shall be paid no later than the due date for such coverage.

Section 3.02 . Treatment of Performance-Based Equity on Change of Control. Upon a Change of Control, to the extent Executive holds any Equity Awards that remain subject to issuance or vesting based on performance (the “Performance Awards” ), a prorated portion of the Performance Awards shall become issued and/or vested upon the Change of Control based on performance measured immediately prior to the Change of Control (as determined by the Compensation Committee prior to the Change of Control), and the remainder of the Performance Awards (the “Remainder Awards” ) shall issue and/or vest in equal monthly installments over the original performance period (unless accelerated under Section 3.03 below); provided , that if the successor to the Company does not assume or substitute the Remainder Awards with a substantially equivalent award, the amount of the Remainder Awards shall become issued and/or vested upon the Change of Control.

Section 3.03 . Change of Control Severance Benefits.

(a) If within two months prior to, or within 12 months following, a Change of Control, Executive is terminated by the Company without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to the following (“ Change of Control Severance Benefits ”) in lieu of any Severance Benefits under Section 3.01 above, provided that Executive executes and lets become effective the Release within the period of time specified by the Company (which shall be 21 days to sign and 7 days to revoke, unless a longer period is required by law) following the termination of employment:

(i) a lump sum cash payment within 60 days following termination of employment (subject to Section 5.12 below) equal to:

(A) 1.5 times Executive’s then existing annual base salary;

(B) 1.5 times the cash bonus paid or payable for the most recently completed fiscal year (in addition to the cash bonus paid or payable with respect to the most recently completed fiscal year); and

 

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(C) to the extent any bonus could be earned in the current fiscal year under the terms of the Company’s bonus program but is not yet earned or paid, a prorated bonus (based on the Compensation Committee’s determination of Company performance through the date of termination), prorated through the date of termination;

(ii) payment or reimbursement of health benefit continuation coverage under COBRA or otherwise from the termination date through the earlier of (A) 18 months following the termination date or (B) the date Executive becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer, which shall be paid no later than the due date of payments for such coverage; provided that if Executive is no longer eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, the Company may provide a lump sum payment calculated based on the monthly premiums immediately prior to the expiration of COBRA coverage; and

(iii) 100% of all of the Executive’s unvested and outstanding Equity Awards (including the Performance Awards) shall become vested.

Section 3.04. Resignation of Corporate Offices . In connection with any termination of employment, Executive will resign Executive’s office, if any, as a director, officer, trustee or employee of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates and of any other corporation or trust of which Executive serves as such at the request of the Company, effective as of the date of termination of employment.

Section 3.05. Accrued Compensation and Benefits . In connection with any termination of employment upon or following a Change of Control (whether or not under Section 3.01 above), the Company shall pay Executive’s earned but unpaid base salary and other vested but unpaid cash entitlements for the period through and including the termination of employment, including unused earned vacation pay and unreimbursed documented business expenses incurred by Executive prior to the date of termination (collectively “ Accrued Compensation and Expenses ”), as required by law and the applicable Company plan or policy. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to any other vested benefits earned by Executive for the period through and including the termination date of Executive’s employment under any other employee benefit plans and arrangements maintained by the Company, in accordance with the terms of such plans and arrangements, except as modified herein (collectively “ Accrued Benefits ”). Any Accrued Compensation and Expenses to which the Executive is entitled shall be paid to the Executive in cash as soon as administratively practicable after the termination, and, in any event, no later than two and one-half (2-1/2) months after the end of the taxable year of the Executive in which the termination occurs. Any Accrued Benefits to which the Executive is entitled shall be paid to the Executive as provided in the relevant plans and arrangement.

 

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Section 3.06 . Continuing Obligations. Executive acknowledges his or her continuing obligations under the Employment, Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement (or similar agreement) with the Company (the “ Confidentiality Agreement ”), including but not limited to Executive’s obligations not to use or disclose, at any time, any trade secret, confidential or proprietary information of the Company.

Section 3.07. Limitation on Change of Control Payments .

(a) If the Change of Control Severance Benefits together with any other payment or benefit Executive would receive pursuant to a Change of Control (collectively, “ COC Payment ”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “ Excise Tax ”), then such COC Payment shall be equal to the Reduced Amount. The “ Reduced Amount ” shall be either (x) the largest portion of the COC Payment that would result in no portion of the COC Payment being subject to the Excise Tax or (y) the largest portion, up to and including the total, of the COC Payment, whichever amount, after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate), results in Executive’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of the COC Payment notwithstanding that all or some portion of the COC Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax. If a reduction in payments or benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that the COC Payment equals the Reduced Amount, reduction shall occur in the following order (in case prorated between those not subject to Section 409A and those subject to Section 409A as deferred compensation): (1) reduction of cash payments; (2) cancellation of acceleration of vesting; and (3) reduction of non-cash employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting is to be reduced, it shall be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of the Equity Awards. To the extent any such benefit is to be provided over time, then the benefit shall be reduced in reverse chronological order.

(b) The Company may engage the accounting firm engaged by the Company for general audit purposes as of the day prior to the effective date of the Change of Control or another firm to perform the foregoing calculations. The Company shall bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such firm required to be made hereunder.

(c) The accounting firm engaged to make the determinations hereunder shall be engaged by the Company to provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to Executive and the Company within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date on which Executive’s right to a COC Payment is triggered (if requested at that time by Executive or the Company) or such other time as requested by Executive or the Company.

 

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ARTICLE 4

Executive Covenants

Section 4.01 . Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement. Executive agrees to continue to comply with the Confidentiality Agreement during and after the term of this Agreement.

Section 4.02 . Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement.

(a) Without limiting the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, Executive agrees that during his employment with the Company and for a period of 12 months thereafter, he shall not, on his own behalf or on behalf of or in connection with any other person, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, in any capacity whatsoever, alone or through or in connection with any person, solicit the employment or engagement of or otherwise entice away from the employment or engagement of the Company or any of its affiliates, any individual who is employed or engaged by the Company or any of its affiliates.

(b) Executive agrees that he shall not make negative statements or representations, or otherwise communicate negatively, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or take any action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or their officers, directors, employees, business or reputation; provided that nothing herein shall prevent Executive from responding accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by law or legal process.

(c) Company shall direct its executives, and shall request in writing that the executives of the successor to the Company, not make negative statements or representations, or otherwise communicate negatively, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or take any action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to Executive or Executive’s reputation; provided that nothing herein shall prevent executives of the Company or the successor to the Company from responding accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by law or legal process.

Section 4.03 . Material Inducement; Specific Performance. If any provision of this Agreement or the Confidentiality Agreement is determined by a court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction not to be enforceable in the manner set forth herein or therein, the Company and Executive agree that it is the intention of the parties that such provision should be enforceable to the maximum extent possible under applicable law and that such court or arbitrator shall reform such provision to make it enforceable in accordance with the intent of the parties. Executive agrees that a material breach or threatened breach of this Article or the Confidentiality Agreement may cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law. Therefore, Executive agrees that, if Executive materially breaches any of those covenants during or following termination of employment, the Company may be entitled to an injunction or other equitable relief in addition to any other relief to which the Company may become entitled.

 

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ARTICLE 5

Miscellaneous

Section 5.01 . Assignment; Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees. If Executive should die or become subject to a permanent disability while any amount is owed but unpaid to Executive hereunder, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid to Executive’s devisee, legatee, legal guardian or other designee, or if there is no such designee, to Executive’s estate. Executive’s rights hereunder shall not otherwise be assignable. This Agreement shall be binding on the Company’s successors and assigns.

Section 5.02 . Dispute Resolution . To ensure rapid and economical resolution of any and all disputes that might arise in connection with this Agreement, Executive and the Company agree that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action, in law or equity, arising from or relating to this Agreement or its enforcement, performance, breach, or interpretation, will be resolved solely and exclusively by final, binding, and confidential arbitration, by a single arbitrator, in San Francisco, California, and conducted by Judicial Arbitration & Mediation Services, Inc. (“ JAMS ”) under its then-existing employment rules and procedures. Nothing in this section, however, is intended to prevent either party from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any such arbitration. In all events, other than and to the extent of those involving a violation by Executive of Section 4.01 and 4.02 , the Company shall be responsible for the payment of all costs of arbitration as well as both parties’ attorneys’ fees; provided that the Company shall not be responsible for the payment of Executive’s attorneys’ fees if Executive does not prevail on at least one material issue in dispute.

Section 5.03. Unfunded Agreement . The obligations of the Company under this Agreement represent an unsecured, unfunded promise to pay benefits to Executive and/or Executive’s beneficiaries, and shall not entitle Executive or such beneficiaries to a preferential claim to any asset of the Company.

Section 5.04. Non-Exclusivity of Benefits . Unless specifically provided herein, neither the provisions of this Agreement nor the benefits provided hereunder shall reduce any amounts otherwise payable, or in any way diminish Executive’s rights as an employee of the Company, whether existing now or hereafter, under any compensation and/or benefit plans (qualified or nonqualified), programs, policies, or practices provided by the Company, for which Executive may qualify; provided that the Severance Benefits and the Change of Control Severance Benefits shall not be duplicative of any severance benefits under any such plans, programs, policies or practices or any other agreement between Executive and the Company and that any amounts payable to Executive hereunder shall be reduced by any amounts paid or notice due to Executive as required by any applicable federal, state or local law (including without limitation the WARN Act) in connection with any termination of Executive’s employment. Vested benefits or other amounts which Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice, or program of the Company ( i.e ., including, but not limited to, vested benefits under any qualified or nonqualified retirement plan, but not including severance benefits), at or subsequent to the termination date shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice, or program except as expressly modified by this Agreement.

 

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Section 5.05. Mitigation . In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement nor shall the amount of any payment or benefit hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another employer.

Section 5.06. Entire Agreement . This Agreement represents the entire agreement between Executive and the Company and its affiliates with respect to the matters herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, negotiations, and agreements concerning such rights.

Section 5.07. Tax Withholding . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city, or other taxes as the Company determines are required to be withheld.

Section 5.08. Waiver of Rights . The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a continuing waiver or as a consent to or waiver of any subsequent breach hereof.

Section 5.09. Severability . In the event any provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.

Section 5.10. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California without reference to principles of conflict of laws.

Section 5.11. Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were on the same instrument.

Section 5.12. Code Section 409A .

(a) Any lump sum payments due as Severance Benefits or Change of Control Severance Benefits hereunder shall be paid within 60 days following termination of employment so long as the Release has become effective during such 60-day period, but if such 60-day period during which Executive may sign and let become effective the Release, begins in a first taxable year and ends in a second taxable year, such payment shall only be made in the second taxable year.

 

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(b) This Agreement and the payments and benefits hereunder are intended to qualify for the short-term deferral exception to Section 409A of the Code, and all regulations, rulings and other guidance issued thereunder, all as amended and in effect from time to time (“ Section 409A ”), described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) to the maximum extent possible, and therefore, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all Severance Benefits or Change in Control Severance Benefits shall be paid no later than two and one-half (2 1/2) months after the end of the taxable year of the Executive in which the termination of employment occurs. To the extent they do not so qualify, the Severance Benefits and Change of Control Severance Benefits are intended to qualify for the involuntary separation pay plan exception to Section 409A described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) to the maximum extent possible.

(c) To the extent Section 409A is applicable to this Agreement, this Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if on the date of termination of employment Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A as determined in accordance with the Company’s procedures for making such determination, then to the extent required in order to comply with Section 409A (including with respect to any payments or benefits hereunder that are determined to be in substitution for “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A), amounts that would otherwise be payable under this Agreement during the six-month period immediately following the termination date shall instead be paid on the earlier of (i) the first business day after the date that is six months following the termination date or (ii) Executive’s death. All references herein to “termination date” or “termination of employment” shall mean “separation from service” as an employee within the meaning of Section 409A.

(d) It is intended that each installment of payments provided hereunder constitute separate “payments” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(i). To the extent that any provision of this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A, the provision will be read in such a manner so that all payments hereunder comply with Section 409A. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to the extent any expense reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit under this Agreement is determined to be subject to Section 409A, the amount of any such expenses eligible for reimbursement, or the provision of any in-kind benefit, in one calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year (except for any lifetime or other aggregate limitation applicable to medical expenses); in no event shall any expenses be reimbursed after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurred such expenses; and in no event shall any right to reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to the Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code but do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, such Section.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Executive have executed this Agreement, to be effective as of the date and year first written above.

 

SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (WWH), INC.
By:   /s/ Iain MacKenzie
 

Name: Iain MacKenzie

Title: President and CEO

EXECUTIVE:

/s/ Alan Marten

Date:

  1/3/11

 

11


Exhibit A — Form of Release

Reference is made in this Release (“ Release ”) to the terms set forth in the Severance and Change of Control Agreement dated                      (the “ Agreement ”) between SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. (together with its successors and assigns, the “ Company ”) and the undersigned                  (“ Executive ”).

1. Release . In consideration for the benefits outlined in the Agreement (the “ Severance Benefits ”), to which I am not otherwise entitled, I hereby generally and completely release the Company and its affiliated entities (collectively “ Company Entities ”) and their directors, officers, employees, shareholders, partners, agents, attorneys, predecessors, successors, parent and subsidiary entities, insurers, affiliates, and assigns from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and unknown, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts, conduct or omissions occurring prior to the time I sign this Release. This general release includes, but is not limited to: (1) all claims arising out of or in any way related to my employment with the Company or the termination of that employment; (2) all claims related to my compensation or benefits from the Company, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company; (3) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination or breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (4) all tort claims, including claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of public policy; (5) all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (as amended) (“ ADEA ”), Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (as amended), Calif. Gov’t Code § 12900 et seq., California Business and Professions Code § 17200 or any other provisions of the California unfair trade or business practices laws, the California Family Rights Act, Calif. Gov’t Code § 12945.2, the California Occupational Safety and Health Act, Divisions 4, 4.5, and 4.7 of the California Labor Code beginning at § 3200, any provision of the California Constitution, any provision of the California Labor Code that may lawfully be released, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) (except for any vested benefits under any tax qualified benefit plan), the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act; and (6) any other federal, state or local law, rule, regulation, or ordinance; (7) any public policy, contract, tort, or common law; and (8) any basis for recovering costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters. This Release does not apply to (x) claims which cannot be released as a matter of law, (y) any right I may have to enforce the Agreement, or (z) my eligibility for indemnification and similar matters in accordance with applicable laws, the articles, charter and bylaws of the Company or any indemnification agreement I have with the Company.

 

A-1


2. ADEA Waiver . I acknowledge that I am knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing any rights I have under the ADEA and that the consideration given for the waiver and release is in addition to anything of value to which I was already entitled. I further acknowledge that I have been advised by this writing, as required by the ADEA, that:

(a) my waiver and release specified in this paragraph do not apply to any rights or claims that arise after the date I sign this Release;

(b) I have the right to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Release;

(c) I have twenty-one (21) days to consider this Release (although I may choose voluntarily to sign this Release earlier);

(d) I have seven (7) days after I sign this Release to revoke the Release; and

(e) this Release will not be effective until the date on which the revocation period has expired, which will be the eighth day after I sign this Release, assuming I have returned it to the Company by such date.

3. Waiver of Unknown Claims . In granting the general release herein, I acknowledge that I have read and understand California Civil Code section 1542, which states:

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.

I expressly waive and relinquish all rights and benefits under that section and any law of any jurisdiction of similar effect.

This Release, together with the Agreement, constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered.

 

EXECUTIVE:

 

[NAME]

Dated:

   

 

A-2

Exhibit 10.6

SEVERANCE AND CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

SEVERANCE AND CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”), dated as of December 10, 2010 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and between SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. (the “ Company ”), and Bruce Goldberg (“ Executive ”).

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties set forth in this Agreement, and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

D EFINITIONS

Section 1.01 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall have the following meanings:

(i) “ Cause ” shall mean the occurrence of one or more of the following: (A) an act of material fraud or material dishonesty made by Executive against the Company in connection with Executive’s responsibilities which the Company reasonably believes will damage its business; (B) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony (excluding traffic offenses) which the Board of Directors reasonably believes had or will have a material detrimental effect on the reputation or business of the Company or its affiliates; (C) Executive’s intentional or gross misconduct; (D) Executive’s intentional improper disclosure of confidential information; (E) Executive’s continued material violations of material Company policies or material provisions of Executive’s agreements with the Company, after written notice from the Company or one of its affiliates, and a reasonable opportunity of not less than 30 days to cure (to the extent capable of cure) such violations; (F) Executive’s failure to cooperate with the Company in any investigation or formal proceeding; or (G) Executive’s continued material violations of Executive’s duties, or repeated material failures or material inabilities to perform any reasonably assigned duties, after written notice from the Company or one of its affiliates, and a reasonable opportunity of not less than 30 days to cure (to the extent capable of cure) such violations, failures or inabilities.

(ii) “ Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following:

(A) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other entity (other than with any entity or group in which Executive has not less than a 5% beneficial interest)


pursuant to which the holders of outstanding equity of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, hold directly or indirectly 50% or less of the voting power of the equity securities of the surviving entity;

(B) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than to any entity or group in which Executive has not less than a 5% beneficial interest); or

(C) any acquisition by any person or persons (other than any entity or group in which Executive has not less than a 5% beneficial interest) of the beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the voting power of the Company’s equity securities in a single transaction or series of related transactions; provided , however , that an underwritten public offering of the Company’s securities shall not be considered a Change of Control;

(D) if during any period of 12 consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of any such period constitute the Board, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, of each director of the Company first elected during such period was approved or recommended by at least a majority of the directors then still in office who were directors of the Company at the beginning of any such period and any such newly approved directors;

provided , however , that a transaction shall not constitute a Change of Control if its sole purpose is to change the state or jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who directly or indirectly held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.

(iii) “ Equity Awards ” means all options to purchase shares of Company common stock as well as any and all other stock-based awards granted to the Executive, including but not limited to stock bonus awards, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and performance-based stock awards.

(iv) “ Good Reason ” means:

(A) a material diminution in base or total cash compensation, other than a Company-wide salary reduction program;

(B) a material diminution in title, operational duties or responsibilities; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, Good Reason shall not have occurred if after a change of control of the Company,

 

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Executive is performing substantially the same duties and responsibilities as before the change of control but the Company (or its successor) is a larger organization, or Executive is performing such duties and responsibilities for a business unit of a parent entity that is a larger organization than Company was before the change of control and the business unit continues substantially all of the business of the Company;

(C) relocation of Executive’s primary work location by at least 50 miles; or

(D) the failure of the successor entity to assume any agreement that Executive had with the Company;

provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, an Executive’s termination will not be for Good Reason unless the Executive (x) notifies the Company in writing of the existence of the condition which the Executive believes constitutes Good Reason within 90 days of the initial existence of such condition (which notice specifically identifies such condition), (y) gives the Company at least 30 days following the date on which the Company receives such notice (and prior to termination) in which to remedy the condition (to the extent such condition is capable of being cured), and (z) if the Company does not remedy such condition within such period, and Executive actually terminates employment within 30 days after the expiration of such remedy period.

ARTICLE 2

T ERM A ND N ATURE O F A GREEMENT

Section 2.01. Term . This Agreement shall be in force until the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date, and thereafter renew for automatic one-year terms, unless at least 30 days before the expiration of the then-current term the Company shall give the Executive written notice of termination of this Agreement as of the end of the then-current term; provided that the Company may not give such notice if a Change of Control has occurred prior to such date until at least 12 months following such Change of Control.

Section 2.02. At-Will Employment . Nothing in this Agreement shall change the at-will nature of Executive’s employment with the Company.

ARTICLE 3

S EVERANCE AND C HANGE OF C ONTROL B ENEFITS

Section 3.01. Severance Benefits.

(a) If Executive is terminated by the Company without Cause, Executive shall be entitled to all of the following (the “ Severance Benefits ”), provided that Executive

 

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executes and lets become effective, a release of claims in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Release ”) within the period of time specified by the Company (which shall be 21 days to sign and 7 days to revoke, unless a longer period is required by law) following the termination of employment:

(i) a lump sum cash payment within 60 days following termination of employment (subject to Section 5.12 below) equal to:

(A) 0.5 times Executive’s then existing annual base salary;

(B) to the extent any bonus could be earned in the current fiscal year under the terms of the Company’s bonus program but is not yet earned or paid, a prorated bonus (based on the determination by the Company’s compensation committee ( Compensation Committee ) of Company performance through the date of termination), prorated through the date of termination; and

(ii) payment or reimbursement of health benefit continuation coverage under COBRA or otherwise from the termination date through the earlier of (A) 6 months following the termination date or (B) the date Executive becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer, which shall be paid no later than the due date for such coverage.

Section 3.02. Treatment of Performance-Based Equity on Change of Control . Upon a Change of Control, to the extent Executive holds any Equity Awards that remain subject to issuance or vesting based on performance (the “ Performance Awards ”), a prorated portion of the Performance Awards shall become issued and/or vested upon the Change of Control based on performance measured immediately prior to the Change of Control (as determined by the Compensation Committee prior to the Change of Control), and the remainder of the Performance Awards (the “Remainder Awards” ) shall issue and/or vest in equal monthly installments over the original performance period (unless accelerated under Section 3.03 below); provided , that if the successor to the Company does not assume or substitute the Remainder Awards with a substantially equivalent award, the amount of the Remainder Awards shall become issued and/or vested upon the Change of Control .

Section 3.03. Change of Control Severance Benefits .

(a) If within two months prior to, or within 12 months following, a Change of Control, Executive is terminated by the Company without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to the following (“ Change of Control Severance Benefits ”) in lieu of any Severance Benefits under Section 3.01 above, provided that Executive executes and lets become effective the Release within the period of time specified by the Company (which shall be 21 days to sign and 7 days to revoke, unless a longer period is required by law) following the termination of employment:

 

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(i) a lump sum cash payment within 60 days following termination of employment (subject to Section 5.12 below) equal to:

(A) 1 times Executive’s then existing annual base salary;

(B) 1 times the cash bonus paid or payable for the most recently completed fiscal year (in addition to the cash bonus paid or payable with respect to the most recently completed fiscal year); and

(C) to the extent any bonus could be earned in the current fiscal year under the terms of the Company’s bonus program but is not yet earned or paid, a prorated bonus (based on the Compensation Committee’s determination of Company performance through the date of termination), prorated through the date of termination;

(ii) payment or reimbursement of health benefit continuation coverage under COBRA or otherwise from the termination date through the earlier of (A) 12 months following the termination date or (B) the date Executive becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer, which shall be paid no later than the due date of payments for such coverage; provided that if Executive is no longer eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, the Company may provide a lump sum payment calculated based on the monthly premiums immediately prior to the expiration of COBRA coverage; and

(iii) 50% of all of the Executive’s unvested and outstanding Equity Awards (including the Performance Awards) shall become vested.

Section 3.04. Resignation of Corporate Offices . In connection with any termination of employment, Executive will resign Executive’s office, if any, as a director, officer, trustee or employee of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates and of any other corporation or trust of which Executive serves as such at the request of the Company, effective as of the date of termination of employment.

Section 3.05. Accrued Compensation and Benefits . In connection with any termination of employment upon or following a Change of Control (whether or not under Section 3.01 above), the Company shall pay Executive’s earned but unpaid base salary and other vested but unpaid cash entitlements for the period through and including the termination of employment, including unused earned vacation pay and unreimbursed documented business expenses incurred by Executive prior to the date of termination (collectively “ Accrued Compensation and Expenses ”), as required by law and the applicable Company plan or policy. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to any other vested benefits earned by Executive for the period through and including the termination date of Executive’s employment under any other employee benefit plans and arrangements maintained by the Company, in accordance with the terms of such plans and arrangements, except as modified herein (collectively “ Accrued Benefits ”). Any Accrued Compensation and Expenses to which the Executive is entitled shall be paid to

 

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the Executive in cash as soon as administratively practicable after the termination, and, in any event, no later than two and one-half (2-1/2) months after the end of the taxable year of the Executive in which the termination occurs. Any Accrued Benefits to which the Executive is entitled shall be paid to the Executive as provided in the relevant plans and arrangement.

Section 3.06 . Continuing Obligations. Executive acknowledges his or her continuing obligations under the Employment, Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement (or similar agreement) with the Company (the “ Confidentiality Agreement ”), including but not limited to Executive’s obligations not to use or disclose, at any time, any trade secret, confidential or proprietary information of the Company.

Section 3.07. Limitation on Change of Control Payments .

(a) If the Change of Control Severance Benefits together with any other payment or benefit Executive would receive pursuant to a Change of Control (collectively, “ COC Payment ”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “ Excise Tax ”), then such COC Payment shall be equal to the Reduced Amount. The “ Reduced Amount ” shall be either (x) the largest portion of the COC Payment that would result in no portion of the COC Payment being subject to the Excise Tax or (y) the largest portion, up to and including the total, of the COC Payment, whichever amount, after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate), results in Executive’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of the COC Payment notwithstanding that all or some portion of the COC Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax. If a reduction in payments or benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that the COC Payment equals the Reduced Amount, reduction shall occur in the following order (in case prorated between those not subject to Section 409A and those subject to Section 409A as deferred compensation): (1) reduction of cash payments; (2) cancellation of acceleration of vesting; and (3) reduction of non-cash employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting is to be reduced, it shall be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of the Equity Awards. To the extent any such benefit is to be provided over time, then the benefit shall be reduced in reverse chronological order.

(b) The Company may engage the accounting firm engaged by the Company for general audit purposes as of the day prior to the effective date of the Change of Control or another firm to perform the foregoing calculations. The Company shall bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such firm required to be made hereunder.

(c) The accounting firm engaged to make the determinations hereunder shall be engaged by the Company to provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting

 

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documentation, to Executive and the Company within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date on which Executive’s right to a COC Payment is triggered (if requested at that time by Executive or the Company) or such other time as requested by Executive or the Company.

ARTICLE 4

E XECUTIVE C OVENANTS

Section 4.01. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement . Executive agrees to continue to comply with the Confidentiality Agreement during and after the term of this Agreement.

Section 4.02. Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement .

(a) Without limiting the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, Executive agrees that during his employment with the Company and for a period of 12 months thereafter, he shall not, on his own behalf or on behalf of or in connection with any other person, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, in any capacity whatsoever, alone or through or in connection with any person, solicit the employment or engagement of or otherwise entice away from the employment or engagement of the Company or any of its affiliates, any individual who is employed or engaged by the Company or any of its affiliates.

(b) Executive agrees that he shall not make negative statements or representations, or otherwise communicate negatively, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or take any action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or their officers, directors, employees, business or reputation; provided that nothing herein shall prevent Executive from responding accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by law or legal process.

(c) Company shall direct its executives, and shall request in writing that the executives of the successor to the Company, not make negative statements or representations, or otherwise communicate negatively, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or take any action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to Executive or Executive’s reputation; provided that nothing herein shall prevent executives of the Company or the successor to the Company from responding accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by law or legal process.

Section 4.03. Material Inducement; Specific Performance . If any provision of this Agreement or the Confidentiality Agreement is determined by a court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction not to be enforceable in the manner set forth herein or therein, the Company and Executive agree that it is the intention of the parties that such provision should be enforceable to the maximum extent possible under applicable law and that such

 

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court or arbitrator shall reform such provision to make it enforceable in accordance with the intent of the parties. Executive agrees that a material breach or threatened breach of this Article or the Confidentiality Agreement may cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law. Therefore, Executive agrees that, if Executive materially breaches any of those covenants during or following termination of employment, the Company may be entitled to an injunction or other equitable relief in addition to any other relief to which the Company may become entitled.

ARTICLE 5

M ISCELLANEOUS

Section 5.01. Assignment; Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees. If Executive should die or become subject to a permanent disability while any amount is owed but unpaid to Executive hereunder, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid to Executive’s devisee, legatee, legal guardian or other designee, or if there is no such designee, to Executive’s estate. Executive’s rights hereunder shall not otherwise be assignable. This Agreement shall be binding on the Company’s successors and assigns.

Section 5.02 . Dispute Resolution . To ensure rapid and economical resolution of any and all disputes that might arise in connection with this Agreement, Executive and the Company agree that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action, in law or equity, arising from or relating to this Agreement or its enforcement, performance, breach, or interpretation, will be resolved solely and exclusively by final, binding, and confidential arbitration, by a single arbitrator, in San Francisco, California, and conducted by Judicial Arbitration & Mediation Services, Inc. (“ JAMS ”) under its then-existing employment rules and procedures. Nothing in this section, however, is intended to prevent either party from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any such arbitration. In all events, other than and to the extent of those involving a violation by Executive of Section 4.01 and 4.02 , the Company shall be responsible for the payment of all costs of arbitration as well as both parties’ attorneys’ fees; provided that the Company shall not be responsible for the payment of Executive’s attorneys’ fees if Executive does not prevail on at least one material issue in dispute.

Section 5.03. Unfunded Agreement . The obligations of the Company under this Agreement represent an unsecured, unfunded promise to pay benefits to Executive and/or Executive’s beneficiaries, and shall not entitle Executive or such beneficiaries to a preferential claim to any asset of the Company.

Section 5.04. Non-Exclusivity of Benefits . Unless specifically provided herein, neither the provisions of this Agreement nor the benefits provided hereunder shall reduce any amounts otherwise payable, or in any way diminish Executive’s rights as an

 

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employee of the Company, whether existing now or hereafter, under any compensation and/or benefit plans (qualified or nonqualified), programs, policies, or practices provided by the Company, for which Executive may qualify; provided that the Severance Benefits and the Change of Control Severance Benefits shall not be duplicative of any severance benefits under any such plans, programs, policies or practices or any other agreement between Executive and the Company and that any amounts payable to Executive hereunder shall be reduced by any amounts paid or notice due to Executive as required by any applicable federal, state or local law (including without limitation the WARN Act) in connection with any termination of Executive’s employment. Vested benefits or other amounts which Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice, or program of the Company ( i.e ., including, but not limited to, vested benefits under any qualified or nonqualified retirement plan, but not including severance benefits), at or subsequent to the termination date shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice, or program except as expressly modified by this Agreement.

Section 5.05. Mitigation . In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement nor shall the amount of any payment or benefit hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another employer.

Section 5.06. Entire Agreement . This Agreement represents the entire agreement between Executive and the Company and its affiliates with respect to the matters herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, negotiations, and agreements concerning such rights including, without limitation, the Offer Letter dated July 30, 2009.

Section 5.07. Tax Withholding . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city, or other taxes as the Company determines are required to be withheld.

Section 5.08. Waiver of Rights . The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a continuing waiver or as a consent to or waiver of any subsequent breach hereof.

Section 5.09. Severability . In the event any provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.

Section 5.10. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California without reference to principles of conflict of laws.

 

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Section 5.11. Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were on the same instrument.

Section 5.12. Code Section 409A .

(a) Any lump sum payments due as Severance Benefits or Change of Control Severance Benefits hereunder shall be paid within 60 days following termination of employment so long as the Release has become effective during such 60-day period, but if such 60-day period during which Executive may sign and let become effective the Release, begins in a first taxable year and ends in a second taxable year, such payment shall only be made in the second taxable year.

(b) This Agreement and the payments and benefits hereunder are intended to qualify for the short-term deferral exception to Section 409A of the Code, and all regulations, rulings and other guidance issued thereunder, all as amended and in effect from time to time (“ Section 409A ”), described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) to the maximum extent possible, and therefore, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all Severance Benefits or Change in Control Severance Benefits shall be paid no later than two and one-half (2 1/2) months after the end of the taxable year of the Executive in which the termination of employment occurs. To the extent they do not so qualify, the Severance Benefits and Change of Control Severance Benefits are intended to qualify for the involuntary separation pay plan exception to Section 409A described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) to the maximum extent possible.

(c) To the extent Section 409A is applicable to this Agreement, this Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if on the date of termination of employment Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A as determined in accordance with the Company’s procedures for making such determination, then to the extent required in order to comply with Section 409A (including with respect to any payments or benefits hereunder that are determined to be in substitution for “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A), amounts that would otherwise be payable under this Agreement during the six-month period immediately following the termination date shall instead be paid on the earlier of (i) the first business day after the date that is six months following the termination date or (ii) Executive’s death. All references herein to “termination date” or “termination of employment” shall mean “separation from service” as an employee within the meaning of Section 409A.

(d) It is intended that each installment of payments provided hereunder constitute separate “payments” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(i). To the extent that any provision of this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A, the provision will be read in such a manner so that all payments hereunder comply with Section 409A. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to the extent any expense reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit

 

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under this Agreement is determined to be subject to Section 409A, the amount of any such expenses eligible for reimbursement, or the provision of any in-kind benefit, in one calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year (except for any lifetime or other aggregate limitation applicable to medical expenses); in no event shall any expenses be reimbursed after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurred such expenses; and in no event shall any right to reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to the Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code but do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, such Section.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Executive have executed this Agreement, to be effective as of the date and year first written above.

 

SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (WWH), INC.
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

Name:   Iain MacKenzie
Title:   President and CEO
EXECUTIVE:

 

 

/s/ Bruce Goldberg

  Date:  

12-16-10

 

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Exhibit A – Form of Release

Reference is made in this Release (“ Release ”) to the terms set forth in the Severance and Change of Control Agreement dated             (the “ Agreement ”) between SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. (together with its successors and assigns, the “ Company ”) and the undersigned             (“ Executive ”).

1. Release . In consideration for the benefits outlined in the Agreement (the “ Severance Benefits ”), to which I am not otherwise entitled, I hereby generally and completely release the Company and its affiliated entities (collectively “ Company Entities ”) and their directors, officers, employees, shareholders, partners, agents, attorneys, predecessors, successors, parent and subsidiary entities, insurers, affiliates, and assigns from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and unknown, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts, conduct or omissions occurring prior to the time I sign this Release. This general release includes, but is not limited to: (1) all claims arising out of or in any way related to my employment with the Company or the termination of that employment; (2) all claims related to my compensation or benefits from the Company, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company; (3) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination or breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (4) all tort claims, including claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of public policy; (5) all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (as amended) (“ ADEA ”), Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (as amended), Calif. Gov’t Code ☐ § 12900 et seq., California Business and Professions Code § 17200 or any other provisions of the California unfair trade or business practices laws, the California Family Rights Act, Calif. Gov’t Code § 12945.2, the California Occupational Safety and Health Act, Divisions 4, 4.5, and 4.7 of the California Labor Code beginning at § 3200, any provision of the California Constitution, any provision of the California Labor Code that may lawfully be released, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) (except for any vested benefits under any tax qualified benefit plan), the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act; and (6) any other federal, state or local law, rule, regulation, or ordinance; (7) any public policy, contract, tort, or common law; and (8) any basis for recovering costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters. This Release does not apply to (x) claims which cannot be released as a matter of law, (y) any right I may have to enforce the Agreement, or (z) my eligibility for indemnification and similar matters in accordance with applicable laws, the articles, charter and bylaws of the Company or any indemnification agreement I have with the Company.

 

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2. ADEA Waiver . I acknowledge that I am knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing any rights I have under the ADEA and that the consideration given for the waiver and release is in addition to anything of value to which I was already entitled. I further acknowledge that I have been advised by this writing, as required by the ADEA, that:

(a) my waiver and release specified in this paragraph do not apply to any rights or claims that arise after the date I sign this Release;

(b) I have the right to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Release;

(c) I have twenty-one (21) days to consider this Release (although I may choose voluntarily to sign this Release earlier);

(d) I have seven (7) days after I sign this Release to revoke the Release; and

(e) this Release will not be effective until the date on which the revocation period has expired, which will be the eighth day after I sign this Release, assuming I have returned it to the Company by such date.

3. Waiver of Unknown Claims . In granting the general release herein, I acknowledge that I have read and understand California Civil Code section 1542, which states:

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.

I expressly waive and relinquish all rights and benefits under that section and any law of any jurisdiction of similar effect.

This Release, together with the Agreement, constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered.

 

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EXECUTIVE:  

 

[NAME]  
Dated:  

 

 

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Exhibit 10.7

SEVERANCE AND CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

SEVERANCE AND CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”), dated as of December 10, 2010 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and between SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. (the “ Company ”), and KiWan Kim (“ Executive ”).

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties set forth in this Agreement, and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

D EFINITIONS

Section 1.01 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall have the following meanings:

(i) “ Cause ” shall mean the occurrence of one or more of the following: (A) an act of material fraud or material dishonesty made by Executive against the Company in connection with Executive’s responsibilities which the Company reasonably believes will damage its business; (B) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony (excluding traffic offenses) which the Board of Directors reasonably believes had or will have a material detrimental effect on the reputation or business of the Company or its affiliates; (C) Executive’s intentional or gross misconduct; (D) Executive’s intentional improper disclosure of confidential information; (E) Executive’s continued material violations of material Company policies or material provisions of Executive’s agreements with the Company, after written notice from the Company or one of its affiliates, and a reasonable opportunity of not less than 30 days to cure (to the extent capable of cure) such violations; (F) Executive’s failure to cooperate with the Company in any investigation or formal proceeding; or (G) Executive’s continued material violations of Executive’s duties, or repeated material failures or material inabilities to perform any reasonably assigned duties, after written notice from the Company or one of its affiliates, and a reasonable opportunity of not less than 30 days to cure (to the extent capable of cure) such violations, failures or inabilities.

(ii) “ Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following:

(A) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other entity (other than with any entity or group in which Executive has not less than a 5% beneficial interest) pursuant to which the holders of outstanding equity of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, hold directly or indirectly 50% or less of the voting power of the equity securities of the surviving entity;


(B) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than to any entity or group in which Executive has not less than a 5% beneficial interest); or

(C) any acquisition by any person or persons (other than any entity or group in which Executive has not less than a 5% beneficial interest) of the beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the voting power of the Company’s equity securities in a single transaction or series of related transactions; provided, however, that an underwritten public offering of the Company’s securities shall not be considered a Change of Control;

(D) if during any period of 12 consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of any such period constitute the Board, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, of each director of the Company first elected during such period was approved or recommended by at least a majority of the directors then still in office who were directors of the Company at the beginning of any such period and any such newly approved directors;

provided , however , that a transaction shall not constitute a Change of Control if its sole purpose is to change the state or jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who directly or indirectly held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.

(iii) “ Equity Awards ” means all options to purchase shares of Company common stock as well as any and all other stock-based awards granted to the Executive, including but not limited to stock bonus awards, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and performance-based stock awards.

(iv) “ Good Reason ” means:

(A) a material diminution in base or total cash compensation, other than a Company-wide salary reduction program;

(B) a material diminution in title, operational duties or responsibilities; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, Good Reason shall not have occurred if after a change of control of the Company, Executive is performing substantially the same duties and responsibilities as before the change of control but the Company (or its successor) is a larger organization, or Executive is performing such duties and responsibilities for a business unit of a parent entity that is a larger organization than Company was before the change of control and the business unit continues substantially all of the business of the Company;

 

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(C) relocation of Executive’s primary work location by at least 50 miles; or

(D) the failure of the successor entity to assume any agreement that Executive had with the Company;

provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, an Executive’s termination will not be for Good Reason unless the Executive (x) notifies the Company in writing of the existence of the condition which the Executive believes constitutes Good Reason within 90 days of the initial existence of such condition (which notice specifically identifies such condition), (y) gives the Company at least 30 days following the date on which the Company receives such notice (and prior to termination) in which to remedy the condition (to the extent such condition is capable of being cured), and (z) if the Company does not remedy such condition within such period, and Executive actually terminates employment within 30 days after the expiration of such remedy period.

ARTICLE 2

T ERM A ND N ATURE O F A GREEMENT

Section 2.01 . Term. This Agreement shall be in force until the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date, and thereafter renew for automatic one-year terms, unless at least 30 days before the expiration of the then-current term the Company shall give the Executive written notice of termination of this Agreement as of the end of the then-current term; provided that the Company may not give such notice if a Change of Control has occurred prior to such date until at least 12 months following such Change of Control.

Section 2.02. At-Will Employment . Nothing in this Agreement shall change the at-will nature of Executive’s employment with the Company.

ARTICLE 3

S EVERANCE AND C HANGE OF C ONTROL B ENEFITS

Section 3.01. Severance Benefits.

(a) If Executive is terminated by the Company without Cause, Executive shall be entitled to all of the following (the “ Severance Benefits ”), provided that Executive executes and lets become effective, a release of claims in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Release ”) within the period of time specified by the Company (which shall be 21 days to sign and 7 days to revoke, unless a longer period is required by law) following the termination of employment:

(i) a lump sum cash payment within 60 days following termination of employment (subject to Section 5.12 below) equal to:

(A) 0.5 times Executive’s then existing annual base salary;

 

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(B) to the extent any bonus could be earned in the current fiscal year under the terms of the Company’s bonus program but is not yet earned or paid, a prorated bonus (based on the determination by the Company’s compensation committee (“ Compensation Committee ”) of Company performance through the date of termination), prorated through the date of termination; and

(ii) payment or reimbursement of health benefit continuation coverage under COBRA or otherwise from the termination date through the earlier of (A) 6 months following the termination date or (B) the date Executive becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer, which shall be paid no later than the due date for such coverage.

Section 3.02 . Treatment of Performance-Based Equity on Change of Control. Upon a Change of Control, to the extent Executive holds any Equity Awards that remain subject to issuance or vesting based on performance (the “ Performance Awards ”), a prorated portion of the Performance Awards shall become issued and/or vested upon the Change of Control based on performance measured immediately prior to the Change of Control (as determined by the Compensation Committee prior to the Change of Control), and the remainder of the Performance Awards (the “Remainder Awards” ) shall issue and/or vest in equal monthly installments over the original performance period (unless accelerated under Section 3.03 below); provided , that if the successor to the Company does not assume or substitute the Remainder Awards with a substantially equivalent award, the amount of the Remainder Awards shall become issued and/or vested upon the Change of Control .

Section 3.03. Change of Control Severance Benefits.

(a) If within two months prior to, or within 12 months following, a Change of Control, Executive is terminated by the Company without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to the following (“ Change of Control Severance Benefits ”) in lieu of any Severance Benefits under Section 3.01 above, provided that Executive executes and lets become effective the Release within the period of time specified by the Company (which shall be 21 days to sign and 7 days to revoke, unless a longer period is required by law) following the termination of employment:

(i) a lump sum cash payment within 60 days following termination of employment (subject to Section 5.12 below) equal to:

(A) 1 times Executive’s then existing annual base salary;

 

4


(B) 1 times the cash bonus paid or payable for the most recently completed fiscal year (in addition to the cash bonus paid or payable with respect to the most recently completed fiscal year); and

(C) to the extent any bonus could be earned in the current fiscal year under the terms of the Company’s bonus program but is not yet earned or paid, a prorated bonus (based on the Compensation Committee’s determination of Company performance through the date of termination), prorated through the date of termination;

(ii) payment or reimbursement of health benefit continuation coverage under COBRA or otherwise from the termination date through the earlier of (A) 12 months following the termination date or (B) the date Executive becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer, which shall be paid no later than the due date of payments for such coverage; provided that if Executive is no longer eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, the Company may provide a lump sum payment calculated based on the monthly premiums immediately prior to the expiration of COBRA coverage; and

(iii) 50% of all of the Executive’s unvested and outstanding Equity Awards (including the Performance Awards) shall become vested.

Section 3.04. Resignation of Corporate Offices . In connection with any termination of employment, Executive will resign Executive’s office, if any, as a director, officer, trustee or employee of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates and of any other corporation or trust of which Executive serves as such at the request of the Company, effective as of the date of termination of employment.

Section 3.05. Accrued Compensation and Benefits . In connection with any termination of employment upon or following a Change of Control (whether or not under Section 3.01 above), the Company shall pay Executive’s earned but unpaid base salary and other vested but unpaid cash entitlements for the period through and including the termination of employment, including unused earned vacation pay and unreimbursed documented business expenses incurred by Executive prior to the date of termination (collectively “ Accrued Compensation and Expenses ”), as required by law and the applicable Company plan or policy. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to any other vested benefits earned by Executive for the period through and including the termination date of Executive’s employment under any other employee benefit plans and arrangements maintained by the Company, in accordance with the terms of such plans and arrangements, except as modified herein (collectively “ Accrued Benefits ”). Any Accrued Compensation and Expenses to which the Executive is entitled shall be paid to the Executive in cash as soon as administratively practicable after the termination, and, in any event, no later than two and one-half (2-1/2) months after the end of the taxable year of the Executive in which the termination occurs. Any Accrued Benefits to which the Executive is entitled shall be paid to the Executive as provided in the relevant plans and arrangement.

 

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Section 3.06 . Continuing Obligations. Executive acknowledges his or her continuing obligations under the Employment, Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement (or similar agreement) with the Company (the “ Confidentiality Agreement ”), including but not limited to Executive’s obligations not to use or disclose, at any time, any trade secret, confidential or proprietary information of the Company.

Section 3.07. Limitation on Change of Control Payments .

(a) If the Change of Control Severance Benefits together with any other payment or benefit Executive would receive pursuant to a Change of Control (collectively, “ COC Payment ”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “ Excise Tax ”), then such COC Payment shall be equal to the Reduced Amount. The “ Reduced Amount ” shall be either (x) the largest portion of the COC Payment that would result in no portion of the COC Payment being subject to the Excise Tax or (y) the largest portion, up to and including the total, of the COC Payment, whichever amount, after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate), results in Executive’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of the COC Payment notwithstanding that all or some portion of the COC Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax. If a reduction in payments or benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that the COC Payment equals the Reduced Amount, reduction shall occur in the following order (in case prorated between those not subject to Section 409A and those subject to Section 409A as deferred compensation): (1) reduction of cash payments; (2) cancellation of acceleration of vesting; and (3) reduction of non-cash employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting is to be reduced, it shall be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of the Equity Awards. To the extent any such benefit is to be provided over time, then the benefit shall be reduced in reverse chronological order.

(b) The Company may engage the accounting firm engaged by the Company for general audit purposes as of the day prior to the effective date of the Change of Control or another firm to perform the foregoing calculations. The Company shall bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such firm required to be made hereunder.

(c) The accounting firm engaged to make the determinations hereunder shall be engaged by the Company to provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to Executive and the Company within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date on which Executive’s right to a COC Payment is triggered (if requested at that time by Executive or the Company) or such other time as requested by Executive or the Company.

 

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ARTICLE 4

E XECUTIVE C OVENANTS

Section 4.01 . Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement. Executive agrees to continue to comply with the Confidentiality Agreement during and after the term of this Agreement.

Section 4.02. Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement.

(a) Without limiting the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, Executive agrees that during his employment with the Company and for a period of 12 months thereafter, he shall not, on his own behalf or on behalf of or in connection with any other person, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, in any capacity whatsoever, alone or through or in connection with any person, solicit the employment or engagement of or otherwise entice away from the employment or engagement of the Company or any of its affiliates, any individual who is employed or engaged by the Company or any of its affiliates.

(b) Executive agrees that he shall not make negative statements or representations, or otherwise communicate negatively, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or take any action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or their officers, directors, employees, business or reputation; provided that nothing herein shall prevent Executive from responding accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by law or legal process.

(c) Company shall direct its executives, and shall request in writing that the executives of the successor to the Company, not make negative statements or representations, or otherwise communicate negatively, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or take any action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to Executive or Executive’s reputation; provided that nothing herein shall prevent executives of the Company or the successor to the Company from responding accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by law or legal process.

Section 4.03 . Material Inducement; Specific Performance. If any provision of this Agreement or the Confidentiality Agreement is determined by a court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction not to be enforceable in the manner set forth herein or therein, the Company and Executive agree that it is the intention of the parties that such provision should be enforceable to the maximum extent possible under applicable law and that such court or arbitrator shall reform such provision to make it enforceable in accordance with the intent of the parties. Executive agrees that a material breach or threatened breach of this Article or the Confidentiality Agreement may cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law. Therefore, Executive agrees that, if Executive materially breaches any of those covenants during or following termination of employment, the Company may be entitled to an injunction or other equitable relief in addition to any other relief to which the Company may become entitled.

 

7


ARTICLE 5

M ISCELLANEOUS

Section 5.01 . Assignment; Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees. If Executive should die or become subject to a permanent disability while any amount is owed but unpaid to Executive hereunder, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid to Executive’s devisee, legatee, legal guardian or other designee, or if there is no such designee, to Executive’s estate. Executive’s rights hereunder shall not otherwise be assignable. This Agreement shall be binding on the Company’s successors and assigns.

Section 5.02 . Dispute Resolution . To ensure rapid and economical resolution of any and all disputes that might arise in connection with this Agreement, Executive and the Company agree that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action, in law or equity, arising from or relating to this Agreement or its enforcement, performance, breach, or interpretation, will be resolved solely and exclusively by final, binding, and confidential arbitration, by a single arbitrator, in San Francisco, California, and conducted by Judicial Arbitration & Mediation Services, Inc. (“ JAMS ”) under its then-existing employment rules and procedures. Nothing in this section, however, is intended to prevent either party from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any such arbitration. In all events, other than and to the extent of those involving a violation by Executive of Section 4.01 and 4.02 , the Company shall be responsible for the payment of all costs of arbitration as well as both parties’ attorneys’ fees; provided that the Company shall not be responsible for the payment of Executive’s attorneys’ fees if Executive does not prevail on at least one material issue in dispute.

Section 5.03. Unfunded Agreement . The obligations of the Company under this Agreement represent an unsecured, unfunded promise to pay benefits to Executive and/or Executive’s beneficiaries, and shall not entitle Executive or such beneficiaries to a preferential claim to any asset of the Company.

Section 5.04. Non-Exclusivity of Benefits . Unless specifically provided herein, neither the provisions of this Agreement nor the benefits provided hereunder shall reduce any amounts otherwise payable, or in any way diminish Executive’s rights as an employee of the Company, whether existing now or hereafter, under any compensation and/or benefit plans (qualified or nonqualified), programs, policies, or practices provided by the Company, for which Executive may qualify; provided that the Severance Benefits and the Change of Control Severance Benefits shall not be duplicative of any severance benefits under any such plans, programs, policies or practices or any other agreement between Executive and the Company and that any amounts payable to Executive hereunder shall be reduced by any amounts paid or notice due to Executive as required by any applicable federal, state or local law (including without limitation the WARN Act) in connection with any termination of Executive’s employment. Vested benefits or other amounts which Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice,

 

8


or program of the Company ( i.e ., including, but not limited to, vested benefits under any qualified or nonqualified retirement plan, but not including severance benefits), at or subsequent to the termination date shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice, or program except as expressly modified by this Agreement.

Section 5.05. Mitigation . In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement nor shall the amount of any payment or benefit hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another employer.

Section 5.06. Entire Agreement . This Agreement represents the entire agreement between Executive and the Company and its affiliates with respect to the matters herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, negotiations, and agreements concerning such rights including, without limitation, the Offer Letter dated October 11, 2000.

Section 5.07. Tax Withholding . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city, or other taxes as the Company determines are required to be withheld.

Section 5.08. Waiver of Rights . The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a continuing waiver or as a consent to or waiver of any subsequent breach hereof.

Section 5.09. Severability . In the event any provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.

Section 5.10. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California without reference to principles of conflict of laws.

Section 5.11. Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were on the same instrument.

Section 5.12. Code Section 409A .

(a) Any lump sum payments due as Severance Benefits or Change of Control Severance Benefits hereunder shall be paid within 60 days following termination of employment so long as the Release has become effective during such 60-day period, but if such 60-day period during which Executive may sign and let become effective the Release, begins in a first taxable year and ends in a second taxable year, such payment shall only be made in the second taxable year.

 

9


(b) This Agreement and the payments and benefits hereunder are intended to qualify for the short-term deferral exception to Section 409A of the Code, and all regulations, rulings and other guidance issued thereunder, all as amended and in effect from time to time (“ Section 409A ”), described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) to the maximum extent possible, and therefore, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all Severance Benefits or Change in Control Severance Benefits shall be paid no later than two and one-half (2 1/2) months after the end of the taxable year of the Executive in which the termination of employment occurs. To the extent they do not so qualify, the Severance Benefits and Change of Control Severance Benefits are intended to qualify for the involuntary separation pay plan exception to Section 409A described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) to the maximum extent possible.

(c) To the extent Section 409A is applicable to this Agreement, this Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if on the date of termination of employment Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A as determined in accordance with the Company’s procedures for making such determination, then to the extent required in order to comply with Section 409A (including with respect to any payments or benefits hereunder that are determined to be in substitution for “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A), amounts that would otherwise be payable under this Agreement during the six-month period immediately following the termination date shall instead be paid on the earlier of (i) the first business day after the date that is six months following the termination date or (ii) Executive’s death. All references herein to “termination date” or “termination of employment” shall mean “separation from service” as an employee within the meaning of Section 409A.

(d) It is intended that each installment of payments provided hereunder constitute separate “payments” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(i). To the extent that any provision of this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A, the provision will be read in such a manner so that all payments hereunder comply with Section 409A. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to the extent any expense reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit under this Agreement is determined to be subject to Section 409A, the amount of any such expenses eligible for reimbursement, or the provision of any in-kind benefit, in one calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year (except for any lifetime or other aggregate limitation applicable to medical expenses); in no event shall any expenses be reimbursed after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurred such expenses; and in no event shall any right to reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to the Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code but do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, such Section.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Executive have executed this Agreement, to be effective as of the date and year first written above.

 

SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (WWH), INC.
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

Name:   Iain MacKenzie
Title:   President and CEO
EXECUTIVE:
 

/s/ Kiwan Kim

  Date:  

Dec 21, 2010

 

11


Exhibit A – Form of Release

Reference is made in this Release (“ Release ”) to the terms set forth in the Severance and Change of Control Agreement dated              (the “ Agreement ”) between SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. (together with its successors and assigns, the “ Company ”) and the undersigned                      (“ Executive ”).

1. Release . In consideration for the benefits outlined in the Agreement (the “ Severance Benefits ”), to which I am not otherwise entitled, I hereby generally and completely release the Company and its affiliated entities (collectively “ Company Entities ”) and their directors, officers, employees, shareholders, partners, agents, attorneys, predecessors, successors, parent and subsidiary entities, insurers, affiliates, and assigns from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and unknown, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts, conduct or omissions occurring prior to the time I sign this Release. This general release includes, but is not limited to: (1) all claims arising out of or in any way related to my employment with the Company or the termination of that employment; (2) all claims related to my compensation or benefits from the Company, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company; (3) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination or breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (4) all tort claims, including claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of public policy; (5) all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (as amended) (“ ADEA ”), Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (as amended), Calif. Gov’t Code § 12900 et seq., California Business and Professions Code § 17200 or any other provisions of the California unfair trade or business practices laws, the California Family Rights Act, Calif. Gov’t Code § 12945.2, the California Occupational Safety and Health Act, Divisions 4, 4.5, and 4.7 of the California Labor Code beginning at § 3200, any provision of the California Constitution, any provision of the California Labor Code that may lawfully be released, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) (except for any vested benefits under any tax qualified benefit plan), the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act; and (6) any other federal, state or local law, rule, regulation, or ordinance; (7) any public policy, contract, tort, or common law; and (8) any basis for recovering costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters. This Release does not apply to (x) claims which cannot be released as a matter of law, (y) any right I may have to enforce the Agreement, or (z) my eligibility for indemnification and similar matters in accordance with applicable laws, the articles, charter and bylaws of the Company or any indemnification agreement I have with the Company.

 

A-1


2. ADEA Waiver . I acknowledge that I am knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing any rights I have under the ADEA and that the consideration given for the waiver and release is in addition to anything of value to which I was already entitled. I further acknowledge that I have been advised by this writing, as required by the ADEA, that:

(a) my waiver and release specified in this paragraph do not apply to any rights or claims that arise after the date I sign this Release;

(b) I have the right to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Release;

(c) I have twenty-one (21) days to consider this Release (although I may choose voluntarily to sign this Release earlier);

(d) I have seven (7) days after I sign this Release to revoke the Release; and

(e) this Release will not be effective until the date on which the revocation period has expired, which will be the eighth day after I sign this Release, assuming I have returned it to the Company by such date.

3. Waiver of Unknown Claims . In granting the general release herein, I acknowledge that I have read and understand California Civil Code section 1542, which states:

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.

I expressly waive and relinquish all rights and benefits under that section and any law of any jurisdiction of similar effect.

This Release, together with the Agreement, constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered.

 

EXECUTIVE:

 

[NAME]

Dated:  

 

 

A-2

Exhibit 10.8

Execution Version

 

 

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

dated as of

August 26, 2011,

among

SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc.,

as Holdings,

SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc.,

as Parent Borrower,

SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.,

as Co-Borrower,

The Lenders Party Hereto

and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

 

 

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC,

Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Bookrunner,

and

UBS SECURITIES LLC,

Joint Lead Arranger, Joint Bookrunner and Syndication Agent,

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

            Page  
ARTICLE I  
DEFINITIONS  
SECTION 1.01.     

Defined Terms

     1  
SECTION 1.02.     

Classification of Loans and Borrowings

     47  
SECTION 1.03.     

Terms Generally

     47  
SECTION 1.04.     

Accounting Terms; GAAP

     48  
SECTION 1.05.     

Effectuation of Transactions

     48  
SECTION 1.06.     

Currency Translation

     48  
ARTICLE II  
THE CREDITS  
SECTION 2.01.     

Commitments

     48  
SECTION 2.02.     

Loans and Borrowings

     48  
SECTION 2.03.     

Requests for Borrowings

     49  
SECTION 2.04.     

Swingline Loans

     50  
SECTION 2.05.     

Letters of Credit and Bank Guarantees

     51  
SECTION 2.06.     

Funding of Borrowings

     56  
SECTION 2.07.     

Interest Elections

     57  
SECTION 2.08.     

Termination and Reduction of Commitments

     58  
SECTION 2.09.     

Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt

     59  
SECTION 2.10.     

Amortization of Term Loans

     59  
SECTION 2.11.     

Prepayment of Loans

     60  
SECTION 2.12.     

Fees

     68  
SECTION 2.13.     

Interest

     70  
SECTION 2.14.     

Alternate Rate of Interest

     70  
SECTION 2.15.     

Increased Costs

     71  
SECTION 2.16.     

Break Funding Payments

     72  
SECTION 2.17.     

Taxes

     72  
SECTION 2.18.     

Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Setoffs

     75  
SECTION 2.19.     

Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

     77  
SECTION 2.20.     

Increased Term Loans

     77  
SECTION 2.21.     

Refinancing Amendments

     79  
SECTION 2.22.     

Defaulting Lenders

     80  
SECTION 2.23.     

Illegality

     81  
ARTICLE III  
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES  
SECTION 3.01.     

Organization; Powers

     82  
SECTION 3.02.     

Authorization; Enforceability

     82  
SECTION 3.03.     

Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts

     82  
SECTION 3.04.     

Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Effect

     83  

 

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            Page  
SECTION 3.05.     

Properties

     83  
SECTION 3.06.     

Litigation and Environmental Matters

     84  
SECTION 3.07.     

Compliance with Laws and Agreements

     84  
SECTION 3.08.     

Investment Company Status

     84  
SECTION 3.09.     

Taxes

     84  
SECTION 3.10.     

ERISA

     84  
SECTION 3.11.     

Disclosure

     85  
SECTION 3.12.     

Subsidiaries

     85  
SECTION 3.13.     

Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc.

     85  
SECTION 3.14.     

Solvency

     85  
SECTION 3.15.     

Senior Indebtedness

     86  
SECTION 3.16.     

Federal Reserve Regulations

     86  
SECTION 3.17.     

Use of Proceeds

     86  
ARTICLE IV  
CONDITIONS  
SECTION 4.01.     

Effective Date

     86  
SECTION 4.02.     

Each Credit Event

     89  
ARTICLE V  
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS  
SECTION 5.01.     

Financial Statements and Other Information

     90  
SECTION 5.02.     

Notices of Material Events

     93  
SECTION 5.03.     

Information Regarding Collateral

     93  
SECTION 5.04.     

Existence; Conduct of Business

     94  
SECTION 5.05.     

Payment of Taxes, etc.

     94  
SECTION 5.06.     

Maintenance of Properties

     94  
SECTION 5.07.     

Insurance

     94  
SECTION 5.08.     

Books and Records; Inspection and Audit Rights

     94  
SECTION 5.09.     

Compliance with Laws

     95  
SECTION 5.10.     

Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit

     95  
SECTION 5.11.     

Additional Subsidiaries

     95  
SECTION 5.12.     

Further Assurances

     95  
SECTION 5.13.     

Ratings

     96  
SECTION 5.14.     

Certain Post-Closing Obligations

     96  
SECTION 5.15.     

Storage Monetization

     96  
SECTION 5.16.     

Designation of Subsidiaries

     96  
ARTICLE VI  
NEGATIVE COVENANTS  
SECTION 6.01.     

Indebtedness; Certain Equity Securities

     97  
SECTION 6.02.     

Liens

     101  
SECTION 6.03.     

Fundamental Changes; Holding Companies

     103  
SECTION 6.04.     

Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions

     106  
SECTION 6.05.     

Asset Sales

     108  

 

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            Page  
SECTION 6.06.     

Sale and Leaseback Transactions

     110  
SECTION 6.07.     

Swap Agreements

     110  
SECTION 6.08.     

Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness

     110  
SECTION 6.09.     

Transactions with Affiliates

     113  
SECTION 6.10.     

Restrictive Agreements

     114  
SECTION 6.11.     

Amendment of Junior Financing

     115  
SECTION 6.12.     

Financial Covenant

     115  
SECTION 6.13.     

Changes in Fiscal Periods

     115  
ARTICLE VII  
EVENTS OF DEFAULT  
SECTION 7.01.     

Events of Default

     115  
SECTION 7.02.     

Right to Cure

     118  
SECTION 7.03.     

Application of Proceeds

     119  
ARTICLE VIII  
THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT  
ARTICLE IX  
MISCELLANEOUS  
SECTION 9.01.     

Notices

     122  
SECTION 9.02.     

Waivers; Amendments

     123  
SECTION 9.03.     

Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver

     126  
SECTION 9.04.     

Successors and Assigns

     128  
SECTION 9.05.     

Survival

     132  
SECTION 9.06.     

Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness

     133  
SECTION 9.07.     

Severability

     133  
SECTION 9.08.     

Right of Setoff

     133  
SECTION 9.09.     

Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process

     134  
SECTION 9.10.     

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

     134  
SECTION 9.11.     

Headings

     134  
SECTION 9.12.     

Confidentiality

     134  
SECTION 9.13.     

USA Patriot Act

     136  
SECTION 9.14.     

Judgment Currency

     136  
SECTION 9.15.     

Release of Liens and Guarantees

     136  
SECTION 9.16.     

No Fiduciary Relationship

     137  
SECTION 9.17.     

Obligation Joint and Several

     137  

 

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ANNEX I
AMORTIZATION TABLE
SCHEDULES:
Schedule 1.01(a)        Excluded Subsidiaries
Schedule 1.01(b)        Existing Letters of Credit
Schedule 2.01        Commitments
Schedule 3.12        Subsidiaries
Schedule 5.14        Certain Post-Closing Obligations
Schedule 6.01        Existing Indebtedness
Schedule 6.02        Existing Liens
Schedule 6.04(e)        Existing Investments
Schedule 6.09        Existing Affiliate Transactions
Schedule 6.10        Existing Restrictions
EXHIBITS:
Exhibit A        Form of Assignment and Assumption
Exhibit B        Form of Guarantee Agreement
Exhibit C        [Reserved].
Exhibit D        Form of Perfection Certificate
Exhibit E        Form of Collateral Agreement
Exhibit F-1        Form of Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Exhibit F-2        Form of Opinion of Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados
Exhibit F-3        Form of Opinion of Walkers Global
Exhibit F-4        Form of Opinion of De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek
Exhibit F-5        Form of Opinion of Elvinger, Hoss & Prussen
Exhibit G        Form of First Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Exhibit H        Form of Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Exhibit I        Form of Closing Certificate
Exhibit J        Form of Intercompany Note
Exhibit K        Form of Specified Discount Prepayment Notice
Exhibit L        Form of Specified Discount Prepayment Response
Exhibit M        Form of Discount Range Prepayment Notice
Exhibit N        Form of Discount Range Prepayment Offer
Exhibit O        Form of Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice
Exhibit P        Form of Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer
Exhibit Q        Form of Acceptance and Prepayment Notice
Exhibit R-1        Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Non-U.S. Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Exhibit R-2        Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Non-U.S. Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Exhibit R-3        Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Non-U.S. Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Exhibit R-4        Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Non-U.S. Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

-iv-


CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of August 26, 2011 (this “ Agreement ”), among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“ Holdings ”), SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “ Parent Borrower ”), SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., California corporation (the “ Co - Borrower ” and, together with the Parent Borrower, the “ Borrowers ” and each a “ Borrower ”), the LENDERS party hereto and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

WHEREAS, the Parent Borrower has requested the Lenders to (a) extend Term Loans, and (b) provide Revolving Loans, subject to the Revolving Commitment, to a Borrower at any time during the Revolving Availability Period. The Parent Borrower has requested the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit at any time during the Revolving Availability Period, in an aggregate face amount at any time outstanding not in excess of $15,000,000. The Parent Borrower has requested the Swingline Lender to extend credit in the form of Swingline Loans at any time during the Revolving Availability Period, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not in excess of $10,000,000; and

WHEREAS, each Revolving Loan will be a “first-out” loan, subject to the terms of the Security Documents.

NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

ABR ”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.

Acceptable Discount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D).

Acceptable Prepayment Amount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D).

Acceptance and Prepayment Notice ” means an irrevocable written notice from a Term Lender accepting a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment at the Acceptable Discount specified therein pursuant to Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D) substantially in the form of Exhibit Q .

Acceptance Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D).

Acquired EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Acquired Entity or Business or any Converted Restricted Subsidiary (any of the foregoing, a “ Pro Forma Entity ”) for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Pro Forma Entity (determined as if references to the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the definition of the term “Consolidated EBITDA” were references to such Pro Forma Entity and its subsidiaries which will become Restricted Subsidiaries), all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Pro Forma Entity.

Acquisition ” means the acquisition of the Target and its subsidiaries.


Acquisition Agreement ” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 26, 2011 among Holdings, Saleen Acquisition, Inc. and the Target.

Acquisition Documents ” means the Acquisition Agreement, all other agreements to be entered into between the Target or its Affiliates and Holdings or its Affiliates in connection with the Acquisition and all schedules, exhibits and annexes to each of the foregoing and all side letters, instruments and agreements affecting the terms of the foregoing or entered into in connection therewith.

Additional Lender ” means, at any time, any bank or other financial institution (including any such bank or financial institution that is a Lender at such time) that agrees to provide any portion of any (a) Incremental Term Loan pursuant to an Incremental Term Facility Amendment in accordance with Section 2.20 or (b) Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment in accordance with Section 2.21; provided that each Additional Lender (other than any Person that is a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund of a Lender at such time) shall be subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent (such approval in each case not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and the Parent Borrower.

Additional Notes ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(xxiii).

Adjusted LIBO Rate ” means, with respect to any Eurocurrency Borrowing denominated in dollars for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) equal to (i) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (ii) the Statutory Reserve Rate.

Administrative Agent ” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and its successors in such capacity as provided in Article VIII. The Administrative Agent may from time to time designate one or more of its Affiliates or branches to perform the functions of the Administrative Agent in connection with Loans denominated in any currency other than dollars, in which case references herein to the “Administrative Agent” shall, in connection with Loans denominated in any such currency, mean any Affiliate or branch so designated.

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

Affiliate ” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly or indirectly Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.

Affiliated Lender ” means, at any time, any Lender that is the Sponsor or an Affiliate of the Sponsor (other than Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any of their respective subsidiaries) at such time.

Agent ” means the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and any successors and assigns in such capacity, and “ Agents ” means two or more of them.

Agreement Currency ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.14(b).

Alternate Base Rate ” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1% and (c) the Adjusted LIBO Rate on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day) for a deposit in dollars with a maturity of one month plus 1%. For purposes of

 

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clause (c) above, the Adjusted LIBO Rate on any day shall be based on the rate appearing on the Reuters “LIBOR01” screen displaying British Bankers’ Association Interest Settlement Rates (or on any successor or substitute screen provided by Reuters, or any successor to or substitute for such service, providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such screen, as determined by the Administrative Agent from time to time for purposes of providing quotations of interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to such day for deposits in dollars with a maturity of one month. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate, respectively. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Alternate Base Rate will be deemed to be 2.25% per annum if the Alternate Base Rate calculated pursuant to the foregoing provisions would otherwise be less than 2.25% per annum.

Applicable Account ” means, with respect to any payment to be made to the Administrative Agent hereunder, the account specified by the Administrative Agent from time to time for the purpose of receiving payments of such type.

Applicable Creditor ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.14(b).

Applicable Discount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(C).

Applicable Fronting Exposure ” means, with respect to any Person that is an Issuing Bank or a Swingline Lender at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate amount of all Letters of Credit issued by such Person in its capacity as an Issuing Bank (if applicable) that remains available for drawing at such time, (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements made by such Person in its capacity as an Issuing Bank (if applicable) that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of such Borrower at such time and (c) the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans made by such Person in its capacity as a Swingline Lender (if applicable) outstanding at such time.

Applicable Percentage ” means, at any time with respect to any Revolving Lender, the percentage of the aggregate Revolving Commitments represented by such Lender’s Revolving Commitment at such time (or, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, such Lender’s share of the total Revolving Exposure at that time); provided that, at any time any Revolving Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, “Applicable Percentage” shall mean the percentage of the total Revolving Commitments (disregarding any such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment) represented by such Lender’s Revolving Commitment. If the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon the Revolving Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments pursuant to this Agreement and to any Lender’s status as a Defaulting Lender at the time of determination.

Applicable Rate ” means, for any day, (a)(i) with respect to any Term Loan, (A) 6.0% per annum, in the case of an ABR Loan, or (B) 7.0% per annum, in the case of a Eurocurrency Loan, and (b) with respect to any ABR Loan or Eurocurrency Loan (other than a Term Loan), the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption “ABR Spread” or “Eurocurrency Spread”, as the case may be, based upon the Secured Net Leverage Ratio as of the end of the fiscal quarter of the Parent Borrower for which consolidated financial statements have theretofore been most recently delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or 5.01(b); provided that, for purposes of clause (b), until the date of the delivery of the consolidated financial statements pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or 5.01(b) as of and for the fiscal quarter ended November 25, 2011, the Applicable Rate shall be based on the rates per annum set forth in Category 1:

 

Secured Net Leverage Ratio:

   ABR
Spread
    Eurocurrency
Spread
 

Category 1

    

Greater than 2.25 to 1.00

     3.50     4.50

Category 2

    

Less than or equal to 2.25 to 1.00

     3.25     4.25

 

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For purposes of the foregoing, each change in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Secured Net Leverage Ratio shall be effective during the period commencing on and including the Business Day following the date of delivery to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or 5.01(b) of the consolidated financial statements and related Compliance Certificate indicating such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Applicable Rate, at the option of the Administrative Agent or the Majority in Interest of the Revolving Lenders, shall be based on the rates per annum set forth in Category 1 (i) at any time that an Event of Default under Section 7.01(a) has occurred and is continuing and shall continue to so apply to but excluding the date on which such Event of Default shall cease to be continuing (and thereafter, the Category otherwise determined in accordance with this definition shall apply) or (ii) if Holdings and the Parent Borrower fail to deliver the consolidated financial statements required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or 5.01(b) or any Compliance Certificate required to be delivered pursuant hereto, in each case within the time periods specified herein for such delivery, during the period commencing on and including the day of the occurrence of a Default resulting from such failure and until the delivery thereof.

Approved Bank ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of the term “Permitted Investments”.

Approved Fund ” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course and that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

Assignment and Assumption ” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any Person whose consent is required by Section 9.04), substantially in the form of Exhibit A or any other form reasonably approved by the Administrative Agent.

Auction Agent ” means (a) the Administrative Agent or (b) any other financial institution or advisor employed by a Borrower (whether or not an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent) to act as an arranger in connection with any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment pursuant to Section 2.11(a)(ii); provided that such Borrower shall not designate the Administrative Agent as the Auction Agent without the written consent of the Administrative Agent (it being understood that the Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to agree to act as the Auction Agent).

Audited Financial Statements ” means the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Target and its subsidiaries for the fiscal years ended August 29, 2008, August 28, 2009 and August 27, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in equity and cash flows of the Target and its subsidiaries, including the notes thereto.

 

-4-


Available Amount ”, means a cumulative amount equal to (without duplication):

(a) 50% of Consolidated Net Income of the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries from the Effective Date; provided that amounts under this clause (a) shall not be available for purposes of any Restricted Payment made pursuant to Section 6.08(a)(vii) or Section 6.08(b)(iv) unless the Total Net Leverage Ratio is less than 2.5 to 1.0 on a Pro Forma Basis.

(b) the net cash proceeds of new equity issuances of the Parent Borrower (other than Disqualified Equity Interest), plus

(c) capital contributions received by the Parent Borrower after the Effective Date in cash or cash equivalents (other than in respect of any Cure Amount or any Disqualified Equity Interest), plus

(d) dividends or other distributions or returns on capital received by the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, plus

(e) the net cash proceeds of a sale or other Disposition of any Unrestricted Subsidiary (including the issuance of stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary) received by the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, any amounts received by the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with a Monetization or otherwise pursuant to Section 5.15 shall not increase the Available Amount.

Board of Directors ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) in the case of any corporation, the board of directors of such Person or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such board, (b) in the case of any limited liability company, the board of managers or board of directors of such Person, (c) in the case of any partnership, the board of directors or board of managers of the general partner of such Person and (d) in any other case, the functional equivalent of the foregoing.

Board of Governors ” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.

Borrower ” has the meaning provided in the preamble hereto.

Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment ” means the offer by a Borrower to make a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a specified discount to par pursuant to Section 2.11(a)(ii)(B).

Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offers ” means the solicitation by a Borrower of offers for, and the corresponding acceptance by a Term Lender of, a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a specified range at a discount to par pursuant to Section 2.11(a)(ii)(C).

Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers ” means the solicitation by a Borrower of offers for, and the subsequent acceptance, if any, by a Term Lender of, a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a discount to par pursuant to Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D).

Borrowing ” means (a) Loans of the same Class and Type, made, converted or continued on the same date in the same currency and, in the case of Eurocurrency Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect, or (b) a Swingline Loan.

 

-5-


Borrowing Minimum ” means (a) in the case of a Revolving Borrowing, $1,000,000 and (b) in the case of a Swingline Loan, $100,000.

Borrowing Multiple ” means (a) in the case of a Revolving Borrowing, $1,000,000 and (b) in the case of a Swingline Loan, $100,000.

Borrowing Request ” means a request by a Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03.

Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that when used in connection with a Eurocurrency Loan the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

Capital Expenditures ” means, for any period, the additions to property, plant and equipment and other capital expenditures of the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries that are (or should be) set forth in a consolidated statement of cash flows of the Parent Borrower for such period prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Capital Lease Obligation ” means an obligation that is as a Capitalized Lease; and the amount of Indebtedness represented thereby at any time shall be the amount of the liability in respect thereof that would at that time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the Effective Date.

Capitalized Leases ” means all leases that have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the Effective Date, recorded as capitalized leases.

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

Cash Management Obligations ” means obligations of Parent Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any overdraft and related liabilities arising from treasury, depository 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 Parent Borrower or any 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 in Control ” means (a) the failure of Holdings prior to the IPO, or, after the IPO, the IPO Entity, directly or indirectly through wholly-owned subsidiaries, to own all of the Equity Interest of the Parent Borrower, (b) prior to an IPO, the failure by the Permitted Holders to own, directly or indirectly through one or more holding company parents of Holdings, beneficially and of record, Equity Interests in Holdings representing at least a majority of the aggregate ordinary voting power for the election of directors of Holdings represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in Holdings, unless the Permitted Holders otherwise have the right (pursuant to contract, proxy or otherwise), directly or indirectly, to designate or appoint (and do so designate or appoint) a majority of the Board of Directors of Holdings, (c) after an IPO, the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any

 

-6-


Person or group (within the meaning of the Exchange Act and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof), other than the Permitted Holders, of Equity Interests representing 40% or more of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in the IPO Entity and the percentage of the aggregate ordinary voting power so held is greater than the percentage of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the Equity Interests in the IPO Entity held by the Permitted Holders, (d) (i) if the IPO Entity is organized in the United States, at any time, and (ii) otherwise, prior to the IPO, the occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the Board of Directors of Holdings by Persons who were neither (i) nominated, designated or approved by the Board of Directors of Holdings or the Permitted Holders nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated, designated or approved or (e) the occurrence of a “Change of Control” (or similar event, however denominated), as defined in the documentation governing any Material Indebtedness.

Change in Law ” means: (a) the adoption of any rule, regulation, treaty or other law after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any rule, regulation, treaty or other law or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) any request, rules, guidelines or directives under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or issued in connection therewith and (ii) any requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank of International Settlements, the Basel Committee or Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case shall be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, to the extent enacted, adopted, promulgated or issued after the date of this Agreement.

Class ” when used in reference to (a) any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans, Other Revolving Loans, Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Other Term Loans or Swingline Loans, (b) any Commitment, refers to whether such Commitment is a Revolving Commitment, Other Revolving Commitment, Term Commitment or Other Term Commitment and (c) any Lender, refers to whether such Lender has a Loan or Commitment with respect to a particular Class of Loans or Commitments. Other Term Commitments, Other Term Loans, Other Revolving Commitments (and the Other Revolving Loans made pursuant thereto) and Incremental Term Loans that have different terms and conditions shall be construed to be in different Classes.

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

Collateral ” means any and all assets, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible, on which Liens are purported to be granted pursuant to the Security Documents as security for the Secured Obligations.

Collateral Agent ” shall have the meaning assigned in the Collateral Agreement.

Collateral Agreement ” means the Collateral Agreement among the Co-Borrower, each other Domestic Subsidiary that is a Loan Party and the Administrative Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit E .

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

(a) the Administrative Agent shall have received from (i) Holdings, the Borrowers and each Subsidiary Loan Party either (x) a counterpart of the Guarantee Agreement duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Person or (y) in the case of any Person that becomes a Loan

 

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Party after the Effective Date (including by ceasing to be an Excluded Subsidiary), a supplement to the Guarantee Agreement, in the form specified therein, duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Person (ii) Holdings and each Domestic Subsidiary Loan Party either (x) a counterpart of the Collateral Agreement duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Person or (y) in the case of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary Loan Party after the Effective Date (including by ceasing to be an Excluded Subsidiary), a supplement to the Collateral Agreement, in the form specified therein, duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Person and (iii) each Foreign Subsidiary that is a Loan Party either (x) counterparts to one or more Foreign Collateral Agreements or Foreign Pledge Agreements or (y) in the case of a Foreign Subsidiary Loan Party that becomes such after the Effective Date, either counterparts to a new supplements to existing Foreign Collateral Agreements or Foreign Pledge Agreements, in each case that the Administrative Agent determines, based on advice of counsel, to be reasonably necessary in order for the Secured Obligations to be secured by all or substantially all tangible and intangible assets of such Foreign Subsidiary (including Mortgaged Properties, accounts receivable, moveable assets (including inventory and equipment), contract rights, intellectual property and other general intangibles and proceeds of the foregoing, but excluding Equity Interests other than Equity Interests required to be pledged pursuant to clause (b) below) in which a security interest may be obtained under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Foreign Subsidiary, duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Person, in each case under this clause (a) together with, in the case of any such Loan Documents executed and delivered after the Effective Date, documents and opinions of the type referred to in Sections 4.01(b) and 4.01(c));

(b) all outstanding Equity Interests of each Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Equity Interests constituting Excluded Assets) owned by or on behalf of any Loan Party, shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement, a Foreign Collateral Agreement or a Foreign Pledge Agreement, and the Administrative Agent shall have received certificates or other instruments representing all such Equity Interests (if any), together with undated stock powers or other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank;

(c) if any Indebtedness for borrowed money (including in respect of cash management arrangements) of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Subsidiary in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or more is owing by such obligor to any Loan Party, such Indebtedness shall be evidenced by a promissory note that shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement, or a Foreign Collateral Agreement, as applicable, and the Administrative Agent shall have received all such promissory notes, together with undated instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank;

(d) all certificates, agreements, documents and instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, required by the Security Documents, Requirements of Law and reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to be filed, delivered, registered or recorded to create the Liens intended to be created by the Security Documents and perfect such Liens to the extent required by, and with the priority required by, the Security Documents and the other provisions of the term “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement”, shall have been filed, registered or recorded or delivered to the Administrative Agent for filing, registration or recording; and

(e) the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to each Mortgaged Property duly executed and delivered by the record owner of such Mortgaged Property, (ii) to the extent applicable in the relevant jurisdiction (w) a policy or policies of title insurance in the amount equal to not less than 100% (or such lesser amount as reasonably agreed to by the Administrative Agent) of the fair market value of such Mortgaged Property

 

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and fixtures, as reasonably determined by the Parent Borrower and agreed to by the Administrative Agent, issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent insuring the Lien of each such Mortgage as a first priority Lien on the Mortgaged Property described therein, free of any other Liens except as expressly permitted by Section 6.02, together with such endorsements (other than a creditor’s rights endorsement), coinsurance and reinsurance as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request to the extent available in the applicable jurisdiction at commercially reasonable rates, (x) such affidavits, instruments of indemnification (including a so-called “gap” indemnification) as are customarily requested by the title company to induce the title company to issue the title policy/ies and endorsements contemplated above, (y) evidence reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent of payment by the Parent Borrower of all title policy premiums, search and examination charges, escrow charges and related charges, mortgage recording taxes, fees, charges, costs and expenses required for the recording of the Mortgages and issuance of the title policies referred to above, (z) a completed “Life-of-Loan” Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) Standard Flood Hazard Determination with respect to each Mortgaged Property subject to the applicable FEMA rules and regulations (together with a notice about special flood hazard area status and flood disaster assistance duly executed by the Parent Borrower and each Loan Party relating thereto), (iii) if any Mortgaged Property is located in an area determined by FEMA to have special flood hazards, evidence of such flood insurance as may be required under applicable law, including Regulation H of the Board of Governors and the other Flood Insurance Laws and as required under Section 5.07, and (iv) such legal opinions as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request with respect to any such Mortgage or Mortgaged Property.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition or anything in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary, (a) the foregoing provisions of this definition shall not require the creation or perfection of pledges of or security interests in, or the obtaining of title insurance, legal opinions or other deliverables with respect to, particular assets of the Loan Parties, or the provision of Guarantees by any Subsidiary, if, and for so long as and to the extent that the Administrative Agent and the Parent Borrower reasonably agree in writing that the cost of creating or perfecting such pledges or security interests in such assets, or obtaining such title insurance, legal opinions or other deliverables in respect of such assets, or providing such Guarantees (taking into account any material adverse Tax consequences to Holdings and its Affiliates (including the imposition of withholding or other material Taxes)), shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom, (b) Liens required to be granted from time to time pursuant to the term “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement” shall be subject to exceptions and limitations set forth in the Security Documents as in effect on the Effective Date, (c) in no event shall control agreements or other control or similar arrangements be required with respect to deposit accounts, securities accounts, letter of credit rights or other assets requiring perfection by control (but not, for the avoidance of doubt, possession) and (d) in no event shall the Collateral include any Excluded Assets. The Administrative Agent may grant extensions of time for the creation and perfection of security interests in or the obtaining of title insurance, legal opinions or other deliverables with respect to particular assets or the provision of any Guarantee by any Subsidiary (including extensions beyond the Effective Date or in connection with assets acquired, or Subsidiaries formed or acquired, after the Effective Date) where it determines that such action cannot be accomplished without undue effort or expense by the time or times at which it would otherwise be required to be accomplished by this Agreement or the Security Documents.

Commitment ” means (a) with respect to any Lender, its Revolving Commitment, Other Revolving Commitment of any Class, Term Commitment, Other Term Commitment of any Class or any combination thereof (as the context requires) and (b) with respect to any Swingline Lender, its Swingline Commitment.

 

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Compliance Certificate ” means a Compliance Certificate required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01.

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

(a) without duplication and to the extent already deducted (and not added back) in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, the sum of the following amounts for such period:

(i) total interest expense 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 and any losses on the sale or receivables and related assets pursuant to a Permitted Receivables Factoring, net of interest income and gains on such hedging obligations or such derivative instruments, and bank and letter of credit fees and costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities,

(ii) provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital, including federal, foreign and state income, franchise, and similar taxes based on income, profits or capital paid or accrued during such period (including in respect of repatriated funds),

(iii) depreciation and amortization (including amortization of Capitalized Software Expenditures and amortization of deferred financing fees or costs),

(iv) Non-Cash Charges,

(v) extraordinary losses in accordance with GAAP,

(vi) non-recurring charges (including any unusual or non-recurring operating expenses directly attributable to the implementation of cost savings initiatives), severance, relocation costs, integration and facilities’ opening costs and other business optimization expenses, signing costs, retention or completion bonuses, transition costs, costs related to closure/consolidation of facilities and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans (including any settlement of pension liabilities); provided that the amount included in Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (vi) shall not exceed $10,000,000 in any Test Period and a maximum of $40,000,000 prior to the Latest Maturity Date, in each case, in the aggregate,

(vii) restructuring charges, accruals or reserves (including restructuring costs related to acquisitions after the Effective Date and adjustments to existing reserves); provided that the aggregate amount included in Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (vii) for any of the first four Test Periods after the Effective Date shall not exceed 10% of Consolidated EBITDA for any such Test Period (calculated prior to giving effect to any adjustment pursuant to this clause (vii)) and any Test Period thereafter shall not exceed 5% of Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period (calculated prior to giving effect to any adjustment pursuant to this clause (vii)),

(viii) the amount of any non-controlling interest consisting of subsidiary income attributable to non-controlling interests of third parties in any non-wholly-owned subsidiary deducted (and not added back in such period to Consolidated Net Income) excluding cash distributions in respect thereof,

 

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(ix) (A) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees, indemnities and related expenses paid or accrued in such period to (or on behalf of) the Sponsor (including any termination fees payable in connection with the early termination of management and monitoring agreements) and (B) the amount of expenses relating to payments made to option holders of Holdings or any of its direct or indirect parent companies in connection with, or as a result of, any distribution being made to shareholders of such person or its direct or indirect parent companies, which payments are being made to compensate such option holders as though they were shareholders at the time of, and entitled to share in, such distribution, in each case to the extent permitted in the Loan Documents,

(x) losses on asset sales, disposals or abandonments (other than asset sales, disposals or abandonments in the ordinary course of business),

(xi) the amount of any net losses from discontinued operations in accordance with GAAP,

(xii) any non-cash loss attributable to the mark to market movement in the valuation of hedging obligations (to the extent the cash impact resulting from such loss has not been realized) or other derivative instruments pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Accounting Standards Codification No. 815-Derivatives and Hedging,

(xiii) any loss relating to amounts paid in cash prior to the stated settlement date of any hedging obligation that has been reflected in Consolidated Net Income for such period, and

(xiv) any gain relating to hedging obligations associated with transactions realized in the current period that has been reflected in Consolidated Net Income in prior periods and excluded from Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clauses (d)(v) and (d)(vi) below;

plus

(b) without duplication, the amount of additional “run rate” cost savings projected by the Parent Borrower in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions initiated on or prior to the date that is 12 months after the Effective Date (including actions initiated prior to the Effective Date) (which cost savings shall be added to Consolidated EBITDA until fully realized and calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as though such cost savings had been realized on the first day of the relevant period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings are reasonably identifiable and quantifiable, (B) no cost savings shall be added pursuant to this clause (b) to the extent duplicative of any expenses or charges relating to such cost savings that are included in clauses (a)(vi) and (a)(vii) above or in the definition of the term “Pro Forma Adjustment” (it being understood and agreed that “run rate” shall mean the full recurring benefit that is associated with any action taken) and (C) the aggregate amount of cost savings added pursuant to this clause shall not exceed an amount equal to 15% of Consolidated EBITDA for any Test Period;

(c) without duplication, the amount of discretionary research and development costs incurred by the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries which are identified in good faith by the Parent Borrower to have been incurred specifically for the purposes of qualifying for a reduced tax rate or other tax incentive in Brazil and that were not required to support the Parent

 

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Borrower’s ongoing research and development activities; provided that (i) the aggregate amount of such costs added pursuant to this clause shall not exceed $15,000,000 in any Test Period and (ii) if the aggregate amount of such costs added pursuant to this clause with respect to any fiscal year of the Parent Borrower exceeds the tax benefit actually derived therefrom calculated by the Parent Borrower in good faith based on its annual tax returns, the amount of any such excess shall reduce Consolidated EBITDA in the fiscal quarter in which such annual tax returns are filed or, if earlier, in the fiscal quarter in which such excess is determined;

less

(d) without duplication and to the extent included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, the sum of the following amounts for such period:

(i) extraordinary gains and unusual or non-recurring gains,

(ii) 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 Net Income or Consolidated EBITDA in any prior period),

(iii) gains on asset sales, disposals or abandonments (other than asset sales, disposals or abandonments in the ordinary course of business),

(iv) the amount of any net income from discontinued operations in accordance with GAAP,

(v) any non-cash gain attributable to the mark to market movement in the valuation of hedging obligations (to the extent the cash impact resulting from such gain has not been realized) or other derivative instruments pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Accounting Standards Codification No. 815-Derivatives and Hedging,

(vi) any gain relating to amounts received in cash prior to the stated settlement date of any hedging obligation that has been reflected in Consolidated Net Income in the such period,

(vii) any loss relating to hedging obligations associated with transactions realized in the current period that has been reflected in Consolidated Net Income in prior periods and excluded from Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clauses (a)(xiii) and (a)(xiv) above, and

(viii) the amount of any non-controlling interest consisting of subsidiary loss attributable to non-controlling interests of third parties in any non-wholly-owned subsidiary added (and not deducted in such period to Consolidated Net Income);

in each case, as determined on a consolidated basis for the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP; provided that, to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income,

(I) there shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA currency translation gains and losses related to currency remeasurements of indebtedness (including the net loss or gain resulting from hedging agreements for currency exchange risk and revaluations of intercompany balances),

 

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(II) there shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period any adjustments resulting from the application of Financial Accounting Standards Accounting Standards Codification No. 815-Derivatives and Hedging,

(III) there shall be included in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period, without duplication, (A) the Acquired EBITDA of any person, property, business or asset acquired by the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary during such period (other than any Unrestricted Subsidiary) whether such acquisition occurred before or after the Effective Date to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of (but not including the Acquired EBITDA of any related person, property, business or assets to the extent not so acquired) (each such person, property, business or asset acquired, including pursuant to the Transactions or pursuant to a transaction consummated prior to the Effective Date, and not subsequently so disposed of, an “ Acquired Entity or Business ”), and the Acquired EBITDA of any Unrestricted Subsidiary that is converted into a Restricted Subsidiary during such period (each, a “ Converted Restricted Subsidiary ”), in each case based on the Acquired EBITDA of such Pro Forma Entity for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition or conversion) determined on a historical Pro Forma Basis and (B) an adjustment in respect of each Pro Forma Entity equal to the amount of the Pro Forma Adjustment with respect to such Pro Forma Entity for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition or conversion) as specified in a Pro Forma Adjustment certificate delivered to the Administrative Agent (for further delivery to the Lenders), and

(IV) there shall be (A) excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any person, property, business or asset (other than any Unrestricted Subsidiary) sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, closed or classified as discontinued operations by the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary during such period (including, in any event, the Storage Business) (each such person, property, business or asset so sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, closed or classified, a “ Sold Entity or Business ”), and the Disposed EBITDA of any Restricted Subsidiary that is converted into an Unrestricted Subsidiary during such period (each, a “ Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary ”), in each case based on the Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such sale, transfer, disposition, closure, classification or conversion) determined on a historical Pro Forma Basis and (B) included in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period in which a Sold Entity or Business is disposed, an adjustment equal to the Pro Forma Disposal Adjustment with respect to such Sold Entity or Business (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such disposal) as specified in the Pro Forma Disposal Adjustment certificate delivered to the Administrative Agent (for further delivery to the Lenders).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for all purposes of this Agreement, Consolidated EBITDA shall be deemed to equal (a) $33,444,000 for the fiscal quarter ended November 26, 2010, (b) $18,288,000 for the fiscal quarter ended February 25, 2011 and (c) $21,199,000 for the fiscal quarter ended May 27, 2011.

Consolidated Net Income ” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, excluding, without duplication, (a) extraordinary items for such period, (b) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income, (c) Transaction Costs, (d) any fees and expenses (including any transaction or retention bonus) incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any

 

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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 prior to the Effective 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, (e) any income (loss) for such period attributable to the early extinguishment of Indebtedness, hedging agreements or other derivative instruments, (f) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted as a result of the Transactions in accordance with GAAP (including any adjustment of estimated payouts on existing earn-outs) or changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period, (g) stock-based award compensation expenses, (h) any income (loss) attributable to deferred compensation plans or trusts and (i) any income (loss) from investments recorded using the equity method. There shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income for any period the effects from applying acquisition method accounting, including applying acquisition method accounting to inventory, property and equipment, leases, software and other intangible assets and deferred revenue (including deferred costs related thereto and deferred rent) required or permitted by GAAP and related authoritative pronouncements (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries), as a result of the Transactions, any acquisition consummated prior to the Effective Date and any permitted acquisitions or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof.

In addition, to the extent not already included in Consolidated Net Income, Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of proceeds received or due from business interruption insurance or reimbursement of expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification and other reimbursement provisions in connection with any acquisition or other Investment or any disposition of any asset permitted hereunder.

Consolidated Secured Net Debt ” means Consolidated Total Net Debt that is secured by a Lien on the Collateral.

Consolidated Total Net Debt ” means, as of any date of determination, (a) the aggregate amount of Indebtedness of the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding the effects of any discounting of indebtedness resulting from the application of acquisition method accounting in connection with the Transactions or any permitted acquisition) consisting only of indebtedness for borrowed money, unreimbursed obligations under letters of credit, obligations in respect of Capitalized Leases and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments, minus (b) the aggregate amount of cash and cash equivalents to the extent the use thereof for the application to payment of indebtedness is not prohibited by law or any contract to which the Parent Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries is a party or otherwise listed as “restricted” on the Parent Borrower’s consolidated balance sheet; provided that, in no event, shall the amount deducted pursuant to this clause (b) be more than $75,000,000.

Consolidated Working Capital ” means, at any date, the excess of (a) the sum of all amounts (other than cash and Permitted Investments) that would, in conformity with GAAP, be set forth opposite the caption “total current assets” (or any like caption) on a consolidated balance sheet of the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries at such date, excluding the current portion of current and deferred income taxes over (b) the sum of all amounts that would, in conformity with GAAP, be set forth opposite the caption “total current liabilities” (or any like caption) on a consolidated balance sheet of the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on such date, including deferred revenue but excluding, without duplication, (i) the current portion of any Funded Debt, (ii) all Indebtedness consisting of Loans and obligations under Letters of Credit to the extent otherwise included therein, (iii) the current portion of interest and (iv) the current portion of current and deferred income taxes; provided that, for purposes of calculating Excess Cash Flow, increases or decreases in working capital (A) arising from acquisitions or dispositions by the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be measured from the date on

 

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which such acquisition or disposition occurred until the first anniversary of such acquisition or disposition with respect to the Person subject to such acquisition or disposition and (B) shall exclude (I) the impact of non-cash adjustments contemplated in the Excess Cash Flow calculation, (II) the impact of adjusting items in the definition of “Consolidated Net Income” and (III) any changes in current assets or current liabilities as a result of (y) any reclassification in accordance with GAAP of assets or liabilities, as applicable, between current and noncurrent or (z) the effects of acquisition method accounting

Control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies, or the dismissal or appointment of the management, of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “ Controlling ” and “ Controlled ” have meanings correlative thereto.

Converted Restricted Subsidiary ” has the meaning given such term in the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA”.

Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary ” has the meaning given such term in the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA”.

Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness ” means(a) Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt, (b) Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt, (c) Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt or (d) Indebtedness incurred or Other Revolving Commitments obtained pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment, in each case, issued, incurred or otherwise obtained (including by means of the extension or renewal of existing Indebtedness) in exchange for, or to extend, renew, replace or refinance, in whole or part, existing Term Loans, outstanding Revolving Loans or (in the case of Other Revolving Commitments obtained pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment) Revolving Commitments hereunder (including any successive Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness) (“ Refinanced Debt ”); provided that (i) such extending, renewing or refinancing Indebtedness (including, if such Indebtedness includes any Other Revolving Commitments, the unused portion of such Other Revolving Commitments) is in an original aggregate principal amount not greater than the aggregate principal amount of the Refinanced Debt (and, in the case of Refinanced Debt consisting, in whole or in part, of unused Revolving Commitments or Other Revolving Commitments, the amount thereof plus the amount of all accrued and unpaid interest, reasonable fees and premiums thereon and fees and expenses in connection therewith), (ii) such Indebtedness does not mature earlier than and, except in the case of Other Revolving Commitments, a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Refinanced Debt, and (iii) such Refinanced Debt shall be repaid, defeased or satisfied and discharged, and all accrued interest, fees and premiums (if any) in connection therewith shall be paid, on the date such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness is issued, incurred or obtained; provided that to the extent that such Refinanced Debt consists, in whole or in part, of Revolving Commitments or Other Revolving Commitments (or Revolving Loans, Other Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans incurred pursuant to any Revolving Commitments or Other Revolving Commitments), such Revolving Commitments or Other Revolving Commitments, as applicable, shall be terminated, and all accrued fees in connection therewith shall be paid, on the date such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness is issued, incurred or obtained.

Cure Amount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.02(a).

Cure Right ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.02(a).

Default ” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

 

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Defaulting Lender ” means any Lender that has (a) failed to fund any portion of its Loans or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans within one Business Day of the date on which such funding is required hereunder, (b) notified the Parent Borrower, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Swingline Lender or any Lender in writing that it does not intend to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement or has made a public statement or provided any written notification to any Person to the effect that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations under this Agreement or under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) failed, within three Business Days after request by the Administrative Agent (whether acting on its own behalf or at the reasonable request of the Parent Borrower (it being understood that the Administrative Agent shall comply with any such reasonable request)), to confirm that it will comply with the terms of this Agreement relating to its obligations to fund prospective Loans and participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans, (d) otherwise failed to pay over to the Administrative Agent 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 subsequently cured, or (e) (i) become or is insolvent or has a parent company that has become or is insolvent or (ii) become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or any action or proceeding of the type described in Sections 7.01(h) or (i), or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or custodian, appointed for it, or has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment or has a parent company that has become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or custodian appointed for it, or has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment.

Defaulting Lender Fronting Exposure ” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to the Issuing Bank, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding Letter of Credit obligations other than Letter of Credit obligations as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or cash collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof, and (b) with respect to the Swingline Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of Swingline Loans other than Swingline Loans as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or cash collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof.

Designated Non-Cash Consideration ” means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Borrowers or a Subsidiary in connection with a Disposition pursuant to Section 6.05(k) that is designated as Designated Non-Cash Consideration pursuant to a certificate of a Responsible Officer of Holdings, setting forth the basis of such valuation (which amount will be reduced by the fair market value of the portion of the non-cash consideration converted to cash within 180 days following the consummation of the applicable Disposition).

Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(B).

Discount Range ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(C).

Discount Range Prepayment Amount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(C).

 

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Discount Range Prepayment Notice ” means a written notice of a Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offers made pursuant to Section 2.11(a)(ii)(C) substantially in the form of Exhibit M .

Discount Range Prepayment Offer ” means the irrevocable written offer by a Term Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit N , submitted in response to an invitation to submit offers following the Auction Agent’s receipt of a Discount Range Prepayment Notice.

Discount Range Prepayment Response Date ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(C).

Discount Range Proration ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(C).

Discounted Prepayment Determination Date ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D).

Discounted Prepayment Effective Date ” means, in the case of a Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment or Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offer, five (5) Business Days following the receipt by each relevant Term Lender of notice from the Auction Agent in accordance with Section 2.11(a)(ii)(B), Section 2.11(a)(ii)(C) or Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D), as applicable unless a shorter period is agreed to between a Borrower and the Auction Agent.

Discounted Term Loan Prepayment ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(A).

Disposition ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.05.

Disqualified Equity Interest ” means, with respect to any Person, any Equity Interest in such Person that by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable, either mandatorily or at the option of the holder thereof), or upon the happening of any event or condition:

(a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Equity Interests in such Person that do not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests and cash in lieu of fractional shares of such Equity Interests), whether pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise;

(b) is convertible or exchangeable, either mandatorily or at the option of the holder thereof, for Indebtedness or Equity Interests (other than solely for Equity Interests in such Person that do not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests and cash in lieu of fractional shares of such Equity Interests); or

(c) is redeemable (other than solely for Equity Interests in such Person that do not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests and cash in lieu of fractional shares of such Equity Interests) or is required to be repurchased by such Person or any of its Affiliates, in whole or in part, at the option of the holder thereof;

in each case, on or prior to the date 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date; provided , however , that (i) an Equity Interest in any Person that would not constitute a Disqualified Equity Interest but for terms thereof giving holders thereof the right to require such Person to redeem or purchase such Equity Interest upon the occurrence of an “asset sale” or a “change of control” shall not constitute a Disqualified Equity Interest

 

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if any such requirement becomes operative only after repayment in full of all the Loans and all other Loan Document Obligations that are accrued and payable, the cancellation or expiration of all Letters of Credit and the termination of the Commitments and (ii) if an Equity Interest in any Person is issued pursuant to any plan for the benefit of employees of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interest shall not constitute a Disqualified Equity Interest solely because it may be required to be repurchased by Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent company thereof) or any of its subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations of such Person.

Disposed EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary (determined as if references to the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the definition of the term “Consolidated EBITDA” (and in the component financial definitions used therein) were references to such Sold Entity or Business and its subsidiaries or to Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary and its subsidiaries), all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary.

dollars ” or “ $ ” refers to lawful money of the United States of America.

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

ECF Percentage ” means, with respect to the prepayment required by Section 2.11(d) with respect to any fiscal year of the Parent Borrower, if the Secured Net Leverage Ratio (prior to giving effect to the applicable prepayment pursuant to Section 2.11(d)) as of the end of such fiscal year is (a) greater than 2.00 to 1.00, 75% of Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year, (b) greater than 1.50 to 1.00 but less than or equal to 2.00 to 1.00, 50% of Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year (c) greater than 1.00 to 1.00 but less than or equal to 1.50 to 1.00, 25% of Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year and (d) less than or equal to 1.00 to 1.00, 0% of Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year.

Effective Date ” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).

Eligible Assignee ” means (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender, (c) an Approved Fund and (d) any other Person (including the Parent Borrower or any of its Affiliates), other than, in each case, (i) a natural person, (ii) a Defaulting Lender and (iii) those Persons identified by Holdings to the Joint Bookrunners prior to the date hereof in writing (including by email) and acknowledged by the Joint Bookrunners as ineligible to be an Eligible Assignee.

EMU Legislation ” means the legislative measures of the European Council for the introduction of, changeover to or operation of a single or unified European currency.

Environmental Laws ” means the common law and all applicable treaties, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, judgments, orders, decrees and other applicable Requirements of Law, and all applicable injunctions or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by or with any Governmental Authority, in each instance relating to the protection of the environment, to preservation or reclamation of natural resources, to Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material or to the extent relating to exposure to Hazardous Materials, to health or safety matters.

Environmental Liability ” means any liability, obligation, loss, claim, action, order or cost, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of medical monitoring, costs of environmental remediation or restoration, administrative oversight costs, consultants’ fees, fines, penalties

 

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and indemnities), of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) any actual or alleged violation of any Environmental Law or permit, license or approval issued thereunder, (b) Environmental Laws and 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 or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

Equity Financing ” means the contribution by the Sponsor and the Management Investors, directly or indirectly through one or more direct or indirect holding company parents of Holdings, of cash equity contributions to Holdings on the Effective Date in exchange for Qualified Equity Interests that are treated as equity by S&P and Moody’s.

Equity Interests ” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person.

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, together with Holdings, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

ERISA Event ” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30 day notice period is waived); (b) prior to the effectiveness of the applicable provisions of the Pension Act, the existence with respect to any Plan of an “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA) or, on and after the effectiveness of the applicable provisions of the Pension Act, any failure by any Plan to satisfy the minimum funding standard (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA) applicable to such Plan, in each case whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to, prior to the effectiveness of the applicable provisions of the Pension Act, Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA or, on and after the effectiveness of the applicable provisions of the Pension Act, Section 412(c) of the Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA, of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) on and after the effectiveness of the applicable provisions of the Pension Act, a determination that any Plan is, or is expected to be, in “at-risk” status (as defined in Section 303(i)(4) of ERISA or Section 430(i)(4) of the Code); (e) the incurrence by the Parent Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (f) the receipt by the Parent Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (g) the incurrence by the Parent Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (h) the receipt by the Parent Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Parent Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA or, on and after the effectiveness of the applicable provisions of the Pension Act, in endangered or critical status, within the meaning of Section 305 of ERISA.

euro ” means the single currency of the European Union as constituted by the Treaty on European Union and as referred to in the EMU Legislation.

 

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Eurocurrency ” when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate.

Event of Default ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.01.

Excess Cash Flow ” means, for any period, an amount equal to the excess of:

(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 to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income,

(iii) decreases in Consolidated Working Capital and long-term account receivables for such period,

(iv) an amount equal to the aggregate net non-cash loss on dispositions by the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period (other than dispositions in the ordinary course of business) to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, and

(v) extraordinary gains; less :

(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 (including any amounts included in Consolidated Net Income pursuant to the last sentence of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income” to the extent such amounts are due but not received during such period) and cash charges included in clauses (a) through (i) of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income” (other than cash charges in respect of Transaction Costs paid on or about the Effective Date to the extent financed with the proceeds of Indebtedness incurred on the Effective Date or an equity investment on the Effective Date),

(ii) without duplication of amounts deducted pursuant to clause (xi) below in prior fiscal years, the amount of Capital Expenditures made in cash or accrued during such period, except to the extent that such Capital Expenditures were financed with the proceeds of Indebtedness of the Parent Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries,

(iii) the aggregate amount of all principal payments of Indebtedness, including (A) the principal component of payments in respect of Capitalized Leases and (B) the amount of any mandatory prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.11(c) 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) below par purchases of Term Loans by either Borrower, (Y) all other prepayments of Term Loans and (Z) all prepayments of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans) made during such period (other than in respect of any revolving credit facility to the extent there is an equivalent permanent reduction in commitments thereunder), except to the extent financed with the proceeds of other Indebtedness of a Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries,

 

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(iv) an amount equal to the aggregate net non-cash gain on dispositions by the Parent 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 account receivables for such period,

(vi) cash payments by the Parent 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 pursuant to Section 6.04 (other than Section 6.04(a)) to the extent that such Investments and acquisitions were financed with internally generated cash flow of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries,

(viii) the amount of Restricted Payments paid during such period pursuant to Section 6.08(a)(vi) to the extent such Restricted Payments were financed with internally generated cash flow of the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and without duplication of amounts deducted when calculating Consolidated Net Income for such period,

(ix) the aggregate amount of expenditures actually made by the Parent 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 Parent 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 Parent Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to binding contracts (the “ Contract Consideration ”) entered into prior to or during such period relating to Permitted Acquisitions, other Investments or Capital Expenditures (including Capitalized Software Expenditures or other purchases of intellectual property) to be consummated or made during the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Parent Borrower following the end of such period; provided that to the extent the aggregate amount of internally generated cash actually utilized to finance such Permitted Acquisitions, Investments or Capital Expenditures 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, and

(xiii) extraordinary losses.

 

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Exchange Act ” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

Excluded Assets ” means (a) any fee-owned real property with a fair market value of less than $5,000,000 and all leasehold interests in real property, (b) motor vehicles and other assets subject to certificates of title or ownership, (c) Equity Interests in any Person (other than any wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiaries) to the extent not permitted by the terms of such Person’s Organizational Documents, (d) letter of credit rights with a value of less than $5,000,000 (except to the extent a security interest therein can be perfected by a UCC filing), (e) commercial tort claims with a value of less than $5,000,000 (except to the extent a security interest therein can be perfected by a UCC filing), (f) any lease, license or other agreement with any Person if, to the extent and for so long as the grant of a Lien thereon to secure the Secured Obligations constitutes a breach of or a default under, or results in the termination of, such lease, license or other agreement (but only to the extent any of the foregoing is not rendered ineffective by, or is otherwise unenforceable under, any Requirements of Law), (g) any asset subject to a Lien of the type permitted by Section 6.02(iv) (whether or not incurred pursuant to such Section) or a Lien permitted by Section 6.02(xi), in each case if, to the extent and for so long as the grant of a Lien thereon to secure the Secured Obligations constitutes a breach of or a default under any agreement pursuant to which such Lien has been created (but only to the extent any of the foregoing is not rendered ineffective by, or is otherwise unenforceable under, any Requirements of Law), (h) any intent-to-use trademark applications filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, (i) any asset with respect to which the Parent Borrower shall have provided to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer to the effect that, based on the advice of outside counsel or tax advisors of national recognition, the grant of a Lien thereon to secure the Secured Obligations would result in adverse tax consequences to Holdings and the Subsidiaries (other than on account of any Taxes payable in connection with filings, recordings, registrations, stampings and any similar acts in connection with the creation or perfection of Liens) that shall have been determined by the Parent Borrower to be material to the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and (j) any asset if, to the extent and for so long as the grant of a Lien thereon to secure the Secured Obligations is prohibited by any Requirements of Law (other than to the extent that any such prohibition would be rendered ineffective pursuant to any other applicable Requirements of Law).

Excluded Subsidiary ” means (a) any Subsidiary that is not a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent Borrower on the Effective Date or, if later, the date it first becomes a Subsidiary, (b) each Subsidiary listed on Schedule 1.01(a) , (c) any Subsidiary that is prohibited by applicable Law or contractual obligation from guaranteeing the Secured Obligations, (d) any Subsidiary, substantially all of the assets of which constitute Equity Interests of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries that are controlled foreign corporation under Section 957 of the Code and (e) any other Subsidiary excused from becoming a Loan Party pursuant to the last paragraph of the definition of the term “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement” (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Foreign Subsidiary of the Co-Borrower that is a “controlled foreign corporation” with the meaning of Section 957 of the Code); provided that in no event shall the Co-Borrower be an Excluded Subsidiary.

Excluded Taxes ” means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank 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) Taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net income, profits or branch profits (however denominated), and franchise Taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income Taxes), by (i) the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable lending office is located, or (ii) any jurisdiction as a result of a present or former connection between such recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than a connection arising solely from such recipient having executed, delivered, or become a party to, performed its obligations or received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, sold or assigned of an interest in, engaged in any other transaction

 

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pursuant to, or enforced, any Loan Documents), (b) any withholding Tax that is attributable to a Lender’s failure to comply with Sections 2.17(e), (c) except in the case of an assignee pursuant to a request by a Borrower under Section 2.19 hereto, any U.S. Federal withholding Taxes imposed due to a Requirement of Law in effect at the time a Lender becomes a party hereto (or designates a new lending office), except to the extent that such Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new lending office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts with respect to such withholding Tax under Section 2.17(a) and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed pursuant to FATCA.

Existing LCs ” means the outstanding letters of credit existing as of the Effective Date and listed on Schedule 1.01(b) .

FATCA ” means current Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code as in effect on the date hereof (and any Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder or official interpretations thereof).

Federal Funds Effective Rate ” means, for any day, the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

Financial Officer ” means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of the Parent Borrower.

Financial Performance Covenant ” means the covenant set forth in Section 6.12.

Financing Transactions ” means (a) the execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is to be a party, the borrowing of Loans, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder, and (b) the Equity Financing.

First Lien Intercreditor Agreement ” means the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit G among the Administrative Agent and one or more Senior Representatives for holders of Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt, with such modifications thereto as the Administrative Agent may reasonably agree.

Foreign Collateral Agreement ” means one or more security documents among the applicable Non US Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent granting a Lien on the assets of such Non US Loan Parties to secure the Secured Obligations. Each Foreign Collateral Agreement shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Parent Borrower.

Foreign Pledge Agreement ” means a pledge or charge agreement with respect to the Collateral that constitutes Equity Interests of a Foreign Subsidiary or, if the holder of such Collateral is a Foreign Subsidiary, constitutes Equity Interests of a Domestic Subsidiary. Each Foreign Pledge Agreement shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Parent Borrower.

Foreign Prepayment Event ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(g).

Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

 

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Funded Debt ” means all Indebtedness of the Parent Borrower and its 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 on the Effective Date; provided , however , that if the Parent Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Parent Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the Effective Date in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Parent 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. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made, without giving effect to any election under Financial Accounting Standards Accounting Standards Codification 825, “Financial Instruments”, or any successor thereto (including pursuant to the Accounting Standards Codification), to value any Indebtedness of the Parent Borrower or any subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein.

Governmental Approvals ” means all authorizations, consents, approvals, permits, licenses and exemptions of, registrations and filings with, and reports to, Governmental Authorities.

Governmental Authority ” means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

Granting Lender ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(e).

Guarantee ” of or by any Person (the “ guarantor ”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness; provided that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Effective 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 in good faith by a Financial Officer. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

 

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Guarantee Agreement ” means the Master Guarantee Agreement among the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit B .

Hazardous Materials ” means all explosive, radioactive, hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum by-products or distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated as hazardous or toxic, or any other term of similar import, pursuant to any Environmental Law.

Holdings ” means (a) prior to any IPO, Initial Holdings and (b) on and after an IPO, (i) if the IPO Entity is Initial Holdings or any Person of which Initial Holdings is a Subsidiary, Initial Holdings or (ii) if the IPO Entity is a Subsidiary of Initial Holdings, the IPO Entity.

Identified Participating Lenders ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(C).

Identified Qualifying Lenders ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D).

Incremental Cap ” means, as of any date of determination (a) $25,000,000 plus (b) an additional amount such that after giving effect to the incurrence of any Incremental Term Loans or Additional Notes, the Secured Net Leverage Ratio, on a Pro Forma Basis, would not be greater than 2.25 to 1.00 for the most recent Test Period then ended for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b); provided that in no event shall the aggregate principal amount of Incremental Term Loans and Additional Notes exceed $100,000,000.

Incremental Term Facility Amendment ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(b)(ii).

Incremental Term Facility Closing Date ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(b)(ii).

Incremental Term Loan ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(a).

Incremental Term Loan Lender ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(c).

Indebtedness ” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (d) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business and any earn-out obligation until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP), (e) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (f) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (g) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (h) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty and (i) all obligations,

 

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contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers’ acceptances; provided that the term “Indebtedness” shall not include (i) deferred or prepaid revenue and (ii) purchase price holdbacks in respect of a portion of the purchase price of an asset to satisfy warranty or other unperformed obligations of the seller. The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person for purposes of clause (e) above shall (unless such Indebtedness has been assumed by such Person) be deemed to be equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate unpaid amount of such Indebtedness and (B) the fair market value of the property encumbered thereby as determined by such Person in good faith.

Indemnified Taxes ” means all Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

Indemnitee ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(b).

Information Memorandum ” means the Confidential Information Memorandum dated June 2011, relating to the Loan Parties and the Transactions.

Initial Holdings ” means SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc.

Intellectual Property ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Collateral Agreement.

Interest Election Request ” means a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Revolving Borrowing or Term Loan Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.07.

Interest Payment Date ” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan (including a Swingline Loan), the last day of each February, May, August and November and (b) with respect to any Eurocurrency Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurocurrency Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period.

Interest Period ” means, with respect to any Eurocurrency Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three or six months thereafter (or, if agreed to by each Lender participating therein, nine or twelve months or such other period less than one month thereafter as such Borrower may elect), provided that (a) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, and (b) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

Intermediate Parent ” means any Subsidiary of Holdings of which each of the Parent Borrower and the Co-Borrower are Subsidiaries.

 

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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 Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, intercompany loans, advances, or Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business) or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a 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. The amount, as of any date of determination, of (a) any Investment in the form of a loan or an advance shall be the principal amount thereof outstanding on such date, minus any cash payments actually received by such investor representing interest in respect of such Investment (to the extent any such payment to be deducted does not exceed the remaining principal amount of such Investment), but without any adjustment for write-downs or write-offs (including as a result of forgiveness of any portion thereof) with respect to such loan or advance after the date thereof, (b) any Investment in the form of a Guarantee shall be 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 in good faith by a Financial Officer, (c) any Investment in the form of a transfer of Equity Interests or other non-cash property by the investor to the investee, including any such transfer in the form of a capital contribution, shall be the fair market value (as determined in good faith by a Financial Officer) of such Equity Interests or other property as of the time of the transfer, minus any payments actually received by such investor representing a return of capital of, or dividends or other distributions in respect of, such Investment (to the extent such payments do not exceed, in the aggregate, the original amount of such Investment), but without any other adjustment for increases or decreases in value of, or write-ups, write-downs or write-offs with respect to, such Investment after the date of such Investment, and (c) any Investment (other than any Investment referred to in clause (a), (b) or (c) above) by the specified Person in the form of a purchase or other acquisition for value of any Equity Interests, evidences of Indebtedness or other securities of any other Person shall be the original cost of such Investment (including any Indebtedness assumed in connection therewith), plus (i) the cost of all additions thereto and minus (ii) the amount of any portion of such Investment that has been repaid to the investor in cash as a repayment of principal or a return of capital, and of any cash payments actually received by such investor representing interest, dividends or other distributions in respect of such Investment (to the extent the amounts referred to in clause (ii) do not, in the aggregate, exceed the original cost of such Investment plus the costs of additions thereto), but without any other adjustment for increases or decreases in value of, or write-ups, write-downs or write-offs with respect to, such Investment after the date of such Investment. For purposes of Section 6.04, if an Investment involves the acquisition of more than one Person, the amount of such Investment shall be allocated among the acquired Persons in accordance with GAAP; provided that pending the final determination of the amounts to be so allocated in accordance with GAAP, such allocation shall be as reasonably determined by a Financial Officer.

Investor ” means a holder of Equity Interests in Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof).

Investor Management Agreement ” means the Transaction and Management Fee Agreement among certain Investors and/or management companies associated with certain Investors and Saleen Acquisition, Inc.

Investor Termination Fees ” means the one-time payment under the Investor Management Agreement of a success fee to one or more of the Investors and their respective Affiliates in the event of either a change of control or the completion of an IPO.

 

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IPO ” means the initial underwritten public offering (other than a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8) of common Equity Interests in the IPO Entity.

IPO Entity ” means, at any time at and after an IPO, Initial Holdings, a parent entity of Initial Holdings, or an Intermediate Parent, as the case may be, the Equity Interests of which were issued or otherwise sold pursuant to the IPO; provided that, immediately following the IPO, the Parent Borrower is a wholly-owned subsidiaries of such IPO Entity and such IPO Entity owns, directly or through its subsidiaries, substantially all the businesses and assets owned or conducted, directly or indirectly, by the Parent Borrower immediately prior to the IPO.

Issuing Bank ” means (a) JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (b) UBS AG, Stamford Branch, (c) solely with respect to the Existing LCs, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and (d) each Revolving Lender that shall have become an Issuing Bank hereunder as provided in Section 2.05(k) (other than any Person that shall have ceased to be an Issuing Bank as provided in Section 2.05(l)), each in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder. Each Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of such Issuing Bank, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate.

Joint Bookrunners ” means J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and UBS Securities LLC.

Joint Lead Arrangers ” means J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and UBS Securities LLC.

Judgment Currency ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.14(b).

Junior Financing ” means any Material Indebtedness (other than any permitted intercompany Indebtedness owing to Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary), including Permitted Holdings Debt, that is subordinated in right of payment to the Loan Document Obligations, and any Permitted Refinancing in respect of any of the foregoing.

Latest Maturity Date ” means, at any date of determination, the latest maturity or expiration date applicable to any Loan or Commitment hereunder at such time, including the latest maturity or expiration date of any Other Term Loan, any Other Term Commitment, any Other Revolving Loan or any Other Revolving Commitment, in each case as extended in accordance with this Agreement from time to time.

LC Disbursement ” means a payment made by an Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.

LC Exposure ” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate amount of all Letters of Credit that remains available for drawing at such time and (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of such Borrower at such time. The LC Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total LC Exposure at such time. 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 International Standby Practices (ISP98), such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” in the amount so remaining available to be drawn. 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 , that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any 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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Lenders ” means the Persons listed on Schedule 2.01 and any other Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, an Incremental Term Facility Amendment or a Refinancing Amendment, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lenders.

Letter of Credit ” means any letter of credit or bank guarantee issued pursuant to this Agreement other than any such letter of credit or bank guarantee that shall have ceased to be a “Letter of Credit” outstanding hereunder pursuant to Section 9.05.

Letter of Credit Sublimit ” means $15,000,000.

LIBO Rate ” means, with respect to any Eurocurrency Borrowing for any Interest Period, the interest rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on the Quotation Day for such Interest Period by reference to the British Bankers’ Association Interest Settlement Rates for deposits in such currency (as reflected on the applicable Reuters screen), for a period equal to such Interest Period, or, if an interest rate is not ascertainable pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this definition, the interest rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the average of the rates per annum at which deposits in such currency are offered for such Interest Period to major banks in the London interbank market by the Administrative Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on the Quotation Day for such Interest Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the LIBO Rate in respect of any applicable Interest Period will be deemed to be 1.25% per annum if the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period calculated pursuant to the foregoing provisions would otherwise be less than 1.25% per annum.

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset and (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset.

Loan Document Obligations ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Collateral Agreement.

Loan Documents ” means this Agreement, any Refinancing Amendment, the Guarantee Agreement, the Collateral Agreement, the other Security Documents, the Trust Agreement and, except for purposes of Section 9.02, any promissory notes delivered pursuant to Section 2.09(e).

Loan Obligations ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.

Loan Parties ” means Holdings, the Parent Borrower, the Co-Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties.

Loans ” means the loans made by the Lenders to any Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.

Majority in Interest ”, when used in reference to Lenders of any Class, means, at any time, (a) in the case of the Revolving Lenders, Lenders having Revolving Exposures and unused Revolving

 

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Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the aggregate Revolving Exposures and the unused aggregate Revolving Commitments at such time and (b) in the case of the Term Lenders of any Class, Lenders holding outstanding Term Loans of such Class representing more than 50% of all Term Loans of such Class outstanding at such time; provided that (a) the Revolving Exposures, Term Loans and unused Commitments of the Borrowers or any Affiliate thereof and (b) whenever there are one or more Defaulting Lenders, the total outstanding Term Loans and Revolving Exposures of, and the unused Revolving Commitments of, each Defaulting Lender shall in each case be excluded for purposes of making a determination of the Majority in Interest.

Management Investors ” means the directors, officers and employees of the Target, Holdings, the Parent Borrower and/or any of their Subsidiaries who are (directly or indirectly through one or more investment vehicles) Investors in Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) on the Effective Date.

Material Adverse Effect ” means any event, circumstance or condition that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a materially adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, results of operations, properties, or financial condition of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Parent Borrower and the other Loan Parties, taken as a whole, to perform their payment obligations under the Loan Documents or (c) the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under the Loan Documents.

Material Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness (other than the Loan Document Obligations), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $15,000,000; provided that for purposes of the definition of “Change of Control” and Junior Financing such amount shall be $50,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that Holdings, the Parent Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.

Material Subsidiary ” means (a) each wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary that, as of the last day of the fiscal quarter of the Parent Borrower most recently ended, had revenues or total assets for such quarter in excess of 5% of the consolidated revenues or total assets, as applicable, of the Parent Borrower for such quarter and (b) any group comprising wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiaries that each would not have been a Material Subsidiary under clause (i) but that, taken together, as of the last day of the fiscal quarter of the Parent Borrower most recently ended, had revenues or total assets for such quarter in excess of 10% of the consolidated revenues or total assets, as applicable, of the Parent Borrower for such quarter; provided that solely for purposes of Sections 7.01(h) and (i) each such Subsidiary forming part of such group is subject to an Event of Default under one or more of such Sections.

Monetization ” means the receipt of Net Proceeds by the Target or any of its Affiliates (other than any of its Subsidiaries) from (a) the direct or indirect Disposition or other direct or indirect transfer of all or a portion of Storage Parent or its assets, (b) any direct or indirect dividend, distribution, payment of equity or repurchase of equity or other repayment of a return on investment in Storage Parent or its subsidiaries or (c) any other transaction the substantive effect of which is the same as transactions described in clauses (a) or (b). Any series of related transaction of the type referred to above shall be treated together as a single transaction for purposes of Section 5.15.

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor to its rating agency business.

 

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Mortgage ” means a mortgage, deed of trust, assignment of leases and rents, leasehold mortgage or other security document granting a Lien on any Mortgaged Property to secure the Secured Obligations, provided, however, in the event any Mortgaged Property is located in a jurisdiction which imposes mortgage recording taxes or similar fees, the applicable Mortgage shall not secure an amount in excess of 100% of the fair market value of such Mortgaged Property, as reasonably agreed by the Parent Borrower and agreed to by the Administrative Agent. Each Mortgage shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Parent Borrower with such modifications as may be required by local laws.

Mortgaged Property ” means each parcel of real property and the improvements thereon owned in fee by a Loan Party with respect to which a Mortgage is granted pursuant to Section 5.11 or 5.12.

Multiemployer Plan ” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

Net Proceeds ” means, with respect to any event, (a) the proceeds received in respect of such event in cash or Permitted Investments, including (i) any cash or Permitted Investments received in respect of any non cash proceeds (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment or earn-out, but excluding any interest payments), but only as and when received, (ii) in the case of a casualty, insurance proceeds, and (iii) in the case of a condemnation or similar event, condemnation awards and similar payments, minus (b) the sum of (i) all fees and out-of-pocket expenses paid by Holdings, any Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such event (including attorney’s fees, investment banking fees, survey costs, title insurance premiums, and related search and recording charges, transfer taxes, deed or mortgage recording taxes, underwriting discounts and commissions, other customary expenses and brokerage, consultant, accountant and other customary fees), (ii) in the case of a sale, transfer or other disposition of an asset (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction or a casualty or a condemnation or similar proceeding), (x) the amount of all payments that are permitted hereunder and are made by Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such event to repay Indebtedness (other than the Loans) secured by such asset or otherwise subject to mandatory prepayment as a result of such event, (y) the pro rata portion of net cash proceeds thereof (calculated without regard to this clause (y)) attributable to minority interests and not available for distribution to or for the account of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as a result thereof and (z) the amount of any liabilities directly associated with such asset and retained by the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and (iii) the amount of all Taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable), and the amount of any reserves established by Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to fund contingent liabilities reasonably estimated to be payable, that are directly attributable to such event, provided that any reduction at any time in the amount of any such reserves (other than as a result of payments made in respect thereof) shall be deemed to constitute the receipt by the Parent Borrower at such time of Net Proceeds in the amount of such reduction.

Non-Cash Charges ” means (a) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down related to intangible assets (including goodwill), long-lived assets, and investments in debt and equity securities pursuant to GAAP, (b) all losses from investments recorded using the equity method, (c) all Non-Cash Compensation Expenses, (d) the non-cash impact of acquisition method accounting, (e) non-cash impact of translation of U.S. dollars and (f) other non-cash charges ( provided , in each case, that if any non-cash charges 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 to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period).

 

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Non-Cash Compensation Expense ” means any non-cash expenses and costs that result from the issuance of stock-based awards, partnership interest-based awards and similar incentive based compensation awards or arrangements.

Non-Consenting Lender ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.02(c).

Non-Loan Party Investment Amount ” means, at any time, the sum of the greater of $25,000,000 and 25% of Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended Test Period and (b) the Available Amount that is Not Otherwise Applied.

Not Otherwise Applied ” means, with reference to the Available Amount that was not previously applied pursuant to Sections 6.04(m), 6.08(a)(vii) or 6.08(b)(iv).

Offered Amount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D).

Offered Discount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D).

Organizational Documents ” means, with respect to any Person, the charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation and bylaws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person.

Other Revolving Commitments ” means one or more Classes of revolving credit commitments hereunder or extended Revolving Commitments that result from a Refinancing Amendment.

Other Revolving Loans ” means the Revolving Loans made pursuant to any Other Revolving Commitment.

Other Taxes ” means any and all present or future recording, stamp, documentary, excise, transfer, sales, property or similar Taxes arising from any payment made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document.

Other Term Commitments ” means one or more Classes of term loan commitments hereunder that result from a Refinancing Amendment.

Other Term Loans ” means one or more Classes of Term Loans that result from a Refinancing Amendment.

Participant ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).

Participating Lender ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(C).

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.

Pension Act ” means the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended from time to time.

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

Permitted Acquisition ” means the purchase or other acquisition, by merger or otherwise, by Holdings or any Subsidiary of Equity Interests in, or all or substantially all the assets of (or all or substantially all the assets constituting a business unit, division, product line or line of business of), any Person; provided that (a) in the case of any purchase or other acquisition of Equity Interests in a Person, such

 

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Person, upon the consummation of such acquisition, will be a Subsidiary (including as a result of a merger or consolidation between any Subsidiary and such Person), (b) all transactions related thereto are consummated in accordance with all Requirements of Law, (c) the business of such Person, or such assets, as the case may be, constitute a business permitted by Section 6.03(b), (d) with respect to each such purchase or other acquisition, all actions required to be taken with respect to such newly created or acquired Subsidiary (including each subsidiary thereof) or assets in order to satisfy the requirements set forth in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) of the definition of the term “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement” to the extent applicable shall have been taken (or arrangements for the taking of such actions reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent shall have been made), (e) after giving effect to any such purchase or other acquisition, (A) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (B) the Total Net Leverage Ratio is either (x) less than or equal to 3.5 to 1.0 or (y) equal to or less than such ratio immediately prior to such Permitted Acquisition, in each case on a Pro Forma Basis as of the end of the most recent Test Period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b), and (f) the Parent Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer certifying that all the requirements set forth in this definition have been satisfied with respect to such purchase or other acquisition, together with reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating satisfaction of the requirement set forth in clause (e) above.

Permitted Encumbrances ” means:

(a) Liens for taxes or other governmental charges that are not overdue for a period of more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP;

(b) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s or construction contractors’ Liens and other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business that secure amounts not overdue for a period of more than 30 days or, if more than 30 days overdue, are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce such Lien or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP, in each case so long as such Liens do not individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect;

(c) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business (i) in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation and (ii) 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 Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(d) Liens incurred or deposits made to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, governmental contracts and leases, statutory obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature (including those to secure health, safety and environmental obligations) incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(e) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, encroachments, protrusions and other similar encumbrances and minor title defects affecting real property that, in the aggregate, do not in any case materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

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(f) Liens securing, or otherwise arising from, judgments not constituting an Event of Default under Section 7.01(j);

(g) Liens on goods the purchase price of which is financed by a documentary letter of credit issued for the account of the Parent Borrower or any of its subsidiaries, provided that such Lien secures only the obligations of the Parent Borrower or such subsidiaries in respect of such letter of credit to the extent such obligations are permitted by Section 6.01; and

(h) Liens arising from precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statements or any similar filings made in respect of operating leases entered into by the Parent Borrower or any of its subsidiaries;

provided that the term “Permitted Encumbrances” shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness other than Liens referred to in clause (c) above securing obligations under letters of credit or bank guarantees and in clause (g) above.

Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt ” means any secured Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more series of senior secured notes; provided that (i) such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies but on no more than a “second-out” basis so long as the Revolving Commitments are outstanding) with the Loan Document Obligations and is not secured by any property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary other than the Collateral, (ii) such Indebtedness constitutes Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Term Loans (including portions of Classes of Term Loans, Other Term Loans) or outstanding Revolving Loans, (iii) the terms and conditions (including, if applicable, as to collateral but excluding as to subordination, interest rate (including whether such interest is payable in cash or in kind), rate floors, fees, funding discounts and redemption premium) of Indebtedness resulting from such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension are, taken as a whole, less favorable to the investors providing such Indebtedness than the terms and conditions of the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended (except for covenants or other provisions applicable to periods after the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred), (iv) such Indebtedness does not mature or have scheduled amortization or payments of principal prior to the date that is 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred, (v) the security agreements relating to such Indebtedness are substantially the same as the Security Documents (with such differences as are reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), (vi) such Indebtedness is not guaranteed by any Subsidiaries other than the Subsidiary Loan Parties and (vii) a Senior Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement; provided that if such Indebtedness is the initial Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt incurred by the Parent Borrower, then the Parent Borrower, the Subsidiary Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent and the Senior Representative for such Indebtedness shall have executed and delivered the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt will include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.

Permitted Holder ” means (a) the Sponsor and (b) the Management Investors.

Permitted Investments ” means any of the following, to the extent owned by the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary:

(a) dollars, euro or such other currencies held by it from time to time in the ordinary course of business; (b) readily marketable obligations issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the government or any agency or instrumentality of (i) the United States or (ii) any member nation of the European Union rated A (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P and

 

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A2 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s, having average maturities of not more than 12 months from the date of acquisition thereof; provided that the full faith and credit of the United States or such member nation of the European Union is pledged in support thereof;

(b) time deposits with, or insured certificates of deposit or bankers’ acceptances of, any commercial bank that (i) is a Lender or (ii) 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 average maturities of not more than 12 months from the date of acquisition thereof;

(c) 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 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;

(d) repurchase agreements entered into by any Person with an Approved Bank, 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 (i) the United States or (ii) any member nation of the European Union rated A (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P and A2 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s, 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;

(e) marketable short-term money market and similar highly liquid funds either (i) having assets in excess of $250,000,000 or (ii) having a rating of at least A-2 or P-2 from either S&P or Moody’s (or, if at any time neither S&P nor Moody’s shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized rating service);

(f) 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 having an investment grade rating from either S&P or Moody’s (or the equivalent thereof);

(g) investments with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition in mutual funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s;

(h) 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 and customarily used by corporations for cash management purposes in any jurisdiction outside the United States to the extent reasonably required in connection with any business conducted by any Subsidiary organized in such jurisdiction; and

(i) investments, classified in accordance with GAAP as current assets of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, in money market investment programs that are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or that 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 (i) of this definition.

 

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Permitted Receivables Factoring ” means any one or more transactions or programs (including any factoring program) for the transfer by the Parent Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on customary market terms for similar transactions, without recourse (other than customary limited recourse) to the Parent Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, to any buyer, purchaser or lender of interests in accounts receivable and customary related assets, so long as the aggregate outstanding Permitted Receivables Net Investment with respect thereto does not exceed $75,000,000 at any time.

Permitted Receivables Net Investment ” the aggregate cash amount paid by the purchasers under any Permitted Receivables Factoring in connection with their purchase of accounts receivable and customary related assets or interests therein, as the same may be reduced from time to time by collections with respect to such accounts receivable and related assets or otherwise in accordance with the terms of such Permitted Receivables Factoring (but excluding any such collections used to make payments of commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges incurred in connection with any Permitted Receivables Factoring which are payable to any person other than the Parent Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary).

Permitted Refinancing ” means, with respect to any Person, any modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal 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 or extended except by an amount equal to unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon plus other amounts paid, and fees and expenses incurred, in connection with such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal 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 6.01(a)(v), Indebtedness resulting from such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal 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 or extended, (c) immediately after giving effect thereto, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (d) if the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended is subordinated in right of payment to the Loan Document Obligations, Indebtedness resulting from such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension is subordinated in right of payment to the Loan Document Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended, and (d) if the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended is permitted pursuant to Section 6.01(a)(ii), (a)(xx), (a)(xxi) or (a)(xxii), (i) the terms and conditions (including, if applicable, as to collateral but excluding as to subordination, interest rate (including whether such interest is payable in cash or in kind) and redemption premium) of Indebtedness resulting from such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension are not, taken as a whole, materially less favorable to the Loan Parties or the Lenders than the terms and conditions of the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended; provided that a certificate of a Responsible Officer delivered to the Administrative Agent at least five Business Days prior to such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such resulting Indebtedness or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that the Parent 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 Parent 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 (ii) the primary obligor in respect of, and the Persons (if any) that Guarantee, Indebtedness resulting from such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension are the primary obligor in respect of, and Persons (if any) that Guaranteed, respectively, the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended. For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood that a Permitted Refinancing may constitute a portion of an issuance of Indebtedness in excess of the amount of such Permitted Refinancing; provided that such excess amount is otherwise permitted to be incurred under Section 6.01.

 

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Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt ” means secured Indebtedness incurred by the Parent Borrower in the form of one or more series of second lien secured notes or second lien secured loans; provided that (i) such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a second lien, subordinated basis to the Secured Obligations and the obligations in respect of any Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt and is not secured by any property or assets of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary other than the Collateral; (ii) such Indebtedness constitutes Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Term Loans (including portions of Classes of Term Loans or Other Term Loans) or outstanding Revolving Loans, (iii) such Indebtedness does not mature or have scheduled amortization or payments of principal prior to the date that is 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred, (iv) the security agreements relating to such Indebtedness are substantially the same as the Security Documents (with such differences as are reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), (v) the terms and conditions (including, if applicable, as to collateral but excluding as to subordination, interest rate (including whether such interest is payable in cash or in kind), rate floors, fees, funding discounts and redemption premium) of Indebtedness resulting from such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension are, taken as a whole, less favorable to the investors providing such Indebtedness than the terms and conditions of the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended (except for covenants of other provisions applicable to periods after the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred), (vi) such Indebtedness is not guaranteed by any Subsidiaries other than the Subsidiary Loan Parties and (vii) a Senior Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement; provided that if such Indebtedness is the initial Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt incurred by the Parent Borrower, then the Parent Borrower, the Subsidiary Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent and the Senior Representatives for such Indebtedness shall have executed and delivered the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt will include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.

Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt ” means unsecured Indebtedness incurred by the Parent Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party in the form of one or more series of senior unsecured notes or loans; provided that (i) such Indebtedness constitutes Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Term Loans (including portions of Classes of Term Loans or Other Term Loans) or outstanding Revolving Loans, (ii) such Indebtedness does not mature or have scheduled amortization or payments of principal prior to the date that is 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred, (iv) the terms and conditions (including, if applicable, as to collateral but excluding as to subordination, interest rate (including whether such interest is payable in cash or in kind), rate floors, fees, funding discounts and redemption premium) of Indebtedness resulting from such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension are, taken as a whole, less favorable to investors providing such Indebtedness than the terms and conditions of the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended (except for covenants of other provisions applicable to periods after the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred), (v) such Indebtedness is not guaranteed by any Subsidiaries other than Loan Parties, and (vi) such Indebtedness is not secured by any Lien on any property or assets of Holdings, Intermediate Parent, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary. Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt will include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.

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

Plan ” means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which the Parent Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

 

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Post-Transaction Period ” means, with respect to any Specified Transaction, the period beginning on the date such Specified Transaction is consummated and ending on the last day of the fourth full consecutive fiscal quarter immediately following the date on which such Specified Transaction is consummated.

Prepayment Event ” means:

(a) any sale, transfer or other disposition (including (x) pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction, (y) by way of merger or consolidation and (z) any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of) of any property or asset of the Parent Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries permitted by Section 6.05(k) other than dispositions resulting in aggregate Net Proceeds not exceeding (A) $5,000,000 in the case of any single transaction or series of related transactions and (B) $10,000,000 for all such transactions during any fiscal year of the Parent Borrower; or

(b) the incurrence by the Parent Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 (other than Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt, Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt, Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt and Other Term Loans) or permitted by the Required Lenders pursuant to Section 9.02.

Prime Rate ” means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in New York City; each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced as being effective.

Principal Issuing Bank ” means, on any date, (a) the Issuing Bank, if there is only one Issuing Bank and (b) otherwise, (i) the Issuing Bank with the greatest LC Exposure on such date and (ii) each other Issuing Bank that has issued Letters of Credit that on such date have available for drawing thereunder (together with the aggregate unreimbursed LC Disbursement, thereunder on such date) of greater than $1,000,000.

Pro Forma Adjustment ” means, for any Test Period that includes all or any part of a fiscal quarter included in any Post-Transaction Period with respect to the Acquired EBITDA of the applicable Pro Forma Entity or the Consolidated EBITDA of the Parent Borrower, the pro forma increase or decrease in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, projected by the Parent Borrower in good faith as a result of (a) actions taken, prior to or during such Post-Transaction Period, for the purposes of realizing reasonably identifiable and quantifiable cost savings, or (b) any additional costs incurred prior to or during such Post-Transaction Period in connection with the combination of the operations of such Pro Forma Entity with the operations of the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that (A) so long as such actions are taken prior to or during such Post-Transaction Period or such costs are incurred prior to or during such Post-Transaction Period, it may be assumed, for purposes of projecting such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, that such cost savings will be realizable during the entirety of such Test Period, or such additional costs will be incurred during the entirety of such Test Period, (B) any such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, shall be without duplication for cost savings or additional costs already included in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, for such test period and (C) the aggregate amount of costs savings increased pursuant to clause (a) shall not exceed 10% of Consolidated EBITDA for any Test Period.

 

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Pro Forma Basis ”, “ Pro Forma Compliance ” and “ Pro Forma Effect ” means, with respect to compliance with any test or covenant hereunder required by the terms of this Agreement to be made on a Pro Forma Basis, that (a) to the extent applicable, the Pro Forma Adjustment shall have been made and (b) all Specified Transactions and the following transactions in connection therewith shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the applicable period of measurement in such test or covenant: (i) income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the property or Person subject to such Specified Transaction, (A) in the case of a Disposition of all or substantially all Equity Interests in any subsidiary of Holdings or any division, product line, or facility used for operations of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, shall be excluded, and (B) in the case of a Permitted Acquisition or Investment described in the definition of “Specified Transaction”, shall be included, (ii) any retirement of Indebtedness, and (iii) any Indebtedness incurred or assumed by Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection therewith and if such Indebtedness has a floating or formula rate, shall have an implied rate of interest for the applicable period for purposes of this definition determined by utilizing the rate that is or would be in effect with respect to such Indebtedness as at the relevant date of determination; provided that, without limiting the application of the Pro Forma Adjustment pursuant to clause (a) above, the foregoing pro forma adjustments may be applied to any such test or covenant solely to the extent that such adjustments are consistent with the definition of Consolidated EBITDA and give effect to operating expense reductions that are (i) (x) directly attributable to such transaction, (y) expected to have a continuing impact on Holdings, the Parent Borrower and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and (z) factually supportable or (ii) otherwise consistent with the definition of Pro Forma Adjustment, provided further that (1) any determination of Pro Forma Compliance required at any time prior to November 26, 2011, shall be made assuming that compliance with Section 6.12 for the Test Period ending on November 26, 2011, is required with respect to the most recent Test Period prior to such time and (2) all pro forma adjustments made pursuant to this definition (including all Pro Forma Adjustments) with respect to the Transactions shall be consistent in character and amount with the adjustments reflected in the Pro Forma Financial Statements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, clause (b) of Consolidated Total Net Debt shall not be decreased by the cash proceeds of any Indebtedness incurred for which Pro Forma Effect is being given.

Pro Forma Disposal Adjustment ” means, for any four quarter period that includes all or a portion of a fiscal quarter included in any Post-Transaction Period with respect to any Sold Entity or Business, the pro forma increase or decrease in Consolidated EBITDA projected by the Parent Borrower in good faith as a result of contractual arrangements between the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary entered into with such Sold Entity or Business at the time of its disposal or within the Post-Transaction Period and which represent an increase or decrease in Consolidated EBITDA which is incremental to the Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business for the most recent four-quarter period prior to its disposal.

Pro Forma Financial Statements ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.04(c).

Proposed Change ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.02(c).

Qualified Equity Interests ” means Equity Interests of Holdings other than Disqualified Equity Interests.

Qualifying Lender ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D).

 

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Quotation Day ” means, with respect to dollars or euro for any Interest Period, two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period unless market practice differs in the London interbank market for any such currency, in which case the Quotation Day for such currency shall be determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with market practice in the London interbank market (and if quotations would normally be given by leading banks in the London interbank market on more than one day, the Quotation Day shall be the last of those days).

Refinanced Debt ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness”.

Refinancing Amendment ” means an amendment to this Agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Parent Borrower executed by each of (a) the Borrowers and Holdings, (b) the Administrative Agent and (c) each Additional Lender and Lender that agrees to provide any portion of the Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness being incurred pursuant thereto, in accordance with Section 2.21.

Refinancing Transaction ” means the satisfaction and discharge of the Target’s floating rate notes due 2012.

Register ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

Registered Equivalent Notes ” means, with respect to any notes originally issued in a Rule 144A or other private placement transaction under the Securities Act of 1933, substantially identical notes (having the same Guarantees) issued in a dollar-for-dollar exchange therefor pursuant to an exchange offer registered with the SEC.

Related Parties ” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, trustees, agents, controlling persons, advisors and other representatives of such Person and of each of such Person’s Affiliates and permitted successors and assigns.

Release ” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, dumping, injection, pouring, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, leaching or migration into or through the environment (including ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) and including the environment within any building, or any occupied structure, facility or fixture.

Repricing Transaction ” means the prepayment or refinancing of all or a portion of the Term Loans with the incurrence by any Loan Party of any long-term bank debt financing incurred for the primary purpose of repaying, refinancing, substituting or replacing the Term Loans and having an effective interest cost or weighted average yield (as determined by the Administrative Agent consistent with generally accepted financial practice and, in any event, excluding any arrangement or commitment fees in connection therewith) that is less than the interest rate for or weighted average yield (as determined by the Administrative Agent on the same basis) of the Term Loans, including without limitation, as may be effected through any amendment to this Agreement relating to the interest rate for, or weighted average yield of, the Term Loans.

Required Lenders ” means, at any time, Lenders having Revolving Exposures, Term Loans and unused Commitments (other than Swingline Commitments) representing more than 50% of the aggregate Revolving Exposures, outstanding Term Loans and unused Commitments (other than Swingline Commitments) at such time; provided that (a) the Revolving Exposures, Term Loans and unused Commitments of the Borrowers or any Affiliate thereof and (b) whenever there are one or more

 

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Defaulting Lenders, the total outstanding Term Loans and Revolving Exposures of, and the unused Revolving Commitments of, each Defaulting Lender shall in each case be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.

Requirements of Law ” means, with respect to any Person, any statutes, laws, treaties, rules, regulations, orders, decrees, writs, injunctions or determinations of any arbitrator or court or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

Responsible Officer ” means the chief executive officer, president, vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer or assistant treasurer, or other similar officer, manager or a director of a Loan Party and with respect to certain limited liability companies or partnerships that do not have officers, any manager, sole member, managing member or general partner thereof, and as to any document delivered on the Effective Date or thereafter pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of the definition of the term “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement”, any secretary or assistant secretary of a 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 Payment ” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests in Holdings, the Parent Borrower, any other Restricted Subsidiary or any Intermediate Parent, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any Equity Interests in Holdings, any Intermediate Parent the Parent Borrower or any other Subsidiary or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests in Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

Restricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Revolving Availability Period ” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Revolving Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments.

Revolving Commitment ” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make Revolving Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum possible aggregate amount of such Lender’s Revolving Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.08 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to (i) assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or (ii) a Refinancing Amendment. The initial amount of each Lender’s Revolving Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01 , or in the Assignment and Assumption or Refinancing Amendment pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment, as the case may be. The initial amount of the Lenders’ Revolving Commitments as of the Effective Date is $50,000,000 (the “ Initial Revolving Commitments ”).

Revolving Exposure ” means, with respect to any Revolving Lender at any time, the sum of the outstanding principal amount of such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Loans and its LC Exposure and Swingline Exposure at such time.

Revolving Lender ” means a Lender with a Revolving Commitment or, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, a Lender with Revolving Exposure.

 

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Revolving Loan ” means a Loan made pursuant to clause (b) of Section 2.01.

Revolving Maturity Date ” means August 26, 2016.

Rolled Equity ” means the Equity Interests in Holdings (or a holding company parent thereof) issued to the Management Investors pursuant to the Equity Financing; provided that, after giving effect to the Transactions on the Effective Date, the Rolled Equity will represent no more than 10% of the equity capitalization of Holdings (or such holding company parent) excluding any portion of the Equity Financing contributed to Storage Parent.

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

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

Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement ” means the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit H among the Administrative Agent and one or more Senior Representatives for holders of Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt, with such modifications thereto as the Administrative Agent may reasonably agree.

Secured Obligations ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Collateral Agreement.

Secured Net Leverage Ratio ” means, on any date, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Secured Net Debt as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the Test Period as of such date.

Security Documents ” means the Collateral Agreement, the Foreign Collateral Agreements, the Foreign Pledge Agreements, the Mortgages and each other security agreement or pledge agreement executed and delivered pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, Section 5.11, 5.12 or Section 5.14 to secure any of the Secured Obligations.

Senior Representative ” means, with respect to any series of Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt or Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt, the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under the indenture or agreement pursuant to which such Indebtedness is issued, incurred or otherwise obtained, as the case may be, and each of their successors in such capacities.

Silver Lake Debt Fund ” means Silver Lake Credit Fund, L.P. and any other successor or similar debt investment fund managed by Silver Lake Financial Management Company, L.L.C.

Solicited Discount Proration ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D).

Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D).

Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice ” means an irrevocable written notice of a Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers made pursuant to Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D) substantially in the form of Exhibit O .

 

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Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer ” means the irrevocable written offer by each Term Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit P , submitted following the Administrative Agent’s receipt of a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice.

Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D).

Specified Discount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(B).

Specified Discount Prepayment Amount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(B).

Specified Discount Prepayment Notice ” means an irrevocable written notice of a Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment made pursuant to Section 2.11(a)(ii)(B) substantially in the form of Exhibit K .

Specified Discount Prepayment Response ” means the irrevocable written response by each Term Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit L , to a Specified Discount Prepayment Notice.

Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(B).

Specified Discount Proration ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(B).

Specified Representations ” means the following: (a) the representations made by the Target in the Acquisition Agreement as are material to the interests of the Lenders, but only to the extent that Holdings has the right to terminate its obligations under the Acquisition Agreement as a result of a breach of such representations in the Acquisition Agreement, and (b) the representations set forth in (i) Section 3.01, Section 3.02 (with respect to authorization, execution, delivery and performance and enforceability of the Loan Documents), Section 3.08, Section 3.15 and Section 3.16 and (ii) Section 3.02 of the Collateral Agreement.

Specified Transaction ” means, with respect to any period, any investment, sale, transfer or other disposition of assets, incurrence or repayment of indebtedness, restricted payment, subsidiary designation or other event that by the terms of the Loan Documents requires “Pro Forma Compliance” with a test or covenant hereunder or requires such test or covenant to be calculated on a “Pro Forma Basis”.

Sponsor ” means Silver Lake Partners and its Affiliates.

SPV ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(e).

Statutory Reserve Rate ” means, with respect to any currency, a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve, liquid asset or similar percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by any Governmental Authority of the United States or of the jurisdiction of such currency or any jurisdiction in which Loans in such currency are made to which banks in such jurisdiction are subject for any category of deposits or liabilities customarily used to fund loans in such currency or by reference to which interest rates applicable to Loans in such currency are determined. Such reserve, liquid asset or similar percentages shall

 

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include those imposed pursuant to Regulation D of the Board of Governors, and if any Lender is required to comply with the requirements of The Bank of England and/or the Financial Services Authority (or any authority that replaces any of the functions thereof) or the requirements of the European Central Bank. Eurocurrency Loans shall be deemed to be subject to such reserve, liquid asset or similar requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under Regulation D or any other applicable law, rule or regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.

Storage Business ” means the Target’s business unit that designs, manufactures and distributes high performance solid state drives.

Storage Investment ” means Investments in Storage Parent or any of its subsidiaries (including indirectly by means of a Restricted Payment to Target) by Parent Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $30,000,000 at any time.

Storage Parent ” means SMART Modular Technologies (Global Storage Holdings), Inc.

Submitted Amount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(C).

Submitted Discount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(ii)(C).

Subordinated Indebtedness ” means any Junior Financing other than any Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Indebtedness.

subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

Subsidiary ” means any subsidiary of the Parent Borrower.

Subsidiary Loan Party ” means each other Subsidiary of the Parent Borrower (other than the Co-Borrower) that is a party to the Guarantee Agreement.

Successor Borrower ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(a)(iv).

Successor Holdings ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(a)(v).

Swap Agreement ” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement or contract involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions, provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or the other Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.

 

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Swingline Commitment ” means the commitment of each Swingline Lender to make Swingline Loans.

Swingline Exposure ” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate Swingline Exposure at such time.

Swingline Lender ” means (a) JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans hereunder and (b) each Revolving Lender that shall have become a Swingline Lender hereunder as provided in Section 2.04(d) (other than any Person that shall have ceased to be a Swingline Lender as provided in Section 2.04(e)), each in its capacity as a lender of Swingline Loans hereunder.

Swingline Loan ” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.04.

Swingline Sublimit ” means $10,000,000.

Target ” means Smart Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company.

Target Material Adverse Effect ” means any change, effect, event or occurrence that (A) has a material adverse effect on the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition or results of operations of the Target and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or (B) prevents or materially delays the Target from performing its obligations under the Acquisition Agreement in any material respect; provided , however , that no change, effect, event or occurrence to the extent arising or resulting from any of the following, either alone or in combination, shall constitute or be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Target Material Adverse Effect: (i) (A) general economic, financial, political, capital market, credit market, or financial market conditions or (B) general conditions affecting any of the industries in which the Target and its subsidiaries operate; (ii) Changes in Law or changes in GAAP or accounting standards, in either case, occurring after April 26, 2011; (iii) any natural disasters, pandemics or acts of war (whether or not declared), sabotage or terrorism, or an escalation or worsening thereof; (iv) the entry into, announcement or performance of the Acquisition Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including compliance with the covenants set forth herein (other than Section 5.1(a) of the Acquisition Agreement), and the impact thereof on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with customers, suppliers, distributors, partners, employees or regulators, or any shareholder litigation arising from allegations of breach of fiduciary duty relating to the Acquisition Agreement or the transactions contemplated by the Acquisition Agreement, except that this clause (iv) shall not apply with respect to the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.4 of the Acquisition Agreement (v) any changes in the price or trading volume of the Common Stock (as defined in the Acquisition Agreement) ( provided that the underlying change, effect, event or occurrence that caused or contributed to such change in market price or trading volume shall not be excluded); (vi) any failure by the Target to meet projections or forecasts ( provided that the underlying change, effect, event or occurrence that caused or contributed to such failure to meet projections or forecasts shall not be excluded); and (vii) any change or prospective change in the Target’s credit rating ( provided that the underlying change, effect, event or occurrence that caused or contributed to such change or prospective change in the Target’s credit rating shall not be excluded); provided , further , however , that the change, effect, event or occurrence referred to in the preceding clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) shall be excluded pursuant to such clause only to the extent such change, effect, event or occurrence does not adversely affect the Target and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, disproportionately to other companies operating in the industries in which the Target and its subsidiaries compete (in which case the incremental disproportionate impact or impacts may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or is reasonably likely to be, a Target Material Adverse Effect).

 

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Taxes ” means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority.

Term Commitment ” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make a Term Loan hereunder on the Effective Date, expressed as an amount representing the maximum principal amount of the Term Loan to be made by such Lender hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.08 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption. The initial amount of each Lender’s Term Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Term Commitment, as the case may be.

Term Lender ” means a Lender with a Term Commitment or an outstanding Term Loan.

Term Loan Standstill Period ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.01(d).

Term Loans ” means Loans made pursuant to clause (a) of Section 2.01.

Term Maturity Date ” means August 26, 2017.

Test Period ” means, at any date of determination, the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Parent Borrower then last ended.

Total Net Leverage Ratio ” means, on any date, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Net Debt as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the Test Period as of such date.

Transaction Costs ” means all fees, costs and expense incurred or payable by Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any other Subsidiary in connection with the Transactions.

Transactions ” means (a) the Financing Transactions, (b) the Acquisition and the other transactions contemplated by the Acquisition Documents, (c) the Refinancing Transactions and (d) the payment of the Transaction Costs.

Trust Agreement ” means any English law trust agreement to be entered into in connection with a Foreign Collateral Agreement, between, inter alia , the Administrative Agent and the relevant Loan Parties.

Type ”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the Alternate Base Rate.

UCC ” or “ Uniform Commercial Code ” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York; provided , however , that, at any time, if by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the perfection or priority of the Collateral Agent’s security interest in any item or portion of the Pledged Collateral (as defined in the Collateral Agreement) is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a U.S. jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the term “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect, at such time, in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection or priority and for purposes of definitions relating to such provisions.

 

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Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary (other than the Co-Borrower) designated by the Parent Borrower as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 5.16 subsequent to the Effective Date.

USA Patriot Act ” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, as amended from time to time.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing: (a) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (i) 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 (ii) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

wholly-owned subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person at any date, a subsidiary of such Person of which securities or other ownership interests representing 100% of the Equity Interests (other than (a) directors’ qualifying shares and (b) nominal shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable Requirements of Law) are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held by such Person or one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of such Person.

Withdrawal Liability ” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings . For purposes of this Agreement, Loans and Borrowings may be classified and referred to by Class ( e.g ., a “ Revolving Loan ”) or by Type ( e.g ., a “Eurocurrency Loan”) or by Class and Type ( e.g ., a “ Eurocurrency Revolving Loan ”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class ( e.g ., a “ Revolving Borrowing ”) or by Type ( e.g ., a “Eurocurrency Borrowing”) or by Class and Type ( e.g ., a “ Eurocurrency Revolving Borrowing ”).

SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally . The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. Unless the context requires otherwise, (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement (including this Agreement and the other Loan Documents), instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to any restrictions on assignment set forth herein) and, in the case of any Governmental Authority, any other Governmental Authority that shall have succeeded to any or all functions thereof, (c) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (e) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

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SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time.

SECTION 1.05. Effectuation of Transactions . All references herein to Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be references to such Persons, and all the representations and warranties of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the other Loan Parties contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be deemed made, in each case, after giving effect to the Acquisition and the other Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, unless the context otherwise requires.

SECTION 1.06. Currency Translation . Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of any determination under Article V, Article VI (other than Section 6.12) or Article VII or any determination under any other provision of this Agreement expressly requiring the use of a current exchange rate, all amounts incurred, outstanding or proposed to be incurred or outstanding in currencies other than dollars shall be translated into dollars at currency exchange rates in effect on the date of such determination; provided , however , that for purposes of determining compliance with Article VI with respect to the amount of any Indebtedness, Investment, Disposition or Restricted Payment in a currency other than dollars, no Default or Event of Default shall be deemed to have occurred solely as a result of changes in rates of exchange occurring after the time such Indebtedness or Investment is incurred or Disposition or Restricted Payment made; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.06 shall otherwise apply to such Sections, including with respect to determining whether any Indebtedness or Investment may be incurred or Disposition or Restricted Payment made at any time under such Sections. For purposes of Section 6.12 and Section 4.02, amounts in currencies other than dollars shall be translated into dollars at the currency exchange rates used in preparing the most recently delivered financial statements pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b).

ARTICLE II

THE CREDITS

SECTION 2.01. Commitments . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (a) each Term Lender agrees to make a Term Loan to the Borrowers on the Effective Date denominated in dollars in a principal amount not exceeding its Term Commitment and (b) each Revolving Lender agrees to make Revolving Loans to the Borrowers denominated in dollars from time to time during the Revolving Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount which will not result in such Lender’s Revolving Exposure exceeding such Lender’s Revolving Commitment; provided that no Revolving Loans shall be made on the Effective Date unless, after giving effect to the Transactions on the Effective Date, the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries would have at least $75,000,000 of (x) unrestricted cash and cash equivalents on hand and (y) unused Revolving Commitments (consistent with the calculation of such under Section 2.12(a)). Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans. Amounts repaid or prepaid in respect of Term Loans may not be reborrowed.

SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings .

(a) Each Loan (other than a Swingline Loan) shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the applicable Class. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be

 

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made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder, provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and other than as expressly provided herein with respect to a Defaulting Lender, no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required hereby.

(b) Subject to Section 2.14, each Revolving Borrowing and Term Loan Borrowing denominated in dollars shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Eurocurrency Loans as a Borrower may request in accordance herewith; provided that all Borrowings made on the Effective Date must be made as ABR Borrowings unless such Borrower shall have given the notice required for a Eurocurrency Borrowing under Section 2.03 and provided an indemnity letter extending the benefits of Section 2.16 to Lenders in respect of such Borrowings. Each Swingline Loan shall be an ABR Loan. Each Lender at its option may make any Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of such Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurocurrency Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of the Borrowing Multiple and not less than the Borrowing Minimum; provided that a Eurocurrency Borrowing that results from a continuation of an outstanding Eurocurrency Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to such outstanding Borrowing. At the time that each ABR Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of the Borrowing Multiple and not less than the Borrowing Minimum. Each Swingline Loan shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of the Borrowing Multiple and not less than the Borrowing Minimum. Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of 12 Eurocurrency Borrowings outstanding.

SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings . To request a Revolving Borrowing or Term Loan Borrowing, the applicable Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurocurrency Borrowing, not later than 2:00 p.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing (or, in the case of any Eurocurrency Borrowing to be made on the Effective Date, such shorter period of time as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent) or (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing; provided that any such notice of an ABR Revolving Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.05(f) may be given not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or facsimile to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request signed by the applicable Borrower. Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information:

(i) whether the requested Borrowing is to be a Revolving Borrowing, a Term Loan Borrowing or a Borrowing of any other Class (specifying the Class thereof);

(ii) the aggregate amount of such Borrowing;

(iii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;

(iv) whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing (solely in the case of a Borrowing denominated in dollars) or a Eurocurrency Borrowing;

(v) in the case of a Eurocurrency Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”;

 

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(vi) the location and number of the such Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.06, or, in the case of any ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan requested to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.05(f), the identity of the Issuing Bank that made such LC Disbursement; and

(vii) that as of the date of such Borrowing, the conditions set forth in Sections 4.02(a) and 4.02(b) are satisfied.

If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified as to any Borrowing, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurocurrency Borrowing, then such Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the applicable Class of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

SECTION 2.04. Swingline Loans .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein (including Section 2.22), in reliance upon the agreements of the other Lenders set forth in this Section 2.04, the Swingline Lender agrees to make Swingline Loans to the Borrowers from time to time during the Revolving Availability Period denominated in dollars in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that will not result in (i) subject to Section 9.04(b)(ii), the Applicable Fronting Exposure of any Swingline Lender exceeding its Revolving Commitment, (ii) the aggregate Revolving Exposures exceeding the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (iii) the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans outstanding exceeding Swingline Sublimit; provided that the Swingline Lender shall be required to make a Swingline Loan to refinance an outstanding Swingline Loan. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrowers may borrow, prepay and reborrow Swingline Loans.

(b) To request a Swingline Loan, the Parent Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and the Swingline Lender of such request (i) by telephone (confirmed in writing) or by facsimile (confirmed by telephone), not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, or, if agreed by the Swingline Lender, 2:00 p.m. New York City time on the day of such proposed Swingline Loan. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the requested date (which shall be a Business Day), the amount of the requested Swingline Loan and (x) if the funds are not to be credited to a general deposit account of such Borrower maintained with the Swingline Lender because such Borrower is unable to maintain a general deposit account with the Swingline Lender under applicable Requirements of Law, the location and number of such Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with Section 2.06, or (y) in the case of any ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan requested to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.05(f), the identity of the Issuing Bank that made such LC Disbursement. The Swingline Lender shall make each Swingline Loan available to such Borrower by means of a credit to the general deposit accounts of such Borrower maintained with the Swingline Lender for the Swingline Loan (or, in the case of a Swingline Loan made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.05(f), by remittance to the applicable Issuing Bank) by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the requested date of such Swingline Loan.

(c) The Swingline Lender may by written notice given to the Administrative Agent not later than 2:00 p.m., New York City time, on any Business Day require the Revolving Lenders to acquire participations on such Business Day in all or a portion of the Swingline Loans outstanding. Such notice shall specify the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans in which Revolving Lenders will participate. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent will give notice thereof to each Revolving

 

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Lender, specifying in such notice the Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Swingline Loans. Each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, upon receipt of notice as provided above, to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Swingline Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Swingline Loans. Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in Swingline Loans pursuant to this paragraph is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of a Default or any reduction or termination of the Revolving Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Revolving Lender shall comply with its obligation under this paragraph by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.06 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.06 shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to the payment obligations of the Revolving Lenders pursuant to this paragraph), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Swingline Lender the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrowers of any participations in any Swingline Loan acquired pursuant to this paragraph, and thereafter payments in respect of such Swingline Loan shall be made to the Administrative Agent and not to the Swingline Lender. Any amounts received by the Swingline Lender from the Borrowers (or other Person on behalf of the Borrowers) in respect of a Swingline Loan after receipt by the Swingline Lender of the proceeds of a sale of participations therein shall be promptly remitted by the Swingline Lender to the Administrative Agent; any such amounts received by the Administrative Agent shall be promptly remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Revolving Lenders that shall have made their payments pursuant to this paragraph and to the Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear; provided that any such payment so remitted shall be repaid to the Swingline Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, and thereafter to the Borrowers, if and to the extent such payment is required to be refunded to the Borrowers for any reason. The purchase of participations in a Swingline Loan pursuant to this paragraph shall not relieve the Borrowers of any default in the payment thereof.

(d) The Parent Borrower may, at any time and from time to time, designate as additional Swingline Lenders one or more Revolving Lenders that agree to serve in such capacity as provided below. The acceptance by a Revolving Lender of an appointment as a Swingline Lender hereunder shall be evidenced by an agreement, which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Parent Borrower, executed by the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and such designated Swingline Lender, and, from and after the effective date of such agreement, (i) such Revolving Lender shall have all the rights and obligations of a Swingline Lender under this Agreement and (ii) references herein to the term “Swingline Lender” shall be deemed to include such Revolving Lender in its capacity as a lender of Swingline Loans hereunder.

(e) The Parent Borrower may terminate the appointment of any Swingline Lender as a “Swingline Lender” hereunder by providing a written notice thereof to such Swingline Lender, with a copy to the Administrative Agent. Any such termination shall become effective upon the earlier of (i) such Swingline Lender’s acknowledging receipt of such notice and (ii) the fifth Business Day following the date of the delivery thereof; provided that no such termination shall become effective until and unless the Swingline Exposure of such Swingline Lender shall have been reduced to zero. Notwithstanding the effectiveness of any such termination, the terminated Swingline Lender shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights of a Swingline Lender under this Agreement with respect to Swingline Loans made by it prior to such termination, but shall not make any additional Swingline Loans.

SECTION 2.05. Letters of Credit and Bank Guarantees .

(a) General . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein (including Section 2.22), each Issuing Bank agrees, in reliance upon agreement of the Revolving Lenders set forth in this Section 2.05, to issue Letters of Credit denominated in dollars for its own account (or for the account of

 

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any other Subsidiary so long as a Borrower and such other Subsidiary are co-applicants in respect of such Letter of Credit), in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank, which shall reflect the standard operating procedures of such Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Revolving Availability Period and prior to the fifth Business Day prior to the Revolving Maturity Date. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any form of letter of credit or bank guarantee application or other agreement submitted by the Parent Borrower to, or entered into by the Parent Borrower with, the applicable Issuing Bank relating to any Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control.

(b) Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions . To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), a Borrower shall deliver in writing by hand delivery or facsimile (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the recipient) to the applicable Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (at least five Business Days before the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension or such shorter period as the applicable Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent may agree) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (d) of this Section), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit. If requested by the applicable Issuing Bank, such Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on such Issuing Bank’s standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of Credit. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit the Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, (i) subject to Section 9.04(b)(ii), the Applicable Fronting Exposure of each Issuing Bank shall not exceed its Revolving Commitment, (ii) the aggregate Revolving Exposures shall not exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments and (iii) the aggregate LC Exposure shall not exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit. No Issuing Bank shall be under any obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if (i) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall enjoin or restrain such Issuing Bank from issuing the Letter of Credit, or any law applicable to such Issuing Bank any directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such Issuing Bank shall prohibit the issuance of letters of credit generally or the Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such Issuing Bank with respect to the Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which such Issuing Bank is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Effective Date, or shall impose upon such Issuing Bank any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Effective Date and which such Issuing Bank in good faith deems material to it, (ii) except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the such Issuing Bank, the Letter of Credit is in an initial stated amount less than $100,000, in the case of a commercial Letter of Credit, or $500,000, in the case of a standby Letter of Credit or (iii) any Lender is at that time a Defaulting Lender, if after giving effect to Section 2.22(a)(iv), any Defaulting Lender Fronting Exposure remains outstanding, unless such Issuing Bank has entered into arrangements, including the delivery of cash collateral, reasonably satisfactory to such Issuing Bank with such Borrower or such Lender to eliminate such Issuing Bank’s Defaulting Lender Fronting Exposure arising from either the Letter of Credit then proposed to be issued or such Letter of Credit and all other LC Exposure as to which such Issuing Bank has Defaulting Lender Fronting Exposure.

(c) Notice . Each Issuing Bank agrees that it shall not permit any issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit to occur unless it shall have given to the Administrative Agent written notice thereof required under paragraph (m) of this Section.

 

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(d) Expiration Date . Each Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date that is one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one year after such renewal or extension) and (ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Revolving Maturity Date; provided that if such expiry date is not a Business Day, such Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to close of business on the next succeeding Business Day; provided , however , that any Letter of Credit may, upon the request of a Borrower, include a provision whereby such Letter of Credit shall be renewed automatically for additional consecutive periods of one year or less (but not beyond the date that is five Business Days prior to the Revolving Maturity Date) unless the applicable Issuing Bank notifies the beneficiary thereof within the time period specified in such Letter of Credit or, if no such time period is specified, at least 30 days prior to the then-applicable expiration date, that such Letter of Credit will not be renewed.

(e) Participations . By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the Issuing Bank that is the issuer thereof or the Lenders, such Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Revolving Lender, and each Revolving Lender hereby acquires from such Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Revolving Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of such Issuing Bank, such Revolving Lender’s Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by such Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Borrowers on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section in the currency of such LC Disbursement, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrowers for any reason. Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or any reduction or termination of the Revolving Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.

(f) Reimbursement . If an Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrowers shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrowers receive notice of such LC Disbursement; provided that, if such LC Disbursement is not less than $1,000,000, the Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 or 2.04 that such payment be financed with an ABR Revolving Borrowing or a Swingline Loan, in each case in an equivalent amount, and, to the extent so financed, the Borrowers’ obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan. If the Borrowers fail to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Revolving Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrowers in respect thereof and such Revolving Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Revolving Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from the Borrowers, in dollars and in the same manner as provided in Section 2.06 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.06 shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to the payment obligations of the Revolving Lenders pursuant to this paragraph), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the applicable Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrowers pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the applicable Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Revolving Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse such Issuing Bank, then to such Revolving Lenders and such Issuing Bank as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Revolving Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse any Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of ABR Revolving Loans or a Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrowers of their obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.

 

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(g) Obligations Absolute . The Borrowers’, jointly and severally, obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section is absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) payment by an Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit or (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrowers’ obligations hereunder. None of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or any of their Affiliates shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the Issuing Banks; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse any Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrowers to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential or punitive damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Borrowers that are caused by such Issuing Bank’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence or wilful misconduct on the part of any Issuing Bank (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, nonappealable judgment), such Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented that appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, an Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit, and any such acceptance or refusal shall be deemed not to constitute gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

(h) Disbursement Procedures . Each Issuing Bank shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit. Each Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Parent Borrower by telephone (confirmed by hand delivery or facsimile) of such demand for payment and whether such Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrowers of their obligation to reimburse such Issuing Bank and the Revolving Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement in accordance with paragraph (f) of this Section.

(i) Interim Interest . If an Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrowers shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such LC Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the Borrowers reimburse such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to in the case of an LC Disbursement denominated in dollars, ABR Revolving Loans; provided that, if the Borrowers fail to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to

 

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paragraph (f) of this Section, then Section 2.13(c) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be paid to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the applicable Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Revolving Lender pursuant to paragraph (f) of this Section to reimburse such Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment and shall be payable on demand or, if no demand has been made, on the date on which the Borrowers reimburse the applicable LC Disbursement in full.

(j) Cash Collateralization . If any Event of Default under paragraph (a), (b), (h) or (i) of Section 7.01 shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day on which the Parent Borrower receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing more than 50% of the aggregate LC Exposure of all Revolving Lenders) demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrowers shall deposit in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Lenders, an amount of cash in dollars equal to the portions of the LC Exposure attributable to Letters of Credit, as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Borrowers described in paragraph (h) or (i) of Section 7.01. The Borrowers also shall deposit cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph as and to the extent required by Section 2.11(b). Each such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the obligations of the Borrowers under this Agreement. At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, if any Defaulting Lender Fronting Exposure remains outstanding (after giving effect to Section 2.22(a)(iv)), then promptly upon the request of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, the Borrowers shall deliver to the Administrative Agent cash collateral in an amount sufficient to cover such Defaulting Lender Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to any cash collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender). The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such account. Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Administrative Agent in Permitted Investments and at the Borrowers risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the Issuing Banks for LC Disbursements for which they have not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrowers for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing more than 50% of the aggregate LC Exposure of all the Revolving Lenders), be applied to satisfy other obligations of the Borrowers under this Agreement in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents. If the Borrowers are required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default or the existence of a Defaulting Lender, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrowers within three Business Days after all Events of Default have been cured or waived or after the termination of Defaulting Lender status, as applicable. If the Borrowers are required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder pursuant to Section 2.11(b), such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrower as and to the extent that, after giving effect to such return, the Borrowers would remain in compliance with Section 2.11(b) and no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(k) Designation of Additional Issuing Banks . The Parent Borrower may, at any time and from time to time, designate as additional Issuing Banks one or more Revolving Lenders that agree to serve in such capacity as provided below. The acceptance by a Revolving Lender of an appointment as an Issuing Bank hereunder shall be evidenced by an agreement, which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Parent Borrower, executed by the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and such designated Revolving Lender and, from and after the effective date of such

 

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agreement, (i) such Revolving Lender shall have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement and (ii) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to include such Revolving Lender in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder.

(l) Termination of an Issuing Bank . The Parent Borrower may terminate the appointment of any Issuing Bank as an “Issuing Bank” hereunder by providing a written notice thereof to such Issuing Bank, with a copy to the Administrative Agent. Any such termination shall become effective upon the earlier of (i) such Issuing Bank’s acknowledging receipt of such notice and (ii) the fifth Business Day following the date of the delivery thereof; provided that no such termination shall become effective until and unless the LC Exposure attributable to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank (or its Affiliates) shall have been reduced to zero. At the time any such termination shall become effective, the Parent Borrower shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the terminated Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.12(b). Notwithstanding the effectiveness of any such termination, the terminated Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such termination, but shall not issue any additional Letters of Credit.

(m) Issuing Bank Reports to the Administrative Agent . Unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank shall, in addition to its notification obligations set forth elsewhere in this Section, report in writing to the Administrative Agent (i) periodic activity (for such period or recurrent periods as shall be requested by the Administrative Agent) in respect of Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, including all issuances, extensions, amendments and renewals, all expirations and cancellations and all disbursements and reimbursements, (ii) within five Business Days following the time that such Issuing Bank issues, amends, renews or extends any Letter of Credit, the date of such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, and the currency and face amount of the Letters of Credit issued, amended, renewed or extended by it and outstanding after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (and whether the amounts thereof shall have changed), (iii) on each Business Day on which such Issuing Bank makes any LC Disbursement, the date, currency and amount of such LC Disbursement, (iv) on any Business Day on which a Borrower fails to reimburse an LC Disbursement required to be reimbursed to such Issuing Bank on such day, the date of such failure and amount of such LC Disbursement and (v) on any other Business Day, such other information as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request as to the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank.

(n) Existing LCs . The Existing LCs will be deemed to be Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement on the Effective Date.

SECTION 2.06. Funding of Borrowings .

(a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds in the applicable currency by 12:00 noon, New York City time, to the Applicable Account of the Administrative Agent most-recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders; provided that Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.04. The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrowers by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to an account of the Borrowers maintained with the Administrative Agent in New York City and designated by the Borrowers in the applicable Borrowing Request; provided that ABR Revolving Loans made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.05(f) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the applicable Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Revolving Lenders have made payments pursuant to Section 2.05(f) to reimburse such Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and such Issuing Bank as their interests may appear.

 

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(b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance on such assumption and in its sole discretion, make available to a Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such share on demand of the Administrative Agent. If such Lender does not pay such corresponding amount forthwith upon demand of the Administrative Agent therefor, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the applicable Borrower, and the applicable Borrower agrees to pay such corresponding amount to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand. The Administrative Agent shall also be entitled to recover from such Lender or applicable Borrower interest on such corresponding amount, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the applicable Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, if such Borrowing is denominated in dollars, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, the rate reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent to be its cost of funding such amount, or (ii) in the case of such Borrower, the interest rate applicable to such Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.13. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing.

(c) Obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Term Loans and Revolving Loans, to fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 9.03(c) are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan, to fund any such participation or to make any payment under Section 9.03(c) 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, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 9.03(c).

SECTION 2.07. Interest Elections .

(a) Each Revolving Borrowing and Term Loan Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request or designated by Section 2.03 and, in the case of a Eurocurrency Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request or designated by Section 2.03. Thereafter, each Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurocurrency Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. Each Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. This Section shall not apply to Swingline Loans, which may not be converted or continued.

(b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the applicable Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by telephone by the time that a Revolving Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if such Borrower were requesting a Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery, facsimile or other electronic transmission to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request signed by the applicable Borrower.

 

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(c) Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.03:

(i) the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);

(ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;

(iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing (solely in the case of a Borrowing denominated in dollars) or a Eurocurrency Borrowing; and

(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is to be a Eurocurrency Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”.

If any such Interest Election Request requests a Eurocurrency Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

(d) Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the applicable Class of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.

(e) If such Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurocurrency Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies such Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Eurocurrency Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurocurrency Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing.

SECTION 2.08. Termination and Reduction of Commitments .

(a) Unless previously terminated, (i) the Term Commitments shall terminate at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Effective Date and (ii) the Revolving Commitments shall terminate on the Revolving Maturity Date.

(b) Each Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the Commitments of any Class; provided that (i) each reduction of the Commitments of any Class shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $500,000 and not less than $1,000,000 and (ii) each Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans in accordance with Section 2.11, the aggregate Revolving Exposures would exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments.

(c) Each Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under paragraph (b) of this Section at least one Business Day prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any such notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by such Borrower pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Revolving Commitments delivered by such Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or the receipt of the proceeds

 

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from the issuance of other Indebtedness or the occurrence of some other identifiable event or condition, in which case such notice may be revoked by such Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date of termination) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Commitments of any Class shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Commitments of any Class shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments of such Class.

SECTION 2.09. Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt .

(a) Each Borrower, jointly and severally, hereby unconditionally promises to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan of such Lender on the Revolving Maturity Date, (ii) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Term Loan of such Lender as provided in Section 2.10 and (iii) to the Swingline Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan made by the Swingline Lender on the earlier to occur of (A) the date that is 10 Business Days after such Loan is made and (B) the Revolving Maturity Date; provided that on each date that a Revolving Borrowing in any currency is made, such Borrower shall repay all Swingline Loans in such currency that were outstanding on the date such Borrowing was requested.

(b) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrowers to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the currency and amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender’s share thereof.

(d) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein, provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrowers to pay any amounts due hereunder in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the entries made pursuant to paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Section, the accounts maintained by the Administrative Agent pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section shall control.

(e) Any Lender may request through the Administrative Agent that Loans of any Class made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Borrowers shall execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to the order of such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in a form provided by the Administrative Agent and approved by the Borrowers.

SECTION 2.10. Amortization of Term Loans .

(a) Subject to adjustment pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section, the Borrowers shall repay Term Loan Borrowings on the dates and in the amounts set forth on Annex I, together in each case with accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount to be paid to but excluding the date of such payment; provided that if any such date is not a Business Day, such payment shall be due on the next preceding Business Day.

 

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(b) To the extent not previously paid, all Term Loans shall be due and payable on the Term Maturity Date.

(c) Any prepayment of a Term Loan Borrowing of any Class (i) pursuant to Section 2.11(a)(i) shall be applied to reduce the subsequent scheduled and outstanding repayments of the Term Loan Borrowings of such Class to be made pursuant to this Section as directed by the Borrowers (and absent such direction in direct order of maturity) and (ii) pursuant to Section 2.11(c) or 2.11(d) shall be applied to reduce the subsequent scheduled and outstanding repayments of the Term Loan Borrowings of such Class to be made pursuant to this Section, or, except as otherwise provided in any Refinancing Amendment, pursuant to the corresponding section of such Refinancing Amendment, in direct order of maturity.

(d) Prior to any repayment of any Term Loan Borrowings of any Class hereunder, the Borrower shall select the Borrowing or Borrowings of the applicable Class to be repaid and shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by hand delivery or facsimile) of such election not later than 2:00 p.m., New York City time, two Business Day before the scheduled date of such repayment. In the absence of a designation by the Borrowers as described in the preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent shall make such designation in its reasonable discretion with a view, but no obligation, to minimize breakage costs owing under Section 2.16. Each repayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the repaid Borrowing. Repayments of Term Loan Borrowings shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the amount repaid.

SECTION 2.11. Prepayment of Loans .

(a) (i) The Borrowers shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to the requirements of this Section; provided that in the event that (A) on or prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the Borrowers (x) make any prepayment of Term Loans in connection with a Change in Control or prepay Term Loans with the proceeds of Indebtedness, (y) make any prepayment of Term Loans in connection with any Repricing Transaction, or (z) effect any amendment of this Agreement resulting in a Repricing Transaction, the Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable account of each of the applicable Term Lender, (I) in the case of clause (A)(x), a prepayment premium of 3% of the amount of the Term Loans being prepaid, (II) in the case of clause (A)(y), a prepayment premium of 3% of the amount of the Term Loans being prepaid and (III) in the case of clause (A)(z), a payment equal to 3% of the aggregate amount of the applicable Term Loans outstanding immediately prior to such amendment; (B) at anytime after the first anniversary of the Effective Date and on or prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date, the Borrowers (x) make any prepayment of Term Loans in connection with a Change in Control or prepay Term Loans with the proceeds of Indebtedness, (y) make any prepayment of Term Loans in connection with any Repricing Transaction, or (z) effect any amendment of this Agreement resulting in a Repricing Transaction, the Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable account of each of the applicable Term Lender, (I) in the case of clause (B)(x), a prepayment premium of 2% of the amount of the Term Loans being prepaid, (II) in the case of clause (B)(y), a prepayment premium of 2% of the amount of the Term Loans being prepaid and (III) in the case of clause (B)(z), a payment equal to 2% of the aggregate amount of the applicable Term Loans outstanding immediately prior to such amendment; or (C) at anytime after the second anniversary of the Effective Date and on or prior to the third anniversary of the Effective Date, the Borrowers (x) make any prepayment of Term Loans in connection with a Change in Control or prepay Term Loans with the proceeds of Indebtedness, (y) make any prepayment of Term Loans in connection with any Repricing Transaction, or (z) effect any amendment of this Agreement resulting in a Repricing Transaction, the Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable account of each of the applicable Term Lender, (I) in the case of clause (C)(x), a prepayment premium of 1% of the amount of the Term Loans being prepaid, (II) in the case of clause (C)(y), a prepayment premium of 1% of the amount of the Term Loans being prepaid and (III) in the case of clause (C)(z), a payment equal to 1% of the aggregate amount of the applicable Term Loans outstanding immediately prior to such amendment;

 

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(ii) Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a Borrower may prepay the outstanding Term Loans on the following basis:

(A) Each Borrower shall have the right to make a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a discount to par (such prepayment, the “ Discounted Term Loan Prepayment ”) pursuant to a Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment, Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offers or Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers, in each case made in accordance with this Section 2.11(a)(ii); provided that (x) the Borrowers shall not make any Borrowing of Revolving Loans to fund any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and (y) the Borrowers shall not initiate any action under this Section 2.11(a)(ii) in order to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment unless (I) at least ten (10) Business Days shall have passed since the consummation of the most recent Discounted Term Loan Prepayment as a result of a prepayment made by the Borrowers on the applicable Discounted Prepayment Effective Date; or (II) at least three (3) Business Days shall have passed since the date the Parent Borrower was notified that no Term Lender was willing to accept any prepayment of any Term Loan and/or Other Term Loan at the Specified Discount, within the Discount Range or at any discount to par value, as applicable, or in the case of Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers, the date of the Borrower’s election not to accept any Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers.

(B) (1) Subject to the proviso to subsection (A) above, a Borrower may from time to time offer to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment by providing the Auction Agent with three (3) Business Days’ notice in the form of a Specified Discount Prepayment Notice; provided that (I) any such offer shall be made available, at the sole discretion of the Borrower, to each Term Lender and/or each Lender with respect to any Class of Term Loans on an individual tranche basis, (II) any such offer shall specify the aggregate principal amount offered to be prepaid (the “ Specified Discount Prepayment Amount ”) with respect to each applicable tranche, the tranche or tranches of Term Loans subject to such offer and the specific percentage discount to par (the “ Specified Discount ”) of such Term Loans to be prepaid (it being understood that different Specified Discounts and/or Specified Discount Prepayment Amounts may be offered with respect to different tranches of Term Loans and, in such an event, each such offer will be treated as a separate offer pursuant to the terms of this Section), (III) the Specified Discount Prepayment Amount shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $1,000,000 and whole increments of $500,000 in excess thereof and (IV) each such offer shall remain outstanding through the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date. The Auction Agent will promptly provide each relevant Term Lender with a copy of such Specified Discount Prepayment Notice and a form of the Specified Discount Prepayment Response to be completed and returned by each such Lender to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by no later than 5:00 p.m., New York time, on the third Business Day after the date of delivery of such notice to the relevant Term Lenders (the “ Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date ”).

(2) Each relevant Term Lender receiving such offer shall notify the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date whether or not it agrees to accept a prepayment of any of its relevant then outstanding Term Loans at the Specified Discount and, if so (such accepting Term Lender, a “ Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender ”), the amount and the tranches of such Lender’s Term Loans to be prepaid at such offered discount. Each acceptance of a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment by a Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender shall be irrevocable. Any Term Lender whose Specified Discount Prepayment Response is not

 

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received by the Auction Agent by the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date shall be deemed to have declined to accept the applicable Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment.

(3) If there is at least one Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender, the Borrower will make prepayment of outstanding Term Loans pursuant to this paragraph (B) to each Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender in accordance with the respective outstanding amount and tranches of Term Loans specified in such Lender’s Specified Discount Prepayment Response given pursuant to subsection (2); provided that, if the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans accepted for prepayment by all Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders exceeds the Specified Discount Prepayment Amount, such prepayment shall be made pro-rata among the Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders in accordance with the respective principal amounts accepted to be prepaid by each such Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender and the Auction Agent (in consultation with the Borrower and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its reasonable discretion) will calculate such proration (the “ Specified Discount Proration ”). The Auction Agent shall promptly, and in any case within three (3) Business Days following the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date, notify (I) the Parent Borrower of the respective Term Lenders’ responses to such offer, the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date and the aggregate principal amount of the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and the tranches to be prepaid, (II) each Term Lender of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, and the aggregate principal amount and the tranches of Term Loans to be prepaid at the Specified Discount on such date and (III) each Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender of the Specified Discount Proration, if any, and confirmation of the principal amount, tranche and Type of Loans of such Lender to be prepaid at the Specified Discount on such date. Each determination by the Auction Agent of the amounts stated in the foregoing notices to the Borrower and Lenders shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The payment amount specified in such notice to the Parent Borrower shall be due and payable by the Borrower on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in accordance with subsection (F) below (subject to subsection (J) below).

(C) (1) Subject to the proviso to subsection (A) above, a Borrower may from time to time solicit Discount Range Prepayment Offers by providing the Auction Agent with three (3) Business Days’ notice in the form of a Discount Range Prepayment Notice; provided that (I) any such solicitation shall be extended, at the sole discretion of the Borrower, to each Term Lender and/or each Lender with respect to any Class of Loans on an individual tranche basis, (II) any such notice shall specify the maximum aggregate principal amount of the relevant Term Loans (the “ Discount Range Prepayment Amount ”), the tranche or tranches of Term Loans subject to such offer and the maximum and minimum percentage discounts to par (the “ Discount Range ”) of the principal amount of such Term Loans with respect to each relevant tranche of Term Loans willing to be prepaid by a Borrower (it being understood that different Discount Ranges and/or Discount Range Prepayment Amounts may be offered with respect to different tranches of Term Loans and, in such an event, each such offer will be treated as a separate offer pursuant to the terms of this Section), (III) the Discount Range Prepayment Amount shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $1,000,000 and whole increments of $500,000 in excess thereof and (IV) each such solicitation by the Borrower shall remain outstanding through the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date. The Auction Agent will promptly provide each relevant Term Lender with a copy of such Discount Range Prepayment Notice and a form of the Discount Range Prepayment Offer to be submitted by a responding relevant Term Lender to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by no later than 5:00 p.m., New York time, on the third Business Day after the date of delivery of such notice to the relevant Term Lenders (the “ Discount Range Prepayment Response Date ”). Each relevant Term Lender’s Discount Range Prepayment Offer shall be irrevocable and shall specify a discount to par within the Discount Range (the “ Submitted Discount ”) at which

 

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such Term Lender is willing to allow prepayment of any or all of its then outstanding Term Loans of the applicable tranche or tranches and the maximum aggregate principal amount and tranches of such Lender’s Term Loans (the “ Submitted Amount ”) such Lender is willing to have prepaid at the Submitted Discount. Any Term Lender whose Discount Range Prepayment Offer is not received by the Auction Agent by the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date shall be deemed to have declined to accept a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment of any of its Term Loans at any discount to their par value within the Discount Range.

(2) The Auction Agent shall review all Discount Range Prepayment Offers received on or before the applicable Discount Range Prepayment Response Date and shall determine (in consultation with the Borrower and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) the Applicable Discount and Term Loans to be prepaid at such Applicable Discount in accordance with this subsection (C). The Borrowers agree to accept on the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date all Discount Range Prepayment Offers received by Auction Agent by the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date, in the order from the Submitted Discount that is the largest discount to par to the Submitted Discount that is the smallest discount to par, up to and including the Submitted Discount that is the smallest discount to par within the Discount Range (such Submitted Discount that is the smallest discount to par within the Discount Range being referred to as the “ Applicable Discount ”) which yields a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment in an aggregate principal amount equal to the lower of (I) the Discount Range Prepayment Amount and (II) the sum of all Submitted Amounts. Each Lender that has submitted a Discount Range Prepayment Offer to accept prepayment at a discount to par that is larger than or equal to the Applicable Discount shall be deemed to have irrevocably consented to prepayment of Term Loans equal to its Submitted Amount (subject to any required proration pursuant to the following subsection (3)) at the Applicable Discount (each such Lender, a “ Participating Lender ”).

(3) If there is at least one Participating Lender, the Borrower will prepay the respective outstanding Term Loans of each Participating Lender in the aggregate principal amount and of the tranches specified in such Lender’s Discount Range Prepayment Offer at the Applicable Discount; provided that if the Submitted Amount by all Participating Lenders offered at a discount to par greater than the Applicable Discount exceeds the Discounted Range Prepayment Amount, prepayment of the principal amount of the relevant Term Loans for those Participating Lenders whose Submitted Discount is a discount to par greater than or equal to the Applicable Discount (the “ Identified Participating Lenders ”) shall be made pro-rata among the Identified Participating Lenders in accordance with the Submitted Amount of each such Identified Participating Lender and the Auction Agent (in consultation with the Borrower and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) will calculate such proration (the “ Discount Range Proration ”). The Auction Agent shall promptly, and in any case within five (5) Business Days following the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date, notify (I) the Borrower of the respective Term Lenders’ responses to such solicitation, the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, the Applicable Discount, and the aggregate principal amount of the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and the tranches to be prepaid, (II) each Term Lender of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, the Applicable Discount, and the aggregate principal amount and tranches of Term Loans to be prepaid at the Applicable Discount on such date, (III) each Participating Lender of the aggregate principal amount and tranches of such Lender to be prepaid at the Applicable Discount on such date, and (z) if applicable, each Identified Participating Lender of the Discount Range Proration. Each determination by the Auction Agent of the amounts stated in the foregoing notices to the Borrower and Lenders shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The payment amount specified in such notice to the applicable Borrower shall be due and payable by such Borrower on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in accordance with subsection (F) below (subject to subsection (J) below).

 

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(D) (1) Subject to the proviso to subsection (A) above, the Borrowers may from time to time solicit Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers by providing the Auction Agent with three (3) Business Days’ notice in the form of a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice; provided that (I) any such solicitation shall be extended, at the sole discretion of the Borrower, to each Term Lender and/or each Lender with respect to any Class of Term Loans on an individual tranche basis, (II) any such notice shall specify the maximum aggregate dollar amount of the Term Loans (the “ Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount ”) and the tranche or tranches of Term Loans the applicable Borrower is willing to prepay at a discount (it being understood that different Solicited Discount Prepayment Amounts may be offered with respect to different tranches of Term Loans and, in such an event, each such offer will be treated as a separate offer pursuant to the terms of this Section), (III) the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $1,000,000 and whole increments of $500,000 in excess thereof and (IV) each such solicitation by such Borrower shall remain outstanding through the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date. The Auction Agent will promptly provide each relevant Term Lender with a copy of such Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice and a form of the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer to be submitted by a responding Term Lender to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by no later than 5:00 p.m., New York time on the third Business Day after the date of delivery of such notice to the relevant Term Lenders (the “ Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date ”). Each Term Lender’s Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer shall (x) be irrevocable, (y) remain outstanding until the Acceptance Date, and (z) specify both a discount to par (the “ Offered Discount ”) at which such Term Lender is willing to allow prepayment of its then outstanding Term Loan and the maximum aggregate principal amount and tranches of such Term Loans (the “ Offered Amount ”) such Lender is willing to have prepaid at the Offered Discount. Any Term Lender whose Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer is not received by the Auction Agent by the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date shall be deemed to have declined prepayment of any of its Term Loans at any discount.

(2) The Auction Agent shall promptly provide the Parent Borrower with a copy of all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers received on or before the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date. The Parent Borrower shall review all such Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers and select the largest of the Offered Discounts specified by the relevant responding Term Lenders in the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers that is acceptable to the Borrower (the “ Acceptable Discount ”), if any. If the Parent Borrower elects to accept any Offered Discount as the Acceptable Discount, then as soon as practicable after the determination of the Acceptable Discount, but in no event later than by the third Business Day after the date of receipt by the Parent Borrower from the Auction Agent of a copy of all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers pursuant to the first sentence of this subsection (2) (the “ Acceptance Date ”), the Parent Borrower shall submit a Acceptance and Prepayment Notice to the Auction Agent setting forth the Acceptable Discount. If the Auction Agent shall fail to receive an Acceptance and Prepayment Notice from the Parent Borrower by the Acceptance Date, the Parent Borrower shall be deemed to have rejected all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers.

(3) Based upon the Acceptable Discount and the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers received by Auction Agent by the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date, within three (3) Business Days after receipt of an Acceptance and Prepayment Notice (the “ Discounted Prepayment Determination Date ”), the Auction Agent will determine (in consultation with the Borrower and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) the aggregate principal amount and the tranches of Term Loans (the “ Acceptable

 

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Prepayment Amount ”) to be prepaid by the Borrower at the Acceptable Discount in accordance with this Section 2.11(a)(ii)(D). If the Borrower elects to accept any Acceptable Discount, then the Borrower agrees to accept all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers received by Auction Agent by the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date, in the order from largest Offered Discount to smallest Offered Discount, up to and including the Acceptable Discount. Each Lender that has submitted a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer with an Offered Discount that is greater than or equal to the Acceptable Discount shall be deemed to have irrevocably consented to prepayment of Term Loans equal to its Offered Amount (subject to any required pro-rata reduction pursuant to the following sentence) at the Acceptable Discount (each such Lender, a “ Qualifying Lender ”). The Borrower will prepay outstanding Term Loans pursuant to this subsection (D) to each Qualifying Lender in the aggregate principal amount and of the tranches specified in such Lender’s Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer at the Acceptable Discount; provided that if the aggregate Offered Amount by all Qualifying Lenders whose Offered Discount is greater than or equal to the Acceptable Discount exceeds the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount, prepayment of the principal amount of the Term Loans for those Qualifying Lenders whose Offered Discount is greater than or equal to the Acceptable Discount (the “ Identified Qualifying Lenders ”) shall be made pro rata among the Identified Qualifying Lenders in accordance with the Offered Amount of each such Identified Qualifying Lender and the Auction Agent (in consultation with the Parent Borrower and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) will calculate such proration (the “ Solicited Discount Proration ”). On or prior to the Discounted Prepayment Determination Date, the Auction Agent shall promptly notify (I) the Parent Borrower of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date and Acceptable Prepayment Amount comprising the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and the tranches to be prepaid, (II) each Term Lender of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, the Acceptable Discount, and the Acceptable Prepayment Amount of all Term Loans and the tranches to be prepaid to be prepaid at the Applicable Discount on such date, (III) each Qualifying Lender of the aggregate principal amount and the tranches of such Lender to be prepaid at the Acceptable Discount on such date, and (IV) if applicable, each Identified Qualifying Lender of the Solicited Discount Proration. Each determination by the Auction Agent of the amounts stated in the foregoing notices to such Borrower and Lenders shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The payment amount specified in such notice to such Borrower shall be due and payable by such Borrower on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in accordance with subsection (F) below (subject to subsection (J) below).

(E) In connection with any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment, the Borrower and the Lenders acknowledge and agree that the Auction Agent may require as a condition to any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment, the payment of customary fees and expenses from the Borrower in connection therewith.

(F) If any Term Loan is prepaid in accordance with paragraphs (B) through (D) above, such Borrower shall prepay such Term Loans on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date. Such Borrower shall make such prepayment to the Auction Agent, for the account of the Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders, Participating Lenders, or Qualifying Lenders, as applicable, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in immediately available funds not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date and all such prepayments shall be applied to the remaining principal installments of the relevant tranche of Term Loans on a pro rata basis across such installments. The Term Loans so prepaid shall be accompanied by all accrued and unpaid interest on the par principal amount so prepaid up to, but not including, the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date. Each prepayment of the outstanding Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.11(a)(ii) shall be paid to the Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders, Participating Lenders, or Qualifying Lenders, as applicable. The aggregate principal

 

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amount of the tranches and installments of the relevant Term Loans outstanding shall be deemed reduced by the full par value of the aggregate principal amount of the tranches of Term Loans prepaid on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment.

(G) To the extent not expressly provided for herein, each Discounted Term Loan Prepayment shall be consummated pursuant to procedures consistent, with the provisions in this Section 2.11(a)(ii), established by the Auction Agent acting in its reasonable discretion and as reasonably agreed by such Borrower.

(H) Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary, for purposes of this Section 2.11(a)(ii), each notice or other communication required to be delivered or otherwise provided to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) shall be deemed to have been given upon Auction Agent’s (or its delegate’s) actual receipt during normal business hours of such notice or communication; provided that any notice or communication actually received outside of normal business hours shall be deemed to have been given as of the opening of business on the next Business Day.

(I) Each of the Borrowers and the Lenders acknowledges and agrees that the Auction Agent may perform any and all of its duties under this Section 2.11(a)(ii) by itself or through any Affiliate of the Auction Agent and expressly consents to any such delegation of duties by the Auction Agent to such Affiliate and the performance of such delegated duties by such Affiliate. The exculpatory provisions pursuant to this Agreement shall apply to each Affiliate of the Auction Agent and its respective activities in connection with any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment provided for in this Section 2.11(a)(ii) as well as activities of the Auction Agent.

(J) Each Borrower shall have the right, by written notice to the Auction Agent, to revoke in full (but not in part) its offer to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and rescind the applicable Specified Discount Prepayment Notice, Discount Range Prepayment Notice or Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice therefor at its discretion at any time on or prior to the applicable Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date (and if such offer is revoked pursuant to the preceding clauses, any failure by such Borrower to make any prepayment to a Term Lender, as applicable, pursuant to this Section 2.11(a)(ii) shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default under Section 7.01 or otherwise).

(b) In the event and on each occasion that the aggregate Revolving Exposures exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments, the Borrowers shall prepay Revolving Borrowings or Swingline Loans (or, if no such Borrowings are outstanding, deposit cash collateral in an account with the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.05(j)) in an aggregate amount necessary to eliminate such excess.

(c) In the event and on each occasion that any Net Proceeds are received by or on behalf of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Prepayment Event, the Parent Borrower shall, within three Business Days after such Net Proceeds are received (or, in the case of a Prepayment Event described in clause (b) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event”, on the date of such Prepayment Event), prepay Term Loan Borrowings in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of the amount of such Net Proceeds; provided that, in the case of any event described in clause (a) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event”, if the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries invest (or commit to invest) the Net Proceeds from such event (or a portion thereof) within 12 months after receipt of such Net Proceeds in the business of the Parent Borrower and the other Subsidiaries (including any acquisitions permitted under Section 6.04), then no prepayment shall be required pursuant to this paragraph in respect of such Net Proceeds in respect of such event (or the applicable portion of such Net Proceeds, if applicable) except to the extent of any such Net Proceeds therefrom that have not been so invested (or committed to be invested) by the end of such 12-month period (or if committed to be so invested within

 

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such 12-month period, have not been so invested within 18 months after receipt thereof), at which time a prepayment shall be required in an amount equal to such Net Proceeds that have not been so invested (or committed to be invested).

(d) Following the end of each fiscal year of the Parent Borrower, commencing with the fiscal year ending August 31, 2012, the Borrowers shall prepay Term Loan Borrowings in an aggregate amount equal to the ECF Percentage of Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year; provided that such amount shall be reduced by the aggregate amount of prepayments of Term Loans (and, to the extent the Revolving Commitments are reduced in a corresponding amount pursuant to Section 2.08, Revolving Loans) made pursuant to Section 2.11(a) during such fiscal year (excluding all such prepayments funded with the proceeds of other Indebtedness, the issuance of Equity Interests or receipt of capital contributions or the proceeds of any sale or other disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business). Each prepayment pursuant to this paragraph shall be made on or before the date that is five days after the date on which financial statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 with respect to the fiscal year for which Excess Cash Flow is being calculated.

(e) Prior to any optional or mandatory prepayment of Borrowings hereunder, the Borrowers shall select the Borrowing or Borrowings to be prepaid and shall specify such selection in the notice of such prepayment pursuant to paragraph (f) of this Section. In the event of any mandatory prepayment of Term Loan Borrowings made at a time when Term Loan Borrowings of more than one Class remain outstanding, the Borrowers shall select Term Loan Borrowings to be prepaid so that the aggregate amount of such prepayment is allocated between Term Loan Borrowings (and, to the extent provided in the Refinancing Amendment for any Class of Other Term Loans, the Borrowings of such Class) pro rata based on the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Borrowings of each such Class; provided that any Term Lender (and, to the extent provided in the Refinancing Amendment for any Class of Other Term Loans, any Lender that holds Other Term Loans of such Class) may elect, by notice to the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by facsimile) at least one Business Day prior to the prepayment date, to decline all or any portion of any prepayment of its Term Loans or Other Term Loans of any such Class pursuant to this Section (other than an optional prepayment pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of this Section, which may not be declined), in which case the aggregate amount of the prepayment that would have been applied to prepay Term Loans or Other Term Loans of any such Class but was so declined shall be retained by the Borrowers. Optional prepayments of Term Loan Borrowings shall be allocated among the Classes of Term Loan Borrowings as directed by the Borrowers. In the absence of a designation by the Borrowers as described in the preceding provisions of this paragraph of the Type of Borrowing of any Class, the Administrative Agent shall make such designation in its reasonable discretion with a view, but no obligation, to minimize breakage costs owing under Section 2.16.

(f) The Borrowers shall notify the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lender) by telephone (confirmed by facsimile) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Eurocurrency Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment or (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, one Business Day before the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid and, in the case of a mandatory prepayment, a reasonably detailed calculation of the amount of such prepayment; provided that a notice of optional prepayment may state that such notice is conditional upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or the receipt of the proceeds from the issuance of other Indebtedness or the occurrence of some other identifiable event or condition, in which case such notice of prepayment may be revoked by the Borrowers (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified date of prepayment) if such condition is not satisfied. Promptly following receipt of any such notice (other than a notice relating solely to Swingline Loans), the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment

 

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of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02, except as necessary to apply fully the required amount of a mandatory prepayment. Each prepayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.13. At the Borrowers’ election in connection with any prepayment pursuant to this Section 2.11, such prepayment shall not be applied to any Term Loan or Revolving Loan of a Defaulting Lender and shall be allocated ratably among the relevant non-Defaulting Lenders.

(g) Notwithstanding any other provisions of Section 2.11(c) or (d), (A) to the extent that any of or all the Net Proceeds of any Prepayment Event by a Foreign Subsidiary giving rise to a prepayment pursuant to Section 2.11(c) or (d) (a “ Foreign Prepayment Event ”) or Excess Cash Flow are prohibited or delayed by applicable local law from being repatriated to either Borrower, 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 Section 2.11(c) or (d), as the case may be, and such amounts may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary so long, but only so long, as the applicable local law will not permit repatriation to either Borrower (Borrowers hereby agreeing to cause the applicable Foreign Subsidiary to promptly take all actions reasonably 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 promptly effected and such repatriated Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow will be promptly (and in any event not later than three 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 Section 2.11(c) or (d), as applicable, and (B) to the extent that the Borrower has determined in good faith that repatriation of any of or all the Net Proceeds of any Foreign Prepayment Event or Excess Cash Flow would have a material adverse tax consequence (taking into account any foreign tax credit or benefit actually realized in connection with such repatriation) with respect to such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow, the Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow so affected may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary; provided that in the case of this clause (B), on or before the date on which any Net Proceeds from any Foreign Prepayment Event so retained would otherwise have been required to be applied to reinvestments or prepayments pursuant to Section 2.11(c) (or, in the case of Excess Cash Flow, a date on or before the date that is twelve months after the date such Excess Cash Flow would have so required to be applied to prepayments pursuant to Section 2.11(d) unless previously repatriated in which case such repatriated Excess Cash Flow shall have been promptly applied to the repayment of the Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.11(c)), (x) the Borrower applies an amount equal to such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow to such reinvestments or prepayments 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) or (y) such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow shall be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness of a Foreign Subsidiary.

SECTION 2.12. Fees .

(a) Each Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent in dollars for the account of each Revolving Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.50% per annum on the average daily unused amount of the Revolving Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate. Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the third Business Day following the last day of March, June, September and December of each year and on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof. All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). For purposes of computing commitment fees, a

 

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Revolving Commitment of a Lender shall be deemed to be used to the extent of the outstanding Revolving Loans and LC Exposure of such Lender (and the Swingline Exposure of such Lender shall be disregarded for such purpose).

(b) Each Borrower agrees to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent in dollars for the account of each Revolving Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at the Applicable Rate used to determine the interest rate applicable to Eurocurrency Revolving Loans on the daily amount of such Lender’s LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lender’s Revolving Commitment terminates and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure, and (ii) to each Issuing Bank in dollars a fronting fee, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.125% per annum on the average daily amount of the LC Exposure attributable to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure, as well as such Issuing Bank’s standard fees with respect to the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder. Participation fees and fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable on the third Business Day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date, provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to an Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within 10 days after demand. All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

(c) The Borrowers agree to pay on the Effective Date to each Term Lender party to this Agreement on the Effective Date, as fee compensation for the funding of such Term Lender’s Term Loan, a closing fee (the “ Term Closing Fee ”) in an amount equal to 3.50% of the stated principal amount of such Term Lender’s Term Loan, payable to such Term Lender from the proceeds of its Term Loans as and when funded on the Effective Date. The Borrowers agree to pay on the Effective Date to each Revolving Lender party to this Agreement on the Effective Date, as fee compensation for the funding of such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Commitment, a closing fee (the “ Revolving Closing Fee ”) in an amount equal to 1.00% of the stated principal amount of such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Commitment, payable to such Revolving Lender on the Effective Date. Such Term Closing Fee and Revolving Closing Fee will be in all respects fully earned, due and payable on the Effective Date and non-refundable and non-creditable thereafter.

(d) The Parent Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between Parent Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

(e) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to an Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the Revolving Lenders entitled thereto. Fees paid hereunder shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to Section 2.22, no Borrower shall be obligated to pay any amounts to any Defaulting Lender pursuant to this Section 2.12.

 

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SECTION 2.13. Interest .

(a) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing (including each Swingline Loan) shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

(b) The Loans comprising each Eurocurrency Borrowing shall bear interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by the Borrowers hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of any Loan, 2.00% per annum plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount, 2.00% per annum plus the rate applicable to ABR Revolving Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section; provided that no amount shall be payable pursuant to this Section 2.13(c) to a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender; provided further that no amounts shall accrue pursuant to this Section 2.13(c) on any overdue amount, reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement or other amount payable to a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender.

(d) Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and, in the case of Revolving Loans, upon termination of the Revolving Commitments, provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Revolving Loan prior to the end of the Revolving Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Eurocurrency Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.

(e) All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). The applicable Alternate Base Rate or Adjusted LIBO Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

SECTION 2.14. Alternate Rate of Interest . If at least two Business Days prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurocurrency Borrowing:

(a) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period; or

(b) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Loans included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period,

the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Parent Borrower and the Lenders by telephone or facsimile as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Parent Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as,

 

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a Eurocurrency Borrowing and shall be ineffective and (ii) if any Borrowing Request requests a Eurocurrency Borrowing, then such Borrowing shall be made as an ABR Borrowing; provided , however , that, in each case, the Parent Borrower may revoke any Borrowing Request that is pending when such notice is received.

SECTION 2.15. Increased Costs .

(a) If any Change in Law shall:

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender or any Issuing Bank (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate); or

(ii) impose on any Lender or any Issuing Bank or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or Eurocurrency Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Eurocurrency Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to increase the cost to such Lender or Issuing Bank of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or issue any Letter of Credit) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or Issuing Bank hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then, from time to time upon request of such Lender or Issuing Bank, the Borrowers will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, for such increased costs actually incurred or reduction actually suffered, provided that to the extent any such costs or reductions are incurred by any Lender as a result of any requests, rules, guidelines or directives enacted or promulgated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act after the Effective Date, then such Lender shall be compensated pursuant to this Section 2.15(a) only to the extent such Lender is imposing such charges on similarly situated borrowers under the other syndicated credit facilities that such Lender is a lender under. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this paragraph will not apply to any such increased costs or reductions resulting from Taxes, as to which Section 2.17 shall govern.

(b) If any Lender or Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then, from time to time upon request of such Lender or Issuing Bank, the Borrowers will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company for any such reduction actually suffered.

(c) A certificate of a Lender or an Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank or its holding company in reasonable detail, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section delivered to the Borrowers shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 15 days after receipt thereof.

 

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(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender or Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, notifies the Borrowers of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

SECTION 2.16. Break Funding Payments . In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurocurrency Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (b) the conversion of any Eurocurrency Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Revolving Loan or Term Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.11(f) and is revoked in accordance therewith) or (d) the assignment of any Eurocurrency Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.19 or Section 9.02(c), then, in any such event, the Borrowers shall, after receipt of a written request by any Lender affected by any such event (which request shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis for requesting such amount), compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrowers to the Lenders under this Section 2.16, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Eurocurrency Loan made by it at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Eurocurrency Loan was in fact so funded. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section delivered to the Borrowers shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 15 days after receipt of such demand. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 2.16 will not apply to losses, costs or expenses resulting from Taxes, as to which Section 2.17 shall govern.

SECTION 2.17. Taxes .

(a) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any Taxes, provided that if the applicable withholding agent shall be required by applicable Requirements of Law to deduct any Taxes from such payments, then (i) the applicable withholding agent shall make such deductions, (ii) the applicable withholding agent shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Requirements of Law and (iii) if the Tax in question is an Indemnified Tax or Other Tax, the amount payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after all required deductions have been made (including deductions applicable to additional amounts payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent or Lender (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made.

(b) Without limiting the provisions of paragraph (a) above, the Parent Borrower shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Requirements of Law.

(c) Each Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender, within 30 days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes paid by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and any Other Taxes (including Indemnified

 

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Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate setting forth in reasonable detail the basis and calculation of the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrowers by a Lender or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d) As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by a Loan Party to a Governmental Authority, the Parent Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(e) Each Lender shall deliver to the Parent Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and reasonably requested by the Parent Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable Requirements of Law and such other documentation reasonably requested by the Parent Borrower or the Administrative Agent (i) as will permit such payments to be made without, or at a reduced rate of, withholding or (ii) as will enable the Parent Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to withholding or information reporting requirements. Each Lender shall, whenever a lapse or time or change in circumstances renders such documentation obsolete, expired or inaccurate in any material respect, deliver promptly to the Parent Borrower and the Administrative Agent updated or other appropriate documentation (including any new documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) or promptly notify the Parent Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its inability to do so. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no Lender or Participant shall be required to deliver any form of certificate that it is not legally able to deliver.

Without limiting the foregoing:

(1) Each Lender that is a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(3) of the Code shall deliver to the Parent 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 U.S. federal backup withholding.

(2) Each Lender that is not a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(3) of the Code shall deliver to the Parent 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 a 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,

(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 871(h) or Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) two properly

 

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completed and duly signed certificates substantially in the form of Exhibit R-1 , R-2 , R-3 and R-4 , as applicable, (any such certificate, a “ U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate ”) and (y) two properly completed and duly signed original copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or any successor forms),

(D) to the extent a Lender is not the beneficial owner (for example, where the Lender is a partnership or a participating Lender), two properly completed and duly signed original copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY (or any successor forms) of the Lender, accompanied by a Form W-8ECI, W-8BEN, U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate, Form W-9, Form W-8IMY or any other required information (or any successor forms) from each beneficial owner that would be required under this Section 2.17(e) if such beneficial owner were a Lender, as applicable ( provided that, if the Lender is a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and not a participating Lender) and one or more beneficial owners are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, the U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate may be provided by such Lender on behalf of such beneficial owner), or

(E) two properly completed and duly signed original copies of any other form prescribed by applicable U.S. federal income tax laws as a basis for claiming a complete exemption from, or a reduction in, U.S. federal withholding tax on any payments to such Lender under the Loan Documents.

(3) If a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA, such Lender shall deliver to the Parent Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by a Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law and such additional documentation reasonably requested by a Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine whether such Lender has or has not complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA and, if necessary, to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this clause (e), a Lender shall no be required to deliver any form or other documentation that such Lender is not legally eligible to deliver.

(f) If the Parent Borrower determines in good faith that a reasonable basis exists for contesting any Taxes for which indemnification has been demanded hereunder, the Administrative Agent or the relevant Lender, as applicable, shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Parent Borrower in a reasonable challenge of such Taxes if so requested by the Parent Borrower; provided that (a) the Administrative Agent or such Lender determines in its reasonable discretion that it would not be subject to any unreimbursed third party cost or expense or otherwise be prejudiced by cooperating in such challenge, (b) the Parent Borrower pays all related expenses of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable and (c) the Parent Borrower indemnifies the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, for any liabilities or other costs incurred by such party in connection with such challenge. The Administrative Agent or a Lender shall claim any refund that it determines is reasonably available to it, unless it concludes in its reasonable discretion that it would be adversely affected by making such a claim. If the Administrative Agent or a Lender receives a refund of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Parent Borrower or with respect to which the Parent Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay over such refund to the Parent Borrower (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Parent Borrower under this

 

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Section with respect to the Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of the Administrative Agent or such Lender and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that the Parent Borrower, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, agrees promptly to repay the amount paid over to the Parent Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent or such Lender in the event the Administrative Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. The Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, shall, at the Parent Borrower’s request, provide the Parent Borrower with a copy of any notice of assessment or other evidence of the requirement to repay such refund received from the relevant taxing authority ( provided that the Administrative Agent or such Lender may delete any information therein that the Administrative Agent or such Lender deems confidential). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, 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 which it deems confidential to any Loan Party or any other Person).

(g) The agreements in this Section 2.17 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

(h) For purposes of this Section 2.17, the term “Lender” shall include any Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender.

SECTION 2.18. Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Setoffs .

(a) Each Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it under any Loan Document (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Section 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17, or otherwise) prior to the time expressly required hereunder or under such other Loan Document for such payment (or, if no such time is expressly required, prior to 2:00 p.m., New York City time), on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without setoff or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to such account as may be specified by the Administrative Agent, except payments to be made directly to any Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender shall be made as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto and payments pursuant to other Loan Documents shall be made to the Persons specified therein. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. If any payment (other than payments on the Eurocurrency Loans) under any Loan Document shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day. If any payment on a Eurocurrency Loan becomes due and payable on a day other than a Business Day, the maturity thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless the result of such extension would be to extend such payment into another calendar month, in which event such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day. In the case of any payment of principal pursuant to the preceding two sentences, interest thereon shall be payable at the then applicable rate for the period of such extension. All payments or prepayments of any Loan shall be made in the currency in which such Loan is denominated, all reimbursements of any LC Disbursements shall be made in dollars, all payments of accrued interest payable on a Loan or LC Disbursement shall be made in dollars, and all other payments under each Loan Document shall be made in dollars.

(b) If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, unreimbursed LC Disbursements, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder,

 

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ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii) second, towards payment of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due to such parties.

(c) If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Revolving Loans, Term Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or Swingline Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Revolving Loans, Term Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Revolving Loans, Term Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Revolving Loans, Term Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to (A) any payment made by such Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from existence of a Defaulting Lender), (B) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or Swingline Loans to any assignee or participant or (C) any disproportionate payment obtained by a Lender of any Class as a result of the extension by Lenders of the maturity date or expiration date of some but not all Loans or Revolving Commitments of that Class or any increase in the Applicable Rate in respect of Loans of Lenders that have consented to any such extension. The Borrowers consent to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrowers rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrowers in the amount of such participation.

(d) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks hereunder that the Borrowers will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrowers have made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption and in its sole discretion, distribute to the Lenders or Issuing Banks, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrowers have not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or Issuing Banks, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or Issuing Bank with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

(e) If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.04(c), 2.05(e) or 2.05(f), 2.06(a) or (b), 2.18(d) or 9.03(c), then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion and in the order determined by the Administrative Agent (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), (i) apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender’s obligations under such Section until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid and/or (ii) hold any such amounts in a segregated account as cash collateral for, and to be applied to, any future funding obligations of such Lender under any such Section.

 

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SECTION 2.19. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders .

(a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrowers are required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17 or any event that gives rise to the operation of Section 2.23, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or its participation in any Letter of Credit affected by such event, or to assign and delegate its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment and delegation (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.15 or mitigate the applicability of Section 2.23, as the case may be, and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense reasonably deemed by such Lender to be material and would not be inconsistent with the internal policies of, or otherwise be disadvantageous in any material economic, legal or regulatory respect to, such Lender.

(b) If (i) any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15 or gives notice under Section 2.23, (ii) the Borrowers are required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or to any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, or (iii) any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrowers may, at their sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment and delegation), provided that (A) the Borrowers shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent to the extent such consent would be required under Section 9.04(b) for an assignment of Loans or Commitments, as applicable (and if a Revolving Commitment is being assigned and delegated, each Principal Issuing Bank and each Swingline Lender), which consents, in each case, shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed, (B) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and unreimbursed participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, accrued but unpaid interest thereon, accrued but unpaid fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrowers (in the case of all other amounts), (C) the Borrowers or such assignee shall have paid (unless waived) to the Administrative Agent the processing and recordation fee specified in Section 9.04(b)(ii) and (D) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.15, payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17 or a notice given under Section 2.23, such assignment will result in a material reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise (including as a result of any action taken by such Lender under paragraph (a) above), the circumstances entitling the Borrowers to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Each party hereto agrees that an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the assignee and that the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto.

SECTION 2.20. Increased Term Loans .

(a) At any time and from time to time after the Effective Date, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Parent Borrower may, by notice to the Administrative Agent (whereupon the Administrative Agent shall promptly make available to each of the Lenders), request to effect one or more additional tranches of term loans hereunder or increases in the aggregate amount of the Term Loans which may take the form of an additional tranche of term loans hereunder (each such increase, an “ Incremental Term Loan ”) from one or more the Additional Lenders; provided that at the time of each such request and upon the effectiveness of each Incremental Term Facility Amendment, (A) no Event of Default

 

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shall have occurred and be continuing or shall result therefrom, (B) the maturity date of any Incremental Term Loans shall not be earlier than the Term Maturity Date and the weighted average life to maturity of the Incremental Term Loans shall not be shorter than the remaining weighted average life to maturity of the Term Loans, (C) the interest rate margins, rate floors, fees, premiums, funding discounts and, subject to clause (B), the amortization schedule for any Incremental Term Loans shall be determined by the Borrowers and the applicable Additional Lenders, in the event that the yield on any Incremental Term Loans is higher than the yield for the Term Loans by more than 50 basis points, then the yield for the Term Loans shall be increased to the extent necessary so that such yield is equal to the yield for such Incremental Term Loans minus 50 basis points; provided, further, that, in determining the yield applicable to the Incremental Term Loans and the Term Loans (x) original issue discount (“OID”) or upfront fees (which shall be deemed to constitute like amounts of OID) payable by the Borrowers to the Term Lenders or any Additional Lenders in the initial primary syndication thereof shall be included (with OID being equated to interest based on assumed four-year life to maturity), (y) customary arrangement or commitment fees payable to any of the Joint Bookrunners (or their respective affiliates) in connection with this Agreement or to one or more arrangers (or their affiliates) of any Incremental Term Loan shall be excluded and (z) if the Incremental Term Loans include an interest rate floor greater than the interest rate floor applicable to the Term Loans, such increased amount shall be equated to interest margin for purposes of determining whether an increase to the applicable interest margin for the Term Loans shall be required, to the extent an increase in the interest rate floor in the Term Loans would cause an increase in the interest rate then in effect, and in such case the interest rate floor (but not the interest rate margin) applicable to the Term Loans shall be increased by such increased amount, (D) the Incremental Term Loans shall be secured solely by the Collateral on an equal and ratable basis (or a junior basis, subject to a Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement), including a second-out position relative to the Revolving Commitments and related obligations, (E) any Incremental Term Facility Amendment shall be on the terms and pursuant to documentation to be determined by the Parent Borrower and the Additional Lenders and (F) such Incremental Term Loans may be provided in any currency as mutually agreed among the Administrative Agent, the Parent Borrower and the applicable Additional Lenders; provided that to the extent such terms and documentation are not consistent with this Agreement (except to the extent permitted by clause (B), (C) or (F)), they shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. Notwithstanding anything to contrary herein, the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of the Incremental Term Loans, and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of all Additional Notes issued after the Effective Date pursuant to Section 6.01(a)(xxii) shall not exceed the Incremental Cap at such time. Each Incremental Term Loan shall be in a minimum principal amount of $10,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; provided that such amount may be less than $10,000,000 if such amount represents all the remaining availability under the aggregate principal amount of Incremental Term Loans set forth above.

(b) (i) Each notice from a Borrower pursuant to this Section shall set forth the requested amount of the relevant Incremental Term Loans.

(ii) Commitments in respect of any Incremental Term Loans shall become Commitments under this Agreement pursuant to an amendment (an “ Incremental Term Facility Amendment ”) to this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents executed by each Borrower, such Additional Lender and the Administrative Agent. Incremental Term Loans may be provided, subject to the prior written consent of the Parent Borrower (not to be unreasonably withheld), by any existing Lender (it being understood that no existing Lender shall have any right to participate in any Incremental Term Loans or, unless it agrees, be obligated to provide any Incremental Term Loans) or by any Additional Lender. An Incremental Term Facility Amendment may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments to any Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent, to effect the provisions of this Section. The effectiveness of any Incremental Term Facility Amendment shall, unless otherwise agreed to by the Administrative Agent and the

 

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Additional Term Lenders, be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof (each, an “ Incremental Term Facility Closing Date ”) of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (it being understood that all references to “the date of such Borrowing” in Section 4.02 shall be deemed to refer to the Incremental Term Facility Closing Date) and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative Agent of legal opinions, board resolutions, officers’ certificates and/or reaffirmation agreements consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date under Section 4.01 (other than changes to such legal opinions resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent).

(c) Upon each Incremental Term Loan pursuant to this Section, each Additional Term Lender (each, an “ Incremental Term Loan Lender ”) shall make an additional term loan to the Borrower in a principal amount equal to such Lender’s Incremental Term Loan Any such term loan shall be a “Term Loan” for all purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

(d) This Section 2.20 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.18 or Section 9.02 to the contrary.

SECTION 2.21. Refinancing Amendments .

(a) At any time after the Effective Date, the Parent Borrower may obtain, from any Lender or any Additional Lender, Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of (a) all or any portion of the Term Loans then outstanding under this Agreement (which for purposes of this clause (a) will be deemed to include any then outstanding Other Term Loans) or (b) all or any portion of the Revolving Loans (or unused Revolving Commitments) under this Agreement (which for purposes of this clause (b) will be deemed to include any then outstanding Other Revolving Loans and Other Revolving Commitments), in the form of (x) Other Term Loans or Other Term Commitments or (y) Other Revolving Loans or Other Revolving Commitments, as the case may be, in each case pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment; provided that such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness (i) will have such pricing and optional prepayment terms as may be agreed by the Borrower and the Lenders thereof, (ii) (x) with respect to any Other Revolving Loans or Other Revolving Commitments, will have a maturity date that is not prior to the maturity date of Revolving Loans (or unused Revolving Commitments) being refinanced and (y) with respect to any Other Term Loans or Other Term Commitments, will have a maturity date that is not prior to the maturity date of the Term Loans being refinanced, and (iii) the proceeds of such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness shall be applied, substantially concurrently with the incurrence thereof, to the prepayment of outstanding Term Loans or reduction of Revolving Commitments being so refinanced, as the case may be; provided further that the terms and conditions applicable to such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness may provide for any additional or different financial or other covenants or other provisions that are agreed between the Parent Borrower and the Lenders thereof and applicable only during periods after the Latest Maturity Date that is in effect on the date such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness is issued, incurred or obtained. The effectiveness of any Refinancing Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative Agent of legal opinions, board resolutions, officers’ certificates and/or reaffirmation agreements consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date under Section 4.01 (other than changes to such legal opinions resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent). Each Class of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness incurred under this Section 2.21 shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is (x) not less than $10,000,000 in the case of Other Term Loans or $10,000,000 in the case of Other Revolving Loans and (y) an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Any Refinancing Amendment may provide for the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of the Parent Borrower, or the provision to the Parent Borrower of Swingline Loans, pursuant to any Other Revolving Commitments established thereby, in each case on terms substantially

 

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equivalent to the terms applicable to Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans under the Revolving Commitments. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender as to the effectiveness of each Refinancing Amendment. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that, upon the effectiveness of any Refinancing Amendment, this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to reflect the existence and terms of the Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness incurred pursuant thereto (including any amendments necessary to treat the Loans and Commitments subject thereto as Other Term Loans, Other Revolving Loans, Other Revolving Commitments and/or Other Term Commitments). Any Refinancing Amendment may, without the consent of any other 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 Parent Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section. In addition, if so provided in the relevant Refinancing Amendment and with the consent of each Issuing Bank, participations in Letters of Credit expiring on or after the Revolving Maturity Date shall be reallocated from Lenders holding Revolving Commitments to Lenders holding extended revolving commitments in accordance with the terms of such Refinancing Amendment; provided , however , that such participation interests shall, upon receipt thereof by the relevant Lenders holding Revolving Commitments, be deemed to be participation interests in respect of such Revolving Commitments and the terms of such participation interests (including, without limitation, the commission applicable thereto) shall be adjusted accordingly.

(b) This Section 2.21 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.18 or Section 9.02 to the contrary.

SECTION 2.22. Defaulting Lenders .

(a) Adjustments . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as that Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law:

(i) Waivers and Amendments . Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in Section 9.02.

(ii) Reallocation of Payments . Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of that Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VII or otherwise, and including any amounts made available to the Administrative Agent by that Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 9.08), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first , to the payment of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second , in the case of a Revolving Lender, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to each Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender hereunder; third , as the Parent Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fourth , in the case of a Revolving Lender, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Parent Borrower, to be held in a non-interest bearing deposit account and released in order to satisfy obligations of that Defaulting Lender to fund Loans under this Agreement; fifth , to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, such Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; sixth , so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to a Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Parent Borrower against that

 

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Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and seventh , to that Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or LC Disbursements and such Lender is a Defaulting Lender under clause (a) of the definition thereof, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the relevant Loans of, and LC Disbursements owed to, the relevant non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied pursuant to Section 2.05(j). Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to Section 2.05(j) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by that Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

(iii) Certain Fees . That Defaulting Lender (x) shall not be entitled to receive or accrue any commitment fee pursuant to Section 2.12(a) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender) and (y) shall be limited in its right to receive Letter of Credit Fees as provided in Section 2.12(b).

(iv) Reallocation of Applicable Percentages to Reduce Fronting Exposure . During any period in which there is a Defaulting Lender, for purposes of computing the amount of the obligation of each non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Swingline Loans and Letters of Credit pursuant to Sections 2.04 and 2.05, the “Applicable Percentage” of each non-Defaulting Lender shall be computed without giving effect to the Revolving Commitment of that Defaulting Lender; provided that the aggregate obligation of each non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans shall not exceed the positive difference, if any, of (1) the Revolving Commitment of that non-Defaulting Lender minus (2) the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Loans of that Lender.

(b) Defaulting Lender Cure . If the Parent Borrower, the Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and each Issuing Bank agree in writing in their sole discretion that a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any cash collateral), such Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Applicable Percentages (without giving effect to Section 2.22(a)(iv)), whereupon that Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrowers while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided , further , that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

SECTION 2.23. 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 to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Adjusted LIBO Rate, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrowers through the Administrative Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurocurrency Loans or to convert ABR Loans denominated in dollars to Eurocurrency Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, (x) the Borrowers shall, upon three

 

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Business Days’ notice from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all Eurocurrency Loans of such Lender to ABR Loans either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency Loans, and (y) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the Administrative Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute the Alternate Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate component thereof until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by such Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Adjusted LIBO Rate. Each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers in writing promptly upon becoming aware that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Adjusted LIBO Rate. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrowers shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Each of Holdings and the Parent Borrower (and the Co-Borrower as to itself and its Restricted Subsidiaries) represents and warrants to the Lenders that:

SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers . Each of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept exists in the relevant jurisdictions) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has the corporate or other organizational power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under each Loan Document to which it is a party and to effect the Transactions and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required.

SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability . The Transactions to be entered into by each Loan Party have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other action and, if required, action by the holders of such Loan Party’s Equity Interests. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of Holdings and the Borrowers and constitutes, and each other Loan Document to which any Loan Party is to be a party, when executed and delivered by such Loan Party, will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of Holdings, the Borrowers or such Loan Party, as the case may be, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts . The Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect and except filings necessary to perfect Liens created under the Loan Documents, (b) will not violate (i) the Organizational Documents of, or (ii) any Requirements of Law applicable to, Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture or other agreement or instrument binding upon Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary or their respective assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment, repurchase or redemption to be made by Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary, or give rise to a right of, or result in, termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation thereunder, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any other

 

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Restricted Subsidiary, except Liens created under the Loan Documents, except (in the case of each of clauses (a), (b)(ii) and (c)) to the extent that the failure to obtain or make such consent, approval, registration, filing or action, or such violation, as the case may be, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Effect .

(a) Holdings has heretofore furnished to the Lenders the Audited Financial Statements. The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein and (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Target and its subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein.

(b) The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Target and its subsidiaries dated May 27, 2011 and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal quarter ended on that date (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, and (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Target and its subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments.

(c) Holdings has heretofore furnished to the Lenders the consolidated pro forma balance sheet of the Parent Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of May 27, 2011, and the related consolidated pro forma statement of income of the Parent Borrower as of and for the twelve-month period then ended (such pro forma balance sheet and statement of income, the “ Pro Forma Financial Statements ”), which have been prepared giving effect to the Transactions (excluding the impact of purchase accounting effects required by GAAP) as if such transactions had occurred on such date or at the beginning of such period, as the case may be. The Pro Forma Financial Statements have been prepared in good faith, based on assumptions believed by Holdings to be reasonable as of the date of delivery thereof, and present fairly in all material respects on a pro forma basis the estimated financial position of the Parent Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of May 27, 2011, and their estimated results of operations for the periods covered thereby, assuming that the Transactions had actually occurred at such date or at the beginning of such period (excluding the impact of purchase accounting effects required by GAAP).

(d) Since August 27, 2010, there has been no Material Adverse Effect ( provided that the representation set forth in this Section 3.04(c) shall not be deemed made on the Effective Date in respect of any Borrowings or extensions of credit made hereunder on such date).

SECTION 3.05. Properties .

(a) Each of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its real and personal property material to its business, if any (including the Mortgaged Properties), (i) free and clear of all Liens except for Liens permitted by Section 6.02 and (ii) except for minor defects in title that do not interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted or as proposed to be conducted or to utilize such properties for their intended purposes, in each case, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Each of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use, all Intellectual Property material to the conduct of its business, and the use thereof by

 

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Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries does not infringe upon the Intellectual Property rights of any other Person, in each case except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) As of the Effective Date after giving effect to the Transactions, none of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary owns any real property.

SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters .

(a) There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Parent Borrower, threatened in writing against or affecting Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, none of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Parent Borrower, become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received written notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) has, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Parent Borrower, any basis to reasonably expect that Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary will become subject to any Environmental Liability.

SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements . Each of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries is in compliance with (a) its Organizational Documents, (b) all Requirements of Law applicable to it or its property and (c) all indentures and other agreements and instruments binding upon it or its property, except, in the case of clauses (b) and (c) of this Section, where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.08. Investment Company Status . None of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.

SECTION 3.09. Taxes . Except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, Holdings, the Parent Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary (a) have timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and (b) have paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid (whether or not shown on a Tax return) including in their capacity as tax withholding agents, except any Taxes (i) that are not overdue by more than 30 days or (ii) that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, provided that Holdings, the Parent Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, has set aside on its books adequate reserves therefore in accordance with GAAP.

SECTION 3.10. ERISA .

(a) Except as could not, 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) Except as could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (i) no ERISA Event has occurred during the five year period prior to the

 

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date on which this representation is made or deemed made with respect to any Plan, (ii) no Plan has an “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code), whether or not waived, (iii) neither Holdings nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA), (iv) neither Holdings 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 (v) neither Holdings nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Section 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA.

SECTION 3.11. Disclosure . Neither (a) the Information Memorandum as of the Effective Date nor (b) any of the other reports, financial statements, certificates or other written information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of any Loan Document or delivered thereunder (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, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading, provided that, with respect to projected financial information, Holdings and the Parent Borrower represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by them to be reasonable at the time delivered and, if such projected financial information was delivered prior to the Effective Date, as of the Effective Date, it being understood that any such projected financial information may vary from actual results and such variations could be material.

SECTION 3.12. Subsidiaries . As of the Effective Date, Schedule 3.12 sets forth the name of, and the ownership interest of Holdings and each Subsidiary in, each Subsidiary.

SECTION 3.13. Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc . Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries own, license or possess the right to use, all of the rights to Intellectual Property that are reasonably necessary for the operation of their businesses as currently conducted, and, without conflict with the rights of any Person, except to the extent such conflicts, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Holdings, the Borrowers or any Restricted Subsidiary do not, in the operation of their business as currently conducted, infringe upon any Intellectual Property rights held by any Person except for such infringements, individually or in the aggregate, which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No claim or litigation regarding any of the Intellectual Property owned by Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiaries is pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings and the Parent Borrower, threatened in writing against Holdings, each Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.14. Solvency . Immediately after the consummation of the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, after taking into account all applicable rights of indemnity and contribution, (a) the fair value of the assets of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, at a fair valuation, will exceed their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, will be able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured, and (d) Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which they are engaged as such business is now conducted and is

 

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proposed to be conducted following the Effective Date. For purposes of this Section 3.14, the amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all of the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that could reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

SECTION 3.15. Senior Indebtedness . The Loan Document Obligations constitute “Senior Indebtedness” (or any comparable term) under and as defined in the documentation governing any other Subordinated Indebtedness.

SECTION 3.16. Federal Reserve Regulations . None of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any other Subsidiary is engaged or will engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock. No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, directly or indirectly, to purchase or carry any margin stock or to refinance any Indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose, or for any other purpose that entails a violation (including on the part of any Lender) of the provisions of Regulations U or X of the Board of Governors.

SECTION 3.17. Use of Proceeds . The Borrowers will use the proceeds of (a) the Term Loans made on the Effective Date to finance the Transaction and pay Transaction Costs and (b) the Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans on the Effective Date to pay a portion of the Transaction costs and after the Effective Date for general corporate purposes.

ARTICLE IV

CONDITIONS

SECTION 4.01. Effective Date . The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of each Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions shall be satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02):

(a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from each party hereto either (i) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include facsimile or other electronic transmission of a signed counterpart of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement.

(b) The Administrative Agent shall have received a written opinion (addressed to the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks and dated the Effective Date) of each of (i) Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York counsel for the Loan Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit F-1 , (ii) Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados, Brazilian counsel for the Loan Parties in form of Exhibit F-2 , (iii) Walkers Global, Cayman counsel for the Loan Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit F-3 , (iv) De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek N.V., Dutch counsel for the Administrative Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit F-4 , and (v) Elvinger, Hoss & Prussen, Luxembourg counsel for the Loan Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit F-5 and, in the case of each such opinion required by this paragraph, covering such other matters relating to the Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the Transactions as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request. Each of Holdings and the Parent Borrower hereby requests such counsel to deliver such opinions.

 

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(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of each Loan Party, dated the Effective Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit I with appropriate insertions, executed by any Responsible Officer of such Loan Party, and including or attaching the documents referred to in paragraph (d) of this Section.

(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of (i) each Organizational Document of each Loan Party certified, to the extent applicable, as of a recent date by the applicable Governmental Authority, (ii) signature and incumbency certificates of the Responsible Officers of each Loan Party executing the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (iii) resolutions of the board of directors and/or similar governing bodies of each Loan Party approving and authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of Loan Documents to which it is a party, certified as of the Effective Date by its secretary, an assistant secretary or a Responsible Officer as being in full force and effect without modification or amendment, and (iv) a good standing certificate (to the extent such concept exists) from the applicable Governmental Authority of each Loan Party’s jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation.

(e) The Administrative Agent shall have received all fees and other amounts previously agreed in writing by the Joint Bookrunners and Holdings to be due and payable on or prior to the Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced at least three Business Days prior to the Effective Date, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel) required to be reimbursed or paid by any Loan Party under any Loan Document.

(f) The Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall have been satisfied and the Administrative Agent shall have received a completed Perfection Certificate dated the Effective Date and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Parent Borrower, together with all attachments contemplated thereby, including the results of a search of the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent) filings made with respect to Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the jurisdictions contemplated by the Perfection Certificate and copies of the financing statements (or similar documents) disclosed by such search and evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that the Liens indicated by such financing statements (or similar documents) are permitted by Section 6.02 or have been or will contemporaneously with the initial funding of Loans on the Effective Date be released; provided that if, notwithstanding the use by Holdings and the Parent Borrower of commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to be satisfied on the Effective Date, the requirements thereof (other than (a) the execution and delivery of the Guarantee Agreement and the Collateral Agreement by the Loan Parties, (b) creation of and perfection of security interests in the Equity Interests of (i) Domestic Subsidiaries of Holdings and the Parent Borrower, and (c) delivery of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements with respect to perfection of security interests in other assets of the Loan Parties that may be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code) are not satisfied as of the Effective Date, the satisfaction of such requirements shall not be a condition to the availability of the initial Loans on the Effective Date (but shall be required to be satisfied as promptly as practicable after the Effective Date and in any event within the period specified therefor in Schedule 5.14 or such later date as the Administrative Agent may reasonably agree).

(g) Subject to the qualifications set forth in the lead-in to Article III of the Acquisition Agreement, since August 27, 2010 to April 26, 2011, there has not been any change, event development or effect that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Target Material Adverse Effect. Since April 26, 2011 there has not been any change, event, development or effect that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Target Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(h) Certificates of insurance shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent evidencing the existence of insurance to be maintained by Holdings and the Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 5.07 and, if applicable, the Administrative Agent shall be designated as an additional insured and loss payee or mortgage endorsement as its interest may appear hereunder, or solely as the additional insured, as the case may be, hereunder ( provided that if such endorsement as additional insured cannot be delivered by the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent may consent to such endorsement being delivered at such later date as it deems appropriate in the circumstances).

(i) The Joint Bookrunners shall have received the (i) Pro Forma Financial Statements, (ii) Audited Financial Statements and (iii) unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income, changes in equity and cash flows of the Target for each subsequent fiscal quarter after August 27, 2010 ended at least 45 days before the Effective Date (excluding footnotes).

(j) The Specified Representations shall be true and correct on and as of the Effective Date.

(k) The Acquisition shall have been consummated, or substantially simultaneously with the initial funding of Loans on the Effective Date, shall be consummated, in all material respects in accordance with the Acquisition Agreement (without giving effect to any amendments, supplements, waivers or other modifications to or of the Acquisition Agreement that are material and adverse to the Lenders or the Joint Book runners as reasonably determined by the Joint Book runners (it being understood that (x) any modification, amendment, consent or waiver to the definition of “Material Adverse Effect” shall be deemed to be material and adverse to the interest of the Lenders and the Joint Bookrunners and (y) (i) any reduction in the purchase price of the Acquisition shall be deemed to be material and adverse to the interest of the Lenders and the Joint Bookrunners ( provided that, in no event shall a reduction of the purchase price by less than 10% be deemed material for such purposes and any such reduction shall not require the prior consent of the Joint Bookrunners) and (ii) any reduction in the purchase price of the Acquisition (other than a reduction covered by the foregoing clause (y)(i)) shall not be deemed to be material and adverse to the interest of the Lenders and the Joint Bookrunners if such reduction is allocated to ratably reduce the pro forma equity capitalization of the Target and the Term Loans)).

(l) The Equity Financing shall have occurred and Holdings shall have received cash proceeds from the Equity Financing in an amount that, together with the Rolled Equity, is at least equal to 45% of the total pro forma debt and equity capitalization of Holdings and its subsidiaries (on a consolidated basis) on the Effective Date after giving effect to the Transactions.

(m) After giving effect to the Transactions, (i) none of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any other Subsidiary shall have outstanding any Disqualified Equity Interests or any Indebtedness, other than (A) Indebtedness incurred under the Loan Documents and (B) Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01. Without limiting the foregoing, the Refinancing Transaction shall have occurred.

(n) The Lenders shall have received a certificate from the chief financial officer of the Parent Borrower certifying as to the solvency of the Parent Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis after giving effect to the Transactions.

(o) The Administrative Agent and the Joint Bookrunners shall have received all documentation and other information about the Loan Parties as shall have been reasonably requested in writing at least 10 days prior to the Effective Date by the Administrative Agent or the Joint Bookrunners that they shall have reasonably determined is required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the USA Patriot Act.

 

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The Administrative Agent shall notify Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing conditions shall have been satisfied (or waived pursuant to Section 9.02) at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 6, 2011 (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Commitments shall terminate at such time).

SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event . The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, and of each Issuing Bank to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, in each case other than on the Effective Date is subject to receipt of the request therefor in accordance herewith and to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

(a) The representations and warranties of each Loan Party set forth in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as the case may be (in each case, unless such date is the Effective Date); provided that, to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date; provided further that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality”, “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language shall be true and correct in all respects on the date of such credit extension or on such earlier date, as the case may be.

(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as the case may be (unless such Borrowing is on the Effective Date), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(c) At the time of any Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans are drawn upon or Letters of Credit are issued (if after giving effect to such Letter of Credit there would be more than $1,000,000 of Letters of Credit outstanding that are not cash collateralized), after giving Pro Forma Effect thereto, the Secured Net Leverage shall not exceed 4.50 to 1.00.

Each Borrowing ( provided that a conversion or a continuation of a Borrowing shall not constitute a “Borrowing” for purposes of this Section) and each issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by Holdings and each Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section.

 

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ARTICLE V

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

Until the Commitments shall have expired or been terminated, the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees, expenses and other amounts (other than contingent amounts not yet due) payable under any Loan Document shall have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or been terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, each of Holdings and the Parent Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements and Other Information . The Parent Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of each Lender:

(a) on or before the date on which such financial statements are required or permitted to be filed with the SEC (or, if such financial statements are not required to be filed with the SEC, on or before the date that is 120 days after the end of each such fiscal year of Parent Borrower (or, in the case of financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 26, 2011, on or before the date that is 150 days after the end of such fiscal year)), audited consolidated balance sheet and audited consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Parent Borrower (or, in the case of financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 26, 2011, the Target) as of the end of and for such year, and related notes thereto, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by KPMG LLP or other independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception (other than with respect to, or resulting from any potential inability to satisfy the covenant in Section 6.12 of this Agreement in a future date or period) and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition as of the end of and for such year and results of operations and cash flows of the Parent Borrower and its Subsidiaries (or, in the case of the fiscal year ended August 26, 2011, the Target and its subsidiaries) on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;

(b) commencing with the financial statements for the fiscal quarter ending November 25, 2011, on or before the date on which such financial statements are required or permitted to be filed with the SEC with respect to each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Parent Borrower (or, if such financial statements are not required to be filed with the SEC, on or before the date that is 60 days after the end of each such fiscal quarter (or, in the case of financial statements for the fiscal quarter ended November 25, 2011 on or before the date that is 90 days after the end of such fiscal quarter and in the case of financial statements for the fiscal quarters ended February 24, 2012 and May 25, 2012, respectively, on or before the date that is 75 days after the end of such fiscal quarter)), unaudited consolidated balance sheet and unaudited consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth for each fiscal quarter commencing with the fiscal quarter ending November 30, 2012 in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by a Financial Officer as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and such portion of the fiscal year and results of operations and cash flows of Holdings and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

(c) simultaneously with the delivery of each set of consolidated financial statements referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above, the related consolidating financial statements reflecting adjustments necessary to eliminate the accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (if any) from such consolidated financial statements;

(d) not later than five days after any delivery of financial statements under paragraph (a) or (b) above, a certificate of a Financial Officer (i) certifying as to whether a Default has

 

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occurred and, if a Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations (A) demonstrating compliance with the covenants contained in Section 6.12 and (B) in the case of financial statements delivered under paragraph (a) above, beginning with the financial statements for the fiscal year of the Parent Borrower ending August 31, 2012, of Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year and (iii) in the case of financial statements delivered under paragraph (a) above, setting forth a reasonably detailed calculation of the Net Proceeds received during the applicable period by or on behalf of the Parent Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any event described in clause (a) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event” and the portion of such Net Proceeds that has been invested or are intended to be reinvested in accordance with the proviso in Section 2.11(c);

(e) not later than five days after any delivery of financial statements under paragraph (a) above, a certificate of the accounting firm that reported on such financial statements stating whether it obtained knowledge during the course of its examination of such financial statements of any Default relating to Sections 6.12 and, if such knowledge has been obtained, describing such Default (which certificate may be limited to the extent required by accounting rules or guidelines);

(f) not later than 120 days after the commencement of each fiscal year of the Parent Borrower (or in the case of the fiscal year ended August 26, 2011, on or before the date that is 150 days at the end of such fiscal year), a detailed consolidated budget for the Parent Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year (including a projected consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statements of projected operations, comprehensive income and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal year and setting forth the material assumptions used for purposes of preparing such budget);

(g) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and registration statements (other than amendments to any registration statement (to the extent such registration statement, in the form it became effective, is delivered to the Administrative Agent), exhibits to any registration statement and, if applicable, any registration statement on Form S-8) filed by Holdings, the Parent Borrower or Subsidiaries (or, if the Parent Borrower is a subsidiary of the IPO Entity, the IPO Entity) with the SEC or with any national securities exchange, or distributed by the Parent Borrower (or, if the Parent Borrower is a subsidiary of the IPO Entity, the IPO Entity) to the holders of its Equity Interests generally, as the case may be;

(h) promptly following any request therefor, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of any Loan Document, as the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of any Lender may reasonably request in writing; and

(i) (i) not later than 90 days after the end of the fiscal year of Parent Borrower ended August 26, 2011, summary unaudited and abbreviated consolidated financial information of the Parent Borrower of such type that are provided to the Board of Directors of Holdings or to senior management and (ii) not later than 60 days after the end of each of the fiscal quarters ended November 25, 2011, February 24, 2012 and May 25, 2012, summary unaudited and abbreviated consolidated financial information of the Parent Borrower of such type that are provided to the Board of Directors of Holdings or to senior management.

 

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The Parent Borrower will hold and participate in a quarterly conference call for Lenders to discuss financial information delivered pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) and (f) of this Section 5.01. The Parent Borrower will hold such conference call following the last day of each fiscal quarter of the Parent Borrower and not later than five Business Days from the time that the Parent Borrower delivers the financial information as set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 5.01. Prior to each conference call, the Parent Borrower shall issue a press release to the appropriate wire services announcing the time and date of such conference call and, unless the call is to be open to the public, Lenders, securities analysts and prospective lenders to contact the office of the Parent Borrower’s chief financial officer or investor relations department to obtain access. If the Parent Borrower is holding a conference call open to the public to discuss the most recent quarter’s financial performance, the Parent Borrower will not be required to hold a second, separate call just for the Lenders.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 5.01 may be satisfied with respect to financial information of the Parent Borrower and its Subsidiaries by furnishing (A) the Form 10-K or 10-Q (or the equivalent), as applicable, of the Parent Borrower (or a parent company thereof) filed with the SEC or with a similar regulatory authority in a foreign jurisdiction or (B) the applicable financial statement of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings); provided that to the extent such information relates to a parent of the Parent Borrower, such information is accompanied by consolidating information, which may be unaudited, that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to such parent, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Parent Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a stand-alone basis, on the other hand, and to the extent such information is in lieu of information required to be provided under Section 5.01(a), such materials are accompanied by a report and opinion of KPMG LLP or any other 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 (other than with respect to, or resulting from any potential inability to satisfy the covenant in Section 6.12 of this Agreement in a future date or period) or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a), (b) or (f) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Parent Borrower’s website on the Internet; (B) on which such documents are posted on the Parent Borrower’s behalf on IntraLinks/IntraAgency or another 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) the Parent Borrower shall deliver such documents to the Administrative Agent upon its reasonable request until a written notice to cease delivering such documents is given by the Administrative Agent and (ii) the Parent Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent (by telecopier or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and upon its reasonable request, provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions ( i.e ., soft copies) of such documents. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or maintain paper copies of the documents referred to above, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents and maintaining its copies of such documents.

The Parent Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Joint Bookrunners will make available to the Lenders and the Issuing Bank materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Parent Borrower hereunder (collectively, “ Parent Borrower Materials ”) by posting the Parent 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 Parent Borrower or its Affiliates, or the respective

 

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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 Parent Borrower hereby agrees that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to identify that portion of the Parent Borrower Materials that may be distributed to the Public Lenders and that (w) all such Parent 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 Parent Borrower Materials “PUBLIC”, the Parent Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Joint Bookrunners, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders to treat such Parent Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information (although it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to the Parent Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws ( provided , however , that to the extent such Parent Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 9.12); (y) all Parent 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 the Arranger shall be entitled to treat any Parent 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 Parent Borrower shall be under no obligation to mark any Parent Borrower Materials “PUBLIC”.

SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events . Promptly after any Responsible Officer of Holdings or any Borrower obtains actual knowledge thereof, Holdings or such Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent (for distribution to each Lender through the Administrative Agent) written notice of the following:

(a) the occurrence of any Default; and

(b) the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or, to the knowledge of a Financial Officer or another executive officer of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, affecting Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or the receipt of a notice of an Environmental Liability that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

Each notice delivered under this Section shall be accompanied by a written statement of a Responsible Officer of Holdings or the Parent Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

SECTION 5.03. Information Regarding Collateral .

(a) Holdings or the Parent Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent prompt (and in any event within 30 days or such longer period as reasonably agreed to by the Administrative Agent) written notice of any change (i) in any Loan Party’s legal name (as set forth in its certificate of organization or like document), (ii) in the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of any Loan Party or in the form of its organization or (iii) in any Loan Party’s organizational identification number.

(b) Not later than five days after delivery of financial statements pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b), Holdings or the Parent Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate executed by a Responsible Officer of Holdings or the Parent Borrower (i) setting forth the information required pursuant to Sections 1(a)(i), 1(b), 2, 5, 6, 8 (other than 8(f)) of the Perfection Certificate or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the date of the Perfection Certificate delivered on the Effective Date or the date of the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to this Section, (ii) identifying any wholly-owned Subsidiary that has become, or ceased to be a Material Subsidiary during the most recently ended fiscal quarter and (iii) certifying that all notices required to be given prior to the date of such certificate by Section 5.03 or 5.12 have been given.

 

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SECTION 5.04. Existence; Conduct of Business . Each of Holdings and the Parent Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to obtain, preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names material to the conduct of its business, in each case (other than the preservation of the existence of Holdings and the Parent Borrower) to the extent that the failure to do so could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03 or any Disposition permitted by Section 6.05.

SECTION 5.05. Payment of Taxes, etc . Each of Holdings and the Parent Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, pay its obligations in respect of Taxes before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where the failure to make payment could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.06. Maintenance of Properties . Each of Holdings and the Parent Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.07. Insurance .

(a) Each of Holdings and the Parent Borrower will, and will cause each other Subsidiary to, maintain, with insurance companies that Holdings believes (in the good faith judgment of the management of Holdings and the Parent Borrower) are financially sound and responsible at the time the relevant coverage is placed or renewed, insurance in at least such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance which Holdings and the Parent Borrower believes (in the good faith judgment of management of Holdings and the Parent Borrower) is reasonable and prudent in light of the size and nature of its business) and against at least such risks (and with such risk retentions) as Holdings and the Parent Borrower believes (in the good faith judgment or the management of Holdings and the Parent Borrower) are reasonable and prudent in light of the size and nature of its business; and will furnish to the Lenders, upon written request from the Administrative Agent, information presented in reasonable detail as to the insurance so carried. Each such policy of insurance shall (i) name the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders as an additional insured thereunder as its interests may appear and (ii) in the case of each casualty insurance policy, contain a loss payable clause or endorsement that names Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders as the loss payee thereunder.

(b) If any portion of any Mortgaged Property subject to FEMA rules and regulations is at any time located in an area identified by FEMA (or any successor agency) as a Special Flood Hazard Area with respect to which flood insurance has been made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (as now or hereafter in effect or successor act thereto, the “Flood Insurance Laws”), then the Parent Borrower shall, or shall cause the relevant Loan Party to (i) maintain or cause to be maintained, flood insurance sufficient to comply with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Flood Insurance Laws and (ii) deliver to the Administrative Agent evidence of such compliance.

SECTION 5.08. Books and Records; Inspection and Audit Rights . Each of Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, 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

 

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GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all material financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be. Each of Holdings and the Parent Borrower will, and will cause its Restricted Subsidiaries to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested; 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 visitation and inspection rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this Section 5.08 and the Administrative Agent shall not exercise such rights more often than two times during any calendar year absent the existence of an Event of Default and only one such time shall be at the Parent Borrower’s expense; provided further that (a) 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 Parent Borrower at any time during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice and (b) the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall give Holdings and the Parent Borrower the opportunity to participate in any discussions with Holdings’ or the Parent Borrower’s independent public accountants.

SECTION 5.09. Compliance with Laws . Each of Holdings and the Parent Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, comply with its Organizational Documents and all Requirements of Law with respect to it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.10. Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit . The Borrowers will use the proceeds of the Term Loans and any Revolving Loans drawn on the Effective Date, together with cash on hand of the Parent Borrower, on the Effective Date to pay a portion of the Transaction Costs (including any upfront fees payable in respect of the Term Loans on the Effective Date). The proceeds of the Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans drawn after the Effective Date will be used only for general corporate purposes (including Permitted Acquisitions). Letters of Credit will be used only for general corporate purposes.

SECTION 5.11. Additional Subsidiaries . If any additional Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent is formed or acquired after the Effective Date, Holdings or the Parent Borrower will, within 30 days after such newly formed or acquired Restricted Subsidiary is formed or acquired, notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and all actions (if any) required to be taken with respect to such newly formed or acquired Subsidiary (unless such Subsidiary is an Excluded Subsidiary) in order to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall have been taken with respect to such Subsidiary and with respect to any Equity Interest in or Indebtedness of such Subsidiary owned by or on behalf of any Loan Party within 30 days after such notice (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably agree).

SECTION 5.12. Further Assurances .

(a) Each of Holdings and the Parent Borrower will, and will cause each Loan Party to, execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, fixture filings, mortgages, deeds of trust and other documents), that may be required under any applicable law and that the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may reasonably request, to cause the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to be and remain satisfied, all at the expense of the Loan Parties.

 

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(b) If, after the Effective Date, any material assets (including any owned (but not leased) real property or improvements thereto or any interest therein) with a fair market value in excess of $5,000,000, are acquired by the Parent Borrower or any other Loan Party or are held by any Subsidiary on or after the time it becomes a Loan Party pursuant to Section 5.11 (other than assets constituting Collateral under a Security Document that become subject to the Lien created by such Security Document upon acquisition thereof or constituting Excluded Assets), the Parent Borrower will notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, if requested by the Administrative Agent, the Parent Borrower will cause such assets to be subjected to a Lien securing the Secured Obligations and will take and cause the other Loan Parties to take, such actions as shall be necessary and reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to grant and perfect such Liens, including actions described in paragraph (a) of this Section, all at the expense of the Loan Parties and subject to last paragraph of the definition of the term “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement”.

SECTION 5.13. Ratings . Each of Holdings and the Parent Borrower will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause (a) the Parent Borrower to continuously have a public corporate credit rating from each of S&P and Moody’s (but not to maintain a specific rating) and (b) the credit facilities made available under this Agreement to be continuously rated by each of S&P and Moody’s (but not to maintain a specific rating).

SECTION 5.14. Certain Post-Closing Obligations . As promptly as practicable, and in any event within the time periods after the Effective Date specified in Schedule 5.14 or such later date as the Administrative Agent reasonably agrees to in writing, including to reasonably accommodate circumstances unforeseen on the Effective Date, Holdings, the Parent Borrower and each other Loan Party shall deliver the documents or take the actions specified on Schedule 5.14 that would have been required to be delivered or taken on the Effective Date but for the proviso to Section 4.01(f), in each case except to the extent otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent pursuant to its authority as set forth in the definition of the term “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement”.

SECTION 5.15. Storage Monetization . Upon the occurrence of Monetization (A) if the Total Net Leverage Ratio at the time of Monetization is equal to or less than 2.45 to 1.00 after giving effect to the Transactions, then the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall receive cash (by means of a cash contribution to the common capital of the Parent Borrower and/or a repayment of debt owing to the Parent Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries by Storage Parent or any of its subsidiaries) in an amount equal to the lesser of (y) the net cash proceeds of such disposition received by Target or any of its Affiliates (other than any of its subsidiaries) and (z) the outstanding amount of Storage Investments immediately prior to such time and (B) if the Total Net Leverage Ratio at the time of such disposition is greater than 2.45 to 1.00, then the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall receive cash (by means of a contribution to its common capital and/or the repayment of debt owing to the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary by Storage Parent or any of its subsidiaries) in an amount equal to the lesser of (y) the net cash proceeds of such disposition received by Target or any of its Affiliates (other than any of its subsidiaries) and (z) the outstanding amount of Storage Investments immediately prior to such time multiplied by two.

SECTION 5.16. Designation of Subsidiaries . The Parent Borrower may at any time after the Effective Date designate any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent Borrower (other than the Co-Borrower) as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (i) immediately before and after such designation on a Pro Forma Basis, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) immediately after giving effect to such designation, the Parent Borrower shall have a Total Net Leverage Ratio less than or equal to 3.5 to 1.0 on a Pro Forma Basis as of the end of the most recent Test Period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b), and (iii) no Subsidiary may be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or continue as

 

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an Unrestricted Subsidiary if it is a “Restricted Subsidiary” for the purpose of any Indebtedness of Holdings or the Parent Borrower. The designation of any Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Effective Date shall constitute an Investment by the Parent Borrower therein at the date of designation in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Parent Borrower’s or its Subsidiary’s (as applicable) 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 Parent 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 Parent Borrower’s or its Subsidiary’s (as applicable) Investment in such Subsidiary.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Unrestricted Subsidiary that has been re-designated a Restricted Subsidiary may not be subsequently re-designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

ARTICLE VI

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees, expenses and other amounts payable (other than contingent amounts not yet due) under any Loan Document have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit have expired or been terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, each of Holdings and each Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness; Certain Equity Securities .

(a) Holdings and the Parent Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:

(i) Indebtedness of Holdings, the Borrowers and any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries under the Loan Documents (including any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 2.20 or 2.21);

(ii) Indebtedness (A) outstanding on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 6.01 and any Permitted Refinancing thereof and (B) intercompany Indebtedness outstanding on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 6.01 ;

(iii) Guarantees by Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of Indebtedness of the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary otherwise permitted hereunder; provided that such Guarantee is otherwise permitted by Section 6.04; provided further that (A) no Guarantee by any Restricted Subsidiary of any Junior Financing shall be permitted unless such Restricted Subsidiary shall have also provided a Guarantee of the Loan Document Obligations pursuant to the Guarantee Agreement and (B) if the Indebtedness being Guaranteed is subordinated to the Loan Document Obligations, such Guarantee shall be subordinated to the Guarantee of the Loan Document Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the subordination of such Indebtedness;

(iv) Indebtedness of the Parent Borrower owing to any Restricted Subsidiary or of any Restricted Subsidiary owing to any other Restricted Subsidiary or the Parent Borrower, Holdings or any Intermediate Parent to the extent permitted by Section 6.04; provided that all such Indebtedness of any Loan Party owing to any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subordinated to the Loan Document Obligations (to the extent any such Indebtedness is outstanding

 

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at any time after the date that is 30 days after the Effective Date or such later date as the Administrative Agent may reasonably agree) (but only to the extent permitted by applicable law and not giving rise to material adverse Tax consequences) on terms (i) at least as favorable to the Lenders as those set forth in the form of intercompany note attached as Exhibit J or (ii) otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(v) (A) Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations) of the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiaries financing the acquisition, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of fixed or capital assets, other than software; provided that such Indebtedness is incurred concurrently with or within 270 days after the applicable acquisition, construction, repair, replacement or improvement, and (B) any Permitted Refinancing of any Indebtedness set forth in the immediately preceding clause (A); provided further that, at the time of any such incurrence of Indebtedness and after giving Pro Forma Effect thereto and the use of the proceeds thereof, the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness that is outstanding in reliance on this clause (v) shall not exceed the greater of $25,000,000 and 25% of Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended Test Period as of such time for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b);

(vi) Indebtedness in respect of Swap Agreements permitted by Section 6.07;

(vii) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (or of any Person not previously a Restricted Subsidiary that is merged or consolidated with or into the Parent Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary) after the date hereof as a result of a Permitted Acquisition, or Indebtedness of any Person that is assumed by the Parent Borrower any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an acquisition of assets by the Parent Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in a Permitted Acquisition, and Permitted Refinancings thereof; provided that (A) such Indebtedness is not incurred in contemplation of such Permitted Acquisition and (B) after giving effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall have a Total Net Leverage Ratio less than or equal to 3.5 to 1.0 on a Pro Forma Basis as of the end of the most recent Test Period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b);

(viii) [Intentionally Omitted.]

(ix) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees of Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(x) Indebtedness consisting of unsecured promissory notes issued by any Loan Party to current or former officers, directors and employees or their respective estates, spouses or former spouses to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) permitted by Section 6.08(a);

(xi) Indebtedness constituting indemnification obligations or obligations in respect of purchase price or other similar adjustments incurred in a Permitted Acquisition, any other Investment or any Disposition, in each case permitted under this Agreement;

(xii) Indebtedness consisting of obligations under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements incurred in connection with the Transactions or any Permitted Acquisition or other Investment permitted hereunder;

 

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(xiii) Cash Management Obligations and other Indebtedness in respect of netting services, overdraft protections and similar arrangements, in each case, in connection with deposit accounts;

(xiv) Indebtedness of the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that at the time of the incurrence thereof and after giving Pro Forma Effect thereto and the use of the proceeds thereof, (A) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding in reliance on this clause (xiv) shall not exceed $35,000,000 and (B) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding in reliance on this clause (xiv) in respect of which the primary obligor or a guarantor is a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall not exceed $15,000,000;

(xv) 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;

(xvi) Indebtedness incurred by the Parent Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances 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 reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims;

(xvii) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations provided by the Parent Borrower or any of the 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;

(xviii) unsecured Indebtedness of Holdings or any Intermediate Parent (“ Permitted Holdings Debt ”) (A) that is not subject to any Guarantee by any subsidiary thereof, (B) that will not mature prior to the date that is 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date in effect on the date of issuance or incurrence thereof, (C) that has no scheduled amortization or payments, repurchases or redemptions of principal (it being understood that such Indebtedness may have mandatory prepayment, repurchase or redemption provisions satisfying the requirements of clause (E) below), (D) that does not require any payments in cash of interest or other amounts in respect of the principal thereof prior to the date that is 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date in effect on the date of such issuance or incurrence (or, with respect to any such Indebtedness incurred after the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the earlier to occur of (1) the date that is five years from the date of the issuance or incurrence thereof and (2) the date that is 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date in effect on the date of such issuance or incurrence), (E) that has mandatory prepayment, repurchase or redemption, covenant, default and remedy provisions customary for senior or senior subordinated discount notes of an issuer that is the parent of a borrower under senior secured credit facilities, and in any event, with respect to covenant, default and remedy provisions, no more restrictive (taken as a whole) than those set forth in this Agreement (other than provisions customary for senior or senior subordinated discount notes of a holding company), provided that a certificate of a Responsible Officer delivered to the Administrative Agent at least five Business Days prior to the issuance or 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

 

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reasonable description of the basis upon which it disagrees) and (F) that any such Indebtedness of Holdings is subordinated in right of payment to its Guarantee under the Guarantee Agreement; provided further that any such Indebtedness shall constitute Permitted Holdings Debt only if immediately after giving effect to the issuance or incurrence thereof and the use of proceeds thereof, (1) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (2) Holdings and the Subsidiaries will be in Pro Forma Compliance with the covenant set forth in Section 6.12 for, or as of the last day of, the Test Period as of such time assuming that such covenant is always applicable (it being understood that any future capitalized or paid-in-kind interest or accreted principal on such Indebtedness is not subject to this proviso);

(xix) (A) Indebtedness of the Parent Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that (x) such Indebtedness is unsecured and (y) after giving effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness on a Pro Forma Basis, the Total Net Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 3.50 to 1.0 and (B) any Permitted Refinancing of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the foregoing clause (A);

(xx) Indebtedness supported by a Letter of Credit, in a principal amount not to exceed the face amount of such Letter of Credit;

(xxi) Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt, and any Permitted Refinancing thereof;

(xxii) Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt and Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt, and any Permitted Refinancing thereof;

(xxiii) Indebtedness of the Parent Borrower (or the Borrowers on a joint and several basis) in respect of one or more series of senior secured notes that will be secured by the Collateral on a pari passu or junior basis with the Secured Obligations (but in any event, not on a “first out” basis), that are issued or made in lieu of Incremental Loans pursuant to an indenture or a note purchase agreement or otherwise and any extensions, renewals, refinancings and replacements thereof (the “ Additional Notes ”); provided that (i) such Additional Notes are not scheduled to mature prior to the date that is 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date then in effect, (ii) the aggregate principal amount of all Additional Notes issued pursuant to this paragraph (xxii) shall not exceed (x) the Incremental Cap less (y) the amount of all Incremental Term Loans, (iii) such Additional Notes shall not be subject to any Guarantee by any Person other than a Loan Party, (iv), the obligations in respect thereof shall not be secured by any Lien on any asset of the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary other than any asset constituting Collateral, (v) at the time of such incurrence (except in the case of any extension, renewal, refinancing or replacement thereof that does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so extended, renewed, refinanced or replaced plus any accrued and unpaid interest and premium therein and any fee and expense in connection therewith) and immediately after giving effect thereto, the Parent Borrower shall have a Total Net Leverage Ratio less than or equal to 3.5 to 1.0 on a Pro Forma Basis as of the end of the most recent Test Period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b), (vi) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist immediately after giving effect to such incurrence, (vii) the security agreements relating to such Additional Notes shall be substantially the same as the Security Documents (with such differences as are reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), (viii) such Additional Notes and the trustee under the indenture governing such Additional Notes shall be subject to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable; provided that if such Additional Notes are issued pursuant to an indenture that has not previously been made subject thereto, then Holdings, the Parent Borrower, the Subsidiary Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent and the trustee for such Additional Notes shall have executed

 

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and delivered the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable, (ix) the documentation with respect to any Additional Notes contains no mandatory prepayment, repurchase or redemption provisions except with respect to change of control and asset sale offers that are customary for high yield notes of such type and (x) the terms and conditions (including, if applicable, as to collateral but excluding as to subordination, interest rate (including whether such interest is payable in cash or in kind) and redemption premium) of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (xxii) are, taken as a whole, more favorable to the Loan Parties than the terms and conditions under this Agreement; and

(xxiv) all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (i) through (xxii) above.

(b) Holdings and each Intermediate Parent will not create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness except Indebtedness created under Sections 6.01(a)(i), (iii), (iv), (vi), (ix), (x), (xi), (xii), (xiii), (xviii), (xxii) and all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in the foregoing clauses.

(c) Neither Holdings nor the Parent Borrower will, nor will they permit any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent to, issue any preferred Equity Interests or any Disqualified Equity Interests, except (A) in the case of Holdings, preferred Equity Interests that are Qualified Equity Interests and (B) in the case of the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent, preferred Equity Interests issued to and held by Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

SECTION 6.02. Liens . Neither Holdings nor the Parent Borrower will, nor will they permit any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, except:

(i) Liens created under the Loan Documents;

(ii) Permitted Encumbrances;

(iii) Liens existing on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 6.02 and any modifications, replacements, renewals or extensions thereof; provided that (A) such modified, replacement, renewal or extension Lien does not extend to any additional property other than (1) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien and (2) proceeds and products thereof, and (B) the obligations secured or benefited by such modified, replacement, renewal or extension Lien are permitted by Section 6.01;

(iv) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(a)(v); provided that (A) such Liens attach concurrently with or within 270 days after the acquisition, repair, replacement, construction or improvement (as applicable) of the property subject to such Liens, (B) such Liens do not at any time encumber any property other than the property financed by such Indebtedness except for accessions to such property and the proceeds and the products thereof and (C) with respect to Capital Lease Obligations; such Liens do not at any time extend to or cover any assets (except for accessions to or proceeds of such assets) other than the assets subject to such Capital Lease Obligations; provided further that individual financings of equipment provided by one lender may be cross collateralized to other financings of equipment provided by such lender;

 

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(v) leases, licenses, subleases or sublicenses granted to others that do not (A) interfere in any material respect with the business of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (B) secure any Indebtedness;

(vi) Liens 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;

(vii) Liens (A) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection and (B) in favor of a banking institution arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of setoff) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;

(viii) Liens (A) on cash advances or escrow deposits in favor of the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted pursuant to Section 6.04 to be applied against the purchase price for such Investment or otherwise in connection with any escrow arrangements with respect to any such Investment or any Disposition permitted under Section 6.05 (including any letter of intent or purchase agreement with respect to such Investment or Disposition), or (B) consisting of an agreement to dispose of any property in a Disposition permitted under Section 6.05, 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;

(ix) Liens on property of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, which Liens secure Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary permitted under Section 6.01;

(x) Liens granted by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in favor of any Loan Party and Liens granted by a Loan Party in favor of any other Loan Party;

(xi) 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, in each case after the date hereof (other than Liens on the Equity Interests of any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary); provided that (A) such Lien was not created in contemplation of such acquisition or such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, (B) 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 subject to a Lien securing Indebtedness and other obligations incurred prior to such time and which Indebtedness and other obligations are permitted hereunder that require or include, 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 (C) the Indebtedness secured thereby is permitted under Section 6.01(a)(v) or (vii);

(xii) any interest or title of a lessor under leases (other than leases constituting Capital Lease Obligations) entered into by any of the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(xiii) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for sale of goods by any of the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(xiv) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements under clause (e) of the definition of the term “Permitted Investments”;

 

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(xv) 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;

(xvi) Liens that are contractual rights of setoff (A) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the incurrence of Indebtedness, (B) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries or (C) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

(xvii) ground leases in respect of real property on which facilities owned or leased by the Parent Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries are located;

(xviii) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;

(xix) Liens on the Collateral securing Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt, Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt and Additional Notes;

(xx) other Liens; provided that at the time of the granting of and after giving Pro Forma Effect to any such Lien and the obligations secured thereby (including the use of proceeds thereof) the aggregate face amount of obligations secured by Liens existing in reliance on this clause (xx) shall not exceed the greater of $10,000,000 and 10% of Consolidated EBITDA for the Test Period then last ended for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b); and

(xxi) Liens arising from UCC financing statements or similar filings evidencing the sales of accounts receivable and related assets pursuant to a Permitted Receivables Factoring.

SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes; Holding Companies .

(a) Neither Holdings nor the Parent Borrower will, nor will they permit any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent to, merge into or consolidate or amalgamate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or liquidate or dissolve, except that:

(i) any Restricted Subsidiary may merge with (A) the Parent Borrower; provided that the Parent Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person, or (B) in the case of any Restricted Subsidiary, one or more other Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that when any Restricted Subsidiary Loan Party is merging or amalgamating with another Restricted Subsidiary (1) the continuing or surviving Person shall be a Subsidiary Loan Party or (2) if the continuing or surviving Person is not a Subsidiary Loan Party, the acquisition of such Subsidiary Loan Party by such surviving Restricted Subsidiary is otherwise permitted under Section 6.04;

(ii) (A) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party and (B) any Restricted Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve or change its legal form if Holdings determines in good faith that such action is in the best interests of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders;

 

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(iii) any Restricted Subsidiary may make a Disposition of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Loan Party, then (A) the transferee must be a Loan Party, (B) to the extent constituting an Investment, such Investment must be a permitted Investment in a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in accordance with Section 6.04 or (C) to the extent constituting a Disposition to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, such Disposition is for fair value and any promissory note or other non-cash consideration received in respect thereof is a permitted Investment in a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in accordance with Section 6.04;

(iv) the Parent Borrower may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with any other Person; provided that (A) the Parent Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person or (B) if the Person formed by or surviving any such merger or consolidation is not the Parent Borrower (any such Person, the “ Successor Borrower ”), (1) the Successor Borrower shall be an entity organized or existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands, (2) the Successor Borrower shall expressly assume all the obligations of the Parent Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Parent Borrower is a party pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (3) each Loan Party other than the Parent Borrower, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have reaffirmed, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, that its Guarantee of, and grant of any Liens as security for, the Secured Obligations shall apply to the Successor Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement and (4) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such merger, amalgamation or consolidation complies with this Agreement; provided further that (y) if such Person is not a Loan Party, no Default exists after giving effect to such merger or consolidation and (z) if the foregoing requirements are satisfied, the Successor Borrower will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Parent Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided further that the Parent Borrower agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to provide any documentation and other information about the Successor Borrower as shall have been reasonably requested in writing by any Lender through the Administrative Agent that such Lender shall have reasonably determined is required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the USA Patriot Act;

(v) Holdings or any Intermediate Parent may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with any other Person, so long as no Event of Default exists after giving effect to such merger, amalgamation or consolidation; provided that (A) Holdings or Intermediate Parent, as applicable, shall be the continuing or surviving Person or (B) if the Person formed by or surviving any such merger, amalgamation or consolidation is not Holdings or Intermediate Parent, as applicable, or is a Person into which Holdings or Intermediate Parent, as applicable, has been liquidated (any such Person, the “ Successor Holdings ”), (1) the Successor Holdings shall expressly assume all the obligations of Holdings or Intermediate Parent, as applicable, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which Holdings or Intermediate Parent, as applicable, is a party pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (2) each Loan Party other than Holdings or Intermediate Parent, as applicable, unless it is the other party to such merger, amalgamation or consolidation, shall have reaffirmed, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, that its Guarantee of and grant of any Liens as security for the Secured Obligations shall apply to the Successor Holdings’ obligations under this Agreement, (3) the Successor Holdings shall, immediately following such merger, amalgamation or consolidation, directly or indirectly own all Subsidiaries owned by Holdings or Intermediate Parent, as applicable, immediately prior to such

 

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transaction, (4) Holdings or Intermediate Parent, as applicable, shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such merger or consolidation complies with this Agreement and (5) Holdings or Intermediate Parent, as applicable, may not merge, amalgamate or consolidate with the Parent Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor or Co-Borrower if any Permitted Holdings Debt is then outstanding unless the Total Leverage Ratio is equal to or less than 3.50 to 1.00 on a Pro Forma Basis; provided further that if the foregoing requirements are satisfied, the Successor Holdings will succeed to, and be substituted for, Holdings or Intermediate Parent, as applicable, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided further that the Parent Borrower agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to provide any documentation and other information about the Successor Holdings as shall have been reasonably requested in writing by any the Lender through the Administrative Agent that such Lender shall have reasonably determined is required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the USA Patriot Act.

(vi) any Restricted Subsidiary may merge, consolidate or amalgamate with any other Person in order to effect an Investment permitted pursuant to Section 6.04; provided that the continuing or surviving Person shall be a Restricted Subsidiary, which together with each of its Restricted Subsidiaries, shall have complied with the requirements of Sections 5.11 and 5.12 and if the other party to such transaction is not a Loan Party, no Default exists after giving effect to such transaction;

(vii) Holdings, the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may consummate the Acquisition; and

(viii) any Restricted Subsidiary may effect a merger, dissolution, liquidation consolidation or amalgamation to effect a Disposition permitted pursuant to Section 6.05; provided that if the other party to such transaction is not a Loan Party, no Default exists after giving effect to the transaction.

(b) The Parent Borrower will not, and Holdings and the Parent Borrower will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the Effective Date and businesses reasonably related or ancillary thereto.

(c) Holdings and any Intermediate Parent will not conduct, transact or otherwise engage in any business or operations other than (i) the ownership and/or acquisition of the Equity Interests of the Parent Borrower and any Intermediate Parent, (ii) the maintenance of its legal existence, including the ability to incur fees, costs and expenses relating to such maintenance, (iii) participating in tax, accounting and other administrative matters as a member of the consolidated group of Holdings and the Parent Borrower, (iv) the performance of its obligations under and in connection with the Loan Documents, any documentation governing any Indebtedness or Guarantee permitted to be incurred or made by it under Article VI, the Acquisition Agreement, the other agreements contemplated by the Acquisition Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby and thereby, (v) any public offering of its common stock or any other issuance or registration of its Equity Interests for sale or resale not prohibited by this Agreement, including the costs, fees and expenses related thereto, (vi) any transaction that Holdings or any Intermediate Parent is permitted to enter into or consummate under Article VI (including, but not limited to, the making of any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.08 or holding of any cash or Permitted Investments received in connection with Restricted Payments made in accordance with Section 6.08 pending application thereof in the manner contemplated by Section 6.04, the incurrence of any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by it under Section 6.01 and the making of any Investment permitted to be made by it

 

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under Section 6.04), (vii) incurring fees, costs and expenses relating to overhead and general operating including professional fees for legal, tax and accounting issues and paying taxes, (viii) providing indemnification to officers and directors and as otherwise permitted in Section 6.09, (ix) activities incidental to the consummation of the Transactions and (x) activities incidental to the businesses or activities described in clauses (i) to (ix) of this paragraph.

(d) Holdings and any Intermediate Parent will not own or acquire any assets (other than Equity Interests as referred to in paragraph (c)(i) above, cash, Permitted Investments, loans and advances made by Holdings or any Intermediate Parent under Section 6.04(b), intercompany Investments consisting of Indebtedness permitted to be made by it under Section 6.04 or incur any liabilities (other than liabilities as referred to in paragraph (c) above, liabilities imposed by law, including tax liabilities, and other liabilities incidental to its existence and business and activities permitted by this Agreement).

SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions . Neither Holdings nor the Parent Borrower will, nor will they permit any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent to, make or hold any Investment, except:

(a) Permitted Investments;

(b) loans or advances to officers, directors and employees of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and its Restricted 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 made in cash to such Person shall be contributed to the Parent Borrower in cash as common equity or Qualified Equity Interests) and (iii) for purposes not described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $5,000,000;

(c) Investments (i) by Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in any Loan Party (excluding any new Restricted Subsidiary that becomes a Loan Party pursuant to such Investment), (ii) by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in any other Restricted Subsidiary that is also not a Loan Party, (iii) by the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (A) in any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that the aggregate amount of such Investments made by Loan Parties after the Effective Date in Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties in reliance on this clause (iii)(A) (together with the amount of Investments made in Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties pursuant to Section 6.04(h)) shall not exceed the Non-Loan Party Investment Amount at the time of any such Investment, (B) in any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, constituting an exchange of Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary for Indebtedness of such Subsidiary or (C) constituting Guarantees of Indebtedness or other monetary obligations of Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties owing to any Loan Party, (iv) by Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties so long as such transactions is part of a series of simultaneous transactions that result in the proceeds of the initial Investment being invested in one or more Loan Parties (or, if the initial proceeds were held at a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party) and (v) by Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, consisting of the contribution of Equity Interests of any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party so long as the Equity Interests of the transferee Restricted Subsidiary is pledged to secure the Secured Obligations;

 

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(d) Investments consisting of extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business;

(e) Investments (i) existing or contemplated on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 6.04(e) and any modification, replacement, renewal, reinvestment or extension thereof and (ii) Investments existing on the date hereof by Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and any modification, renewal or extension thereof; provided that the amount of the original Investment is not increased except by the terms of such Investment to the extent as set forth on Schedule 6.04(e) or as otherwise permitted by this Section 6.04;

(f) Investments in Swap Agreements permitted under Section 6.07;

(g) promissory notes and other non-cash consideration received in connection with Dispositions permitted by Section 6.05;

(h) Permitted Acquisitions; provided that the aggregate amount of consideration paid or provided by Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower or any other Loan Party after the Effective Date in reliance on this Section 6.04(h) (together with any Investments made in Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties pursuant to Section 6.04(c)(iii)(A)) for Permitted Acquisitions (including the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness assumed in connection with Permitted Acquisitions) for any Restricted Subsidiary that shall not be or, after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition, shall not become a Loan Party, shall not exceed the Non-Loan Party Investment Amount at such time;

(i) the Transactions;

(j) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of Uniform Commercial Code Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and Uniform Commercial Code Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;

(k) 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 or upon the foreclosure with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment;

(l) loans and advances to Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any Intermediate Parent in lieu of, and not in excess of the amount of (after giving effect to any other loans, advances or Restricted Payments in respect thereof), Restricted Payments to the extent permitted to be made to Holdings (or such parent) in accordance with Section 6.08(a)(iv), (v), (vi) or (vii);

(m) so long as immediately after giving effect to any such Investment no Default has occurred and is continuing, other Investments and other acquisitions; provided that at the time any such Investment or other acquisition is made, the aggregate outstanding amount of all Investments made in reliance on this clause (m) together with the aggregate amount of all consideration paid in connection with all other acquisitions made in reliance on this clause (m) (including the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness assumed in connection with any such other acquisition), shall not exceed the sum of (A) the greater of $45,000,000 and 45% of Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b) after giving Pro Forma Effect to the making of such Investment or other acquisition, plus (B) the Available Amount that is Not Otherwise Applied as in effect immediately prior to the time of making of such Investment;

 

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(n) advances of payroll payments to employees in the ordinary course of business;

(o) Investments and other acquisitions to the extent that payment for such Investments is made solely with Qualified Equity Interests (excluding Cure Amounts) of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof or the IPO Entity); provided that such amounts used pursuant to this clause (o) shall not increase the Available Amount;

(p) Storage Investments;

(q) Investments of a Subsidiary acquired after the Effective Date or of a Person merged or consolidated with any Subsidiary in accordance with this Section and Section 6.03 after the Effective Date (other than existing Investments in subsidiaries of such Subsidiary or Person, which must comply with the requirements of Section 6.04(h) or 6.04(m)) to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation; and

(r) non-cash Investments in connection with tax planning and reorganization activities; provided that after giving effect to any such activities, the security interests of the Lenders in the Collateral, taken as a whole, would not be materially impaired.

SECTION 6.05. Asset Sales . Neither Holdings nor the Parent Borrower will, nor will they permit any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent, to, (i) sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any asset, including any Equity Interest owned by it or (ii) permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any additional Equity Interest in such Restricted Subsidiary (other than issuing directors’ qualifying shares, nominal shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable Requirements of Law and other than issuing Equity Interests to Holdings, the Parent Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in compliance with Section 6.04(c)) (each, a “ Disposition ”), except:

(a) Dispositions of obsolete or worn out property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business and Dispositions of property no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(b) Dispositions of inventory and other assets 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 Parent Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Loan Party, then (i) the transferee must be a Loan Party, (ii) to the extent constituting an Investment, such Investment must be a permitted Investment in a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in accordance with Section 6.04 or (iii) to the extent constituting a Disposition to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, such Disposition is for fair value and any promissory note or other non-cash consideration received in respect thereof is a permitted investment in a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in accordance with Section 6.04;

 

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(e) Dispositions permitted by Section 6.03, Investments permitted by Section 6.04, Restricted Payments permitted by Section 6.08 and Liens permitted by Section 6.02;

(f) Dispositions of property acquired by Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Effective Date pursuant to sale-leaseback transactions permitted by Section 6.06;

(g) Dispositions of Permitted Investments;

(h) Dispositions of accounts receivable (A) in connection with the collection or compromise thereof and (B) together with related assets pursuant to a Permitted Receivables Factoring;

(i) leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses, in each case in the ordinary course of business and that do not materially interfere with the business of Holdings, the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

(j) transfers of property subject to Casualty Events upon receipt of the Net Proceeds of such Casualty Event;

(k) Dispositions of property to Persons other than Restricted Subsidiaries (including the sale or issuance of Equity Interests of a Restricted Subsidiary) not otherwise permitted under this Section 6.05; provided that (i) no Default shall exist at the time of, or would result from, such Disposition (other than any such Disposition made pursuant to a legally binding commitment entered into at a time when no Default existed or would have resulted from such Disposition) and (ii) with respect to any Disposition pursuant to this clause (k) for a purchase price in excess of $5,000,000, the Parent Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary shall receive not less than 75% of such consideration in the form of cash or Permitted Investments; provided , however , that for the purposes of this clause (ii), (A) any liabilities (as shown on the most recent balance sheet of Holdings provided hereunder or in the footnotes thereto) of the Parent Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated in right of payment to the Loan Document Obligations, that are assumed by the transferee with respect to the applicable Disposition and for which Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower and all of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall have been validly released by all applicable creditors in writing, shall be deemed to be cash, (B) any securities received by Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Parent Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or Permitted Investments (to the extent of the cash or Permitted Investments received) within 180 days following the closing of the applicable Disposition, shall be deemed to be cash and (C) any Designated Non-Cash Consideration received by Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in respect of such Disposition having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-Cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (k) that is at that time outstanding, not in excess of $10,000,000 at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-Cash Consideration, with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-Cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value, shall be deemed to be cash;

(l) 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

(m) Disposition of assets constituting a part of the Storage Business to Storage Parent or any of its subsidiaries in connection with the transition of the Storage Business to standalone operations, in each case on or before the date that is two months after the Effective Date;

 

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provided that any Disposition of any property pursuant to this Section 6.05 (except pursuant to Sections 6.05(e), 6.05(m) and except for Dispositions by a Loan Party to another Loan Party), shall be for no less than the fair market value of such property at the time of such Disposition.

SECTION 6.06. Sale and Leaseback Transactions . Neither Holdings nor the Parent Borrower will, nor will they permit any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, whereby it shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property that it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property sold or transferred, except for any such sale of any fixed or capital assets by the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that is made for cash consideration in an amount not less than the fair value of such fixed or capital asset and is consummated within 270 days after the Parent Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, acquires or completes the construction of such fixed or capital asset; provided that, if such sale and leaseback results in a Capital Lease Obligation, such Capital Lease Obligation is permitted by Section 6.01 and any Lien made the subject of such Capital Lease Obligation is permitted by Section 6.02.

SECTION 6.07. Swap Agreements . Neither Holdings nor the Parent Borrower will, nor will they permit any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent to, enter into any Swap Agreement, except (a) Swap Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has actual exposure (other than those in respect of shares of capital stock or other Equity Interests of Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary) and (b) Swap Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from fixed to floating rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

SECTION 6.08. Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness .

(a) Neither Holdings nor the Parent Borrower will, nor will they permit any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except:

(i) each Restricted Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Parent Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary;

(ii) Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary may declare and make dividend payments or other distributions payable solely in the Equity Interests of such Person; provided that in the case of any such Restricted Payment by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Parent Borrower, such Restricted Payment is made to the Parent Borrower, any 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;

(iii) Restricted Payments made on the Effective Date to consummate the Transactions;

 

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(iv) repurchases of Equity Interests in Holdings (or Restricted Payments by Holdings to allow repurchases of Equity Interest in any direct or indirect parent of Holdings), the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary 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;

(v) Restricted Payments to Holdings which Holdings may use to redeem, acquire, retire or repurchase its Equity Interests (or any options or warrants or stock appreciation rights issued with respect to any of such Equity Interests) (or make Restricted Payments to allow any of Holdings’ direct or indirect parent companies to so redeem, retire, acquire or repurchase their Equity Interests) held by current or former officers, managers, consultants, directors and employees (or their respective spouses, former spouses, successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legatees or distributees) of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof), the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, upon the death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of any such Person or otherwise in accordance with any stock option or stock appreciation rights plan, any management, director and/or employee stock ownership or incentive plan, stock subscription plan, employment termination agreement or any other employment agreements or equity holders’ agreement in an aggregate amount after the Effective Date, together with the aggregate amount of loans and advances to Holdings made pursuant to Section 6.04(l) in lieu of Restricted Payments permitted by this clause (v), not to exceed $7,500,000 in any calendar year subject to maximum of $50,000,000 (the “ Total Repurchase Cap ”) prior to the Latest Maturity Date; provided that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Parent Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Effective Date; provided further that repurchases of Equity Interests held by the chief executive officer of the Parent Borrower (or such chief executive’s spouse, former spouse, successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legatees or distributees) pursuant to the foregoing provisions shall not be subject to the foregoing annual cap but shall be permitted in an amount not to exceed the Total Repurchase Cap;

(vi) any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries may make Restricted Payments in cash to Holdings and any Intermediate Parent and, where applicable, Holdings and such Intermediate Parent may make Restricted Payments in cash;

(A) the proceeds of which shall be used by Holdings or any Intermediate Parent to pay its Tax liability to the relevant jurisdiction in respect of consolidated, combined, unitary or affiliated returns attributable to the income of the Parent Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided that Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (a)(vi)(A) shall not exceed the Tax liability that the Parent Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries (as applicable) would have incurred were such Taxes determined as if such entity(ies) were a stand-alone taxpayer or a stand-alone group; and provided , further , that Restricted Payments under this clause (A) in respect of any Taxes attributable to the income of any Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Parent Borrower may be made only to the extent that such Unrestricted Subsidiaries have made cash payments for such purpose to Parent Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(B) the proceeds of which shall be used by Holdings or any Intermediate Parent to pay (or to make Restricted Payments to allow any direct or indirect parent of Holdings to pay) (1) its operating expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business and other corporate overhead costs and expenses (including administrative, legal, accounting and similar expenses payable to third parties) that are reasonable and customary and incurred in the ordinary course of business, in an aggregate amount not to exceed amount together with the aggregate amount of loans and advances to Holdings made

 

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pursuant to Section 6.04(l) in lieu of Restricted Payments permitted by this clause (a)(vi)(B), $2,000,000 in any fiscal year plus any reasonable and customary indemnification claims made by directors or officers of Holdings (or any parent thereof or any Intermediate Parent) attributable to the ownership or operations of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries, (2) fees and expenses (x) due and payable by any of the Restricted Subsidiaries and (y) otherwise permitted to be paid by such Restricted Subsidiary under this Agreement and (3) amounts due and payable pursuant to the Investor Management Agreement permitted to be paid pursuant to Section 6.09(iv);

(C) the proceeds of which shall be used by Holdings or any Intermediate Parent to pay (or to make Restricted Payments to allow any direct or indirect parent of Holdings to pay) franchise Taxes and other fees, Taxes, and expenses, required to maintain its corporate existence;

(D) the proceeds of which shall be used by Holdings to make Restricted Payments permitted by Section 6.08(a)(iv) or Section 6.08(a)(v);

(E) to finance any Investment permitted to be made pursuant to Section 6.04 (other than 6.04 (l) and, for the avoidance of doubt, including any Storage Investment; provided that (A) such Restricted Payment shall be made substantially concurrently with the closing of such Investment and (B) other than with respect to a Storage Investment, Holdings or any Intermediate Parent shall, immediately following the closing thereof, cause (1) all property acquired (whether assets or Equity Interests but not including any loans or advances made pursuant to Section 6.04(b)) to be contributed to the Parent Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries or (2) the Person formed or acquired to merge into or consolidate with the Parent Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent such merger or consolidation is permitted in Section 6.03) in order to consummate such Investment, in each case in accordance with the requirements of Sections 5.11 and 5.12; and

(F) the proceeds of which shall be used by Holdings or any Intermediate Parent to pay (or to make Restricted Payments to allow any direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) fees and expenses related to any equity or debt offering permitted by this Agreement;

(vii) in addition to the foregoing Restricted Payments and so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, the Parent Borrower and any Intermediate Parent may make additional Restricted Payments to any Intermediate Parent and Holdings, the proceeds of which may be utilized by Holdings to make additional Restricted Payments or by Holdings or by any Intermediate Parent to make any payments in respect of any Permitted Holdings Debt, in an aggregate amount, when taken together with the aggregate amount of (1) prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in respect of Junior Financings made pursuant to Section 6.08(b)(iv) or (2) loans and advances to Holdings made pursuant to Section 6.04(l) in lieu of Restricted Payments permitted by this clause (vii), not to exceed the sum of (A) (x) $15,000,000 or (y) if the Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements have been delivered is equal to or less than 2.50 to 1.00, $25,000,000 plus (B) the Available Amount that is Not Otherwise Applied; and

(viii) redemptions in whole or in part of any of its Equity Interests for another class of its Equity Interests or with proceeds from substantially concurrent equity contributions or issuances of new Equity Interests; provided that such new Equity Interests contain terms and provisions at least as advantageous to the Lenders in all respects material to their interests as those contained in the Equity Interests redeemed thereby.

 

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(b) Neither Holdings nor the Parent Borrower will, nor will they permit any other Restricted Subsidiary to, make or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) of or in respect of principal of or interest on any Junior Financing, or any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any Junior Financing, or any other payment (including any payment under any Swap Agreement) that has a substantially similar effect to any of the foregoing, except:

(i) payment of regularly scheduled interest and principal payments as, in the form of payment and when due in respect of any Indebtedness, other than payments in respect of any Junior Financing prohibited by the subordination provisions thereof;

(ii) refinancings of Indebtedness to the extent permitted by Section 6.01;

(iii) the conversion of any Junior Financing to Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of Holdings or any of its direct or indirect parent companies or any Intermediate Parent; and

(iv) prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in respect of Junior Financings prior to their scheduled maturity in an aggregate amount, when taken together with the aggregate amount of (1) Restricted Payments made pursuant to Section 6.08(a)(vii) and (2) loans and advances to Holdings made pursuant to Section 6.04(l) in lieu of Restricted Payments permitted by this clause (iv) not to exceed the sum of (A) (x) $10,000,000 or (y) if the Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements have been delivered is equal to or less than 2.50 to 1.00, $20,000,000 plus (B) the Available Amount that is Not Otherwise Applied.

SECTION 6.09. Transactions with Affiliates . Neither Holdings nor the Parent Borrower will, nor will they permit any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (i) transactions with Holdings, the Parent Borrower, any Intermediate Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) on terms substantially as favorable to Holdings, the Parent Borrower, such Intermediate Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary as would be obtainable by such Person at the time in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate, (iii) the payment of fees and expenses related to the Transactions, (iv) the payment of management and monitoring fees to the Investors (or management companies of the Investors) in an aggregate amount in any fiscal year not to exceed the amount permitted to be paid pursuant to the Investor Management Agreement as in effect on the date hereof and any Investor Termination Fees not to exceed the amount set forth in the Investor Management Agreement as in effect on the date hereof and related indemnities and reasonable expenses, (v) issuances of Equity Interests of Holdings or the Parent Borrower to the extent otherwise permitted by this Agreement, (vi) employment and severance arrangements between Holdings, the Parent Borrower any Intermediate Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries and their respective officers and employees in the ordinary course of business or otherwise in connection with the Transactions (including loans and advances pursuant to Sections 6.04(b) and 6.04(n), (vii) payments by Holdings (and any direct or indirect parent thereof), the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to tax sharing agreements among Holdings (and any such parent thereof), any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on customary terms to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Parent Borrower and the Restricted

 

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Subsidiaries, to the extent payments are permitted by Section 6.08, (viii) the payment of customary fees and reasonable out-of-pocket costs to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, directors, officers and employees of Holdings, the Parent Borrower, any Intermediate Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, (ix) transactions pursuant to permitted agreements in existence or contemplated on the Effective Date and set forth on Schedule 6.09 or any amendment thereto to the extent such an amendment is not adverse to the Lenders in any material respect, (x) Restricted Payments permitted under Section 6.08 and (xi) customary payments by Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiaries to the Sponsors made for any financial advisory, consulting, 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 a majority of the disinterested members of the board of directors of Holdings in good faith.

SECTION 6.10. Restrictive Agreements . Neither Holdings nor the Parent Borrower will, nor will they permit any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower or any other Subsidiary Loan Party to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets to secure the Secured Obligations or (b) the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any of its Equity Interests or to make or repay loans or advances to any Restricted Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) shall not apply to any such restrictions that (i) (x) exist on the date hereof and (to the extent not otherwise permitted by this Section 6.10) are listed on Schedule 6.10 and (y) any renewal or extension of a restriction permitted by clause (i)(x) or any agreement evidencing such restriction so long as such renewal or extension does not expand the scope of such restrictions, (ii) (x) are binding on a Restricted Subsidiary at the time such Restricted Subsidiary first becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, so long as such restrictions were not entered into solely in contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary and (y) any renewal or extension of a restriction permitted by clause (ii)(x) or any agreement evidencing such restriction so long as such renewal or extension does not expand the scope of such restrictions, (iii) represent Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party that is permitted by Section 6.01, (iv) are customary restrictions that arise in connection with any Disposition permitted by Section 6.05 applicable pending such Disposition solely to the assets subject to such Disposition, (v) are customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to joint ventures permitted under Section 6.04, (vi) are negative pledges and restrictions on Liens in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 but solely to the extent any negative pledge relates to the property financed by or securing such Indebtedness (and excluding in any event any Indebtedness constituting any Junior Financing), (vii) are imposed by Requirements of Law, (viii) are customary restrictions contained in leases, subleases, licenses or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted hereby so long as such restrictions relate only to the assets subject thereto, (ix) comprise restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 6.01(a)(v) to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, (x) are customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest of Holdings, any Intermediate Parent, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (xi) are customary provisions restricting assignment of any license, lease or other agreement, (xii) are restrictions on cash (or Permitted Investments) or deposits imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business (or otherwise constituting Permitted Encumbrances on such cash or Permitted Investments or deposits) or (xiii) are customary net worth provisions contained in real property leases or licenses of Intellectual Property entered into by the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, so long as the Parent Borrower has determined in good faith that such net worth provisions could not reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the Parent Borrower and its subsidiaries to meet their ongoing obligation.

 

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SECTION 6.11. Amendment of Junior Financing . Neither Holdings nor the Parent Borrower will, nor will they permit any Restricted Subsidiary or Intermediate Parent to, amend, modify, waive, terminate or release the documentation governing any other Junior Financing, in each case if the effect of such amendment, modification, waiver, termination or release is materially adverse to the Lenders.

SECTION 6.12. Financial Covenant . If on the last day of any Test Period any Revolving Loans or more than $1,000,000 of Letters of Credit are outstanding (but not including any cash collateralized Letter of Credit exposure), the Parent Borrower will not permit the Secured Net Leverage Ratio to exceed 4.50 to 1.00 as of the last day of such Test Period.

SECTION 6.13. Changes in Fiscal Periods . Neither Holdings nor the Parent Borrower will make any change in fiscal year; provided , however , that Holdings and the Parent 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, Holdings, the Parent 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.

ARTICLE VII

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

SECTION 7.01. Events of Default . If any of the following events (any such event, an “ Event of Default ”) shall occur:

(a) any Loan Party shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;

(b) any Loan Party shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in paragraph (a) of this Section) payable under any Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of five Business Days;

(c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made;

(d) Holding, the Parent Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Sections 5.02, 5.04 (with respect to the existence of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary), 5.10 or in Article VI (other than Section 6.09); provided that (i) any Event of Default under Sections 6.12 is subject to cure as provided in Section 7.02 and an Event of Default with respect to such Section shall not occur until the expiration of the 10th day subsequent to the date the financial statements with respect to any fiscal quarter is required to be delivered and (ii) a default by the Borrower under

 

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Section 6.12 shall not constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Term Loans unless and until the Required Lenders with respect to the Revolving Loans shall have terminated their Revolving Commitments and declared all amounts under the Revolving Loans to be due and payable (such period commencing with a default under Section 6.12 and ending on the date on which the Required Lenders with respect to the Revolving Facility terminate and accelerate the Revolving Loans, the “ Term Loan Standstill Period ”);

(e) any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in any Loan Document (other than those specified in paragraph (a), (b) or (d) of this Section), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Parent Borrower;

(f) Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiaries shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable (after giving effect to any applicable grace period);

(g) any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with all applicable grace periods having expired) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity, provided that this paragraph (g) shall not apply to (i) secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the sale, transfer or other disposition (including as a result of a casualty or condemnation event) of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness (to the extent such sale, transfer or other disposition is not prohibited under this Agreement) or (ii) termination events or similar events occurring under any Swap Agreement that constitutes Material Indebtedness (it being understood that paragraph (f) of this Section will apply to any failure to make any payment required as a result of any such termination or similar event);

(h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, court protection, reorganization or other relief in respect of Holdings, the Parent Borrower, the Co-Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or its debts, or of a material part of its assets, under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, examiner, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or for a material part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed or unstayed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

(i) Holdings, the Parent Borrower, the Co-Borrower or any Material Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, court protection, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in paragraph (h) of this Section, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, examiner, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or for a material part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding or (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors;

 

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(j) one or more enforceable judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $15,000,000 (to the extent not covered by insurance as to which the insurer has been notified of such judgment or order and has not denied coverage shall be rendered against Holdings, the Parent Borrower, any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 60 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any judgment creditor shall legally attach or levy upon assets of such Loan Party that are material to the businesses and operations of Holdings, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to enforce any such judgment;

(k) (i) an ERISA Event occurs that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of any Loan Party under Title IV of ERISA in an aggregate amount that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) any Loan Party 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 that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

(l) any Lien purported to be created under any Security Document shall cease to be, or shall be asserted by any Loan Party not to be, a valid and perfected Lien on any material portion of the Collateral, with the priority required by the applicable Security Document, except (i) as a result of the sale or other disposition of the applicable Collateral in a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents, (ii) as a result of the Administrative Agent’s failure to (A) maintain possession of any stock certificates, promissory notes or other instruments delivered to it under the Security Documents or (B) file Uniform Commercial Code continuation statements, (iii) 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 (iv) as a result of acts or omissions of the Administrative Agent or any Lender;

(m) any material provision of any Loan Document or any Guarantee of the Loan Document Obligations shall for any reason be asserted by any Loan Party not to be a legal, valid and binding obligation of any Loan Party thereto other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder;

(n) any Guarantees of the Loan Document Obligations by Holdings, the Parent Borrower or Subsidiary Loan Party pursuant to the Guarantee Agreement shall cease to be in full force and effect (in each case, other than in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents);

(o) a Change in Control shall occur;

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to Holdings or the Parent Borrower described in paragraph (h) or (i) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders (or, if a Financial Performance Covenant Event of Default occurs and is continuing and prior to the expiration of the Term Loan Standstill Period, at the request of the Required Revolving Lenders only, and in such case only with respect to the Revolving Commitments, Swingline Commitments, and any Letters of Credit) shall, by notice to the Parent Borrower, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Parent Borrower accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable

 

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immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Parent Borrower; and in case of any event with respect to Holdings or the Parent Borrower described in paragraph (h) or (i) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Parent Borrower accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Parent Borrower.

SECTION 7.02. Right to Cure .

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 7.01, in the event that the Parent Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries fail to comply with the requirements of the Financial Performance Covenant as of the last day of any fiscal quarter of the Parent Borrower, at any time after the beginning of such fiscal quarter until the expiration of the 10th day subsequent to the earlier of (i) the date on which a Compliance Certificate with respect to such fiscal quarter (or the fiscal year ended on the last day of such fiscal quarter) is delivered in accordance with Section 5.01(d) and (ii) the date on which the financial statements with respect to such fiscal quarter (or the fiscal year ended on the last day of such fiscal quarter) are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b), as applicable, Holdings shall have the right to issue Qualified Equity Interests for cash or otherwise receive cash contributions to the capital of Holdings as cash common equity or other Qualified Equity Interests (which Holdings shall contribute through its subsidiaries of which the Parent Borrower is a subsidiary to the Borrower as cash common equity) (collectively, the “ Cure Right ”), and upon the receipt by the Parent Borrower of the Net Proceeds of such issuance that are Not Otherwise Applied (the “ Cure Amount ”) pursuant to the exercise by Holdings of such Cure Right such Financial Performance Covenant shall be recalculated giving effect to the following pro forma adjustment:

(1) Consolidated EBITDA shall be increased with respect to such applicable fiscal quarter and any four fiscal quarter period that contains such fiscal quarter, solely for the purpose of measuring the Financial Performance Covenant and not for any other purpose under this Agreement, by an amount equal to the Cure Amount; and

(2) if, after giving effect to the foregoing pro forma adjustment (without giving effect to any repayment of any Indebtedness with any portion of the Cure Amount or any portion of the Cure Amount on the balance sheet of the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case, with respect to such fiscal quarter only), the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall then be in compliance with the requirements of the Financial Performance Covenants, the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of the Financial Performance Covenant as of the relevant date of determination with the same effect as though there had been no failure to comply therewith at such date, and the applicable breach or default of the Financial Performance Covenant that had occurred shall be deemed cured for the purposes of this Agreement;

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) in each four consecutive fiscal quarter period of the Parent Borrower there shall be at least two fiscal quarters in which the Cure Right is not exercised, (ii) during the term of this Agreement, the Cure Right shall not be exercised more than five times and (iii) for purposes of this Section 7.02, the Cure Amount shall be no greater than the amount required for purposes of complying with the Financial Performance Covenant and any amounts in excess thereof shall not be deemed to be a Cure Amount. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Cure Amount received pursuant to any exercise of the Cure Right shall be disregarded for purposes of determining any financial ratio-based conditions, pricing or any available basket under Article VI of this Agreement and there shall not have been a breach of any covenant under Article VI of this Agreement by reason of having no longer included such Cure Amount in any basket during the relevant period.

 

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SECTION 7.03. Application of Proceeds .

After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 7.01, any amounts received on account of the Secured Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 4.02 of the Collateral Agreement and/or the similar provisions in the other Security Documents.

ARTICLE VIII

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereby irrevocably appoints the entity named as Administrative Agent in the heading of this Agreement to serve as administrative agent, collateral agent and trustee under the Loan Documents, and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms of the Loan Documents, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, and none of Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any other Loan Party shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any such provisions.

The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender or an Issuing Bank as any other Lender or Issuing Bank and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any other Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) the Administrative Agent shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing, (b) the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or to exercise any discretionary power, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated by the Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in the Loan Documents), provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law, and (c) except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to Holdings, the Parent Borrower, any other Subsidiary or any other Affiliate of any of the foregoing that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Section 2.05(j) or Section 9.02) or in the absence of its own gross negligence or wilful misconduct. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until written notice thereof is given to the Administrative Agent by Holdings, the Parent Borrower, a Lender or an Issuing Bank, and the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement,

 

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warranty or representation made in or in connection with any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or satisfaction of any condition that expressly refers to the matters described therein being acceptable or satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not have any liability arising from any confirmation of the Revolving Exposure or the component amounts thereof.

The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall not incur any liability for relying, upon any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person (including, if applicable, a Responsible Officer or Financial Officer of such Person). The Administrative Agent also may rely, and shall not incur any liability for relying, upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be made by the proper Person (including, if applicable, a Financial Officer or a Responsible Officer of such Person). The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Parent Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

The Administrative Agent may perform any of and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any of and all their duties and exercise their rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.

Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Administrative Agent as provided in this paragraph, the Administrative Agent may resign upon 30 days’ notice to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Parent Borrower. If the Administrative Agent becomes a Defaulting Lender and is not performing its role hereunder as Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent may be removed as the Administrative Agent hereunder at the request of the Parent Borrower and the Required Lenders. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation or upon such removal, the Required Lenders shall have the right, with the Parent Borrower’s consent, to appoint a successor. If no successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be an Approved Bank with an office in New York, New York, or an Affiliate of any such Approved Bank. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents. The fees payable by Holdings and the Parent Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed by Holdings, the Parent Borrower and such successor. After the Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 9.03 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while it was acting as Administrative Agent.

 

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Each Lender and each Issuing Bank acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Joint Bookrunner or any other Lender or any Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Joint Bookrunner or any other Lender or any Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement and funding its Loans on the Effective Date, or delivering its signature page to an Assignment and Assumption, Incremental Term Facility Amendment or Refinancing Amendment pursuant to which it shall become a Lender hereunder, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved, each Loan Document and each other document required to be delivered to, or be approved by or satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders on the Effective Date.

No Lender shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce any Guarantee of the Secured Obligations, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies under the Loan Documents may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders in accordance with the terms thereof. In the event of a foreclosure by the Administrative Agent on any of the Collateral pursuant to a public or private sale or other disposition, the Administrative Agent or any Lender may be the purchaser or licensor of any or all of such Collateral at any such sale or other disposition, and the Administrative Agent, as agent for and representative of the Lenders (but not any Lender or Lenders in its or their respective individual capacities unless Required Lenders shall otherwise agree in writing) shall be entitled, for the purpose of bidding and making settlement or payment of the purchase price for all or any portion of the Collateral sold at any such public sale, to use and apply any of the Secured Obligations as a credit on account of the purchase price for any collateral payable by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders at such sale or other disposition. Each Lender, whether or not a party hereto, will be deemed, by its acceptance of the benefits of the Collateral and of the Guarantees of the Secured Obligations, to have agreed to the foregoing provisions.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither any Joint Bookrunner nor any Person named on the cover page of this Agreement as a Joint Lead Arranger or a Syndication Agent shall have any duties or obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (except in its capacity, as applicable, as a Lender or an Issuing Bank), but all such Persons shall have the benefit of the indemnities provided for hereunder, including under Section 9.03, fully as if named as an indemnitee or indemnified person therein and irrespective of whether the indemnified losses, claims, damages, liabilities and/or related expenses arise out of, in connection with or as a result of matters arising prior to, on or after the effective date of any Loan Document.

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. Without limiting or expanding the provisions of Section 2.17, each Lender shall, and does hereby, indemnify the Administrative Agent against, and shall make payable in respect thereof within 30 days after demand therefor, any and all Taxes and any and all related losses, claims, liabilities and expenses (including fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent) incurred by or asserted against

 

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the Administrative Agent by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or any other Governmental Authority as a result of the failure of the Administrative Agent to 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 property 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). 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. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due the Administrative Agent under this paragraph. The agreements in this paragraph shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other obligations under any Loan Document.

Each party to this Agreement hereby appoints the Administrative Agent to act as its agent under and in connection with the relevant Security Documents, acknowledges that the Administrative Agent is the beneficiary of the parallel debt referred to in the relevant Security Documents and the Administrative Agent will accept the parallel debt arrangements reflected in the relevant Security Documents on its behalf and will enter into the relevant Security Documents as pledgee in its own name.

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 9.01. Notices . Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone, all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by fax or other electronic transmission, as follows:

(a) If to Holdings, to SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., 39870 Eureka Drive, Newark, California, 94560-4809, Attention: Bruce Goldberg, Fax 510-624-8231, Email: bruce.goldberg@smartm.com or if to the Parent Borrower, to SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., 39870 Eureka Drive, Newark, California, 94560-4809, Attention: Bruce Goldberg, Fax 510-624-8231, Email: bruce.goldberg@smartm.com;

(b) If to the Administrative Agent, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 1111 Fannin Street, Floor 10, Houston, TX, 77002-6925, Attention: Yi-Chun Kuo, Fax: 713-750-2878, Email: yi-chun.kuo@jpmchase.com; with a copy to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 1111 Fannin Street, Floor 10, Houston, TX, 77002-6925, Attention: Maryann T Bui, Fax: 713-750-2878, Email: maryann.t.bui@jpmchase.com; with an additional copy to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 383 Madison Avenue, Floor 24, New York, NY 10179, Attention: Goh Siew Tan; Fax: 212-270-5127; Email: gohsiew.tan@jpmorgan.com;

(c) if to any Issuing Bank, to it at its address (or fax number or email address) most recently specified by it in a notice delivered to the Administrative Agent, Holdings and the Parent Borrower (or, in the absence of any such notice, to the address (or fax number or email address) set forth in the Administrative Questionnaire of the Lender that is serving as such Issuing Bank or is an Affiliate thereof);

(d) if to any Swingline Lenders, to it at its address (or fax number or email address) most recently specified by it in a notice delivered to the Administrative Agent, Holdings and the

 

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Parent Borrower (or, in the absence of any such notice, to the address (or fax number or email address) set forth in the Administrative Questionnaire of the Lender that is serving as such Swingline Lender or is an Affiliate thereof); and

(e) if to any other Lender, to it at its address (or fax number or email address) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

Notices and other communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices and other communications sent by fax or other electronic transmission shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient).

Holdings and the Parent Borrower may change their address, email or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent may change its address, email or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to Holdings and the Parent Borrower and the Lenders may change their address, email or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Administrative Agent. Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereunder may also be delivered or furnished by electronic transmission (including email and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures reasonably approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or Issuing Bank pursuant to Article II if such Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic transmission.

SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments .

(a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power under any Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time. No notice or demand on the Borrower or Holdings in any case shall entitle the Borrower or Holdings to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

(b) Except as provided in Section 2.20 with respect to any Incremental Term Loans, Section 2.21 with respect to any Refinancing Amendment, neither any Loan Document nor any provision thereof may be waived, amended or modified except, in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Required Lenders or, in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties that are parties thereto, in each case with the consent of the Required Lenders, provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender (it being understood that a waiver of any condition

 

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precedent set forth in Section 4.02 or the waiver of any Default, mandatory prepayment or mandatory reduction of the Commitments shall not constitute an extension or increase of any Commitment of any Lender), (ii) reduce the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby (it being understood that any change to the definition of Secured Net Leverage Ratio or in the component definitions thereof shall not constitute a reduction of interest or fees), provided that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to waive any obligation of the Parent Borrower to pay default interest pursuant to Section 2.13(c), (iii) postpone the maturity of any Loan, or the date of any scheduled amortization payment of the principal amount of any Term Loan under Section 2.10 or the applicable Refinancing Amendment, or the reimbursement date with respect to any LC Disbursement, or any date for the payment of any interest or fees payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby, (iv) change Section 2.18(b) or (c) in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of the Lenders holding a Majority in Interest of the outstanding Loans and unused Commitments of each adversely affected Class, (v) change any of the provisions of this Section without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby, provided that any such change which is in favor of a Class of Lenders holding Loans maturing after the maturity of other Classes of Lenders (and only takes effect after the maturity of such other Classes of Loans or Commitments will require the written consent of the Required Lenders with respect to each Class directly and adversely affected thereby, (vi) change any of the provisions of this Section or the percentage set forth in the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders (or Lenders of any Class) required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (or each Lender of such Class, as the case may be), (vii) release all or substantially all the value of the Guarantees under the Guarantee Agreement (except as expressly provided in the Guarantee Agreement) without the written consent of each Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender), (viii) release all or substantially all the Collateral from the Liens of the Security Documents, without the written consent of each Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender) (except as expressly provided in the Security Documents), (ix) change any provisions of any Loan Document in a manner that by its terms adversely affects the rights in respect of payments due to Lenders holding Loans of any Class differently than those holding Loans of any other Class, without the written consent of Lenders (other than a Defaulting Lender) holding a Majority in Interest of the outstanding Loans and unused Commitments of each affected Class, (x) modify the protections afforded to an SPV pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.04(e) without the written consent of such SPV or (xi) change the rights of the Term Lenders to decline mandatory prepayments as provided in Section 2.11 or the rights of any Additional Lenders of any Class to decline mandatory prepayments of Term Loans of such Class as provided in the applicable Refinancing Amendment, without the written consent of a Majority in Interest of the Term Lenders or Additional Lenders of such Class, as applicable; provided further that (A) no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Swingline Lender without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank or such Swingline Lender, as the case may be, and (B) any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document may be amended by an agreement in writing entered into by Holdings, the Parent Borrower and the Administrative Agent to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency so long as, in each case, the Lenders shall have received at least five Business Days’ prior written notice thereof and the Administrative Agent shall not have received, within five Business Days of the date of such notice to the Lenders, a written notice from the Required Lenders stating that the Required Lenders object to such amendment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) this Agreement may be amended (or amended and restated) with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent, Holdings and the Parent Borrower (i) 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 and (ii) to include appropriately the Lenders

 

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holding such credit facilities in any determination of the Required Lenders on substantially the same basis as the Lenders prior to such inclusion, (b) guarantees, collateral security documents and related documents executed by Foreign 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 and waived with the consent of the Administrative Agent at the request of the Parent Borrower without the need to obtain the consent of any other Lender if such amendment or waiver is delivered in order (i) to comply with local law or advice of local counsel, (ii) to cure ambiguities 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 and (c) this Agreement and other Loan Documents may be amended or supplemented by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Loan Party as to which such agreement or agreements is to apply, without the need to obtain the consent of any Lender, to include “parallel debt” or similar provisions, and any authorizations or granting of powers by the Lenders and the other Secured Parties in favor of the Administrative Agent, in each case required to create in favor of the Administrative Agent any security interest contemplated to be created under this Agreement, or to perfect any such security interest, where the Administrative Agent shall have been advised by its counsel that such provisions are necessary or advisable under local law for such purpose (with Holdings and the Parent Borrower hereby agreeing to, and to cause their subsidiaries to, enter into any such agreement or agreements upon reasonable request of the Administrative Agent promptly upon such request). Notwithstanding the foregoing (x) amendments to or waivers of Section 6.12 (or any component definition thereof as it relates to Section 6.12) will require only the written approval of a Majority in Interest of the outstanding Revolving Commitments and the Parent Borrower and (y) any change to the provisions of Section 4.02 of the Collateral Agreement and/or any change to similar provisions in the other Security Documents, will require the written approval of each Revolving Lender.

(c) In connection with any proposed amendment, modification, waiver or termination (a “ Proposed Change ”) requiring the consent of all Lenders or all directly and adversely affected Lenders, if the consent of the Required Lenders (and, to the extent any Proposed Change requires the consent of Lenders holding Loans of any Class pursuant to clause (iv), (vii) or (ix) of paragraph (b) of this Section, the consent of a Majority in Interest of the outstanding Loans and unused Commitments of such Class) to such Proposed Change is obtained, but the consent to such Proposed Change of other Lenders whose consent is required is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is not obtained as described in paragraph (b) of this Section being referred to as a “ Non-Consenting Lender ”), then, so long as the Lender that is acting as Administrative Agent is not a Non-Consenting Lender, the Parent Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Non-Consenting Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Non-Consenting Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which Eligible Assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that (a) the Parent Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent to the extent such consent would be required under Section 9.04(b) for an assignment of Loans or Commitments, as applicable (and, if a Revolving Commitment is being assigned, each Principal Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender), which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (b) such Non-Consenting Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder from the Eligible Assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Parent Borrower (in the case of all other amounts) and (c) unless waived, the Parent Borrower or such Eligible Assignee shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the processing and recordation fee specified in Section 9.04(b).

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents to the contrary, the Revolving Commitments, Term Loans and Revolving Exposure of any Lender that is at the time (i) an Affiliated Lender (other than a Silver Lake Debt Fund) or (ii) a Defaulting Lender shall not have

 

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any voting or approval rights under the Loan Documents and shall be excluded in determining whether all Lenders (or all Lenders of a Class), all affected Lenders (or all affected Lenders of a Class), a Majority in Interest of Lenders of any Class or the Required Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder (including any consent to any amendment or waiver pursuant to this Section 9.02); provided that any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that affects any Defaulting Lender more adversely than other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.

(e) In the event that S&P, Moody’s and Thompson’s BankWatch (or InsuranceWatch Ratings Service, in the case of Lenders that are insurance companies (or Best’s Insurance Reports, if such insurance company is not rated by Insurance Watch Ratings Service)) shall, after the date that any Lender becomes a Revolving Lender, downgrade the long term certificate deposit ratings of such Lender, and the resulting ratings shall be below BBB-, Baa3 and C (or BB, in the case of a Lender that is an insurance company (or B, in the case of an insurance company not rated by InsuranceWatch Ratings Service)), then each Principal Issuing Bank shall have the right, but not the obligation, at its own expense, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, to replace such Lender with an Eligible Assignee (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in paragraph (b) above), and such Lender hereby agrees to transfer and assign without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in paragraph (b) above) all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to such Eligible Assignee; provided , however , that (i) no such assignment shall conflict with any law, rule and regulation or order of any Governmental Authority, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder from the Eligible Assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Parent Borrower (in the case of all other amounts), (iii) the Principal Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent and such Eligible Assignee shall have received the prior written consent of the Parent Borrower to the extent such consent would be required under Section 9.04(b) for an assignment of Loans or Commitments, as applicable, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld and (iv) the Parent Borrower or such Eligible Assignee shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the processing and recordation fee specified in Section 9.04(b).

(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents to the contrary, each Affiliated Lender (other than a Silver Lake Debt Fund) hereby agrees that, if a proceeding under the United States Bankruptcy Code or any other Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law shall be commenced by or against the Parent Borrower or any other Loan Party at a time when such Lender is an Affiliated Lender, such Affiliated Lender irrevocably authorizes and empowers the Administrative Agent to vote on behalf of such Affiliated Lender with respect to the Loans held by such Affiliated Lender in any manner in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion, unless the Administrative Agent instructs such Affiliated Lender to vote, in which case such Affiliated Lender shall vote with respect to the Loans held by it as the Administrative Agent directs; provided that such Affiliated Lender shall be entitled to vote in accordance with its sole discretion (and not in accordance with the direction of the Administrative Agent) in connection with any plan of reorganization to the extent any such plan of reorganization proposes to treat any Secured Obligations held by such Affiliated Lender in a manner that is less favorable in any material respect to such Affiliated Lender than the proposed treatment of similar Secured Obligations held by Lenders that are not Affiliates of the Borrower.

SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver .

(a) The Parent Borrower shall pay, if the Effective Date occurs, (i) all reasonable and documented out of pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (without duplication), including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of Cahill Gordon & Reindel llp and to the extent reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent to be necessary one local counsel in each

 

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applicable jurisdiction, in each case for the Administrative Agent, in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable and documented or invoiced out of-pocket expenses incurred by each Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all reasonable and documented or invoiced out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit; provided that such counsel shall be limited to one lead counsel and one local counsel in each applicable jurisdiction and, in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel per affected party.

(b) The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank, each Lender and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “ Indemnitee ”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and reasonable and documented out of pocket fees and expenses of one counsel and one local counsel in each applicable jurisdiction (and, in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel) for all Indemnitees (which may include a single special counsel acting in multiple jurisdictions), incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by Holdings or any Subsidiary arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of any Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties to the Loan Documents of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated thereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the Issuing Bank 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), (iii) to the extent in any way arising from or relating to any of the foregoing, any actual or alleged presence or Release of Hazardous Materials on, at, to or from any Mortgaged Property or any other property currently or formerly owned or operated by Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any other Environmental Liability related in any way to Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by Holdings or any Subsidiary and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (i) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final, non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of, or a material breach of the Loan Documents by, such Indemnitee or its Related Parties or (ii) any dispute between and among indemnified persons that does not involve an act or omission by Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiaries except that each Agent and Joint Lead Arrangers shall be indemnified in their capacities as such.

(c) To the extent that the Parent Borrower fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent, any Swingline Lender or any Issuing Bank under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, and without limiting the Parent Borrower’s obligation to do so, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, such Swingline Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such Lender’s pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount, provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent, such Swingline Lender or such Issuing Bank in its capacity as such. For purposes hereof, a Lender’s “pro rata share” shall be determined based upon its share of the aggregate Revolving

 

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Exposures, outstanding Term Loans and unused Commitments at the time. The obligations of the Lenders under this paragraph (c) are subject to the last sentence of Section 2.02(a) (which shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Lenders’ obligations under this paragraph (c)).

(d) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, none of Holdings or the Parent Borrower shall assert, and each hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee (i) for any damages arising from the use by others of information or other materials obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such damages are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final, non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of, or a breach of the Loan Documents by, such Indemnitee or its Related Parties, or (ii) on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, any Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.

(e) All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than 10 Business Days after written demand therefor; provided , however , that any Indemnitee shall promptly refund an indemnification payment received hereunder to the extent that there is a final judicial determination that such Indemnitee was not entitled to indemnification with respect to such payment pursuant to this Section 9.03.

SECTION 9.04. 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 (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) the Parent Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by the Parent Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. 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 (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraphs (b)(ii) and (g) below, any Lender may assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent (except with respect to assignments to competitors of the Parent Borrower) not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of (A) the Parent Borrower, provided that no consent of the Parent Borrower shall be required during the first 30 days after the Effective Date, for an assignment by a Term Lender to any Lender or an Affiliate of any Lender, by a Term Lender to an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (b), (h) or (i) has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee; and provided further that the Parent Borrower shall have the right to withhold its consent to any assignment if, in order for such assignment to comply with applicable law, the Parent Borrower would be required to obtain the consent of, or make any filing or registration with, any Governmental Authority, (B) the Administrative Agent, provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment of a Term Loan to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or to the Parent Borrower or any Affiliate thereof and (C) each Principal Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender, provided that no consent of any Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender shall be required for an assignment of all or any portion of a Term

 

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Loan or Term Commitment. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 9.04 to the contrary, if any Person the consent of which is required by this paragraph with respect to any assignment of Term Loans has not given the Administrative Agent written notice of its objection to such assignment within 10 Business Days after written notice to such Person, such Person shall be deemed to have consented to such assignment.

(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 trade date specified in the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment or, if no trade date is so specified, as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than, in the case of a Revolving Loan or Revolving Commitment, $2,500,000 or, in the case of a Term Loan, $1,000,000, unless the Parent Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), provided that no such consent of the Parent Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (b), (h) or (i) has occurred and is continuing, (B) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, provided that this clause (B) shall not be construed to prohibit assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of one Class of Commitments or Loans, (C) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together (unless waived by the Administrative Agent) with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500, provided that assignments made pursuant to Section 2.19(b) or Section 9.02(c) shall not require the signature of the assigning Lender to become effective, (D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent any tax forms required by Section 2.17(e) and an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Parent Borrower, the Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including Federal and state securities laws and (E) unless the Parent Borrower otherwise consents, no assignment of all or any portion of the Revolving Commitment of a Lender that is also a Swingline Lender or an Issuing Bank may be made unless (1) the assignee shall be or become a Swingline Lender and/or an Issuing Bank, as applicable, and assume a ratable portion of the rights and obligations of such assignor in its capacity as Swingline Lender and Issuing Bank, or (2) the assignor agrees, in its discretion, to retain all of its rights with respect to and obligations to make or issue Swingline Loans and Letters of Credit, as applicable, hereunder in which case the Applicable Fronting Exposure of such assignor may exceed such assignor’s Revolving Commitment for purposes of Sections 2.04(a) and 2.05(b) by an amount not to exceed the difference between the assignor’s Revolving Commitment prior to such assignment and the assignor’s Revolving Commitment following such assignment; provided that no such consent of the Parent Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default under Section 7.01(g) or (h) has occurred and is continuing.

(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(v) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto 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 (and subject to the obligations and limitations of) Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 and to any fees payable hereunder that have accrued for such Lender’s account but have not yet been paid). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations

 

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under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 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 paragraph (c)(i) of this Section.

(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of the Parent Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices 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 Commitment of, and principal amount of the Loans and LC Disbursements 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 Holdings, the Parent Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks 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. In addition, the Administrative Agent shall maintain on the Register information regarding the designation, and revocation of designation, of any Lender as a Defaulting Lender. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Parent Borrower, the Issuing Banks and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(v) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire and any tax forms required by Section 2.17(e) (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.

(vi) The words “execution”, “signed”, “signature” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

(c) (i) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Parent Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lenders, sell participations to one or more banks or other Persons (a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans owing to it), provided that (A) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (C) Holdings, the Parent Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks 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 the Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of the 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, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that directly and adversely affects such Participant. Subject to paragraph (c)(ii) of this Section, the Parent Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of (and subject to the obligations and limitations of) Sections 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.18(c) as though it were a Lender.

 

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(ii) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.15 or Section 2.17 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 consent. A Participant shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.17 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agreed, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply with Section 2.17(e) as though it were a Lender.

(d) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Parent 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 to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest, provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “ Granting Lender ”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle (an “ SPV ”), identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Parent Borrower, the option to provide to the Parent Borrower all or any part of any Loan that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make to the Parent Borrower pursuant to this Agreement, provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPV to make any Loan and (ii) if an SPV elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to provide all or any part of such Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Loan pursuant to the terms hereof. The making of a Loan by an SPV hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Loan were made by such Granting Lender. Each party hereto hereby agrees that no SPV shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement (all liability for which shall remain with the Granting Lender). In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior indebtedness of any SPV, such party will not institute against, or join any other person in instituting against, such SPV any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings under the laws of the United States or any State thereof. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 9.04, any SPV may (i) with notice to, but without the prior written consent of, the Parent Borrower and the Administrative Agent and without paying any processing fee therefor, assign all or a portion of its interests in any Loans to the Granting Lender or to any financial institutions (consented to by the Parent Borrower and Administrative Agent) providing liquidity or credit support to or for the account of such SPV to support the funding or maintenance of Loans and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety, guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPV.

(f) Any Lender may, at any time, assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to the Sponsors or any of their respective Affiliates (other than Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries) subject to the following limitations:

(1) Affiliated Lenders will not receive information provided solely to Lenders by the Administrative Agent or any Lender and will not be permitted to attend or participate in meetings attended solely by the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, other than the right to receive notices of Borrowings, notices of prepayments and other administrative notices in respect of its Loans or Commitments required to be delivered to Lenders pursuant to Article II; provided ,

 

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however , that the foregoing provisions of this clause (1) will apply to the Silver Lake Debt Funds only to the extent that the Administrative Agent has determined in good faith that affording such rights to the Silver Lake Debt Funds during a period or in connection with a matter or matters being considered by Lenders would be inadvisable in light of the Silver Lake Debt Funds’ status as an Affiliated Lender (in which case the Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Silver Lake Debt Funds that are Lenders of such determination);

(2) for purposes of any amendment, waiver or modification of any Loan Document (including such modifications pursuant to Section 9.02), or, subject to Section 9.02(f), any plan of reorganization pursuant to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, that in either case does not require the consent of each Lender or each affected Lender or does not adversely affect such Affiliated Lender in any material respect as compared to other Lenders, Affiliated Lenders will be deemed to have voted in the same proportion as the Lenders that are not Affiliated Lenders voting on such matter; and each Affiliated Lender hereby acknowledges, agrees and consents that if, for any reason, its vote to accept or reject any plan pursuant to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code is not deemed to have been so voted, then such vote will be (x) deemed not to be in good faith and (y) “designated” pursuant to Section 1126(e) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code such that the vote is not counted in determining whether the applicable class has accepted or rejected such plan in accordance with Section 1126(c) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code; provided that Affiliated Debt Funds will not be subject to such voting limitations and will be entitled to vote as any other Lender;

(3) Affiliated Lenders may not purchase Revolving Loans by assignment pursuant to this Section 9.04;

(4) the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans purchased by assignment pursuant to this Section 9.04 and held at any one time by Affiliated Lenders (other than Silver Lake Debt Funds) may not exceed 20% of the original principal amount of all Term Loans on the Effective Date plus the original principal amount of all term loans made pursuant to an Incremental Term Loan; and

(g) Notwithstanding anything in Section 9.02 or the definition of “Required Lenders” to the contrary, for purposes of determining whether the Required 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, all Term Loans held by any Affiliated Lenders that are not Silver Lake Debt Funds shall be deemed to be not outstanding for all purposes of calculating whether the Required Lenders have taken any actions.

SECTION 9.05. Survival . All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to any Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive

 

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and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, in the event that, in connection with the refinancing or repayment in full of the credit facilities provided for herein, an Issuing Bank shall have provided to the Administrative Agent a written consent to the release of the Revolving Lenders from their obligations hereunder with respect to any Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank (whether as a result of the obligations of the Parent Borrower (and any other account party) in respect of such Letter of Credit having been collateralized in full by a deposit of cash with such Issuing Bank or being supported by a letter of credit that names such Issuing Bank as the beneficiary thereunder, or otherwise), then from and after such time such Letter of Credit shall cease to be a “Letter of Credit” outstanding hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the Revolving Lenders shall be deemed to have no participations in such Letter of Credit, and no obligations with respect thereto, under Section 2.05(e) or (f).

SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness . This Agreement 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 Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent or the syndication of the Loans and Commitments constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

SECTION 9.07. Severability . Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff . If an Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (b), (h) or (i) shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, any such Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any of and all the obligations of the Parent Borrower then due and owing under this Agreement held by such Lender or Issuing Bank, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or Issuing Bank shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations are owed to a branch or office of such Lender or Issuing Bank different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such Indebtedness. The applicable Lender and applicable Issuing Bank shall notify the Parent Borrower and the Administrative Agent of such setoff and application, provided that any failure to give or any delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of any such setoff and application under this Section. The rights of each Lender, each Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, such Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates may have.

 

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SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process .

(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

(b) Each of Holdings and each Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in New York County and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Document, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in any Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to any Loan Document against Holdings, the Borrowers or their respective properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(c) Each of Holdings and each Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

(d) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in any Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

SECTION 9.11. Headings . Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality .

(a) Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees, trustees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other agents and advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure

 

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is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential and any failure of such Persons to comply with this Section 9.12 shall constitute a breach of this Section 9.12 by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or the relevant Lender, as applicable), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority required by applicable law or by any subpoena or similar legal process provided that unless specifically prohibited by applicable law or court order, each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall notify the Parent Borrower of any request by any governmental agency or representative thereof (other than any such request in connection with an examination of the financial condition of such Lender by such governmental agency or other routine examinations of such Lender by such governmental agency) for disclosure of any such non-public information prior to disclosure of such information, and provided , further , that in no event shall any Lender or the Administrative Agent be obligated or required to return any materials furnished by the Parent Borrower or any Subsidiary of Holdings, (c) to any other party to this Agreement, (d) subject to an agreement containing confidentiality undertakings substantially similar to those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any Swap Agreement relating to any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries and its obligations under the Loan Documents, (e) with the consent of the Parent Borrower, in the case of Information provided by Holdings, the Parent Borrower, the Co-Borrower or any other Subsidiary, or (f) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than Holdings or the Parent Borrower. For the purposes of this Section, “ Information ” means all information received from Holdings or the Parent Borrower relating to Holdings, the Parent Borrower, any Subsidiary or their business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by Holdings or the Parent Borrower, provided that, in the case of information received from Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Subsidiary after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

(b) EACH LENDER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT INFORMATION AS DEFINED IN SECTION 9.12(a) FURNISHED TO IT PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY INCLUDE MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION CONCERNING HOLDINGS, THE BORROWERS, THE LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES AND CONFIRMS THAT IT HAS DEVELOPED COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES REGARDING THE USE OF MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION AND THAT IT WILL HANDLE SUCH MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THOSE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

(c) ALL INFORMATION, INCLUDING REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS FURNISHED BY THE BORROWERS OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PURSUANT TO, OR IN THE COURSE OF ADMINISTERING, THIS AGREEMENT, WILL BE SYNDICATE-LEVEL INFORMATION, WHICH MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT HOLDINGS, THE BORROWERS, THE LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES. ACCORDINGLY, EACH LENDER REPRESENTS TO THE BORROWERS AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT THAT IT HAS IDENTIFIED IN ITS ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE A CREDIT CONTACT WHO MAY RECEIVE INFORMATION THAT MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

 

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SECTION 9.13. USA Patriot Act . Each Lender and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies each Loan Party that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of such Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender or Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify each Loan Party in accordance with the USA Patriot Act.

SECTION 9.14. Judgment Currency .

(a) If, for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert a sum owing hereunder in one currency into another currency, each party hereto agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures in the relevant jurisdiction the first currency could be purchased with such other currency on the Business Day immediately preceding the day on which final judgment is given.

(b) The obligations of the Borrowers in respect of any sum due to any party hereto or any holder of any obligation owing hereunder (the “ Applicable Creditor ”) shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency (the “ Judgment Currency ”) other than the currency in which such sum is stated to be due hereunder (the “ Agreement Currency ”), be discharged only to the extent that, on the Business Day following receipt by the Applicable Creditor of any sum adjudged to be so due in the Judgment Currency, the Applicable Creditor may in accordance with normal banking procedures in the relevant jurisdiction purchase the Agreement Currency with the Judgment Currency; if the amount of the Agreement Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to the Applicable Creditor in the Agreement Currency, the Borrowers agree, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify the Applicable Creditor against such loss. The obligations of the Borrowers under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of all other amounts owing hereunder.

SECTION 9.15. Release of Liens and Guarantees . A Subsidiary Loan Party (other than a Borrower) shall automatically be released from its obligations under the Loan Documents, and all security interests created by the Security Documents in Collateral owned by such Subsidiary Loan Party shall be automatically released, (1) upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by this Agreement as a result of which such Subsidiary Loan Party ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary (including pursuant to a merger with a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party or a designation as an Unrestricted Subsidiary) or (2) upon the request of the Borrower, in connection with a transaction permitted under this Agreement, as a result of which such Subsidiary Loan party ceases to be a wholly-owned Subsidiary. Upon any sale or other transfer by any Loan Party (other than to Holdings, the Parent Borrower, the Co-Borrower or any other Subsidiary Loan Party) of any Collateral in a transaction permitted under this Agreement, or upon the effectiveness of any written consent to the release of the security interest created under any Security Document in any Collateral or the release of any Loan Party from its Guarantee under the Guarantee Agreement pursuant to Section 9.02, the security interests in such Collateral created by the Security Documents or such guarantee shall be automatically released. Upon termination of the aggregate Commitments and payment in full of all Secured Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations) and the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit including as a result of obtaining the consent of the applicable Issuing Bank as described in Section 9.05 of the Credit Agreement), all obligations under the Loan Documents and all security interests created by the Security Documents shall be automatically released. In connection with any termination or release pursuant to this Section, the Administrative Agent shall execute and deliver to any Loan Party, at such Loan Party’s expense, all documents that such Loan Party shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.

 

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SECTION 9.16. No Fiduciary Relationship . Each of Holdings and each Borrower, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries, agrees that in connection with all aspects of the transactions contemplated hereby and any communications in connection therewith, Holdings, each Borrower, the other Subsidiaries and their Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and their Affiliates, on the other hand, will have a business relationship that does not create, by implication or otherwise, any fiduciary duty on the part of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders or their Affiliates, and no such duty will be deemed to have arisen in connection with any such transactions or communications.

SECTION 9.17. Obligation Joint and Several . The Borrowers shall have joint and several liability in respect of all Obligations in respect of the Loans (the “ Loan Obligations ”) hereunder and under any other Loan Document to which any Borrower is a party, without regard to any defense (other than the defense that payment in full has been made), setoff or counterclaim which may at any time be available to or be asserted by any other Loan Party against the Lenders, or by any other circumstance whatsoever (with or without notice to or knowledge of the Borrowers) which constitutes, or might be construed to constitute, an equitable or legal discharge of the Borrowers’ liability hereunder, in bankruptcy or in any other instance, and the Loan Obligations of the Borrowers hereunder shall not be conditioned or contingent upon the pursuit by the Lenders or any other person at any time of any right or remedy against the Borrowers or against any other person which may be or become liable in respect of all or any part of the Loan Obligations or against any Collateral or Guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect thereto. The Borrowers hereby acknowledge that this Agreement is the independent and several obligation of each Borrower (regardless of which Borrower shall have delivered a requests for borrowings under Section 2.03) and may be enforced against each Borrower separately, whether or not enforcement of any right or remedy hereunder has been sought against any other Borrower. Each Borrower hereby expressly waives, with respect to any of the Loans made to any other Borrower hereunder and any of the amounts owing hereunder by such other Loan Parties in respect of such Loans, diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest and all notices whatsoever, and any requirement that the Administrative Agent or any Lender exhaust any right, power or remedy or proceed against such other Loan Parties under this Agreement or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or against any other person under any other guarantee of, or security for, any of such amounts owing hereunder.

 

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

 

EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (GLOBAL), INC.
By:   /s/ Iain MacKenzie
  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Sole Director
By:   /s/ Elizabeth Orso
  Witness
  Name:   Elizabeth Orso
  Title:   Paralegal
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
By:   /s/ Iain MacKenzie
  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director, CEO, President
EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (GLOBAL MEMORY HOLDINGS), INC.
By:   /s/ Iain MacKenzie
  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:  
By:   /s/ Elizabeth Orso
  Witness
  Name:   Elizabeth Orso
  Title:   Paralegal

 

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JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as a Lender and as Administrative Agent,
By:  

/s/ Goh Siew Tan

  Name: Goh Siew Tan
  Title: Vice President

 

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UBS LOAN FINANCE LLC, as a Lender,
By:   /s/ Mary E. Evans
  Name:   Mary E. Evans
  Title:   Associate Director
By:   /s/ Irja R. Otsa
  Name:   Irja R. Otsa
  Title:   Associate Director

 

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BANCO DO BRASIL - NEW YORK

BRANCH, as a Lender,

By:  

/s/ Oswaldo Parre dos Santos

  Name:   Oswaldo Parre dos Santos
  Title:   General Manager
By:  

/s/ João Carlos Telles

  Name:   João Carlos Telles
  Title:   Deputy General Manager

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT - SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc. August 2011]


WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as a Lender,
By:  

/s/ Karen Byler

  Name:   Karen Byler
  Title:   SVP

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT]


Annex I

Amortization Table

 

Date

   Term Loan
Amount
 

November 30, 2011

   $ 775,000.00  

February 29, 2012

   $ 775,000.00  

May 31, 2012

   $ 775,000.00  

August 31, 2012

   $ 775,000.00  

November 30, 2012

   $ 2,325,000.00  

February 28, 2013

   $ 2,325,000.00  

May 31, 2013

   $ 2,325,000.00  

August 31, 2013

   $ 2,325,000.00  

November 30, 2013

   $ 2,712,500.00  

February 28, 2014

   $ 2,712,500.00  

May 31, 2014

   $ 2,712,500.00  

August 31, 2014

   $ 2,712,500.00  

November 30, 2014

   $ 3,875,000.00  

February 28, 2015

   $ 3,875,000.00  

May 31, 2015

   $ 3,875,000.00  

August 31, 2015

   $ 3,875,000.00  

November 30, 2015

   $ 3,875,000.00  

February 29, 2016

   $ 3,875,000.00  

May 31, 2016

   $ 3,875,000.00  

August 31, 2016

   $ 3,875,000.00  

November 30, 2016

   $ 3,875,000.00  

February 28, 2017

   $ 3,875,000.00  

May 31, 2017

   $ 3,875,000.00  

August 31, 2017

   $ 244,125,000.00  

Exhibit 10.9

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

This AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”), dated as of December 13, 2011, is made and entered into among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“ Holdings ”), SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “ Parent Borrower ”), SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., California corporation (the “ Co - Borrower ” and, together with the Parent Borrower, the “ Borrowers ” and each a “ Borrower ”), the other Lenders party hereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”). Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement (as defined below).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Borrowers, Holdings, the Administrative Agent and the other parties named therein are party to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, Section 9.02 of the Credit Agreement permits certain provisions of any Loan Document to be amended with the consent of the Parent Borrower and the Required Lenders;

WHEREAS, the Parent Borrower and the Required Lenders have agreed to amend the Credit Agreement on the terms set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

SECTION ONE. Amendments .

The Credit Agreement is hereby, effective as of the Amendment Effective Date, amended as follows:

 

  a. The word “and” at the end of clause (B)(II) of the definition of “ Consolidated Working Capital ” is deleted and replaced with “,”; and

 

  b. The period at the end of the definition of “ Consolidated Working Capital ” is deleted and replaced with the following:

“; and (IV) the impact of any Permitted Receivables Factoring to the extent the cash proceeds of such Permitted Receivables Factoring do not result in an equivalent decrease in Excess Cash Flow.”;


SECTION TWO. Conditions to Effectiveness . This Amendment shall become effective as of the date first written above when, and only when, the Administrative Agent’s shall have received counterparts of this Amendment executed by the Administrative Agent, the Parent Borrower, the Co-Borrower, Holdings and the Required Lenders, this (such date, the “ Amendment Effective Date ”).

SECTION THREE. Reference to and Effect on the Loan Documents . On and after the Amendment Effective Date, each reference in the Credit Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,” “hereof” or words of like import referring to the Credit Agreement, shall mean and be a reference to the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment. The Loan Documents are and shall continue to be in full force and effect. The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not, except as expressly provided herein, operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of any Lender or any Agent under any of the Loan Documents, nor constitute a waiver of any provision of any of the Loan Documents. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document.

SECTION FOUR. Execution in Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute but one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Amendment by telecopier shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Amendment.

SECTION FIVE. Governing Law . This Amendment shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York (without regard to the conflict of law principles thereof to the extent that the application of the laws of another jurisdiction would be required thereby).

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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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.

 

EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (GLOBAL), INC.
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name: Iain MacKenzie
  Title: Director
By:  

/s/ Trevor Dutcher

  Witness
  Name: Trevor Dutcher
  Title: Sr. Corp. Counsel
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name: Iain MacKenzie
  Title: Director
EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (GLOBAL MEMORY HOLDINGS), INC.
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name: Iain MacKenzie
  Title: Director
By:  

/s/ Trevor Dutcher

  Witness
  Name: Trevor Dutcher
  Title: Sr. Corp. Counsel

[Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement]


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
By:  

/s/ Goh Siew Tan

  Name: Goh Siew Tan
  Title: Vice President

[Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement]


The undersigned Lender hereby irrevocably and unconditionally approves the Amendment.
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.  
as a Lender

 

By:  

/s/ GOH SIEW TAN

  Name:   GOH SIEW TAN
  Title:   VICE PRESIDENT

 

[Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement]


The undersigned Lender hereby irrevocably and unconditionally approves the Amendment.

UBS Loan Finance LLC,

 
as a Lender

 

By:  

/s/ Mary E. Evans

  Name:  
  Title:   Associate Director
By:  

/s/ Christopher Gomes

  Name:   Christopher Gomes
  Title:   Associate Director

[To be used if Lender requires two signatories]

[Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement]


The undersigned Lender hereby irrevocably and unconditionally approves the Amendment.

J.P. Morgan Whitefriers Inc.

  ,    
as a Lender

 

By:  

/s/ Virginia R. Conway

  Name:   Virginia R. Conway
  Title:   Attorney-in-fact

[To be used if Lender requires one signatory]

[Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement]


The undersigned Lender hereby irrevocably and unconditionally approves the Amendment.

BANCO DO BRAZIL, S.A., NEW YORK BRANCH

  ,    
as a Lender

 

By:  

/s/ Rubens Cordoso da Silva

  Name:   Rubens Cordoso da Silva
  Title:   Deputy General Manager
By:  

/s/ Alessandro Gajano

  Name:   Alessandro Gajano
  Title:   Treasurer and Deputy General Manager

[To be used if Lender requires two signatories]

[Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement]


The undersigned Lender hereby irrevocably and unconditionally approves the Amendment.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

  ,    
as a Lender

 

By:  

/s/ Karen Byler

  Name:   Karen Byler
  Title:   SVP

[To be used if Lender requires one signatory]

[Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement]

Exhibit 10.10

Execution Version

FIRST REFINANCING AMENDMENT dated as of August 20, 2014 (this “ Amendment ”), to the Credit Agreement (as defined below) among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Holdings), Inc. (f.k.a. SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc.), as Holdings (“ Holdings ”), SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., as Parent Borrower (the “ Parent Borrower ”), SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., as Co-Borrower (the “ Co-Borrower ”; together with the Parent Borrower, the “ Borrowers ”), the New Revolving Lenders (as defined below) party hereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

RECITALS

A. Holdings, the Borrowers, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”), are party to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “ Credit Agreement ”).

B. The Credit Agreement permits the Borrowers to obtain Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness from any Lender or Additional Lender in respect of all or any portion of the Revolving Loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement and unused Revolving Commitments in the form of Other Revolving Loans and Other Revolving Commitments pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment.

C. On the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date (as defined below), the Borrowers intend to repay certain of the Revolving Loans outstanding immediately prior to the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date (the “ Original Revolving Loans ”) and terminate and replace the existing Revolving Commitments held by each of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., UBS AG, Stamford Branch and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the “ Original Revolving Commitments ”) with New Revolving Commitments (as defined below).

D. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Person party hereto who has delivered a signature page as a Lender agreeing to provide Revolving Commitments (a “ New Revolving Lender ”) has agreed to provide a commitment (the “ New Revolving Commitments ”; any Revolving Loans made thereunder, the “ New Revolving Loans ”) in the amount set forth on its signature page hereto.

E. In order to effect the foregoing, Holdings, the Borrowers and the other parties hereto desire to amend the Credit Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein. This Amendment is a Refinancing Amendment contemplated by Section 2.21 of the Credit Agreement to provide for the New Revolving Commitments, which is subject to the approval of Holdings, the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the New Revolving Lenders.

AGREEMENTS

In consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Holdings, the Borrowers, the New Revolving Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby agree as follows:


ARTICLE I.

Refinancing Amendment

SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms. Capitalized terms used herein (including in the recitals hereto) and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement. The rules of construction specified in Section 1.03 of the Credit Agreement also apply to this Amendment.

SECTION 1.02. Revolving Commitments. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, on the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date, each New Revolving Lender agrees to make available Revolving Commitments in the amount set forth on its signature page hereto.

(b) The commitments of the New Revolving Lenders are several, and no New Revolving Lender shall be responsible for any other New Revolving Lender’s failure to make New Revolving Loans.

(c) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, pursuant to Section 2.21 of the Credit Agreement, effective as of the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date, for all purposes of the Loan Documents, (i) the New Revolving Commitments shall constitute “Revolving Commitments” and “Other Revolving Commitments”, (ii) the New Revolving Loans shall constitute “Revolving Loans” and “Other Revolving Loans” and (iii) each New Revolving Lender shall become an “Additional Lender”, a “Revolving Lender” and a “Lender” and shall have all the rights and obligations of a Lender holding a Revolving Commitment (or, following the making of a New Revolving Loan, a Revolving Loan).

(d) On the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date, all Original Revolving Commitments shall be terminated, and all Original Revolving Loans shall be deemed repaid and such portion thereof that were ABR Loans shall be reborrowed as ABR Loans by the Borrowers and such portion thereof that were Eurocurrency Loans shall be reborrowed as Eurocurrency Loans by the Borrowers (it being understood that for each tranche of Original Revolving Loans that were Eurocurrency Loans, (x) the initial Interest Period for the relevant reborrowed Eurocurrency Loans shall equal the remaining length of the Interest Period for such tranche and (y) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the relevant reborrowed Eurocurrency Loans during such initial Interest Period shall be the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such tranche immediately prior to the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date) and the New Revolving Lenders shall advance funds to the Administrative Agent no later than 12:00 Noon, New York City time on the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date as shall be required to repay the Original Revolving Loans of Revolving Lenders such that each Revolving Lender’s share of outstanding Revolving Loans on the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date is equal to its Applicable Percentage (after giving effect to the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date).

SECTION 1.03. Amendment of Credit Agreement. Effective as of the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date, the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

 

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(i) The following definitions are hereby added in the appropriate alphabetical order to Section 1.01:

First Refinancing Amendment ” means the First Refinancing Amendment to this Agreement dated as of August 20, 2014, among Holdings, the Borrowers, the New Revolving Lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent.

First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date ” has the meaning assigned thereto in the First Refinancing Amendment.

(ii) The last sentence of the definition of “Alternate Base Rate” set forth in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) with respect to Term Loans, the Alternate Base Rate will be deemed to be 2.25% per annum if the Alternate Base Rate calculated pursuant to the foregoing provisions would otherwise be less than 2.25% per annum and (ii) otherwise, the Alternate Base Rate will be deemed to be 2.00% per annum if the Alternate Base Rate calculated pursuant to the foregoing provisions would otherwise be less than 2.00%.”

(iii) The grid in the definition of “Applicable Rate” set forth in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

 

Secured Net Leverage Ratio:

   ABR
Spread
    Eurocurrency
Spread
 

Category 1

Greater than 2.25 to 1.00

     3.00     4.00

Category 2

Less than or equal to 2.25 to 1.00

     2.75     3.75

(iv) The definition of “Issuing Bank” set forth in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

Issuing Bank ” means (a) Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., (b) Barclays Bank PLC, and (c) each Revolving Lender that shall have become an Issuing Bank hereunder as provided in Section 2.05(k) (other than any Person that shall have ceased to be an Issuing Bank as provided in Section 2.05(l)), each in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder. Each Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of such Issuing Bank, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of

 

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Credit issued by such Affiliate. Barclays Bank PLC as Issuing Bank shall not be obligated to issue any commercial or trade Letters of Credit.

(v) The last sentence of the definition of “LIBO Rate” set forth in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“Notwithstanding the foregoing (i) with respect to Term Loans, the LIBO Rate in respect of any applicable Interest Period will be deemed to be 1.25% per annum if the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period calculated pursuant to the foregoing provisions would otherwise be less than 1.25% per annum and (ii) otherwise, the LIBO Rate in respect of any applicable Interest Period will be deemed to be 1.00% per annum if the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period determined pursuant to the foregoing provisions would otherwise be less than 1.00%.”

(vi) The definition of “Revolving Loan” set forth in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“Revolving Loan ” means a Revolving Loan made pursuant to clause (b) of Section 2.01 and Other Revolving Loans (including a New Revolving Loan constituting Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness thereof made pursuant to, and as defined in, the First Refinancing Amendment).”

(vii) The definition of “Revolving Maturity Date” set forth in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

““ Revolving Maturity Date ” means the earlier of (i) the Term Maturity Date (after taking into account any extensions of such date) and (ii) August 26, 2019.”

(viii) The definition of “Swingline Lender” set forth in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

““ Swingline Lender ” means (a) Barclays Bank PLC, in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans hereunder and (b) each Revolving Lender that shall have become a Swingline Lender hereunder as provided in Section 2.04(d) (other than any Person that shall have ceased to be a Swingline Lender as provided in Section 2.04(e)), each in its capacity as a lender of Swingline Loans hereunder.”

(ix) Schedule 2.01 to the Credit Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as set forth in Annex II hereto.

SECTION 1.04. Amendment Effectiveness. Sections 1.02 and 1.03 of this Amendment shall become effective as of the first date (the “ First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date ”) on which the following conditions have been satisfied:

 

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(a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from (i) the Borrowers, (ii) Holdings, (iii) each New Revolving Lender and (iv) the Administrative Agent, either (x) counterparts of this Amendment signed on behalf of such parties or (y) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include facsimile or other electronic transmissions of signed signature pages) that such parties have signed counterparts of this Amendment.

(b) Immediately before and after giving effect to the New Revolving Commitments, the conditions set forth (b) of Section 4.02 of the Credit Agreement shall be satisfied on and as of the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date, and the New Revolving Lenders shall have received a certificate of a Responsible Officer dated the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date to such effect.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received a favorable legal opinion from each of (i) Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York counsel to the Loan Parties, in form and substance substantially similar to the opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP delivered on August 26, 2011 and (ii) Maples and Calder, Cayman counsel to the Loan Parties, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received from each of the Borrowers and Holdings the deliverables described in Section 4.01(d) of the Credit Agreement, with each reference therein to “Loan Party” to be deemed a reference to the Borrowers and Holdings, each reference therein to “Loan Documents” to be deemed a reference to the Amendment and each reference therein to the “Effective Date” to be deemed a reference to the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date.

(e) The Borrowers shall have (i) paid in full, or substantially concurrently with the satisfaction of the other conditions precedent set forth in this Section 1.04 shall pay in full all accrued and unpaid fees and interest with respect to the Original Revolving Loans being repaid on the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date and (ii) terminated the Original Revolving Commitments.

(f) The Administrative Agent shall have received, in immediately available funds, payment or reimbursement of all costs, fees, out-of-pocket expenses, compensation and other amounts then due and payable in connection with this Amendment, including, to the extent invoiced at least three Business Days prior to the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date, the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent.

(g) The letters of credit identified on Annex I hereto shall be backstopped or replaced on or prior to the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date in a manner satisfactory to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrowers, the New Revolving Lenders and the other Lenders of the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date and such notice shall be conclusive and binding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the amendment effected hereby shall not become effective and the obligations of the New Revolving Lenders hereunder to make New Revolving Loans will automatically terminate, if each of the conditions set forth or referred to in Section

 

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1.04 hereof has not been satisfied at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 20, 2014.

ARTICLE II.

Miscellaneous

SECTION 2.01. Representations and Warranties. (a) To induce the other parties hereto to enter into this Amendment, the Borrowers represent and warrant to each of the New Revolving Lenders and the Administrative Agent that, as of the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date and after giving effect to the transactions and amendments to occur on the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date, this Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each of Holdings and the Borrowers and constitutes, and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby on the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date, will constitute, its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against each of the Loan Parties in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

(b) The representations and warranties of each Loan Party set forth in the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date; provided that, to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date; provided further that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality”, “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language shall be true and correct in all respects on the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date.

(c) After giving effect to this Amendment and the transactions contemplated hereby on the relevant date, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date.

SECTION 2.02. Effect of Amendment. (a) Except as expressly set forth herein, this Amendment shall not by implication or otherwise limit, impair, constitute a waiver of, or otherwise affect the rights and remedies of, the Lenders or the Agents under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, and shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, liens, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect. Each of the Loan Parties consent to this Amendment and reaffirm its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is party and the grant of its Liens on the Collateral made by it pursuant to the Security Documents. Nothing herein shall be deemed to establish a precedent for the purposes of interpreting the provisions of the Credit Agreement or entitle any Loan Party to a consent to, or a waiver, amendment, modification or other change of, any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document in similar or different circumstances. This Amendment shall apply to and be effective only with respect to the provisions of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents specifically referred to herein.

 

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(b) On and after the First Refinancing Amendment Effective Date, each reference in the Credit Agreement to “this Agreement”, “hereunder”, “hereof”, “herein” or words of like import, and each reference to the Credit Agreement, “thereunder”, “thereof”, “therein” or words of like import in any other Loan Document, shall be deemed a reference to the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby. This Amendment shall constitute a Refinancing Amendment entered into pursuant to Section 2.21 of the Credit Agreement and a “Loan Document” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

SECTION 2.03. Loss of FATCA Grandfathering . The Borrowers have determined that, as a result of this Amendment, neither the Revolving Commitments (nor any Revolving Loans made pursuant thereto) will be “grandfathered obligations” for purposes of FATCA.

SECTION 2.04. Governing Law. This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. The provisions of Sections 9.09 and 9.10 of the Credit Agreement shall apply to this Amendment to the same extent as if fully set forth herein.

SECTION 2.05. Costs and Expenses. The Borrowers agree to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its reasonable out of pocket expenses in connection with this Amendment and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP and Appleby (Cayman) Ltd., counsels for the Administrative Agent. For the avoidance of doubt JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A and its affiliates will not receive a fee or act as a bookrunner, arranger or agent (other than as Administrative Agent) in connection with this Amendment.

SECTION 2.06. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same instrument. Delivery of any executed counterpart of a signature page of this Amendment by facsimile transmission or other electronic imaging means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

SECTION 2.07. Headings. The headings of this Amendment are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

[intentionally left blank]

 

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

 

EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (GLOBAL), INC.
BY  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

NAME:   Iain MacKenzie
TITLE:   Director
BY  

/s/ Trevor Dutcher

WITNESS
NAME:   Trevor Dutcher
TITLE:   Sr. Corp Counsel
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
BY  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

NAME:   Iain MacKenzie
TITLE:   CEO
EXECUTED AS A DEED BY

SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES

(GLOBAL HOLDINGS), INC.

BY  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

NAME:   Iain MacKenzie
TITLE:   Director
BY  

/s/ Trevor Dutcher

WITNESS
NAME:   Trevor Dutcher
TITLE:   Sr. Corp Counsel

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]

 


SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (LX), S.A.R.L.
BY  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

NAME:   Iain MacKenzie
TITLE:   Class A Manager
BY  

/s/ Wolfgang Zettel

NAME:  

Wolfgang Zettel

TITLE:  

Manager

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]


EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (DH), INC.
BY  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

NAME:   Iain MacKenzie
TITLE:   Director
BY  

/s/ Trevor Dutcher

WITNESS
NAME:   Trevor Dutcher
TITLE:   Sr. Corp Counsel

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]


SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (DE), INC.
BY  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

NAME:   Iain MacKenzie
TITLE:   CEO

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]


EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (CI), INC.
BY  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

NAME:   Iain MacKenzie
TITLE:   Director
BY  

/s/ Trevor Dutcher

WITNESS
NAME:   Trevor Dutcher
TITLE:   Sr. Corp Counsel

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]


EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (LATIN AMERICA), INC.
BY  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

NAME:   Iain MacKenzie
TITLE:   Director
BY  

/s/ Trevor Dutcher

WITNESS
NAME:   Trevor Dutcher
TITLE:   Sr. Corp Counsel

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]


SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES DO BRASIL – INDÚSTRIA E COMÉRCIO DE COMPONENTES LTDA.
BY  

/s/ Rogerio Duair Jacomini Nunes        18/08/14

NAME:   Rogerio Duair Jacomini Nunes
TITLE:   Vice President/General MGR – Brazil

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]


SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES

INDÚSTRIA DE COMPONENTES ELECTÔNICOS LTDA.

BY  

/s/ Rogerio Duair Jacomini Nunes        18/08/14

NAME:   Rogerio Duair Jacomini Nunes
TITLE:   Vice President/General MGR – Brazil

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]


EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (EUROPE) LIMITED
BY  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

NAME:   Iain MacKenzie
TITLE:   Director
BY  

/s/ Trevor Dutcher

WITNESS
NAME:   Trevor Dutcher
TITLE:   Sr. Corp Counsel

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as
Administrative Agent
BY  

/s/ Goh Siew Tan

Name:   Goh Siew Tan
Title:   Executive Director

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]

 


    BARCLAYS BANK PLC,
    as a New Revolving Lender, Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender
    By:  

/s/ Ritam Bhalla

    Name:   Ritam Bhalla
    Title:   Director

Principal Amount of

New Revolving Commitments:

    $15,000,000.00

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]

 


    WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,
    as a New Revolving Lender and Issuing Bank
    By:  

/s/ Karen Byler

    Name:   Karen Byler
    Title:   Senior Vice President

Principal Amount of

New Revolving Commitments:

    $14,759,036.14

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]

 


    DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH,
    as a New Revolving Lender
    By:  

/s/ Alicia Trifan

    Name:   Alicia Trifan
    Title:   Managing Director
    By:  

/s/ Dusan Lazarov

    Name:   Dusan Lazarov
    Title:   Director

Principal Amount of

New Revolving Commitments:

    $13,915,662.65

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]

 


    JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC,
    as a New Revolving Lender
    By:  

/s/ Brian Buoye

    Name:   Brian Buoye
    Title:   Managing Director

Principal Amount of

New Revolving Commitments:

   

$6,325,301.20

 

 

[Smart Amendment – Signature Page]

 


Annex I

Letters of Credit issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

 

LC #

  

Beneficiary

  

SMART Entity

  

Issuing Bank

   Issue Date     

Expiration Date

   LC Amount  

TFTS-255702

   Highwood Investors, LLC.    SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.    JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.      12/01/2011     

10/20/2014 with auto annual renewal thru

9-1-18

   $ 48,000  

TFTS-706584

   Pacific Gas and Electric Company    SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.    JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.      6/27/2013      4/30/2015 with auto annual renewal    $ 99,500  


Annex II

Schedule 2.01

Commitments

 

Lender

   Initial Term Loan Commitments  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 145,000,000.00  

UBS AG, Stamford Branch

   $ 145,000,000.00  

Banco do Brasil - New York Branch

   $ 20,000,000.00  

TOTAL

   $ 310,000,000.00  

 

Lender

   Revolving Credit Commitments  

Barclays Bank PLC

   $ 15,000,000.00  

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

   $ 14,759,036.14  

Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch

   $ 13,915,662.65  

Jefferies Finance LLC

   $ 6,325,301.20  

TOTAL

   $ 50,000,000.00  

Exhibit 10.11

Execution Version

 

 

 

 

MASTER GUARANTEE AGREEMENT

dated as of

August 26, 2011,

among

SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc.,

SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc.,

SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.,

THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

IDENTIFIED HEREIN

and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
ARTICLE I  
Definitions  

SECTION 1.01.

 

Credit Agreement

     B-1  

SECTION 1.02.

 

Other Defined Terms

     B-1  
ARTICLE II  
The Guarantees  

SECTION 2.01.

 

Guarantee

     B-3  

SECTION 2.02.

 

Guarantee of Payment; Continuing Guarantee

     B-3  

SECTION 2.03.

 

No Limitations

     B-3  

SECTION 2.04.

 

Reinstatement

     B-5  

SECTION 2.05.

 

Agreement to Pay; Subrogation

     B-5  

SECTION 2.06.

 

Information

     B-5  

SECTION 2.07.

 

Maximum Liability

     B-6  

SECTION 2.08.

 

Payments Free of Taxes

     B-6  
ARTICLE III  
Indemnity, Subrogation and Subordination  

SECTION 3.01.

 

Indemnity and Subrogation

     B-6  

SECTION 3.02.

 

Contribution and Subrogation

     B-7  

SECTION 3.03.

 

Subordination

     B-7  

SECTION 3.04.

 

Financial Assistance

     B-7  
ARTICLE IV  
Representations and Warranties  
ARTICLE V  
Miscellaneous  

SECTION 5.01.

 

Notices

     B-8  

SECTION 5.02.

 

Waivers; Amendment

     B-8  

SECTION 5.03.

 

Administrative Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification

     B-9  

SECTION 5.04.

 

Successors and Assigns

     B-10  

SECTION 5.05.

 

Survival of Agreement

     B-10  

SECTION 5.06.

 

Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement

     B-10  

SECTION 5.07.

 

Severability

     B-10  

SECTION 5.08.

 

Right of Set-Off

     B-11  

SECTION 5.09.

 

Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process; Appointment of Service of Process Agent

     B-11  

 

-i-


SECTION 5.10.

 

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

     B-12  

SECTION 5.11.

 

Headings

     B-12  

SECTION 5.12.

 

Termination or Release

     B-12  

SECTION 5.13.

 

Additional Subsidiary Guarantors

     B-12  

 

-ii-


MASTER GUARANTEE AGREEMENT dated as of August 26, 2011 (this “ Agreement ”), among SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (GLOBAL MEMORY HOLDINGS), INC., SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (GLOBAL), INC., SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC., the SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS identified herein and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Guaranteed Parties.

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“ Holdings ”), SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “ Parent Borrower ”), SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (the “ Co-Borrower ” and together with the Parent Borrower, the “ Borrowers ” and each a “ Borrower ”), the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. The Lenders and the Issuing Banks have agreed to extend credit to the Borrowers subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. The obligations of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit are conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement. Holdings and the Subsidiary Guarantors are affiliates of the Borrowers, will derive substantial benefits from the extension of credit to the Borrowers pursuant to the Credit Agreement and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

Definitions

SECTION 1.01. Credit Agreement .

(a) Capitalized terms used in this Agreement (including in the introductory paragraph hereto) and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Credit Agreement.

(b) The rules of construction specified in Section 1.03 of the Credit Agreement also apply to this Agreement, mutatis mutandis .

SECTION 1.02. Other Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

Borrower ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Borrowers ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Claiming Party ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.02.

Contributing Party ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.02.

Credit Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

 

B-1


Guaranteed Obligations ” means, in the case of any Guarantor, subject to Section 2.07 of this Agreement, (a) the Loan Document Obligations, (b) the Guaranteed Cash Management Obligations and (c) the Guaranteed Swap Obligations.

Guaranteed Cash Management Obligations ” means the due and punctual payment and performance of all obligations of Holdings and the Subsidiaries in respect of any overdraft and related liabilities arising from treasury, depository and cash management services or any automated clearing house transfers of funds provided to Holdings or any Subsidiary (whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor)) that are (a) owed to the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates, (b) owed on the Effective Date to a Person that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender as of the Effective Date, (c) owed to a Person that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time such obligations are incurred or (d) owed to any other Person, provided that the obligations owed to any such other Person arose in respect of services provided by such Person in a jurisdiction where none of the Administrative Agent, the Revolving Lenders or any of their Affiliates, at the time such obligations arose, offered to provide such services.

Guaranteed Swap Obligations ” means the due and punctual payment and performance of all obligations of Holdings and the Subsidiaries under each Swap Agreement that (a) is with a counterparty that is the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates, (b) is in effect on the Effective Date with a counterparty that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender as of the Effective Date or (c) is entered into after the Effective Date with any counterparty that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time such Swap Agreement is entered into.

Guaranteed Parties ” means (a) each Lender, (b) each Issuing Bank, (c) the Administrative Agent, (d) each Joint Bookrunner, (e) each Person to whom any Guaranteed Cash Management Obligations are owed, (f) each counterparty to any Swap Agreement the obligations under which constitute Guaranteed Swap Obligations, (g) the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (h) the permitted successors and assigns of each of the foregoing.

Guarantors ” means Holdings and the Subsidiary Guarantors.

Holdings ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Loan Document Obligations ” means (a) the due and punctual payment by the Borrowers of (i) the principal of and interest at the applicable rate or rates provided in the Credit Agreement (including interest accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) on the Loans, when and as due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, upon one or more dates set for prepayment or otherwise, (ii) each payment required to be made by any Borrower under the Credit Agreement in respect of any Letter of Credit, when and as due, including payments in respect of reimbursement of disbursements, interest thereon and obligations to provide cash collateral, and (iii) all other monetary obligations of the Borrowers under or pursuant to the Credit Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents, including obligations to pay fees, expense reimbursement obligations and indemnification obligations, whether primary, secondary, direct, contingent, fixed or otherwise (including monetary obligations incurred during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), (b) the due and punctual payment and performance of all other obligations of the Borrowers under or pursuant to each of the Loan Documents and (c) the due and punctual payment and performance of all the obligations of each other Loan Party under or pursuant to this

 

B-2


Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents (including monetary obligations incurred during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding).

Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor ” means any Subsidiary Guarantor that is organized and existing under the laws of Luxembourg.

Subsidiary Guarantors ” means the Subsidiaries identified as such on Schedule I and each other Subsidiary that becomes a party to this Agreement as a Subsidiary Guarantor after the Effective Date pursuant to Section 5.13; provided that if a Subsidiary is released from its obligations as a Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder as provided in Section 5.12(b), such Subsidiary shall cease to be a Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder effective upon such release.

Supplement ” means an instrument in the form of Exhibit A hereto, or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent, and in each case reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

ARTICLE II

The Guarantees

SECTION 2.01. Guarantee . Each Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees to each of the Guaranteed Parties, jointly with the other Guarantors and severally, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, by way of an independent payment obligation, the due and punctual payment and performance of its Guaranteed Obligations. Each Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, or amended or modified, without notice to or further assent from it, and that it will remain bound upon its guarantee hereunder notwithstanding any such extension or renewal, or amendment or modification, of any of the Guaranteed Obligations. Each Guarantor waives presentment to, demand of payment from and protest to the Borrowers or any other Loan Party of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, and also waives notice of acceptance of its guarantee and notice of protest for nonpayment.

SECTION 2.02. Guarantee of Payment; Continuing Guarantee . Each Guarantor further agrees that its guarantee hereunder constitutes a guarantee of payment when due (whether or not any bankruptcy or similar proceeding shall have stayed the accrual of collection of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or operated as a discharge thereof) and not merely of collection, and waives any right to require that any resort be had by the Administrative Agent or any other Guaranteed Party to any security held for the payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or to any balance of any deposit account or credit on the books of the Administrative Agent or any other Guaranteed Party in favor of the Borrowers, any other Loan Party or any other Person. Each Guarantor agrees that its guarantee hereunder is continuing in nature and applies to all of its Guaranteed Obligations, whether currently existing or hereafter incurred.

SECTION 2.03. No Limitations .

(a) Except for the termination or release of a Guarantor’s obligations hereunder as expressly provided in Section 5.12 and the limitations set forth in Section 2.07 or in the Supplement pursuant to which such Guarantor became a party hereto, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, and shall not be subject to any defense or set-off, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, any impossibility in the

 

B-3


performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except for the termination or release of its obligations hereunder as expressly provided in Section 5.12, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by:

(i) the failure of any Guaranteed Party or any other Person to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy under the provisions of any Loan Document or otherwise;

(ii) any rescission, waiver, amendment, restatement or modification of, or any release from any of the terms or provisions of, any Loan Document or any other agreement, including with respect to any other Guarantor under this Agreement;

(iii) the release of, or any impairment of or failure to perfect any Lien on, any security held by any Guaranteed Party for any of the Guaranteed Obligations;

(iv) any default, failure or delay, wilful or otherwise, in the performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations;

(v) any other act or omission that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or otherwise operate as a discharge of any Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than the payment in full in cash of all the Guaranteed Obligations);

(vi) any illegality, lack of validity or lack of enforceability of any of the Guaranteed Obligations;

(vii) any change in the corporate existence, structure or ownership of any Loan Party, or any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting any Loan Party or its assets or any resulting release or discharge of any of the Guaranteed Obligations;

(viii) the existence of any claim, set-off or other rights that any Guarantor may have at any time against any Borrower, the Administrative Agent, any other Guaranteed Party or any other Person, whether in connection with the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any unrelated transaction;

(ix) this Agreement having been determined (on whatsoever grounds) to be invalid, non-binding or unenforceable against any other Guarantor ab initio or at any time after the Effective Date;

(x) the fact that any Person that, pursuant to the Loan Documents, was required to become a party hereto may not have executed or is not effectually bound by this Agreement, whether or not this fact is known to the Guaranteed Parties;

(xi) any action permitted or authorized hereunder; or

(xii) any other circumstance (including any statute of limitations), or any existence of or reliance on any representation by the Administrative Agent, any Guaranteed Party or any other Person, that might otherwise constitute a defense to, or a legal or equitable discharge of, any Borrower, any Guarantor or any other guarantor or surety (other than the payment in full in cash of all the Guaranteed Obligations (excluding contingent obligations (other than any such obligations in respect of a Letter of Credit) as to which no claim has been made)).

 

B-4


To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Guarantor expressly authorizes the Guaranteed Parties to take and hold security in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents for the payment and performance of the Guaranteed Obligations, to exchange, waive or release any or all such security (with or without consideration), to enforce or apply such security and direct the order and manner of any sale thereof in their sole discretion or to release or substitute any one or more other guarantors or obligors upon or in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations, all without affecting the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder.

(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Guarantor waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of the Parent Borrower or any other Loan Party or the unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of the Parent Borrower or any other Loan Party, other than the payment in full in cash of all the Guaranteed Obligations. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and in accordance with articles 2021 and 2026 of the Luxembourg Civil Code, each Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor waives the bénéfice de discussion and the bénéfice de division . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Administrative Agent and the other Guaranteed Parties may, at their election and in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents, foreclose on any security held by one or more of them by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such security in lieu of foreclosure, compromise or adjust any part of the Guaranteed Obligations, make any other accommodation with the Parent Borrower or any other Loan Party or exercise any other right or remedy available to them against the Parent Borrower or any other Loan Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of any Guarantor hereunder except to the extent the Guaranteed Obligations have been paid in full in cash. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though such election operates, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or to extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of such Guarantor against the Parent Borrower or any other Loan Party, as the case may be, or any security.

SECTION 2.04. Reinstatement . Each Guarantor agrees that, unless released pursuant to Section 5.12(b), its guarantee hereunder shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of any Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Guaranteed Party upon the bankruptcy or reorganization (or any analogous proceeding in any jurisdiction) of the Parent Borrower, any other Loan Party or otherwise.

SECTION 2.05. Agreement to Pay; Subrogation . In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right that the Administrative Agent or any other Guaranteed Party has at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Parent Borrower or any other Loan Party to pay any Guaranteed Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, after notice of prepayment or otherwise, each Guarantor hereby promises to and will forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, to the Administrative Agent for distribution to the applicable Guaranteed Parties in cash the amount of such unpaid Guaranteed Obligation. Upon payment by any Guarantor of any sums to the Administrative Agent as provided above, all rights of such Guarantor against the Parent Borrower or any other Loan Party arising as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subject to Article III.

SECTION 2.06. Information . Each Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Parent Borrower’s and each other Loan Party’s financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that such Guarantor assumes and incurs hereunder, and agrees that none of the Guaranteed Parties will have any duty to advise such Guarantor of information known to it or any of them regarding such circumstances or risks.

 

B-5


SECTION 2.07. Maximum Liability .

(a) Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor Guarantee Limitations .

(i) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary but subject to paragraph (ii) below, the obligations and liabilities of any Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor under this Agreement shall at no time, in the aggregate, exceed an amount equal to the maximum financial capacity of such Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor, such maximum financial capacity being limited to 90% of such Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor’s net capitaux propres (as referred to in article 34 of the Luxembourg law of 19th December 2002 on the commercial register and annual accounts, where the capitaux propres means the shareholder’s equity (including the share capital, share premium, legal and statutory reserves, other reserves, profits or losses carried forward, investment subsidies and regulated provisions) of such Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor as shown in the latest financial statements ( comptes annuels ) available at the date of the relevant payment hereunder and approved by the shareholders of such Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor and certified by the statutory auditors, as the case may be).

(ii) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the obligations and liabilities of any Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor under this Agreement shall not include any obligation or liability to the extent that, if so included, would constitute an abuse of assets as defined by article 171-1 of the Luxembourg law on commercial companies dated August 10, 1915 as amended.

(iii) The restrictions and limitations set forth in paragraph (i) above with respect to any Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor shall not apply to obligations and liabilities of such Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor under this Agreement in respect of:

(A) obligations of the subsidiaries of such Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor; and

(B) obligations of Holdings or any Subsidiary that is not a subsidiary of such Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor, up to an amount equal to the aggregate outstanding amount of loans and advances made, directly or indirectly, by Holdings or any such Subsidiary to such Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor or any subsidiary of such Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the obligations and liabilities of any Subsidiary Guarantor that becomes a party to this Agreement after the date hereof shall be limited as and to the extent set forth in the applicable Supplement.

SECTION 2.08. Payments Free of Taxes . Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Guarantor hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes on the same terms and to the same extent that payments by the Borrowers are required to be so made pursuant to the terms of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement. The provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement shall apply to each Guarantor, mutatis mutandis .

ARTICLE III

Indemnity, Subrogation and Subordination

SECTION 3.01. Indemnity and Subrogation . In addition to all such rights of indemnity and subrogation as the Guarantors may have under applicable law (but subject to Section 3.03) in respect of any payment hereunder, each Borrower agrees that (a) in the event a payment in respect of any obligation of each Borrower shall be made by any Guarantor under this Agreement, each Borrower shall

 

B-6


indemnify such Guarantor for the full amount of such payment and such Guarantor shall be subrogated to the rights of the Person to whom such payment shall have been made to the extent of such payment and (b) in the event any assets of any Guarantor shall be sold pursuant to any Security Document to satisfy in whole or in part any Guaranteed Obligations owed to any Guaranteed Party, each Borrower shall indemnify such Guarantor in an amount equal to the greater of the book value or the fair market value of the assets so sold.

SECTION 3.02. Contribution and Subrogation . Each Guarantor (a “ Contributing Party ”) agrees (subject to Sections 2.07 and 3.03) that, in the event a payment shall be made by any other Guarantor hereunder in respect of any Guaranteed Obligations or assets of any other Guarantor (other than any Borrower) shall be sold pursuant to any Security Document to satisfy any Guaranteed Obligation owed to any Guaranteed Party and such other Guarantor (the “ Claiming Party ”) shall not have been fully indemnified as provided in Section 3.01, the Contributing Party shall indemnify the Claiming Party in an amount equal to the amount of such payment or the greater of the book value or the fair market value of such assets, as the case may be, in each case multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the net worth of the Contributing Party on the date hereof (or, in the case of any Guarantor becoming a party hereto pursuant to Section 5.13, the date of the Supplement executed and delivered by such Guarantor) and the denominator shall be the aggregate net worth of all the Guarantors on the date hereof (or, in the case of any such Guarantor, such other date). Any Contributing Party making any payment to a Claiming Party pursuant to this Section 3.02 shall be subrogated to the rights of such Claiming Party under Section 3.01 to the extent of such payment.

SECTION 3.03. Subordination .

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, but subject to Section 2.07, all rights of the Guarantors under Sections 3.01 and 3.02 and all other rights of the Guarantors of indemnity, contribution or subrogation under applicable law or otherwise shall be fully subordinated to the payment in full in cash of all the Guaranteed Obligations. No failure on the part of any Borrower or any Guarantor to make the payments required by Sections 3.01 and 3.02 (or any other payments required under applicable law or otherwise) shall in any respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Guarantor with respect to its obligations hereunder, and each Guarantor shall remain liable for the full amount of the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder.

(b) Each Guarantor hereby agrees that upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and after notice from the Administrative Agent ( provided that no such notice shall be required to be given in the case of any Event of Default arising under Section 7.01(h) or 7.01(i) of the Credit Agreement), all Indebtedness and other monetary obligations owed by it to, or to it by, any other Guarantor or any other Subsidiary shall be fully subordinated to the payment in full in cash of all the Guaranteed Obligations.

SECTION 3.04. Financial Assistance . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the guarantee, indemnity and other obligations of each Guarantor expressed to be assumed in this Agreement shall be deemed not to be assumed by such Guarantor to the extent that the same would constitute unlawful financial assistance within the meaning of Articles 2:98c and/or 2:207c Dutch Civil Code or any other applicable financial assistance rules under any relevant jurisdiction (the “ Prohibition ”) and the provisions of this Agreement, the Loan Documents, the Swap Agreements and any document evidencing the Cash Management Obligations shall be construed accordingly. This Agreement does not apply to any liability to the extent that it would result in this Agreement constituting unlawful financial assistance within the meaning of section 678 or section 679 of the Companies Act 2006. For the avoidance of doubt it is expressly acknowledged that each Guarantor will continue to guarantee all such obligations which, if included, do not constitute a violation of the Prohibition.

 

B-7


ARTICLE IV

Representations and Warranties

Each Subsidiary Guarantor represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the other Guaranteed Parties that (a) the execution, delivery and performance by such Subsidiary Guarantor of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other action and, if required, action by the holders of such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Equity Interests, and that this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Subsidiary Guarantor and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and (b) all representations and warranties set forth in the Credit Agreement as to such Subsidiary Guarantor are true and correct in all material respects; provided that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality,” “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language is true and correct in all respects. 1

ARTICLE V

Miscellaneous

SECTION 5.01. Notices . All communications and notices hereunder shall (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein) be in writing and given as provided in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to any Subsidiary Guarantor (other than any Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor) shall be given to it in care of Holdings as provided in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to any Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor shall be given to it at the address specified below the signature of such Luxembourg Subsidiary Guarantor.

SECTION 5.02. Waivers; Amendment .

(a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section 5.02, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time. No notice or demand on any Loan Party in any case shall entitle any Loan Party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

 

1   Subject to review of execution version of the credit agreement

 

B-8


(b) Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Guarantor or Guarantors with respect to which such waiver, amendment or modification is to apply, subject to any consent required in accordance with Section 9.02 of the Credit Agreement; provided that the Administrative Agent may, without the consent of any Guaranteed Party, consent to a departure by any Guarantor from any covenant of such Guarantor set forth herein to the extent such departure is consistent with the authority of the Administrative Agent set forth in the definition of the term “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement” in the Credit Agreement.

SECTION 5.03. Administrative Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification .

(a) Each Guarantor, jointly with the other Guarantors and severally, agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its fees and expenses incurred hereunder as provided in Section 9.03(a) of the Credit Agreement; provided that each reference therein to the “Parent Borrower” shall be deemed to be a reference to “each Guarantor.”

(b) Without limitation of its indemnification obligations under the other Loan Documents, each Guarantor, jointly with the other Guarantors and severally, agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent and the other Indemnitees against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by Holdings or any Subsidiary arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether brought by a third party or by Holdings or any Subsidiary and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final, non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of, or a breach of the Loan Documents by, such Indemnitee or its Related Parties.

(c) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no Guarantor shall assert, and each Guarantor hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee (i) for any damages arising from the use by others of information or other materials obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such damages are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final, non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of, or a breach of the Loan Documents by, such Indemnitee or its Related Parties, or (ii) on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, any Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.

(d) The provisions of this Section 5.03 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, the repayment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any investigation made by or on behalf of any Guaranteed Party. All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than 10 Business Days after written demand therefor; provided , however , any Indemnitee shall promptly refund an indemnification payment received hereunder to the extent that there is a final judicial determination that such Indemnitee was not entitled to indemnification with respect to such payment pursuant to this Section 5.03. Any such amounts payable as provided hereunder shall be additional Guaranteed Obligations.

 

B-9


SECTION 5.04. Successors and Assigns . Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the permitted successors and assigns of such party; and all covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of any Guarantor or the Administrative Agent that are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.

SECTION 5.05. Survival of Agreement . All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in this Agreement or any other Loan Document and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Guaranteed Parties and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Guaranteed Party and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or any other Guaranteed Party may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, and shall continue in full force and effect until such time as (a) all the Loan Document Obligations (including LC Disbursements, if any, but excluding contingent obligations for indemnification, expense reimbursement, tax gross-up or yield protection as to which no claim has been made) have been paid in full in cash, (b) all Commitments have terminated or expired and (c) the LC Exposure has been reduced to zero (including as a result of obtaining the consent of the applicable Issuing Bank as described in Section 9.05 of the Credit Agreement) and the Issuing Banks have no further obligation to issue or amend Letters of Credit under the Credit Agreement.

SECTION 5.06. Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement . This Agreement 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. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective as to any Guarantor when a counterpart hereof executed on behalf of such Guarantor shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and a counterpart hereof shall have been executed on behalf of the Administrative Agent, and thereafter shall be binding upon such Guarantor and the Administrative Agent and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of such Guarantor, the Administrative Agent and the other Guaranteed Parties and their respective successors and assigns, except that no Guarantor shall have the right to assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein (and any such assignment or transfer shall be void) except as expressly provided in this Agreement and the Credit Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed as a separate agreement with respect to each Guarantor and may be amended, modified, supplemented, waived or released with respect to any Guarantor without the approval of any other Guarantor and without affecting the obligations of any other Guarantor hereunder.

SECTION 5.07. Severability . Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction. The parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace any invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

B-10


SECTION 5.08. Right of Set-Off . If an Event of Default under Sections 7.01(a), (b), (h) or (i) of the Credit Agreement shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of any Guarantor against any of and all the obligations of such Guarantor then due and owing under this Agreement held by such Lender or such Issuing Bank, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or such Issuing Bank shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations are owed to a branch or office of such Lender or such Issuing Bank different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such Indebtedness. The applicable Lender and Issuing Bank shall notify the applicable Guarantor and the Administrative Agent of such setoff and application; provided that any failure to give or any delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of any such setoff and application under this Section 5.08. The rights of each Lender, each Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates under this Section 5.08 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, such Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates may have.

SECTION 5.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process; Appointment of Service of Process Agent .

(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

(b) Each Guarantor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in New York County and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement against any Guarantor or its respective properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(c) Each Guarantor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

(d) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 5.01. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

(e) Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby irrevocably designates, appoints and empowers the Parent Borrower as its designee, appointee and agent to receive, accept and acknowledge for and on its behalf, and in respect of its property, service of any and all legal process, summons, notices and documents that may be served in any such action or proceeding.

 

B-11


SECTION 5.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 5.10.

SECTION 5.11. Headings . Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

SECTION 5.12. Termination or Release .

(a) Subject to Section 2.04, this Agreement and the Guarantees made herein shall terminate when (i) all the Loan Document Obligations (including all LC Disbursements, if any, but excluding contingent obligations for indemnification, expense reimbursement, tax gross-up or yield protection as to which no claim has been made) have been paid in full in cash, (ii) all Commitments have terminated or expired and (iii) the LC Exposure has been reduced to zero (including as a result of obtaining the consent of the applicable Issuing Bank as described in Section 9.05 of the Credit Agreement) and the Issuing Banks have no further obligation to issue or amend Letters of Credit under the Credit Agreement.

(b) The guarantees made herein shall also terminate and be released at the time or times and in the manner set forth in Section 9.15 of the Credit Agreement.

(c) In connection with any termination or release pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall execute and deliver to any Loan Party, at such Loan Party’s expense, all documents that such Loan Party shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 5.13. Additional Subsidiary Guarantors . Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, additional Subsidiaries may be required to become Subsidiary Guarantors after the date hereof. Upon execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent and a Subsidiary of a Supplement, any such Subsidiary shall become a Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as such herein. The execution and delivery of any such instrument shall not require the consent of any other Guarantor hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any Subsidiary as a party to this Agreement.

 

B-12


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Master Guarantee Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (GLOBAL MEMORY HOLDINGS), INC.,
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director
By:  

/s/ Elizabeth Orso

  Witness  
  Name:   Elizabeth Orso
  Title:   Paralegal

 

[M ASTER G UARANTEE A GREEMENT S IGNATURE P AGE ]


EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (GLOBAL), INC.,
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director
By:  

/s/ Trevor Dutcher

  Witness  
  Name:   Trevor Dutcher
  Title:   Sr. Corporate Counsel

 

[M ASTER G UARANTEE A GREEMENT S IGNATURE P AGE ]


SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director, CEO, President

 

[M ASTER G UARANTEE A GREEMENT S IGNATURE P AGE ]


ConXtra, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director, CEO

 

[M ASTER G UARANTEE A GREEMENT S IGNATURE P AGE ]


EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (CI), INC.,
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director
By:  

/s/ Elizabeth Orso

  Witness  
  Name:   Elizabeth Orso
  Title:   Paralegal

 

[M ASTER G UARANTEE A GREEMENT S IGNATURE P AGE ]


SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (DE), INC.,
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director, CEO, President

 

[M ASTER G UARANTEE A GREEMENT S IGNATURE P AGE ]


EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (DH) INC.,
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director
By:  

/s/ Elizabeth Orso

  Witness  
  Name:   Elizabeth Orso
  Title:   Paralegal

 

[M ASTER G UARANTEE A GREEMENT S IGNATURE P AGE ]


SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (FOREIGN HOLDINGS), LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director, President
By:  

/s/ Elizabeth Orso

  Witness  
  Name:   Elizabeth Orso
  Title:   Paralegal

 

[M ASTER G UARANTEE A GREEMENT S IGNATURE P AGE ]


SMART Modular Technologies (Foreign Holdings), Limited
By:  

 

  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director, President
By:  

/s/ Dr. Jan Könighaus

  Name:   Dr. Jan Könighaus
  Title:   Authorised Signatory
By:  

/s/ Margot Kail

  Name:   Margot Kail
  Title:   Legal Assistant

 

[M ASTER G UARANTEE A GREEMENT S IGNATURE P AGE ]


SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (NL) B.V.
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director A
By:  

/s/ Sang-Ki Brands

  Name:   Sang-Ki Brands
  Title:   Director B

 

[M ASTER G UARANTEE S IGNATURE P AGE ]


EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (PUERTO RICO) INC.
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director
By:  

/s/ Elizabeth Orso

  Witness  
  Name:   Elizabeth Orso
  Title:   Paralegal

 

[M ASTER G UARANTEE S IGNATURE P AGE ]


SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES DO BRASIL - INDÚSTRIA E COMÉRCIO DE COMPONENTES LTDA.
By:  

/s/ Rogeno Duair Jacamini Nunes

  Name:   Rogeno Duair Jacamini Nunes
  Title:   General Manager

 

[M ASTER G UARANTEE S IGNATURE P AGE ]


SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES INDÚSTRIA DE COMPONENTES ELETRÔNICOS LTDA.
By:  

/s/ Rogeno Duair Jacamini Nunes

  Name:   Rogeno Duair Jacamini Nunes
  Title:   Managing Director

 

[M ASTER G UARANTEE S IGNATURE P AGE ]


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Guaranteed Parties,
By:  

/s/ Goh Siew Tan

  Name:   Goh Siew Tan
  Title:   Vice President

 

[S IGNATURE P AGE T O G UARANTEE A GREEMENT ]


Schedule I to

the Master Guarantee Agreement

INITIAL SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

ConXtra Inc.

SMART Modular Technologies (CI), Inc.

SMART Modular Technologies (DE), Inc.

SMART Modular Technologies (DH), Inc.

SMART Modular Technologies (Foreign Holdings), Limited

SMART Modular Technologies (NL), B.V., a private company with limited liability ( besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid ) incorporated under the laws of The Netherlands, having its seat ( statutaire zetel ) in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and its registered office at Fred. Roeskestraat 123 I hg, 1076 EE Amsterdam, The Netherlands and registered with the Dutch Commercial Register ( Handelsregister ) under number 34277894

SMART Modular Technologies (Puerto Rico) Inc.

SMART Modular Technologies do Brasil- Indústria e Comércio de Componentes Ltda.

SMART Modular Technologies Indústria de Componentes Eletrônicos Ltda.


SUPPLEMENT NO.      dated as of [            ] , 20[    ] to the Master Guarantee Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011, among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc. (“ Holdings ”), SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc. (the “ Parent Borrower ”), SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. (the “ Co-Borrower ” and together with the Parent Borrower, the “ Borrowers ” and each a “ Borrower ”), the subsidiaries of Holdings party thereto (Holdings, the Borrower and such subsidiaries being collectively referred to as the “ Guarantors ”) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

A. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Holdings, the Parent Borrower, the Co-Borrower, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

B. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement and the Guarantee Agreement referred to therein, as applicable.

C. The Guarantors have entered into the Guarantee Agreement in order to induce the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend credit to the Borrowers. Section 5.13 of the Guarantee Agreement provides that additional Subsidiaries may become Subsidiary Guarantors under the Guarantee Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement. The undersigned Subsidiary (the “ New Subsidiary ”) is executing this Supplement to become a Subsidiary Guarantor under the Guarantee Agreement in order to induce the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to make additional extensions of credit under the Credit Agreement and as consideration for such extensions of credit previously issued.

Accordingly, the Administrative Agent and the New Subsidiary agree as follows:

SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 5.13 of the Guarantee Agreement, the New Subsidiary by its signature below becomes a Subsidiary Guarantor under the Guarantee Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Subsidiary Guarantor, and the New Subsidiary hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Guarantee Agreement applicable to it as a Subsidiary Guarantor (and a Guarantor) thereunder. Each reference to a “Subsidiary Guarantor” or a “Guarantor” in the Guarantee Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Subsidiary. The Guarantee Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. The New Subsidiary represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the other Guaranteed Parties that (a) the execution, delivery and performance by the New Subsidiary of this Supplement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other action and, if required, action by the holders of such New Subsidiary’s Equity Interests, and that this Supplement has been duly executed and delivered by the New Subsidiary and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and (b) all representations and warranties set forth in the Credit Agreement as to the New Subsidiary are true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof; provided that, to the extent such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, they are true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date; provided further that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality,” “Material Averse Effect” or similar language is true and correct in all respects.


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. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Supplement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement. This Supplement shall become effective as to the New Subsidiary when a counterpart hereof executed on behalf of the New Subsidiary shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and a counterpart hereof shall have been executed on behalf of the Administrative Agent, and thereafter shall be binding upon the New Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the New Subsidiary, the Administrative Agent and the other Guaranteed Parties and their respective successors and assigns, except that the New Subsidiary shall not have the right to assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein (and any such assignment or transfer shall be void) except as expressly provided in this Supplement, the Guarantee Agreement and the Credit Agreement.

SECTION 4. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Guarantee Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 5. This Supplement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

SECTION 6. Any provision of this Supplement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction. The parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace any invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

SECTION 7. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 5.01 of the Guarantee Agreement.

SECTION 8. The New Subsidiary agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its fees and expenses incurred hereunder and under the Guarantee Agreement as provided in Section 9.03(a) of the Credit Agreement; provided that each reference therein to the “Parent Borrower” shall be deemed to be a reference to “the New Subsidiary.”

SECTION 9. The New Subsidiary is a [ company ] duly [ incorporated ] under the law of [ name of relevant jurisdiction ]. [ If applicable: ] The guarantee of the New Subsidiary in respect of obligations of any Person other than its Subsidiary is subject to the following limitations:

(a) if the New Subsidiary is incorporated in [    ], the limitations set forth in paragraph [    ] of Section 2.07 of the Guarantee Agreement; and

(b) [if the New Subsidiary is incorporated in any other jurisdiction, is giving a guarantee other than in respect of its subsidiary and limitations other than those set out in Section 2.07 of the Guarantee Agreement are agreed in respect of the New Subsidiary by the Administrative Agent, insert guarantee limitation wording for relevant jurisdiction that is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent have duly executed this Supplement to the Master Guarantee Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

[Name Of New Subsidiary],
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Guaranteed Parties,
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO SUPPLEMENT TO THE M ASTER G UARANTEE A GREEMENT

Exhibit 10.12

Execution Version

 

 

 

COLLATERAL AGREEMENT

dated as of

August 26, 2011,

among

SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.,

THE OTHER GRANTORS PARTY HERETO

and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
ARTICLE I  
DEFINITIONS  

SECTION 1.01.

 

Defined Terms

     E-1  

SECTION 1.02.

 

Other Defined Terms

     E-1  
ARTICLE II  
PLEDGE OF SECURITIES  

SECTION 2.01.

 

Pledge

     E-6  

SECTION 2.02.

 

Delivery of the Pledged Collateral

     E-7  

SECTION 2.03.

 

Representations, Warranties and Covenants

     E-8  

SECTION 2.04.

 

[Reserved]

     E-9  

SECTION 2.05.

 

Registration in Nominee Name; Denominations

     E-9  

SECTION 2.06.

 

Voting Rights; Dividends and Interest

     E-9  
ARTICLE III  
SECURITY INTERESTS IN PERSONAL PROPERTY  

SECTION 3.01.

 

Security Interest

     E-11  

SECTION 3.02.

 

Representations and Warranties

     E-14  

SECTION 3.03.

 

Covenants

     E-16  

SECTION 3.04.

 

Other Actions

     E-18  

SECTION 3.05.

 

Covenants Regarding Patent, Trademark and Copyright Collateral

     E-19  
ARTICLE IV  
REMEDIES  

SECTION 4.01.

 

Remedies upon Default

     E-20  

SECTION 4.02.

 

Application of Proceeds

     E-21  

SECTION 4.03.

 

Grant of License to Use Intellectual Property

     E-22  

SECTION 4.04.

 

Securities Act

     E-22  
ARTICLE V  
MISCELLANEOUS  

SECTION 5.01.

 

Notices

     E-23  

SECTION 5.02.

 

Waivers; Amendment

     E-23  

SECTION 5.03.

 

Administrative Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification

     E-24  

SECTION 5.04.

 

Successors and Assigns

     E-25  

SECTION 5.05.

 

Survival of Agreement

     E-25  

SECTION 5.06.

 

Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement

     E-25  

 

-i-


         Page  

SECTION 5.07.

 

Severability

     E-26  

SECTION 5.08.

 

Right of Set-Off

     E-26  

SECTION 5.09.

 

Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process; Appointment of Service of Process Agent

     E-26  

SECTION 5.10.

 

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

     E-27  

SECTION 5.11.

 

Headings

     E-27  

SECTION 5.12.

 

Security Interest Absolute

     E-28  

SECTION 5.13.

 

Termination or Release

     E-28  

SECTION 5.14.

 

Additional Subsidiaries

     E-28  

SECTION 5.15.

 

Administrative Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact

     E-29  

SECTION 5.16.

 

Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classification

     E-29  

 

Schedules  

Schedule I

 

Grantors

Schedule II

 

Pledged Equity Interests; Pledged Debt Securities

Schedule III

 

Intellectual Property

Schedule IV

 

Commercial Tort Claims

Exhibits  

Exhibit I

 

Form of Supplement

Exhibit II

 

Form of Copyright Security Agreement

Exhibit III

 

Form of Patent Security Agreement

Exhibit IV

 

Form of Trademark Security Agreement

 

-ii-


COLLATERAL AGREEMENT dated as of August 26, 2011 (this “Agreement”), among SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., SMART Modular Technologies (DE), Inc., and ConXtra, Inc., the other GRANTORS from time to time party hereto and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“ Holdings ”), SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “ Parent Borrower ”), SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (the “ Co-Borrower ” and together with the Parent Borrower, the “ Borrowers ” and each a “ Borrower ”), the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. The Lenders and the Issuing Banks have agreed to extend credit to the Borrowers subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. The obligations of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit are conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement. The Grantors (other than the Borrowers) are Affiliates of the Borrowers, will derive substantial benefits from the extension of credit to the Borrowers pursuant to the Credit Agreement and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

Definitions

SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms .

(a) Each capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the Credit Agreement; provided that each term defined in the New York UCC (as defined herein) and not defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning specified in the New York UCC.

(b) The rules of construction specified in Section 1.03 and 1.04 of the Credit Agreement also apply to this Agreement, mutatis mutandis .

SECTION 1.02. Other Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

Account Debtor ” means any Person that is or may become obligated to any Grantor under, with respect to or on account of an Account.

Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

Article 9 Collateral ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01.

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

 

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Borrower ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Borrowers ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Collateral ” means Article 9 Collateral and Pledged Collateral.

Copyright License ” means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any Person any right under any Copyright now or hereafter owned by any other Person or that such other Person otherwise has the right to license, and all rights of any such Person under any such agreement.

Copyright Security Agreement ” means the Copyright Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit II.

Copyrights ” means, with respect to any Person, all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by such Person: (a) all copyright rights in any work arising under the copyright laws of the United States or any other country, whether as author, assignee, transferee or otherwise, and (b) all registrations and applications for registration of any such copyright in the United States or any other country, including registrations, supplemental registrations and pending applications for registration in the United States Copyright Office (or any similar office in any other country), including, in the case of any Grantor, the Copyrights set forth next to its name on Schedule III.

Credit Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Excluded Equity Interests ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.

Federal Securities Laws ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.04.

Grantors ” means (a) each Borrower, (b) each other Subsidiary identified on Schedule I and (c) each Subsidiary that becomes a party to this Agreement as a Grantor after the Effective Date.

Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding ” means:

(1) any case commenced by or against the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor under any Bankruptcy Law, any other proceeding for the reorganization, recapitalization or adjustment or marshalling of the assets or liabilities of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor, any receivership or assignment for the benefit of creditors relating to the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor or any similar case or proceeding relative to the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor or its creditors, as such, in each case whether or not voluntary;

 

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(2) any liquidation, dissolution, marshalling of assets or liabilities or other winding up of or relating to the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor, in each case whether or not voluntary and whether or not involving bankruptcy or insolvency; or

(3) any other proceeding of any type or nature in which substantially all claims of creditors of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor are determined and any payment or distribution is or may be made on account of such claims.

Intellectual Property ” means, with respect to any Person, all intellectual and similar property of every kind and nature now owned or hereafter acquired by any such Person, including inventions, designs, Patents, Copyrights, Licenses, Trademarks, trade secrets, domain names, confidential or proprietary technical and business information, know-how, show-how or other data or information, software and databases and all embodiments or fixations thereof and related documentation, registrations and franchises, and all additions, improvements and accessions to, and books and records describing or used in connection with, any of the foregoing.

IP Security Agreements ” means the Trademark Security Agreement, the Patent Security Agreement and the Copyright Security Agreement.

License ” means any Patent License, Trademark License, Copyright License or other license or sublicense agreement to which any Person is a party, including those exclusive Copyright Licenses under which any Grantor is a licensee listed on Schedule III.

Loan Document Obligations ” means (a) the due and punctual payment by the Borrowers of (i) the principal of and interest at the applicable rate or rates provided in the Credit Agreement (including interest accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) on the Loans, when and as due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, upon one or more dates set for prepayment or otherwise, (ii) each payment required to be made by any Borrower under the Credit Agreement in respect of any Letter of Credit, when and as due, including payments in respect of reimbursement of disbursements, interest thereon (including interest accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) and obligations to provide cash collateral, and (iii) all other monetary obligations of the Borrowers under or pursuant to the Credit Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents, including obligations to pay fees, expense reimbursement obligations and indemnification obligations, whether primary, secondary, direct, contingent, fixed or otherwise (including monetary obligations incurred during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), (b) the due and punctual payment and performance of all other obligations of the Borrowers under or pursuant to each of the Loan Documents and (c) the due and punctual payment and performance of all the obligations of each other Loan Party under or pursuant to this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents (including interest and monetary obligations incurred during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding).

 

E-3


New York UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York; provided, however, that, at any time, if by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the perfection or priority of the Agent’s and the Secured Parties’ security interest in any item or portion of the Article 9 Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code or similar law as in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the term “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect, at such time, in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection or priority and for purposes of definitions relating to such provisions.

Non-Revolving Obligations ” means the Secured Obligations other than the Revolving Obligations.

Non-Revolving Secured Parties ” means the Secured Parties other than the Revolving Secured Parties.

Patent License ” means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any Person any right to make, use or sell any invention on which a Patent, now or hereafter owned by any other Person or that any other Person now or hereafter otherwise has the right to license, is in existence, and all rights of any such Person under any such agreement.

Patent Security Agreement ” means the Patent Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit III.

Patents ” means, with respect to any Person, all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by such Person: (a) all letters patent of the United States or the equivalent thereof in any other country, all registrations thereof and all applications for letters patent of the United States or the equivalent thereof in any other country, including registrations and pending applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any similar offices in any other country, including those listed on Schedule III, and (b) all reissues, continuations, divisions, continuations-in-part, renewals or extensions thereof, and the inventions disclosed or claimed therein, including the right to make, use and/or sell the inventions disclosed or claimed therein.

Perfection Certificate ” means the Perfection Certificate dated the Effective Date delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 4.01(f) of the Credit Agreement.

Pledged Collateral ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.

Pledged Debt Securities ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.

Pledged Equity Interests ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.

Pledged Securities ” means any promissory notes, stock certificates, unit certificates, limited or unlimited liability membership certificates or other securities now or hereafter included in the Pledged Collateral, including all certificates, instruments or other documents representing or evidencing any Pledged Collateral.

 

E-4


Revolving Obligations ” means the Secured Obligations payable to the Revolving Lenders, Swingline Lenders and Issuing Banks in respect of Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit.

Revolving Secured Parties ” means the Revolving Lenders, Swingline Lenders and Issuing Banks.

Secured Cash Management Obligations ” means the due and punctual payment and performance of all obligations of Holdings and the Subsidiaries in respect of any overdraft and related liabilities arising from treasury, depository and cash management services or any automated clearing house transfers of funds provided to Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Subsidiary (whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor)) that are (a) owed to the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates, (b) owed on the Effective Date to a Person that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender as of the Effective Date, (c) owed to a Person that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time such obligations are incurred or (d) owed to any other Person, provided that the obligations owed to any such other Person arose in respect of services provided by such Person in a jurisdiction where none of the Administrative Agent, the Revolving Lenders or any of their Affiliates, at the time such obligations arose, offered to provide such services and such person executes and delivers to the Administrative Agent a letter agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent pursuant to which such person (i) appoints the Administrative Agent as its agent under the applicable Loan Documents and (ii) agrees to be bound by the provisions of Article Viii, Section 9.03 and Section 9.09 as if it were a Lender.

Secured Obligations ” means (a) the Loan Document Obligations, (b) the Secured Cash Management Obligations and (c) the Secured Swap Obligations.

Secured Parties ” means (a) each Lender, (b) each Issuing Bank, (c) the Administrative Agent, (d) each Joint Bookrunner, (e) each Person to whom any Secured Cash Management Obligations are owed, (f) each counterparty to any Swap Agreement the obligations under which constitute Secured Swap Obligations, (g) the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (h) the permitted successors and assigns of each of the foregoing.

Secured Swap Obligations ” means the due and punctual payment and performance of all obligations of Holdings, the Parent Borrower, and the Subsidiaries under each Swap Agreement that (a) is with a counterparty that is the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates, (b) is in effect on the Effective Date with a counterparty that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender as of the Effective Date or (c) is entered into after the Effective Date with any counterparty that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time such Swap Agreement is entered into.

Security Interest ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01(a).

 

E-5


Supplement ” means an instrument in the form of Exhibit I hereto, or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent, and in each case reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Trademark License ” means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any Person any right to use any Trademark now or hereafter owned by any other Person or that any other Person otherwise has the right to license, and all rights of any such Person under any such agreement.

Trademark Security Agreement ” means the trademark security agreement in the form of Exhibit IV.

Trademarks ” means, with respect to any Person, all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by such Person: (a) all trademarks, service marks, trade names, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, trade dress, logos, other source or business identifiers, designs and general intangibles of like nature, now existing or hereafter adopted or acquired, all registrations thereof, and all registration and applications filed in connection therewith, including registrations and applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any similar offices in any State of the United States or any other country or any political subdivision thereof, and all extensions or renewals thereof, including, in the case of any Grantor, any of the foregoing set forth next to its name on Schedule III, (b) all goodwill associated therewith or symbolized thereby and (c) all other assets, rights and interests that uniquely reflect or embody such goodwill.

ARTICLE II

Pledge of Securities

SECTION 2.01. Pledge . As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of all Non-Revolving Obligations, each Grantor hereby assigns and pledges to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties (other than the Revolving Secured Parties) and hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, its successor and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties (other than the Revolving Secured Parties) a security interest in the Pledged Collateral. As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of all Revolving Obligations, each Grantor hereby assigns and pledges to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Revolving Secured Parties and hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Revolving Secured Parties a security interest in the Pledged Collateral. “ Pledged Collateral ” shall mean the collective reference to the following: all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under (a)(i) the shares of capital stock and other Equity Interests owned by such Grantor, including those listed opposite the name of such Grantor on Schedule II, (ii) any other Equity Interests obtained in the future by such Grantor and (iii) the certificates (if any) representing all such Equity Interests (collectively, the “ Pledged Equity Interests ”); provided that the Pledged Equity Interests shall not include (A) Equity Interests of any Person that is not a direct or indirect, wholly owned Subsidiary of Holdings to the extent a security interest therein is prohibited by the terms of such Person’s Organizational Documents, (B) any Equity Interest with respect to which Holdings shall have provided to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer

 

E-6


to the effect that, based on advice of outside counsel or tax advisors of national recognition, the pledge of such Equity Interest hereunder would result in adverse tax consequences to Holdings and the Subsidiaries (other than on account of any Taxes payable in connection with filings, recordings, registrations, stampings and any similar acts in connection with the creation or perfection of the Liens granted hereunder) that shall have been determined by Holdings to be material to Holdings and the Subsidiaries, (C) any Equity Interest if, to the extent and for so long as the pledge of such Equity Interest hereunder is prohibited by any applicable Requirement of Law (other than to the extent that any such prohibition would be rendered ineffective pursuant to the New York UCC or any other applicable Requirements of Law); provided that such Equity Interest shall cease to be an Excluded Equity Interest at such time as such prohibition ceases to be in effect; and (D) any Equity Interest that the Parent Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall have agreed in writing to treat as an Excluded Equity Interest for purposes hereof on account of the cost of pledging such Equity Interest hereunder (including any adverse tax consequences to Holdings and the Subsidiaries resulting therefrom) being excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Secured Parties therefrom (the Equity Interests excluded pursuant to clauses (A) through (D) above being referred to as the “ Excluded Equity Interests ”); (b)(i) the debt securities owned by such Grantor, including those listed opposite the name of such Grantor on Schedule II, (ii) any debt securities in the future issued to or otherwise acquired by such Grantor and (iii) the promissory notes and any other instruments evidencing all such debt securities (collectively, the “ Pledged Debt Securities ”); (c) all other property that may be delivered to and held by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.01 and Section 2.02; (d) subject to Section 2.06, all payments of principal or interest, dividends, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of, in exchange for or upon the conversion of, and all other Proceeds received in respect of, the securities referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above; (e) subject to Section 2.06, all rights and privileges of such Grantor with respect to the securities and other property referred to in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above; and (f) all Proceeds of any of the foregoing.

SECTION 2.02. Delivery of the Pledged Collateral .

(a) Each Grantor agrees to deliver or cause to be delivered to the Administrative Agent any and all Pledged Securities (i) on the date hereof, in the case of any such Pledged Securities owned by such Grantor on the date hereof, and (ii) promptly (and in any event within 45 days or such later date as the Administrative Agent reasonably agrees) after the acquisition thereof, in the case of any such Pledged Securities acquired by such Grantor after the date hereof.

(b) As promptly as practicable, and in any event within 30 days after the Effective Date, each Grantor will cause any Indebtedness for borrowed money (including in respect of cash management arrangements) owed to such Grantor by Holdings, the Parent Borrower or any Subsidiary in a principal amount in excess of the US Dollar Equivalent of $5,000,000 to be evidenced by a duly executed promissory note (including, if such security interest can be perfected therein, a grid note) that is pledged and delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms hereof.

(c) Upon delivery to the Administrative Agent, (i) any certificate or promissory note representing Pledged Securities shall be accompanied by undated stock or note powers, as applicable, duly executed in blank or other undated instruments of transfer duly executed in

 

E-7


blank and reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and by such other instruments and documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and (ii) all other property comprising part of the Pledged Collateral shall be accompanied by undated proper instruments of assignment duly executed in blank by the applicable Grantor and such other instruments and documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request. Each delivery of Pledged Securities shall be accompanied by a schedule describing such Pledged Securities, which schedule shall be deemed attached to, and shall supplement, Schedule II and be made a part hereof; provided that failure to provide any such schedule hereto shall not affect the validity of such pledge of such Pledged Securities.

SECTION 2.03. Representations, Warranties and Covenants . The Grantors jointly and severally represent, warrant and covenant to and with the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, that:

(a) as of the Effective Date, Schedule II sets forth a true and complete list, with respect to each Grantor, of (i) all the Equity Interests owned by such Grantor in any Subsidiary and the percentage of the issued and outstanding units of each class of the Equity Interests of the issuer thereof represented by the Pledged Equity Interests owned by such Grantor and (ii) all the Pledged Debt Securities owned by such Grantor;

(b) the Pledged Equity Interests and the Pledged Debt Securities have been duly and validly authorized and issued by the issuers thereof and (i) in the case of Pledged Equity Interests, are fully paid and nonassessable and (ii) in the case of Pledged Debt Securities, are legal, valid and binding obligations of the issuers thereof, except to the extent that enforceability of such obligations may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, and other similar laws affecting creditor’s rights generally; provided that the foregoing representations, insofar as they relate to the Pledged Debt Securities issued by a Person other than the Parent Borrower or any Subsidiary, are made to the knowledge of the Grantors;

(c) except for the security interests granted hereunder and under any other Loan Documents, each of the Grantors (i) is and, subject to any transfers made in compliance with the Credit Agreement, will continue to be the direct owner, beneficially and of record, of the Pledged Securities indicated on Schedule II as owned by such Grantor, (ii) holds the same free and clear of all Liens, other than Liens permitted pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement and transfers made in compliance with the Credit Agreement, (iii) will make no further assignment, pledge, hypothecation or transfer of, or create or permit to exist any security interest in or other Lien on, the Pledged Collateral, other than Liens permitted pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement and transfers made in compliance with the Credit Agreement, and (iv) will defend its title or interest thereto or therein against any and all Liens (other than the Liens created by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and Liens permitted pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement), however arising, of all Persons whomsoever;

(d) except for restrictions and limitations imposed by the Loan Documents or securities laws generally, the Pledged Equity Interests and, to the extent issued by Holdings or any Subsidiary, the Pledged Debt Securities are and will continue to be freely

 

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transferable and assignable, and none of the Pledged Equity Interests and, to the extent issued the Parent Borrower or any Subsidiary, the Pledged Debt Securities are or will be subject to any option, right of first refusal, shareholders agreement, charter, by-law or other organizational document provisions or contractual restriction of any nature that might prohibit, impair, delay or otherwise affect in any manner adverse to the Secured Parties in any material respect the pledge of such Pledged Collateral hereunder, the sale or disposition thereof pursuant hereto or the exercise by the Administrative Agent of rights and remedies hereunder;

(e) each of the Grantors has the power and authority to pledge the Pledged Collateral pledged by it hereunder in the manner hereby done or contemplated; and

(f) by virtue of the execution and delivery by the Grantors of this Agreement, when any Pledged Securities are delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with this Agreement, the Administrative Agent will obtain a legal, valid and perfected lien upon and security interest in such Pledged Securities, free of any adverse claims, under the New York UCC to the extent such lien and security interest may be created and perfected under the New York UCC, as security for the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations.

SECTION 2.04. [Reserved] .

SECTION 2.05. Registration in Nominee Name; Denominations . If an Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent shall have notified the Grantors of its intent to exercise such rights, the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, shall have the right (in its sole and absolute discretion) to hold the Pledged Securities in the name of the applicable Grantor, endorsed or assigned in blank or in favor of the Administrative Agent or in its own name as pledgee or in the name of its nominee (as pledgee or as sub-agent), and each Grantor will promptly give to the Administrative Agent copies of any notices or other communications received by it with respect to Pledged Securities registered in the name of such Grantor. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall at all times have the right to exchange the certificates representing Pledged Securities for certificates of smaller or larger denominations for any reasonable purpose consistent with this Agreement.

SECTION 2.06. Voting Rights; Dividends and Interest .

(a) Unless and until an Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent shall have notified the Grantors that their rights under this Section 2.06 are being suspended:

(i) each Grantor shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting and/or other consensual rights and powers inuring to an owner of Pledged Securities or any part thereof for any purpose consistent with the terms of this Agreement, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided that such rights and powers shall not be exercised in any manner that could materially and adversely affect the rights inuring to a holder of any Pledged Securities or the rights and remedies of any of the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the ability of the Secured Parties to exercise the same;

 

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(ii) the Administrative Agent shall promptly execute and deliver to each Grantor, or cause to be promptly executed and delivered to such Grantor, all such proxies, powers of attorney and other instruments as such Grantor may reasonably request for the purpose of enabling such Grantor to exercise the voting and/or consensual rights and powers it is entitled to exercise pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of this Section;

(iii) each Grantor shall be entitled to receive and retain any and all dividends, interest, principal and other distributions paid on or distributed in respect of the Pledged Securities to the extent and only to the extent that such dividends, interest, principal and other distributions are permitted by, and are otherwise paid or distributed in accordance with, the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents and applicable laws; provided that any noncash dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that would constitute Pledged Equity Interests or Pledged Debt Securities, whether resulting from a subdivision, combination or reclassification of the outstanding Equity Interests in the issuer of any Pledged Securities or received in exchange for Pledged Securities or any part thereof, or in redemption thereof, or as a result of any merger, consolidation, acquisition or other exchange of assets to which such issuer may be a party or otherwise, shall be and become part of the Pledged Collateral and, if received by any Grantor, shall not be commingled by such Grantor with any of its other funds or property but shall be held separate and apart therefrom, shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties and shall be forthwith delivered to the Administrative Agent in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsements, stock or note powers and other instruments of transfer reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent).

(b) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, after the Administrative Agent shall have notified the Grantors of the suspension of their rights under paragraph (a)(iii) of this Section 2.06, all rights of any Grantor to dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that such Grantor is authorized to receive pursuant to paragraph (a)(iii) of this Section 2.06 shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Administrative Agent, which shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to receive and retain such dividends, interest, principal or other distributions. All dividends, interest, principal or other distributions received by any Grantor contrary to the provisions of this Section 2.06 shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties shall be segregated from other property or funds of such Grantor and shall be forthwith delivered to the Administrative Agent upon demand in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsements, stock or note powers and other instruments of transfer reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent). Any and all money and other property paid over to or received by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph (b) shall be retained by the Administrative Agent in an account to be established by the Administrative Agent upon receipt of such money or other property and shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.02. After all Events of Default have been cured or waived and the Parent Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Parent Borrower to that effect, the Administrative Agent shall promptly repay to each Grantor

 

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(without interest) all dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that such Grantor would otherwise be permitted to retain pursuant to the terms of paragraph (a)(iii) of this Section 2.06 and that remain in such account.

(c) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, after the Administrative Agent shall have notified the Grantors of the suspension of their rights under paragraph (a)(i) of this Section 2.06, all rights of any Grantor to exercise the voting and consensual rights and powers it is entitled to exercise pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of this Section 2.06, and the obligations of the Administrative Agent under paragraph (a)(ii) of this Section 2.06, shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Administrative Agent, which shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to exercise such voting and consensual rights and powers; provided that, unless otherwise directed by the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent shall have the right from time to time following and during the continuance of an Event of Default to permit the Grantors to exercise such rights. After all Events of Default have been cured or waived and the Parent Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Parent Borrower to that effect, all rights vested in the Administrative Agent pursuant to this paragraph (c) shall cease, and the Grantors shall have the exclusive right to exercise the voting and consensual rights and powers they would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of this Section 2.06.

(d) Any notice given by the Administrative Agent to the Grantors suspending their rights under paragraph (a) of this Section 2.06 (i) may be given by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing, (ii) may be given with respect to one or more of the Grantors at the same or different times and (iii) may suspend the rights of the Grantors under paragraph (a)(i) or paragraph (a)(iii) in part without suspending all such rights (as specified by the Administrative Agent in its sole and absolute discretion) and without waiving or otherwise affecting the Administrative Agent’s rights to give additional notices from time to time suspending other rights so long as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

ARTICLE III

Security Interests in Personal Property

SECTION 3.01. Security Interest .

(a) As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Secured Obligations, each Grantor hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest (the “ Security Interest ”) in all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under any and all of the following assets now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor or in which such Grantor now has or at any time in the future may acquire any right, title or interest (collectively, the “ Article 9 Collateral ”):

(I) all Accounts;

(II) all Chattel Paper;

(III) all Cash and Deposit Accounts;

 

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(IV) all Documents;

(V) all Equipment;

(VI) all General Intangibles, including all Intellectual Property;

(VII) all Instruments;

(VIII) all Inventory;

(IX) all other Goods and Fixtures;

(X) all Investment Property;

(XI) all Letter-of-Credit Rights;

(XII) all Commercial Tort Claims specifically described on Schedule IV hereto, as such schedule may be supplemented from time to time pursuant to Section 3.04(d);

(XIII) all books and records pertaining to the Article 9 Collateral; and

(XIV) to the extent not otherwise included, all Proceeds and products of any and all of the foregoing and all collateral security and guarantees given by any Person with respect to any of the foregoing;

provided that in no event shall the Security Interest attach to (A) any lease, license, contract or agreement to which a Grantor is a party or any of its rights or interests thereunder if, to the extent and for so long as the grant of such security interest shall constitute or result in a breach or termination pursuant to the terms of, or a default under, any such lease, license, contract or agreement (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective, or is otherwise unenforceable, pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the New York UCC or any other applicable Requirement of Law); provided that, to the extent severable, the Security Interest shall attach immediately to any portion of such lease, license, contract or agreement that does not result in any such breach, termination or default, including any Proceeds of such lease, license, contract or agreement; (B) any motor vehicle or other asset covered by a certificate of title or ownership, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, the perfection of which is excluded from the UCC in the relevant jurisdiction; (C) any asset owned by any Grantor that is subject to a Lien of the type permitted by Section 6.02(iv) of the Credit Agreement (whether or not incurred pursuant to such Section) or a Lien permitted by Section 6.02(xi) of the Credit Agreement (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective, or is otherwise unenforceable, pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the New York UCC or any other applicable Requirement of Law), in each case if, to the extent and for so long as the grant of a Lien thereon hereunder to secure the Secured Obligations constitutes a breach of or a default under any agreement pursuant to which such Lien has been created; provided that the Security Interest shall attach immediately to any such asset (x) at the time the provision of such agreement containing such restriction ceases to be in effect and (y) to the extent any such breach or default is not rendered ineffective by, or is otherwise unenforceable under, any Requirements of Law; (D) any asset owned by any Grantor with respect to which Holdings shall have provided to the Administrative

 

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Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer to the effect that, based on advice of outside counsel or tax advisors of national recognition, the creation of such security interest in such asset hereunder would result in adverse tax consequences to Holdings and the Subsidiaries (other than on account of any Taxes payable in connection with filings, recordings, registrations, stampings and any similar acts in connection with the creation or perfection of the Liens granted hereunder) that shall have been determined by Holdings to be material to Holdings and the Subsidiaries; (E) any asset owned by any Grantor if, to the extent and for so long as the grant of such security interest in such asset shall be prohibited by any applicable Requirements of Law (other than to the extent that any such prohibition would be rendered ineffective pursuant to the New York UCC or any other applicable Requirements of Law); provided that the Security Interest shall attach immediately to such asset at such time as such prohibition ceases to be in effect; (F) any asset owned by any Grantor that the Parent Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall have agreed in writing to exclude from being Article 9 Collateral on account of the cost of creating a security interest in such asset hereunder (including any adverse tax consequences to Holdings and the Subsidiaries resulting therefrom) being excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Secured Parties therefrom; (G) any intent-to-use trademark applications filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office; and (H) the Excluded Equity Interests (it being understood that, to the extent the Security Interest shall not have attached to any such asset as a result of clauses (A) through (H) above, the term “Article 9 Collateral” shall not include any such asset). In each case to the extent a security interest therein cannot be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law.

(b) Each Grantor hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent at any time and from time to time to file in any relevant jurisdiction any initial financing statements (including fixture filings) with respect to the Article 9 Collateral or any part thereof and amendments thereto that (i) describe the collateral covered thereby in any manner that the Administrative Agent reasonably determines is necessary or advisable to ensure the perfection of the security interest in the Article 9 Collateral granted under this Agreement, including indicating the Collateral as “all assets” of such Grantor or words of similar effect, and (ii) contain the information required by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code or the analogous legislation of each applicable jurisdiction for the filing of any financing statement or amendment, including (A) whether such Grantor is an organization, the type of organization and any organizational identification number issued to such Grantor and (B) in the case of a financing statement filed as a fixture filing, a sufficient description of the real property to which such Article 9 Collateral relates. Each Grantor agrees to provide such information to the Administrative Agent promptly upon request.

Each Grantor also ratifies its authorization for the Administrative Agent to file in any relevant jurisdiction any initial financing statements or amendments thereto with respect to the Article 9 Collateral or any part thereof naming any Grantor as debtor or the Grantors as debtors and the Administrative Agent as secured party, if filed prior to the date hereof.

The Administrative Agent is further authorized to file with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or United States Copyright Office (or any successor office or any similar office in any other country) such documents as may be reasonably necessary or advisable for the purpose of perfecting, confirming, continuing, enforcing or protecting the Security Interest in Article 9 Collateral consisting of Patents, Trademarks or Copyrights granted by each Grantor and naming any Grantor or the Grantors as debtors and the Administrative Agent as secured party.

 

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(c) The Security Interest and the security interest granted pursuant to Article II are granted as security only and shall not subject the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to, or in any way alter or modify, any obligation or liability of any Grantor with respect to or arising out of the Collateral.

SECTION 3.02. Representations and Warranties . The Grantors jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, that:

(a) Each Grantor has good and valid rights in and title to the Article 9 Collateral with respect to which it has purported to grant a Security Interest hereunder, except for minor defects in title that do not interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted or as proposed to be conducted or to utilize such properties for their intended purposes, in each case except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and has full power and authority to grant to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the Security Interest in such Article 9 Collateral pursuant hereto and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, without the consent or approval of any other Person other than any consent or approval that has been obtained and except to the extent that failure to obtain or make such consent or approval, as the case may be, individually or in aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) The Perfection Certificate has been duly prepared, completed and executed and the information set forth therein, including the exact legal name and jurisdiction of organization of each Grantor, is correct and complete in all material respects as of the Effective Date. The Uniform Commercial Code financing statements (including fixture filings, as applicable) or other appropriate filings, recordings or registrations prepared by the Administrative Agent based upon the information provided to the Administrative Agent in the Perfection Certificate for filing in each governmental, municipal or other office specified in Schedule 2 to the Perfection Certificate (or specified by notice from the Parent Borrower to the Administrative Agent after the Effective Date in the case of filings, recordings or registrations required by Section 5.03 or 5.12 of the Credit Agreement), are all the filings, recordings and registrations (other than filings required to be made in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office in order to perfect the Security Interest in Article 9 Collateral consisting of United States Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights) that are necessary to establish a legal, valid and perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in respect of all Article 9 Collateral in which the Security Interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registration in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions, and no further or subsequent filing, refiling, recording, rerecording, registration or reregistration is necessary in any such jurisdiction, except as provided under applicable law with respect to the filing of continuation statements (other than such actions as are necessary to perfect the Security Interest

 

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with respect to any Article 9 Collateral consisting of registered or applied for Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights acquired or developed by a Grantor after the date hereof). The Grantors represent and warrant that a fully executed Patent Security Agreement, Trademark Security Agreement and Copyright Security Agreement, in each case containing a description of the Article 9 Collateral consisting of United States registered Patents, United States registered Trademarks and United States registered Copyrights (and applications for any of the foregoing), as applicable, and executed by each Grantor owning any such Article 9 Collateral, have been delivered to the Administrative Agent for recording with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 261, 15 U.S.C. § 1060 or 17 U.S.C. § 205 and the regulations thereunder, as applicable, and otherwise as may be required pursuant to the laws of any other necessary jurisdiction, to protect the validity of and to establish a legal, valid and perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in respect of all Article 9 Collateral consisting of Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registration in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions, and no further or subsequent filing, refiling, recording, rerecording, registration or reregistration is necessary (other than such actions as are necessary to perfect the Security Interest with respect to any Article 9 Collateral consisting of registered or applied for Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights acquired or developed by a Grantor after the date hereof).

(c) The Security Interest constitutes (i) a legal and valid security interest in all the Article 9 Collateral securing the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, (ii) subject to the filings described in paragraph (b) of this Section 3.02, a perfected security interest in all Article 9 Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registering a financing statement or analogous document in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law in such jurisdictions and (iii) subject to the filings described in paragraph (b) of this Section 3.02, a security interest that shall be perfected in all Article 9 Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected upon the receipt and recording of a Patent Security Agreement, a Trademark Security Agreement and a Copyright Security Agreement with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, as applicable, within the three-month period after the date hereof pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 261 or 15 U.S.C. § 1060 or the one-month period after the date hereof pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 205. The Security Interest is and shall be prior to any other Lien on any of the Article 9 Collateral, other than Liens permitted pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement.

(d) The Article 9 Collateral is owned by the Grantors free and clear of any Lien, except for Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement. None of the Grantors has filed or consented to the filing of (i) any financing statement or analogous document under the Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable laws covering any Article 9 Collateral, (ii) any assignment in which any Grantor assigns any Article 9 Collateral or any security agreement or similar instrument covering any Article 9 Collateral with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office or (iii) any assignment in which any Grantor assigns any Article 9

 

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Collateral or any security agreement or similar instrument covering any Article 9 Collateral with any foreign governmental, municipal or other office, which financing statement or analogous document, assignment, security agreement or similar instrument is still in effect, except, in each case, for Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement.

SECTION 3.03. Covenants .

(a) Each Grantor shall, at its own expense, take any and all commercially reasonable actions necessary to defend title to the Article 9 Collateral against all Persons, except with respect to Article 9 Collateral that such Grantor determines in its reasonable business judgment is no longer necessary or beneficial to the conduct of such Grantor’s business, and to defend the Security Interest of the Administrative Agent in the Article 9 Collateral and the priority thereof against any Lien not permitted pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement, subject to the rights of such Grantor under Section 9.15 of the Credit Agreement and corresponding provisions of the Security Documents to obtain a release of the Liens created under the Security Documents.

(b) Each Grantor agrees, at its own expense, to execute, acknowledge, deliver and cause to be duly filed all such further instruments and documents and take all such actions as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request to better assure, preserve, protect and perfect the Security Interest and the rights and remedies created hereby, including the payment of any fees and Taxes required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the granting of the Security Interest and the filing of any financing statements (including fixture filings) or other documents in connection herewith or therewith. If any amount payable under or in connection with any of the Article 9 Collateral shall be or become evidenced by any promissory note (which may be a global note) or other instrument (other than any promissory note or other instrument in an aggregate principal amount of less than $5,000,000 owed to the applicable Grantor by any Person), such note or instrument shall be promptly pledged and delivered to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, together with an undated instrument of transfer duly executed in blank and in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent, with prompt written notice thereof to the Grantors, to supplement this Agreement by supplementing Schedule III or adding additional schedules hereto to identify specifically any asset or item that may constitute an application or registration for any Copyright, Patent or Trademark; provided that any Grantor shall have the right, exercisable within 10 days (or such longer period as shall be agreed by the Parent Borrower and the Administrative Agent) after it has been notified in writing by the Administrative Agent of the specific identification of such Collateral, to advise the Administrative Agent in writing of any inaccuracy (i) with respect to such supplement or additional schedule or (ii) of the representations and warranties made by such Grantor hereunder with respect to such Collateral. Each Grantor agrees that, at the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, it will use commercially reasonable efforts to take such action as shall be reasonably necessary in order that all representations and warranties hereunder shall be true and correct with respect to such Collateral within 10 days (or such longer period as shall be agreed by the Parent Borrower and the Administrative Agent) after the date it has been notified in writing by the Administrative Agent of the specific identification of such Collateral.

 

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(c) At its option, the Administrative Agent may discharge past due taxes, assessments, charges, fees, Liens, security interests or other encumbrances at any time levied or placed on the Article 9 Collateral and not permitted pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement, and may pay for the maintenance and preservation of the Article 9 Collateral to the extent any Grantor fails to do so as required by the Credit Agreement, this Agreement or any other Loan Document and within a reasonable period of time after the Administrative Agent has requested that it do so, and each Grantor jointly and severally agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent, within 10 days after demand, for any reasonable payment made or any reasonable expense incurred by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the foregoing authorization; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be interpreted as excusing any Grantor from the performance of, or imposing any obligation on the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party to cure or perform, any covenants or other promises of any Grantor with respect to taxes, assessments, charges, fees, Liens, security interests or other encumbrances and maintenance as set forth herein or in the other Loan Documents.

(d) Each Grantor shall remain liable, as between such Grantor and the relevant counterparty under each contract, agreement or instrument relating to the Article 9 Collateral, to observe and perform all the conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it under such contract, agreement or instrument, all in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof, and each Grantor jointly and severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties from and against any and all liability for such performance.

(e) It is understood that no Grantor shall be required by this Agreement to perfect the security interests created hereunder by any means other than (i) filings pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code, (ii) filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or United States Copyright Office (or any successor office) in respect of registered Intellectual Property ( provided that, with respect to Licenses, such filings shall be limited to exclusive Copyright Licenses under which such Grantor is a licensee) and (iii) in the case of Collateral that constitutes Tangible Chattel Paper, Pledged Securities, Instruments, Certificated Securities or Negotiable Documents, delivery thereof to the Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms hereof (together with, where applicable, undated stock or note powers or other undated proper instruments of assignment). No Grantor shall be required to deliver control agreements with respect to Deposit Accounts and other bank or securities accounts.

(f) Each Grantor irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints the Administrative Agent (and all officers, employees or agents designated by the Administrative Agent) as such Grantor’s true and lawful agent (and attorney-in-fact) for the purpose, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and after notice to the Parent Borrower of its intent to exercise such rights, of making, settling and adjusting claims in respect of Article 9 Collateral under policies of insurance, endorsing the name of such Grantor on any check, draft, instrument or other item of payment for the proceeds of such policies of insurance and for making all determinations and decisions with respect thereto. In the event that any Grantor at any time or times shall fail to obtain or maintain any of the policies of insurance required hereby or to pay any premium in whole or part relating thereto, the Administrative Agent may, without waiving or

 

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releasing any obligation or liability of the Grantors hereunder or any Default or Event of Default, in its sole discretion, obtain and maintain such policies of insurance and pay such premium and take any other actions with respect thereto as the Administrative Agent reasonably deems advisable. All sums disbursed by the Administrative Agent in connection with this paragraph, including reasonable out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees, court costs, expenses and other charges relating thereto, shall be payable, within 10 days of demand, by the Grantors to the Administrative Agent and shall be additional Secured Obligations secured hereby.

SECTION 3.04. Other Actions . In order to further insure the attachment, perfection and priority of, and the ability of the Administrative Agent to enforce, the Security Interest, each Grantor agrees, in each case at such Grantor’s own expense, to take the following actions with respect to the following Article 9 Collateral:

(a) Instruments . If any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any Instruments constituting Collateral (other than Instruments with a face amount of less than $5,000,000 and other than checks to be deposited in the ordinary course of business), such Grantor shall promptly endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Administrative Agent, accompanied by such undated instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

(b) Investment Property . Except to the extent otherwise provided in Article II, if any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any certificated securities, such Grantor shall forthwith endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Administrative Agent, accompanied by such undated instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

(c) Letter-of-Credit Rights . If any Grantor is at any time a beneficiary under a letter of credit with an aggregate face amount in excess of $5,000,000 now or hereafter issued in favor of such Grantor that is not a Supporting Obligation with respect to any of the Collateral, such Grantor shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent thereof and, at the request and option of the Administrative Agent, such Grantor shall, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, either (i) use commercially reasonable efforts to arrange for the issuer and any confirmer of such letter of credit to consent to an assignment to the Administrative Agent of the proceeds of any drawing under such letter of credit or (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to arrange for the Administrative Agent to become the transferee beneficiary of such letter of credit, with the Administrative Agent agreeing, in each case, that the proceeds of any drawing under such letter of credit are to be paid to the applicable Grantor unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

(d) Commercial Tort Claims . If any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire a Commercial Tort Claim in an amount reasonably estimated to exceed $5,000,000, such Grantor shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent thereof in a writing signed by such Grantor, including a summary description of such claim, and Schedule IV shall be deemed to be supplemented to include such description of such commercial tort claim as set forth in such writing.

 

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SECTION 3.05. Covenants Regarding Patent, Trademark and Copyright Collateral .

(a) Except to the extent failure so to act could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect of the type referred to in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of such term in the Credit Agreement, with respect to registration or pending application of each item of its Intellectual Property for which such Grantor has standing to do so, each Grantor agrees (i) to maintain the validity and enforceability of any registered Intellectual Property (or applications therefor) and to maintain such registrations and applications of Intellectual Property in full force and effect and (ii) to pursue the registration and maintenance of each Patent, Trademark or Copyright registration or application, now or hereafter included in the Intellectual Property of such Grantor, including the payment of required fees and taxes, the filing of responses to office actions issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the U.S. Copyright Office or other governmental authorities, the filing of applications for renewal or extension, the filing of affidavits under Sections 8 and 15 of the U.S. Trademark Act, the filing of divisional, continuation, continuation-in-part, reissue and renewal applications or extensions, the payment of maintenance fees and the participation in interference, reexamination, opposition, cancellation, infringement and misappropriation proceedings.

(b) Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect of the type referred to in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of such term in the Credit Agreement, no Grantor shall do or permit any act or knowingly omit to do any act whereby any of its Intellectual Property may lapse, be terminated, or become invalid or unenforceable or placed in the public domain (or in case of a trade secret, lose its competitive value).

(c) Except where failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect of the type referred to in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of such term in the Credit Agreement, each Grantor shall take all steps to preserve and protect each item of its Intellectual Property, including maintaining the quality of any and all products or services used or provided in connection with any of the Trademarks, consistent with the quality of the products and services as of the date hereof, and taking all steps necessary to ensure that all licensed users of any of the Trademarks abide by the applicable license’s terms with respect to the standards of quality.

(d) Each Grantor agrees that, should it obtain an ownership or other interest in any Intellectual Property after the Effective Date, (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall automatically apply thereto and (ii) any such Intellectual Property and, in the case of Trademarks, the goodwill symbolized thereby, shall automatically become Intellectual Property subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement .

(e) Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent any Grantor from disposing of, discontinuing the use or maintenance of, failing to pursue or otherwise allowing to lapse, terminate or put into the public domain any of its Intellectual Property to the extent permitted by the Credit Agreement if such Grantor determines in its reasonable business judgment that such discontinuance is desirable in the conduct of its business.

 

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ARTICLE IV

Remedies

SECTION 4.01. Remedies upon Default . Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Grantor agrees to deliver, on demand, each item of Collateral to the Administrative Agent or any Person designated by the Administrative Agent, and it is agreed that the Administrative Agent shall have the right to take any of or all the following actions at the same or different times: (a) with respect to any Article 9 Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property, on demand, to cause the Security Interest to become an assignment, transfer and conveyance of any of or all such Article 9 Collateral by the applicable Grantors to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, or to license or sublicense, whether on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis, any such Article 9 Collateral throughout the world on such terms and conditions and in such manner as the Administrative Agent shall determine (other than in violation of any then-existing licensing arrangements to the extent that waivers cannot be obtained), and (b) with or without legal process and with or without demand for performance but with notice (which need not be prior notice), to take possession of the Article 9 Collateral and the Pledged Collateral and without liability for trespass to enter any premises where the Article 9 Collateral or the Pledged Collateral may be located for the purpose of taking possession of or removing the Article 9 Collateral and the Pledged Collateral and, generally, to exercise any and all rights afforded to a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor agrees that the Administrative Agent shall have the right, subject to the mandatory requirements of applicable law and the notice requirements described below, to sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Collateral at a public or private sale or at any broker’s board or on any securities exchange, for cash, upon credit or for future delivery as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate. The Administrative Agent shall be authorized at any such sale of securities (if it deems it advisable to do so) to restrict the prospective bidders or purchasers to Persons who will represent and agree that they are purchasing the Collateral for their own account for investment and not with a view to the distribution or sale thereof, and upon consummation of any such sale the Administrative Agent shall have the right to assign, transfer and deliver to the purchaser or purchasers thereof the Collateral so sold. Each such purchaser at any sale of Collateral shall hold the property sold absolutely free from any claim or right on the part of any Grantor, and each Grantor hereby waives (to the extent permitted by law) all rights of redemption, stay and appraisal that such Grantor now has or may at any time in the future have under any rule of law or statute now existing or hereafter enacted.

The Administrative Agent shall give the applicable Grantors no less than 10 days’ written notice (which each Grantor agrees is reasonable notice within the meaning of Section 9-611 of the New York UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions) of the Administrative Agent’s intention to make any sale of Collateral. Such notice, in the case of a public sale, shall state the time and place for such sale and, in the case of a sale at a broker’s board or on a securities exchange, shall state the board or exchange at which such sale is to be made and the day on which the Collateral or portion thereof, will first be offered for sale at such board or exchange. Any such public sale shall be held at such time or times within ordinary business hours and at such place or places as the Administrative Agent may fix and state in the notice (if any) of such sale. At any such sale, the Collateral, or portion thereof, to be sold may be sold in one lot as an

 

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entirety or in separate parcels, as the Administrative Agent may (in its sole and absolute discretion) determine. The Administrative Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of any Collateral if it shall determine not to do so, regardless of the fact that notice of sale of such Collateral shall have been given. The Administrative Agent may, without notice or publication, adjourn any public or private sale or cause the same to be adjourned from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed for sale, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which the same was so adjourned. In case any sale of all or any part of the Collateral is made on credit or for future delivery, the Collateral so sold may be retained by the Administrative Agent until the sale price is paid by the purchaser or purchasers thereof, but the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties shall not incur any liability in case any such purchaser or purchasers shall fail to take up and pay for the Collateral so sold and, in case of any such failure, such Collateral may be sold again upon like notice. At any public (or, to the extent permitted by law, private) sale made pursuant to this Agreement, any Secured Party may bid for or purchase, free (to the extent permitted by law) from any right of redemption, stay, valuation or appraisal on the part of any Grantor (all said rights being also hereby waived and released to the extent permitted by law), the Collateral or any part thereof offered for sale and may make payment on account thereof by using any claim then due and payable to such Secured Party from any Grantor as a credit against the purchase price, and such Secured Party may, upon compliance with the terms of sale, hold, retain and dispose of such property without further accountability to any Grantor therefor. For purposes hereof, a written agreement to purchase the Collateral or any portion thereof shall be treated as a sale thereof; the Administrative Agent shall be free to carry out such sale pursuant to such agreement and no Grantor shall be entitled to the return of the Collateral or any portion thereof subject thereto, notwithstanding the fact that after the Administrative Agent shall have entered into such an agreement all Events of Default shall have been remedied and the Secured Obligations paid in full. As an alternative to exercising the power of sale herein conferred upon it, the Administrative Agent may proceed by a suit or suits at law or in equity to foreclose this Agreement and to sell the Collateral or any portion thereof pursuant to a judgment or decree of a court or courts having competent jurisdiction or pursuant to a proceeding by a court-appointed receiver. Any sale pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4.01 shall be deemed to conform to the commercially reasonable standards as provided in Section 9-610(b) of the New York UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions.

SECTION 4.02. Application of Proceeds . The Administrative Agent shall apply the proceeds of any collection or sale of Collateral, including any Collateral consisting of cash, as follows:

FIRST, to the payment of all costs and expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with such collection or sale or otherwise in connection with this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any of the Secured Obligations, including all court costs and the fees and expenses of its agents and legal counsel, the repayment of all advances made by the Administrative Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document on behalf of any Grantor and any other costs or expenses incurred in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy hereunder or under any other Loan Document;

SECOND, to the payment in full of the Revolving Obligations (the amounts so applied to be distributed among the Revolving Secured Parties pro rata in accordance with the amounts of the Revolving Obligations owed to them on the date of any such distribution); and

 

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THIRD, to the payment in full of the Non-Revolving Obligations (the amounts so applied to be distributed among the Non-Revolving Secured Parties pro rata in accordance with the amounts of the Non-Revolving Obligations owed to them on the date of any such distribution); and

FOURTH, to the Grantors, their successors or assigns, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct.

The Administrative Agent shall have absolute discretion as to the time of application of any such proceeds, moneys or balances in accordance with this Agreement. Upon any sale of Collateral by the Administrative Agent (including pursuant to a power of sale granted by statute or under a judicial proceeding), the receipt of the Administrative Agent or of the officer making the sale shall be a sufficient discharge to the purchaser or purchasers of the Collateral so sold and such purchaser or purchasers shall not be obligated to see to the application of any part of the purchase money paid over to the Administrative Agent or such officer or be answerable in any way for the misapplication thereof.

SECTION 4.03. Grant of License to Use Intellectual Property . For the purpose of enabling the Administrative Agent to exercise rights and remedies under this Agreement, each Grantor shall, upon request by the Administrative Agent solely during the continuance of an Event of Default, grant to the Administrative Agent an irrevocable, nonexclusive license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to the Grantors) to use, license or sublicense any of the Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor, and wherever the same may be located, and including in such license reasonable access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all computer software and programs used for the compilation or printout thereof to the extent that such non-exclusive license (a) does not violate the express terms of any agreement between a Grantor and a third party governing the applicable Grantor’s use of such Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property, or gives such third party any right of acceleration, modification or cancellation therein and (b) is not prohibited by any Requirements of Law; provided that such licenses to be granted hereunder with respect to Trademarks shall be subject to the maintenance of quality standards with respect to the goods and services on which such Trademarks are used sufficient to preserve the validity of such Trademarks. The use of such license by the Administrative Agent may be exercised, at the option of the Administrative Agent, during the continuation of an Event of Default; provided further that any license, sublicense or other transaction entered into by the Administrative Agent in accordance herewith shall be binding upon the Grantors notwithstanding any subsequent cure of an Event of Default.

SECTION 4.04. Securities Act . In view of the position of the Grantors in relation to the Pledged Collateral, or because of other current or future circumstances, a question may arise under the Securities Act of 1933, as now or hereafter in effect, or any similar statute hereafter enacted analogous in purpose or effect (such Act and any such similar statute as from time to time in effect being called the “ Federal Securities Laws ”) with respect to any disposition of the Pledged Collateral permitted hereunder. Each Grantor understands that compliance with

 

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the Federal Securities Laws might very strictly limit the course of conduct of the Administrative Agent if the Administrative Agent were to attempt to dispose of all or any part of the Pledged Collateral, and might also limit the extent to which or the manner in which any subsequent transferee of any Pledged Collateral could dispose of the same. Similarly, there may be other legal restrictions or limitations affecting the Administrative Agent in any attempt to dispose of all or part of the Pledged Collateral under applicable blue sky or other state securities laws or similar laws analogous in purpose or effect. Each Grantor recognizes that in light of such restrictions and limitations the Administrative Agent may, with respect to any sale of the Pledged Collateral, limit the purchasers to those who will agree, among other things, to acquire such Pledged Collateral for their own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that in light of such restrictions and limitations, the Administrative Agent, in its sole and absolute discretion, (a) may proceed to make such a sale whether or not a registration statement for the purpose of registering such Pledged Collateral or part thereof shall have been filed under the Federal Securities Laws to the extent the Administrative Agent has determined that such a registration is not required by any Requirement of Law and (b) may approach and negotiate with a limited number of potential purchasers (including a single potential purchaser) to effect such sale. Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that any such sale might result in prices and other terms less favorable to the seller than if such sale were a public sale without such restrictions. In the event of any such sale, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties shall incur no responsibility or liability for selling all or any part of the Pledged Collateral at a price that the Administrative Agent, in its sole and absolute discretion, may in good faith deem reasonable under the circumstances, notwithstanding the possibility that a substantially higher price might have been realized if the sale were deferred until after registration as aforesaid or if more than a limited number of purchasers (or a single purchaser) were approached. The provisions of this Section 4.04 will apply notwithstanding the existence of a public or private market upon which the quotations or sales prices may exceed substantially the price at which the Administrative Agent sells.

ARTICLE V

Miscellaneous

SECTION 5.01. Notices . All communications and notices hereunder shall (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein) be in writing and given as provided in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to any Grantor shall be given to it in care of Holdings as provided in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement.

SECTION 5.02. Waivers; Amendment .

(a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by

 

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any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section 5.02, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time. No notice or demand on any Loan Party in any case shall entitle any Loan Party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

(b) Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Grantor or Grantors with respect to which such waiver, amendment or modification is to apply, subject to any consent required in accordance with Section 9.02 of the Credit Agreement; provided that the Administrative Agent may, without the consent of any Secured Party, consent to a departure by any Grantor from any covenant of such Grantor set forth herein to the extent such departure is consistent with the authority of the Administrative Agent set forth in the definition of the term “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement” in the Credit Agreement.

SECTION 5.03. Administrative Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification .

(a) Each Grantor, jointly with the other Grantors and severally, agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its fees and expenses incurred hereunder as provided in Section 9.03(a) of the Credit Agreement; provided that each reference therein to the “Parent Borrower” shall be deemed to be a reference to “each Grantor”.

(b) Without limitation of its indemnification obligations under the other Loan Documents, each Grantor, jointly with the other Grantors and severally, agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent and the other Indemnitees against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by Holdings or any Subsidiary arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether brought by a third party or by Holdings or any Subsidiary and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final, non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of, or a breach of the Loan Documents by, such Indemnitee or its Related Parties.

(c) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no Grantor shall assert, and each Grantor hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee (i) for any damages arising from the use by others of information or other materials obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such damages are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final, non-appealable judgment to have resulted

 

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from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of, or a breach of the Loan Documents by, such Indemnitee or its Related Parties, or (ii) on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, any Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.

(d) The provisions of this Section 5.03 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, the repayment of any of the Secured Obligations, the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any investigation made by or on behalf of any Secured Party. All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than 10 Business Days after written demand therefor; provided , however , any Indemnitee shall promptly refund an indemnification payment received hereunder to the extent that there is a final judicial determination that such Indemnitee was not entitled to indemnification with respect to such payment pursuant to this Section 5.03. Any such amounts payable as provided hereunder shall be additional Secured Obligations.

SECTION 5.04. Successors and Assigns . Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the permitted successors and assigns of such party; and all covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of any Grantor or the Administrative Agent that are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.

SECTION 5.05. Survival of Agreement . All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in this Agreement or any other Loan Document and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Secured Parties and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Secured Party and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or any other Secured Party may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, and shall continue in full force and effect until such time as (a) all the Loan Document Obligations (including LC Disbursements, if any, but excluding contingent obligations as to which no claim has been made) have been paid in full in cash, (b) all Commitments have terminated or expired and (c) the LC Exposure has been reduced to zero (including as a result of obtaining the consent of the applicable Issuing Bank as described in Section 9.05 of the Credit Agreement) and the Issuing Banks have no further obligation to issue or amend Letters of Credit under the Credit Agreement.

SECTION 5.06. Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement . This Agreement 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. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective as to any Grantor when a counterpart hereof

 

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executed on behalf of such Grantor shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and a counterpart hereof shall have been executed on behalf of the Administrative Agent, and thereafter shall be binding upon such Grantor and the Administrative Agent and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of such Grantor, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns, except that no Grantor shall have the right to assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein (and any such assignment or transfer shall be void) except as expressly provided in this Agreement and the Credit Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed as a separate agreement with respect to each Grantor and may be amended, modified, supplemented, waived or released with respect to any Grantor without the approval of any other Grantor and without affecting the obligations of any other Grantor hereunder.

SECTION 5.07. Severability . Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction. The parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace any invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

SECTION 5.08. Right of Set-Off . If an Event of Default under Sections 7.01(a), (b), (h) or (i) of the Credit Agreement shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of any Grantor against any of and all the obligations of such Grantor then due and owing under this Agreement held by such Lender or such Issuing Bank, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or such Issuing Bank shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations are owed to a branch or office of such Lender or such Issuing Bank different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such Indebtedness. The applicable Lender and Issuing Bank shall notify the applicable Grantor and the Administrative Agent of such setoff and application; provided that any failure to give or any delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of any such setoff and application under this Section 5.08. The rights of each Lender, each Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates under this Section 5.08 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, such Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates may have.

SECTION 5.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process; Appointment of Service of Process Agent .

(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

 

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(b) Each Grantor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in New York County and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement against any Grantor or its respective properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(c) Each Grantor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

(d) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 5.01. Nothing in any Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

(e) Each Grantor hereby irrevocably designates, appoints and empowers the Parent Borrower as its designee, appointee and agent to receive, accept and acknowledge for and on its behalf, and in respect of its property, service of any and all legal process, summons, notices and documents that may be served in any such action or proceeding.

SECTION 5.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 5.10.

SECTION 5.11. Headings . Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 5.12. Security Interest Absolute . All rights of the Administrative Agent hereunder, the Security Interest, the grant of a security interest in the Pledged Collateral and all obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, any agreement with respect to any of the Secured Obligations or any other agreement or instrument relating to any of the foregoing, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Secured Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument, (c) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any Lien on other collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent under or departure from any guarantee securing or guaranteeing all or any of the Secured Obligations or (d) any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Grantor in respect of the Secured Obligations or this Agreement.

SECTION 5.13. Termination or Release .

(a) This Agreement, the Security Interest and all other security interests granted hereby shall terminate when (i) all the Loan Document Obligations (including all LC Disbursements, if any, but excluding contingent obligations as to which no claim has been made) have been paid in full in cash, (ii) all Commitments have terminated or expired and (iii) the LC Exposure has been reduced to zero (including as a result of obtaining the consent of the applicable Issuing Bank as described in Section 9.05 of the Credit Agreement) and the Issuing Banks have no further obligation to issue or amend Letters of Credit under the Credit Agreement.

(b) The Security Interest and all other security interests granted hereby shall also terminate and be released at the time or times and in the manner set forth in Section 9.15 of the Credit Agreement. A Subsidiary Loan party shall also be released from its obligations under this Agreement at the time or times and in the manner set forth in Section 9.15 of the Credit Agreement.

(c) In connection with any termination or release pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall execute and deliver to any Loan Party, at such Loan Party’s expense, all documents that such Loan Party shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 5.14. Additional Subsidiaries . Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, additional Subsidiaries may or may be required to become Grantors after the date hereof. Upon execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent and a Subsidiary of a Supplement, any such Subsidiary shall become a Grantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as such herein. The execution and delivery of any such instrument shall not require the consent of any other Grantor hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any Subsidiary as a party to this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 5.15. Administrative Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact . Each Grantor hereby appoints the Administrative Agent the attorney-in-fact of such Grantor for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Agreement and taking any action and executing any instrument that the Administrative Agent may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes hereof at any time after and during the continuance of an Event of Default, which appointment is irrevocable and coupled with an interest. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall have the right, but only upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and notice by the Administrative Agent to the Parent Borrower of its intent to exercise such rights, with full power of substitution either in the Administrative Agent’s name or in the name of such Grantor (a) to receive, endorse, assign and/or deliver any and all notes, acceptances, checks, drafts, money orders or other evidences of payment relating to the Collateral or any part thereof; (b) to demand, collect, receive payment of, give receipt for and give discharges and releases of all or any of the Collateral; (c) to sign the name of any Grantor on any invoice or bill of lading relating to any of the Collateral; (d) to send verifications of Accounts Receivable to any Account Debtor; (e) to commence and prosecute any and all suits, actions or proceedings at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to collect or otherwise realize on all or any of the Collateral or to enforce any rights in respect of any Collateral; (f) to settle, compromise, compound, adjust or defend any actions, suits or proceedings relating to all or any of the Collateral; (g) to notify, or to require any Grantor to notify, Account Debtors to make payment directly to the Administrative Agent; and (h) to use, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, make any agreement with respect to or otherwise deal with all or any of the Collateral, and to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, as fully and completely as though the Administrative Agent were the absolute owner of the Collateral for all purposes; provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as requiring or obligating the Administrative Agent to make any commitment or to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by the Administrative Agent, or to present or file any claim or notice, or to take any action with respect to the Collateral or any part thereof or the moneys due or to become due in respect thereof or any property covered thereby. The Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties shall be accountable only for amounts actually received as a result of the exercise of the powers granted to them herein, and neither they nor their officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible to any Grantor for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own gross negligence or wilful misconduct or that of any of their Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, counsel, agents or attorneys-in-fact.

SECTION 5.16. Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classification . The Borrowers and all other Grantors, the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties agree and acknowledge that (i) the grants of Liens to the Revolving Secured Parties on the one hand, and the Non-Revolving Secured Parties on the other hand, pursuant to this Agreement constitute two separate and distinct grants of Liens and (ii) because of, among other things, their differing respective rights in the Pledged Collateral or all other collateral, the Non-Revolving Obligations are fundamentally different from the Revolving Obligations and must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization proposed or adopted in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. To further effectuate the intent of the parties as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, if it is held that the claims of the Revolving Secured Parties and Non-Revolving Secured Parties in respect of the Pledged Collateral constitute only one secured claim (rather than separate classes of senior and junior secured claims), then the Revolving Secured Parties shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them from, or in respect of, the Pledged Collateral in

 

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respect of principal, pre-petition interest, and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, premiums, and other charges, irrespective of whether a claim for such amounts is allowed or allowable in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, before any distribution from, or in respect of, any Pledged Collateral is made in respect of the claims held by the Non-Revolving Secured Parties), with the Non-Revolving Secured Parties’ hereby acknowledging and agreeing to hold in trust and promptly transfer to the Revolving Secured Parties amounts otherwise received or receivable by them from, on account of or relating to the Pledged Collateral to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such transfer has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Non-Revolving Secured Parties. Each Non-Revolving Secured Party (whether in the capacity of a secured creditor or an unsecured creditor) shall not propose, vote in favor of, or otherwise directly or indirectly support any plan of reorganization that is inconsistent with the priorities or other provisions of this Agreement, other than with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent or to the extent any such plan is proposed or supported by the number of Revolving Secured Parties required under Section 1126(d) of the Bankruptcy Code. This Agreement, which the parties hereto acknowledge shall constitute a “subordination agreement” for the purposes of Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, shall be applicable prior to and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

E-30


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.,

as Co-Borrower and Grantor

By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name: Iain MacKenzie
  Title: Director, CEO, President

 

[C OLLATERAL A GREEMENT S IGNATURE P AGE ]


SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (DE), INC., as a Grantor
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name: Iain MacKenzie
  Title: Director, CEO, President

 

[C OLLATERAL A GREEMENT S IGNATURE P AGE ]


CONXTRA, INC., as a Grantor,
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name: Iain MacKenzie
  Title: Director, CEO

 

[C OLLATERAL A GREEMENT S IGNATURE P AGE ]


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent,

By:  

/s/ Goh Siew Tan

  Name: Goh Siew Tan
  Title: Vice President

 

[C OLLATERAL A GREEMENT S IGNATURE P AGE ]


Schedule I to the

Collateral Agreement

GRANTORS

 

Name

 

Jurisdiction of Formation

ConXtra, Inc.   California
SMART Modular Technologies (DE), Inc.   Delaware
SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.   California


Schedule II to the

Collateral Agreement

PLEDGED EQUITY INTERESTS

 

Grantor

  

Issuer

   Number of
Certificate
   Number and
Class of
Equity Interests
   Percentage
of Equity Interests
 

SMART Modular Technologies (DE), Inc.

  

SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.

   4    1,000 Common      100

SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.

  

ConXtra, Inc.

   Uncertificated    2,200,000 Common      100

SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.

  

SMART Modular Technologies GmbH

   Uncertificated    50,000 Common      100

PLEDGED DEBT SECURITIES

 

Grantor

  

Issuer

    

Principal

Amount

    

Date of Note

    

Maturity Date

 

None.

           
           
           


Schedule III to the

Collateral Agreement

COPYRIGHTS OWNED BY CONXTRA INC.

None.


Schedule III to the

Collateral Agreement

COPYRIGHTS OWNED BY SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (DE), INC.

None.


Schedule III to the

Collateral Agreement

COPYRIGHTS OWNED BY SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

None.


Schedule III to the

Collateral Agreement

LICENSES

I. Licenses/Sublicenses of ConXtra Inc. as Licensor on Date Hereof

A. Copyrights

None.

B. Patents

None.

C. Trademarks

None.

D. Others

None.


Schedule III to the

Collateral Agreement

II. Licensees/Sublicenses of SMART Modular Technologies (DE), Inc. as Licensee on Date Hereof

A. Copyrights

None.

B. Patents

None.

C. Trademarks

None.

D. Others

None.


Schedule III to the        

Collateral Agreement

LICENSES

III. Licenses/Sublicenses of SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. as Licensor on Date Hereof

A. Copyrights

None.

B. Patents

Licenses granted pursuant to the Global IP License Agreement, dated August [●], 2011 by and between SMART Storage Systems (AZ), Inc., SMART Storage Systems, LLC, SMART Modular Technologies Sdn. Bhd. and SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.

C. Trademarks

None.

D. Others

None.


Schedule III to the

Collateral Agreement

PATENTS OWNED BY CONXTRA INC.

Patent Registrations

None.

Patent Applications

None.


Schedule III to the

Collateral Agreement

PATENTS OWNED BY SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (DE), INC.

Patent Registrations

None.

Patent Applications

None.


Schedule III to the

Collateral Agreement

PATENTS OWNED BY SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Patent Registrations

 

Country

  

Issue Date

  

Patent No.

USA

   3/18/97    5,613,094

USA

   1/6/98    5,706,239

USA

   3/24/09    7,509,545

USA

   6/30/09    7,555,582

USA

   11/24/09    7,623,355

USA

   2/9/10    7,660,911 B2

USA

   5/25/10    7,724,604 B2

USA

   5/3/11    7,937,641

USA

   6/7/2011    7,956,450

Patent Applications

 

Country

   Filing Date    Patent Application No.

BRAZIL

   11/9/06    PI 0605071-9

USA

   1/5/04    10/752,151

USA

   5/13/09    12/465,560

USA

   7/2/09    12/497,484

USA

   4/29/10    12/770,576

USA

   4/29/10    12/770,610

USA

   9/8/10    12/878,008

USA

   6/29/06    12/902,073

USA

   8/11/11    13/207,503


Schedule III to the

Collateral Agreement

TRADEMARK/TRADE NAMES OWNED BY CONXTRA INC.

Trademark Registrations

None.

Trademark Applications

None.

Trade Names

None.


Schedule III to the

Collateral Agreement

TRADEMARK/TRADE NAMES OWNED BY SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (DE), INC.

Trademark Registrations

None.

Trademark Applications

None.

Trade Names

None.


Schedule III to the

Collateral Agreement

TRADEMARK/TRADE NAMES OWNED BY SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Trademark Registrations

 

Country

  

Mark

  

Reg. Date

  

Reg. No.

USA

   SMART Modular Technologies    12/16/97    2121371

USA

   M-HUB    3/29/05    2936255

USA

   SAFE STOR    3/4/11    85258328

BRAZIL

   “DEVICE”    7/16/04    826509452

BRAZIL

   “DEVICE”    7/16/04    826509487

BRAZIL

   “DEVICE”    7/16/04    826509517

BRAZIL

   “DEVICE”    11/7/06    828837597

BRAZIL

   “MEMORY WAY”    11/7/06    828837589

BRAZIL

   “XCEEDEC”    8/15/06    828649324

BRAZIL

   “XCEEDPC”    8/15/06    828649359

Trademark Applications

 

Country

 

Mark

  

Application Date

  

Application No.

BRAZIL

  “SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES”    11/28/02    825073324

BRAZIL

  “SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES”    11/28/02    825073332

BRAZIL

  “SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES”    11/28/02    825073367

BRAZIL

  “SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES”    11/28/02    825073375

BRAZIL

  “SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES”    7/16/04    826509444

BRAZIL

  “SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES”    7/16/04    826509479

BRAZIL

  “SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES”    7/16/04    826509509

BRAZIL

  “XCEEDEC”    8/15/06    828649308

BRAZIL

  “XCEEDEC”    8/15/06    828649316

BRAZIL

  “XCEEDNP”    8/15/06    828649278

BRAZIL

  “XCEEDNP”    8/15/06    828649286

BRAZIL

  “XCEEDPC”    8/15/06    828649332

BRAZIL

  “XCEEDPC”    8/15/06    828649340

Trade Names

 

Country(s) Where Used

  

Trade Names

 

None.

  


Schedule IV to the

Collateral Agreement

COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS

None.

 

-2-


Exhibit I to the

Collateral Agreement

SUPPLEMENT NO.      dated as of [            ] (this “Supplement”), to the Collateral Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 (the “ Collateral Agreement ”), among SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. (the “ Co-Borrower ”), the other GRANTORS from time to time party thereto and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”).

A. Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“ Holdings ”), SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “ Parent Borrower ”), SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (the “ Co-Borrower ” and together with the Parent Borrower, the “ Borrowers ” and each a “ Borrower ”), the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and (b) the Collateral Agreement.

B. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement and the Collateral Agreement, as applicable.

C. The Grantors have entered into the Collateral Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make Loans and the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit. Section 5.14 of the Collateral Agreement provides that additional Subsidiaries may become Grantors under the Collateral Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement. The undersigned Subsidiary (the “ New Subsidiary ”) is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become a Grantor under the Collateral Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make additional Loans and the Issuing Banks to issue additional Letters of Credit and as consideration for Loans previously made and Letters of Credit previously issued.

Accordingly, the Administrative Agent and the New Subsidiary agree as follows:

SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 5.14 of the Collateral Agreement, the New Subsidiary by its signature below becomes a Grantor under the Collateral Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Grantor, and the New Subsidiary hereby (a) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Collateral 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, the New Subsidiary, as security for the payment and performance in full of the Secured Obligations (as defined in the Collateral Agreement), does hereby create and grant to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in and lien on all of the New Subsidiary’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Pledged Collateral and the Article 9 Collateral (as each such term is defined in the Collateral Agreement). Each reference to a “Grantor” in the Collateral Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Subsidiary. The Collateral Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.


SECTION 2. The New Subsidiary represents and warrants to the Administrative 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 to the extent that enforceability of such obligations may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

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. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Supplement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement. This Supplement shall become effective as to the New Subsidiary when a counterpart hereof executed on behalf of the New Subsidiary shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and a counterpart hereof shall have been executed on behalf of the Administrative Agent, and thereafter shall be binding upon the New Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the New Subsidiary, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns, except that the New Subsidiary shall not have the right to assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein (and any such assignment or transfer shall be void) except as expressly provided in this Supplement, the Collateral Agreement and the Credit Agreement.

SECTION 4. The New Subsidiary hereby represents and warrants that (a) set forth on Schedule I attached hereto is a schedule with the true and correct legal name of the New Subsidiary, its jurisdiction of formation and the location of its chief executive office, (b) Schedule II sets forth a true and complete list, with respect to the New Subsidiary, of (i) all the Equity Interests owned by the New Subsidiary in any Subsidiary and the percentage of the issued and outstanding units of each class of the Equity Interests of the issuer thereof represented by the Pledged Equity Interests owned by the New Subsidiary and (ii) all the Pledged Debt Securities owned by the New Subsidiary and (c) Schedule III attached hereto sets forth, as of the date hereof, (i) all of the New Subsidiary’s Patents, including the name of the registered owner, type, registration or application number and the expiration date (if already registered) of each such Patent owned by the New Subsidiary, (ii) all of the New Subsidiary’s Trademarks, including the name of the registered owner, the registration or application number and the expiration date (if already registered) of each such Trademark owned by the New Subsidiary, and (iii) all of the New Subsidiary’s Copyrights, including the name of the registered owner, title and, if applicable, the registration number of each such Copyright owned by the New Subsidiary, and (d) Schedule IV attached hereto sets forth, as of the date hereof, each Commercial Tort Claim in respect of which a complaint or counterclaim has been filed by the New Subsidiary seeking damages in an amount of $5,000,000 or more.

SECTION 5. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Collateral Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

-2-


SECTION 6. THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

SECTION 7. Any provision of this Supplement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction. The parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace any invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

SECTION 8. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 5.01 of the Collateral Agreement.

SECTION 9. The New Subsidiary agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its fees and expenses incurred hereunder and under the Collateral Agreement as provided in Section 9.03(a) of the Credit Agreement; provided that each reference therein to the “Parent Borrower” shall be deemed to be a reference to “the New Subsidiary.”

 

-3-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent have duly executed this Supplement to the Collateral Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NAME OF NEW SUBSIDIARY],
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
  Legal Name:
  Jurisdiction of Formation:
  Location of Chief Executive Office:

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO S UPPLEMENT TO C OLLATERAL A GREEMENT


Schedule I

to Supplement No.      to the

Collateral Agreement

 

Name

 

Jurisdiction of Formation

 

Chief Executive Office

   
   
   
   
   


Schedule II

to Supplement No.      to the

Collateral Agreement

PLEDGED EQUITY INTERESTS

 

Grantor

   Issuer      Number of
Certificate
     Number and
Class of
Equity Interests
     Percentage
of Equity Interests
 
           
           
           
           
           

PLEDGED DEBT SECURITIES

 

Grantor

   Issuer      Principal
Amount
     Date of Note      Maturity Date  
           
           
           
           


Schedule III

to Supplement No.      to the

Collateral Agreement

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY


Schedule IV

to Supplement No.      to the

Collateral Agreement

COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS


Exhibit II

to the Collateral Agreement

COPYRIGHT SECURITY AGREEMENT dated as of [            ], 20[    ] (this “ Agreement ”), among [    ] (the “ Grantor ”) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”).

Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“ Holdings ”), SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “ Parent Borrower ”), SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (the “ Co-Borrower ” and together with the Parent Borrower, the “ Borrowers ” and each a “ Borrower ”), the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Lenders ”) and the Administrative Agent and (b) the Collateral Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Collateral Agreement ”), among the Co-Borrower, the other grantors from time to time party thereto and the Administrative Agent. The Lenders and the Issuing Banks have agreed to extend credit to the Borrowers subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. The Grantor is an Affiliate of the Borrowers and is willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make additional Loans and the Issuing Banks to issue additional Letters of Credit and as consideration for Loans previously made and Letters of Credit previously issued. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Terms . Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Collateral Agreement or the Credit Agreement, as applicable. The rules of construction specified in Section 1.01(b) of the Collateral Agreement also apply to this Agreement.

SECTION 2. Grant of Security Interest . As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Secured Obligations, the Grantor hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest (the “ Security Interest ”) in all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under any Copyrights now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor, including those listed on Schedule I, and any exclusive Copyright Licenses under which such Grantor is a licensee, including those listed on Schedule II (collectively, the “ Copyright Collateral ”).

SECTION 3. Collateral Agreement . The Security Interest granted to the Administrative Agent herein is granted in furtherance, and not in limitation, of the security interests granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Collateral Agreement. The Grantor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent with respect to the Copyright Collateral are more fully set forth in the Collateral Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Collateral Agreement, the terms of the Collateral Agreement shall govern.


SECTION 4. Counterparts . This Agreement 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. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

-2-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

[                                         ],
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO C OPYRIGHT S ECURITY A GREEMENT


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent,
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO C OPYRIGHT S ECURITY A GREEMENT


Schedule I


Schedule II


Exhibit III to the

Collateral Agreement

PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT dated as of [            ], 20[    ] (this “ Agreement ”), among [    ] (the “ Grantor ”) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”).

Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“ Holdings ”), SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “ Parent Borrower ”), SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (the “ Co-Borrower ” and together with the Parent Borrower, the “ Borrowers ” and each a “ Borrower ”), the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Lenders ”) and the Administrative Agent and (b) the Collateral Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Collateral Agreement ”), among the Co-Borrower, the other grantors from time to time party thereto and the Administrative Agent. The Lenders and the Issuing Banks have agreed to extend credit to the Borrowers subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. The Grantor is an Affiliate of the Borrowers and is willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make additional Loans and the Issuing Banks to issue additional Letters of Credit and as consideration for Loans previously made and Letters of Credit previously issued. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Terms . Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Collateral Agreement or the Credit Agreement, as applicable. The rules of construction specified in Section 1.01(b) of the Collateral Agreement also apply to this Agreement.

SECTION 2. Grant of Security Interest . As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Secured Obligations, the Grantor hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest (the “ Security Interest ”) in all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under any Patents now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor, including those listed on Schedule I (the “ Patent Collateral ”).

SECTION 3. Collateral Agreement . The Security Interest granted to the Administrative Agent herein is granted in furtherance, and not in limitation, of the security interests granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Collateral Agreement. The Grantor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent with respect to the Patent Collateral are more fully set forth in the Collateral Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Collateral Agreement, the terms of the Collateral Agreement shall govern.


SECTION 4. Counterparts . This Agreement 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. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

-2-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

[                                         ],
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO P ATENT SECURITY A GREEMENT


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent,
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO P ATENT SECURITY A GREEMENT


Schedule I


Exhibit IV to the

Collateral Agreement

TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT dated as of [            ], 20[    ] (this “ Agreement ”), among [    ] (the “ Grantor ”) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”).

Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“ Holdings ”), SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “ Parent Borrower ”), SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (the “ Co-Borrower ” and together with the Parent Borrower, the “ Borrowers ” and each a “ Borrower ”), the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Lenders ”) and the Administrative Agent and (b) the Collateral Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Collateral Agreement ”), among the Borrowers, the other grantors from time to time party thereto and the Administrative Agent. The Lenders and the Issuing Banks have agreed to extend credit to the Borrowers subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. The Grantor is an Affiliate of the Borrowers and is willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make additional Loans and the Issuing Banks to issue additional Letters of Credit and as consideration for Loans previously made and Letters of Credit previously issued. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Terms . Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Collateral Agreement or the Credit Agreement, as applicable. The rules of construction specified in Section 1.01(b) of the Collateral Agreement also apply to this Agreement.

SECTION 2. Grant of Security Interest . As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Secured Obligations, the Grantor hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest (the “ Security Interest ”) in all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under any Trademarks now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor, including those listed on Schedule I (the “ Trademark Collateral ”).

SECTION 3. Collateral Agreement . The Security Interest granted to the Administrative Agent herein is granted in furtherance, and not in limitation, of the security interests granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Collateral Agreement. The Grantor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent with respect to the Trademark Collateral are more fully set forth in the Collateral Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Collateral Agreement, the terms of the Collateral Agreement shall govern.


SECTION 4. Counterparts . This Agreement 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. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

-2-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

[                                         ],
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO T RADEMARK S ECURITY A GREEMENT


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent,
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO T RADEMARK S ECURITY A GREEMENT


Schedule I

Exhibit 10.17

STANDARD INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL MULTI-TENANT LEASE - NET

1. Basic Provisions (“Basic Provisions”).

1.1 Parties: This Lease (“ Lease ”), dated for reference purposes only February 18, 2009 is made by and between Newark Eureka Industrial Capital LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Lessor ”) and Smart Modular Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (“ Lessee ”), (collectively the “ Parties ”, or individually, a “ Party ”).

1.2(a) Premises: That certain portion of the Project (as defined below), including all improvements therein or to be provided by Lessor under the terms of this Lease, commonly known by the street address of 39870 Eureka Drive , located in the City of Newark , the County of Alameda, State of California , with zip code 94560 , as outlined on Exhibit “A” attached hereto (“ Premises ”) and generally described as (describe briefly the nature of the Premises):

The Premises encompasses approximately 79,480 square feet and is more particularly described as 39870 Eureka Drive contained within an approximate 79,480 square foot building.

In addition to Lessee’s right to use and occupy the Premises as hereinafter specified, Lessee shall have right to the use the Common Areas (as defined in Paragraph 2.7 below) in common with all other persons and entities entitled to the use thereof as set forth in the Declaration (as defined in Paragraph 2.4 below), and, subject to the terms and conditions of the Declaration, the exclusive rights to the roof, exterior walls and utility raceways of the building containing the Premises (“ Building ”). The Premises, the Building, the Common Areas, the land upon which they are located, along with all other buildings and improvements thereon, are herein collectively referred to as the “ Project .” (See also Paragraph 2)

1.2(b) Parking: Subject to the Association Project Documents (as defined in Paragraph 2.4 below), Lessee shall have the right to use all of the vehicle parking spaces on the Project identified as the Project Parking Spaces on Exhibit “B” attached hereto (“ Project Parking Spaces ”). (See also Paragraph 2.6)

1.3 Term: Seven (7)  years and zero (0)  months (“ Original Term ”) commencing, May 1, 2009 (“ Commencement Date ”) and ending April 30, 2016 (“ Expiration Date ”). (See also Paragraph 3)

1.4 Early Possession: Upon delivery of a fully-executed Lease by both parties (“ Early Possession Date ”). (See also Paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3)

1.5 Base Rent: $ 36,560.80 per month (“ Base Rent ”), payable in advance on or before the first day of each month commencing May 1, 2010 . (See also Paragraph 4)

[✓] If this box is checked, there are provisions in this Lease for the Base Rent to be adjusted.

1.6 Lessee’s Share of Common Area Operating Expenses: Lessee’s Share is the percentage obtained by dividing the number of square feet contained in the Premises by the number of square feet of leasable area in the Building or the Project (whichever is applicable). The Lessee’s Share as of the Commencement Date is one hundred percent ( 100.00 %) of the Building and one hundred percent ( 100.00 %) of the Project (“ Lessee’s Share ”).

1.7 Base Rent and Other Monies Paid Upon Execution:

(a) Base Rent: $ 36,560.80 for the period May 1, 2010 - May 31, 2010 .

(b) Estimated Monthly Common Area Operating Expenses: $ 17,485.60 for the period May 1, 2009 - May 31, 2009 .

(c) Security Deposit: $54,046.40(“ Security Deposit ”). (See Also Paragraph 5)

(d) Total Due Upon Execution of this Lease : $108,092.80

1.8 Agreed Use: Design, manufacturing, assembly and test, packaging, distribution and warehousing of memory modules, solid-state drives, embedded computing subsystems, TFT-LCD display and similar computer peripheral products and office related uses . (See also Paragraph 6)

1.9 Insuring Party. Lessor is the “ Insuring Party ”. (See also Paragraphs 4.2 and 8)

1.10 Real Estate Brokers (see also Paragraph 15):

(a) The following real estate brokers (collectively the “ Brokers ”) and brokerage relationships exist in this transaction (check applicable boxes).

[✓] Cornish & Carey Commercial represents Lessor exclusively (“ Lessor’s Broker ”);

[✓] Cresa Partners represents Lessee exclusively (“ Lessee’s Broker ”);

1.11 Guarantor. The obligations of the Lessee under this Lease are to be guaranteed by n/a (“ Guarantor ”). (See also Paragraph 37)


1.12 Addenda and Exhibits. Attached hereto is an Addendum or Addenda consisting of Paragraphs 59 through 63, and Exhibits “A,” “B” and “C,” all of which constitute a part of this Lease.

2. Premises

2.1 Letting. Lessor hereby leases to Lessee, and Lessee hereby leases from Lessor, the Premises, for the term, at the rental, and upon all of the terms, covenants and conditions set forth in this Lease. Unless other otherwise provided herein, any statement of size set forth in this Lease, or that may have been used in calculating Rent, is an approximation which the Parties agree is reasonable and any payments based thereon are not subject to revisions whether or not the actual size is more or less.

2.2 Condition. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, THE PREMISES IS BEING DELIVERED TO LESSEE IN “ AS IS, WHERE IS” CONDITION AND LESSOR IS NOT MAKING ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE HABITABILITY OF THE PREMISES OR THE SUITABILITY OF THE PREMISES GENERALLY OR FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Lessor shall deliver that portion of the Premises contained within the Building (“ Unit ”) to Lessee broom clean and free of debris on the Commencement Date or the Early Possession Date, whichever first occurs (“ Start Date ”), and, provided the required service contracts described in Paragraph 7.1(a) below are obtained by Lessee, in effect and delivered to Lessor within thirty (30) days following the Start Date, warrants that the existing electrical, plumbing, fire sprinkler, lighting, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems (“ HVAC ”), loading doors, if any, except for elements thereof constructed or altered by Lessee (“ Base Unit Systems ”), shall be in good operating condition on said Start Date and that the structural elements of the Unit’s roof be in watertight condition and that the structural elements of the bearing walls and foundation of the Unit shall be free of material defects except to the extent caused by the actions or alterations of Lessee or any agent, contractor, or invitee of Lessee (each, a “ Lessee Party ” and collectively, the “ Lessee Parties ”) (“ Base Unit Structure ”). If a non-compliance with such warranty exists as of the Start Date, or if one of such systems or elements should malfunction or fail within the appropriate warranty period, Lessor shall, as Lessor’s sole cost and obligation with respect to such matter, except as otherwise provided in this Lease, promptly after receipt of written notice from Lessee setting forth with specificity the nature and extent of such non-compliance, malfunction or failure, rectify same at Lessor’s sole expense. The warranty periods shall be as follows: (i) 180 days as to the HVAC systems, and (ii) 180 days as to the remaining systems and other elements of the Unit. If Lessee does not give Lessor the required notice within the appropriate warranty period, correction of any such non-compliance, malfunction or failure shall be the obligation of Lessee at Lessee’s sole cost and expense (except for the repairs to the fire sprinkler systems, structural elements of the roof, foundations, and/or bearing walls—see Paragraph 7).

2.3 Compliance. Lessor warrants that the Base Unit Systems and the Base Unit Structure and the Common Areas comply with all applicable laws, covenants or restrictions of record, regulations, and ordinances in effect on the date of execution of this Lease (“ Applicable Requirements ”). Said warranty does not apply to: (i) the use to which Lessee will put the Premises; (ii) any legal obligations triggered or made applicable due to lessee improvements or Alterations made by or for the benefit of Lessee; or (iii) any Alterations or Utility Installations (as defined in Paragraph 7.3(a)) made or to be made by Lessee. If the Applicable Requirements are hereafter changed so as to require during the term of this Lease the construction of an addition to or an alteration of the Unit, Premises and/or Building, the remediation of any Hazardous Substance (except as otherwise the responsibility of a particular Party to remediate as set forth in Paragraph 6.2 below, in which case such responsible party shall be responsible for the cost of such remediation), or the reinforcement or other physical modification of the Unit, Premises and/or Building (“ Capital Expenditure ”), Lessor and Lessee shall allocate the cost of such work as follows:

(a) Subject to Paragraph 2.3(c) below, if such Capital Expenditures are required as a result: (i) of the specific and unique use of the Premises by Lessee; or (ii) of improvements made or proposed to be made by Lessee, Lessee shall be fully responsible for the cost thereof, provided, however that if such Capital Expenditure is required during the last 12 months of this Lease and the cost thereof exceeds 6 months’ Base Rent, Lessee may instead terminate this Lease unless Lessor notifies Lessee, in writing, within 10 days after receipt of Lessee’s termination notice that Lessor has elected to pay the difference between the actual cost thereof and the amount equal to 6 months’ Base Rent. If Lessee elects termination, Lessee shall immediately cease the use of the Premises which requires such Capital Expenditure and deliver to Lessor written notice specifying a termination date at least 90 days thereafter. Such termination date shall, however, in no event be earlier than the last day that Lessee could legally utilize the Premises without commencing such Capital Expenditure.

(b) If such Capital Expenditure is not the result of: (i) the specific and unique use of the Premises by Lessee (such as, governmentally mandated seismic modifications), or (ii) improvements made or proposed to be made by Lessee, then Lessor and Lessee shall allocate the obligation to pay for the portion of such costs reasonably attributable to the Premises pursuant to the formula set out in Paragraph 7.1(c); provided, however, that if such Capital Expenditure is required during the last 12 months of this Lease or if Lessor reasonably determines that it is not economically feasible to pay its share thereof, Lessor shall have the option to terminate this Lease upon 90 days prior written notice to Lessee unless Lessee notifies Lessor, in writing, within 10 days after receipt of Lessor’s termination notice that Lessee will pay for such Capital Expenditure.

(c) Notwithstanding the above, the provisions concerning Capital Expenditures are intended to apply only to non-voluntary, unexpected, and new Applicable Requirements. If the Capital Expenditures are instead triggered by Lessee as a result of an actual or proposed change in use, change in intensity of use, or modification to the Premises then, and in that event, Lessee shall be fully responsible for the cost thereof, and Lessee shall not have any right to terminate this Lease.


2.4 Acknowledgements . Lessee acknowledges that: (a) it has been advised by Lessor and/or Brokers to satisfy itself with respect to the condition of the Premises (including but not limited to the information technology infrastructure, electrical, HVAC and other air-handling equipment, and fire sprinkler systems, security, environmental aspects, and compliance with Applicable Requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act), and their suitability for Lessee’s intended use, (b) Lessee has made such investigation as it deems necessary with reference to such matters and, subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 2.2, 2.3, 7.2 and 9 hereof, assumes all responsibility therefor as the same relate to its occupancy of the Premises, and (c) neither Lessor, Lessor’s agents, nor Brokers have made any oral or written representations or warranties with respect to said matters other than as set forth in this Lease. No later discovery by Lessee that the Premises are unsuitable for Lessee’s intended use, or that Lessee is unable to use the Premises for Lessee’s intended use because of any Applicable Requirements and the like, shall relieve Lessee from any of Lessee’s obligations including payment of Rent when due, under this Lease. Lessee further acknowledges and agrees that: (i) this Lease, and all rights and obligations hereunder, shall be subject and subordinate, in all respects, to the terms and conditions of that certain Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for Stevenson Point Techpark, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “ Declaration ”), the Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws for Stevenson Point Techpark Owners’ Association, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “ Association Documents ”), and any and all rules and regulations established by Stevenson Point Techpark Owners’ Association, or any successor thereto (the “ Association ”), as the same may be amended from time to time (the “ Association Rules ”) (the Declaration, Association Documents and Association Rules are collectively referred to herein as the “ Association Project Documents ”), and (ii) any breach by Lessee of any of the terms or conditions of the Association Project Documents shall, after applicable notice and cure periods, be a default under this Lease.

2.5 Lessee as Prior Owner/Occupant and/or New Leases Under 12 Months in Duration. The warranties, if any, made by Lessor in Paragraph 2 shall be of no force or effect if immediately prior to the Start Date Lessee was the owner or occupant of the Premises, or if the initial lease term is less than 12 months in duration. In such event, Lessee shall be responsible for any necessary corrective work including, but not limited to, compliance with Applicable Requirements in effect as of the Commencement Date, unless otherwise expressly set forth in the Addendum, if any.

2.6 Vehicle Parking. Lessee shall be entitled to the use the Project Parking Spaces specified in Paragraph 1.2(b). Said parking spaces shall be used for parking by vehicles no larger than full-size passenger automobiles or pick-up trucks, herein called “ Permitted Size Vehicles .” No vehicles other than Permitted Size Vehicles may be parked in the Common Area without the prior written permission of Lessor (which permission may be withheld in Lessor’s sole discretion if such vehicles violates the terms of the Declaration or Association Rules). Lessee shall comply, and shall cause its employees, suppliers, shippers, customers, contractors and invitees, to comply, with all provisions of the Declaration and all Association Rules relating to vehicles and the use thereof.

(a) Lessee shall not permit or allow any vehicles that belong to or are controlled by Lessee or Lessee’s employees, suppliers, shippers, customers, contractors or invitees to be loaded, unloaded, or parked in areas other than those designated by Lessor for such activities.

(b) Lessee shall not service or store any vehicles in the Common Areas.

(c) If Lessee permits or allows any of the prohibited activities described in this Paragraph 2.6, then Lessor shall have the right, without notice, in addition to such other rights and remedies that it may have, to remove or tow away the vehicle involved and charge the cost to Lessee, which cost shall immediately be payable upon Lessor’s demand.

2.7 Common Areas - Definition. The term “Common Areas” is defined as all areas and facilities outside the Premises and within the exterior boundary line of the Project and interior utility raceways and installations within the Unit that specifically are provided and designated by the Lessor from time to time for the general non-exclusive use of Lessor, Lessee and other tenants of the Project and their respective employees, suppliers, shippers, customers, contractors and invitees, including but limited to fences and gates, common entrances, lobbies, windows, corridors, restrooms, public spaces, elevators, escalators, windows, stairways, airshafts, common area lighting facilities, roof & roof drainage systems, parking areas, loading and unloading areas, utility raceways, trash areas, areas of ingress and egress, roadways, walkways, driveways and landscaped areas.

2.8 Common Areas - Lessee’s Rights. Lessor grants to Lessee, for the benefit of Lessee and its employees, suppliers, shippers, contractors, customers and invitees, during the term of this Lease, the non-exclusive right to use, in common with others entitled to such use, the Common Areas as they exist from time to time, subject to any rights, powers, and privileges reserved by Lessor under the terms hereof or under the terms of any Rules and Regulations (as defined in Paragraph 2.9) or restrictions governing the use of the Project. Under no circumstances shall the right herein granted to use the Common Areas be deemed to include the right to store any property or place any signage, temporarily or permanently, in the Common Areas in violation of the Declaration. Any such signage shall be permitted only by the prior written consent of Lessor or Lessor’s designated agent, which consent may be given or withheld in Lessor’s sole discretion and revoked at any time. All such signage shall also comply with the provisions of Paragraph 34 hereof. In the event that any unauthorized storage shall occur, or any unauthorized signage be installed, then Lessor shall have the right, without notice, in addition to such other rights and remedies that it may have, to remove the property and/or signage and charge the cost to Lessee, which cost shall be immediately payable upon Lessor’s demand.

2.9 Common Areas - Rules and Regulations. Lessor or such other person(s) as Lessor may appoint shall have the exclusive control and management of the Common Areas and shall have the right, from time to time, to establish, modify, amend and enforce reasonable rules and regulations (“ Rules and Regulations ”) regarding the Project and the Common Areas including but not limited to rules and regulations for the management, safety, care, and cleanliness of the grounds, the parking and unloading of vehicles and the preservation of good order, as well as for the convenience of other occupants or tenants of the Building and the Project and their invitees. Lessee hereby agrees to abide by and conform to all such Rules and Regulations, and to cause its employees, suppliers, shippers, customers, contractors and invitees to so abide and conform. Lessor shall not be responsible to Lessee for the non-compliance with said Rules and Regulations by other tenants of the Project.


2.10 Common Areas - Changes. Provided that Lessee’s rights hereunder are not materially and adversely affected and Lessee’s obligations hereunder and not materially and adversely increased, then Lessor shall have the right, in Lessor’s sole discretion, from time to time and at any time:

(a) To make changes to the Common Areas, including, without limitation, changes in public spaces, driveways, entrances, parking spaces, parking areas, loading and unloading areas, trash areas, ingress, egress, fences, gates, lighting, direction of traffic, landscaped areas, roadways, walkways, driveways, utility locations and landscaped areas;

(b) To close any of the Common Areas for maintenance purposes provided reasonable access to the Premises remains available;

(c) To designate other land outside the boundaries of the Project to be a part of the Common Areas, including, without limitation, any or all portions of the “Common Area” as defined in the Declaration;

(d) To add additional buildings and improvements to the Common Areas;

(e) To use the Common Areas while engaged in making additional improvements, repairs or alterations to the Project, or any portion thereof; and

(f) To do and perform such other acts and make such other changes in, to or with respect to the Common Areas and Project as Lessor may, in Lessor’s sole discretion, deem to be appropriate.

Notwithstanding the introductory sentence of this Paragraph 2.10, Lessor shall have the right to undertake the activities in subparagraphs (a), (b), (d), (e) and (f) above at any time and from time to time if required in order for Lessor to comply with its obligations hereunder or pursuant to the Association Project Documents.

3. Term.

3.1 Term. The Commencement Date, Expiration Date and Original Term of this Lease are as specified in Paragraph 1.3.

3.2 Early Possession. If Lessee totally or partially occupies the Premises prior to the Commencement Date, the obligation to pay Base Rent shall be abated for the period of such early possession. All other terms of this Lease (including but not limited to the obligations to pay Lessee’s Share of Common Area Operating Expenses, Real Property Taxes and insurance premiums and to maintain the Premises) shall, however, be in effect during such period. Any such early possession shall not affect the Expiration Date.

3.3 Delay In Possession. Lessor agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver possession of the Premises to Lessee simultaneously with the mutual execution of this Lease. If Lessor is unable to deliver possession within 7 days from and after the mutual execution of this lease, Lessee may, at its option, by notice in writing within 7 day period, cancel this Lease, in which event the Parties shall be discharged from all obligations hereunder, and neither party shall have any liability to the other for any actual or consequential damages occasioned by the inability of Lessor to deliver possession of the Premises as agreed herein. If such written notice is not received by Lessor within said 7 day period, Lessee’s right to cancel shall terminate.

3.4 Lessee Compliance. Lessor shall not be required to tender possession of the Premises to Lessee until Lessee complies with its obligation to provide evidence of insurance (Paragraph 8.5). Pending delivery of such evidence, Lessee shall be required to perform all of its obligations under this Lease from and after the Start Date, including the payment of Rent, notwithstanding Lessor’s election to withhold possession pending receipt of such evidence of insurance. Further, if Lessee is required to perform any other conditions prior to or concurrent with the Start Date, the Start Date shall occur but Lessor may elect to withhold possession until such conditions are satisfied.

4. Rent.

4.1 Rent Defined. All monetary obligations of Lessee to Lessor under the terms of this Lease (except for the Security Deposit) are deemed to be rent (“ Rent ”).

4.2 Common Area Operating Expenses. Lessee shall pay to Lessor during the term hereof, in addition to the Base Rent, Lessee’s Share (as specified in Paragraph 1.6) of all Common Area Operating Expenses, as hereinafter defined, during each calendar year of the term of this Lease, in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) “Common Area Operating Expenses” are defined, for purposes of this Lease, as all costs incurred by Lessor relating to the ownership and operation of the Project, including, but not limited to, the following:

(i) The operation, repair and maintenance, in neat, clean, good order and condition, and if necessary the replacement, of the following:

(aa) The Common Areas and Common Area improvements including but not limited to building exterior painting and stucco coating, coverings, and including but not limited to common entrances, lobbies, corridors, windows, stairways, airshafts, restrooms, public spaces, trash areas, roadways, parkways, walkways, driveways, landscaped areas, bumpers, irrigation systems, Common Area lighting facilities, parking areas, loading and unloading areas, including but not limited to slurrying and striping of the preceding, utility raceways, areas of ingress and egress, fences and gates, roofs, and roof drainage systems.

(bb) Exterior signs and any tenant directory installation, operation and repair.

(cc) Any fire detection and/or sprinkler systems.


(ii) The cost of potable water, sewer, gas, steam, processed water, compressed air, electricity, information technology infrastructure, and telephone to service the Common Areas and any other utilities not separately metered including distribution and powerhouse expenses if any) and the costs of any utility surcharges to the Project.

(iii) Trash disposal (if Tenant does not properly and adequately dispose of trash and Landlord elects to perform such trash disposal), pest control services, property management, security services (if the Premises are vacated due to casualty or otherwise, Tenant does not provide adequate security services for the Property, and Landlord elects to provide such security services), and the reasonable costs of any environmental inspections, and compliance costs.

(iv) Reserves in amounts as determined by Lessor in its reasonable discretion for maintenance, repair and/or replacement of Common Area Improvements or equipment. Lessor may, in its sole discretion, elect to maintain a reasonable reserve fund (hereinafter the “Reserve Fund”) for the replacement of any improvements comprising the Common Area. In such event, and in addition to the Common Area Operating Expenses, Lessee shall pay as additional Rent its proportionate share of the Reserve Fund.

(v) Real Property Taxes (as defined in Paragraph 10).

(vi) The cost of insurance maintained by Lessor pursuant to Paragraph 8, including any premium finance charges, broker’s fees and charges for risk management services which may be provided by Lessor or an Affiliate of Lessor.

(vii) Any deductible portion of an insured loss concerning the Building or the Common Areas.

(viii) The cost of any Capital Expenditure to the Building or the Project not covered under the provisions of Paragraph 2.3 provided; however, that Lessor shall allocate the cost of any such Capital Expenditure pursuant to the formula set out in Paragraph 7.1(c).

(ix) Labor, salaries, and costs, materials, supplies and tools, used in maintaining and/or cleaning the Project and accounting, legal and other professional fees and management fees attributable to the operation of the Project;

(x) Costs incurred to maintain the quality, integrity, functionality and appearance of the Project;

(xi) Costs incurred for the purpose of reducing expenses;

(xii) Costs incurred in complying with laws affecting the Project and the ownership, use, operation thereof and cost under any covenants conditions and restrictions, entitlements, and voluntary energy savings and/or governmental programs;

(xiii) Costs incurred in providing security to the Project (if the Premises are vacated due to casualty or otherwise, Tenant does not provide adequate security services for the Property, and Landlord elects to provide such security services);

(xiv) Auditor verification fees, if any;

(xv) All costs, assessments and fees allocated to the Project and/or payable by Lessor, as owner of the Project, pursuant to the Declaration, including without limitation, all Assessments, including Regular Assessments, Capital Improvement Assessments, Reconstruction Assessments and Special Assessments, all as defined in the Declaration;

(xvi) All reserve amounts payable by Lessor, as owner of the Project, pursuant to the Declaration; and

(xvii) Any other services to be provided by Lessor that are stated elsewhere in this Lease to be a Common Area Operating Expense.

(b) Any direct or indirect item of Common Area Operating Expenses and Real Property Taxes, inclusive of any and all occupancy taxes imposed on the use and/or occupancy of the Premises by Lessee or any assignee, subtenant or other occupant claiming by, through, or under Lessee that are specifically attributable to the Premises, the Building or to any other building in the Project or to the operation, repair and maintenance thereof, shall be allocated entirely to such Premises, Building, or other building including, but not limited to costs incurred in contesting taxes, fees, or enactments affecting the Project. However, any Common Area Operating Expenses and Real Property Taxes that are not specifically attributable to the Building or to any other building or to the operation, repair and maintenance thereof, shall equitably be allocated by Lessor to all buildings in the Project.

(c) The inclusion of the improvements, facilities and services set forth in Subparagraph 4.2(a) shall not be deemed to impose an obligation upon Lessor to either have said improvements or facilities or to provide those services.

(d) Lessee’s Share of Common Area Operating Expenses shall be payable by Lessee within ten (10) days after a reasonably detailed statement of actual expenses is presented to Lessee. At Lessor’s option, however, an amount may be estimated by Lessor from time to time of Lessee’s Share of annual Common Area Operating Expenses and the same shall be payable monthly or quarterly, as Lessor shall designate, during each 12 month period of the Lease term, on the same day as the Base Rent is due hereunder. Lessor shall deliver to Lessee within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the expiration of each calendar year a reasonably detailed statement showing Lessee’s Share of the actual Common Area Operating Expenses incurred during the preceding year provided that the failure of Lessor to timely deliver such statement shall not relieve Lessee of the obligation to pay the actual Common Area Expenses. If Lessee’s payments under this Paragraph 4.2(d) during the preceding year exceed Lessee’s Share as indicated on such statement, Lessor shall credit the amount of such over-payment against Lessee’s Share of Common Area Operating Expenses next becoming due. If Lessee’s payments under this Paragraph 4.2(d) during the preceding year were less than Lessee’s Share as indicated on such statement, Lessee shall pay to Lessor the amount of the deficiency within 10 days after delivery by Lessor to Lessee of the statement.


(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Lease, in no event shall Lessee have any obligation to perform or to pay directly, or to reimburse Lessor for, all or any portion of the following repairs, maintenance, improvements, replacements, premiums, claims, losses, fees, charges, costs and expenses (collec-tively, “Costs”): (i) Costs occa-sioned by the act, omission or violation of Law by Lessor, any other occupant of the Project, or their respective agents, employees or contractors from and after the Commencement Date (the parties hereby agreeing that the foregoing exclusion shall not be construed to exclude costs or expenses relating to the existing condition of the Project); (ii) Costs incurred by Lessor to repair any damage to the improvements on the Premises occasioned by casualties or by the exercise of the power of eminent domain, if and to the extent Lessor is expressly responsible for such Costs as set forth in Paragraphs 9 and 14 below; (iii) Costs relating to repairs, alterations, improve-ments, equipment and tools which could properly be capitalized under generally accepted account-ing principles, to the extent that such costs are allocated to Lessor pursuant to Paragraph 7.1(c); (iv) Costs for which Lessor has a right of reim-bursement from other parties utilizing the Premises; (v) Taxes, assessments, all other governmental levies, and any increases in the foregoing occasioned by or relating to construction of improvements for other occupants of the Project; (vi) Depreciation, amortization or other expense reserves except as otherwise expressly permitted herein; (vii) Interest, charges and fees incurred on debt, payments on mortgages and rent under ground leases; (viii) Increases in insurance Costs caused by the activities of another occupant of the Project; (ix) Costs incurred by Lessor to comply with Lessor’s obligation to investigate, remediate, remove, restore and/or abate any Hazardous Substance as expressly set forth in Paragraph 6; (x) management fees in excess (as applied on a pro-rata basis) of three percent (3%) of scheduled Rent payable hereunder without reference to any rental abatement, and (xi) Costs and expenses for which Lessee reimburses Lessor directly or which Lessee pays directly to a third person.

(f) Lessee shall have the right, at Lessee’s sole cost and expense, upon no less than twenty (20) days prior written notice to Lessor given within thirty (30) days after Lessor’s delivery to Lessee of the calendar year statement, to audit Lessor’s books and records with respect to Common Area Operating Expenses for the purpose of verifying the matters set forth in such statement (“ Audit ”). The Audit shall be conducted by a member of a “Big Four” accounting firm (the “ Accountant ”), which Accountant shall not be working on a contingency fee basis, and shall be conducted at Lessee’s sole cost and expense. The Audit shall be conducted by the Accountant during normal business hours at offices and hours designated by Lessor and shall be completed within thirty (30) days after the commencement thereof. Lessee may not conduct an Audit (i) more than once in each Lease year, (ii) while Lessee is delinquent in the payment of Rent, (iii) while Lessee is in Default under this Lease, or (iv) unless Lessee shall have paid all amounts required to be paid under the applicable statement. The result of any such Audit shall be kept confidential and Lessee shall not supply any information obtained as a result of such Audit to any other tenants of Lessor or representatives and affiliates of any other tenants of Lessor or to any third party except on a confidential basis to Lessee’s legal counsel, accountants or as otherwise required by law. In the course of any Audit, Lessor may request from Lessee from time to time, and Lessee shall promptly provide to Lessor, (1) copies of all calculations and related workpapers prepared by the Accountant in the course of the applicable Audit and relating to the disputed items of Common Area Operating Expenses, and (2) a copy of the engagement letter or other applicable agreement between Lessee and the Accountant to the extent necessary to confirm that the Accountant is not engaged to conduct the Audit on a contingency basis. Lessee shall promptly deliver a copy of the result of any such Audit promptly upon the completion thereof, and if the results of the Audit does not result in a reimbursement payable to Lessee for an amount greater than five percent (5%) of the total amount charged to Lessee as previously set forth in Lessor’s calendar year statement of Lessee’s Share of Common Area Operating Expenses, Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for all of Lessor’s reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in connection with the Audit. Lessee’s failure to dispute the amount of Common Area Operating Expenses set forth in any calendar year statement within thirty (30) days of Lessor’s delivery to Lessee of such statement shall be deemed to be Lessee’s approval of such statement and Lessee, thereafter, waives the right or ability to dispute the amounts set forth in such statement.

4.3 Payment. Lessee shall cause payment of Rent to be received by Lessor in immediately available, lawful money of the United States, without offset or deduction (except as specifically permitted in this Lease), on or before the day on which it is due. Rent for any period during the term hereof which is for less than one full calendar month shall be prorated based upon the actual number of days of said month. Payment of Rent shall be made to Lessor at its address stated herein by wire transfer of funds as directed by Lessor in writing or to such other persons or place or different manner as Lessor may from time to time designate in writing. Acceptance of a payment which is less than the amount then due shall not be a waiver of Lessor’s rights to the balance of such Rent, regardless of Lessor’s endorsement of any check so stating. In the event that any check, draft, or other instrument of payment given by Lessee to Lessor is dishonored for any reason, Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor the sum of $50 in addition to any late charges which may be due and Lessor, at its option, may require all future rent to be paid by cashier’s check.


5. Security Deposit. Lessee shall deposit with Lessor upon execution hereof the Security Deposit as security for Lessee’s faithful performance of its obligations under this Lease. If Lessee fails to pay Rent, or otherwise Defaults under this Lease, Lessor may, in addition to all other remedies available to Lessor at law or in equity, or otherwise available to Lessor under this Lease, use, apply or retain all or any portion of said Security Deposit for the payment of any amount due Lessor or to reimburse or compensate Lessor for any liability, expense, cost, loss or damage which Lessor may suffer or incur by reason thereof. If Lessor uses or applies all or any portion of the Security Deposit, Lessee shall within 10 days after written request therefor deposit monies with Lessor sufficient to restore said Security Deposit to the full amount required by this Lease. If the Base Rent increases during the term of this Lease, Lessee shall, upon written request from Lessor, deposit additional monies with Lessor so that the total amount of the Security Deposit shall at all times bear the same proportion to the increased Base Rent as the initial Security Deposit bore to the initial Base Rent. Lessee agrees that if Lessor requires the removal of any of the Lessee Improvement Work in accordance with the provisions of Paragraphs 7.4(b) or 63 hereof, Lessor shall be entitled to require that the Security Deposit be increased and Lessee shall deposit additional monies with Lessor so that the Security Deposit shall be increased by an amount sufficient to reimburse Lessor for any cost or expense which Lessor may incur by reason of Lessee’s failure to remove the Lessee Improvement Work which Lessor requires to be removed by Lessee at the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease. If a change in control of Lessee occurs during this Lease which does not constitute an assignment requiring consent pursuant to Paragraph 12.1(b) and following such change the financial condition of Lessee is, in Lessor’s reasonable judgment, significantly reduced, Lessee shall deposit such additional monies with Lessor as Lessor, in the exercise of its sole discretion, deems to be sufficient to cause the Security Deposit to be at a sufficient level based on such change in financial condition. Lessor shall not be required to keep the Security Deposit separate from its general accounts. Within 14 days after the expiration or termination of this Lease, if Lessor elects to apply the Security Deposit only to unpaid Rent, and otherwise within 30 days after the Premises have been vacated pursuant to Paragraph 7.4(c) below, Lessor shall return that portion of the Security Deposit not used or applied by Lessor. No part of the Security Deposit shall be considered to be held in trust, to bear interest or to be prepayment for any monies to be paid by Lessee under this Lease. Lessee hereby waives the provisions of Section 1950.7 of the California Civil Code and all other provisions of law, now or hereafter in effect, which provide that Lessor may claim from a security deposit only those sums reasonably necessary to remedy Defaults in the payment of Rent, to repair damage caused by Lessee or to clean the Premises, it being agreed that Lessee may, in addition, claim those sums specified in this Paragraph 5 above and/or those sums reasonably necessary to compensate Lessor for any other loss or damage, foreseeable or unforeseeable, caused by any “Breach,” as that term is defined in this Lease, of Lessee under this Lease beyond the applicable cure period.

6. Use.

6.1 Use. Lessee shall use and occupy the Premises only for the Agreed Use, and for no other purpose. Lessee shall not use or permit the Premises to be used for any other purpose without Lessor’s prior written consent, which may be granted or withheld in Lessor’s sole discretion. Lessee shall not use or permit the use of the Premises in a manner that is unlawful, violates applicable ordinances, regulations or zoning requirements, creates damage, waste or a nuisance, or that disturbs owners and/or occupants of, or causes damage to adjacent premises or neighboring properties or for any improper, immoral, or objectionable purpose. Lessee shall promptly comply with all governmental orders and directions for the correction, prevention and abatement of any violations in or upon, or in connection with, the Premises, at Lessee’s sole expense. Lessor shall have no obligation to consider any request by Lessee, or by an assignee or successor-in-interest of Lessee, to allow a use other than the Agreed Use. Lessee shall comply with all use restrictions and limitations set forth in the Declaration.

6.2 Hazardous Substances.

(a) Reportable Uses Require Consent. The term “Hazardous Substance” as used in this Lease shall mean any product, substance, or waste whose presence, use, manufacture, disposal, transportation, or release, either by itself or in combination with other materials expected to be on the Premises, is either: (i) potentially injurious to the public health, safety or welfare, to the environment or the Premises, (ii) regulated or monitored by any governmental authority, or (iii) a basis for potential liability of Lessor to any governmental agency or third party under any applicable statute or common law theory. Hazardous Substances shall include, but not be limited to, hydrocarbons, petroleum, gasoline, and/or crude oil or any products, by-products or fractions thereof. Lessee shall not engage in any activity in or on the Premises which constitutes a Reportable Use of Hazardous Substances without the express prior written consent of Lessor which may be given or withheld in Lessor’s sole and absolute discretion and timely compliance (at Lessee’s expense) with all Applicable Requirements. “ Reportable Use ” shall mean (i) the installation or use of any above or below ground storage tank, (ii) the generation, possession, storage, use, transportation, or disposal of a Hazardous Substance that requires a permit from, or with respect to which a report, notice, registration or business plan is required to be filed with, any governmental authority, and/or (iii) the presence at the Premises of a Hazardous Substance with respect to which any Applicable Requirements requires that a notice be given to persons entering or occupying the Premises or neighboring properties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee may use any ordinary and customary materials reasonably required to be used in the normal course of the Agreed Use, so long as such use is in compliance with all Applicable Requirements, is not a Reportable Use of the type described in subsection (i) of the definition of Reportable Use above and does not expose the Premises or neighboring property to any material risk of contamination or damage or expose Lessor to any liability therefor. Lessee will provide to Lessor copies of all Hazardous Substance manifests (to the extent the same are requested in writing by Lessor), inspection reports, permits and notices of violation from all government authorities. In addition, Lessor may condition its consent to any Reportable Use upon receiving such additional assurances as Lessor deems necessary in Lessor’s sole and absolute judgment to protect itself, the public, the Premises, the Project and/or the environment against damage, contamination, injury and/or liability, including, but not limited to, the installation (and removal on or before Lease expiration or termination) of protective modifications (such as concrete encasements) and/or increasing the Security Deposit.


(b) Duty to Inform Lessor. If Lessee knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, that a Hazardous Substance has come to be located in, on, under or about the Premises, and/or any part of the Project, other than as previously consented to by Lessor, Lessee shall immediately give written notice of such fact to Lessor, and provide Lessor with a copy of any report, notice, claim or other documentation which it has concerning the presence of such Hazardous Substance.

(c) Lessee Remediation. Lessee shall not cause or permit any Hazardous Substance to be spilled or released in, on, under, or about the Premises (including, without limitation, through the plumbing or sanitary sewer system) and/or any part of the Project and shall promptly, at Lessee’s expense, take all necessary or reasonably recommended investigatory and/or remedial action, whether or not formally ordered or required, for the cleanup of any contamination of, and for the maintenance, security and/or monitoring of the Premises or neighboring properties, that was caused or materially contributed to by Lessee, or pertaining to or involving any Hazardous Substance brought onto the Premises during the term of this Lease, by or for Lessee, or any third party.

(d) Lessee Indemnification. Lessee shall indemnify, defend (with counsel satisfactory to Lessor) and hold Lessor, its officers, directors, members, managers, partners, employees, agents, contractors, invitees, lenders and master of ground lessor, if any, (each, a “Lessor Party” and collectively, the “Lessor Parties”) harmless from and against any and all loss of rents and/or damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, claims, costs, expenses, penalties, and attorneys’ and consultants’ fees arising out of or involving either directly or indirectly any Hazardous Substance brought, spilled or released in, on, under or about the Premises and/or any part of the Project by or for Lessee, or any third party (provided, however, that Lessee shall have no liability under this Lease with respect to underground migration of any Hazardous Substance under the Premises from adjacent properties except if caused by or contributed to by Lessee and/or any Lessee Party). Lessee’s obligations shall include, but not be limited to, the effects of any contamination or injury to person, property or the environment created or caused by Lessee, and the cost of investigation, removal, remediation, restoration and/or abatement, and shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease. No expiration, termination or cancellation of this Lease and no release agreement entered into by Lessor and Lessee shall release Lessee from its obligations under this Lease with respect to Hazardous Substances, unless specifically so agreed by Lessor in writing at the time of such agreement.

(e) Lessor Remediation. Lessor and its successors and assigns shall be responsible for the investigation, remediation, removal, restoration and/or abatement of all environmental damages to the Premises which existed as a result of Hazardous Substances on the Premises prior to the Start Date or which are caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessor, its agents or employees (provided, however, that Lessor shall have no liability under this Lease with respect to underground migration of any Hazardous Substances under the Premises from adjacent properties), unless such remediation measure is required as a result of Lessee’s use (including “Alterations”, as defined in paragraph 7.3(a) below) of the Premises, in which event Lessee shall be responsible for such costs of investigation and remediation, as and when required by the Applicable Requirements.

(f) Investigations and Remediations. Lessor shall retain the responsibility and pay for any investigations or remediation measures required by governmental entities having jurisdiction with respect to the existence of Hazardous Substances on the Premises prior to the Start Date (provided, however, that Lessor shall have no liability under this Lease with respect to underground migration of any Hazardous Substances under the Premises from adjacent properties), unless such remediation measure is required as a result of Lessee’s use (including “Alterations”, as defined in paragraph 7.3(a) below) of the Premises, in which event Lessee shall be responsible for such payment. Lessee shall cooperate fully in any such activities at the request of Lessor, including, without limitation, allowing Lessor and Lessor’s agents to have reasonable access to the Premises at reasonable times in order to carry out Lessor’s investigative and remedial responsibilities.

(g) Lessor Termination Option. If a Hazardous Substance Condition occurs during the term of this Lease, unless Lessee is responsible therefor pursuant to this Paragraph 6 in which case Lessee shall make the investigation and remediation thereof required by the Applicable Requirements and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, but subject to Lessor’s rights under this Paragraph 6 and Paragraph 13, Lessor may, at Lessor’s option, either (i) investigate and remediate such Hazardous Substance Condition, if required, as soon as reasonably possible at Lessor’s expense, in which event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, or (ii) if the estimated cost to remediate such condition exceeds twelve (12) times the then monthly Base Rent or $500,000, whichever is greater, give written notice to Lessee, within thirty (30) days after receipt by Lessor of knowledge of the occurrence of such Hazardous Substance Condition, of Lessor’s desire to terminate this Lease as of the date sixty (60) days following the date of such notice. In the event Lessor elects to give a termination notice, Lessee may, within ten (10) days thereafter, give written notice to Lessor of Lessee’s commitment to pay the amount by which the cost of the remediation of such Hazardous Substance Condition exceeds an amount equal to twelve (12) times the then monthly Base Rent or $500,000, whichever is greater. Lessee shall provide Lessor with said funds or satisfactory assurance thereof within thirty (30) days following such commitment. In such event, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, and Lessor shall proceed to make such remediation as soon as reasonably possible after the required funds are available. If Lessee does not give such notice and provide the required funds or assurance thereof within the time provided, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in Lessor’s notice of termination.


(h) Asbestos Notice. Both state and federal applicable law requires disclosure of asbestos-containing construction materials (“ACM”) in the Building. This notification is being given to provide the information required under such legislation in order to help Lessee avoid any unintentional contact with the ACMs, and to assist Lessee in making appropriate disclosures to Lessee’s employees and others, as required by applicable law.

[ x ] Lessee acknowledges that Lessor has advised Lessee that Lessor has no actual knowledge that the Building contains ACMs, but that Lessee has satisfied itself as to the presence or absence of ACMs in the Building.

If the box above is not checked, Lessee acknowledges that Lessor has advised Lessee that the Building contains ACMs. Lessor has made available to Lessee, Lessor’s asbestos management plan or other relevant data concerning same. However, Lessee has satisfied itself as to the completeness and accuracy of same. If Lessee undertakes any Alterations or repairs to the Premises (to the extent permitted under Article 7), Lessee shall, in addition to complying with the requirements of Article 7, undertake the Alterations or repairs at Lessee’s sole cost and expense and in a manner that avoids disturbing any ACMs present in the Building, if any. If ACMs exist in the Building and are likely to be disturbed in the course of such work, Lessee shall encapsulate or remove the ACMs, if any, at Lessee’s sole cost and expense and in accordance with an approved asbestos-removal plan and otherwise in accordance with all applicable environmental laws, including giving all notices required by the applicable State and Federal Law.

6.3 Lessee’s Compliance with Applicable Requirements. Except as otherwise provided for in this Lease, Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole expense, fully, diligently and in a timely manner, materially comply with all Applicable Requirements, the requirements of any applicable fire insurance underwriter or rating bureau, and the recommendations of Lessor’s engineers and/or consultants which relate in any manner to the Premises, without regard to whether said requirements are now in effect or become effective after the Start Date. Lessee shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of Lessor’s written request, provide Lessor with copies of all permits and other documents, and other information evidencing Lessee’s compliance with any Applicable Requirements specified by Lessor, and shall immediately upon receipt, notify Lessor in writing (with copies of any documents involved) of any threatened or actual claim, notice, citation, warning, complaint or report pertaining to or involving the failure of Lessee or the Premises to comply with any Applicable Requirements.

6.4 Inspection; Compliance. Lessor and Lessor’s “ Lender ” (as defined in Paragraph 30 below) and consultants shall have the right to enter into Premises at any time, in the case of an emergency, and otherwise at reasonable times, for the purpose of inspecting the condition of the Premises and for verifying compliance by Lessee with this Lease. The cost of any such inspections shall be paid by Lessor, unless a violation of Applicable Requirements or a Hazardous Substance Condition (see also Paragraph 9.1e) is found to exist or be imminent, or the inspection is requested or ordered by a governmental authority. In such case, Lessee shall promptly upon request reimburse Lessor for the cost of such inspections, so long as such inspection is reasonably related to the violation or contamination.

6.5 Safety And Health. Lessee, at Lessee’s sole cost and expense, covenants at all times during the term of this Lease to comply with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. Subsection 65, et seq., and any similar legislation in the state wherein the Premises is located (hereinafter, the “Act”), to the extent that the Act applies to the Premises and any activities thereon. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Lessee covenants to maintain all working areas, all machinery, structures, electrical facilities, and the like, at the Premises in a condition that fully complies with the requirements of the Act, including such requirements as would be applicable with respect to agents, employees or contractors of Lessor who may, from time to time, be present upon the Premises, and Lessee agrees to indemnify and hold Lessor and the Lessor Parties harmless from and against any liability, claim or damages, arising as a result of Default and/or Breach of the foregoing covenant and from all costs, expenses, and charges arising therefrom, including without limitation, attorneys’ fees, expert and consultant fees, and other costs, incurred by Lessor and/or Lessor Parties in connection therewith, which indemnity shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease.


7. Maintenance; Repairs, Utility Installations; Trade Fixtures and Alterations.

7.1 Lessee’s Obligations.

In General. It is expressly understood and agreed that Lessor is under no obligation to provide Lessee with any services (including, without limitation, any security services) except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Lease. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 2.2 (Condition), 2.3 (Compliance), 6.3 (Lessee’s Compliance with Applicable Requirements), 7.2 (Lessor’s Obligations), 9 (Damage or Destruction), and 14 (Condemnation), Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole expense, keep the Premises, Utility Installations (intended for Lessee’s exclusive use, no matter where located), and Alterations in good order, condition and repair (whether or not the portion of the Premises requiring repairs, or the means of repairing the same, are reasonably or readily accessible to Lessee, and whether or not the need for such repairs occurs as a result of Lessee’s use, any prior use, the elements or the age of such portion of the Premises), including, but not limited to, all equipment and facilities, including but not limited to plumbing (except for the main underground plumbing connecting to the Premises during the Original Term only, which shall be solely the responsibility of Lessor), HVAC equipment, electrical, lighting facilities, boilers, pressure vessels, fixtures, interior walls, interior surfaces of exterior walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, plate glass, and skylights but excluding any items which are the responsibility of Lessor pursuant to Paragraph 7.2. Lessee, in keeping the Premises in good order, condition and repair, shall exercise and perform good maintenance practices, specifically including, without limitation, the procurement and maintenance of the service contracts required by Paragraph 7.1(a) below, and the procurement of janitorial services through a contractor previously approved by Lessor which services other tenants at the Project. Lessee’s obligations shall include restorations, replacements or renewals when necessary to keep the Premises and all improvements thereon or a part thereof in good order, condition and state of repair. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, only contractors approved in writing by Lessor may do any work on the roof or roof membrane. Other than contractors approved by Lessor, no person may be on the roof. If Lessee requires rail spur service, Lessee, at its sole cost and expense, must inspect, repair and maintain the physical aspects of the rail spur, and must comply with and renew, when necessary, directly with the applicable rail service provider any rail spur service or switch track agreements for the Premises. Lessee hereby acknowledges that the rail service is provided by Lessor “As-Is,” “Where Is,” “With All Faults” without any representations or warranties, and that any representations or warranties set forth in Article 2 do not apply to the rail service or the physical condition thereof, and that Lessee hereby agrees and warrants that it has investigated and inspected the condition of the rail services and the rail spur and the suitability of the same for Lessee’s purpose, and Lessee does hereby waive and disclaim any objection or cause of action based upon the condition or availability of the rail service or rail spur. Lessee warrants and represents to Lessor that Lessee, the Lessee Parties and the Lessee’s Broker have no knowledge of and/or are not aware of any defects in the main underground plumbing connecting to the Premises.

(a) Service Contracts. Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole expense, procure and maintain contracts, with copies to Lessor, in customary form and substance for, and with contractors specializing and experienced in the maintenance of the following equipment and improvements, if any, if and when installed on the Premises: (i) HVAC and other air-handling equipment, (ii) boiler and pressure vessels, (iii) clarifiers, and (iv) any other equipment, if reasonably required by Lessor. However, Lessor reserves the right to procure and maintain any or all of such service contracts if Lessee fails to do so, and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor, promptly upon demand, for the cost thereof. HVAC maintenance contracts obtained by Lessee shall at a minimum require the following on a regular basis: (aa) check performance of all major components, (bb) lubricate moving parts as required, (cc) check refrigerant charges (during cooling season), (dd) inspect for oil, refrigerant, and other leaks, (ee) check operating and safety controls, (ff) check pressures and temperatures, (gg) inspect condensers, (hh) inspect fans, motors and starters, (ii) tighten electrical connections at equipment, (jj) test amperages and voltages, (kk) check belts and drives, (II) change oil and filters, or dryers, as required (at least 4 times annually), (mm) check temperature on control system, and (nn) thoroughly inspect heat exchanger.

(b) Failure to Perform. If Lessee fails to perform Lessee’s obligations under this Paragraph 7.1, Lessor may enter upon the Premises, perform such obligations on Lessee’s behalf, and put the Premises in good order, condition and repair, and Lessee shall promptly reimburse Lessor a sum equal to 115% of the cost thereof.

(c) Replacement. Subject to Lessee’s indemnification of Lessor as set forth in Paragraph 8.7 below, and without relieving Lessee of liability resulting from Lessee’s failure to exercise and perform good maintenance practices, if one or more of the items described in Paragraph 7.1(a) cannot be repaired other than at a cost which is in excess of 50% of the cost of replacing such item, then such item shall be replaced by Lessor, and the cost thereof shall be allocated between the Parties as set forth in this Section 7.1(c). Lessee shall only be obligated to pay, each month during the remainder of the term of this Lease, on the date on which Base Rent is due, an amount equal to the product of multiplying the Lessee’s portion of the cost of such replacement by a fraction, the numerator of which is one, and the denominator of which is the number of months remaining on the Term. Lessee’s portion of the cost of such replacement is determined by multiplying the total cost of such replacement by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months remaining in the Term, and the denominator of which is the number of months of the useful life of such replacement as such useful life is commercially reasonably determined by Lessor (including interest on the unamortized balance as is then commercially reasonable in the judgment of Lessor’s accountants). Lessee may prepay its obligation at any time. The intent of this paragraph 7.1(c) is that Lessee is solely responsible for that portion of the cost of replacement attributed to the Term.

7.2 Lessor’s Obligations. Subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 2.2 (Condition), 2.3 (Compliance), 4.2 (Common Area Operating Expenses), 6 (Use), 7.1 (Lessee’s Obligations), 9 (Damage or Destruction) and 14 (Condemnation), Lessor, subject to reimbursement pursuant to Paragraph 4.2, shall keep in good order, condition and repair the foundations, exterior walls, structural condition of interior bearing walls, exterior roof, fire sprinkler system, Common Area fire alarm and/or smoke detection systems, fire hydrants, parking lots, walkways, parkways, driveways, landscaping, fences, signs and utility systems serving the Common Areas. Lessor shall not be obligated to paint the exterior or interior surfaces of exterior walls nor shall Lessor be obligated to maintain, repair or replace windows, doors or plate glass of the Premises. Lessor has no obligation to decorate, alter, repair or improve the Premises or the Project. Lessee expressly waives the benefit of any statute now or hereafter in effect to the extent it is inconsistent with the terms of this Lease.


7.3 Utility Installations; Trade Fixtures; Alterations.

(a) Definitions. The term “ Utility Installations ” refers to all floor and window coverings, air and/or vacuum lines, steam lines, power panels, electrical distribution, security and fire protection systems, information technology infrastructure, communication systems (including cabling), lighting fixtures, HVAC and other air-handling equipment, plumbing, and fencing in or on the Premises. The term “ Trade Fixtures ” shall mean Lessee’s machinery and equipment that can be removed without doing material damage to the Premises. The term “ Alterations ” shall mean any modification of the improvements, other than Utility Installations or Trade Fixtures, whether by addition or deletion. “ Lessee Owned Alterations and/or Utility Installations ” are defined as Alterations and/or Utility Installations made by Lessee that are not yet owned by Lessor pursuant to Paragraph 7.4(a).

(b) Consent Of Lessor. Except for Lessee’s initial Lessee Improvement Work (for which Lessee shall obtain the approvals of Lessor as described in Paragraph 60 on the Addendum attached hereto), Lessee shall not make any Alterations or Utility Installations to the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent, which said consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, and, to the extent required under the Declaration, without the prior written consent of the Architectural Committee (as such term is defined in the Declaration). Lessee shall be responsible, at its cost, for any fees assessed under the Declaration for the review by the Architectural Committee of Lessee’s plans and specifications. Lessee may, however, make non-structural Utility Installations to the interior of the Premises (excluding the roof) without such consent but upon notice to Lessor and in compliance with the provisions of Paragraphs 7.4(b) and 63 hereof, as long as they are not visible from the outside, do not involve puncturing, relocating or removing the roof or any existing walls, do not affect the structural elements of the Building, and the cost thereof does not exceed $50,000 per event of improvement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee shall not make or permit any roof penetrations and/or install anything on the roof (including without limitation, antennas, satellite reception devices, telephonic equipment, electronic transmission or reception devises, signs, billboards, advertisements, or any other equipment of any kind) without the prior written approval of: (a) Lessor, which approval may be withheld for any reason or no reason; provided, however, that if such roof penetration and/or roof installation is required for the conduct of Tenant’s Agreed Use, Lessor shall not unreasonably withhold its approval (provided further, that it shall be deemed reasonable for Lessor to withhold its consent if any such roof work proposed by Lessee would be in violation of the Declaration, or would adversely affect the structural elements of the roof and/or Building), and (b) the Architectural Committee to the extent required under the Declaration. Lessor may, as a precondition to granting any approval under this Paragraph, require Lessee to utilize a contractor chosen and/or approved by Lessor. Any Alterations or Utility Installations that Lessee shall desire to make and which require the consent of the Lessor and/or the Architectural Committee shall be presented to Lessor and/or the Architectural Committee in written form with detailed plans as requested by the Lessor and/or the Architectural Committee. Consent shall be deemed conditioned upon Lessee’s: (i) acquiring all applicable governmental permits, (ii) furnishing Lessor with copies of both the permits and the plans and specifications prior to commencement of the work, and (iii) compliance with all conditions of said permits and other Applicable Requirements in a prompt and expeditious manner. Any Alterations or Utility Installations shall be performed in a workmanlike manner with good and sufficient materials. Lessee shall promptly upon completion furnish Lessor with as-built plans and specifications. For work which costs an amount in excess of one month’s Base Rent, Lessor may condition its consent upon Lessee providing a lien and completion bond in an amount equal to 150% of the estimated cost of such Alteration or Utility Installation and/or upon Lessee’s posting an additional Security Deposit with Lessor. Lessee must reimburse Lessor within ten (10) days after Lessee’s receipt of Lessor’s invoice for Lessor’s costs incurred relating to any Utility installations, Trade Fixtures or Alterations, including but not limited to all management, engineering, consulting, construction and legal fees incurred by Lessor for the review and approval of Lessee’s plans and specifications or for monitoring Lessee’s construction of any Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures or Alterations. On completion of any Alterations by Lessee, Lessee shall promptly supply Lessor with “as built” drawings accurately reflecting all such work.

(c) Liens; Bonds; and Indemnity. Lessee shall pay, when due, all claims for labor or materials furnished or alleged to have been furnished to or for Lessee at or for use on the Premises, which claims are or may be secured by any mechanic’s or materialman’s lien against the Premises or any interest therein. Lessee shall give Lessor not less than twenty (20) days notice prior to the commencement of any work in, on or about the Premises, and Lessor shall have the right to post notices of non-responsibility. If Lessee shall contest the validity of any such lien, claim or demand, then Lessee shall, at its sole expense defend and protect itself, Lessor, the Lessor Parties and the Premises against the same and shall pay and satisfy any such adverse judgment that may be rendered thereon before the enforcement thereof. If Lessor shall require, Lessee shall furnish a surety bond in an amount equal to 150% of the amount of such contested lien, claim or demand, indemnifying Lessor and the Lessor Parties against liability for the same. If Lessor elects to participate in any such action, Lessee shall pay Lessor’s and the Lessor Parties’ attorneys’ fees and costs.

7.4 Ownership; Removal; Surrender; and Restoration.

(a) Ownership. Subject to Lessor’s right to require removal or elect ownership as hereinafter provided, all Alterations and Utility Installations made by Lessee shall be the property of Lessee, but considered a part of the Premises. Lessor may, at any time, elect in writing to be the owner of all or any specified part of the Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Unless otherwise instructed per paragraph 7.4(b) hereof, all Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations shall, at the expiration or termination of this Lease, become the property of Lessor and be surrendered by Lessee with the Premises.

(b) Removal. By delivery to Lessee of written notice from Lessor not later than ninety (90) days prior to the end of the term of this Lease, Lessor may require that any or all Lessee Owned Alterations or Utility Installations be removed by the expiration or termination of this Lease, except those that Lessor has expressly agreed shall be permitted to remain in the Premises in accordance with the terms of this Lease. The cost of said removal shall be solely borne by Lessee. Lessor may require the removal at any time of all or any part of any Lessee Owned Alterations or Utility Installations made without the required consent. (see Addendum Paragraph 63.


(c) Surrender; Restoration. Lessee shall surrender the Premises by the Expiration Date or any earlier termination date, with all of the improvements, parts and surfaces thereof broom clean and free of debris, and in as good and operating order, condition and state of repair as when received, ordinary wear and tear excepted and subject to the other provisions of this Lease with respect to which Lessee Owned Alterations, Lessee Improvement Work and Utility Installations may remain in the Premises at the end of the Term. Ordinary wear and tear shall not include any damage or deterioration that would have been prevented by good maintenance practice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this Lease is for 36 months or less, then Lessee shall surrender the Premises in the same condition as delivered to Lessee on the Start Date with NO allowance for ordinary wear and tear. Lessee shall repair any damage occasioned by the installation, maintenance or removal of Trade Fixtures, Lessee owned Alterations and/or Utility Installations, furnishings, and equipment as well as the removal of any storage tank installed by or for Lessee. Lessee shall also completely remove from the Premises any and all Hazardous Substances brought onto the Premises by or for Lessee, or any third party (except Hazardous Substances which were deposited via underground migration from areas outside of the Project) even if such removal would require Lessee to perform or pay for work that exceeds statutory requirements. Trade Fixtures shall remain the property of Lessee and shall be removed by Lessee. Lessee shall notify Lessor in writing at least 120 days prior to vacating the Premises and shall within 30 days prior to vacating arrange to meet with Lessor for a joint inspection of the Premises prior to vacating. If Lessee fails to give such notice or to arrange for such inspection, then Lessor’s inspection of the Premises shall be deemed conclusive for the purpose of determining Lessee’s responsibility for repairs and restoration of the Premises. The failure by Lessee to timely vacate the Premises pursuant to this Paragraph 7.4(c) without the express written consent of Lessor shall constitute a holdover under the provisions of Paragraph 26 below. At least fourteen (14) days but no more than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease, Lessee shall deliver to Lessor (i) a certificate from an engineer reasonably acceptable to Lessor certifying that the HVAC and other air-handling systems are then in good repair and working order and (ii) in the event Lessee utilizes Hazardous Substances in or on the Premises during the Term, a Phase I environmental assessment of the Premises and if so recommended in the Phase I, a Phase II environmental site assessment prepared by an environmental engineer reasonably acceptable to Lessor indicating that no Hazardous Substance Condition exists on the Premises in violation of applicable law. In the event such Phase I environmental assessment determines that no Hazardous Substance Condition exists on the Premises for which Lessee is responsible pursuant to the terms hereof, Lessor shall reimburse Lessee for the cost of such Phase I environmental assessment.

8. Insurance; Indemnity.

8.1 Payment of Premiums. The cost of the premiums for the insurance policies required to be carried by Lessor, pursuant to Paragraphs 8.2(b), 8.3(a) and 8.3(b), shall be a Common Area Operating Expense. Premiums for policy periods commencing prior to, or extending beyond, the term of this Lease shall be prorated to coincide with the corresponding Start Date or Expiration Date.

8.2 Liability Insurance.

(a) Carried by Lessee. Lessee shall obtain and keep in force during the term of this Lease a Commercial General Liability policy of insurance protecting Lessee, Lessor and any Lender(s) whose names have been provided to Lessee in writing ( all as additional insureds) against claims for bodily injury, property damage, personal injury and advertising injury based upon, relating to, involving, or arising out of the ownership, use, occupancy, or maintenance of the Premises and all areas appurtenant thereto, and shall cover all owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles used in the conduct of the Lessee’s business and operated on or parked upon the Project. Lessee shall promptly provide Lessor with evidence of such insurance in the form of an endorsement to the policy or a copy of the policy. A Certificate of insurance is not acceptable. Such insurance shall be on an occurrence basis for bodily injury and property damage coverage, providing coverage in an amount not less than $2,000,000 for damages because of all bodily injury and property damage arising out of any one occurrence and coverage in an amount not less than $2,000,000 for all damages because of all personal injury and all advertising injury sustained by any one person or organization. The insurance shall include an “Additional Insured - Managers, Lessors, of Premises” endorsement and contain the “Amendment of the Pollution Exclusion” endorsement for damage or injury caused by heat, smoke or fumes from a hostile fire. The policy shall not contain any inter-insured exclusions as between insured persons or organizations, shall contain endorsements for cross-liability to ensure a severability of interests, but shall include coverage for liability assumed under this Lease as an “insured contract” for the performance of Lessee’s indemnity obligations under this Lease. The limits of said insurance required by this Lease or as carried by Lessee shall not, however, limit the liability of Lessee, nor relieve Lessee of any obligation hereunder. All insurance to be carried by Lessee shall be primary to and not contributory with any insurance carried by Lessor, whose insurance shall be considered excess insurance only and shall not insure Lessee. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the failure by Lessee to fully and continuously comply with all of the foregoing insurance requirements and covenants, whether through Lessee’s neglect, inability to obtain such coverage, or otherwise, Shall constitute a material breach of this Lease.

(b) Carried by Lessor. Lessor shall maintain liability insurance as described in Paragraph 8.2(a), in addition to, and not in lieu of, the insurance required to be maintained by Lessee. Lessee shall not be named as an additional insured therein.


8.3 Property Insurance - Building, Improvements and Rental Value.

(a) Building and Improvements. Lessor shall obtain and keep in force a policy or policies in the name of Lessor, with loss payable to Lessor, any groundlessor, and to any Lender(s) insuring loss or damage to the Premises. The amount of such insurance shall be equal to the full replacement cost of the Premises, as the same shall exist from time to time, or the amount required by any Lenders, but in no event shall Lessor be required to carry more than the commercially reasonable and available insurable value thereof. Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, and Lessee’s personal property shall be insured by Lessee under Paragraph 8.4 and not under any Lessor’s policies of insurance. If the coverage is available and commercially appropriate, such policy or policies shall insure against all risks of direct physical loss or damage (except the perils of terrorism, flood and/or earthquake unless required by Lessor or a Lender), including, without limitation, coverage for debris removal’ and the enforcement of any Applicable Requirements requiring the upgrading, demolition, reconstruction or replacement of any portion of the Premises as the result of a covered loss. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, said policy or policies shall also contain if available and commercially appropriate an agreed valuation provision in lieu of any coinsurance clause, waiver of subrogation, and inflation guard protection causing an increase in the annual property insurance coverage amount by a factor of not less than the adjusted U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the city nearest to where the Premises are located. If such insurance coverage has a deductible clause, the deductible amount shall not exceed $100,000 per occurrence, and Lessee shall be liable for such deductible amount in the event of an Insured Loss. In addition to the policies of property insurance required to be carried by Lessor under the provisions of this Lease, Lessor shall have the right (but not the obligation), if required by Lessor’s Lender, to maintain terrorism, earthquake and/or flood insurance with respect to the Building and the Project, in which event the costs of such insurance shall be included in the Common Area Operation Expenses. Lessee acknowledges that the current Lessor’s Lender requires the maintenance of terrorism, earthquake and flood insurance with respect to the Building and the Project.

(b) Rental Value. Lessor may obtain and keep in force if available and commercially appropriate a policy or policies in the name of Lessor with loss payable to Lessor and any Lender, insuring the loss of the full Rent for a minimum of one (1) year (“ Rental Value Insurance ”). Said insurance, if obtained, shall provide that in the event the Lease is terminated by reason of an insured loss, the period of indemnity for such coverage shall be extended beyond the date of the completion of repairs or replacement of the Premises, to provide for a minimum of one full year’s loss of Rent from the date of any such loss. Said insurance shall contain if available and commercially appropriate an agreed valuation provision in lieu of any coinsurance clause, and the amount of coverage shall be adjusted annually to reflect the projected annual Rent otherwise payable by Lessee, for the next twelve (12) month period. Lessee shall be liable for any deductible amount in the event of such loss.

(c) Adjacent Premises. Lessee shall pay for the entirety of any increase in the premiums for the property insurance of the Building and for the Common Areas or other buildings in the Project if said increase is caused by Lessee’s acts, omissions, use or occupancy of the Premises.

(d) Lessee’s Improvements. Because Lessor is the Insuring Party, Lessor shall not be required to insure Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations unless and until the item in question has become the property of Lessor under the terms of this Lease.

8.4 Lessee’s Property; Business Interruption Insurance.

(a) Property Damage. Lessee shall obtain and maintain insurance coverage on all of Lessee’s personal property, Trade Fixtures, and Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Such insurance shall be full replacement cost coverage with a deductible of not to exceed $1,000 per loss or occurrence. The proceeds from any such insurance shall be used by Lessee for the replacement of personal property, Trade Fixtures and Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Upon written request from Lessor, Lessee shall provide Lessor with written evidence that such insurance is in force in the form of an endorsement to the policy or a copy of the policy.

(b) Business Interruption. Lessee shall obtain and maintain loss of income and extra expense insurance in amounts as will reimburse Lessee for direct or indirect loss of earnings attributable to all perils commonly insured against by prudent lessees in the business of Lessee or attributable to prevention of access to the Premises as a result of such perils.

(c) No Representation By Lessor of Adequate Coverage. Lessor makes no representation that the limits or forms of coverage of insurance specified herein are adequate to cover Lessee’s property, business operations or obligations under this Lease.

8.5 Insurance Policies. Insurance required herein shall be by companies duly licensed or admitted to transact business in the state where the Premises are located, and maintaining during the policy term a “General Policyholders Rating” of at least A+XV, as set forth in the most current issue of “Best’s Insurance Guide”, or such other rating as may be required by a Lender. Lessee shall not do or permit to be done anything which invalidates the required insurance policies. Lessee shall, prior to the Start Date, deliver to Lessor certified copies of policies of such insurance or endorsements evidencing the existence and amounts of the required insurance. No such policy shall be cancelable or subject to modification except after 30 days prior written notice to Lessor. Lessee shall, at least 30 days prior to the expiration of such policies, furnish Lessor with evidence satisfactory to Lessor of renewals or “insurance binders” evidencing renewal thereof, or Lessor may order such insurance and charge the cost thereof to Lessee, which amount shall be payable by Lessee to Lessor upon demand. Lessee shall thereafter deliver copies of the policies that have been renewed before expiration of the insurance binder. If Lessee fails to do so, then Lessor, in is sole and absolute discretion, may order such insurance and charge the costs thereof to Lessee, which amount shall be payable by Lessee to Lessor upon demand. Such policies shall be for a term of at least one year, or the length of the remaining term of this Lease, whichever is less. If either Party shall fail to procure and maintain the insurance required to be carried by it, the other Party may, but shall not be required to, procure and maintain the same. Lessee shall carry and maintain during the entire Term (including any option periods), at Lessee’s sole cost and expense, increased amounts of the insurance required to be carried by Lessee pursuant to this Lease and such other reasonable types of insurance coverage and in such reasonable amounts covering the Premises and Lessee’s operations therein, as may be reasonably required by Lessor.


8.6 Waiver of Subrogation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Lease, Lessee and Lessor each hereby release and relieve the other, and waive their entire right to recover damages against the other, for loss of or damage to its property arising out of or incident to the perils required to be insured against herein without regard to the negligence of the party receiving the benefit of the waiver. The effect of such releases and waivers is not limited by the amount of insurance carried or required, or by any deductibles applicable hereto. The Parties agree to have their respective property damage insurance carriers waive any right to subrogation that such companies may have against Lessor or Lessee, as the case may be, so long as the insurance is not invalidated thereby.

8.7 Indemnity. Except for Lessor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, Lessee shall indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless the Premises, Lessor, and the Lessor Parties, from and against any and all claims, loss of rents and/or damages, liens, judgments, penalties, attorneys’ fees, expert witness fees, and consultants’ fees, expenses and/or liabilities arising out of, involving, or in connection with, the use and/or occupancy of the Premises or the Project by Lessee or any of the Lessee Parties or any act, omission or negligence of any Lessee and/or any of the Lessee Parties. If any action or proceeding is brought against Lessor by reason of any of the foregoing matters, Lessee shall upon notice defend the same at Lessee’s sole cost and expense by counsel reasonably satisfactory to Lessor and Lessor shall reasonably cooperate with Lessee in such defense. If Lessor in its sole discretion shall determine that it is in Lessor’s interest to have separate legal counsel, Lessee shall indemnify Lessor for any legal fees and costs incurred by Lessor for the defense of any such claims, loss of rents and/or damages, liens, judgments, penalties, expenses and/or liabilities. Lessor need not have first paid any such claim in order to be defended or indemnified. Notwithstanding the foregoing, or anything to the contrary contained herein except as set forth in Paragraph 8.6 hereof, Lessor shall not be released from or indemnified for any losses, damages, liabilities, claims, costs or expenses arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessor, or the breach of Lessor’s obligations or representations under this Lease.

8.8 Exemption of Lessor from Liability. Lessor shall not be liable for injury or damage to the person or goods, wares, merchandise or other property of Lessee, or any of the Lessee Parties, customers, or any other person in or about the Premises, whether such damage or injury is caused by or results from fire, steam, electricity, gas, water or rain, or from the breakage, leakage, obstruction or other defects of pipes, fire sprinklers, wires, appliances, plumbing, HVAC or other air-handling equipment or lighting fixtures, or from any other cause, whether the said injury or damage results from conditions arising upon the Premises or upon other portions of the Building, or from other sources or places. Lessor shall not be liable for any damages arising from any act or neglect of any other tenant of Lessor nor from the failure of Lessor to enforce the provisions of any other lease in the Project. Lessor shall under no circumstances be liable for injury to Lessee’s business or for any loss of income or profit therefrom and Lessee waives any claim against Lessor and/or the Lessor Parties for actual, consequential, incidental, exemplary or punitive damages.

9. Damage or Destruction.

9.1 Definitions.

(a) “Premises Partial Damage” shall mean damage or destruction to the improvements on the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, which can reasonably be repaired in nine (9) months or less from the date of the damage or destruction. Lessee shall notify Lessor in writing within 24 hours following any damage to the Premises (“Lessee Damage Notice”). Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing within thirty (30) days from its receipt of the Lessee Damage Notice as to whether or not the damage is Partial or Total.

(b) “Premises Total Destruction” shall mean damage or destruction to the Premises or the Project, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations and Trade Fixtures, which cannot reasonably be repaired in nine (9) months or less from the date of the damage or destruction. Lessee shall notify Lessor in writing within 24 hours following any damage to the Premises (“Lessee Damage Notice”). Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing within thirty (30) days from its receipt of the Lessee Damage Notice as to whether or not the damage is Partial or Total.

(c) “Insured Loss” shall mean damage or destruction to improvements on the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations and Trade Fixtures, which was caused by an event required to be covered by the insurance described in Paragraph 8.3(a), irrespective of any deductible amounts or coverage limits involved.

(d) “Replacement Cost” shall mean the cost to repair or rebuild the improvements owned by Lessor at the time of the occurrence to their condition existing immediately prior thereto, including demolition, debris removal and upgrading required by the operation of Applicable Requirements, and without deduction for depreciation.

(e) “Hazardous Substance Condition” shall mean the occurrence or discovery of a condition involving the presence of, or a contamination by, a Hazardous Substance as defined in Paragraph 6.2(a), in, on, or under the Premises.


9.2 Partial Damage - Insured Loss. If a Premises Partial Damage that is an Insured Loss occurs, then Lessor shall, at Lessor’s expense, repair such damage (but not Lessee’s Trade Fixtures or Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations) as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect; provided, however, that Lessee shall, at Lessor’s election, make the repair of any damage or destruction the total cost to repair of which is $5,000 or less, and, in such event, Lessor shall make any applicable insurance proceeds available to Lessee on a reasonable basis for that purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the required insurance was not in force or the insurance proceeds are not sufficient to affect such repair, the Insuring Party shall promptly contribute the shortage in proceeds as and when required to complete said repairs. In the event, however, such shortage was due to the fact that, by reason of the unique nature of the improvements, full replacement cost insurance coverage was not commercially reasonable and available, Lessor shall have no obligation to pay for the shortage in insurance proceeds or to fully restore the unique aspects of the Premises unless Lessee provides Lessor with the funds to cover same, or adequate assurance thereof, within 10 days following receipt of written notice of such shortage and request therefor. If Lessor receives said funds or adequate assurance thereof within said 10 day period, the party responsible for making the repairs shall complete them as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall remain in full force and effect. If such funds or assurance are not received, Lessor may nevertheless elect by written notice to Lessee within 10 days thereafter to: (i) make such restoration and repair as is commercially reasonable with Lessor paying any shortage in proceeds, in which case this Lease shall remain in full force and effect, or (ii) have this Lease terminate 30 days thereafter. Lessee shall not be entitled to reimbursement of any funds contributed by Lessee to repair any such damage or destruction. Premises Partial Damage due to flood or earthquake shall be subject to Paragraph 9.3, notwithstanding that there may be some insurance coverage, but the net proceeds of any such insurance shall be made available for the repairs if made by either Party.

9.3 Partial Damage - Uninsured Loss. If a Premises Partial Damage that is not an Insured Loss occurs, unless caused by a negligent or willful act or omission of Lessee, any Lessee Party or Lessee’s licensees or customers (in which event Lessee shall make the repairs at Lessee’s sole cost and expense), Lessor may either: (i) repair such damage as soon as reasonably possible at Lessor’s expense, in which event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, or (ii) terminate this Lease by giving written notice to Lessee within thirty (30) days after receipt by Lessor of knowledge of the occurrence of such damage. Such termination shall be effective sixty (60) days following the date of such notice. In the event Lessor elects to terminate this Lease, Lessee shall have the right within ten (10) days after receipt of the termination notice to give written notice to Lessor of Lessee’s commitment to pay for the repair of such damage without reimbursement from Lessor. Lessee shall provide Lessor with said funds or satisfactory assurance thereof within thirty (30) days after making such commitment. In such event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, and Lessor shall proceed to make such repairs as soon as reasonably possible after the required funds are available. If Lessee does not make the required commitment, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in the termination notice.

9.4 Total Destruction. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, if a Premises Total Destruction occurs, this Lease shall terminate sixty (60) days following such Destruction. If the damage or destruction was caused by the negligence or willful act or omission of Lessee, any Lessee Party or Lessee’s licensees or customers, Lessor shall have the right to recover Lessor’s damages from Lessee, except as provided in Paragraph 8.6.

9.5 Damage Near End of Term. If at any time during the last six (6) months of this Lease there is damage for which the cost to repair exceeds one (1) month’s Base Rent, whether or not an Insured Loss, Lessor may terminate this Lease effective sixty (60) days following the date of occurrence of such damage by giving a written termination notice to Lessee within thirty (30) days after the date of occurrence of such damage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Lessee at that time has an exercisable option to extend this Lease or to purchase the Premises, then Lessee may preserve this Lease by, (a) exercising such option and (b) providing Lessor with any shortage in insurance proceeds (or adequate assurance thereof) needed to make the repairs on or before the earlier of (i) the date which is ten (10) days after Lessee’s receipt of Lessor’s written notice purporting to terminate this Lease, or (ii) the day prior to the date upon which such option expires. If Lessee duly exercises such option during such period and provides Lessor with funds (or adequate assurance thereof) to cover any shortage in insurance proceeds, Lessor shall, at Lessor’s commercially reasonable expense, repair such damage as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. If Lessee fails to exercise such option and provide such funds or assurance during such period, then this Lease shall terminate on the date specified in the termination notice and Lessee’s option shall be extinguished.

9.6 Abatement of Rent; Lessee’s Remedies.

(a) Abatement. In the event of Premises Partial Damage or Premises Total Destruction or a Hazardous Substance Condition for which Lessee is not responsible under this Lease, the Rent payable by Lessee for the period required for the repair, remediation or restoration of such damage shall be abated in proportion to the degree to which Lessee’s use of the Premises is impaired, but not to exceed the proceeds received from the Rental Value insurance. All other obligations of Lessee hereunder shall be performed by Lessee, and Lessor shall have no liability for any such damage, destruction, remediation, repair or restoration except as provided herein. In the event of Premises Partial Damage or Premises Total Destruction or a Hazardous Substance Condition for which Lessor is not expressly responsible under this Lease, the Rent payable by Lessee for the period required for the repair, remediation or restoration of such damage shall not be abated.


(b) Remedies. If Lessor shall be obligated to repair or restore the Premises and does not commence, in a substantial and material way, such repair or restoration within ninety (90) days (subject to force majeure) after such obligation shall accrue, Lessee may, at any time prior to the commencement of such repair or restoration, give written notice to Lessor and to any Lenders of which Lessee has actual notice, of Lessee’s election to terminate this Lease on a date not less than sixty (60) days following the giving of such notice. If Lessee gives such notice and such repair or restoration is not commenced within thirty (30) days (subject to force majeure) thereafter, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in said notice. If the repair or restoration is commenced within said thirty (30) days (subject to force majeure), this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. “ Commence ” shall mean either the authorization of the preparation of the required plans, or the beginning of the actual work on the Premises, whichever first occurs. For purposes of this Paragraph 9.6(b), “force majeure” means any prevention, delay or stoppage due to strikes, lockouts, labor disputes, acts of God, inability to obtain labor or materials, or reasonable substitutes therefor, governmental restrictions, governmental regulations, governmental controls, judicial orders, enemy or hostile governmental action, civil commotion, fire or other casualty and other causes beyond the reasonable control of Lessor shall excuse the performance by Lessor for a period equal to any such prevention, delay or stoppage.

9.7 Termination - Advance Payments. Upon termination of this Lease pursuant to Paragraph 6.2(g) or Paragraph 9, (i) an equitable adjustment shall be made concerning advance Base Rent and any other advance payments made by Lessee to Lessor; and (ii) the Lessee shall pay Lessor that portion of the insurance proceeds due pursuant to Paragraph 8.4 equal to the total amount of such proceeds times a fraction the numerator of which is the number of months elapsed in the term of the Lease and the denominator of which is the total number of months in the Term. Lessor shall, in addition, return to Lessee so much of Lessee’s Security Deposit as has not been, or is not then required to be, used by Lessor.

9.8 Waive Statutes. Lessor and Lessee agree that the terms of this Lease shall govern the effect of any damage to or destruction of the Premises with respect to the termination of this Lease and hereby waive the provisions of any present or future statute to the extent inconsistent herewith.

10. Real Property Taxes.

10.1 Definition. As used herein, the term “ Real Property Taxes ” shall include any form of assessment; real estate, ad valorem, general, special, ordinary or extraordinary, or rental levy or tax (other than inheritance, personal income or estate taxes); improvement bond; and/or license fee imposed upon or levied against any legal or equitable interest of Lessor in the Project, Lessor’s right to other income therefrom, and/or Lessor’s business of leasing, including, without limitation, gross receipts and gross rental taxes by any authority having the direct or indirect power to tax and where the funds are generated with reference to the Project address and where the proceeds so generated are to be applied by the city, county, state or other taxing authority of a jurisdiction within which the Project is located. The term “Real Property Taxes” shall also include any tax, fee, levy, assessment or charge, or any increase therein, imposed by reason of events occurring during the term of this Lease, including but not limited to, a change in the ownership of the Project or any portion thereof or a change in the improvements thereon or any other tax or assessment imposed in lieu of any Real Property Taxes. In calculating Real Property Taxes for any calendar year, the Real Property Taxes for any real estate tax year shall be included in the calculation of Real Property Taxes for such calendar year based upon the number of days which such calendar year and tax year have in common.

10.2 Payment of Taxes. Lessor shall pay the Real Property Taxes applicable to the Project, and except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 10.3, any such amounts shall be included in the calculation of Common Area Operating Expenses in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 4.2.

10.3 Additional Improvements. Common Area Operating Expenses shall not include Real Property Taxes specified in the tax assessor’s records and work sheets as being caused by additional improvements placed upon the Project by other lessees or by Lessor for the exclusive enjoyment of such other lessees. Notwithstanding Paragraph 10.2 hereof, Lessee shall, however, pay to Lessor at the time Common Area Operating Expenses are payable under Paragraph 4.2, the entirety of any increase in Real Property Taxes if assessed solely by reason of Alterations, Trade Fixtures or Utility Installations placed upon the Premises by Lessee or at Lessee’s request.

10.4 Joint Assessment. If the Building is not separately assessed, Real Property Taxes allocated to the Building shall be an equitable proportion of the Real Property Taxes for all of the land and improvements included within the tax parcel assessed, such proportion to be determined by Lessor from the respective valuations assigned in the assessor’s work sheets or such other information as may be reasonably available. Lessor’s reasonable determination thereof, in good faith, shall be conclusive.

10.5 Personal Property Taxes. Lessee shall pay prior to delinquency all taxes assessed against and levied upon Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, furnishings, equipment and all personal property of Lessee contained in the Premises. When possible, Lessee shall cause its Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, furnishings, equipment and all other personal property to be assessed and billed separately from the real property of Lessor. If any of Lessee’s said property shall be assessed with Lessor’s real property, Lessee shall pay Lessor the taxes attributable to Lessee’s property within 10 days after receipt of a written statement setting forth the taxes applicable to Lessee’s property.


11. Utilities. Lessee shall obtain and pay for all water (including, without limitation, all potable and processed water), gas, steam, heat, light, electricity, telephone and other information technology infrastructure, trash disposal and other utilities and services supplied to the Premises, together with any taxes thereon. Lessee must arrange and pay for the installation of any required utility meters. Lessee must pay any fees or deposits required for any of the utilities. Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 1.6 and 4.2, if at any time Lessee is not obtaining and directly paying for any of the items in this Paragraph 11 and either (i) Lessor determines, in Lessor’s sole, but good faith, judgment, or (ii) the Association determines, in its sole judgment, that Lessee is using a disproportionate amount of water, gas, steam, heat, light, electricity, telephone, information technology infrastructure, other commonly metered utilities, trash disposal, or that Lessee is generating such a large volume of trash as to require an increase in the size of the dumpster and/or an increase in the number of times per month that the dumpster is emptied, then Lessor may increase Lessee’s Base Rent by an amount equal to such increased costs. It is expressly understood and agreed that Lessor shall have no liability for any interruption or termination of utility services to the Premises and Lessee shall have no right to terminate this Lease in the event of any such interruption or termination.

12. Assignment and Subletting.

12.1 Lessor’s Consent Required.

(a) Lessee shall not voluntarily or by operation of law assign, transfer, mortgage or encumber (collectively, “ assign or assignment ”) or sublet all or any part of Lessee’s interest in this Lease or in the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent which shall not unreasonably be conditioned, delayed or withheld.

(b) Any change in the control of Lessee or any change in the legal form of Lessee shall constitute an assignment requiring consent. The (i) transfer, on a cumulative basis, of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the ownership interest in Lessee, any entity directly or indirectly controlling Lessee, or Guarantor of this Lease; or (ii), any other transfer or transactions which gives parties, other than those parties currently comprising Lessee, the authority to direct the management of the Lessee, shall constitute a change in control for this purpose.

(c) The involvement of Lessee or its assets in any transaction, or series of transactions (by way of merger, sale, acquisition, reorganization, financing, transfer, leveraged buy-out or otherwise), whether or not a formal assignment or hypothecation of this Lease or Lessee’s assets occurs, which results or will result in a reduction of the Net Worth of Lessee by an amount greater than twenty-five percent (25%) of such Net Worth as it was represented at the time of the execution of this Lease or at the time of the most recent assignment to which Lessor has consented, or as it exists immediately prior to said transaction or transactions constituting such reduction, whichever was or is greater, shall be considered an assignment of this Lease to which Lessor may withhold its consent. “ Net Worth of Lessee ” shall mean the net worth of Lessee (excluding any guarantors) immediately prior to the transaction as established under generally accepted accounting principles.

(d) An assignment or subletting without consent shall, at Lessor’s option, be null, void and of no effect, and shall, at Lessor’s option, be a Default curable after notice per Paragraph 3.1(d), or a noncurable Breach without the necessity of any notice and grace period. If Lessor elects to treat such unapproved assignment or subletting as a noncurable Breach, in addition to all other rights and remedies of Lessor herein, Lessor may either: (i) terminate this Lease, or (ii) upon thirty (30) days written notice, increase the monthly Base Rent to one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Base Rent then in effect. Further, in the event of such Breach and rental adjustment, (i) the purchase price of any option to purchase the Premises held by Lessee shall be subject to similar adjustment to one hundred ten percent (110%) of the price previously in effect, and (ii) all fixed and non-fixed rental adjustments scheduled during the remainder of the Lease term shall be increased to One Hundred Ten Percent (110%) of the scheduled adjusted rent.

(e) Lessee’s remedy for any breach of Paragraph 12.1 by Lessor shall be limited to compensatory damages and/or injunctive relief.

(f) Lessor may reasonably withhold consent to a proposed assignment of subletting if Lessee is in Default at the time consent is requested.

(g) The parties hereby agree that it shall be reasonable under this Lease and under any applicable law for Lessor to withhold consent to any proposed transfer where one or more of the following apply, without limitation as to other reasonable grounds for withholding consent.

(h) The transferee is of a character or reputation or engaged in a business which is not consistent with the quality of the Building or the Project, or would be a significantly less prestigious occupant of the Building or the Project than Lessee;

(ii) The transferee intends to use the subject space for purposes which are not permitted under Lease;

(iii) The transferee is either a governmental agency or instrumentality thereof;

(iv) The transferee is not a party of reasonable financial worth and/or financial stability in light of the responsibilities involved under the Lease on the date consent is requested; or

(v) The proposed transfer would cause Lessor to be in violation of another lease or agreement to which Lessor is a party, or would give an occupant of the Building a right to cancel its lease;

(vi) The terms of the proposed transfer will allow the transferee to exercise a right of renewal, right of expansion, right of first offer, or other similar right held by Lessee (or will allow the transferee to occupy space leased by Lessee pursuant to any such right); or


(vii) If the proposed assignee’s or sublessee’s activates in or about the Premises, the Building and/or the Project involve the use, handling, storage or disposal of any Hazardous Substances other than those used by Lessee and in quantities and processes similar to Lessee’s uses in compliance with this Lease, (x) it shall be reasonable for Lessor to withhold its consent to such assignment or sublease in light of the risk of contamination posed by such activities and/or (y) Lessor may impose an additional condition to such assignment for sublease which requires Lessee to reasonably establish that such assignee’s or sublessee’s activities pose no materially greater risk of contamination to the Premises, the Building and/or the Project than do lessee’s permitted activities in view of: (a) the quantities, toxicity and other properties of the Hazardous Substances to be used by such assignee or sublessee; (b) the precautions against a release of Hazardous Substances such assignee or sublessee agrees to implement; (c) such assignee’s or sublessee’s financial condition as it relates to its ability to fund a major cleanup; and (d) such assignee’s or sublessee’s policy and historical record respecting its willingness to respond to the clean up of a release of Hazardous Substances.

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Paragraph 12.1, from and after the second anniversary of the Commencement Date, Lessee may assign this Lease or sublet the Premises to an entity controlled by or under common control of Lessee (each a “ Tenant Affiliate ”) without Lessor’s prior written consent, provided, that: (1) Lessee is not in Default at the time of such proposed transfer; (2) such Tenant Affiliate is similar to or consistent with the character of Lessee, and is of a character and reputation which is not inconsistent with the quality and reputation of the Building and/or the Project; (3) the proposed Tenant Affiliate transferee intends to use the Premises for a use which is in compliance with the terms of Paragraph 6.1; (4) such proposed transfer would not cause Lessor to be in violation of another lease or agreement to which Lessor is a party, or would give an occupant of the Building and/or the Project the right to cancel its lease; (5) Lessee shall provide Lessor with notice of such proposed transfer in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the effective date thereof; (6) Lessee is not released from any of its obligations under this Lease; and (7) such assignment or sublease to such Tenant Affiliate is not a subterfuge by Lessee to avoid its obligations under this Lease.

12.2 Terms and Conditions Applicable to Assignment and Subletting.

(a) Regardless of Lessor’s consent, no assignment or subletting shall: (i) be effective without the express written assumption by such assignee or sublessee of the obligations of Lessee under this Lease, (ii) release Lessee of any obligations hereunder, (iii) alter the primary liability of Lessee for the payment of Rent or for the performance of any other obligations to be performed by Lessee, (iv) release the Guarantor, if any, of any obligations hereunder, or (v) be effective without the express written acknowledgment by Guarantor of its continuing obligations under the Guaranty, if any.

(b) Lessor may accept Rent or performance of Lessee’s obligations from any person other than Lessee pending approval or disapproval of an assignment. Neither a delay in the approval or disapproval of such assignment nor the acceptance of Rent or performance shall constitute a waiver or estoppel of Lessor’s right to exercise its remedies for Lessee’s Default or Breach.

(c) Lessor’s consent to any assignment or subletting shall not constitute a consent to any subsequent assignment or subletting.

(d) In the event of any Default or Breach by Lessee, Lessor may proceed directly against Lessee, any Guarantors or anyone else responsible for the performance of Lessee’s obligations under this Lease, including any assignee or sublessee, without first exhausting Lessor’s remedies against any other person or entity responsible therefor to Lessor, or any security held by Lessor.

(e) Each request for consent to an assignment or subletting shall be in writing, accompanied by information relevant to Lessor’s determination as to the financial and operational responsibility and appropriateness of the proposed assignee or sublessee, including but not limited to the intended use and/or required modification of the Premises, if any, together with a fee of $1,500, as consideration for Lessor’s considering and processing said request. Lessee agrees to provide Lessor with such other or additional information and/or documentation as may be reasonably requested (see also Paragraph 36). Whether or not Lessor shall grant consent, Lessee shall pay all reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by Lessor in connection with reviewing, approving, drafting, and consummating, if applicable, any assignment or sublease requested by Lessee.

(f) Any assignee of, or sublessee under, this Lease shall, by reason of accepting such assignment or entering into such sublease, be deemed to have assumed and agreed to conform and comply with each and every term, covenant, condition and obligation herein to be observed or performed by Lessee during the term of said assignment or sublease, other than such obligations as are contrary to or inconsistent with provisions of an assignment or sublease to which Lessor has specifically consented to in writing. Lessee shall provide any assignee or sublessee with a complete copy of this Lease and a copy of all Rules and Regulations in effect at the time of said assignment or sublease.

(g) Lessor’s consent to any assignment or subletting shall not transfer to the assignee or sublessee any Option granted to the original Lessee by this Lease unless such transfer is specifically consented to by Lessor in writing. (See also Paragraph 39.2)

12.3 Additional Terms and Conditions Applicable to Subletting. The following terms and conditions shall apply to any subletting by Lessee of all or any part of the Premises and shall be deemed included in all subleases under this Lease whether or not expressly incorporated therein:


(a) Lessee hereby assigns and transfers to Lessor all of Lessee’s interest in all Rent payable on any sublease, and Lessor may collect such Rent and apply same toward Lessee’s obligations under this Lease; provided, however, that until a Breach shall occur in the performance of Lessee’s obligations, Lessee may collect said Rent. Lessor shall not, by reason of the foregoing or any assignment of such sublease, nor by reason of the collection of Rent, be deemed liable to the sublessee for any failure of Lessee to perform and comply with any of Lessee’s obligations to such sublessee. Lessee hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs any such sublessee, upon receipt of a written notice from Lessor stating that a Breach exists in the performance of Lessee’s obligations under this Lease, to pay to Lessor all Rent due and to become due under the sublease. Sublessee shall rely upon any such notice from Lessor and shall pay all Rents to Lessor without any obligation or right to inquire as to whether such Breach exists, notwithstanding any claim from Lessee to the contrary.

(b) In the event of a Breach by Lessee, Lessor may, at its option, require sublessee to attorn to Lessor, in which event Lessor shall undertake the obligations of the sublessor under such sublease from the time of the exercise of said option to the expiration of such sublease; provided, however, Lessor shall not be liable for any prepaid rents or security deposit paid by such sublessee to such sublessor or for any prior Defaults or Breaches of such sublessor. If Lessee does not require the sublessor to attorn to Lessor, the sublease shall be extinguished upon the termination of this Lease as a result of Lessee’s breach hereunder, and the sublessee shall have no further right to occupy the Premises.

(c) Any matter requiring the consent of the sublessor under a sublease shall also require the consent of Lessor.

(d) No sublessee shall further assign or sublet all or any part of the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent.

(e) Lessor shall make reasonable efforts to deliver a copy of any notice of Default or Breach by Lessee to the sublessee, if possible, who shall have the right to cure the Default of Lessee within the grace period, if any, specified in such notice. The sublessee shall have a right of reimbursement and offset from and against Lessee for any such Defaults cured by the sublessee.

(f) Lessee may list the Premises for sublease or assignment with only reputable brokers approved in writing by Lessor. Any broker retained by Lessee is not the agent of Lessor for any purpose, and unless expressly agreed in writing otherwise, Lessor shall not be responsible for any compensation or charges claimed by any broker retained by Lessee or the sublessee, or from and against any party whose claim is based, directly or indirectly, on any proposed sublease or assignment. Lessee must indemnify, protect, defend (with counsel satisfactory to Lessor) and hold Lessor and the Lessor Parties harmless from and against any claim for compensation or charges claimed by any broker retained by Lessee, or from and against any party whose claim is based, directly or indirectly, on any proposed sublease or assignment.

12.4 Recapture. If prior to the second anniversary of the Commencement Date, Lessee proposes to assign or sublease all or any part of the Premises, and without limitation on Lessor’s right to withhold consent pursuant to Paragraph 12.1(a) above, Lessor may, at its option, upon written notice to Lessee given within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Lessee’s request for consent to sublease or assign, elect to recapture the Premises and upon such election this Lease shall terminate. Lessor may, at its option, lease the recaptured Premises to the sublessee or assignee identified in Lessee’s consent request without liability to Lessee. If Lessor does not elect to recapture pursuant to this Paragraph 12.4 and has provided its consent consistent with the terms and conditions of this Paragraph 12.4, Lessee may thereafter enter into a valid sublease or assignment with the proposed sublessee or assignee provided that: (i) the sublease or assignment in the form approved by Lessor and consistent with the terms of 12.2 and 12.3 is executed by Lessee and sublessee or assignee within thirty (30) days after Lessor’s consent, and (ii) Lessee agrees to pay the Consent Fee as defined in Paragraph 12.5.

12.5 Consent Fee. The fees described in this Paragraph 12.5 are collectively referred to in this Lease as the “Consent Fee.”

If Lessor shall consent to any proposed sublease, and if Lessee shall enter into any sublease of the Premises or any part thereof, Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor fifty percent (50%) of all excess rental or other profit realized by Lessee from the sublease (the “Sublease Consent Fee”), calculated on a per-square foot basis in the event of a sublease of a portion of the Premises. In calculating the Sublease Consent Fee Lessee may deduct all actual, reasonable, documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Lessee in connection with the sublease amortized over the term of the sublease, including, but not limited to Lessee’s costs of all tenant improvements made and paid for by Lessee for the sublessee, real estate commissions, and reasonable attorneys fees. Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor the Sublease Consent Fee within five (5) business days after subrents are due or other profits are realized.

If Lessor shall consent to any proposed assignment or other transfer, including but not limited to a sale of the Lessee’s business, Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor, fifty percent (50%) of all consideration, in whatever form, realized by Lessee from the assignment or other transfer (the “Transfer Consent Fee”). In calculating the Transfer Consent Fee Lessee may deduct actual, reasonable, documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Lessee in connection with the assignment or other transfer amortized over the remaining portion of the term of this Lease, including, but not limited to Lessee’s costs of all tenant improvements made and paid for by Lessee for the sublessee, real estate commissions, and reasonable attorneys fees. Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor the Transfer Consent Fee prior to the effective date of, and as an express condition to Lessor’s obligation to consent to, the assignment or other transfer.

For purposes of determining the Sublease Consent Fee or the Transfer Consent Fee under this Paragraph 12.5, the value attributed to Lessee’s trade fixtures, inventory, equipment or other personal property shall be the fair market value thereof determined as if sold or transferred separately from the Premises. Lessor or its authorized representatives shall have the right at all reasonable times to audit the books, records and papers of Lessee relating to any sublease, assignment or other transfer, and shall have the right to make copies thereof. If the Consent Fee respecting any sublease, assignment or other transfer shall be found understated, Lessee shall, within thirty (30) days after demand, pay the deficiency and Lessor’s costs of such audit, and if understated by more than ten percent (10%), Lessor shall have the right to cancel this Lease upon thirty (30) days’ notice to Lessee.


13. Default; Breach; Remedies.

13.1 Default; Breach. A “ Default ” is defined as a failure by the Lessee timely to comply with or perform any of the terms, covenants, conditions or Rules and Regulations under this Lease. A “ Breach ” is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following Defaults, and the failure of Lessee to cure such Default within any applicable grace period:

(a) The abandonment of the Premises; or the vacating of the Premises without providing a commercially reasonable level of security, or where the coverage of the property insurance described in Paragraph 8.3 is jeopardized as a result thereof, or without providing reasonable assurances to minimize potential vandalism or for a continuous period of six (6) months or longer; or the vacating of fifty percent (50%) or more of the Premises for a period of six (6) months or longer.

(b) The failure of Lessee to make any payment of Rent or any Security Deposit required to be made by Lessee hereunder, whether to Lessor or to a third party, within five (5) days of receipt of written notice from Lessor that such amount was due provided Lessor shall not be required to provide written notice more than once in any twelve (12) month period and provided further if Lessor provides notice more than once in any twelve (12) month period (without having any obligation to provide more than one such notice), Lessor shall have no obligation to provide any further notices to Lessee pursuant to this Paragraph 13.1(b).

(c) The failure of Lessee to continuously and without interruption maintain any insurance or surety bond required in this Lease, to provide reasonable evidence of insurance or surety bond, or to fulfill any obligation under this Lease which failure endangers or threatens life or property.

(d) The failure by Lessee to provide (i) reasonable written evidence of compliance with Applicable Requirements, (ii) the service contracts, (iii) the rescission of an unauthorized assignment or subletting, (iv) an Estoppel Certificate, (v) a requested subordination, (vi) evidence concerning any guaranty and/or Guarantor, (vii) any document requested under Paragraph 41, or (viii) any other documentation or information which Lessor may reasonably require of Lessee under the terms of this Lease.

(e) A Default by Lessee as to the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease, or of the rules adopted under Paragraph 2.9 hereof, other than those described in subparagraphs 13.1(a), (b) or (c), above, where such Default continues for a period of 30 days after written notice; provided, however, that if the nature of Lessee’s Default is such that it is reasonably capable of cure but more than 30 days are reasonably required for its cure, then it shall not be deemed to be a Breach if Lessee promptly (but in no event later than 30 days) commences such cure within said 30 day period and thereafter diligently prosecutes such cure to completion.

(f) The occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the making of any general arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors; (ii) becoming a “debtor” as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101 or any successor statute thereto (unless, in the case of a petition filed against Lessee, the same is dismissed within 60 days); (iii) the appointment of a trustee or receiver to take possession of substantially all of Lessee’s assets located at the Premises or of Lessee’s interest in this Lease, where possession is not restored to Lessee within 30 days; or (iv) the attachment, execution or other judicial seizure of substantially all of Lessee’s assets located at the Premises or of Lessee’s interest in this Lease, where such seizure is not discharged within 30 days; provided, however, in the event that any provision of this subparagraph (e) is contrary to any applicable law, such provision shall be of no force or effect, and not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.

(g) The discovery that any financial statement of Lessee or of any Guarantor given to Lessor was materially false.

(h) If the performance of Lessee’s obligations under this Lease is guaranteed: (i) the death of a Guarantor, (ii) the termination of a Guarantor’s liability with respect to this Lease other than in accordance with the terms of such guaranty, (iii) a Guarantor’s becoming insolvent or the subject of a bankruptcy filing, (iv) a Guarantor’s refusal to honor the guaranty, or (v) a Guarantor’s breach of its guaranty obligation on an anticipatory basis, and Lessee’s failure, within 60 days following written notice of any such event, to provide written alternative assurance or security, which, when coupled with the then existing resources of Lessee, equals or exceeds the combined financial resources of Lessee and the Guarantors that existed at the time of execution of this Lease.

(i) Lessee does or permits anything that creates a lien on the Premises or the Project, and Lessee fails to discharge the lien within thirty days of its filing.

(j) Lessee’s default beyond applicable notice and cure periods under any other lease with Lessor or any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of Lessor.

(k) If a Default occurs more than two times within any period of twelve months, then, notwithstanding that Lessee cured those prior Defaults, any further Default is a Breach of this Lease for which no notice is required or cure available.

(l) The Parties acknowledge and agree that the failure by Lessee to fully comply with any of Lessee’s covenants, commitments, responsibilities and other obligations set forth in this Lease, shall constitute a material breach, and not be construed for any purpose as a de minimis or immaterial breach thereof.

(m) All notices provided under this Paragraph 13 shall be in lieu of, and not in addition to, any notice required under California law.


13.2 Remedies. If Lessee fails to perform any of its affirmative duties or obligations, within 5 days after written notice (or in case of an emergency, without notice), Lessor may, at its option, perform such duty or obligation on Lessee’s behalf, including but not limited to the obtaining of reasonably required bonds, insurance policies, or governmental licenses, permits or approvals. Lessee shall pay to Lessor an amount equal to 115% of the costs and expenses of any such performance by Lessor promptly upon receipt of invoice therefor. If any check given to Lessor by Lessee shall not be honored by the bank upon which it is drawn, Lessor, at its option, may require all future payments to be made by Lessee to be by cashier’s check or by wire transfer. In the event of a Breach, Lessor may, with or without further notice or demand, and without limiting Lessor in the exercise of any right or remedy which Lessor may have by reason of such Breach:

(a) Terminate Lessee’s right of possession, in which case this Lease shall immediately terminate and Lessee shall immediately surrender possession of the Premises to Lessor. In such event, Lessor shall be entitled to recover from Lessee: (i) the unpaid Rent which has been earned at the time of termination; (ii) The worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid rent which would have been earned after termination until the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that the lessee proves could have been reasonably avoided; (iii) the worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid rent for the balance of the term after the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that the Lessee proves could be reasonably avoided; and (iv) any other amount necessary to compensate Lessor for all the detriment proximately caused by the Lessee’s failure to perform its obligations under this Lease or which in the ordinary course of things would be likely to result therefrom, including but not limited to the cost of recovering possession of the Premises, expenses of reletting, including necessary renovation and alteration of the Premises, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and that portion of any leasing commission paid by Lessor in connection with this Lease applicable to the unexpired term of this Lease. The worth at the time of award of the amount referred to in provision (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be computed by discounting such amount at the discount rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of the District within which the Premises are located at the time of award plus one percent. Efforts by Lessor to mitigate damages caused by Lessee’s Breach of this Lease shall to waive Lessor’s right to recover damages under this Paragraph 13. If termination of this Lease is obtained through the provisional remedy of unlawful detainer, Lessor shall have the right to recover in such proceeding any unpaid Rent and damage as are recoverable therein, or Lessor may reserve the right to recover all or any part thereof in a separate suit. If a notice and grace period are required under Paragraph 13.1 was not previously given, a notice to pay rent or quit, or to perform or quit given to Lessee under the unlawful detainer statute shall also constitute the notice required by Paragraph 13.1. In such case, the applicable grace period required by Paragraph 13.1 and the unlawful detainer statute shall run concurrently, and the failure of Lessee to cure the Default within the greater of the two such grace periods hall constitute both an unlawful detainer and a Breach of this Lease entitling Lessor to the remedies provided for in this Lease and/or by said statute.

(b) Maintain Lessee’s right to possession, in which case this Lease shall continue in effect whether or not Lessee has abandoned the Premises. In such event, Lessor shall be entitled to enforce all of Lessor’s rights and remedies under this Lease, including the right to recover the rent as it becomes due. Lessor shall have the remedy described in California Civil Code Section 1951.4 (lessor may continue lease in effect after lessee’s breach and abandonment and recover rent as it becomes due, if lessee has the right to sublet or assign, subject only to reasonable limitations). Acts of maintenance, efforts to relet, and/or the appointment or a receiver to protect the Lessor’s interests shall not constitute a termination of the Lessee’s right to possession.

(c) Pursue the remedy of specific performance and/or injunctive relief.

(d) Change or alter the locks at the Premises and otherwise lock Lessee out of the Premises.

(e) Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available in equity or under the laws or judicial decisions of the state wherein the Premises are located.

(f) The expiration or termination of this Lease and/or the termination of Lessee’s right to possession shall not relieve Lessee from liability under any indemnity provisions of this Lease as to matters occurring or accruing during the term hereof or by reason of Lessee’s occupancy of the Premises nor limit Lessee’s liability for, or obligation to pay, damages to which Lessor is entitled hereunder as a result of Lessee’s Breach, as provided in this Paragraph 13 or elsewhere in this Lease or under applicable law, all of which expressly survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

(g) The acceptance by Lessor of any payments from Lessee after the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease shall not preclude Lessor from commencing and prosecuting a holdover or summary eviction proceeding;

(h) If Lessee shall hold over or remain in possession of the Premises or any part thereof beyond the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, then Lessee shall be subject not only to summary proceeding and liable for all damages related thereto and all damages arising out of Lessee’s Breach as hereinabove provided, but also for all damages arising out of any lost opportunities (and/or new leases) of Lessor to relet the Premises (or any part thereof). All damages of Lessor by reason of such holding over by Lessee may be the subject of a separate action and need not be asserted by Lessor in any summary proceedings against Lessee.

(i) Regardless of whether Lessor terminates the Lease, merely terminates the Lessee’s right to possession, or elects other remedies, the monetary claims of Lessor to be made whole is unaffected by such election.


13.3 Inducement Recapture. Any agreement for free or abated rent or other charges, or for the giving or paying by Lessor to or for Lessee of any cash or other bonus, inducement or consideration for Lessee’s entering into this Lease, all of which concessions are hereinafter referred to as “ Inducement Provisions ”, shall be deemed conditioned upon Lessee’s full and faithful performance of all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease. Upon Breach of this Lease by Lessee (subject to any and all applicable cure periods), any such Inducement Provision shall automatically be deemed deleted from this Lease and of no further force or effect, and any rent, other charge, bonus, inducement or consideration theretofore abated, given or paid by Lessor under such an Inducement Provision shall be immediately due and payable by Lessee to Lessor, notwithstanding any subsequent cure of said Breach by Lessee. The acceptance by Lessor of rent or the cure of the Breach which initiated the operation of this paragraph shall not be deemed a waiver by Lessor of the provisions of this paragraph unless specifically so stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such acceptance.

13.4 Late Charges. Lessee hereby acknowledges that late payment by Lessee of Rent will cause Lessor to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the exact amount of which will be extremely difficult to ascertain. Such costs include, but are not limited to, processing and accounting charges, and late charges which may be imposed upon Lessor by any Lender. Accordingly, if any Rent shall not be received by Lessor within 5 days after such amount shall be due, then, without any requirement for notice to Lessee, Lessee shall pay to Lessor a one-time late charge equal to 5% of each such overdue amount or $100, whichever is greater. The parties hereby agree that such late charge represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the costs Lessor will incur by reason of such late payment. Acceptance of such late charge by Lessor shall in no event constitute a waiver of Lessee’s Default or Breach with respect to such overdue amount, nor prevent the exercise of any of the other rights and remedies granted hereunder. In the event that a late charge is payable hereunder, whether or not collected, for 3 installments of Base Rent in any 12 month period, then notwithstanding any provision of this Lease to the contrary, Base Rent shall, at Lessor’s option, become due and payable quarterly in advance. The Parties acknowledge and agree that should Lessee tender Rent without also tendering any Late Charges then due, Lessee shall continue to be in material default of this Lease.

13.5 Interest. Any monetary payment due Lessor hereunder, other than late charges, not received by Lessor, when due as to scheduled payments (such as Base Rent) or within 30 days following the date on which it was due for non-scheduled payment, shall bear interest from the date when due, as to scheduled payments, or the 31st day after it was due as to non-scheduled payments. The interest (“Interest”) charged shall be equal to the prime rate reported in the Wall Street Journal as published closest prior to the date when due plus 4%, but shall not exceed the maximum rate allowed by law. Interest is payable in addition to the potential late charge provided for in Paragraph 13.4.

13.6 Breach by Lessor.

(a) Notice of Breach. Lessor shall not be deemed in breach of this Lease unless Lessor fails within a reasonable time to perform an obligation required to be performed by Lessor. For purposes of this Paragraph, a reasonable time shall in no event be less than 30 days after receipt by Lessor, and any Lender whose name and address shall have been furnished Lessee in writing for such purpose, of written notice specifying wherein such obligation of Lessor has not been performed; provided, however, that if the nature of Lessor’s obligation is such that more than 30 days are reasonably required for its performance, then Lessor shall not be in breach if performance is commenced within such 30 day period and thereafter diligently pursued to completion.

(b) Performance by Lessee on Behalf of Lessor. In the event that neither Lessor nor Lender cures said breach within 30 days after receipt of said notice, or if having commenced said cure they do not diligently pursue it to completion, then Lessee may elect to cure said breach at Lessee’s expense and offset from Rent an amount equal to the greater of one month’s Base Rent or the Security Deposit, and to pay an excess of such expense under protest, reserving Lessee’s right to reimbursement from Lessor. Lessee shall document the cost of said cure and supply said documentation to Lessor.

14. Condemnation. If the Premises or any portion thereof are taken under the power of eminent domain or sold under the threat of the exercise of said power (collectively “Condemnation”), this Lease shall terminate as to the part taken as of the date the condemning authority takes title or possession, whichever first occurs. If more than twenty percent (20%) of the Premises, or more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the Project Parking Spaces, is taken by Condemnation, Lessee may, at Lessee’s option, to be exercised in writing within ten (10) days after Lessor shall have given Lessee written notice of such taking (or in the absence of such notice, within ten (10) days after the condemning authority shall have taken possession) terminate this Lease as of the date the condemning authority takes such possession. If Lessee does not terminate this Lease in accordance with the foregoing, this Lease shall remain in full force and effect as to the portion of the Premises remaining, except that the Base Rent shall be reduced in proportion to the reduction in area of the Premises caused by such Condemnation. Condemnation awards and/or payments shall be the property of Lessor, whether such award shall be made as compensation for diminution in value of the leasehold, the value of the part taken (it being understood and agreed that Lessee hereby waives any claim to be compensated for the lost value of the leasehold estate in the Premises), or for severance damages; provided, however, that Lessee shall be entitled to make a separate claim directly against the condemning authority for any compensation for Lessee’s relocation expenses, and/or Trade Fixtures, without regard to whether or not this Lease is terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph so long as Lessor’s claim is not diminished thereby. Any and all compensation which is payable for Alterations and Utility Installations made to the Premises by Lessee, for purposes of Condemnation only, shall be apportioned between Lessor and Lessee, respectively, in the same proportion as the number of months elapsed in the Term bears to the total number of months in the Term. In the event that this Lease is not terminated by reason of the Condemnation, Lessor shall repair any damage to the Premises caused by such Condemnation.


15. Representations and Indemnities of Broker Relationships. Lessee and Lessor each represent and warrant to the other that it has had no dealings with any person, firm, broker or finder (other than the Brokers, if any) in connection with this Lease, and that no one other than said named Brokers is entitled to any commission or finder’s fee in connection herewith. Lessee and Lessor do each hereby agree to indemnify, protect, defend and hold the other harmless from and against liability for compensation or charges which may be claimed by any such unnamed broker, finder or other similar party by reason of any dealings or actions of the indemnifying Party, including any costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred with respect thereto.

16. Estoppel Certificates.

(a) Each Party (as “ Responding Party ”) shall within ten (10) days after written notice from the other Party (the “ Requesting Party ”) execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Requesting Party the “ Estoppel Certificate ” in the form as submitted by Requesting Party, plus such additional information, confirmation and/or statements as may be reasonably requested by the Requesting Party, provided that the Responding Party may make such corrections as shall be reasonably necessary to make the Estoppel Certificate accurate and shall timely execute and deliver the same to the Requesting party within such ten (10) day period. A Responding Party’s delivery to the Requesting Party of correspondence, comments, and unexecuted draft (with or without corrections), or any other communication which is not an executed Estoppel Certificate shall constitute a Breach by the Responding Party, and the Responding Party shall be responsible for all losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) incurred by the Requesting Party as a result of such Breach.

(b) If the Responding Party shall fail to execute or deliver the Estoppel Certificate within such 10 day period, the Requesting Party may execute an Estoppel Certificate stating that: (i) the Lease is in full force and effect without modification except as may be represented by the Requesting Party, (ii) there are no uncured defaults in the Requesting Party’s performance, and (iii) if Lessor is the Requesting Party, not more than one month’s rent has been paid in advance. Prospective purchasers and encumbrances may rely upon the Requesting Party’s Estoppel Certificate, and the Responding Party shall be estopped from denying the truth of the facts contained in said Certificate.

(c) If Lessor desires to finance, refinance, or sell the Premises, or any part thereof, Lessee and all Guarantors shall deliver to any potential lender or purchaser designated by Lessor such financial statements as may be reasonably required by such lender or purchaser, including but not limited to Lessee’s financial statements for the past 3 years. All such financial statements shall be received by Lessor and such lender or purchaser in confidence and shall be used only for the purposes herein set forth.

17. Definition of Lessor. The term “ Lessor ” as used herein shall mean the owner or owners at the time in question of the fee title to the Premises, or, if this is a sublease of the Lessee’s interest in the prior lease. In the event of a transfer of Lessor’s title or interest in the Premises or this Lease the prior Lessor shall fully be released from and relieved of all liability with respect to the obligations and/or covenants under this Lease thereafter to be performed by the Lessor. Subject to the foregoing, the obligations and/or covenants in this Lease to be performed by the Lessor shall be binding only upon the Lessor as hereinabove defined.

18. Severability. The invalidity of any provision of this Lease, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall in no way affect the validity of any other provision hereof.

19. Days. Unless otherwise specifically indicated to the contrary, the word “ days ” as used in this Lease shall mean and refer to calendar days.

20. Limitation on Liability. The obligations of Lessor under this Lease shall not constitute personal obligations of Lessor, the individual partners, members or shareholders of Lessor or its or their individual partners, members, directors, officers, managers, members or shareholders, and Lessee shall look to the Premises, and to no other assets of Lessor, for the satisfaction of any liability of Lessor with respect to this Lease, and shall not seek recourse against the individual partners or members of Lessor, or its or their individual partners, directors, officers, managers, members, or shareholders, or any of their personal assets for such satisfaction.

21. Time of Essence. Time is of the essence with respect to the performance of all obligations to be performed or observed by the Parties under this Lease.

22. No Prior or Other Agreements. This Lease constitutes the entire agreement between Lessor and Lessee with respect to the lease of the Premises and supersedes any and all other prior written or oral agreements or understandings with respect to this transaction. Except as expressly set forth in this Lease, no representations, inducements, understanding or anything of any nature whatsoever, made, stated or represented by Lessor or anyone acting on Lessor’s behalf, either orally or in writing have induced Lessee to enter into this Lease, and Lessee acknowledges, represents and warrants that Lessee has entered into this Lease under and by virtue of Lessee’s own independent investigation.

23. Notices.

23.1 Notice Requirements. All notices required or permitted by this Lease or applicable law shall be in writing and may be delivered in person (by hand or by courier) or may be sent by regular, certified or registered mail or U.S. Postal Service Express Mail, with postage prepaid, or by facsimile transmission, and shall be deemed sufficiently given if served in a manner specified in this Paragraph 23. The addresses noted adjacent to a Party’s signature on this Lease shall be that Party’s address for delivery or mailing of notices. Either Party may by written notice to the other specify a different address for notice, except that upon Lessee’s taking possession of the Premises, the Premises shall constitute Lessee’s address for notice. A copy of all notices to Lessor shall be concurrently transmitted to such party or parties at such addresses as Lessor may from time to time hereafter designate in writing.


23.2 Date of Notice. Any notice sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be deemed given on the date of delivery shown on the receipt card, or if no delivery date is shown, the postmark thereon. If sent by regular mail the notice shall be deemed given 72 hours after the same is addressed as required herein and mailed with postage prepaid. Notices delivered by United States Express Mail or overnight courier that guarantee next day delivery shall be deemed given 48 hours after delivery of the same to the Postal Service or courier. Notices transmitted by facsimile transmission or similar means shall be deemed delivered upon telephone confirmation of receipt (confirmation report from fax machine is sufficient), provided a copy is also delivered via delivery or mail. If notice is received on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, it shall be deemed received on the next business day.

24. Waivers. No waiver by Lessor of the Default or Breach of any term, covenant or condition hereof by Lessee, shall be deemed a waiver of any other term, covenant or condition hereof, or of any subsequent Default or Breach by Lessee of the same or of any other term, covenant or condition hereof. Lessor’s consent to, or approval of, any act shall not be deemed to render unnecessary the obtaining of Lessor’s consent to, or approval of, any subsequent or similar act by Lessee, or be construed as the basis of an estoppel to enforce the provision or provisions of this Lease requiring such consent. The acceptance of Rent by Lessor shall not be a waiver of any Default or Breach by Lessee. Any payment by Lessee may be accepted by Lessor on account of moneys or damages due Lessor, notwithstanding any qualifying statements or conditions made by Lessee in connection therewith, which such statements and/or conditions shall be of no force or effect whatsoever unless specifically agreed to in writing by Lessor at or before the time of deposit of such payment.

25. Recording. Neither this Lease, nor any memorandum, affidavit or other writing with respect thereto, shall be recorded by Lessee or by anyone acting through, under or on behalf of Lessee, and the recording thereof in violation of this provision shall make this Lease null and void at Lessor’s election. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event Lessor desires to record a memorandum of this Lease, promptly upon notice thereof from Lessor, Lessee shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to Lessor a short form memorandum of lease for recording purposes in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Lessor. In the event that such a memorandum of lease has been recorded, upon termination of this Lease, Lessee shall execute such documents as reasonably requested by Lessor in recordable form to confirm the termination of this Lease. In the event of a transfer of Lessor’s title or interest in the Premises or this Lease, the Parties agree to cause any recorded memorandum of this Lease to be removed from record. Lessee shall be responsible for payment of any fees applicable to any recordings pursuant to this Paragraph.

26. No Right To Holdover. Lessee has no right to retain possession of the Premises or any part thereof beyond the expiration or termination of this Lease. In the event that Lessee holds over, then such holdover shall be deemed a Tenancy at Sufferance (with Lessee waiving, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any required statutory notices to vacate the Premises), then the Base Rent shall be increased to 150% of the Base Rent applicable immediately preceding the expiration or termination. Any option (i.e., renewal, expansion) and rights of first refusal contained in the Lease are terminated in the event of a holdover tenancy: Nothing contained herein shall be construed as consent by Lessor to any holding over by Lessee.

27. Cumulative Remedies. No remedy or election hereunder shall be deemed exclusive but shall, wherever possible, be cumulative with all other remedies at law or in equity.

28. Covenants and Conditions; Construction of Agreement. All provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by Lessee are both covenants and conditions. It is expressly understood and agreed that Lessee’s obligation to pay Rent and other charges due hereunder is an independent covenant. In construing this Lease, all headings and titles are for the convenience of the Parties only and shall not be considered a part of this Lease. Whenever required by the context, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. This Lease shall not be construed as if prepared by one of the Parties, but rather according to its fair meaning as a whole, as if both Parties had prepared it.

29. Binding Effect; Choice of Law. This Lease shall be binding upon the parties, their personal representatives, successors and assigns and be governed by the laws of the State in which the Premises are located. Any litigation between the Parties hereto concerning this Lease shall be initiated in the county in which the Premises are located.

30. Subordination; Attornment; Non-Disturbance.

30.1 Subordination. This Lease and any Option granted hereby shall be subject and subordinate to any ground lease, mortgage, deed of trust, or other hypothecation or security device (collectively, “ Security Device ”), now or hereafter placed upon the Premises, to any and all advances made on the security thereof, and to all renewals, modifications, and extensions thereof. Lessee agrees that the holders of any such Security Devices (in this Lease together referred to as “ Lender ”) shall have no liability or obligation to perform any of the obligations of Lessor under this Lease. Any Lender may elect to have this Lease and/or any Option granted hereby superior to the lien of its Security Device by giving written notice thereof to Lessee, whereupon this Lease and such Options shall be deemed prior to such Security Device, notwithstanding the relative dates of the documentation or recordation thereof.

30.2 Attornment. Lessee agrees to attorn to a Lender or any other party who acquires ownership of the Premises by reason of a foreclosure of a Security Device, and that in the event of such foreclosure, such new owner shall not:

(i) be liable for any act or omission of any prior lessor or with respect to events occurring prior to acquisition of ownership; (ii) be subject to any offsets or defenses which Lessee might have against any prior lessor, or (iii) be bound by prepayment of more than one (1) month’s rent.


30.3 Self-Executing. The agreements contained in this Paragraph 30 shall be effective without the execution of any further documents; provided, however, that, upon written request from Lessor or a Lender in connection with a sale, financing or refinancing of the Premises, Lessee and Lessor shall execute such further writings as may be reasonably required to separately document any subordination or attornment agreement provided for herein.

30.4 Modifications Required by Lender. If any Lender requires a modification of this Lease that will not increase Lessee’s cost or expense or materially or adversely change Lessee’s rights and obligations, this Lease shall be so modified and Lessee shall execute whatever documents are required and deliver them to Lessor within ten (10) days after the request.

30.5 Non-Disturbance. With respect to Security Devices entered into by Lessor after the execution of this Lease, Lessee’s subordination of this Lease shall be subject to receiving a non-disturbance agreement on Lender’s standard form (a “ Non-Disturbance Agreement ”) from the Lender, which Non-Disturbance Agreement provides that Lessee’s possession of the Premises, and this Lease, including any options to extend the term hereof, will not be disturbed so long as Lessee is not in Breach hereof and attorns to the record owner of the Premises. Further, within 60 days after the execution of this Lease, Lessor shall, if requested by Lessee, use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a Non-Disturbance Agreement from the holder of any pre-existing Security Device which is secured by the Premises. In the event that Lessor is unable to provide the Non-Disturbance Agreement within said 60 days, then Lessee may, thereafter at Lessee’s option, directly contact Lender and attempt to negotiate for the execution and delivery of a Non-Disturbance Agreement.

31. Attorneys’ Fees And Costs. If any Party brings an action or proceeding involving the Premises whether founded in tort, contract or equity, or to declare rights hereunder, the Prevailing Party (as hereafter defined) in any such proceeding, action, or appeal thereon, shall be entitled to recover its attorneys’ fees, expert witness fees, consultant fees, and other costs incurred. Such fees may be awarded in the same suit or recovered in a separate suit, whether or not such action or proceeding is pursued to decision or judgment. The term, “ Prevailing Party ” shall include, without limitation, a Party who substantially obtains or defeats the relief sought, as the case may be, whether by compromise, settlement, judgment, or the abandonment by the other Party of its claim or defense. The attorneys’ fees award shall not be computed in accordance with any court fee schedule, but shall be such as to fully reimburse all attorneys’ fees and costs reasonably incurred. In addition, Lessor shall be entitled to attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incurred in the preparation and service of notices of Default and consultations in connection therewith, whether or not a legal action is subsequently commenced in connection with such Default or resulting Breach. In addition, if, as a result of any action or request of Lessee, Lessor consults or retains attorneys, Lessee must reimburse Lessor for its attorneys’ fee within ten (10) days following Lessee’s receipt of Lessor’s invoice for those attorneys’ fees.

32. Lessor’s Access; Showing Premises; Repairs; Locks. Lessor and Lessor’s agents shall have the right to enter the Premises at any time, in the case of an emergency, and otherwise at reasonable times for the purpose of: (i) showing the same to prospective purchasers, lenders, or lessees; (ii) making such alterations, repairs, improvements or additions to the Premises as Lessor may deem necessary; or, (iii) any other reason as Lessor shall deem necessary. All such activities shall be without abatement of rent or liability to Lessee. Lessor, may at any time, place on the Premises any ordinary “ For Sale ” signs and Lessor may during the last nine (9) months of the term hereof place on the Premises any ordinary “ For Lease ” signs. Lessee shall place no additional locks or bolts of any kind upon any of the doors or windows, nor shall any changes be made in existing locks or the mechanisms thereof unless Lessor gives prior written approval. Lessee shall bear the cost of any lock changes or repairs required by Lessee, and shall immediately provide Lessor with two (2) keys for each lock which is re-keyed or installed. Lessee, upon termination or expiration of this Lease, shall deliver to Lessor all keys to doors or other locked fixtures in the Premises. In the event of the loss of any keys furnished by Lessor to Lessee, Lessee shall pay Lessor the cost of changing or re-keying the locks. Additionally, upon termination, Lessee shall replace any locks with locks and keys approved by Lessor at Lessee’s sole cost and at Lessor’s sole and absolute discretion. Lessee hereby waives any claim for damages or for any injury or any inconvenience to or interference with Lessee’s business, any loss of occupancy or quiet enjoyment of the Premises, and any other loss occasioned by Lessor’s entry onto the Premises or its activities thereon. In addition to Lessor’s entry rights hereunder, the Association and its agents, shall have the right to enter the Premises for all purposes set forth in the Declaration, including, without limitation, to inspect any improvements being constructed at the Premises, and to make repairs, alterations, maintenance and/or replacements in exercising the powers and duties of the Association under the Declaration.

33. Auctions. Lessee shall not conduct, nor permit to be conducted, any auction upon the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent. Lessor shall not be obligated to exercise any standard of reasonableness in determining whether to permit an auction.

34. Signs. Lessee shall not place any sign upon the Project without Lessor’s prior written consent. Lessor shall have the right of approval over color schemes, illumination rights, lettering, size, quality parameters, and other details over any signage that Lessee may wish to use at or on the exterior of the Premises or on the Project. All signs must comply with all Applicable Requirements and any Rules and Regulations established by Lessor and all Association Rules and provisions of the Declaration or requirements of the Architectural Committee relating thereto as in effect from time to time. Lessee shall also obtain all required approvals from the Architectural Committee prior to placing any sign or billboard on the Project, all in accordance with the terms of the Declaration.

35. Termination; Merger. Unless specifically stated otherwise in writing by Lessor, the voluntary or other surrender of this Lease by Lessee, the mutual termination or cancellation hereof, or a termination hereof by Lessor for Breach by Lessee, shall automatically terminate any sublease or lesser estate in the Premises; provided, however, that Lessor may elect to continue any one or all existing subtenancies. Lessor’s failure within 10 days following any such event to elect to the contrary by written notice to the holder of any such lesser interest, shall constitute Lessor’s election to have such event constitute the termination of such interest. No payment of money by Lessee to Lessor after this Lease has expired or terminated will reinstate or extend the Term or make ineffective any notice given to Lessee prior to Lessee’s payment. If after Lessor has filed and served a law suit against Lessee or after a final judgment granting Lessor possession of the Premises, Lessor may receive any sums due under this Lease and the payment will not make ineffective any notice, or in any manner affect any pending law suit or previously obtained judgment.


36. Consents. Except as otherwise provided herein, wherever in this Lease the consent of a Party is required to an act by or for the other Party, such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Lessor’s actual reasonable costs and expenses (including but not limited to architects’, attorneys’, engineers’ and other consultants’ fees) incurred in the consideration of, or response to, a request by Lessee for any Lessor consent, including but not limited to consents to an assignment, a subletting or the presence or use of a Hazardous Substance, shall be paid by Lessee promptly upon receipt of an invoice and supporting documentation therefor. Lessor’s consent to any act, assignment or subletting shall not constitute an acknowledgment that no Default or Breach by Lessee of this Lease exists, nor shall such consent be deemed a waiver of any then existing Default or Breach, except as may be otherwise specifically stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such consent. The failure to specify herein any particular condition to Lessor’s consent shall not preclude the imposition by Lessor at the time of consent of such further or other conditions as are then reasonable with reference to the particular matter for which consent is being given. In the event that either Party disagrees with any determination made by the other hereunder and reasonably requests the reasons for such determination, the determining party shall furnish its reasons in writing and in reasonable detail within 10 business days following such request.

37. Guarantor.

37.1 Execution. The Guarantors, if any, shall each execute a guaranty in the form attached hereto, and each such Guarantor shall have the same obligations as Lessee under this Lease.

37.2 Default. It shall constitute a Default of the Lessee if any Guarantor fails or refuses, upon request to provide: (a) evidence of the execution of the guaranty, including, but not limited to, the authority of the party signing on Guarantor’s behalf to obligate Guarantor, and in the case of a corporate Guarantor, a certified copy of a resolution of its board of directors authorizing the making of such guaranty, (b) current financial statements, (c) an Estoppel Certificate, or (d) written confirmation that the guaranty is still in effect.

38. Quiet Possession. Subject to Paragraph 30, the payment by Lessee of the Rent and performance of all of the covenants, conditions and provisions on Lessee’s part to be observed and performed under this Lease, Lessee shall have quiet possession and quiet enjoyment of the Premises during the term hereof.

39. Options. If Lessee is granted an option, as defined below, then the following provisions shall apply.

39.1 Definition. Option ” shall mean: (a) the right to extend the term of or renew this Lease or to extend or renew any lease that Lessee has on other property of Lessor; (b) the right of first refusal or first offer to lease either the Premises or other property of Lessor; (c) the right to purchase or the right of first refusal to purchase the Premises or other property of Lessor.

39.2 Options Personal To Original Lessee. Any Option granted to Lessee in this Lease is personal to the original Lessee, and cannot be assigned or exercised by anyone other than said original Lessee and only while the original Lessee is in full possession of the Premises and, if requested by Lessor, with Lessee certifying that Lessee has no intention of thereafter assigning or subletting.

39.3 Multiple Options. In the event that Lessee has any multiple Options to extend or renew this Lease, a later Option cannot be exercised unless the prior Options have been validly exercised.

39.4 Effect of Default on Options.

(a) Lessee shall have no right to exercise an Option: (i) during the period commencing with the giving of any notice of Default and continuing until said Default is cured, (ii) during the period of time any Rent is unpaid (without regard to whether notice thereof is given Lessee), (iii) during the time Lessee is in Breach of this Lease, or (iv) in the event that Lessee has been given 3 or more notices of separate Default, whether or not the Defaults are cured, during the 12 month period immediately preceding the exercise of the Option.

(b) The period of time within which an Option may be exercised shall not be extended or enlarged by reason of Lessee’s inability to exercise an Option because of the provisions of Paragraph 39.4(a).

(c) An Option shall terminate and be of no further force or effect, notwithstanding Lessee’s due and timely exercise of the Option, if, after such exercise and prior to the commencement of the extended term, (i) Lessee fails to pay Rent for a period of 15 days after such Rent becomes due (without any necessity of Lessor to give notice thereof), (ii) Lessor gives to Lessee 3 or more notices of separate Default during any 12 month period, whether or not the Defaults are cured, or (iii) if Lessee commits a Breach of this Lease.

40. Multiple Buildings/Lessor’s Right of Relocation. If the Premises are a part of a group of buildings controlled by Lessor, Lessee agrees that it will observe all reasonable rules and regulations which Lessor may make from time to time for the management, safety, and care of said properties, including the care and cleanliness of the grounds and including the parking, loading and unloading of vehicles, and that Lessee will pay its fair share of common expenses incurred in connection therewith. Lessor reserves the right, at its sole option and upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to Lessee, to relocate Lessee to a comparable space (the Relocation Space) in the Building or group of buildings controlled by Lessor in the Project. Lessor may use decorations and materials from the Premises or other materials in making the Relocation Space comparable to the Premises. Neither the fixed minimum Base Rent nor the Lessee’s Share percentage shall be changed on account of the move unless it is raised or reduced in accordance with the share percentage for the Relocation Space. Lessee agrees that no right granted in this Lease shall be deemed breached by Lessor’s exercise of rights under this paragraph. Lessor shall pay the actual moving expenses for furniture, fixtures, product and equipment and reasonable actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Lessee not to exceed $1,000, provided Lessee provides Lessor with written proof thereof.


41. Intentionally Omitted.

42. Intentionally Omitted.

43. Security Measures. Lessee hereby acknowledges that the Rent payable to Lessor hereunder does not include the cost of guard service or other security measures, and that Lessor shall have no obligation whatsoever to provide same. Lessee assumes all responsibility for the protection of the Premises, Lessee, and the Lessee Parties and their property from the acts of third parties. In the event that Lessor exercises its right to take possession of the Premises for any breach of Lessee of this Lease, Lessor shall have no obligation to provide security over the Premises so as to protect the personal property of Lessee in the Premises, In the event of breach of this Lease by Lessee, and the exercise of any lawful remedy by Lessor, Lessee hereby waives, releases, and discharges any claim it may have against Lessor for any alleged break-in, theft, or removal of Lessee’s goods, inventory, equipment, fixtures, furniture, improvements, chattel paper, accounts, and general intangibles, and other personal property by third-parties.

44. Reservations. Lessor reserves the right: (i) to grant, without the consent or joinder of Lessee, such easements, rights and dedications that Lessor deems necessary, (ii) to cause the recordation of parcel maps and restrictions, and (iii) to create and/or install new utility raceways, so long as such easements, rights, dedications, maps, restrictions, and utility raceways do not unreasonably interfere with the use of the Premises by Lessee. Lessee agrees to sign any documents reasonably requested by Lessor to effectuate such rights. Lessor further reserves the right to change the name by which the Building or the Project is called.

45. Performance Under Protest. If at any time a dispute shall arise as to any amount or sum of money to be paid by one Party to the other under the provisions hereof, the Party against whom the obligation to pay the money is asserted shall have the right to make payment “under protest” and such payment shall not be regarded as a voluntary payment and there shall survive the right on the part of said Party to institute suit for recovery of such sum. If it shall be adjudged that there was no legal obligation on the part of said Party to pay such sum or any part thereof, said Party shall be entitled to recover such sum or so much thereof as it was not legally required to pay.

46. Authority and Publication. If either Party hereto is a corporation, trust, limited liability company, partnership, or similar entity, each individual executing this Lease on behalf of such entity represents and warrants that he or she is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Lease on its behalf. Each Party shall, within 30 days after request, deliver to the other Party satisfactory evidence of such authority. Lessee hereby authorizes Lessor to use Lessee’s name, corporate logo, images of Lessee’s buildings and the Premises and any terms of this Lease, in any publication at any time by Lessor or Lessor’s affiliates, including, without limitation, web-based advertising and public relations materials.

47. Conflict. Any conflict between the printed provisions of this Lease and the typewritten or handwritten provisions shall be controlled by the typewritten or handwritten provisions.

48. Offer. Preparation of this Lease by either party or their agent and submission of same to the other Party shall not be deemed an offer to lease to the other Party. This Lease is not intended to be binding until executed and delivered by all Parties hereto.

49. Amendments. This Lease may be modified only in writing, signed by the Parties in interest at the time of the modification. As long as they do not materially change Lessee’s obligations hereunder, Lessee agrees to make such reasonable non-monetary modifications to this Lease as may be reasonably required by a Lender in connection with the obtaining of normal financing or refinancing of the Premises.

50. Multiple Parties; Counterparts. If this Lease is executed by more than one person or entity as “Lessee”, each such person or entity shall be jointly and severally liable hereunder. This Lease may be executed by the Parties in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

51. Waiver of Trial By Jury. LESSEE HEREBY KNOWINGLY, INTENTIONALLY, AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION BROUGHT BY LESSOR AGAINST LESSEE IN CONNECTION WITH THIS LEASE, OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY CAUSE OF ACTION, CLAIM, COUNTER-CLAIM, OR CROSS-COMPLAINT IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING AND/OR HEARING BROUGHT BY LESSOR OR LESSEE IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS LEASE OR THE NEGOTIATIONS LEADING UP THE LEASE, THE RELATIONSHIP OF LESSOR AND LESSEE, LESSEE’S USE OR OCCUPANCY OF THE PREMISES OR ANY CLAIM OF INJURY OR DAMAGE, OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY REMEDY UNDER ANY LAW, STATUE OR REGULATION NOW OR HEREAFTER IN EFFECT.

52. Interpretation. The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that each has been given the opportunity to independently review this Lease with legal counsel, and/or have the requisite experience and sophistication to understand, interpret, and agree to the particular language of the provisions hereof. In the event of any ambiguity in or dispute regarding the interpretation of the same, the interpretation of this Lease shall not be resolved by any rule of interpretation providing for the interpretation against the party who caused the uncertainty to exist or against the draftsman.


53. Mutual Agency; Co-Lessee. In the event the Lessee hereunder is comprised or constituted of more than one person or entity, each Lessee hereby appoints each remaining Lessee as his, her or its agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, to act for and on behalf of said Lessee with respect to all matters relating to, or arising from this Lease, the tenancy created hereby, the obligations herein set forth, and the use and occupancy of the Premises, specifically including but not limited to the right to alter, amend, modify, extend, supplement and terminate this Lease and the tenancy created hereunder. This agency shall continue and is irrevocable at all times during the period that the Premises is occupied by any co-lessee. Each Lessee further appoints Lessor as his, her or its attorney-in-fact to act on Lessee’s behalf wherever this Lease requires Lessee to undertake any act or execute any document and Lessee fails or refuses to timely undertake such action or execute such document. Notwithstanding such appointment, Lessor shall not be obligated to perform any act or execute any document on Lessee’s behalf, and Lessor shall not be liable to Lessee or any third-party for Lessor’s failure or refusal to perform any act or execute any document on Lessee’s behalf.

54. Confidentiality. Lessee acknowledges and agrees that as a material condition of this Lease, the negotiations preceding the execution of this Lease and the terms and conditions herein are confidential and are to remain strictly private to the fullest extent permitted by law. With the exception of Lessee’s attorney, accountants, tax preparers, insurers and/or lenders, and any governmental agency having jurisdiction or authority over Lessee or the Premises, Lessee shall not disclose, consent to the disclosure or otherwise disseminate the foregoing confidential information to any person or third-party, including, but not limited to, any existing prospective lessee at the Project, any real estate broker or to any other person or entity. Lessee further acknowledges that damages may be an inadequate remedy for the breach of this provision by Lessee and/or any of the Lessee parties and Lessor shall have the right to specific performance of this provision and the right to injunctive relief to prevent its breach or continued breach. In addition, Lessee shall forfeit the Security Deposit and Lessor may terminate this Lease upon three (3) days written notice to Lessee. The foregoing restriction shall survive the termination of this Lease for a period of five (5) years, and any violation of this provision shall constitute a material Breach of this Lease.

55. Americans With Disabilities Act. Since compliance with the American With Disabilities Act (“ADA”) is dependent upon Lessee’s specific use of the Premises, Lessor makes no warranty or representation as whether or not the Premises comply with ADA or any similar legislation. In the event that Lessee’s use of the Premises requires modifications or additions to the Premises in order to be in compliant with ADA, Lessee agrees to make any such necessary modifications and/or additions at Lessee’s sole cost and expense.

56. Patriot Act and Executive Order 13224 . As an inducement to Lessor to enter into this Lease, Lessee hereby represents and warrants that: (i) Lessee is not, nor is it owned or controlled directly or indirectly by, any person, group, entity or nation named on any list issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”) pursuant to Executive Order 13224 or any similar list or any law, order, rule or regulation or any Executive Order of the President of the United States as a terrorist, “Specially Designated National and Blocked Person” or other banned or blocked person (any such person, group, entity or nation being hereinafter referred to as a “Prohibited Person”); (ii) Lessee is not (nor is it owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any person, group, entity or nation which is) acting directly or indirectly for or on behalf of any Prohibited Person; and (iii) neither Lessee (nor any person, group, entity or nation which owns or controls Lessee, directly or indirectly) has conducted or will conduct business or has engaged or will engage in any transaction or dealing with any Prohibited Person, including without limitation any assignment of this Lease or any subletting of all or any portion of the Premises or the making or receiving of any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of a Prohibited Person. In connection with the foregoing, it is expressly understood and agreed that (x) any breach by Lessee of the foregoing representations and warranties shall be deemed a Default by Lessee under this Lease and shall be covered by the indemnity provisions hereof, and (y) the representations and warranties contained in this Paragraph 56 shall be continuing in nature and shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

57. Intentionally Omitted.

58. Communication Systems Leases . Lessor reserves the right to lease space on the Premises, the Building and/or the Project, including, but not limited to, the roof, parking lot, utility room, or excess land, for the existing and/or future installation and operation of wired and wireless communications systems for, but not limited to, PCS, cellular, or pagers. The communications systems shall not be installed if it will materially and adversely interfere with Lessee’s use of the Premises, its business or operation thereof, and if there is heretofore an existing system. Lessee agrees not to place like equipment that will interfere with existing systems, if any. Lessee will have no right to any or all rents paid by operators of the communications systems to Lessor. Lessee agrees to provide Lessor and communications systems providers reasonable access for such systems. Lessee shall not be responsible for any increase in property taxes and/or insurance resulting from a communications systems lease by Lessor.

LESSOR AND LESSEE HAVE CAREFULLY READ AND REVIEWED THIS LEASE AND EACH TERM AND PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN, AND BY THE EXECUTION OF THIS LEASE SHOW THEIR INFORMED AND VOLUNTARY CONSENT THERETO. THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE THAT, AT THE TIME THIS LEASE IS EXECUTED, THE TERMS OF THIS LEASE ARE COMMERCIALLY REASONABLE AND EFFECTUATE THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF LESSOR AND LESSEE WITH RESPECT TO THE PREMISES.


The parties hereto have executed this Lease at the place and on the dates specified above their respective signatures.

 

Executed at: Los Angeles    Executed at:
Date: 03-18-09    Date:
By LESSOR:    By LESSEE:

Newark Eureka Industrial Capital LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

  

Smart Modular Technologies, Inc.,

a California corporation

By: Continental Industrial Capital, LLC,    By: /s/ IAIN MACKENZIE
a Delaware limited liability company    Name: Iain MacKenzie
Its: Sole Member and Sole Manager    Title: President and CEO

By: Cohen Asset Management, Inc.,

a California corporation

  
Its: Manager   
By: /s/ BRADLEY S. COHEN   
Bradley S. Cohen, President   
Address: P.O. Box 24710    Address:
Los Angeles, CA 90024   
Telephone (    ) 310-860-0598    Telephone (    )
Facsimile (    ) 310-860-0599    Facsimile  (    )
   Federal ID No.
   CORPORATE RESOLUTION REQUIRED


ADDENDUM

THIS ADDENDUM is attached to and made a part of that certain Lease (“Lease”) dated for reference purposes only February 18, 2009, between Newark Eureka Industrial Capital LLC, a Delaware limited liability company as Lessor and Smart Modular Technologies, Inc., a California corporation as Lessee with respect to the Premises described more particularly in the body of the Lease to which this Addendum is attached and made a part as if fully set forth therein. Unless the context otherwise requires, defined terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the same meanings ascribed to them in the body of the Lease. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of this Addendum and the terms contained in the body of the Lease, the terms set forth in this Addendum shall supersede, control and take precedence over the conflicting or inconsistent terms set forth in the body of the Lease to the full extent of such conflict or inconsistency. Except to the extent expressly modified by this Addendum, the Lease is unmodified and remains in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.

59. Base Rent Adjustments. Lessee shall pay to Lessor Base Rent in advance, on or before the first day of each calendar month, as follows:

 

(a) During the period from May 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010, Lessee shall pay to Lessor Base Rent in equal monthly installments the sum of Thirty Six Thousand Five Hundred Sixty Dollars and Eighty Cents ($36,560.80); provided that so long as Lessee is not in default under the terms of the Lease, Base Rent shall be abated for this period as an Inducement Provision. Notwithstanding such abatement of Base Rent, Lessee’s Share of Common Area Operating Expenses and all other charges payable during such period shall not be abated and shall be payable by Lessee.

 

(b) During the period from May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2011, Lessee shall pay to Lessor Base Rent in equal monthly installments the sum of Thirty Six Thousand Five Hundred Sixty Dollars and Eighty Cents ($36,560.80).

 

(c) During the period from May 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012, Lessee shall pay to Lessor Base Rent in equal monthly installments the sum of Thirty Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Forty Dollars and Forty Three Cents ($37,840.43).

 

(d) During the period from May 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013, Lessee shall pay to Lessor Base Rent in equal monthly installments the sum of Thirty Nine Thousand One Hundred Sixty Seven Dollars and Seventy Four Cents ($39,167.74).

 

(e) During the period from May 1, 2013 through April 30, 2014, Lessee shall pay to Lessor Base Rent in equal monthly installments the sum of Forty Thousand Five Hundred Thirty Four Dollars and Eighty Cents ($40,534.80).

 

(f) During the period from May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015, Lessee shall pay to Lessor Base Rent in equal monthly installments the sum of Fifty Thousand Seventy Two Dollars and Forty Cents ($50,072.40).

 

(g) During the period from May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016, Lessee shall pay to Lessor Base Rent in equal monthly installments the sum of Fifty Four Thousand Forty Six Dollars and Forty Cents ($54,046.40).

60. Lessee Improvement Allowance . Lessor agrees to provide to Lessee a building improvement allowance in an amount of up to Three Hundred Ninety Seven Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($397,400.00) (the “Lessee Improvement Allowance”) subject to each and all of the following conditions:

 

(a) The Lessee Improvement Allowance shall be used solely for those improvements to the Premises required for Lessee’s occupancy that are permanent in nature and of a character that adds permanent value to the Building including but not limited to reasonable architectural and engineering expenses, installation and distribution of HVAC in warehouse and lab areas, additional electrical power panels and distribution, demolition and reconfiguration of interior offices, installation of ESD flooring in production areas, reasonable design fees, permit fees, construction material and supplies, and amounts paid to contractors and subcontractors or are included within the categories set forth on Exhibit “C” attached hereto (“Lessee Improvement Work”). The Lessee Improvement Work shall be subject to approval of Lessor in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 7.3(b) and 60.(c). The Lessee Improvement Allowance may not be used for Lessee’s furniture, fixtures or equipment.


(b) The Lessee Improvement Work shall be of a quality and quantity consistent with that of a first class research and development (R&D) property.

 

(c) Prior to commencing the Lessee Improvement Work, Lessee shall present to Lessor for Lessor’s review and written approval plans, specifications and a schedule of the Lessee Improvement Work providing detailed information such as make, model and specifications of equipment to be installed, quantities, unit pricing, specific location of the Building where improvements will be performed, the name of the contractor, phasing of work and total contract price for the Lessee Improvement Work.

 

(d) Lessee shall comply with all terms and conditions set forth in the Declaration in connection with the construction of the Lessee Improvement Work, including, without limitation, obtaining all necessary approvals of the Lessee Improvement Work by the Architectural Committee, and complying with all Architectural Standards (as defined in the Declaration), if any, established pursuant to the Declaration.

 

(e) Lessor shall not have any obligation to provide the Lessee Improvement Allowance unless all of the following conditions are met:

 

(i) Lessor shall have received written verification of all hard and soft costs actually incurred by Lessee for the Lessee Improvement Work including copies of all work orders, invoices, contracts together with evidence of payment thereof and any other documents reasonably requested by Lessor and that the aggregate amount actually expended and paid by Lessee for the Lessee Improvement Work is not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000), exclusive of said Improvement Allowance.

 

(ii) Lessor shall have received written verification that all lien releases, waivers, copies of checks paid by Lessee and any other documents necessary for lien free completion of the Lessee Improvement Work have been obtained from all contractors, subcontractors and materialmen.

 

(iii) Lessor shall have received copies of all permits, consents, approvals, inspection sign-offs and other documents necessary to confirm that the Lessee Improvement Work has been constructed in accordance with all Applicable Requirements and approved as to occupancy.

 

(iv) Lessee Improvement Allowance may only be used to pay for the cost of the Lessee Improvement Work agreed to by Lessor and Lessee in advance and, under no circumstances, will any unused amount of the Lessee Improvement Allowance be paid to the Lessee.

 

(v) Lessee Improvement Work shall be completed no later than October 31, 2009 (“Completion Date”) subject to unavoidable delays beyond Lessee’s control, force majeure and acts of God. In such event the Completion Date will be extended on a day-for-day basis for each day of delay; provided, however, that no such delay shall delay the Commencement Date or the payment of Rent by Lessee.

 

(f) The contractor for the Lessee Improvement Work shall be selected and mutually approved by Lessor and Lessee, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

(g) All contracts for the Lessee Improvement Work shall be entered into by Lessee and Lessor shall have no obligation to enter into any contracts for the Lessee Improvement Work.

 

(h) Lessor shall pay to Lessee the Lessee Improvement Allowance within thirty (30) days after Lessee’s written request therefor subject to Lessee’s full and complete satisfaction of the provisions of this Paragraph 60, inclusive of delivery to Lessor of all materials to be delivered to Lessor pursuant to subparagraph 60.(d). Notwithstanding the foregoing, any unused amount of the Lessee Improvement Allowance held by Lessor as of December 31, 2009 shall be retained by Lessor and Lessee shall have no further right to utilize or request such unused portion of the Lessee Improvement Allowance.


61. Options. Lessor hereby grants to Lessee one (1) option (“Option”) to extend the term of this Lease for a period of five (5) years (“Option Term”) commencing when the term in paragraph 1.3 expires upon each and all of the following terms and conditions:

 

(a) Lessee gives Lessor, and Lessor actually receives on a date that is prior to the date that the Option Term would commence (if exercised) by at least six (6) months and no more than nine (9) months in advance, a written notice of the exercise of the Option to extend this Lease for said additional term, time being of the essence. If said notification of the exercise of said option is not so given and received, the Option shall automatically expire;

 

(b) The provisions of paragraph 39, including the provision relating to default of Lessee set forth in paragraph 39.4 of this Lease are conditions of this Option;

 

(c) All the terms and conditions of this Lease except where specifically modified by this Option shall apply;

 

(d) The monthly rent for each month of the first year of the Option Term shall be calculated at 95% of Fair Market Value (“Market Rent”), but under no circumstance shall the Market Rent be less than the Base Rent payable during the last month of the original term of the Lease;

 

(e) The Market Rent shall be established by Lessor and used as the Base Rent during the first year of the Option Term. Lessor shall notify Lessee of Lessor’s determination of Fair Market Value and Market Rent no later than ninety (90) days after Lessor’s receipt of Lessee’s written notice of the exercise of the Option as described in (a) above. Should the Lessee disagree with the Market Rent as determined by the Lessor and the Lessee and the Lessor are unable to resolve their differences within ten (10) days after the Lessor notifies the Lessee of the Market Rent, then each party shall, within the following ten (10) days, appoint a qualified real estate appraiser with at least five (5) years full time appraisal experience with respect to commercial rental properties in the Newark/Fremont area to appraise and set the Market Rent. In determining the Fair Market Value, the appraisers shall determine the per-usable square foot rental that a willing, non-equity tenant would pay and a willing landlord at a comparable property in the marketplace would accept at arm’s length for an extension term of an existing lease for a single tenant facility, giving appropriate consideration to rental rates, existing tenant improvements, availability of parking, rental increases, the type of operating expense escalation clauses, age, quality and condition of the Premises, length of term, size and location of the premises being leases in the marketplace at the time of such determination of Market Rent.

 

(f) If the two appraisers are unable to agree on a Market Rent within thirty (30) days after the second appraiser has been appointed, they shall within ten (10) days thereafter select a third appraiser, meeting the qualifications stated in paragraph (e). If they are unable to agree on a third appraiser, either of the parties to this Lease, by giving ten (10) days notice to the other party, may apply to the president of East Bay Brokers Association for the selection of a third appraiser who meets the qualifications stated in paragraph (e). Each of the two parties shall bear one-half of the cost of appointing the third appraiser and of paying for the third appraiser’s fee. Within ten (10) days after the selection of the third appraiser a majority of the appraisers shall set the Market Rent for the first year of the Option Term.

 

(g) If a majority of the appraisers are unable to set the Market Rent within ten (10) days, the three appraisals shall be added together and their total divided by three; the resulting quotient shall be the initial Market Rent for the Premises during the first year of the Option Term.

 

(h) However, if either or both of the low appraisal and/or the high appraisal are more than ten percent (10%) lower or higher than the middle appraisal, then the appraisals which are more than 10% lower or higher than the middle appraisal shall be disregarded. If only one appraisal is disregarded, the remaining two appraisals shall be added together and their total divided by two. The resulting quotient shall be the initial Market Rent for the Premises during the Option Term. If both the low appraisal and the high appraisal are disregarded as stated in this paragraph, the middle appraisal shall be the initial Market Rent for the Premises for such Option Term. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, if the rent payable for the Option Term as determined herein is within 10% of the Market Rent rate initially presented by Lessor, then Lessee shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by Lessor as a result of the appraisal process.

 

(i) The Market Rent as determined pursuant to this Paragraph 61 shall be increased (but never decreased) effective as of the first day of the thirteenth (13 th ) full calendar month of the Option Term and on the first day of each succeeding twelfth (12 th ) month during the Option Term (each an “Adjustment Date”) in accordance with percentage increases, if any, in the Consumer Price Index - Urban Consumers San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose CA, Area; Base 1982-84 = 100) (“Index”), as published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (“Bureau”), during the immediately preceding twelve (12) calendar months. The Index for the month (“Comparison Month”) which is four (4) months prior to each Adjustment Date during the Term of the Lease shall be compared with the Index for the Comparison Month that is sixteen (16) months prior to such Adjustment Date, and the Market Rent shall be increased upon the Adjustment Date in accordance with the percentage increase, if any, between such Comparison Month indexes. Lessor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to calculate and give Lessee written notice of any such increase in the Market Rent prior to, and Lessee shall pay the increased Market Rent effective on, each Adjustment Date. Should the Bureau discontinue the publication of the Index, or publish the same less frequently, or alter the same in some other manner, Lessor, in its discretion, shall adopt a substitute index or procedure which reasonably reflects and monitors consumer prices.


62. Use of Existing Furniture. Lessee shall have the right to use of the thirty-nine (39) Herman Miller modular office cubicles (the “Furniture”) currently located in the Premises during the Term; provided, however, that Lessee acknowledges and agrees that use of the Furniture is on an “AS-IS WHERE-IS” basis, and neither Lessor nor Lessor’s agents have made any representations or warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, as to the condition of the Furniture, including without limitation warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Lessee acknowledges and agrees that it has made its own independent investigation of the Furniture and assumes all risks from the use thereof by Lessee, its employees, agents, contractors or representatives. Lessee shall maintain the Furniture during the Term and shall deliver possession thereof to Lessor at the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease in substantially the same condition as of the date hereof, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

63. Removal of Improvements . Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 7.4(b), in the event Lessee, concurrently with its written request for Lessor’s consent to any Alterations or Utility Installation in accordance with Paragraph 7.3(b) or the Lessee Improvement Work in accordance with Paragraph 60.(c), requests that Lessor notify Lessee concurrently with Lessor’s consent to Lessee’s proposed Alterations or Utility Installation or Lessee Improvement Work that Lessor will require the removal of all or any portion of such Alterations or Utility Installation or Lessee Improvement Work at the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, then Lessor, no later than ten (10) business days following such request, shall provide Lessee with such notice specifying the portions of the Alterations or Utility Installation or Lessee Improvement Work that Lessee will be required to remove. If Lessor’s consent to any Alterations or Utility Installations is not required pursuant to Paragraph 7.3(b) hereof, Lessee shall be required to remove the same at the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease unless Lessee has requested Lessor’s determination as to whether such Alterations or Utility Installations may remain in the Premises and Lessor has expressly consented thereto.


Exhibit “A”

Premises


Exhibit “B”

Project Parking Spaces


Exhibit “C”

Architect

Additional Architect Drawings (Change Orders)

General Contractor

Demolition

ESD

Paint

MEP

HVAC

Chiller Relocation

Exterior Equipment Pad/Fencing (estimated) Fire Sprinklers

Signage (estimated)

CDA and vacuum line installation and distribution

Permits

Project Management Services/ADA

Cubicles

Private Office Furniture

Private Offices installation

Cubicle Workstations, Inscape Platform and Storewall 6x8 Workstations with 57.5” high panels

Employee Nameplates

UPS and Power Distribution Equipment

Office Cabling (estimated)

RD/Tech Support/CTS Labs

Lab Rack and Cabling (estimated)

Routers, switches, UPS, PBX wiring and distribution

Security Systems (estimated)

Movers

Post Move-Fit Up

Exhibit 10.18

FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEASE

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEASE (this “ First Amendment ”) is made and entered into as of April 29, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and between NEWARK EUREKA INDUSTRIAL CAPITAL LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Lessor ”) and SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a California corporation (“ Lessee ”) with reference to the following facts:

A. Lessor and Lessee are parties to that certain Standard Industrial/Commercial Multi-Tenant Lease-Net dated February 18, 2009 (together with any and all exhibits and addenda thereto, the “ Original Lease ”) with respect to that certain premises located at 39870 Eureka Drive, Newark, California (the “ Premises ”).

B. Lessor and Lessee now desire to modify and amend the Original Lease to, among other things, extend the Original Term and to provide for the rental amount for such extended term, all on the terms and conditions set forth in this First Amendment.

C. Defined terms in this First Amendment shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Original Lease unless otherwise expressly defined in this First Amendment. Where the terms of this First Amendment and the terms of the Original Lease conflict, the terms of this First Amendment shall in all instances prevail.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the parties hereto, Lessor and Lessee hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Recitals . The recitals set forth above are not merely recitals, but form an integral part of this First Amendment. The Original Lease, as modified, amended, supplemented and confirmed by this First Amendment is hereinafter referred to as the “Lease”.

 

2. Lease Term . The Original Term is hereby extended for a period of sixty (60) months (the “Extended Term”) commencing on May 1, 2016 (the “Extended Term Commencement Date”), and expiring on April 30, 2021.

 

3. Base Rent . Base Rent for the Extended Term shall be payable as follows:

 

Months   

Monthly

NNN

Rent/sf

    

Monthly

Base Rent

 

May 1, 2016 April 30, 2017

   $ 0.75      $ 59,610.00  

May 1, 2017 - April 30, 2018

   $ 0.78      $ 61,994.40  

May 1, 2018 - April 30, 2019

   $ 0.81      $ 64,474.18  

May 1, 2019 - April 30, 2020

   $ 0.84      $ 67,053.14  

May 1, 2020 - April 30, 2021

   $ 0.88      $ 69,735.27  

 

4.

Rent Abatement . Subject to Paragraph 10 below, Lessor hereby agrees to abate Lessee’s obligation to pay Base Rent (the “ Abated Base Rent ”) attributable to the period during the Extended Term commencing on May 1, 2016 and ending on August 15, 2016 (the “ Abatement Period ”), provided that Lessee is not in default under the Lease as of the

 

Page 1 of 7


commencement of, or at any time during, the Abatement Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Extended Term Commencement Date, Lessor, in its sole and absolute discretion, may elect to either: (i) provide to Lessee, in lieu of the Abated Base Rent, the amount of Two Hundred Eight Thousand Six Hundred Thirty-Five Dollars ($208,635.00), which amount is equal to the Abated Base Rent; or (ii) provide written notice to Lessee of the time period (by month or partial month, up to three and one-half months) for which the Abated Base Rent may be applied during the Extended Term in lieu of the Abatement Period. The abatement right set forth in this Paragraph has been granted to Lessee as additional consideration for Lessee’s agreement to extend the term of the Lease and comply with the terms and conditions otherwise required under the Lease.

 

5. Operating Expenses . Lessee shall continue to pay Lessee’s Share of Common Area Operating Expenses and any other amounts payable pursuant to the terms of the Original Lease during the Extended Term, including months where Lessee is not obligated to pay any monthly Base Rent.

 

6. Use of the Premises . From and after the Extended Term Commencement Date, Lessee shall continue to only use the Premises for the uses specified in Sections 1.8 and 6 of the Original Lease.

 

7. Lessee’s Additional Work . Subject to the terms and conditions of the Original Lease, including, without limitation, Paragraphs 7.3(b) and 7.4, Lessee shall have the right, from April 1, 2014 until May 1, 2017 to complete the work described on Exhibit “A” attached hereto (“ Lessee’s Additional Work ”), provided that (a) if Lessee’s Additional Work is commenced, same shall be diligently pursued until completion and in all events completed by May 1, 2017; (b) Lessee’s Additional Work shall be completed in a good and workmanlike manner and of a quality consistent with that of a first class research and development (R&D) and manufacturing property, in compliance with all Applicable Requirements and the Declaration and (c) provided that such Lessee’s Additional Work is solely for the alterations as outlined in Exhibit “A” .

 

8.

Lessee’s Improvement Allowance . Provided that Lessee completes Lessee’s Additional Work as provided herein, then Lessor agrees to provide to Lessee a lessee improvement allowance in an amount of up to Three Hundred Fifty-Seven Thousand Six-Hundred Sixty and 00 100 Dollars ($357,660.00) (“ Lessee’s Improvement Allowance ”) subject to the terms set forth herein and further subject to Paragraph 13.3 of the Original Lease. Lessee’s Improvement Allowance shall be used solely for the cost of Lessee’s Additional Work as outlined in Exhibit “A” which shall be completed no later than May 1, 2017 and under no circumstances will any unused amount of Lessee’s Improvement Allowance be paid to Lessee. Lessee shall perform and complete Lessee’s Additional Work in two (2) phases as specified on Exhibit “A” and, subject to Lessee’s compliance with the terms and conditions set forth herein, up to Ninety Thousand and 00’100 Dollars ($90,000.00) of Lessee’s Improvement Allowance shall be paid to Lessee after the completion of Phase I, and the remainder of Lessee’s Improvement Allowance shall be paid to Lessee after the completion of Phase II. Provided Lessee is not in Default or Breach and remains the original Lessee named in the Original Lease, Lessor shall pay Lessee an amount equal to all eligible costs incurred by Lessee in connection with each respective phase of Lessee’s Additional Work

 

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  (provided in no event shall Lessor’s obligations exceed Lessee’s Improvement Allowance) within thirty (30) days after the latest to occur of the following for each phase: (a) Lessor’s receipt of written request for payment of Lessee’s Improvement Allowance by Lessee; (b) Lessee having completed construction of Lessee’s Additional Work for the respective phase in accordance with plans approved by Lessor and with all permits, consents, approvals, inspection sign-offs and other documents necessary to confirm that Lessee’s Additional Work for the respective phase has been constructed in accordance with all Applicable Requirements and the Declaration; (c) Lessee having provided Lessor receipts, invoices or other reasonable evidence of payment showing the amount of the eligible costs for which reimbursement is sought for the respective phase; (d) all contractors, subcontractors and suppliers having delivered to Lessee and Lessee having provided Lessor with copies of final unconditional mechanics’ lien waivers with respect to such work for the respective phase; (e) a certificate from the contractor or, if applicable, the general contractor in a form reasonably acceptable to Lessor, certifying that the construction of Lessee’s Additional Work for the respective phase has been substantially completed in accordance with the terms hereof; (f) if required, Lessee causing a notice of completion to be recorded in Alameda County, California in accordance with the California Civil Code and providing a copy thereof to Lessor for each respective phase; (g) Lessee delivering a set of as-built drawings to Lessor for each respective phase; (h) Lessee delivering to Lessor a copy of all warranties, guaranties, and operating manuals and information relating to Lessor’s Additional Work for each respective phase; and (i) any other documentation reasonably requested by Lessor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any unused amount of the Lessee Improvement Allowance will be held by Lessor until May 1, 2017, at which time if it has not been utilized, shall be retained by Lessor and Lessee shall have no further right to utilize such unused portion of the Lessee Improvement Allowance.

 

9. Option to Renew . Lessee shall continue to have the one (1)-time right to extend the Term of the Original Lease for the Option Term in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in Paragraphs 39 and 61 of the Original Lease, except that the Option Term (if exercised) would commence upon the expiration of the Extended Term as provided in Paragraph 2 of the First Amendment, and provided that in no event will the Market Rent be less than the Base Rent payable during the last month of the Extended Term.

 

10. Inducement Recapture . Any agreement for free or abated rent or other charges, or for the giving or paying by Lessor to or for Lessee of any cash or other bonus, inducement or consideration for Lessee’s entering into the Lease or this Amendment, all of which concessions are hereinafter referred to as “ Inducement Provisions ,” shall be deemed conditioned upon Lessee’s full and faithful performance of all of the terms, covenants and conditions of the Lease and this Amendment. Upon a default by Lessee under the Lease or this Amendment, any such Inducement Provision shall automatically be deemed deleted from the Lease and this Amendment and of no further force or effect, and any rent, other charge, bonus, inducement or consideration theretofore abated, given or paid by Lessor pursuant to such an Inducement Provision shall be immediately due and payable by Lessee to Lessor, notwithstanding any subsequent cure of said default by Lessee. The acceptance by Lessor of rent or the cure of the default which initiated the operation of this Paragraph shall not be deemed a waiver by Lessor of the provisions of this Paragraph unless specifically so stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such acceptance.

 

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11. Brokers . Lessor and Lessee each represent and warrant to the other that no broker or finder was instrumental in arranging or bringing about this transaction except for Cornish & Carey Newmark Knight Frank which represented Lessor and S5 Advisory Inc. which represented Lessee (“ Brokers ”), and except for Brokers, there are no claims or rights for brokerage commissions or finder’s fees in connection with the same. If any unnamed person brings a claim for a commission or finder’s fee based upon any contact, dealings or communication with Lessor or Lessee relating to this transaction, then the party through whom such person makes his claim shall defend the other party (the “ Indemnified Party ”) from such claim, and shall indemnify the Indemnified Party and hold the Indemnified Party harmless from any and all costs, damages, claims, liabilities or expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by the Indemnified Party in defending against the claim. The provisions of this Paragraph 11 shall survive the expiration or early termination of the Lease. Lessor is responsible for paying the brokerage fee to its broker Cornish & Carey Newmark Knight Frank pursuant to a separate agreement.

 

12. Representation . As a material inducement and consideration to Lessor to execute and deliver this First Amendment, Lessee represents and warrants to Lessor the truth of the following statements: (a) the Lease constitutes the entire agreement between Lessor and Lessee with respect to the Premises, is presently in full force and effect, and has not been further modified, changed, altered, assigned, supplemented or amended in any respect; (b) as of the date of this First Amendment, Lessee has not assigned, encumbered or hypothecated its interest in the Lease; (c) the Lease is the only lease or agreement, written or oral, between Lessor and Lessee affecting or relating to the Premises; (d) no one except Lessee and its employees occupies the Premises; (e) Lessee has no offsets, claims, or defenses to the enforcement of the Lease; (f) no actions, whether voluntary or otherwise, are pending against Lessee under the bankruptcy laws of the United States or any state thereof; (g) as of the date hereof, and to the best of Lessee’s knowledge, after due inquiry, Lessor and Lessee are not in default under the Lease and have not committed any breach of the Lease; no event has occurred which, but for the passing of time or for the giving or receipt of notice, or both, would constitute a default under the Lease; and no notice of default has been given under the Lease; (h) to the best of Lessee’s knowledge, the use maintenance and operation of the Premises comply with all applicable federal, state, county or local statutes, laws, rules and regulations of any governmental authorities relating to environmental, health or safety matters (collectively, “ Environmental Laws ”); the Premises have not been used and Lessee does not plan to use the Premises for any activities which, directly or indirectly, involve the use, generation, treatment, storage, transportation or disposal of any petroleum product or any toxic or hazardous chemical, material, substance, pollutant or waste in violation of the terms and conditions of the Lease; Lessee has not received any notices, written or oral, of violation of any Environmental Laws or of any allegation which, if true, would contradict anything contained in this First Amendment and there are no writs, injunctions, decrees, orders or judgments outstanding, and no lawsuits, claims, proceedings or investigations pending or threatened against Lessee, relating to the use, maintenance or operation of the Premises, nor is Lessee aware of a basis for any such proceeding.

 

13.

Effect on Lease . Except as hereby expressly amended, all other terms and conditions of the Original Lease shall remain and continue in full force and effect. Nothing herein contained alters or amends any required consent or approval required under the terms of the Original

 

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  Lease in connection with any sublease or assignment. Submission of this First Amendment by one party to another shall have no legal significance and is not an offer that may be accepted; this First Amendment shall become effective only upon mutual execution and delivery hereof by all parties and contemplated signatory hereof.

 

14. Counterparts . This First Amendment may be executed in several counterparts (by original, facsimile or electronic PDF signatures), each of which shall be deemed an original, all of which together shall constitute one and the same First Amendment.

 

15. Americans With Disabilities Act . The Premises have not undergone an inspection by a certified Access Specialist.

 

16. Energy Efficiency Disclosures . Lessee shall cooperate with Lessor in providing any and all information requested by or on behalf of Lessor in connection with the utilities used at the Premises and/or any other energy efficiency related information.

 

17. Miscellaneous . The headings used in this First Amendment are for convenience only and shall have no effect upon the interpretation of this First Amendment. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this First Amendment, nothing contained in this First Amendment shall operate to waive the rights of Lessor or Lessee under the Original Lease. The persons signing this First Amendment represent and warrant that they have the power and authority to bind the party on whose behalf they are signing.

[Signatures on the following page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lessor and Lessee have executed and delivered this First Amendment as of the day and year first above written.

 

LESSOR

NEWARK EUREKA INDUSTRIAL CAPITAL LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:  

CONTINENTAL INDUSTRIAL CAPITAL, LLC

a Delaware limited liability company

Its:   Sole Member
By:  

Cohen Asset Management, Inc.,

a California corporation

Its:   Manager
  By:  

/s/ Bradley S. Cohen

    Bradley S. Cohen
  Its:   President

 

LESSEE:

SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

a California corporation

  By:  

/s/ Jack Pacheco

    Jack Pacheco
  Its:   Sr. V.P., CFO, COO

 

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EXHIBIT A

LESSEE’S ADDITIONAL WORK

Phase I:

(a) Upgrade the lighting in the manufacturing area to LED Lights with the following specifications:

Input Voltage 110 VAC

Life: 40,000 hours

Frequency 60Hz

LED Efficiency 95+ LM/W

Operating Temperature -13°F — +122°F

Color Temperature 30000 - 6000K

Power Factor (PF) > 0.91

Luminous Flux up to 3,600lm

Viewing Angle 120°

Color Rendering Index (CRI) > 75

Working Humidity 10% - 90%

CE, RoHS, FCC

Phase II:

(a) New interior paint throughout the Premises;

(b) New broadloom carpet (Shaw “Philadelphia Queen” or equivalent) in the office areas.

 

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Exhibit 10.20

Execution Version

 

 

 

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

by and between

SMART STORAGE SYSTEMS (GLOBAL HOLDINGS), INC.,

SANDISK CORPORATION,

SANDISK MANUFACTURING

and

solely for purposes of Section 5.7(c) , Section 5.8 , ARTICLE VIII and ARTICLE IX ,

SALEEN HOLDINGS, INC.,

SALEEN INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, INC.

and

SMART WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS, INC.

dated as of July 2, 2013

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

          Page  
ARTICLE I  
Definitions
Section 1.1    Certain Defined Terms      6
Section 1.2    Additional Defined Terms      20
Section 1.3    Other Interpretive Provisions      23
ARTICLE II  
Purchase and Sale of Sold Shares
Section 2.1    Purchase and Sale of Sold Shares      23
Section 2.2    Estimated Purchase Price; Escrow Amount      23
Section 2.3    The Closing      24
Section 2.4    Deliveries at the Closing      24
Section 2.5    Post-Closing Purchase Price Adjustment      26
Section 2.6    Purchase Price Allocation      29
Section 2.7    Withholding Rights      29
ARTICLE III  
Representations and Warranties of Seller
Section 3.1    Qualification, Organization and Subsidiaries      30
Section 3.2    Capitalization of Sold Companies      30
Section 3.3    Seller Options      31
Section 3.4    Authority      31
Section 3.5    Noncontravention      32
Section 3.6    Financial Statements      32
Section 3.7    Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities      34
Section 3.8    Taxes      35
Section 3.9    Compliance with Laws; Orders; Permits; Litigation      37
Section 3.10    Real Property      39
Section 3.11    Tangible Personal Properties      39

 

i


Section 3.12    Appropriate Division of Assets; Sufficiency of Assets      39
Section 3.13    Intellectual Property      40
Section 3.14    Company Products      43
Section 3.15    Inventory      44
Section 3.16    Absence of Certain Changes or Events      44
Section 3.17    Material Contracts      44
Section 3.18    Employee Benefits      47
Section 3.19    Labor and Employment Matters      49
Section 3.20    Environmental      51
Section 3.21    Insurance      51
Section 3.22    Transactions with Related Persons; Affiliates      52
Section 3.23    Brokers and Other Advisors      52
Section 3.24    No Other Representations or Warranties      52
ARTICLE IV  
Representations and Warranties of Buyer
Section 4.1    Qualification, Organization      52
Section 4.2    Authority      52
Section 4.3    Noncontravention      53
Section 4.4    Litigation; Orders      53
Section 4.5    Financial Resources      53
Section 4.6    Brokers and Other Advisors      54
Section 4.7    Purchase for Investment      54
Section 4.8    Investigation      54
Section 4.9    Projections      54
Section 4.10    No Other Representations or Warranties      54
ARTICLE V  
Covenants and Agreements
Section 5.1    Conduct of Business Prior to the Closing      55
Section 5.2    Access      58
Section 5.3    Efforts; Regulatory Approvals      59
Section 5.4    Third Party Consents      60

 

ii


Section 5.5    Tax Matters      60
Section 5.6    Employees; Benefit Plans      62
Section 5.7    Treatment of Seller Options Held by Business Employees      64
Section 5.8    Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation      67
Section 5.9    Termination of Intercompany Arrangements      69
Section 5.10    Post-Closing Access to Records and Personnel      70
Section 5.11    Publicity; Confidentiality      71
Section 5.12    [Intentionally omitted]      72
Section 5.13    Resignation of Directors and Officers      72
Section 5.14    Restructuring      72
Section 5.15    No Solicitation      73
Section 5.16    Notices of Certain Events      73
Section 5.17    Preparation for Transition Services      74
ARTICLE VI  
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
Section 6.1    Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Seller      74
Section 6.2    Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Buyer      75
ARTICLE VII  
Termination
Section 7.1    Termination      77
Section 7.2    Effect of Termination      78
ARTICLE VIII  
Indemnification
Section 8.1    Survival      78
Section 8.2    Indemnification by Seller      79
Section 8.3    Indemnification by Buyer      82
Section 8.4    Termination of Indemnification      82
Section 8.5    Notice and Opportunity to Defend      83
Section 8.6    Procedures for Tax Claims      83
Section 8.7    Other Limitations      84

 

iii


Section 8.8    Treatment of Indemnification Payments      85
Section 8.9    Procedures for Claims      85
Section 8.10    Procedures for Release of Escrow Account      86
Section 8.11    Exclusive Remedy      87
ARTICLE IX  
Miscellaneous
Section 9.1    Governing Law      88
Section 9.2    Materiality; Disclosure Schedules      88
Section 9.3    Expenses; Transfer Taxes      88
Section 9.4    Amendments      88
Section 9.5    Waiver      88
Section 9.6    Assignment      89
Section 9.7    Notices      89
Section 9.8    Complete Agreement      90
Section 9.9    Counterparts      90
Section 9.10    Headings      90
Section 9.11    Severability      90
Section 9.12    Third Parties      91
Section 9.13    Consent to Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL      91
Section 9.14    Fulfillment of Obligations      92
Section 9.15    Provision Respecting Legal Representation      92
Section 9.16    Enforcement of Agreement      92
Section 9.17    Non-Recourse      93
Section 9.18    Construction; Cooperation      93
Section 9.19    Time is of the Essence      94
Section 9.20    Buyer Guaranty      94

 

iv


Exhibits

 

Exhibit A   

Restructuring

Annex I – Legacy Defense Business Employees

Annex II – Legacy Defense Business Products Part Numbers

Annex III – Forms of Transfer Documentation

Exhibit B    Form of A&R IP Cross-License Agreement
Exhibit C-1    Form of Buyer General Release
Exhibit C-2    Form of Seller General Release
Exhibit D    Closing Net Working Capital Methodology
Exhibit E    Form of Escrow Agreement
Exhibit F    Form of SL Agreement
Exhibit G    Form of Transition Services Agreement
Exhibit H    Form of Offer Letter

 

v


STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of July 2, 2013, is entered into by and between SMART STORAGE SYSTEMS (GLOBAL HOLDINGS), INC., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“ Seller ”), SANDISK CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“ Buyer ”), SANDISK MANUFACTURING, a Republic of Ireland company (“ BuyerSub ”), and solely for purposes of Section 5.7(c) , Section 5.8 , ARTICLE VIII and ARTICLE IX , Saleen Holdings, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“ Saleen Holdings ”), Saleen Intermediate Holdings, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saleen Holdings (“ Saleen Intermediate ”), and SMART Worldwide Holdings, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saleen Intermediate (“ SMART Worldwide ” and together with Seller, Buyer, BuyerSub, Saleen Holdings and Saleen Intermediate, the “ parties ”).

WHEREAS, Seller directly owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity securities designated on Section 3.2 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule (the “ Sold Shares ”) of (i) SMART Storage Systems, Inc., an Arizona corporation (“ Storage AZ ”), (ii) SMART Storage Systems Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysia corporation (“ Storage Malaysia ”), and (iii) SMART Storage Systems (SG), PTE, LTD., a Singapore private limited company (“ Storage Singapore ”) (together with SMART Storage Systems GmbH, an Austrian limited liability company (“ Storage Austria ”), collectively the “ Sold Companies ”);

WHEREAS, prior to the Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date, Seller, the Sold Companies and certain of Seller’s other Subsidiaries shall have consummated the transactions set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto (the “ Restructuring ”);

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and as a condition and material inducement to Buyer’s and BuyerSub’s willingness to enter into this Agreement, each of the Key Employees (as defined herein) has executed and delivered to Buyer an employment offer letter (each, a “ Key Employee Offer Letter ”), which Key Employee Offer Letters shall only become effective at the Closing (as defined herein); and

WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell, and Buyer and BuyerSub (as applicable) desire to purchase, the Sold Shares, on the terms and subject to the limitations and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements herein contained and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 Certain Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:


A&R IP Cross-License Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Intellectual Property Cross-License Agreement to be dated as of the Closing Date between the Storage Parties (as defined therein), the Memory Parties (as defined therein) and the Defense Parties (as defined therein), in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto.

Acquisition Proposal ” means, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Restructuring), (i) the sale, license, disposition or acquisition of all or a material portion of the business or assets of any of the Sold Companies (except, in each case, for (1) sales and non-exclusive licenses of products and services of the Sold Companies, including the sale or other disposition of supply, inventory or trading stock, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, (2) transfers among the Sold Companies, (3) the transactions contemplated by the A&R IP Cross-License Agreement and (4) the transactions contemplated by the Transition Services Agreement), (ii) the issuance, disposition or acquisition of (a) any capital stock or other equity security of any of the Sold Company, (b) any subscription, option, call, warrant, preemptive right, right of first refusal or any other right (whether or not exercisable) to acquire any capital stock or other equity security of any Sold Company, or (c) any security, instrument or obligation that is or may become convertible into or exchangeable for any capital stock or other equity security of any Sold Company or (iii) any merger, consolidation, business combination, reorganization or similar transaction involving any Sold Company.

Action ” means any litigation, claim, action, arbitration, suit, hearing or proceeding (whether a civil, criminal, appellate or administrative proceeding).

Affiliate ” means, with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, such Person; provided , that none of the Sold Companies shall be considered Affiliates of any portfolio company in which Silver Lake Partners III, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund, L.P. or any of their respective investment fund Affiliates have made a debt or equity investment (and vice versa).

Aggregate Replacement Option Value ” means the sum of the Replacement Option Values of all Assumed Business Employee Options.

Agreement ” means this Stock Purchase Agreement by and between the parties hereto (including the Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules attached hereto).

Applicable Buyer Stock Price ” means the average of the closing sale prices for a Buyer Share on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for the twenty (20) consecutive trading days ending with, and including, the trading day that is two (2) trading days prior to the Closing Date. By way of illustration with respect to the foregoing sentence, if the Closing Date occurs on a Thursday, the last closing sales price used for the averaging period would be the closing sales price of a Buyer Share on the immediately preceding Tuesday.

Assumed Business Employee Option ” means each Seller Option that is outstanding and unvested as of immediately prior to the Closing (excluding, for the avoidance of

 

7


doubt, any Seller Options that vest as of a result of the Closing) and held by a Continuing Employee.

Assumed Business Employee Option Rollover Value ” means the product of (i) the Fully Diluted Per Share Portion, multiplied by (ii) (A) $307,000,000, plus (B) Estimated Cash on Hand, minus (C) Estimated Closing Indebtedness, minus (D) Estimated Unpaid Sold Company Transaction Expenses, plus (E) the amount (if any) by which Estimated Net Working Capital is in excess of the Target Net Working Capital, minus (F) the amount (if any) by which the Target Net Working Capital is in excess of Estimated Net Working Capital, plus (G) the aggregate exercise prices of all Seller Options outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing (whether or not Vested Seller Options), minus (H) all Obligations (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) paid by Seller to SMART Worldwide pursuant to the Revolving Credit Agreement Release, minus (I) the amount of Seller Group Transaction Expenses paid prior to the Closing Date or payable on the Closing Date.

Balance Sheet Date ” means May 31, 2013.

Benefit Plan ” means each pension, profit-sharing, deferred compensation, savings, retirement, supplemental retirement, excess benefit, employment, consulting, severance, termination, compensation, incentive, deferred compensation, bonus, stock purchase, stock option or other equity or equity-linked compensation, change-in-control, transaction, retention, salary continuation, vacation, paid-time-off, sick leave, disability, death benefit, group insurance, hospitalization, medical, dental, life, accident, Code Section 125 “cafeteria” or “flexible” benefit, employee loan, tuition or educational assistance, dependent care assistance, employee assistance, adoption assistance, fringe benefit or any other compensation or benefit plan, program, arrangement or agreement, including each (i) “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (whether or not subject to ERISA) and (ii) trust, escrow, or funding mechanism related to any of the foregoing.

Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which banks are required or authorized by law to be closed in San Jose, California or New York, New York.

Business Employee ” means, at any time of determination thereof, each employee of the Sold Companies at such time; provided , that, “ Business Employee ” does not include any of the employees of the Legacy Defense Business, each of whom is identified on Annex I of Exhibit A attached hereto (other than externally-hired replacements or employees transferred from the Remaining Entities as replacements for any such employees of the Legacy Defense Business who cease to be employed by the Legacy Defense Business for any reason (for clarity, any such replacements shall not constitute Business Employees)).

Buyer Disclosure Schedule ” means the disclosure schedule delivered by Buyer to Seller on the date hereof.

Buyer Fundamental Reps ” means the representations and warranties of Buyer set forth in Section 4.2 (Authority) and Section 4.6 (Brokers and Other Advisors).

 

8


Buyer General Release ” means the General Release to be dated as of the Closing Date, in the form of Exhibit C-1 attached hereto.

Buyer Share ” means a share of common stock, $0.001 par value, of Buyer.

Cash on Hand ” means, with respect to the Sold Companies, all cash and cash equivalents, as of the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date after giving effect to the Restructuring, determined in accordance with GAAP, less the amount of any Excess Restricted Cash Cost. For the avoidance of doubt, Cash on Hand shall (i) be calculated net of uncleared checks and drafts issued by the Sold Companies and (ii) include uncleared checks and drafts received or deposited for the account of the Sold Companies. For the avoidance of doubt, Cash on Hand may be a negative number.

Closing Agreements ” means (i) the SL Agreement, (ii) the A&R IP Cross-License Agreement, (iii) the Escrow Agreement, (iv) the Transition Services Agreement, (v) the Buyer General Release, (vi) the Seller General Release and (vii) any other agreement related to the transactions contemplated hereby and mutually agreed by Seller and Buyer to be entered into at Closing.

Closing Indebtedness ” means the Indebtedness of the Sold Companies (excluding (i) any such Indebtedness that is owed to another Sold Company and (ii) any Indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement (which shall be repaid in full in accordance with the Revolving Credit Agreement Release pursuant to Section 5.9(a) )) immediately prior to the Closing.

Closing Net Working Capital ” means (i) the Current Assets, minus (ii) the Current Liabilities, in each case, as of the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date after giving effect to the Restructuring and as determined in accordance with Exhibit D attached hereto.

Code ” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Company Benefit Plan ” means each Benefit Plan that is maintained, participated in, sponsored or contributed to by any of the Sold Companies or any of their respective Affiliates and which covers, is entered into by or with and/or provides compensation or benefits to any current or former Business Employees, or with respect to which any of the Sold Companies or any of their respective Affiliates contributes or is obligated to contribute, or with respect to which any of the Sold Companies or any of their respective Affiliates or with respect to which any of the Sold Companies or any of their respective Affiliates may have any liability, whether fixed or contingent, other than any Seller Benefit Plan.

Company Products ” means each product or service designed, developed, manufactured, sold, licensed, leased, distributed, provided or otherwise made available to customers, clients, distributors, resellers, joint venture partners, development partners and similar entities by any of the Sold Companies.

 

9


Company-Owned Intellectual Property ” means all Registered IP and all unregistered Intellectual Property that is in each case owned by the Sold Companies.

Competition Laws ” means the HSR Act (and any similar Law enforced by any Governmental Antitrust Authority regarding pre-acquisition notifications for the purpose of competition reviews), the Sherman Act, as amended, the Clayton Act, as amended, the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, and all other Laws that are designed or intended to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions or transactions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade or lessening of competition through merger or acquisition.

Consents ” means consents, approvals, clearances, exemptions or the expiration or termination of any prescribed waiting period.

Contract ” means any oral or written contract, lease, license, loan or credit agreement, debenture, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, commitment or other agreement.

control ” (including the terms “ controlled by ” and “ under common control with ”), with respect to the relationship between or among two or more Persons, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs, policies or management of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by Contract or otherwise, including the ownership, directly or indirectly, of securities having the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar body governing the affairs of such Person.

Current Assets ” has the meaning specified in Exhibit D attached hereto.

Current Liabilities ” has the meaning specified in Exhibit D attached hereto.

Distributable Closing Date Consideration ” means (i) the Estimated Purchase Price, plus (ii) the aggregate exercise prices of all Seller Options that are not Assumed Business Employee Options, minus (iii) the Escrow Amount, minus (iv) the Holdback Amount, minus (v) all Obligations (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) paid by Seller to SMART Worldwide pursuant to the Revolving Credit Agreement Release, minus (vi) the amount of Seller Group Transaction Expenses paid prior to the Closing Date or payable on the Closing Date.

Enterprise Storage Device ” means a device that has NAND flash memory (including both two dimensional and three dimensional variants thereof) as greater than 75% of the memory content and is used as either a storage or caching device in enterprise applications and (a) has either (i) an industry standard Serial ATA or Serial Attached SCSI interface or (ii) a PCIe interface, and (b) is sold to storage or server customers either directly or through intermediaries such as value added resellers, and (c) has a storage capacity greater than or equal to 150 gigabytes (with such amount of capacity increasing to 165 gigabytes on the one (1) year anniversary of the Closing Date and increasing to 180 gigabytes on the two (2) year anniversary of the Closing). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, “ Enterprise Storage Device ” does not include (i) non-volatile dual in-line memory modules (such term defined as dynamic random-access memory modules with non-volatile Flash backup capability) or other products utilizing dual in-line memory module form factors, in each case that do not utilize NAND flash

 

10


memory endurance enhancement technology developed by or on behalf of the Remaining Entities, (ii) mini-Serial ATA, iSATA or other small form factor products, and their natural successors, in each case that do not utilize NAND flash memory endurance enhancement technology developed by or on behalf of the Remaining Entities, (iii) products used in networking products, automotive products, telecommunications products, medical products, industrial products, military products, aerospace products, avionic products or consumer devices (like smartphones, tablets, notebook, personal computer and other consumer-purchased end-products), or (iv) any of the current products of (A) the Remaining Entities as evidenced by data sheets and/or part numbers set forth on Section 1.1(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and (B) the Legacy Defense Business as evidenced by the current part numbers listed on Annex II of Exhibit A attached hereto.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

ERISA Affiliate ” of any entity means any other entity (whether or not incorporated) that, together with such entity, is required to be treated as a single employer under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.

Escrow Account ” means the escrow account established pursuant to the Escrow Agreement.

Escrow Agent ” means Bank of America, National Association.

Escrow Agreement ” means the Escrow Agreement to be dated as of the Closing Date, in the form of Exhibit E attached hereto.

Escrow Amount ” means an amount equal to the product of (i) the Estimated Purchase Price multiplied by (ii) ten percent (10%).

Escrow Release Consideration ” means funds distributed from the Escrow Account to Seller in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement.

Estimated Cash on Hand ” means Seller’s good faith estimate of the amount of Cash on Hand, based on the books and records of Seller and the Sold Companies.

Estimated Closing Indebtedness ” means Seller’s good faith estimate of the amount of Closing Indebtedness, based on the books and records of Seller and the Sold Companies.

Estimated Net Working Capital ” means Seller’s good faith estimate of the amount of Closing Net Working Capital, based on the books and records of Seller and the Sold Companies.

Estimated Unpaid Sold Company Transaction Expenses ” means Seller’s good faith estimate of the amount of Unpaid Sold Company Transaction Expenses, based on the books and records of Seller and the Sold Companies.

 

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Estimated Purchase Price ” means (i) $307,000,000, plus (ii) Estimated Cash on Hand, minus (iii) Estimated Closing Indebtedness, minus (iv) Estimated Unpaid Sold Company Transaction Expenses, plus (v) the amount (if any) by which Estimated Net Working Capital exceeds Target Net Working Capital by more than $100,000, minus (vi) the amount (if any) by which the Target Net Working Capital exceeds Estimated Net Working Capital by more than $100,000, minus (vii) the Aggregate Replacement Option Value.

Estimated Purchase Price Elements ” means, collectively, the following: (i) Estimated Cash on Hand; (ii) Estimated Closing Indebtedness; (iii) Estimated Unpaid Sold Company Transaction Expenses; and (iv) Estimated Net Working Capital.

Excess Restricted Cash Cost ” means, with respect to the Sold Companies, the amount of Tax (assuming the maximum applicable federal, state and local Tax rates) that would be incurred if, immediately after Closing, all Restricted Cash in excess of $1,000,000 were dividended or distributed to Buyer or any United States Subsidiary of Buyer.

Final Purchase Price ” means (i) $307,000,000, plus (ii) Cash on Hand, minus (iii) Closing Indebtedness, minus (iv) Unpaid Sold Company Transaction Expenses, plus (v) the amount (if any) by which Closing Net Working Capital exceeds the Target Net Working Capital by more than $100,000, minus (vi) the amount (if any) by which the Target Net Working Capital exceeds Closing Net Working Capital by more than $100,000, minus (vii) the Aggregate Replacement Option Value.

Final Purchase Price Elements ” means, collectively, the following: (i) Cash on Hand; (ii) Closing Indebtedness; (iii) Unpaid Sold Company Transaction Expenses; and (iv) Closing Net Working Capital.

Fully Diluted Per Share Portion ” means a fraction (i) the numerator of which is one, and (ii) the denominator of which is equal to the sum, without duplication, of (A) the number of Seller Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing (other than any such shares held by Seller) plus (B) the number of Seller Shares issuable upon the exercise of all Seller Options outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing (whether or not Vested Seller Options).

Fully Diluted Per Share Portion of the Legacy Defense Value ” means the product of (i) the Fully Diluted Per Share Portion, multiplied by (ii) the Legacy Defense Value.

GAAP ” means United States generally accepted accounting principles.

Governmental Antitrust Authority ” means any Governmental Entity with regulatory jurisdiction over any Consent required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the HSR Act or other Competition Law.

Governmental Entity ” means any entity or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to United States federal, state or local government or other non-United States, international, multinational or other government, including any department, commission, board, agency, instrumentality, political subdivision,

 

12


bureau, official or other regulatory, administrative or judicial authority thereof and any self-regulatory organization.

Holdback Amount ” means $5,000,000, which shall be used by Seller solely for the purpose of satisfying any Seller Group Transaction Expenses paid or payable from and after the Closing Date and not otherwise accounted for in the Distributable Closing Date Consideration.

Holdback Release Amount ” means any portion of the Holdback Amount that is determined from time to time in the sole and absolute discretion of Seller to no longer be required to satisfy any potential future Seller Group Transaction Expenses from and after such determination date (each such determination date being a “ Holdback Release Determination Date ”); provided , that the entire balance of the Holdback Amount (if any) remaining two (2) months prior to the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date (the “ Holdback Release Deadline ”) shall be deemed a Holdback Release Amount for purposes of this Agreement.

HSR Act ” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Indebtedness ” of any Person means, without duplication, (i) the principal of and accrued interest, premiums (if any) and penalties (if any) in respect of (A) obligations of such Person for money borrowed and (B) indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments or other debt securities for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable, (ii) all obligations of such Person as lessee that are capitalized in accordance with GAAP, (iii) all obligations of such Person in respect of purchase money loans by such Person, (iv) all obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances and similar facilities issued for the account of such Person (but solely to the extent drawn and not paid) and (v) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) of other Persons for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable, as obligor, guarantor, surety or otherwise, including any guarantee of such obligations.

Intellectual Property ” means all worldwide intellectual property and intellectual property rights, including: (i) trade secrets, inventions (whether or not patentable), discoveries, technologies, know-how, processes, methods, techniques, algorithms, schematics, specifications, drawings, technical data, designs, and documentation related to the foregoing; (ii) patents and applications therefor, including all disclosures, provisionals, continuations, continuations-in-part, and counterparts (whether foreign or domestic) thereof and patents issuing thereon, along with any reexaminations, reissues and extensions thereof; (iii) trademarks, trade names, trade dress, brand names, corporate names, domain names, trademark registrations, trademark applications, service marks, service mark registrations and service mark applications and other source indicators (whether registered, unregistered or existing at common law, including all goodwill attaching thereto); (iv) moral rights and similar personal or other rights; and (v) copyrights, copyrighted works, mask works, net lists and code modules for hardware description in any and all forms, computer software, including copyright registrations, and unregistered copyrights.

Inventory ” means all inventory, finished goods, raw materials and work in progress maintained, held or stored by or for the Sold Companies.

 

13


IRS ” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Key Employees ” means those Business Employees set forth on Section 1.1(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule.

Knowledge of Buyer ” and “ Buyer’s Knowledge ” each means the actual knowledge (without independent inquiry) of the individuals listed on Section 1.1(c)-1 of the Buyer Disclosure Schedule.

Knowledge of Seller ” and “ Seller’s Knowledge ” each means the actual knowledge (without independent inquiry) of the individuals listed on Section 1.1(c)-2 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule.

Law ” means any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other statute, law, treaty, convention, ordinance, rule, code, directive, regulation, ruling or other similar requirement enacted, adopted or promulgated by any Governmental Entity, as amended unless expressly specified otherwise herein.

Legacy Defense Business ” means the business conducted by Seller and the Sold Companies (and certain other Subsidiaries of Seller following the Restructuring) related to the current part numbers of which are listed on Annex II of Exhibit A attached hereto.

Legacy Defense Value ” means $8,749,000.

Lien ” means, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, claim, option to purchase or lease or otherwise acquire any interest, charge, security interest, pledge, hypothecation, easement, right-of-way, encumbrance or other adverse claim (as defined in Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code) in respect of such property or asset.

Loss ” or “ Losses ” means any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages, obligations, Taxes and reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), including any of the foregoing arising under, out of or in connection with any Action; provided , however , that (x) any consequential or similar losses, liabilities or damages must be a reasonably foreseeable consequence of the condition or event giving rise to the associated claim for indemnification, (y) Loss excludes any loss or liability that has been accrued for or reserved against in the Financial Statements (to the extent of such accrual or reserve) and any special, punitive or similar damages (unless such punitive or similar damages are awarded by an arbitrator or Governmental Entity in connection with a Third Party Claim and paid to such third party by an Indemnified Party), and (z) Loss excludes any loss, liability or damages calculated on the basis of a multiple of historical financial results of the Sold Companies (for example, EBITDA and net income) where such calculation does not reasonably reflect lost profits or diminution in value of the Sold Companies; and provided , further , that there shall be no Loss with respect to any breach of any representations or warranties of Seller set forth Section 3.12 (other than any Losses actually incurred by a Seller Indemnified Person through the Cure Date as a result of such breach) if and to the extent that the Remaining Entities thereafter transfer, deliver and contribute to the Sold Companies all of their right, title and interest to, and under, such applicable asset, property or right that otherwise was the cause of such breach (the date of such transfer, delivery and contribution being referred to as the “ Cure Date ”); provided ,

 

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however , that the Cure Date occurs within thirty (30) days following Seller’s receipt of written notice from Buyer of such breach.

Material Adverse Effect ” means any change, occurrence or development that has or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets, liabilities, results of operations or financial condition of the Sold Companies, taken as a whole, in each case, excluding the Legacy Defense Business; provided , however , that no change, occurrence or development arising or resulting from any of the following, either alone or in combination, shall constitute or be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Material Adverse Effect: (i) (A) general economic, financial, political, capital market, credit market, or financial market conditions (including any disruption thereof and any increase or decline in the price of any security, commodity or any market index) or (B) general conditions affecting any of the industries in which the Sold Companies operate or their customers or suppliers conduct business (including, in each case, changes in exchange rates, embargoes, tariffs and epidemics); (ii) changes in Law or changes in GAAP or accounting standards, or in the authoritative interpretations thereof; (iii) any natural disasters, pandemics or acts of war (whether or not declared), sabotage or terrorism, or an escalation or worsening thereof, whether or not pursuant to the declaration of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence or the escalation of any military or terrorist attack; (iv) the entry into, announcement or performance of this Agreement, the Closing Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including compliance with the covenants set forth herein, and the impact thereof on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with customers, suppliers, distributors, resellers, partners, employees, independent contractors or regulators; (v) the identity of, or any facts or circumstances relating to, Buyer or its Affiliates; (vi) any failure by the Sold Companies to meet projections or forecasts (provided that the underlying change, effect, event or occurrence that caused or contributed to such failure to meet projections or forecasts shall not be excluded unless otherwise excluded pursuant to this definition); (vii) any actions taken pursuant to or in accordance with this Agreement or the Closing Agreements; (viii) any failure to obtain any waiver or Consent from any Person with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the Closing Agreements (it being understood that this clause (viii) shall not limit the effect of Section 6.2(i) ); (ix) the continued employment of any Business Employees (including any Key Employees) by the Sold Companies (it being understood that this clause (ix) shall not limit the effect of Section 6.2(h) ); and (x) any actions to which Buyer has consented or agreed pursuant to this Agreement, any actions or omissions to act at the request of Buyer, any of its Affiliates or any of their respective representatives pursuant to this Agreement, or any failure by the Sold Companies to take any action as a result of the restrictions set forth in Section 5.1(b) ; provided , further , however , that any change, occurrence or development referred to in any of the preceding clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) shall be taken into account for purposes of such clause only to the extent that such change, occurrence or development does not adversely affect the Sold Companies, taken as a whole, in a materially disproportionate manner as compared to other companies operating in the industries in which the Sold Companies compete (excluding the Legacy Defense Business).

Nondisclosure Agreement ” means the nondisclosure agreement, dated as of March 13, 2013, by and between Seller and Buyer, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

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Option Exchange Ratio ” means the quotient of (i) the Assumed Business Employee Option Rollover Value divided by (ii) the Applicable Buyer Stock Price.

Order ” means any order, award, injunction, judgment, decree, enactment, ruling, subpoena or verdict or other decision issued, promulgated or entered by or with any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction.

Permit ” means any license, permit, registration, authorization, acceptance or franchise of or from any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction or pursuant to any Law.

Permitted Liens ” means (i) statutory Liens for Taxes or other governmental charges that are not yet due and payable, (ii) Liens in respect of property or assets imposed by Law that were incurred in the ordinary course of business, including carriers’, warehousemen’s, materialmen’s and mechanics’ liens and other similar liens; (iii) pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure obligations under workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, social security, retirement and similar laws or similar legislation or to secure public or statutory obligations; (iv) Liens that will be released and, as appropriate, removed of record, at or prior to the Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; (v) those matters identified on Section 1.1(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule; (vi) with respect to leasehold interests, mortgages and other statutory Liens incurred, created, assumed or permitted to exist and arising by, through or under a landlord or owner of the leased real property; and (vii) such other Liens unrelated to financings that do not materially and adversely impact the use of such property or asset.

Person ” means an individual, a corporation, a company, a partnership, a limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated association, a joint venture, a Governmental Entity or any other entity or body.

Pre-Closing Period ” means the period from and after the date of this Agreement and until the earlier of (x) the termination of this Agreement or (y) the Closing.

Pre-Closing Tax Period ” means any Tax period ending on or before the Closing Date and that portion of any Straddle Period ending on (and including) the Closing Date.

Property Taxes ” means all real property Taxes, personal property Taxes and similar ad valorem Taxes.

Registered IP ” means all Intellectual Property that is issued by, registered with or is subject to an application (whether or not published) filed with any Governmental Entity or domain name registrar (including for clarity, provisionals, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisions, reexaminations, reissues, extensions, renewals and foreign counterparts).

Remaining Entity ” means Saleen Holdings and each of its Subsidiaries (excluding the Sold Companies).

Replacement Option Value ” means, with respect to each Assumed Business Employee Option, an amount equal to the product of (i) the excess (if any) of (A) the Assumed Business Employee Option Rollover Value over (B) the exercise price per Seller Share with

 

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respect to such Assumed Business Employee Option, multiplied by (ii) the number of Seller Shares subject to such Assumed Business Employee Option immediately prior to the Closing.

Representatives ” means a Person’s officers, directors, employees, members, partners, agents, attorneys, accountants, advisors (including, legal and financial advisors) and other authorized representatives.

Restricted Cash ” means Cash on Hand that may not be dividended or distributed to Buyer or any United States Subsidiary of Buyer following the Closing without incurring withholding Tax or other Tax cost.

Revolving Credit Agreement ” means that certain Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, originally effective as of April 13, 2012 and amended and restated as of August 31, 2012, between Seller, as Borrower, and SMART Worldwide, as Lender, as further amended on January 4, 2013 and from time to time thereafter.

Seller Benefit Plan ” means each Benefit Plan that is maintained, participated in, sponsored or contributed to by Seller of any of its Affiliates (other than the Sold Companies), or with respect to which Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than the Sold Companies) contributes or is obligated to contribute and, in either case, which covers, is entered into by or with and/or provides compensation or benefits to any Business Employees.

Seller Disclosure Schedule ” means the disclosure schedule delivered by Seller to Buyer on the date hereof.

Seller Fundamental Reps ” means the representations and warranties of Seller set forth in Section 3.2 (Capitalization of the Sold Companies), Section 3.3 (Seller Options), Section 3.4 (Authority), Section 3.8 (Taxes), Section 3.12(a) (Appropriate Division of Assets) and Section 3.23 (Brokers and Other Advisors).

Seller General Release ” means the General Release to be dated as of the Closing Date, in the form of Exhibit C-2 attached hereto.

Seller Group ” means, collectively, Seller, Saleen Holdings, Saleen Intermediate and SMART Worldwide.

Seller Group Transaction Expenses ” means all fees and expenses paid or payable (including by way of an obligation to reimburse any other party who paid or will pay such amounts in the first instances) by any member of the Seller Group or any of their respective Affiliates (other than the Sold Companies) in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Closing Agreements as reasonably determined by the Seller. For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood that (i) this definition shall include (A) the aggregate amount of any fees and expenses of the CPA Firm paid by Seller pursuant to Section 2.5(c) or Section 2.6(b) , (B) the Shortfall Amount (if any), (C) any fees and expenses paid by Seller to the Escrow Agent pursuant to Section 6(j) of the Escrow Agreement, (D) any payments by Seller to the Escrow Agent or other Indemnitees (as defined in the Escrow Agreement) pursuant to Section 6(m) of the Escrow Agreement, (E) any amounts payable by any Seller Group member to a Buyer Indemnified Party pursuant to ARTICLE VIII to the extent not fully satisfied from the

 

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Escrow Account or any Transaction Insurance Policy and (F) any fees and expenses paid by Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than the Sold Companies) for any insurance in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Closing Agreements (each, a “ Transaction Insurance Policy ”) and (ii) this definition shall not include any Obligations (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) paid by Seller to SMART Worldwide pursuant to the Revolving Credit Agreement Release.

Seller Option Plan ” means the SMART Storage Systems (Global Holdings), Inc. 2011 Share Incentive Plan.

Seller Options ” means each option to purchase Seller Shares granted under the Seller Option Plan.

Seller Share ” means an ordinary share, $0.01 par value, of Seller.

SL Agreement ” means the Non-Solicitation Agreement to be dated as of the Closing Date, in the form of Exhibit F attached hereto.

STB ” means Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Straddle Period ” means any Tax period beginning before or on and ending after the Closing Date.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other legal entity of which such Person (either alone or through or together with any other Subsidiary), owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the stock or other equity interests or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power, the holders of which are generally entitled to vote for the election of the board of directors or other governing body of a non-corporate Person.

Target Net Working Capital ” has the meaning specified in Exhibit D attached hereto.

Taxes ” means all federal, state, local and foreign income, profits, franchise, gross receipts, branch profits, occupation, premium, windfall profits, escheat, environmental, customs duty, capital stock, severance, stamp, payroll, sales, service, real property, gains, transfer, registration, employment, unemployment, disability, social security, license, alternative or add on minimum or estimated tax, ad valorem, use, personal property, withholding, excise, production, value added, occupancy and any other taxes, customs, duties or similar assessments of any nature whatsoever, together with any interest, penalties or additions to tax, whether disputed or not, imposed by any Governmental Entity.

Tax Returns ” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.

 

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Taxing Authority ” means, with respect to any Tax, the Governmental Entity or political subdivision thereof or any transnational or supranational authority that imposes such Tax or is charged with the collection of such Tax.

Transfer Taxes ” means any liability, obligation or commitment for transfer, documentary, sales, use, registration, value-added and other similar Taxes (including all applicable real estate transfer Taxes and real property transfer gains Taxes) and related amounts (including any penalties, interest and additions to Taxes).

Transition Services Agreement ” means the Transition Services Agreement to be dated as of the Closing Date, in the form of Exhibit G attached hereto.

Unpaid Sold Company Transaction Expenses ” means, in each case, solely to the extent not paid by the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date, after giving effect to the Restructuring, (i) the fees and expenses payable by any of the Sold Companies to financial advisors for investment banking services in connection with this Agreement and the Closing Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (ii) the fees and expenses payable by any of the Sold Companies to STB and any other outside attorneys engaged by any of the Sold Companies in connection with this Agreement and the Closing Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (iii) the fees and expenses payable by any of the Sold Companies to any accountants, consultants or other advisors incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Closing Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (iv) any transaction, change in control, retention, severance and other transaction or transaction-linked bonuses or other compensation, payments or benefits, in each case which are payable by any of the Sold Companies and to which any current or former Business Employees or other employees, consultants, directors or officers of Seller, the Sold Companies, the Remaining Entities or any of their respective Affiliates become entitled on or prior to the Closing, in connection with this Agreement and/or the Closing Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and/or thereby (including any termination of service in connection therewith), together with any Taxes incurred or to be incurred by any Sold Company in respect thereof, (v) all out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including any Transfer Taxes) payable by any of the Sold Companies to third parties in connection with the Restructuring, (vi) all other miscellaneous out-of-pocket fees and expenses payable to third parties, in each case, incurred by the Sold Companies in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (vii) any Transfer Taxes or other transfer or documentary Taxes referenced in Section 9.3(b) . For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood that this definition shall not include (1) any fees or expenses incurred by Buyer and/or any of its Affiliates or any of its Representatives, regardless of whether any such fees or expenses may be paid by any of the Sold Companies, (2) any severance that becomes payable to any Continuing Employee on or after the Closing as a result of Buyer’s failure to comply with its obligations in Section 5.6(a) ( provided , that, with respect to any Business Employee who is entitled to receive severance from Seller or the Sold Companies pursuant to any Contract and who does not execute and deliver an Offer Letter prior to the Closing, if (x) Buyer has complied with its obligations pursuant to the first sentence of Section 5.6(a) and otherwise complied in all material respects with its other obligations pursuant to Section 5.6(a) and Section 5.6(b) , in each case as they apply with respect to such Business Employee, (y) Buyer or the Sold Companies terminate the employment of such Business Employee or such Business Employee voluntarily terminates his or her employment,

 

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whether before or after the Closing, and (z) any severance payments are paid or payable to such Business Employee pursuant to such Contract as a result of such termination, then it is understood and agreed that such severance payments shall constitute Unpaid Sold Company Transaction Expenses unless taken into account in calculating the other Final Purchase Price Elements) or (3) any Indebtedness.

Vested Business Employee Option ” means each Vested Seller Option held by a Continuing Employee after giving effect to the accelerated vesting set forth on Section 3.3 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule.

Vested Per Share Portion ” means a fraction (i) the numerator of which is one, and (ii) the denominator of which is equal to the sum, without duplication, of (A) the number of Seller Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing (other than any such shares held by Seller or any wholly owned Subsidiary of Seller) plus (B) the number of Seller Shares issuable upon the exercise of all Seller Options that are not Assumed Business Employee Options.

Vested Per Share Portion of the Distributable Closing Date Consideration ” means the product of (i) the Vested Per Share Portion, multiplied by (ii) the Distributable Closing Date Consideration.

Vested Per Share Portion of Escrow Release Consideration ” means, with respect to any Escrow Release Consideration, the product of (i) the Vested Per Share Portion, multiplied by (ii) such Escrow Release Consideration.

Vested Per Share Portion of the Excess Amount ” means the product of (i) the Vested Per Share Portion, multiplied by (ii) the Excess Amount (if any).

Vested Per Share Portion of a Holdback Release Amount ” means, with respect to any Holdback Release Amount, the product of (i) the Vested Per Share Portion, multiplied by (ii) such Holdback Release Amount.

Vested Seller Options ” means all Seller Options to the extent they are outstanding and vested and exercisable as of immediately prior to the Closing (including, for the avoidance of doubt, all outstanding Seller Options that vest as of a result of the Closing).

Westford LC ” means that certain Irrevocable Letter of Credit in the amount of $168,625, originally dated September 8, 2010 and supplemented on September 23, 2010, issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. in favor of RREEF America REIT III-ZI LLC.

Section 1.2 Additional Defined Terms . The following terms are defined in the corresponding Sections of this Agreement:

 

Term

  

Section

 

SMART Worldwide

     Preamble

Arizona Sold Shares

     Section 2.4(a)(i)

Assets

     Section 3.11(a)  

 

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Bankruptcy Exceptions

     Section 3.4  

Books and Records

     Section 5.10(b)  

Buyer

     Preamble  

Buyer Benefit Plans

     Section 5.6(c)  

Buyer Favorable Outcome

     Section 8.10(c)  

Buyer Indemnified Persons

     Section 8.2(a)  

BuyerSub

     Preamble  

Closing

     Section 2.3  

Closing Date

     Section 2.3  

Closing Statement

     Section 2.5(a)  

Continuing Employee

     Section 5.6(a)  

Contracting Parties

     Section 9.17  

CPA Firm

     Section 2.5(c)  

De Minimis Claim

     Section 8.2(b)(i)  

Deductible

     Section 8.2(b)(ii)  

Determination Date

     Section 2.5(d)  

Enterprise AR Aging Reports

     Section 3.6(e)  

Enterprise Financial Statements

     Section 3.6(b)  

Environmental Laws

     Section 3.20  

Escrow Limited Claims

     Section 8.2(b)(iii)  

Estimated Closing Statement

     Section 2.2(a)  

Excess Amount

     Section 2.5(e)(i)  

Exchange Act

     Section 5.11(a)  

Final Closing Statement

     Section 2.5(d)  

Financial Statements

     Section 3.6(b)  

Foreign Benefit Plan

     Section 3.18(k)  

Government Official

     Section 3.9(d)  

Guaranteed Obligations

     Section 9.20(a)  

Guardian Technology

     Section 3.13(a)  

Indemnified Party

     Section 8.5  

Indemnifying Party

     Section 8.5  

Insurance Policies

     Section 3.21  

Interdivisional Payables and Receivables

     Section 5.9(c)  

Key Employee Offer Letter

     Recitals  

Malaysia Sold Shares

     Section 2.4(a)(vi)  

Malicious Code

     Section 3.14(b)  

Material Contracts

     Section 3.17(a)  

Materials of Environmental Concern

     Section 3.20  

New Business Employee

     Section 5.6(a)  

Nonparty Affiliates

     Section 9.17  

Objection

     Section 2.5(b)  

OFAC

     Section 3.9(b)  

Offer Letter

     Section 5.6(a)  

Officer’s Claim Certificate

     Section 8.9(a)  

Open Source Licenses

     Section 3.13(e)  

Other Interested Party

     Section 5.15  

 

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parties

     Preamble  

Pre-Closing Covenants

     Section 8.1  

Product Warranties

     Section 3.14(c)  

Purchase Price Allocation Statement

     Section 2.6(a)  

Real Property Leases

     Section 3.10  

Resolution Period

     Section 2.5(b)  

Resolved Matters

     Section 2.5(b)  

Restrictive Covenants

     Section 3.13(i)  

Restructuring

     Recitals  

Retained Escrow Amount

     Section 8.10(a)  

Retained Escrow Excess

     Section 8.10(b)  

Review Period

     Section 2.5(b)  

Revolving Credit Agreement Release

     Section 5.9(a)  

Saleen Holdings

     Preamble  

Saleen Intermediate

     Preamble  

Second A&R Beneficial Transfer Agreement

     Section 3.8(o)  

Securities Act

     Section 4.7  

Seller

     Preamble  

Seller Favorable Outcome

     Section 8.10(b)  

Seller Financial Statements

     Section 3.6(a)  

Seller Indemnified Persons

     Section 8.3  

Seller IP Reps

     Section 8.1  

Shortfall Amount

     Section 2.5(e)(ii)  

Singapore Sold Shares

     Section 2.4(a)(v)  

SL Agreement

     Recitals  

SLMC

     Section 6.2(i)  

SLMCS

     Section 6.2(i)  

Sold Companies

     Recitals  

Sold Shares

     Recitals  

Storage Austria

     Recitals  

Storage AZ

     Recitals  

Storage Malaysia

     Recitals  

Storage Singapore

     Recitals  

Tax Benefit

     Section 8.7  

Tax Claim

     Section 8.6  

Termination Date

     Section 7.1(a)(v)  

Third Party Claim

     Section 8.5  

Top Customers

     Section 3.17(c)  

Top Suppliers

     Section 3.17(c)  

Unresolved Claim

     Section 8.10(a)  

Unresolved Matters

     Section 2.5(c)  

Vested Business Employee Option Closing Date Consideration

     Section 5.7(a)(i)  

Vested Business Employee Option Escrow Release Consideration

     Section 5.7(a)(i)  

Vested Business Employee Option Excess Amount Consideration

     Section 5.7(a)(i)  

Vested Business Employee Option Holdback Release Consideration

     Section 5.7(a)(i)  

Vested Business Employee Option Legacy Defense Consideration

     Section 5.7(a)(i)  

 

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Vested Business Employee Option Payments

     Section 5.7(a)(i)  

WARN Act

     Section 3.19(e)  

Section 1.3 Other Interpretive Provisions . The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole (including the Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules hereto) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and all Article, Section, and Annex, Exhibit and Schedule references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. Any capitalized terms used in any Annex, Exhibit, or Schedule hereto but not otherwise defined therein shall be defined as set forth in this Agreement. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “or” is not exclusive, unless the context otherwise requires. The meanings given to terms defined herein shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to “dollars” or “$” shall be deemed references to the lawful money of the United States. When calculating the period of time before which, within which or following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the reference date in calculating such period shall be excluded. If the last day of such period is a non-Business Day, the period in question shall end on the next succeeding Business Day.

ARTICLE II

PURCHASE AND SALE OF SOLD SHARES

Section 2.1 Purchase and Sale of Sold Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, on the Closing Date:

(a) Seller will sell, assign and transfer to Buyer, and Buyer will purchase and acquire, all of Seller’s right, title and interest in and to the Arizona Sold Shares, free and clear of all Liens other than (i) Liens imposed by federal and state securities Laws and (ii) Liens that may be created by or on behalf of Buyer or any of its Affiliates.

(b) Seller will sell, assign and transfer to BuyerSub, and BuyerSub will purchase and acquire, all of Seller’s right, title and interest in and to the Singapore Sold Shares and the Malaysia Sold Shares, free and clear of all Liens other than (i) Liens imposed by federal and state securities Laws and (ii) Liens that may be created by or on behalf of Buyer or any of its Affiliates.

Section 2.2 Estimated Purchase Price; Escrow Amount .

(a) Determination of Estimated Purchase Price . No later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver to Buyer a statement (the “ Estimated Closing Statement ”) and a certificate executed on behalf of Seller by the Chief

 

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Financial Officer of Seller setting forth Seller’s good faith calculation of (i) the Estimated Purchase Price, (ii) each of the Estimated Purchase Price Elements and (iii) the Assumed Business Employee Option Rollover Value, together with all reasonable supporting detail and backup materials with respect to the calculation of such amounts; provided , however , that (x) at least five (5) Business Days prior to the delivery of the Estimated Closing Statement to Buyer, Seller shall provide a draft of the Estimated Closing Statement and such supporting detail to Buyer for its review, (y) Seller shall provide Buyer with the opportunity to provide comments to such draft and calculation in good faith and (z) Seller shall give due and reasonable consideration in good faith to any comments made by Buyer. The Estimated Closing Statement shall be prepared in a manner consistent with the terms of this Agreement, including Exhibit C attached hereto with respect to Estimated Net Working Capital.

(b) Payment of the Estimated Purchase Price . At the Closing, in consideration of the sale, assignment and transfer of the Sold Shares, Buyer shall pay an aggregate amount to Seller equal to (i) the Estimated Purchase Price minus (ii) the Escrow Amount, by wire transfer of immediately available funds in United States dollars to one or more accounts designated by Seller at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.

(c) Delivery of the Escrow Amount . At the Closing, Buyer shall deliver to the Escrow Agent, by wire transfer of immediately available funds in United States dollars to the Escrow Account, an amount equal to the Escrow Amount to be held in the Escrow Account in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement.

Section 2.3 The Closing . Unless this Agreement shall have been terminated pursuant to ARTICLE VII , and subject to satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 6.1 and Section 6.2 (or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, the written waiver thereof by the party entitled to waive any such condition), the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) shall take place at 9:00 a.m. San Francisco time at the offices of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, 2475 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, on the fourth Business Day after satisfaction or waiver of each condition set forth in Section 6.1 and Section 6.2 (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions), unless another time, date and/or place is agreed to in writing by Seller and Buyer. The date on which the Closing occurs is referred to in this Agreement as the “ Closing Date .”

Section 2.4 Deliveries at the Closing .

(a) At or prior to the Closing, Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered or made available to Buyer or BuyerSub, as applicable, the following:

(i) in respect of the Sold Shares of Storage AZ (the “ Arizona Sold Shares ”), stock certificates evidencing the Arizona Sold Shares to be sold by Seller duly endorsed in blank, or accompanied by stock powers duly executed in blank;

(ii) the duly executed certificate to be delivered by Seller pursuant to Section 6.2(c) ;

 

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(iii) all necessary forms and certificates complying with applicable Law, duly executed and acknowledged, certifying that the sale of Sold Shares of any Sold Companies that are domestic corporations are exempt for United States federal income tax purposes from withholding under Section 1445 of the Code;

(iv) the duly executed payoff letter and duly executed copies of the other documents evidencing the Revolving Credit Facility Release, in each case pursuant to Section 5.9 ;

(v) in respect of the Sold Shares of Storage Singapore (the “ Singapore Sold Shares ”), the following:

(A) original share certificates in respect of the Singapore Sold Shares;

(B) valid share transfer forms in respect of the Singapore Sold Shares, duly executed by Seller in favor of BuyerSub;

(C) a working sheet signed by a director or secretary of Storage Singapore computing the net asset value per share of Storage Singapore and/or such other document(s) as may be prescribed from time to time by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore for the purpose of assessing the stamp duty payable on the transfer of the Singapore Sold Shares; and

(D) certified true copies of the resolutions passed by the board of directors of Storage Singapore: (1) approving the transfer of the Singapore Sold Shares to BuyerSub; (2) authorizing the issue of new share certificates in respect of the Singapore Sold Shares in favor of BuyerSub; and (3) approving the entry into the register of members of Storage Singapore the name of BuyerSub as the holder of the Singapore Sold Shares; and

(vi) in respect of the Sold Shares of Storage Malaysia (the “ Malaysia Sold Shares ”), the following:

(A) original share certificates in respect of the Malaysia Sold Shares;

(B) valid share transfer forms (Form 32A) in respect of the Malaysia Sold Shares, duly executed and completed by the Seller in favor of BuyerSub;

(C) the stamp duty proforma (in the prescribed form) duly completed by the company secretary of Storage Malaysia in respect of the transfer of the Malaysia Sold Shares for the purposes of adjudication of the stamp duty payable on transfer; and

(D) certified true copies of the resolutions passed by the board of directors of Storage Malaysia: (1) approving the transfer of the Malaysia Sold

 

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Shares to BuyerSub; (2) authorizing the issue of new share certificates in respect of the Malaysia Sold Shares in favor of BuyerSub; (3) approving the entry into the register of members of Storage Malaysia the name of BuyerSub as the holder of the Malaysia Sold Shares and (4) approving the use of the common seal on the new share certificates to be issued in respect of the Malaysia Sold Shares in favor of BuyerSub.

(b) At the Closing, Buyer shall deliver or cause to be delivered or made available to Seller the following:

(i) the Estimated Purchase Price pursuant to Section 2.2(b) ; and

(ii) the duly executed certificate to be delivered by Buyer pursuant to Section 6.1(c) .

(c) At or prior to the Closing, Buyer shall deliver the Escrow Amount to the Escrow Agent pursuant to Section 2.2(c) .

(d) At or prior to the Closing, Seller and Buyer shall, or shall cause their respective Affiliates party thereto, to duly execute and deliver the Closing Agreements to each other (to the extent such Closing Agreements have not already been previously executed and delivered).

Section 2.5 Post-Closing Purchase Price Adjustment .

(a) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing Date, and in any event, within forty-five (45) days thereof, Seller shall deliver to Buyer a statement (the “ Closing Statement ”) setting forth its good faith calculation of (i) the Final Purchase Price and (ii) each of the Final Purchase Price Elements, together with reasonable supporting detail with respect to the calculation of such amounts. The Closing Statement shall be prepared in a manner consistent with the terms of this Agreement, including Exhibit C attached hereto with respect to Closing Net Working Capital.

(b) After receipt of the Closing Statement from Seller, Buyer shall have sixty (60) days to review the Closing Statement (the “ Review Period ”). The Closing Statement shall be binding and conclusive upon, and deemed accepted by, Buyer unless Buyer shall have notified Seller in writing prior to the expiration of the Review Period of any dispute or objection thereto (any such written dispute or objection, the “ Objection ”), with reasonable supporting detail as to any such Objection. Any items not disputed or objected to in an Objection shall be deemed to have been accepted by Buyer. If no Objection is delivered by Buyer to Seller prior to the expiration of the Review Period or Buyer otherwise earlier notifies Seller in writing that Buyer has no disputes or objections to the Closing Statement, then the Closing Statement shall be deemed to have been accepted by Seller and Buyer and shall become final and binding upon Seller and Buyer. Seller and Buyer shall, within thirty (30) days (or such longer period as Seller and Buyer may agree in writing) following delivery of an Objection to Seller (the “ Resolution Period ”), attempt in good faith to resolve their differences, all such discussions and communications related thereto shall (unless otherwise agreed in writing by Seller and Buyer) be governed by Rule 408 of the Federal Rules of Evidence and any applicable similar state rule, and

 

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any written agreement by them as to any disputed amounts shall be final, binding and conclusive. Any items agreed to by Seller and Buyer in writing, together with any items not disputed or objected to by Seller in an Objection, are collectively referred to herein as the “ Resolved Matters ”). Any Resolved Matters shall be final and binding on Seller and Buyer, except to the extent such component could be affected by other components of the calculations set forth in the Closing Statement that are the subject of an Objection.

(c) If, at the end of the Resolution Period, Seller and Buyer have been unable to resolve in writing all differences that they may have with respect to the matters specified in any Objections, either Seller or Buyer may refer all matters that remain in dispute with respect to any Objections (the “ Unresolved Matters ”) to Grant Thornton LLP (or if such firm is unable or unwilling to accept such engagement, an internationally recognized independent public accounting firm jointly selected by Seller and Buyer or, if Seller and Buyer are unable to agree within five (5) Business Days from the end of the Resolution Period, then such internationally recognized independent public accounting firm jointly selected by Seller’s and Buyer’s independent accountants within five (5) Business Days thereafter) (the “ CPA Firm ”). Seller and Buyer each agree to promptly sign an engagement letter, in commercially reasonable form, as may reasonably be required by the CPA Firm, and to the extent necessary, each of Seller and Buyer will waive and cause its controlling Affiliates to waive any conflicts with, the CPA Firm at the time any Unresolved Matters are submitted to the CPA Firm. The CPA Firm shall, acting as experts in accounting and not as arbitrators, determine on a basis consistent with the requirements of this Agreement, and only with respect to the Unresolved Matters so submitted, whether and to what extent the Closing Statement requires adjustment. Seller and Buyer shall request the CPA Firm to use its reasonable best efforts to (i) render its final written determination within thirty (30) days after such firm’s engagement, and (ii) prepare the Final Closing Statement (which shall be consistent with the Resolved Matters and the final determination of the CPA Firm of the Unresolved Matters). The final written determination of the CPA Firm shall be based only on the written submissions by Seller and Buyer, and shall be made in strict accordance with the terms of this Agreement, without regard to principles of equity. With respect to each Unresolved Matter, the CPA Firm’s determination, if not in accordance with the position of either Seller or Buyer, shall not be in excess of the higher, nor less than the lower, of the amounts advocated by Seller and Buyer with respect thereto. The CPA Firm’s final written determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Seller and Buyer, absent manifest error. Seller and Buyer shall, and their own expense, make reasonably available to the CPA Firm, upon the CPA’s Firm’s request, all relevant books and records, any workpapers (including those of Seller’s and Buyer’s respective accountants) and supporting documentation relating to the Closing Statement and all other items reasonably requested by the CPA Firm ( provided , that they shall contemporaneously provide a copy to the other party of any materials requested by, and provided to, the CPA Firm). None of Seller, Buyer or any of their respective Affiliates shall have any ex parte communications or meetings with the CPA Firm regarding the subject matter hereof without the other party’s prior written consent. The CPA Firm shall also determine the proportion of its fees and expenses to be paid by each of Seller and Buyer based on the degree (as determined by the CPA Firm) to which the CPA Firm has accepted the positions of Seller and Buyer.

(d) The “ Final Closing Statement ” shall be (i) in the event that no Objection is delivered by Buyer to Seller prior to the expiration of the Review Period or Buyer otherwise

 

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earlier notifies Seller in writing that Buyer has no disputes or objections to the Closing Statement, the Closing Statement delivered by Seller to Buyer pursuant to Section 2.5(a) , (ii) in the event that an Objection is delivered by Buyer to Seller prior to the expiration of the Review Period, the Closing Statement delivered by Seller to Buyer pursuant to Section 2.5(a) as adjusted pursuant to the agreement of Seller and Buyer in writing or (iii) in the event that an Objection is delivered by Buyer to Seller prior to the expiration of the Review Period and Seller and Buyer are unable to agree on all matters set forth in such Objection, the Closing Statement delivered by Seller to Buyer pursuant Section 2.5(a) as adjusted by the CPA Firm to be consistent with the Resolved Matters and the final determination of the CPA Firm of the Unresolved Matters in accordance with Section 2.5(c) , absent manifest error. In the event the Final Closing Statement is determined (x) pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence, Seller shall prepare the Final Closing Statement in strict accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and deliver it to Buyer within three (3) Business Days following the determination thereof or (y) pursuant to clause (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence, the CPA Firm shall prepare the Final Closing Statement (which shall be consistent with the Resolved Matters and the final determination of the CPA Firm of the Unresolved Matters) in strict accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and deliver it to Seller and Buyer within three (3) Business Days following the delivery of the final written determination of the CPA Firm to Seller and Buyer. The date on which the Final Closing Statement is finally determined and delivered in accordance with this Section 2.5(d) is hereinafter referred to as the “ Determination Date ”.

(e) Upon the Determination Date:

(i) If the amount of the Final Purchase Price set forth in the Final Closing Statement exceeds the amount of the Estimated Purchase Price set forth in the Estimated Closing Statement (the “ Excess Amount ”), then within five (5) Business Days after the Determination Date Buyer shall pay, or cause to be paid, an amount in cash equal to the Excess Amount to Seller by wire transfer of immediately available funds in United States dollars to one or more accounts designated by Seller.

(ii) If the amount of the Estimated Purchase Price set forth in the Estimated Closing Statement exceeds the Final Purchase Price set forth in the Final Closing Statement (the “ Shortfall Amount ”), then within five (5) Business Days after the Determination Date Seller shall pay, or cause to be paid, an amount in cash equal to the Shortfall Amount to Buyer by wire transfer of immediately available funds in United States dollars to one or more accounts designated by Buyer.

(f) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, from and after the Closing Date until the determination of the Final Closing Statement pursuant to this Section 2.5 , Buyer shall, and shall cause the Sold Companies to, permit Seller and its Representatives reasonable access to the personnel, accountants and properties of the Sold Companies during standard business hours upon reasonable advance notice, and each party shall provide the other party and its Representatives with reasonable access (with the right to make copies), during standard business hours upon reasonable advance notice, to all of the books, records, Contracts and other documents (including auditor’s work papers) of Seller and the Sold Companies that are or could reasonably be relevant to the calculations set forth in the Closing Statement, an

 

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Objection or otherwise related to the negotiation and/or resolution of the Final Closing Statement.

Section 2.6 Purchase Price Allocation .

(a) The allocation of the purchase price between the Sold Shares, as adjusted pursuant to this Section 2.6 (the “ Purchase Price Allocation Statement ”), shall be prepared in accordance with the methodology agreed to by the parties and set forth on Section 2.6(a) of the Buyer Disclosure Schedule. No later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, Buyer shall prepare and deliver to Seller an estimated allocation of the purchase price between the Sold Shares, as adjusted pursuant to this Section 2.6 (the “ Purchase Price Allocation Statement ”), prepared in a manner consistent with the methodology agreed to by the parties, reflecting the allocation of the Estimated Purchase Price between the Sold Shares. On the Determination Date, Buyer shall deliver a final Purchase Price Allocation Statement, prepared in a manner consistent with the methodology agreed to by the parties, reflecting the allocation of the Final Purchase Price between the Sold Shares.

(b) Seller and Buyer shall work in good faith to resolve any disputes relating to the final Purchase Price Allocation Statement. If Seller and Buyer are unable to agree to such allocation within thirty (30) days of the delivery of the Purchase Price Allocation Statement to Seller, Seller and Buyer agree to promptly submit the matter to the CPA Firm for resolution. Seller and Buyer will share equally the fees and expenses of the CPA Firm with respect to such a resolution.

(c) In the event an adjustment to the Final Purchase Price is made under this Agreement, the final Purchase Price Allocation Statement shall be adjusted in a manner consistent with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.6 . Seller and Buyer agree that they will not, and will not permit any of their respective Affiliates to, take a position (except as required pursuant to any order of a Taxing Authority) on any Tax Return or in any audit or examination before any Taxing Authority that is in any way inconsistent with the final Purchase Price Allocation Statement, as adjusted herein.

Section 2.7 Withholding Rights . Buyer shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the amounts otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as Buyer is required to deduct and withhold under the Code or any Tax Law with respect to the making of such payment; provided , that Buyer shall not deduct or withhold any amounts from the amounts otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to Seller, except if such withholding is required (i) as a result of Seller’s failure to (A) deliver an IRS Form W-8, (B) comply with the requirements of Section 2.4(a)(iii) of this Agreement or (C) deliver the representations and documentation necessary for Buyer to rely on the portfolio interest exemption under Section 871(h) of the Code, or (ii) as a result of a change in Tax Law after the date hereof, with respect to the making of such payment; provided , further , that, prior to making any such deduction or withholding from any Person other than a Business Employee, Buyer shall provide notice to the recipient of the amounts subject to withholding and a reasonable opportunity for such recipient to provide forms or other evidence that would reduce or eliminate such withholding tax. To the extent that amounts are so withheld, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of

 

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this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of whom such deduction and withholding was made.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

Except (i) as set forth in the Seller Disclosure Schedule (subject to Section 9.2 ) and (ii) with respect to the Legacy Defense Business (unless otherwise expressly indicated), and in each case after giving effect to the Restructuring (unless otherwise expressly indicated), Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:

Section 3.1 Qualification, Organization and Subsidiaries .

(a) Each of Seller and the Sold Companies is a legal entity duly organized, incorporated or formed, validly existing and in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions that recognize the concept of good standing) under the Laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization, incorporation or formation. Each of the Sold Companies (i) has all requisite corporate or similar power, authority and right to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business in all material respects as presently conducted and (ii) in all material respects is qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation (or other applicable entity) in each jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation of its assets or properties or conduct of its business requires such qualification. Seller has made available to Buyer prior to the date hereof complete and correct copies of: (i) the certificate of incorporation and bylaws (or equivalent organizational and governing documents), in each case as amended through the date hereof, of each of the Sold Companies; (ii) the stock records of each Sold Company since August 26, 2011 through the date hereof; and (iii) the minutes and other records of the meetings where formal resolutions were adopted (including any actions taken by written consent or otherwise without a meeting) by the stockholders of each Sold Company, the board of directors and committees thereof or equivalent governing bodies of each of the Sold Companies, in each case, since August 26, 2011 through the date hereof.

(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.2 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, no Sold Companies have any Subsidiaries.

(c) Saleen Holdings, Saleen Intermediate and SMART Worldwide represent all of the direct and indirect parent companies of Seller (it being understood that none of Silver Lake Partners III, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund, L.P. or any of their respective investment fund Affiliates shall be deemed to be a direct or indirect parent company of Seller), and SMART Worldwide is the direct or indirect parent company of all other Remaining Entities.

Section 3.2 Capitalization of Sold Companies .

(a) Set forth on Section 3.2 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule is (i) the jurisdiction of organization, incorporation or formation and (ii) the number of authorized, issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity securities of the Sold Companies and, except as set forth on Section 3.2 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, there are no other authorized, issued or outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity securities of the Sold

 

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Companies. Except as set forth on Section 3.2 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, all of the issued and outstanding Sold Shares are owned of record free and clear of any Liens except Liens imposed by federal and state securities Laws. All of such issued and outstanding Sold Shares are duly authorized and have been validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and have not been issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights. Except as set forth on Section 3.2 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding options, warrants, calls, rights or any other agreements, commitments or legally binding understandings affecting the sale, issuance or voting of any shares of the capital stock or other equity securities of the Sold Companies, or any securities or other instruments convertible into, exchangeable for or evidencing the right to purchase any shares of capital stock or other equity securities of the Sold Companies. There are no voting trusts, proxies or other agreements, commitments or legally binding understandings to which Seller or any Sold Company is a party with respect to the voting, transfer or registration of the shares or other equity interests of the Sold Companies (including restricting the transfer of, or requiring the registration for sale of, any shares of capital stock of or other voting or equity interests in any Sold Company), granting any person the right to elect, or to designate or nominate for election, a director to the board of directors (or similar governing body) of any of the Sold Companies.

(b) Since August 26, 2011, none of the Sold Companies have issued or granted, and there are no outstanding or authorized, options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, stock units, phantom equity or other compensatory equity or equity-linked award to any employee, consultant, director, manager or other service provider of any such entity.

Section 3.3 Seller Options . Section 3.3 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth, as of the date hereof, a list of all outstanding Seller Options held by Business Employees and, in the case of each such Seller Option held by a Business Employee, the name of the Business Employee, the date of grant, the per share exercise price, the vesting schedule (including any accelerated vesting provisions), the vested status (including the number of vested and unvested Seller Shares subject to such Seller Option), and the expiration date. Each Seller Option held by a Business Employee was granted as nonqualified under Section 422 of the Code.

Section 3.4 Authority . Each of Seller and the other members of the Seller Group has all requisite company power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each of the Closing Agreements to which it is or will be a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery by each of Seller and the other members of the Seller Group (as applicable) of this Agreement and each of the Closing Agreements to which it is or will be a party, the performance by each of Seller and the other members of the Seller Group (as applicable) of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary company action on the part of Seller or such other member of the Seller Group (as applicable). This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller and each other member of the Seller Group and on the Closing Date each of Seller and the other members of the Seller Group will have duly executed and delivered each of the Closing Agreements to which it will be a party (as applicable). This Agreement constitutes, and each Closing Agreement to which Seller or any other member of the Seller Group will be a party, when so executed and delivered, will constitute, a valid and binding obligation of Seller or such member of the Seller Group (as

 

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applicable), enforceable against Seller or such member of the Seller Group (as applicable) in accordance with its terms, except that such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar Laws affecting or relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and is subject to general principles of equity (the “ Bankruptcy Exceptions ”).

Section 3.5 Noncontravention .

(a) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the Closing Agreements, when so executed and delivered, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will, with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, (i) violate any provision of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or equivalent organizational and governing documents) of Seller, any other member of the Seller Group or the Sold Companies, (ii) assuming compliance with the filing and notice requirements set forth in clauses (i) through (iii) of Section 3.5(b) , violate any Law applicable to Seller, any other member of the Seller Group or the Sold Companies or (iii) except as set forth in Section 3.5(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, result in a material breach of, constitute a material default under, give rise to any right of modification of any material obligations or the loss of any material benefit under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate in any material respect the performance required by, or otherwise violate in any material respect any Material Contract or any material Permit affecting the assets or properties of any of the Sold Companies or (iv) result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any material properties, rights or assets of the Sold Companies. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 3.5(a) shall be construed to apply to Company-Owned Intellectual Property, which matters shall be exclusively governed by Section 3.13 .

(b) The execution and delivery by each of Seller and the other members of the Seller Group of this Agreement and each of the Closing Agreements to which it is or will be a party, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not require any Consent of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity, except for (i) such filings as may be required under the HSR Act, (ii) any filings as may be required under state securities Laws and (iii) the filings to be made in compliance with applicable requirements of other Laws set forth in Section 3.5(b)(ii) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule.

Section 3.6 Financial Statements .

(a) The (i) audited consolidated balance sheet of Seller as of August 31, 2012, together with all notes and schedules thereto, and the related audited consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive loss, and cash flows of Seller for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012, together with all notes and schedules thereto, and (ii) unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Seller as of the Balance Sheet Date and the related unaudited consolidated statement of operations of Seller for the year-to-date and fiscal quarter then ended (such audited and unaudited financial statements, including, in the case of such audited financial statements, the related notes and schedules thereto, are collectively referred to herein as the “ Seller Financial Statements ”) are set forth on Section 3.6(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. Except in the case of the unaudited Seller Financial Statements, normal recurring year-end adjustments (none of which individually or in the aggregate will be material in amount) and the

 

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absence of footnotes, the Seller Financial Statements have been prepared from the books and records of Seller and its Subsidiaries and in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis. The statements of operations included in the Seller Financial Statements presents fairly in all material respects the consolidated results of operations (including the Legacy Defense Business) of Seller and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the periods indicated therein and the consolidated balance sheets included in the Seller Financial Statements present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial condition of Seller and its Subsidiaries (including the Legacy Defense Business) as of the dates noted therein, in each case in accordance with GAAP (except in the case of the unaudited Seller Financial Statements, normal recurring year-end adjustments (none of which individually or in the aggregate will be material in amount) and the absence of footnotes).

(b) The (i) unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Sold Companies (excluding the Legacy Defense Business) as of August 31, 2012 and the related unaudited consolidated statement of operations of the Sold Companies (excluding the Legacy Defense Business) for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012 and (ii) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Sold Companies (excluding the Legacy Defense Business) as of the Balance Sheet Date and the related unaudited consolidated statement of operations of the Sold Companies (excluding the Legacy Defense Business) for the year-to-date and fiscal quarter then ended (such unaudited financial statements in clauses (i) and (ii), collectively referred to herein as the “ Enterprise Financial Statements ”, and together with the Seller Financial Statements, the “ Financial Statements ”) are set forth on Section 3.6(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. The Enterprise Financial Statements (i) have been prepared from the books and records of the Sold Companies using the same accounting methods, historical policies, practices, principles and procedures with consistent classifications and estimation methodologies as were used in the preparation of the Seller Financial Statements and (ii) present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Sold Companies (excluding the Legacy Defense Business) as of the dates noted therein and for the periods indicated therein (subject to normal recurring year-end adjustments, none of which individually or in the aggregate will be material in any amount).

(c) Since August 26, 2011 (and to Seller’s Knowledge, between January 1, 2010 and August 26, 2011), the books of account and other financial records of Seller and its Subsidiaries have been kept accurately in the ordinary course of business consistent with applicable Laws, the transactions entered therein represent bona fide transactions, and the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of Seller and the Sold Companies have been properly recorded therein in each case in all material respects. Seller and its Subsidiaries have established and maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (i) transactions, receipts and expenditures of Seller and its Subsidiaries are being executed and recorded timely, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary (A) to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and (B) to maintain accountability for assets, (iii) the amount recorded for assets on the books and records of Seller and its Subsidiaries are compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences and (iv) accounts, notes and other receivables and inventory are not recorded materially inaccurately, and proper and adequate procedures are implemented to effect the collection thereof on a current and timely basis. Since August 31, 2012, there has been no material change in any accounting controls, policies, principles, methods or practices, including

 

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any material change with respect to reserves (whether for bad debts, contingent liabilities or otherwise), of Seller and its Subsidiaries.

(d) Since August 26, 2011, neither Seller nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of Seller, any Representative of any of the foregoing, has received or otherwise has obtained knowledge of any written, or to the Knowledge of Seller, oral material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim, regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods or internal accounting controls of Seller or any of the Subsidiaries, including any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that any of Seller or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in improper accounting or auditing practices.

(e) Section 3.6(e) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth (i) an aging report of all accounts receivable of Storage AZ and (ii) an aging report of all accounts receivable of Storage Malaysia, in each case (x) excluding the Legacy Defense Business, (y) at the Balance Sheet Date and (z) in the form customarily prepared (excluding the Legacy Defense Business) by Storage AZ or Storage Malaysia, as applicable (the “ Enterprise AR Aging Reports ”). All accounts receivable set forth in the Enterprise AR Aging Reports arose in bona fide sales of goods and services in the ordinary course of business. To Seller’s Knowledge, as of the date hereof, no request or agreement for a material deduction or a material discount has been made with respect to any of the accounts receivable set forth in the Enterprise AR Aging Reports. Each of the Enterprise AR Aging Reports has been prepared from the books and records of Storage AZ or Storage Malaysia, as applicable, reflects the accounts receivables and aging thereof used in the preparation of the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Sold Companies (excluding the Legacy Defense Business) as of the Balance Sheet Date included in the Enterprise Financial Statements.

(f) Any claims or estimated future claims with respect to Product Warranties that were accrued for or reserved against in the balance sheet included in the Seller Financial Statements as of the Balance Sheet Date were accrued for or reserved against in accordance with GAAP.

Section 3.7 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities .

(a) No Sold Companies have any material liabilities of any kind whatsoever (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise, and whether due or to become due) that are required to be reflected on a combined balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, other than liabilities and obligations (i) reflected on, or reserved for in, the Financial Statements, (ii) arising after the Balance Sheet Date in the ordinary course of business, (iii) disclosed on Section 3.7(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, (iv) arising after the date of this Agreement in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Closing Agreements and (v) resulting from or pursuant to any Material Contracts or Contracts that are not required to be disclosed on Section 3.17(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule (to the extent the nature of such liabilities can be specifically ascertained by reference to the text of such Contracts, and other than liabilities for breaches thereof by any Sold Company or the counterparties thereto).

(b) No Sold Company is a party to, or has any commitment to become a party to, any off balance sheet partnership or any similar Contract or arrangement (including any

 

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Contract or arrangement relating to any transaction or relationship between or among any of the Sold Companies, on the one hand, and any unconsolidated Affiliate on the other hand), including any “off balance sheet arrangement” (as defined in Item 303(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC).

Section 3.8 Taxes . Except as set forth in Section 3.8 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule:

(a) All material Tax Returns required to have been filed by the Sold Companies have been timely filed with the appropriate Taxing Authorities, and each such Tax Return was complete and accurate in all material respects. All material amounts of Taxes due and payable by each of the Sold Companies (whether or not shown on any Tax Returns) have been timely paid. None of the Sold Companies is currently the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return.

(b) The unpaid Taxes of the Sold Companies did not, as of the Balance Sheet Date, materially exceed the reserve for Tax liability (excluding any reserve for deferred Taxes established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax income) set forth on the face of the balance sheet (rather than in any notes thereto). Since the Balance Sheet Date, none of the Sold Companies has incurred any material liability for Taxes outside the ordinary course of business or otherwise inconsistent with past custom and practice.

(c) No material deficiencies for Taxes with respect to the Sold Companies have been claimed, proposed or assessed by any Tax Authority. There is no audit, examination, investigation or other proceeding ongoing or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against any of the Sold Companies, in respect of any material Taxes. The Sold Companies have not waived any statute of limitations in respect of material Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a material Tax assessment or deficiency, nor has any request been made in writing for any such extension or waiver. There are no Liens for material Taxes on any of the assets of the Sold Companies other than Permitted Liens.

(d) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, be material in amount, each of the Sold Companies has withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any third party.

(e) All of the Tax Returns of the Sold Companies delivered or made available to Buyer are complete and accurate copies of the Tax Returns actually filed by the Sold Companies.

(f) None of the Sold Companies is a party to or bound by any Tax allocation or sharing agreement or Tax indemnity agreement, other than customary Tax indemnification provisions in commercial Contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business that do not relate primarily to Taxes.

(g) None of the Sold Companies has been a “controlled corporation” or a “distributing corporation” in any distribution occurring during the two year period ending on the date hereof that was purported or intended to be governed by Section 355 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law).

 

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(h) None of the Sold Companies is or has been a member of an affiliated group filing an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary Tax return or has any liability for the Taxes of any other Person under Treasury Regulation § 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law), as a transferee or successor.

(i) None of the Sold Companies will be required to include any material items of income, or exclude any material items of deduction, in taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of (i) a change in method of accounting occurring on or prior to the Closing Date, (ii) an agreement with any Taxing Authority filed or made on or prior to the Closing Date, (iii) an installment sale or open transaction arising in a taxable period (or portion thereof) ending on or before the Closing Date, (iv) any prepaid amount received, or paid, on or prior to the Closing Date, (v) deferred gains arising prior to the Closing Date or (vi) an election under Section 108(i) of the Code.

(j) None of the Sold Companies is a partner for Tax purposes with respect to any joint venture, partnership, or other arrangement or Contract which is treated as a partnership for Tax purposes. No entity classification election pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3 has been filed with respect to any of the Sold Companies.

(k) None of the Sold Companies has engaged in any reportable transaction described in Treasury Regulation § 1.6011-4(b)(1), or any other transaction requiring disclosure under analogous provisions of state, local or foreign Tax Law. None of the Sold Companies has participated in any Tax amnesty program.

(l) None of the Sold Companies has engaged in a trade or business, had a permanent establishment (within the meaning of an applicable Tax treaty or convention between the United States and such foreign country), or otherwise been subject to Tax jurisdiction in a country other than the country of its formation. No claim has ever been made by a Taxing Authority in a jurisdiction where the Sold Companies do not file Tax Returns that such Sold Company is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction in respect of Taxes that would be covered by or the subject of such Tax Return.

(m) None of the Sold Companies has been a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code during the applicable period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code.

(n) None of SMART Storage Systems Sdn. Bhd., SMART Storage Systems (SG), PTE, LTD. or SMART Storage Systems GmbH (i) is or was a “surrogate foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 7874(a)(2)(B) of the Code or is treated as a U.S. corporation under Section 7874(b) of the Code; (ii) was created or organized in the United States such that such entity would be taxable in the United States as a domestic entity pursuant to United States Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-5(a) or (iii) has made an entity classification election pursuant to Section 897(i) of the Code.

(o) The prices and terms for the provision of any property or services by or to the Sold Companies have been arm’s length for purposes of the relevant transfer pricing laws, and all related documentation required by such laws has been timely prepared or obtained and, if

 

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necessary, retained. Storage Malaysia has Beneficial Ownership of all Intangible Property Associated with Enterprise Storage Products (each as defined in the Second A&R Beneficial Transfer Agreement). For purposes of this Section 3.8(n) , the “ Second A&R Beneficial Transfer Agreement ” means that certain Second Amended and Restated Agreement for Technology Transfer of Beneficial Ownership in Intangible Property associated with Enterprise Storage Products, effective as of August 19, 2011, by and among SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., a California corporation, Storage AZ, SMART Modular Technologies Sdn. Bhd, a Malaysian corporation, and Storage Malaysia (as successor-in-interest to SMART Storage Systems, LLC).

(p) None of the Sold Companies owns an interest in real property in any jurisdiction (i) in which a material amount of Tax is imposed, or the value of the interest is materially reassessed, on the transfer of an interest in real property resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) which treats the transfer of an interest (resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) in an entity that owns an interest in real property as a transfer of the interest in real property.

Section 3.9 Compliance with Laws; Orders; Permits; Litigation .

(a) Each of Seller and the Sold Companies is, and has at all times since August 26, 2011 (and to Seller’s Knowledge, between January 1, 2010 and August 26, 2011), been in compliance in all material respects with all Laws, Orders and Permits to which such Seller or Sold Company is subject or by which its properties are bound, and neither Seller nor any of the Sold Companies have received any written, or to the Knowledge of Seller, verbal notice of or been charged or threatened in writing, or to the Knowledge of Seller, verbally with, and, to the Knowledge of Seller, neither Seller nor any of the Sold Companies are, and at no time since August 26, 2011 (and, to the Knowledge of Seller, between January 1, 2010 and August 26, 2011), has been, under investigation with respect to, a material violation of any applicable Law.

(b) Neither Seller nor any of the Sold Companies or, to the Knowledge of Seller, their respective Affiliates, executive officers or directors (i) appears on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List of the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury (“ OFAC ”) or on any other similar list maintained by OFAC pursuant to any authorizing statute, executive order or regulation; (ii) is otherwise a party with whom, or has its principal place of business or the majority of its business operations (measured by revenues) located in a country in which, transactions are prohibited by (A) United States Executive Order 13224, Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism; (B) the United States Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001; (C) the United States Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917, as amended; (D) the United States International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, as amended or (E) the foreign asset control regulations of the United States Department of the Treasury; (iii) has been convicted of or charged with a felony relating to money laundering; or (iv) to the Knowledge of Seller, is under investigation by any Governmental Entity for money laundering.

(c) Each of the Sold Companies owns, holds, possesses or lawfully uses in the operation of its business, and since August 26, 2011 (and to Seller’s Knowledge, between

 

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January 1, 2010 and August 26, 2011), has owned, held, possessed and lawfully used in the operation of its business, all material Permits that are necessary for it to own or lease its properties and assets and conduct its business as presently conducted, and all such material Permits are in full force and effect and no cancellation or suspension of any such material Permit is pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened, and since August 26, 2011 (and to Seller’s Knowledge, between January 1, 2010 and August 26, 2011), no Sold Company has received any written notice or other written communication regarding any actual or alleged violation of or failure to comply with any term or requirement of any material Permit or any actual or threatened revocation, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation, termination or modification of any material Permit. Section 3.9(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth an accurate and complete list as of the date hereof of all material Permits issued to any Sold Company with respect to the businesses of the Sold Companies. Each such material Permit has been validly issued or obtained and is, and after the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will be, in all material respects in full force and effect.

(d) None of the Sold Companies nor, to the Knowledge of Seller, their respective directors, officers or employees or any other Person acting for or on behalf of the Sold Companies, has, directly or indirectly, (i) made any bribe, influence payment, kickback, payoff, or any other type of payment that would be unlawful under any applicable Law; (ii) offered, paid, promised to pay, or authorized any payment or transfer of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any officer, employee or any other Person acting in an official capacity for any Governmental Entity (including any political party or official thereof), or to any candidate for political office (individually and collectively, a “ Government Official ”) for the purpose of (1) improperly influencing any act or decision of such Government Official in his official capacity, (2) improperly inducing such Government Official to do or omit to do any act in relation to his lawful duty, (3) securing any improper advantage, or (4) inducing such Government Official to improperly influence or affect any act or decision of any Governmental Entity, in each case, in order to assist the Sold Companies, or any of their respective directors, officers or employees in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or in directing business to, any Person or (iii) violated any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any other applicable anti-corruption Law.

(e) There is no pending material Action and, to the Knowledge of Seller, since August 26, 2011, there has been no investigation and no Person has threatened to commence any material Action or investigation, in each case: (i) that involves Seller or any Sold Company or any of the assets owned or used by any Sold Company; or (ii) that challenges, or that may have the effect of preventing, delaying, making illegal or otherwise interfering with, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. There is no material Order imposed upon any of Seller or the Sold Companies, or any of their respective assets or properties, or which restricts in any material respect the ability of any Sold Company to conduct its business. To the Knowledge of Seller, no (x) Business Employee who holds the position of “director, “manager” or above or (y) any engineer is subject to any Order that prohibits such Business Employee from engaging in or continuing any conduct, activity or practice relating to the business of any Sold Company. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 3.9 shall be construed as a representation or warranty with respect to infringement, misappropriation or other violations of the Intellectual Property of any Person.

 

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Section 3.10 Real Property . None of the Sold Companies owns any real property. Section 3.10 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete list of all leases and subleases of real property to or by any Sold Company as of the date hereof involving annual payments in excess of $50,000, in each case as amended to date (the “ Real Property Leases ”). Seller has made available to Buyer accurate and complete copies of all Real Property Leases. The Sold Companies that are parties to the Real Property Leases have good and valid title to the leasehold estates demised by the Real Property Leases, free and clear of any Liens, except Permitted Liens. None of the Sold Companies has received any written notice, or, to the Knowledge of Seller, other communication of any material default or event that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a material default by the Sold Companies under any of the Real Property Leases. Each of the Real Property Leases in all material respects is in full force and effect and creates, in favor of the Sold Companies a valid, binding and enforceable leasehold interest in the applicable real property (including all rights, title, privileges and appurtenances pertaining or relating thereto).

Section 3.11 Tangible Personal Properties .

(a) The Sold Companies have good title to, or in the case of leased tangible personal property and assets, good and valid leasehold interests in, all tangible personal property and assets reflected in the balance sheet included in the most recent Financial Statements or all material tangible personal property and assets acquired after the Balance Sheet Date, except for tangible personal property and assets sold since the Balance Sheet Date in the ordinary course of business (collectively, the “ Assets ”). None of the Assets is subject to any Lien, except Permitted Liens.

(b) All tangible personal property and assets owned or leased by each Sold Company are free from material defects, are in good operating condition and repair in all material respects and have been maintained in all material respects consistent with standards generally followed in the industry (giving due account to the age and length of use of same, ordinary wear and tear excepted).

Section 3.12 Appropriate Division of Assets; Sufficiency of Assets . Except as set forth in Section 3.12 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule ( provided , that the Intellectual Property Cross-License Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011, as amended, between certain of the Sold Companies, on the one hand, and certain of the Remaining Entities, on the other hand, that is disclosed on Section 3.12 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to be disclosed solely for purposes of determining the accuracy of the representations made by Seller in this Section 3.12 as of date of this Agreement and not as of the Closing) and excluding (x) assets to be transferred out of the Sold Companies pursuant to the Restructuring, (y) services to be made available to Buyer, the Sold Companies or their respective Affiliates pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement and (z) Intellectual Property to be licensed to Buyer, the Sold Companies or their respective Affiliates pursuant to the A&R IP Cross-License Agreement:

(a) all of the assets, properties and rights (for the avoidance of doubt, including Intellectual Property) owned, leased or licensed by Seller or other Remaining Entities and used in the operation or conduct of the business of the Sold Companies as of the Closing,

 

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whether tangible or intangible (for the avoidance of doubt, including Intellectual Property), will be owned, leased or licensed by the Sold Companies immediately prior to the Closing; and

(b) the assets, properties and rights (for the avoidance of doubt, including Intellectual Property) owned, leased or licensed by the Sold Companies as of the Closing constitute all of the assets, properties and rights necessary for, used in, or held for use in the conduct of the businesses of the Sold Companies as conducted immediately prior to the Closing.

For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 3.12 shall be construed as a representation or warranty with respect to infringement, misappropriation or other violations of the Intellectual Property of any Person, which matters shall be exclusively governed by Section 3.13 .

Section 3.13 Intellectual Property .

(a) Section 3.13(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and accurate list of (i) all Company-Owned Intellectual Property that is Registered IP (except, for the avoidance of doubt, with respect to domain names, solely material domain names), including the application and registration date, and the jurisdictions where such Intellectual Property is registered, patented or where applications have been filed, and all registration, patent or application numbers, as appropriate) as of the date hereof, and any other Person that has an ownership interest in such item of Registered IP and the nature of such interest; (ii) a written high-level description of all written invention disclosures included in the material unregistered Company-Owned Intellectual Property as of the date hereof that primarily relate to technology that either (x) enhances the endurance or retention of non-volatile memory or (y) reduces the error rate of non-volatile memory by monitoring and adjusting threshold voltages, and in each case, that is incorporated or used in the Company Products (such technology, the “ Guardian Technology ”); (iii) all material unregistered trademarks, slogans, brand names and other indications of source, whether or not registered, included in the Company-Owned Intellectual Property as of the date hereof that are used to promote the Company Products or otherwise material to the operation of the businesses of the Sold Companies. Since January 1, 2010, no interference, opposition, reissue, reexamination, or other proceeding is or has been pending since August 26, 2011 in which Seller or the Sold Companies have been served or notified in writing, or threatened in writing, that relates to the scope, validity, or enforceability of any Company-Owned Intellectual Property. All such items on Section 3.13(a)(i) and (ii) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule are unexpired, subsisting and, to the Knowledge of Seller, valid and enforceable.

(b) All filings, payments, and other actions required to be made or taken to perfect the Sold Company’s ownership of each item of Registered IP and maintain the registration or application for each such item of Registered IP in full force and effect (other than non-material domain names) have been made by the applicable deadline and in accordance with applicable Law. Except as set forth in Section 3.13(b)(i) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, since August 26, 2011, no application for a patent or for a copyright, mask work, or trademark registration or any other type of Registered IP (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, non-material domain names) included in the Company Owned Intellectual Property has been abandoned, allowed to lapse, or rejected (with finality and no right to appeal). Section 3.13(b)(ii) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and accurate list of each filing, payment, and action that the Seller or the Sold Companies have been notified in writing or, to the

 

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Knowledge of Seller, verbally must be made or taken on or before December 15, 2013 in order to maintain the application or registration for each such item of Company-Owned Intellectual Property that is Registered IP in full force and effect and to avoid prejudice to or impairment or abandonment of the application or registration for such Registered IP, including any maintenance fees that must be paid and any filings necessary to maintain ownership or other rights in such application or registration for the Registered IP.

(c) The Sold Companies are the exclusive owners of all right, title and interest (including beneficial and legal ownership interests) in and to the Company-Owned Intellectual Property, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens). Except as set forth on Section 3.13(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, neither Seller or any Affiliate of Seller other than Storage AZ owns any Intellectual Property incorporated or used in the Guardian Technology. Except as set forth on Section 3.13(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, all Persons (including past and current employees of the Sold Companies or their predecessors in interest) who created or invented any material Intellectual Property that was provided to the Sold Companies other than pursuant to a licensing or similar Contract have assigned to the Sold Companies or their predecessors in interest all of their rights in such Intellectual Property that do not vest initially in the Sold Companies or their predecessors in interest by operation of Law. Except as set forth on Section 3.13(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, all patents, material inventions, and material software included in the Company-Owned Intellectual Property was created solely by employees of the Sold Companies or their predecessors in interest.

(d) Section 3.13(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and accurate list of all, with respect to Intellectual Property (excluding Intellectual Property licensed under Open Source Licenses) owned by third parties that is incorporated or used in any Company Product that is currently sold, licensed or distributed to third parties, licenses or other agreements pursuant to which the Sold Companies obtain rights to such Intellectual Property.

(e) Section 3.13(e) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and accurate list of all (i) software code that is incorporated or used in any Company Product that is currently sold, licensed or distributed to third parties (or software code that links with the code of any Company Product in such a manner that the Company Product becomes subject to any Open Source License governing such software code) and that is subject to any type of “open source,” freeware, “copyleft” or similar license (including the GNU Public License, Lesser GNU Public License, Mozilla Public License, Apache Software License, BSD or MIT license, and any similar licenses) (collectively, “ Open Source Licenses ”) and, with respect to each such item of software code, a description of how such software code is incorporated into or used in (including, if applicable, how it links with) the applicable Company Product. Except as expressly stated in Section 3.13(e)(i) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, no Company-Owned Intellectual Property is subject to any Open Source Licenses or any other similar license or obligations that, in each case, require after the distribution of such Company-Owned Intellectual Property, the disclosure, availability, licensing or distribution of any source code for any portion of such Company-Owned Intellectual Property or imposes restrictions on fees that may be charged for such Company-Owned Intellectual Property or the manner in which such Company-Owned Intellectual Property may be licensed to third parties. For the avoidance of doubt, for the purpose of this Section 3.13(e) , “ Company Product ” shall not include internal tools or toolkits

 

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created for customers’ benefit which are not distributed to third parties, but shall include any firmware for all products of the Sold Companies.

(f) No Person other than employees or authorized contractors of the Sold Companies has the right, whether current, contingent or otherwise, to access or possess any source code (other than any source code licensed to end users in Software Developer Kits in the ordinary course of business) owned by the Sold Companies. Neither the Seller nor any of the Sold Companies has disclosed, licensed, made available, delivered or is obligated to deliver to any escrow agent any of the proprietary source code owned by the Sold Companies. No event has occurred, and no circumstance or condition exists, that will, or could reasonably be expected to, result in the obligation to make delivery, license, or disclosure of any proprietary source code owned by the Sold Companies to any Person who is not, as of the date of this Agreement, an employee or authorized contractor of the Sold Companies.

(g) The conduct of the business of the Sold Companies (including the development, manufacture, use, distribution, marketing and sale of the Company Products) has not infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated, and does not, as currently conducted by the Sold Companies, infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate Intellectual Property of any Person; provided , that the foregoing representation is made to the Seller’s Knowledge with respect to Intellectual Property owned by a non-practicing entity, patent monetization entity or patent assertion entity (as such terms are commonly understood in the industry). To the Knowledge of Seller, no Company-Owned Intellectual Property is being infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated by any Person in any material respect.

(h) No Actions are pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against the Seller or the Sold Companies that challenge the rights of the Seller or the Sold Companies in, or the validity or enforceability of, the Company-Owned Intellectual Property (except, for the avoidance of doubt, prosecution of Registered IP before the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any equivalent foreign Governmental Entity), and neither the Seller nor any of the Sold Companies is subject to any Order regarding the Company-Owned Intellectual Property. Neither the Seller nor any of the Sold Companies has since August 26, 2011 (and to Seller’s Knowledge, between January 1, 2010 and August 26, 2011) received any written notice alleging that the Sold Companies have, or the operation of the business of the Sold Companies has, infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated in any material respects the Intellectual Property of any third party or offering to license the Seller or the Sold Companies any patents in connection with the operation of the business of the Sold Companies.

(i) Except as set forth in Section 3.13(i)(i) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and except for non-exclusive licenses, the Sold Companies are not bound by, and no Company-Owned Intellectual Property is subject to, any Contract containing any covenant or other provision that materially limits or restricts the ability of the Sold Companies to use, assert, enforce, or otherwise exploit anywhere in the world any Company-Owned Intellectual Property (“Restrictive Covenants”). No exclusive licenses or other grants of exclusive rights have been granted to any Person with respect to the Company-Owned Intellectual Property. Except as set forth in Section 3.13(i)(ii) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, no Restrictive Covenants or exclusive licenses apply to any Company-Owned Intellectual Property incorporated or used in any Guardian Technology.

 

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(j) The Sold Companies have taken commercially reasonable steps to protect and maintain (i) their trade secrets and material confidential information and (ii) the security, operation and integrity of their material software and systems, web sites, and networks (and the data stored therein), and since August 26, 2011 (and to Seller’s Knowledge, between January 1, 2010 and August 26, 2011) there have been no material outages, thefts, breaches, or violations of their software and systems, web sites, and networks (and the data stored therein) (other than any that were satisfactorily resolved in compliance with applicable Law without material cost to the Sold Companies).

(k) Neither the execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement nor the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will result in, or give any other Person the right or option to cause or declare (i) a loss of any material right with respect to any Company-Owned Intellectual Property; (ii) a breach of, termination of, or acceleration or modification of any right with respect to Company-Owned Intellectual Property under any Material Contract; (iii) the release, disclosure, or delivery of any Company-Owned Intellectual Property by or to any escrow agent or other Person; or (iv) the grant, assignment, or transfer to any other Person of any license or other rights of (x) the Sold Companies in, under or to any Company-Owned Intellectual Property; or (y) the Buyer in, under or to any Intellectual Property of Buyer; except in each of clauses (i)–(iv) above, as contemplated by this Agreement or any of the Closing Agreements.

(l) No funding facilities, resources or personnel (including employees, contractors, consultants, interns or students) of any public or private university, college or other educational or research institution or Government Entity were used by Seller or the Sold Companies to develop or create, in whole or in part, any Company-Owned Intellectual Property, including any Company-Owned Intellectual Property that is a portion of any Company Product. There is no United States, or, to Seller’s Knowledge, non-U.S. governmental prohibition or restriction on the export or import of any of the Company-Owned Intellectual Property from or to any jurisdiction in which the Sold Companies currently conduct business.

(m) Neither Seller nor the Sold Companies are currently as of the date hereof, and since August 26, 2011 have been, a member of or contributor to any industry standards body or similar organization that currently compels or could compel Seller or the Sold Companies to grant or offer to any third party any license or right to, any Company-Owned Intellectual Property.

Section 3.14 Company Products .

(a) Section 3.14(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of each Company Product distributed or otherwise made available by or on behalf of the Sold Companies since August 26, 2011.

(b) No portion of any Company Product or other proprietary software, in each case, owned by the Sold Companies and sold, licensed or distributed to third parties contain any “back door,” “drop dead device,” “time bomb,” “Trojan horse,” “virus,” “worm,” “spyware” or “adware” (as such terms are commonly understood in the software industry) or any other code designed or intended to have, or performing or facilitating, any of the following functions: (i)

 

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disrupting, disabling, harming, or otherwise impeding in any manner the operation of, or providing unauthorized access to, a computer system or network or other device on which such code is stored or installed, or (ii) compromising the privacy or data security of a user or materially damaging or destroying any data or file without the user’s consent (collectively, “ Malicious Code ”). The Sold Companies implement commercially reasonable measures (compliant with industry standards) designed to prevent the introduction of Malicious Code into the Company Owned Intellectual Property incorporated into or used in Company Products and other proprietary software of the Sold Companies.

(c) To the Knowledge of Seller, none of the Company Products sold, licensed or distributed to third parties and currently subject to a Product Warranty of the Sold Companies, after they have passed all applicable customer qualification test(s): (i) contains any bug, defect, or error that materially and adversely affects the use, functionality, or performance of such Company Product or causes a material and adverse effect upon any product or system containing or used in conjunction with such Company Product or (ii) materially fails to comply with any warranty, support or similar obligation applicable to such Company Product with respect to the applicable customer (“ Product Warranties ”).

(d) No columbite-tantalite (coltan), cassiterite, gold, wolframite, or other mineral or any derivatives thereof, in each case, (i) that is used by Seller or the Sold Companies in the production of any Company Product and (ii) the exploitation and trade of which is sourced from a country that is determined by the Secretary of State of the United States to be financing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or a country that shares an internationally recognized border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, originated in any such countries.

Section 3.15 Inventory . As of the date hereof, all of the Inventory of the Sold Companies is in good condition and free of any material defect and is useable or saleable in the ordinary course of business, in each case net of reserves or accruals reflected on, or reserved for in, the Financial Statements. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 3.15 shall be construed as a representation or warranty with respect to the condition or defect of any Company Products, which matters shall be exclusively governed by Section 3.14 .

Section 3.16 Absence of Certain Changes or Events .

(a) Since the Balance Sheet Date through the date hereof, there has not been any change, occurrence or development that has had, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Except (x) as contemplated by this Agreement or (y) as set forth on Section 3.16(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, since the Balance Sheet Date through the date hereof, (i) the Sold Companies have conducted their respective businesses in the ordinary course of business and (ii) there has not occurred any action or event that, had such action or event occurred after the date hereof and prior to the Closing Date, would have breached any of the covenants contained in Section 5.1(b) .

Section 3.17 Material Contracts .

 

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(a) Section 3.17(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists the following Contracts to which the any of the Sold Companies is a party as of the date of this Agreement, other than this Agreement, the Company Benefit Plans (other than as expressly covered by Section 3.17(a)(xiv) or Section 3.17(a)(xv) below) and the Insurance Policies (collectively, the “ Material Contracts ”):

(i) any Contract containing any right of exclusivity in favor of the other parties thereto (including any Contract requiring the Sold Companies to purchase its total requirements of any product or service from a third party) with respect to any matter related to the business of the Sold Companies or any covenant limiting the ability of the Sold Companies or, upon the Closing, Buyer to engage in any line of business, compete with any Person or in any geographic area;

(ii) each Contract that includes a covenant not to sue or a settlement agreement;

(iii) each Contract that contains “take or pay” provisions;

(iv) each Contract providing for the development of any material technology or other material Company-Owned Intellectual Property, independently or jointly, by or for the Sold Companies;

(v) each Contract requiring any of the Sold Companies to pay to any Person (excluding Business Employees, independent sales representatives and distributors) royalties or commissions in excess of $100,000 for the manufacture, sale or distribution of any Company Product;

(vi) each Contract that creates, governs or controls a partnership, joint venture, the sharing of revenues, profits, losses, costs or liabilities or other similar arrangements with respect to the Sold Companies;

(vii) each Contract that (A) provides for or relates to Indebtedness of the Sold Companies, other than any Indebtedness between or among any of the Sold Companies or (B) provides for or relates to any hedging, derivatives or similar contracts or arrangements;

(viii) each Contract that relates to the acquisition or disposition of any business (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise) entered into after August 26, 2011 (or to Seller’s Knowledge, between January 1, 2010 and August 26, 2011) or pursuant to which any Sold Company has any material current or future rights or obligations;

(ix) each Contract granting a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on any material property or asset of any of the Sold Companies;

(x) each Contract that contains any provisions requiring any Sold Company to indemnify any other party (excluding indemnities (x) contained in Contracts for the purchase, sale or license of products or services in the ordinary course of business

 

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consistent with past practice or (y) that are not otherwise reasonably expected to result in payments by any Sold Company in excess of $100,000 (after giving effect to any insurance coverage, but including the payment of any applicable deductibles thereunder);

(xi) except for non-exclusive license agreements granted to the Sold Companies in the ordinary course of business for generally commercially available computer software available or design tools on standard terms and in object-code form with annual fees of less than $100,000, each Contract pursuant to which any rights have been granted to the Sold Companies with respect to any material Intellectual Property;

(xii) except for sales of Company Products and any other non-exclusive license agreements granted by the Sold Companies in the ordinary course of business, each Contract pursuant to which any Person has been granted any license under or has received or acquired any right to any Company-Owned Intellectual Property;

(xiii) each Contract with a Governmental Entity pursuant to which the Sold Companies received payments of $100,000 or more during Seller’s most recently completed fiscal year;

(xiv) each employment, consulting, severance, retention, bonus or change in control agreement or Contract with any Business Employee or individual consultant of any of the Sold Companies with respect to which any Sold Company is a party that (A) provides annual aggregate annual salary and bonuses that may exceed $200,000; (B) provides for the payment of any cash or other compensation or benefits as a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or (C) otherwise restricts any Sold Company’s ability to terminate the employment or engagement of such individual without penalty or Liability;

(xv) each collective bargaining agreement or other Contract with any labor union or other employee association or organization; and

(xvi) each other Contract (or series of related Contracts) (other than purchase orders issued pursuant to a Contract governing such purchase orders or Contracts for the purchase or sale of materials entered into in the ordinary course of business) for the purchase or sale of supplies, goods, services, equipment or other assets providing for annual payments by the Sold Companies or to the Sold Companies, respectively, during Seller’s most recently completed fiscal year of $100,000 or more.

(b) (i) Seller has made available to Buyer accurate and complete copies of all Material Contracts, each as amended to date, (ii) each Material Contract is valid and binding on each Sold Company that is a party thereto, as applicable, and to the Knowledge of Seller, each other party thereto, and in all material respects is in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms, (iii) each of the Sold Companies, and, to the Knowledge of Seller, any other party thereto, has performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under each Material Contract, (iv) none of the Sold Companies have received notice of the existence of any event or condition which constitutes, or, after notice or lapse of time or both, will or would reasonably be expected to constitute, a material default on the part of

 

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any of the Sold Companies under any Material Contract, and to the Knowledge of Seller, there are no events or conditions which constitute, or, after notice or lapse of time or both, will or would reasonably be expected to constitute a material default on the part of any counterparty under such Material Contract, and (v) since August 26, 2011 (and to Seller’s Knowledge, between January 1, 2010 and August 26, 2011), none of the Sold Companies have received any written notice, or to the Knowledge of Seller, any other written communication from any Person that such Person intends to terminate any Material Contract.

(c) Section 3.17(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth (i) the top ten (10) customers of the Sold Companies, taken as a whole, by net revenue during the 12-month period ended as at the Balance Sheet Date (the “ Top Customers ”) and (ii) the top five (5) suppliers of the Sold Companies, taken as a whole, by expenditures during the 12-month period ended as at the Balance Sheet Date (the “ Top Suppliers ”). As of the date hereof, (i) none of the Top Customers or the Top Suppliers has canceled or otherwise terminated its relationship with the Sold Companies and (ii) to the Knowledge of Seller, none of the Sold Companies have received written notice or any other communication that any such Top Customer or Top Supplier, as the case may be, intends to terminate or otherwise (x) materially modify its relationship with any of the Sold Companies in a manner adverse to the Sold Companies or (y) materially change its purchases from or sales to the Sold Companies (other than in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise contemplated by the Contracts with such Persons made available to Buyer prior to the date of this Agreement) in a manner adverse to any of the Sold Companies.

Section 3.18 Employee Benefits .

(a) Section 3.18(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth (i) each Seller Benefit Plan and (ii) each Company Benefit Plan. Neither Seller nor any of the Sold Companies has made any commitment to create any additional Seller Benefit Plan or Company Benefit Plan or modify or change any existing Seller Benefit Plan or Company Benefit Plan.

(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.18(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, no Seller Benefit Plan or Company Benefit Plan is, and none of the Sold Companies sponsor maintain, contribute to, have an obligation to contribute to, or have had within the last six years any liability with respect to (i) an employee benefit plan subject to ERISA, or (ii) a plan subject to Section 401(a) of the Code.

(c) No Seller Benefit Plan or Company Benefit Plan is, and neither the Sold Companies nor any of their ERISA Affiliates maintains, contributes or has any liability, whether contingent or otherwise, with respect to, or has within the preceding six (6) years maintained, contributed or had any liability, whether contingent or otherwise, with respect to any (i) “pension plan” subject to Title IV or Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code, (ii) “multiple employer plan” within the meaning of Sections 4063 or 4064 of ERISA, (iii) “multiemployer plan,” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, or (iv) “multiple employer welfare arrangement” within the meaning of Section 3(40) of ERISA.

(d) Each Company Benefit Plan and, solely as it relates to Business Employees, each Seller Benefit Plan has been established and administered in all material

 

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respects in accordance with its terms and in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and all other applicable Laws. All payments, benefits, contributions (including all employer contributions and employee salary reduction contributions) and premiums related to each Company Benefit Plan and, solely as it relates to Business Employees, each Seller Benefit Plan, including all wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, benefits and other compensation due to or on behalf of any Business Employees or individual service providers, have been timely paid or made in full or, to the extent not yet due, properly accrued on the Financial Statements in accordance with the terms of the Seller Benefit Plan or Company Benefit Plan and all applicable Laws. There are no pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened claims against, by or on behalf of any Company Benefit Plan or, solely as it relates to Business Employees, any Seller Benefit Plan or the assets, fiduciaries or administrators thereof (other than routine claims for benefits). Neither Seller nor any of the Sold Companies have engaged in any breach of fiduciary duty or other failure to act or comply, and to the Knowledge of Seller, no other breaches of fiduciary duty or other failures to act or comply have occurred, in any case, relating to the administration or investment of the assets of any Company Benefit Plan or, solely as it relates to Business Employees, any Seller Benefit Plan. With respect to each Company Benefit Plan, (i) no non-exempt prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) has occurred, and (ii) no Lien has been imposed under the Code or ERISA. Neither Seller nor any of the Sold Companies have failed to distribute any required reports or descriptions of Seller Benefit Plans or Company Benefit Plans to any Business Employees (including without limitation any summary annual reports or summary plan descriptions). No excise tax could reasonably be expected to be imposed upon the Sold Companies under Chapter 43 of the Code. No filing has been made in respect of any Company Benefit Plan under the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System or the Department of Labor Delinquent Filer Program.

(e) No Seller Benefit Plan or Company Benefit Plan provides, and the Sold Companies have no obligation to provide or make available, any post-employment or post-service health or welfare benefit for any Business Employee, individual consultant or other individual service provider of the Sold Companies, except as may be required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, or any similar state Law.

(f) Except as set forth on Section 3.18(f) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (either alone or in combination with another event) (i) result in any payment becoming due, or increase the amount of any compensation or benefits due, to any Business Employee, individual consultant or other individual service provider of the Sold Companies; or (ii) result in the acceleration of the time of payment, delivery or vesting of any compensation, equity award or other benefits payable or deliverable to, or otherwise held by, any Business Employee, individual consultant or other individual service provider of the Sold Companies.

(g) Each of the Sold Companies have properly classified each Person providing services to it as an independent contractor or employee, or leased employee, for all relevant purposes.

 

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(h) With respect to each Company Benefit Plan Seller has made available to Buyer, as applicable, (i) a correct and complete copy thereof (or, to the extent no such copy exists, an accurate description of the material terms thereof), including all amendments through the date hereof, (ii) the most recent annual reports (if required to be filed by applicable Law) for each Company Benefit Plan, including any and all schedules, opinions and attachments thereto prepared in connection with any such reports; (iii) the most recent summary plan description and summary of material modifications (if any) of each Company Benefit Plan; (iv) all trust documents, investment management contracts, custodial agreements, insurance contracts and other funding arrangements relating to any Company Benefit Plan; (v) the most recent financial statement, actuarial report and trustee report for each Company Benefit Plan; and (vi) all material notices and filings concerning IRS or U.S. Department of Labor audits or investigations and “prohibited transactions” within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (including Forms 5330). With respect to each Seller Benefit Plan, Seller has made available to Buyer, a correct and complete copy thereof (or, to the extent no such copy exists, an accurate description of the material terms thereof), including all amendments through the date hereof.

(i) The Sold Companies and each of their respective ERISA Affiliates are in compliance in all material respects with (i) the applicable requirements of Section 4980B of the Code and any similar state law, and (ii) the applicable requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, and the regulations (including the proposed regulations) thereunder. No Seller Benefit Plan or Company Benefit Plan is a voluntary employee benefit association under Section 501(a)(9) of the Code. The obligations of all Company Benefit Plans that provide health, welfare or similar insurance are fully insured by bona fide third-party insurers. No Company Benefit Plan or Seller Benefit Plan is maintained through a human resources and benefits outsourcing entity, professional employer organization, or other similar vendor or provider.

(j) No Company Benefit Plan or, to the Knowledge of Seller, any fiduciary thereof is the subject of an ongoing audit or investigation by the IRS, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. or any other Governmental Entity, nor is any such audit or investigation pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened.

(k) Except as set forth in Section 3.18(k) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, no Company Benefit Plan is maintained outside the jurisdiction of, or subject to the laws of any jurisdiction outside of, the United States (any such Seller Benefit Plan or Company Benefit Plan set forth in Section 3.18(k) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, a “ Foreign Benefit Plan ”). All Foreign Benefit Plans have been established, maintained and administered in compliance in all material respects with their terms and all applicable Laws of any controlling Governmental Entity or instrumentality, and all Foreign Benefit Plans that are intended or required to be book-reserved and/or funded are book reserved and/or funded at the required level based on reasonable actuarial assumptions, and with respect to all other Foreign Benefit Plans, adequate reserves therefore have been established on the accounting statements of the applicable Sold Company.

Section 3.19 Labor and Employment Matters .

 

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(a) Section 3.19(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule contains a true, correct and complete list as of the date of this Agreement of the names and current annual salary rates or current hourly wages (as applicable), bonus opportunity, hire date, accrued vacation and paid-time-off, principal work location, employer and leave status of all Business Employees and each such employee’s status as being exempt or nonexempt from the application of state and federal wage and hour laws applicable to employees who do not occupy a managerial, administrative, or professional position.

(b) Each of the Sold Companies is in material compliance with all applicable Laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, wages, hours of work, employment standards, human rights, pay equity, privacy, workers compensation, workplace safety and insurance, labor relations, occupational safety and health and other labor and employment-related matters. There are no unfair labor practice complaints before the National Labor Relations Board or any other Governmental Entity, grievances, complaints, claims or judicial or administrative proceedings, in any case, which are pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened by or on behalf of any Business Employees, and the Sold Companies have not received any notice that any representation or petition respecting the Business Employees has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board or any other Governmental Entity.

(c) Except as set forth on Section 3.19(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Sold Companies have not experienced since August 26, 2011 (and to the Knowledge of Seller, between January 1, 2010 and August 26, 2011), and to the Knowledge of Seller, there are no pending or threatened, labor disputes, grievances, work stoppages, requests for representation, pickets, work slow-downs or any actions or arbitrations that involve the labor or employment relations of the Sold Companies or the Business Employees. None of the Sold Companies is (i) a party to, and no Business Employee is covered by, any collective bargaining agreement or other Contract or understanding with a labor union or organization or (ii) obligated to inform or consult any works council with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Sold Companies are not currently engaged in any negotiation with any labor union or organization, and no union, or other employee organization is currently representing or purporting to represent any Business Employees and, to the Knowledge of Seller, there are no organizational efforts by any labor organization or any group of employees with respect to the formation or recognition of a collective bargaining unit presently being made involving Business Employees.

(d) Section 3.19(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule contains a list of all individual independent contractors, individual consultants, individual agents or individual agency employees engaged as of the date of this Agreement by the Sold Companies, along with the position, date of retention and rate of remuneration for each such Person.

(e) Except as set forth on Section 3.19(e) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, none of the Sold Companies has effectuated since August 26, 2011 (and to the Knowledge of Seller, between January 1, 2010 and August 26, 2011), nor does any Sold Company currently have plans to effectuate (i) a “plant closing,” as defined in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the “ WARN Act ”), (ii) a “mass layoff” (as defined in the WARN

 

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Act) or (iii) such other layoff, reduction in force or employment terminations sufficient in number to trigger application of any similar state or local law which would be material.

Section 3.20 Environmental . The Sold Companies are in material compliance with all, and have not violated in any material respects any, material Environmental Laws. The Sold Companies possess and comply in all material respects with all, and have not violated in any material respects any, material Permits required under any material Environmental Law for their respective operations as currently, and none of the Sold Companies has received any written notice, or to the Knowledge of Seller, other communication that any such Permit will be revoked, not re-issued, or materially modified in a manner adverse to the Sold Companies, and to the Knowledge of Seller there is no basis for such written notice or communication. There are no Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against or affecting, the Sold Companies (i) alleging any violation of or liability under any Environmental Law, or (ii) arising out of the presence or release of any substance or material listed, classified or regulated by any Governmental Entity as toxic or hazardous, as a pollutant or contaminant, or as any other words having the same or similar meaning (“ Materials of Environmental Concern ”), that, in each case under clauses (i) and (ii), could reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the Sold Companies. None of the Sold Companies is subject to or affected by any material Order under any Environmental Law or regarding any release of Materials of Environmental Concern. None of the Sold Companies has released any Materials of Environmental Concern at any property currently or formerly operated by any of them and, to the Knowledge of Seller, no Materials of Environmental Concern are otherwise present at or affecting any property operated by the Sold Companies or any other location (including any facility for the treatment, storage, or disposal of Materials of Environmental Concern), in each case, under such circumstances or under such conditions that could reasonably be expected to result in material liability to the Sold Companies pursuant to Environmental Laws or to materially and adversely affect any of them. None of the Sold Companies has assumed or retained, by contract or by operation of Law, any liability under Environmental Laws or regarding any release of Materials of Environmental Concern that, in each case, could reasonably be expected to be material to the Sold Companies. Seller has made available to Buyer all environmental investigations, studies, audits, tests, reviews or other environmental analyses in the possession of Seller and related to the current business of any Sold Company or any property or facility leased by any Sold Company since August 26, 2011. As used herein, “ Environmental Laws ” means any applicable Laws and Orders relating to protection of the environment, or protection of human health and safety as may be affected by exposure to Materials of Environmental Concern.

Section 3.21 Insurance . Section 3.21 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists all policies of insurance covering the Sold Companies or any of their respective employees, properties or assets (collectively, the “ Insurance Policies ”), including policies of property, fire, workers’ compensation, products liability, directors’ and officers’ liability and other casualty and liability insurance. All of the Insurance Policies are in all material respects in full force and effect and all premiums due and payable thereon from the Sold Companies have been paid in full, and none of the Sold Companies or, to the Knowledge of Seller, any other party thereto, is in material violation or breach of or default under (or with notice or lapse of time, or both, would be in material violation or breach of or default under) the terms of any Insurance Policies. There is no material claim pending under any of such Insurance Policies as to which coverage has been

 

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questioned, denied or disputed by the underwriters of such Insurance Policies and there has been no threatened termination of any such Insurance Policies.

Section 3.22 Transactions with Related Persons; Affiliates . Except as set forth on Section 3.22 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, none of the Sold Companies have any liabilities, contractual or otherwise, owed to or owing from, directly or indirectly, any of their Affiliates (other than other Sold Companies), other than the Company Benefit Plans.

Section 3.23 Brokers and Other Advisors . No broker, finder, financial advisor, investment banker or other similar Person is entitled to any brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions from any of the Sold Companies in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 3.24 No Other Representations or Warranties . Except for the representations and warranties expressly contained in the foregoing sections of this ARTICLE III , neither Seller nor any other Person on behalf of Seller (including any other member of the Seller Group or any Sold Company) makes any express or implied representation or warranty, and Seller hereby disclaims any such representation or warranty with respect to (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any of the Closing Agreements, (ii) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the Closing Agreements, (iii) Seller, the Sold Companies or any of their respective Affiliates, assets or liabilities, (iv) the Legacy Defense Business, (v) other information provided to (or otherwise acquired by) Buyer or any of its Affiliates or Representatives, (iv) any conduct of business or other activities of Seller, the Sold Companies or any of their Affiliates and (vii) the accuracy or completeness of any information provided to (or otherwise acquired by) Buyer or any of its Affiliates or Representatives; provided , however , that the foregoing shall not be construed to prohibit or limit a claim for actual fraud (subject to any limitations on such claim set forth in ARTICLE VIII ).

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

Except as set forth in the Buyer Disclosure Schedule (subject to Section 9.2 ), Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

Section 4.1 Qualification, Organization . Buyer is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware.

Section 4.2 Authority . Buyer has all requisite company power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each of the Closing Agreements to which it is or will be a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement and each of the Closing Agreement to which it is or will be party, the performance by Buyer of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary company action on the part of Buyer. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer and on the Closing Date Buyer will have duly executed and delivered each of the Closing Agreements to

 

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which it will be a party. This Agreement constitutes, and each Closing Agreement to which Buyer will be a party, when so executed and delivered, will constitute, a valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms, except that such enforceability may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions.

Section 4.3 Noncontravention .

(a) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the Closing Agreements, when so executed and delivered, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will, with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, (i) violate any provision of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of Buyer, (ii) assuming compliance with the filing and notice requirements in clauses (i) through (iv) of Section 4.3(b) , violate any Law applicable to Buyer or (iii) result in a breach of, constitute a default under, give rise to any right of modification of any obligations or the loss of any benefit under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or otherwise violate any material Contract to which Buyer is a party or (iv) result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any properties, rights or assets of Buyer, except, in the case of the immediately preceding clauses (iii) and (iv), to the extent that any such violation would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, an adverse effect on the ability of Buyer, or the timing of the ability of Buyer, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(b) The execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement and each of the Closing Agreements to which it is or will be a party, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not require any Consent of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity, except for (i) such filings as may be required under the HSR Act, (ii) any filings as may be required under state securities Laws, (iii) the filings to be made in compliance with applicable requirements of other Laws set forth in Section 4.3(b)(iii) of the Buyer Disclosure Schedule and (iv) such other Orders, Permits, filings and notifications which if not obtained or made would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, an adverse effect on the ability of Buyer, or the timing of the ability of Buyer, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 4.4 Litigation; Orders . There are no Actions pending or, to the knowledge of Buyer, threatened against Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries that challenge, or that may have the effect of preventing, delaying, making illegal or otherwise interfering with, the ability of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each Closing Agreement to which it is a party. None of Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates is subject to any Order that has the effect of preventing, materially delaying, making illegal, or otherwise materially interfering with, the ability of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each Closing Agreement to which it is a party.

Section 4.5 Financial Resources . Buyer has, and will at Closing have, sufficient cash to pay the Estimated Purchase Price and any other amounts payable by Buyer in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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Section 4.6 Brokers and Other Advisors . No broker, finder, financial advisor, investment banker or other similar Person is entitled to any brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions from Buyer in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 4.7 Purchase for Investment . Buyer is purchasing the Sold Shares for its own account and solely for investment, with no intention to sell, transfer or distribute any Sold Shares to any other Person. Buyer is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”). Buyer acknowledges that it is informed as to the risks of the transactions contemplated hereby and of ownership of the Sold Shares. Buyer acknowledge that none of the Sold Shares are registered under the Securities Act or under any state or foreign securities laws, and Buyer will not sell, transfer or distribute any Sold Shares except in compliance with the registration requirements or exemption provisions under the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or any other applicable securities Law.

Section 4.8 Investigation . Buyer has had the opportunity to conduct all such due diligence investigation of the Sold Companies and their respective businesses as it deemed necessary or advisable in connection with entering into this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and has conducted to its satisfaction an independent investigation and verification of the current condition and affairs of the Sold Companies and their respective businesses. Buyer acknowledges that (a) it and its Representatives have been given the opportunity to examine to the full extent deemed necessary and desirable by Buyer all records and other information with respect to the Sold Companies and their respective businesses, and (b) Buyer has taken and hereby takes, full responsibility for determining the scope of its investigations of the Sold Companies and their respective businesses to its full satisfaction.

Section 4.9 Projections . In connection with Buyer’s investigation of the Sold Companies, Buyer may have received, or may receive, from Seller and/or its Representatives or Affiliates certain estimates, projections and other forecasts for the Sold Companies, and certain business plans and budget information. Buyer acknowledges that (i) there are uncertainties inherent in attempting to make such estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets, (ii) Buyer is familiar with such uncertainties, (iii) Buyer is taking full responsibility for making its own evaluation of the adequacy and accuracy of all estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets so furnished to it (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying such estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets), (iv) Buyer shall have no claim against any Person with respect to such estimates, projections, forecasts, business plans and budget information and (v) Buyer will not assert any claim against Seller or any of its Affiliates or Representatives, or hold Seller or any such Persons liable, with respect to such estimates, projections, forecasts, business plans and budget information. Accordingly, Buyer acknowledges that neither Seller nor any of its Affiliates or Representatives, makes any representation or warranty with respect to such estimates, projections, forecasts, business plans or budget information and that Seller makes only those representations and warranties expressly set forth in ARTICLE III .

Section 4.10 No Other Representations or Warranties . Except for the representations and warranties expressly contained in the foregoing sections of this ARTICLE

 

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IV , neither Buyer nor any other Person on behalf of Buyer makes any express or implied representation or warranty, and Buyer hereby disclaims any such representation or warranty with respect to (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any of the Closing Agreements, (ii) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the Closing Agreements, (iii) Buyer or any of its Affiliates, (iv) other information provided to (or otherwise acquired by) Buyer and (v) the accuracy or completeness of any information provided to (or otherwise acquired by) Buyer.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

Section 5.1 Conduct of Business Prior to the Closing .

(a) Without the consent of Buyer, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, except (x) as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, the Closing Agreements or the Restructuring, (y) as disclosed on Section 5.1 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule or (z) as required by Law or Order, during the Pre-Closing Period, Seller shall cause the Sold Companies to conduct their businesses (other than in respect of the Legacy Defense Business, which shall not be subject to this Section 5.1(a) ) in the ordinary course of business and, to the extent consistent therewith, use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain satisfactory relationships with suppliers, customers, and other third parties having material business relationships with the Sold Companies (other than in respect of the Legacy Defense Business, which shall not be subject to this Section 5.1(a) ).

(b) In furtherance of Section 5.1(a) , without the consent of Buyer, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, except (x) as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, the Closing Agreements or the Restructuring, (y) as disclosed on Section 5.1 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule or (z) as required by Law or Order, during the Pre-Closing Period, Seller shall cause each Sold Company (other than in respect of any actions relating to the Legacy Defense Business, which shall not be subject to this Section 5.1(b) ) not to (and in the case of Section 5.1(b)(ii)(B) , Seller shall not):

(i) amend its certificate of incorporation or bylaws or comparable organizational documents;

(ii) (A) issue, deliver, sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber any shares of capital stock or other ownership interests, or any options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire or receive any shares of capital stock or other ownership interests, in the Sold Companies, or (B) issue or grant any Seller Options;

(iii) reclassify, combine, split, subdivide, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock or ownership interests;

(iv) (A) incur any obligations or commitments to make any capital expenditures in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate following the Closing, or (B) cease to continue to make capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(v) with respect to Company Products, make any material change in the selling, distribution, advertising, terms of sale or collection practices outside of the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices;

(vi) after the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date, declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution in respect of the capital stock or other ownership interests of any of the Sold Companies or repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or grant any rights or enter into any Contracts or commitments to repurchase, redeem or acquire, any outstanding shares of the capital stock or ownership interests of any of the Sold Companies;

(vii) acquire (whether by merger, consolidation or acquisition of stock or assets or otherwise) any corporation, partnership or other business organization or division thereof or any assets, other than purchases of inventory and other assets in the ordinary course of business and pursuant to existing Contracts made available to Buyer prior to the date hereof;

(viii) sell, lease, license, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of (whether by merger, consolidation or acquisition of stock or assets or otherwise) (A) any corporation, partnership or other business organization or division thereof or (B) any Inventory, equipment, assets, rights or properties (including Intellectual Property) for consideration in excess of $50,000, or abandon or allow to expire any issued patent or material registration or application included in the Company-Owned Intellectual Property, in each case, other than (w) sales or dispositions of Inventory and licenses of products and services, in each case, in the ordinary course of business, (x) pursuant to existing Contracts made available to Buyer prior to the date hereof, (y) non-exclusive licenses of Company-Owned Intellectual Property granted in the ordinary course of business as necessary to make available the Company Products or (z) sales of dispositions of obsolete and worthless assets or scrap;

(ix) sell, lease, license, assign, pledge transfer, abandon, permit any Lien on or otherwise dispose of any Company-Owned Intellectual Property used in or necessary for the operation of the businesses of the Sold Companies, other than (x) non-exclusive licenses of Company-Owned Intellectual Property granted in the ordinary course of business or (y) pursuant to existing Contracts made available to Buyer prior to the date hereof;

(x) modify, amend, terminate or waive any rights under any Material Contract in any material respect or enter into any new Contract that would be a Material Contract if entered into prior to the date of this Agreement;

(xi) acquire or obtain any license to any Intellectual Property or technology other than in the ordinary course of business (including commercially available computer software available or design tools on standard terms and in object-code form) for consideration not to exceed $100,000 in the aggregate;

 

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(xii) permit the loss, expiration or termination of any material license or right to any third party Intellectual Property used in or necessary for the operation of the businesses of the Sold Companies other than in the ordinary course of business;

(xiii) agree to by any exclusivity, non-competition, most favored nation, or similar provision or covenant restricting the Sold Companies from competing in any line of business or with any Person or in any area or engaging in any activity or business (including with respect to the development, manufacture, marketing or distribution of their respective products or services);

(xiv) disclose any material trade secrets or other material proprietary or confidential information of the Sold Companies to any Person not subject to a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement;

(xv) except in the ordinary course of business, make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other Person (other than in a Subsidiary or sister Subsidiary of such Person);

(xvi) except to the extent required under any Company Benefit Plan or Seller Benefit Plan in existence as of the date hereof or as required by applicable Law: (A) hire or terminate (other than for cause) any Business Employee who holds (or, if hired, would hold) the position of “vice president”, “director”, “manager”, “senior engineer”, “executive” or any other individual in a salary grade of 07 or higher or any individual consultant of the Sold Companies, except with respect to individual consultants who perform services for any of the Sold Companies whose aggregate fees are less than $100,000, (B) increase or establish, or commit to increase or establish, the compensation or benefits of any Business Employee or individual consultant of the Sold Companies, (C) establish, adopt, enter into, amend in any material respect or terminate any Seller Benefit Plan or Company Benefit Plan, in each case, affecting any Business Employees, (D) accelerate the vesting or payment of any compensation or benefits under any Seller Benefit Plan or Company Benefit Plan, in each case, with respect to any Business Employees, or (E) grant any cash bonus, incentive, performance or other incentive compensation to any Business Employee;

(xvii) change or make any material Tax election, change any method of accounting with respect to material Taxes, file any material amended Tax Return, enter into any Tax allocation agreement, tax sharing agreement, Tax indemnity agreement, pre-filing agreement, advance pricing agreement, cost sharing agreement or closing agreement relating to material Taxes, surrender any right to claim a material Tax refund or settle or compromise any material federal, state, local or foreign Tax liability, or consent to any extension or waiver of the statute of limitations period applicable to any material Tax claim or assessment;

(xviii) make any changes in financial accounting methods, principles or practices (or change an annual accounting period), except as may be required under GAAP or by applicable Law;

 

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(xix) commence, settle or compromise, or propose to settle or compromise any Action, other than settlements or compromises of Actions for monetary payments as its sole remedy that are paid prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately prior to the Closing Date and that include no other continuing obligations of the Sold Companies (excluding releases of claims);

(xx) adopt a plan or agreement of complete or partial liquidation or dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization;

(xxi) (A) forgive, cancel or compromise any Indebtedness or claim, or (B) waive or release any material right of value;

(xxii) enter into, modify or terminate any labor or collective bargaining agreement; or

(xxiii) agree in writing to take any of the actions described in the foregoing clauses (i) through (xxii).

(c) Buyer acknowledges and agrees that: (i) nothing contained in this Agreement shall give Buyer, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the operations of any of the Sold Companies prior to the Closing Date and (ii) prior to the Closing Date, the Sold Companies shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over their respective operations.

Section 5.2 Access . During the Pre-Closing Period and subject to applicable Law and Section 5.11(b) , Seller shall, and shall cause the Sold Companies to, afford to Buyer and its authorized Representatives, reasonable access during normal business hours and upon prior reasonable written notice to Seller, to the officers, properties, books and records of the Sold Companies as Buyer reasonably requests in connection with its efforts to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided , that such access does not interfere with the normal business operations of Seller or the Sold Companies. In connection with any such access, Buyer and its Representatives shall cooperate with Seller and the Sold Companies and shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any disruption to the business. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Seller and the Sold Companies shall not be required to disclose any information to Buyer if such disclosure would be reasonably likely to jeopardize any attorney-client privilege or conflict with any confidentiality obligations to which Seller or any of the Sold Companies is bound; provided , however , that Seller shall and shall cause the Sold Companies to, take commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a waiver of any such confidentiality obligations upon Buyer’s reasonable prior written request (it being understood that such commercially reasonable efforts shall not require any of Seller or the Sold Companies to pay any consideration to any third party or amend or modify any Contract). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 5.6 , during the Pre-Closing Period, (i) Buyer and its Representatives shall not contact or communicate with the employees, customers, suppliers, independent contractors, landlords, lessors, banks and or other business relations of the Sold Companies in connection with, or relating in any way to, the transactions contemplated hereby, without the prior written consent of Seller (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), and (ii)

 

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Buyer shall have no right to perform invasive or subsurface investigations of the properties or facilities of the Sold Companies without the prior written consent of Seller.

Section 5.3 Efforts; Regulatory Approvals .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, each of Seller and Buyer agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to consummate and make effective as promptly as practicable the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(b) Each of Seller and Buyer shall cooperate with one another and use their reasonable best efforts to prepare all necessary documentation (including furnishing all information required under the HSR Act) to effect promptly all necessary filings and to obtain all Consents of Governmental Entities necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each of Seller and Buyer shall provide to the other party copies of all correspondence between it (or its advisors) and any Governmental Antitrust Authority or other Governmental Entity relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the matters described in this Section 5.3 . Each of Seller and Buyer shall promptly inform the other party of any oral communication with, and provide copies of written communications with, any Governmental Antitrust Authority or other Governmental Entity regarding any such filings or any such transaction. Neither Seller nor Buyer shall independently participate in any meeting with any Governmental Antitrust Authority or other Governmental Entity in respect of any such filings, investigation, or other inquiry without giving the other party prior notice of the meeting and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Antitrust Authority or other Governmental Entity, the opportunity to attend and/or participate. To the extent permissible under applicable Law, each of Seller and Buyer will consult and cooperate with one another in connection with any analyses, appearances, presentations, memoranda, briefs, arguments, opinions and proposals made or submitted by or on behalf of any party hereto relating to proceedings under the HSR Act.

(c) Without limiting the generality of the undertakings pursuant to this Section 5.3 , each of Seller and Buyer shall provide or cause to be provided as promptly as practicable to any Governmental Antitrust Authority all information and documents requested by such Governmental Antitrust Authority or necessary, proper or advisable to permit consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including filing any notification and report form and related material required under the HSR Act as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than ten (10) Business Days after the date hereof, and thereafter to respond promptly to any request for additional information or documentary material that may be made under the HSR Act. Buyer shall request the filings under the HSR Act to be considered for a grant of “early termination,” and make any further filings pursuant thereto that may be necessary, proper, or advisable in connection therewith. Buyer and Seller shall each be responsible one-half of any filing fees under the HSR Act.

(d) If any Action is instituted by any private party challenging this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby as violative of any applicable Competition Law, each of Buyer and Seller, at the sole cost and expense of Buyer, use its reasonable best efforts to oppose or defend against such Action to prevent or enjoin consummation of this Agreement (and the transactions contemplated herein).

 

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(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Buyer and Seller agree and acknowledge that neither this Section 5.3 nor the “reasonable best efforts” standard shall require, or be construed to require Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, in order to obtain any required approval from any Governmental Entity or any third party to (i) propose, negotiate, commit to and effect, by consent decree, hold separate order or otherwise, the sale, divestiture or disposition of businesses, product lines or assets of Buyer or its Subsidiaries (including the Sold Companies following the Closing), (ii) terminate existing relationships, contractual rights or obligations of Buyer or its Subsidiaries (including the Sold Companies following the Closing), (iii) terminate any venture or other arrangement of the Buyer or its Subsidiaries (including the Sold Companies following the Closing), (iv) otherwise take or commit to take actions that after the Closing Date would limit Buyer’s or its Subsidiaries’ (including the Sold Companies’ following the Closing) freedom of action with respect to, or its ability to retain, one or more of the businesses, product lines or assets of Buyer and its Subsidiaries (including the Sold Companies following the Closing), (v) subject to Section 5.3(d), oppose or defend against any Action to prevent or enjoin the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (vi) defend any Action brought by any Governmental Entity in order to avoid entry of, or to have vacated, overturned or terminated, including by appeal if necessary, in order to resolve any such objections or challenge as such Governmental Entity or private party may have to such transactions under any applicable Competition Law so as to permit consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 5.4 Third Party Consents . Each of Buyer and Seller shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to obtain at the earliest practicable date all Consents required under any Contracts with respect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the consents and approvals referred to in Section 3.5(b) (or Section 3.5(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule) and Section 4.3(b) (or Section 4.3(b) of the Buyer Disclosure Schedule); provided , however , that neither Seller nor Buyer shall be obligated to pay (or cause to be paid) any consideration to any third party from whom any such consent or approval is requested under any Contract, other than fees and expenses required to be paid in connection with obtaining any such Consent pursuant to the express terms of any such Contract, which shall be paid by Seller at its sole expense; provided , further , that except as set forth in Section 6.2(i) , each of Seller and Buyer acknowledges and agrees that obtaining any such Consents shall not be a condition to Closing.

Section 5.5 Tax Matters .

(a) Seller and Buyer agree to furnish or cause to be furnished to each other, upon request, as promptly as practicable, such information and assistance relating directly to the Sold Companies (including access to books and records, employees, contractors and representatives) as is reasonably necessary for the filing of all Tax Returns, the making of any election related to Taxes, the preparation for any audit by any Taxing Authority, and the prosecution or defense of any Action relating to any Tax Return. Seller and Buyer shall retain, all books and records with respect to Taxes pertaining to the Sold Companies until the expiration of all relevant statutes of limitations (and, to the extent notified by Seller and Buyer, as the case may be, any extensions thereof). At the end of such period, Seller shall provide the Buyer with at least thirty (30) days prior written notice before destroying any such books and records, during which period Buyer can elect to take possession, at its own expense, of such books and records.

 

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(b) Seller shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, all Tax Returns in respect of the Sold Companies for all periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date that are filed after the Closing Date in a manner consistent with the past practices of the Sold Companies to the extent permitted by applicable Law and Buyer shall cause the Sold Companies to file such Tax Returns; provided , that Buyer may draw from the Escrow Account the amount of Taxes shown as due on such Tax Returns of the Sold Companies at least two (2) Business Days before the date such Taxes are due, to the extent such Taxes are not reflected in the calculation of the Final Purchase Price Elements. Seller shall (x) provide Buyer with drafts of any such income Tax Returns for Buyer’s review and comment at least thirty (30) days prior to the filing of such Tax Returns and (y) use commercially reasonable efforts to provide any such non-income Tax Returns for Buyer’s review and comment at least fifteen (15) days prior to the filing of such Tax Returns; provided , further , that Seller shall consider Buyer’s comments in good faith.

(c) Buyer shall prepare and file, or cause to be prepared and filed, any Tax Returns of the Sold Companies for all Straddle Periods in a manner consistent with the past practices of the Sold Companies to the extent permitted under applicable Law and Buyer may draw from the Escrow Account the amount of such Taxes allocable to the portion of the Straddle Period that is deemed to end on the close of business on the Closing Date at least two (2) Business Days before the date such Taxes are due, to the extent such Taxes are not reflected in the calculation of the Final Purchase Price Elements; provided, that Buyer shall (i) provide Seller with drafts of any such income Tax Returns for Seller’s review and comment at least thirty (30) days prior to the filing of such Tax Returns and (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to provide any such non-income Tax Returns for Seller’s review and comment at least fifteen (15) days prior to the filing of such Tax Returns; provided , further , that Buyer shall consider Seller’s comments in good faith. For the purposes of this Section 5.5(c) and Section 8.2(a)(v) , the Tax that relates to the portion of the Straddle Period constituting the Pre-Closing Tax Period shall (i) in the case of Property Taxes, deemed to be the amount of such Taxes for the entire Straddle Period multiplied by a fraction (x) the numerator of which is the number of days in the Straddle Period ending on the Closing Date and (y) the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire Straddle Period, and (ii) in the case of any other Tax, be deemed equal to the amount which would be payable if the relevant Straddle Period ended at the close of business on the Closing Date.

(d) Buyer may, in its sole discretion, make an election under Section 338 of the Code with respect to the Sold Companies other than Storage AZ Buyer shall provide notice to Seller upon making any such election and Seller shall provide such notice to its shareholders pursuant to Treasury Regulation § 1.338-2(e)(4). Buyer shall not make any Tax election under the Code with respect to Storage AZ that would cause the sale of Storage AZ stock to be treated as an asset sale for Tax purposes, including an election pursuant to Section 338 of the Code.

(e) Any Tax refunds that are received by Buyer, or, after the Closing, the Sold Companies, and any amounts credited against Tax to which Buyer or the Sold Companies become entitled, with respect to Taxes paid by the Sold Companies for a Tax period (or portion thereof) ending on or prior to the Closing Date shall be for the account of Seller, except as noted below. Buyer shall promptly pay over to Seller the amount of any such refund or any such credit, less any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses or Taxes actually due as a result of such Tax refund, within five (5) days after the receipt or entitlement thereto, except to the extent such

 

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refund arises as the result of a carryback of a loss or other tax benefit from a Tax period (or portion thereof) beginning after the Closing Date or such refund was reflected in the calculation of the Final Purchase Price Elements. To the extent there is a taxable loss shown on Storage AZ’s U.S. federal income Tax Return for the taxable period ending on the Closing Date, Seller shall prepare, pursuant to the procedures set forth above in Section 5.5(b), a refund claim on IRS Form 1139 (or other applicable IRS Form and, to the extent possible, any corresponding state income Tax form or return) for the carryback of such loss. Upon reasonable request by Seller, and at the expense of Seller, Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Sold Companies to seek refunds and credits described in this Section 5.5(e) . To the extent any Tax refund or credit paid to Seller pursuant to this Section 5.5 or reflected in the calculation of the Final Purchase Price Elements is subsequently disallowed or required to be returned to the applicable Taxing Authority, Seller agrees promptly to repay the amount of such refund, together with any interest, penalties or other additional amounts imposed by such Taxing Authority, to Buyer.

Section 5.6 Employees; Benefit Plans .

(a) No later than five (5) Business Days after the date of this Agreement, Buyer shall deliver to each Business Employee as of the date of this Agreement (other than the Key Employees and other than Business Employees employed outside of the United States whose employment will transfer to Buyer by operation of Law upon the Closing), and no later than five (5) Business Days after each date Seller notifies Buyer in writing of the hiring of any new Business Employee (other than any Business Employee employed outside of the United States whose employment will transfer to Buyer by operation of Law upon the Closing) after the date of this Agreement and prior to the date that is six (6) Business Days prior to the Closing Date (subject to compliance with Section 5.1(b)(xvi) with respect to any such hiring, if applicable) (each, a “ New Business Employee ”), Buyer shall deliver to such Business Employee, in each case an offer of employment in the form attached hereto as Exhibit H (the “ Offer Letter ”), which Offer Letter shall, subject to the last sentence of this Section 5.6(a) , provide for “at-will” employment with Buyer or an Affiliate thereof (including one of the Sold Companies) following the Closing and (i) an initial annual base salary or annual wage level, as applicable, that is not less than the annual base salary or wage level, as applicable, as in effect for each such Business Employee immediately prior to the Closing, (ii) total annual target cash compensation (comprised of an initial annual base salary or annual wage level, as applicable, and, other than with respect to Business Employees participating in a sales incentive program as of immediately prior to the Closing, a bonus opportunity, as applicable) that is not less than the total annual target cash compensation in effect for each such Business Employee immediately prior to the Closing, (iii) defined contribution pension and welfare benefits that are no less favorable, in the aggregate, than those provided to similarly situated employees of Buyer and its Affiliates, and (iv) a place of employment within twenty-five (25) miles of such Business Employee’s place of employment as of immediately prior to the Closing. Each Business Employee (including each Key Employee) who continues in employment with Buyer or an Affiliate thereof (including one of the Sold Companies) after the Closing shall hereinafter be referred to as a “ Continuing Employee ”. Subject to the terms of any Key Employee Offer Letter, with respect to all Continuing Employees, Buyer hereby agrees to maintain, or cause such applicable Affiliate to maintain, the annual base salary or annual wage level, as applicable, annual target bonus or commission opportunity, as applicable, and defined contribution pension and welfare benefits

 

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that are collectively no less favorable in the aggregate than the annual base salary or annual wage level, annual target bonus or commission opportunity, defined pension and welfare benefits provided collectively to similarly situated employees of Buyer and its Affiliates for a period of no less than one (1) year following the Closing; provided , however , that, for Business Employees employed outside of the United States, the terms and conditions of employment shall be as required by applicable Law.

(b) As soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement (and, with respect to any New Business Employee, as soon as reasonably practicable after such New Business Employee’s acceptance of an Offer Letter delivered by Buyer pursuant to Section 5.6(a) ), Buyer shall provide reasonable information to Business Employees regarding Buyer’s (or any of its applicable Affiliates’) employee benefit plans (to the extent such plans will be made available to Business Employees as contemplated by Section 5.6(a) ) and employee orientation sessions with respect to the continued employment of the Business Employees after the Closing with Buyer or its Affiliates (including the Sold Companies) (with such sessions to be held at the offices of the Sold Companies where such Business Employees are currently located during scheduled work hours at times reasonably agreed in writing by Seller and Buyer). During the Pre-Closing Period, (i) Seller shall allow Buyer to meet with Business Employees (either individually or in groups) during breaks, outside of scheduled work hours or as otherwise agreed to by the Seller and Buyer, in any case, as reasonably necessary in connection with the continued employment of the Business Employees after the Closing with Buyer or its Affiliates (including the Sold Companies); provided , that Seller shall have the right to have a representative present during any such contact between Buyer and any Business Employees, and (ii) Buyer shall provide to Seller each material written communication (including all forms of Offer Letters), Buyer or any of its Affiliates intends to deliver to any of the Business Employees regarding his or her continued employment after the Closing at least 48 hours prior to the delivery of such communication to the Business Employee and shall consider in good faith any comments to such communication Seller may provide to Buyer prior to the expiration of such 48-hour period before delivering such communication to the Business Employees. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, Seller shall reasonably cooperate with Buyer to encourage and facilitate each of the Business Employees entry into an Offer Letter as soon as reasonably practicable after the delivery of such Offer Letter to such Business Employee and to not revoke or repudiate such Offer Letter or otherwise cease to be employed by a Sold Company prior to the Closing Date, and neither Seller nor Buyer shall, and each of Seller and Buyer shall cause their Affiliates not to, make any communication to any Business Employee or engage in any other activity, in each case, that is intended to, or that would reasonably be expected to, discourage any Business Employee from promptly executing and delivering the Offer Letter delivered to such Business Employee pursuant to Section 5.6(a) or encourage any Business Employee or Key Employee to revoke or repudiate the Offer Letter or Key Employee Offer Letter, as applicable, of such Business Employee or Key Employee or otherwise cease to be employed by a Sold Company prior to the Closing Date.

(c) Buyer shall, or shall cause its Affiliates to, use reasonable best efforts to recognize each Continuing Employee’s service with Seller, the Sold Companies, or any of their respective Affiliates or predecessors as of the Closing Date as service with Buyer, the Sold Companies or any of their respective Affiliates, as applicable, for all purposes (including eligibility, vesting, eligibility waiting periods and benefit accruals but excluding benefit accruals

 

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under any defined benefit pension plan and any equity incentive plans) in Buyer’s or its Affiliates’ employee benefit plans, agreements, policies or other arrangements in which such Continuing Employees participate following the Closing Date (the “ Buyer Benefit Plans ”) (unless such credit would result in a duplication of benefits for the same period). In addition, (i) to the extent pre-existing condition limitations have been met or are otherwise inapplicable with respect to Continuing Employees under each Company Benefit Plan or Seller Benefit Plan, as applicable, that is an employee welfare benefit plan as of the Closing Date, Buyer shall, or shall cause its Affiliates to, use commercially reasonable efforts to waive any such pre-existing condition limitations under the corresponding Buyer Benefit Plans and (ii) Buyer shall, or shall cause its Affiliates to, use commercially reasonable efforts to recognize (or cause to be recognized) the dollar amount of all expenses incurred by Continuing Employees and their respective spouses, same-sex domestic partners or dependents during the plan year in which the Closing occurs for purposes of satisfying the deductibles and co-payment or out-of-pocket limitations for such plan year under the relevant Buyer Benefit Plans (to the extent such recognition would have been given under comparable Company Benefit Plans or Seller Benefit Plans prior to the Closing).

(d) Buyer shall, or shall cause its respective Affiliates to, credit each Continuing Employee with the accrued and unused vacation days and any personal and sickness days accrued in accordance with the vacation and personnel policies of Seller, the Sold Companies or any of their respective Affiliates in effect as of the Closing.

(e) The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that all provisions contained in this Section 5.5(e) are included for the sole benefit of the parties to this Agreement, and that nothing in this Agreement, whether express or implied, shall (i) create any third party beneficiary or other rights (x) in any other Person, including any current or former Business Employees, any participant in any Company Benefit Plan or any Seller Benefit Plan, or any dependent or beneficiary thereof, or any other service provider of Seller or the Sold Companies, or (y) to employment or continued employment with Buyer, the Sold Companies or any of their respective Affiliates, (ii) prevent or restrict in any way the right of Buyer or any of its Affiliates to terminate, reassign, promote or demote any employee, consultant, director, manager or other service provider of the Sold Companies (or to cause any of the foregoing actions) at any time, or to change (or cause the change of) the title, powers, duties, responsibilities, functions, locations, salaries, other compensation or terms or conditions of employment or service of any such service providers at any time, (iii) be treated as an amendment or other modification of any Company Benefit Plan, any Seller Benefit Plan, any Buyer Benefit Plan or any other employee benefit plan, program or arrangement maintained by Buyer or any of its Affiliates, or (iv) obligate Buyer or its Affiliates to adopt or maintain any particular plan or program or other compensatory or benefits arrangement at any time or prevent Buyer or its Affiliates from modifying or terminating any such plan, program or other compensatory or benefits arrangement at any time.

Section 5.7 Treatment of Seller Options Held by Business Employees .

(a) Vested Business Employee Options .

(i) Prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary to cause each Vested Business Employee Option to be cancelled and

 

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terminated immediately prior to the Closing, and converted into the right of the holder thereof to receive, at the times specified in this Section 5.7(a) , (i) an amount in cash equal to the product of (A) the excess (if any) of (1) the Vested Per Share Portion of the Distributable Closing Date Consideration over (2) the applicable exercise price per Seller Share under such Vested Business Employee Option, multiplied by (B) the number of Seller Shares subject to such Vested Business Employee Option immediately prior to the Closing (the “ Vested Business Employee Option Closing Date Consideration ”), plus (ii) an amount in cash equal to the product (A) the Fully Diluted Per Share Portion of the Legacy Defense Value, multiplied by (B) the number of Seller Shares subject to such Vested Business Employee Option immediately prior to the Closing (the “ Vested Business Employee Option Legacy Defense Consideration ”), plus (iii) an amount in cash equal to the product of (A) the Vested Per Share Portion of the Excess Amount (if any), multiplied by (B) the number of Seller Shares subject to such Vested Business Employee Option immediately prior to the Closing (the “ Vested Business Employee Option Excess Amount Consideration ”), plus (iv) an amount in cash equal to the product of (A) the Vested Per Share Portion of Escrow Release Consideration (if any), multiplied by (B) the number of Seller Shares subject to such Vested Business Employee Option immediately prior to the Closing (the “ Vested Business Employee Option Escrow Release Consideration ” and collectively, (i) through (v), the “ Vested Business Employee Option Payments ”), plus (v) an amount in cash equal to the product of (A) the Vested Per Share Portion of each Holdback Release Amount (if any), multiplied by (B) the number of Seller Shares subject to such Vested Business Employee Option immediately prior to the Closing (the “ Vested Business Employee Option Holdback Release Consideration ”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller shall cause each Vested Business Employee Option that is outstanding immediately prior to the Closing and has an exercise price per Seller Share that is equal to or greater than the Vested Per Share Portion of the Distributable Closing Date Consideration will be cancelled and terminated immediately prior to the Closing without consideration therefor.

(ii) As soon as administratively practicable after the Closing Date, Seller shall pay (or caused to be paid to) each former holder of a Vested Business Employee Option (A) the Vested Business Employee Option Closing Consideration and (B) the Vested Business Employee Option Legacy Defense Consideration with respect to each Vested Business Employee Option formerly held by such holder, in each case, subject to all applicable withholdings and without interest.

(iii) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Determination Date and the receipt of any payments required pursuant to Section 2.5(e), Seller shall pay by wire transfer of immediately available funds to Buyer or an Affiliate (including any of the Sold Companies), to an account as directed by Buyer, on behalf of the former holders of Vested Business Employee Options, the aggregate amount of the Vested Business Employee Option Excess Amount Consideration (if any) with respect to all formerly outstanding Vested Business Employee Options, without interest. Buyer shall, or shall cause an Affiliate (including any of the Sold Companies) to, pay each former holder of a Vested Business Employee Option the Vested Business Employee Option Excess Amount Consideration (if any) with respect to such Vested Business Employee Option formerly held by such holder, in each case, subject to all applicable withholdings and

 

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without interest, no later than the next payroll payment date that is no earlier than three (3) Business Days after the date Buyer (or such Affiliate) receives such Vested Business Employee Option Excess Amount Consideration (if any) from Seller pursuant to the preceding sentence.

(iv) As soon as reasonably practicable after the receipt by Seller of any Escrow Release Consideration, Seller shall pay by wire transfer of immediately available funds to Buyer or an Affiliate (including any of the Sold Companies), to an account as directed by Buyer, on behalf of the former holders of Vested Business Employee Options, the aggregate amount of such Vested Business Employee Option Escrow Release Consideration with respect to all formerly outstanding Vested Business Employee Options, without interest. Buyer shall, or shall cause an Affiliate (including any of the Sold Companies) to, pay each former holder of a Vested Business Employee Option any Vested Business Employee Option Escrow Release Consideration with respect to such Vested Business Employee Option formerly held by such holder, in each case, subject to all applicable withholdings and without interest, no later than the next payroll payment date that is no earlier than three (3) Business Days after the date Buyer (or such Affiliate) receives any such Vested Business Employee Option Escrow Release Consideration from Seller pursuant to the preceding sentence.

(v) As soon as reasonably practicable after any Holdback Release Determination Date (or, in the case of the Holdback Release Deadline and where a balance of the Holdback Amount remains, within five (5) Business Days thereof), Seller shall pay or cause to be paid to each former holder of a Vested Business Employee Options any Vested Business Employee Option Holdback Release Consideration with respect to such Vested Business Employee Option formerly held by such holder, in each case, subject to all applicable withholdings and without interest; provided , that Seller shall in all cases make or cause to be made any such payments prior to the Holdback Release Deadline.

(vi) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.7(a) , the amount of any employer payroll Taxes payable in connection with any Vested Business Employee Option Payment paid to any former holder of a Vested Business Employee Option shall be paid (A) by Seller, to the extent that the deduction for the corresponding Vested Business Employee Option Payment is required to be taken on or prior to the Closing Date, and (B) by Buyer, to the extent that the deduction for the corresponding Vested Business Employee Option Payment is required to be taken after the Closing Date.

(b) Assumed Business Employee Options .

(i) Prior to the Closing Date, each of Buyer and Seller shall take, or cause to be taken, all actions reasonably necessary to cause each Assumed Business Employee Option to be assumed by Buyer at the Closing in accordance with this Section 5.7(b)(i) . Subject to the immediately following sentence, each Assumed Business Employee Option shall continue to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions as are in effect immediately prior to the Closing (including the vesting schedule and such

 

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other terms and conditions as are set forth in the Seller Option Plan and the applicable stock option agreement with respect to such Assumed Business Employee Option, the forms of which have been previously provided to Buyer), except that such Assumed Business Employee Option thereafter shall be or become in accordance with its terms exercisable for that number of whole Buyer Shares equal to the product (rounded down to the next whole number of Buyer Shares) of (i) the number of Seller Shares that would have been issuable upon exercise of such Assumed Business Employee Option immediately prior to the Closing (assuming, solely for this purpose, that such Assumed Business Employee Option was vested and exercisable immediately prior to the Closing) multiplied by (ii) the Option Exchange Ratio, and the per share exercise price for the Buyer Shares payable upon exercise of such Assumed Business Employee Option shall be equal to the quotient (rounded up to the next whole cent) obtained by dividing (i) the per share exercise price of such Assumed Business Employee Option immediately prior to the Closing by (ii) the Option Exchange Ratio. At the Closing, the Seller Option Plan shall be deemed assumed by Buyer with respect to Assumed Business Employee Options.

(ii) As soon as administratively practicable after the Closing Date, Seller shall pay (or cause to be paid to) each holder of an Assumed Business Employee Option an amount in cash equal to the product (A) the Fully Diluted Per Share Portion of the Legacy Defense Value, multiplied by (B) the number of Seller Shares subject to such Assumed Business Employee Option immediately prior to the Closing, in each case, subject to all applicable withholdings and without interest.

(iii) Buyer will use commercially reasonable efforts to (A) cause the Buyer Shares issuable upon exercise of the Assumed Business Employee Options to be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Form S-8 as soon as reasonably practicable following the Closing (and in any event no later than sixty (60) days following the Closing Date), (B) maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement for so long as such Assumed Business Employee Options remain outstanding, and (C) maintain a sufficient number of reserved Buyer Shares for issuance upon exercise thereof.

(c) Reimbursement of Certain Costs and Expenses . The Seller Group agrees, to reimburse Buyer for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any allocation of Buyer’s overhead costs or the salary or benefits of any employees of Buyer or any of its Affiliates but shall include the costs and expenses of any independent contractors or other third parties engaged by Buyer or any of its Affiliates to the extent such engagement is directly related to administering the distribution of the payments contemplated by this Section 5.7(c) ) incurred by Buyer in connection with administering the distribution of any payments received from Seller pursuant to Section 5.7(a)(iii) or Section 5.7(a)(iii) (including, without limitation, processing tax withholdings and payroll adjustments) to holders of the Vested Business Employee Options; provided , however , that the aggregate reimbursement obligation of the Seller Group pursuant to this Section 5.7(c) shall not exceed $100,000 without the prior written consent of Seller (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

Section 5.8 Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation .

 

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(a) For a period of thirty (30) months following the Closing Date, each member of the Seller Group agrees that it will not, and will cause the other Remaining Entities not to, participate or engage in the manufacture, licensing, distribution or sale of any Enterprise Storage Device. For a period of twenty-four (24) months following the Closing Date, each member of the Seller Group agrees that it will not, and will cause the other Remaining Entities not to, participate or engage in the design of, or to engage or direct any third party to design on behalf of any Remaining Entity, any Enterprise Storage Device. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 5.8(a) shall not (i) prohibit any member of the Seller Group or other Remaining Entity, directly or through any Affiliate, from hereafter (A) investing in or holding not more than 10% of the outstanding capital stock or other ownership interests of any Person or (B) acquiring and continuing to own and operate any Person that participates or engages in the manufacture, licensing, distribution, sale or design of any Enterprise Storage Device if such actions account for no more than 10% of such Person’s revenues for the trailing four quarters measured at the time of such acquisition; and (ii) apply to (A) any products that are manufactured by any of the Remaining Entities or any third parties that are bought and sold or otherwise handled by any of the Remaining Entities as a logistics provider, (B) any products for which any of the Remaining Entities is acting as a contract manufacturer, which products are manufactured based upon specifications, designs and software provided by third parties, (C) any products sold in Brazil that have a Serial ATA interface and the core performance and features of which have been designed by a third party, or (D) products for use in the Legacy Defense Business, the current part numbers of which are listed on Annex II of Exhibit A attached hereto. In the event that any member of the Seller Group or any of the other Remaining Entities shall sell to a Person any portion of their respective businesses (whether by means of acquisition, asset purchase, merger, consolidation, similar business combination or otherwise), the restrictions contained in this Section 5.8(a) shall not prohibit such sale and shall not apply to any such Person or such Person’s Affiliates (other than the Seller Group and the other Remaining Entities); provided , that the Seller Group shall continue to be bound by this Section 5.8(a) following such sale.

(b) For a period of twenty-four (24) months following the Closing Date, each member of the Seller Group agrees that it will not, and will cause the other Remaining Entities not to, directly or indirectly, hire or employ or solicit the employment of, or make or extend any offer of employment to, any Business Employee who is then employed by Buyer or the Sold Companies or their Affiliates, or any Person who is covered by the immediately following sentence. The restrictions of this Section 5.8(b) shall cease to apply to a Business Employee three (3) months after the later of the date of termination of his or her employment with Buyer, any of the Sold Companies or any of their Affiliates, without any solicitation or encouragement by any Remaining Entity or any of its Affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 5.8(b) shall restrict or preclude any Remaining Entity or its Affiliates from, directly or indirectly, hiring or employing or soliciting the employment of, or making or extending any offer of employment to, any Business Employee (i) resulting from generalized searches for employees by the use of advertisements in the media (including trade media) or by engaging search firms that are not instructed to solicit the Business Employees or (ii) if such Business Employee approaches any Remaining Entity or any of its Affiliates on an unsolicited basis.

(c) Each of Buyer and the Seller Group mutually agree that this Section 5.8 is reasonable and necessary to protect and preserve Buyer’s and the Seller Group’s legitimate business interests and the value of the business of the Sold Companies, the Sold Shares and the

 

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Seller Group’s other businesses, and to prevent any unfair advantage conferred on any party and their respective successors.

(d) If a final judgment of a court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction determines that any term or provision contained in this Section 5.8 is invalid or unenforceable, then each member of the Seller Group and Buyer agree that the court or tribunal will have the power (but without affecting the right of any member of the Seller Group or Buyer to obtain the relief provided for in this Section 5.8 in any jurisdiction other than such court’s or tribunal’s jurisdiction) to reduce the scope, duration or geographic area of the term or provision, to delete specific words or phrases or to replace any invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision. To the extent it may effectively do so under applicable Law, each member of the Seller Group and hereby waives on its own behalf and on behalf of its successors, any provision of Law which renders any provision of this Section 5.8 invalid, void or unenforceable in any respect.

(e) Each member of the Seller Group acknowledges and agrees that the remedy of indemnity payments pursuant to ARTICLE VIII and the other remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach of this Section 5.8 would be inadequate, and agrees that without intending to limit any additional available remedies, temporary and permanent injunctive and other equitable relief (including specific performance) may be granted to Buyer without proof of actual damage or inadequacy of legal remedy, and without posting any bond or other undertaking, in any Action which may be brought to enforce this Section 5.8 .

Section 5.9 Termination of Intercompany Arrangements .

(a) On or prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver to Buyer a copy of a payoff letter (subject to Seller’s receipt of the Estimated Purchase Price pursuant Section 2.2(b) ), in customary form, from SMART Worldwide under the Revolving Credit Agreement. On or prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver all notices (which notices may be subject to the consummation of the Closing) and take all other actions to facilitate the termination of all commitments under the Revolving Credit Agreement, the repayment in full of all Obligations (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) then outstanding to SMART Worldwide, the release of any Liens and termination of all guarantees in connection therewith on the Closing Date (such repayment, release and termination, the “ Revolving Credit Agreement Release ”); provided , that in no event shall this Section 5.9 require the Seller or any of the Sold Companies or its other Subsidiaries to cause such Revolving Credit Agreement Release unless the Closing shall occur substantially concurrently and the Seller has received the Estimated Purchase Price pursuant to Section 2.2(b) . Upon receipt of the Estimated Purchase Price pursuant to Section 2.2(b) , Seller shall repay or cause to be repaid to SMART Worldwide all Obligations outstanding as of the Closing Date.

(b) Excluding (i) the Revolving Credit Agreement (which is addressed in Section 5.9(a) above) and (ii) each of the Closing Agreements (which shall remain in effect following the Closing in accordance with their terms), Seller shall cause (i) all Contracts (other than the Contracts set forth on Section 5.9(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule (the “ Existing Shared Services Agreements ”)) between the Sold Companies, on the one hand, and any of the

 

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Remaining Entities, on the other hand, to be terminated at or prior to the Closing, and shall cause any amounts payable thereunder to be paid as required prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date. Seller shall also cause the Existing Shared Services Agreements to be terminated at or prior to the Closing, provided that any outstanding receivables or payables between the Sold Companies, on the one hand, and Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than the Sold Companies), on the other hand, in each case arising under the Existing Shared Services Agreements (the “ Interdivisional Payables and Receivables ”) shall remain outstanding and shall be paid and satisfied by the party that is the obligor in accordance with the terms thereof (and the termination of the Existing Shared Services Agreements shall not otherwise relieve the obligor of such obligations under such Interdivisional Payables and Receivables); provided , that the termination of any such Contracts, is not intended to, and shall not be deemed to, impair, alter, or change any of the Sold Companies’ or the Remaining Entities’ ownership rights in the assets of their respective businesses.

(c) Buyer agrees to take any and all actions necessary to cause Seller and its Affiliates (other than the Sold Companies) to be absolutely and unconditionally relieved, on or prior to the Closing Date, of all liabilities and obligations arising out of the Westford LC. To the extent Seller and its Affiliates are not absolutely and unconditionally relieved of all such liabilities and obligations on or prior to the Closing Date, Buyer agrees to continue to take any and all actions necessary to absolutely and unconditionally relieve Seller and its Affiliates of all such liabilities and obligations.

Section 5.10 Post-Closing Access to Records and Personnel .

(a) After the Closing for a period of three years, each party agrees to provide, or cause to be provided, to the other party and its Representatives, as soon as reasonably practicable after written request therefor and at the requesting party’s sole expense, reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the other parties’ employees and to any books, records, documents, files and correspondence in the possession or under the control of such party, in each case if and to the extent relating to the Sold Companies prior to the Closing and that the requesting party reasonably needs (i) to comply with reporting, disclosure, filing or other requirements imposed on the requesting party (including under applicable securities Laws) by any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over the requesting party, including in accordance with the requirements of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act, (ii) for use in any other Action or in order to satisfy Tax, audit, accounting, claims, regulatory, litigation or other similar requirements or (iii) to comply with its obligations under this Agreement and the Closing Agreements; provided , however , that no party shall be required to provide access to or disclose information where such access or disclosure would violate any Law or agreement, or waive any attorney client or other similar privilege, and each party may redact information regarding itself or its Subsidiaries or otherwise not relating to the Sold Companies prior to the Closing, and, in the event such provision of information could reasonably be expected to violate any Law or agreement or waive any attorney client or other similar privilege, the parties shall take all reasonable measures to permit the compliance with such obligations in a manner that avoids any such harm or consequence.

(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, each party agrees to use its reasonable commercial efforts to retain the books, records, documents, instruments, accounts,

 

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correspondence, writings, evidences of title and other papers relating to the Sold Companies prior to the Closing (the “ Books and Records ”) in their respective possession or control for a commercially reasonable period of time, as set forth in their regular document retention policies, following the Closing Date or for such longer period as may be required by Law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any party may destroy or otherwise dispose of any Books and Records not in accordance with its retention policy, provided that, prior to such destruction or disposal (i) such party shall provide no less than 90 nor more than 120 days’ prior written notice to the other party of any such proposed destruction or disposal (which notice shall specify in detail which of the Books and Records is proposed to be so destroyed or disposed of), and (ii) if a recipient of such notice shall request in writing prior to the scheduled date for such destruction or disposal that any of the information proposed to be destroyed or disposed of be delivered to such recipient, such party proposing the destruction or disposal shall, as promptly as practicable, arrange for the delivery of such of the Books and Records as was requested by the recipient (it being understood that all reasonable out of pocket costs associated with the delivery of the requested Books and Records shall be paid by such recipient).

(c) In the case of a legal or other proceeding between one party or any of its Affiliates and a third party relating to the Sold Companies, this Agreement or any of the Closing Agreements (including any matters subject to indemnification hereunder or thereunder) or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, each party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other party, upon written request, the former (to the extent practicable), current (to the extent practicable) and future officers, employees, other personnel and agents of such party and its Subsidiaries as witnesses and any books, records or other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available (other than materials covered by the attorney client privilege), to the extent that any such Person (giving consideration to business demands of such directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents) or books, records or other documents may reasonably be required in connection with any legal, administrative or other proceeding in which the requesting party may from time to time be involved. The requesting party shall bear all out of pocket costs and expenses in connection with the foregoing.

(d) Any information owned by a party that is provided to a requesting party pursuant to this Section 5.10 shall be deemed to remain the property of the providing party. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as granting or conferring rights of license or otherwise in any such information. No party shall have any liability to any other party in respect of this Section 5.10 in the event that any information exchanged or provided pursuant to this Section 5.10 is found to be inaccurate. No party shall have any liability to any other party if any information is destroyed or lost after reasonable commercial efforts by such party to comply with the provisions of Section 5.10(d) . Nothing in this Section 5.10 shall require any party to violate any agreement with any third parties regarding the confidentiality of confidential and proprietary information; provided , however , that in the event that any party is required under this Section 5.10 to disclose any such information, that party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek to obtain such third party’s consent to the disclosure of such information and implement requisite procedures to enable the disclosure of such information.

Section 5.11 Publicity; Confidentiality .

 

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(a) Neither Seller nor Buyer shall issue any press release or public announcement or comment concerning this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without obtaining the prior written approval of the other (which approval will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), unless and only to the extent, in the judgment of such party upon the advice of its counsel, disclosure is required by applicable Law (including the periodic reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”)) or under the rules of any securities exchange on which the securities of such party or any of its Affiliates are listed; provided , that to the extent so required by applicable Law, the applicable party intending to make such release shall use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with applicable Law to consult with the other party in advance of such release with respect to the text thereof.

(b) Buyer acknowledges that the information provided to Buyer in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby is subject to the Nondisclosure Agreement, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference.

(c) Each of Seller and Buyer agrees that this Agreement and the Closing Agreements and the terms and conditions set forth herein and therein shall be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed or otherwise made available to any other Person and that copies of this Agreement and the Closing Agreements shall not be publicly filed or otherwise made available to the public, except (i) where such disclosure, availability or filing, upon the advice of counsel, is required by applicable Law (including the periodic reporting requirements under the Exchange Act) and only to the extent required by such Law or under the rules of any securities on which the securities of such party or any of its Affiliates are listed and (iii) disclosure by Seller of customary information to investors or potential investors in investment funds affiliated with, or advised directly or indirectly by, Silver Lake Group, L.L.C., who have agreed to keep such information confidential. In the event that such disclosure, availability or filing is required by applicable Law (other than any filing required by the Exchange Act or the Securities Act), each of Seller and Buyer agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain “confidential treatment” or similar treatment of this Agreement and the Closing Agreements and to redact such terms of this Agreement and the Closing Agreements that either Seller or Buyer shall reasonably request.

Section 5.12 [Intentionally omitted] .

Section 5.13 Resignation of Directors and Officers . To the extent requested in writing by Buyer no less than ten (10) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall cause to be delivered to Buyer prior to the Closing Date written resignations of each director and officer of the Sold Companies requested by Buyer, which resignations shall be effective as of the Closing.

Section 5.14 Restructuring . Prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date, Seller, the Sold Companies and certain of Seller’s other Subsidiaries shall consummate the Restructuring as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto pursuant to transfer documentation in the forms attached to Annex III of Exhibit A attached hereto.

 

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Section 5.15 No Solicitation . During the Pre-Closing Period, Seller shall not, and shall cause each of the Sold Companies and each of Silver Lake Partners III, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund, L.P. and their respective investment fund Affiliates not to, and shall instruct each of the officers, directors and advisors (including, legal and financial advisors) of Seller and the Sold Companies not to, (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly facilitate, knowingly induce or knowingly encourage any inquiries, announcements or communications relating to, or the making of any submission, proposal or offer that constitutes or that would reasonably be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal, (ii) enter into, participate in, maintain or continue any discussions or negotiations relating to, any Acquisition Proposal with any Person other than Buyer or any of its Affiliates, (iii) furnish to any Person other than Buyer or any of its Affiliates any non-public information relating to, or in connection with or in consideration of, an Acquisition Proposal, (iv) accept any Acquisition Proposal or enter into any Contract providing for the consummation of any transaction contemplated by any Acquisition Proposal or otherwise relating to any Acquisition Proposal or (v) submit any Acquisition Proposal or any matter related thereto to the vote of the stockholders of Seller or any of the Sold Companies. Seller shall, and shall cause each of the Sold Companies and each of Silver Lake Partners III, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund, L.P. and their respective investment fund Affiliates to, and shall instruct each of the officers, directors and advisors (including, legal and financial advisors) of Seller and the Sold Companies to, cease and cause to be terminated any and all discussions or negotiations with any Persons conducted prior to or on the date of this Agreement with respect to any Acquisition Proposal.

Section 5.16 Notices of Certain Events . During the Pre-Closing Period, each of Seller and Buyer shall promptly notify the other party of:

(a) any written notice or, to the Knowledge of Seller or Buyer (as applicable), other communication received by Seller or Buyer, respectively, from any Person alleging that the Consent of such Person is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

(b) any written notice or, to the Knowledge of Seller or Buyer (as applicable), other communication received by Seller or Buyer, respectively, from any Governmental Entity (i) delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) indicating that a Permit is revoked or about to be revoked or that a Permit is required in any jurisdiction in which such Permit has not been obtained, which revocation or failure to obtain has had or would reasonably be expected to have (x) with respect to Seller, a Material Adverse Effect and (y) with respect to Buyer, an adverse effect on the ability of Buyer, or the timing of the ability of Buyer, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

(c) with respect to Seller, any Actions commenced or, to Seller’s Knowledge, threatened against, relating to or involving or otherwise affecting any Sold Company, that, if pending on the date of this Agreement, would have been required to have been disclosed pursuant to Section 3.9(e) or that relate to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

(d) with respect to Buyer, any Actions commenced or, to the knowledge of Buyer, threatened against, relating to or involving or otherwise affecting Buyer, that, if pending

 

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on the date of this Agreement, would have been required to have been disclosed pursuant to Section 4.4 or that relate to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

No such notice shall be deemed to supplement or amend the Seller Disclosure Schedule or the Buyer Disclosure Schedule for the purpose of (i) determining the accuracy of any of the representations and warranties made by the Seller or Buyer in this Agreement, or (ii) determining whether any of the conditions set forth in ARTICLE VI has been satisfied.

Section 5.17 Preparation for Transition Services . Buyer agrees to reimburse Seller promptly for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Seller or any of its Affiliates and identified in Section 5.17 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and, in any event, no later than thirty (30) calendar days after Seller provides a written invoice for such reimbursement together with reasonable supporting detail as to such expenses.

ARTICLE VI

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

Section 6.1 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Seller . The obligations of Seller to effect the Closing under this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions (any or all of which may be waived in writing by Seller in whole or in part to the extent permitted by applicable Law):

(a) Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties of Buyer set forth in ARTICLE IV (other than those representations and warranties that address matters as of a specific date) shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though then made at and as of the Closing Date, and the representations and warranties of Buyer set forth in ARTICLE IV that address matters as of a specific date shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such specific date.

(b) Performance of Obligations of Buyer . Buyer shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all agreements and obligations required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it prior to the Closing Date.

(c) Officer’s Certificate . Buyer shall have delivered to Seller a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date and executed by an authorized officer of Buyer, certifying to the fulfillment of the conditions specified in Section 6.1(a) and Section 6.1(b) .

(d) HSR Act . The waiting period or required approval applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the HSR Act shall have expired (or early termination shall have been granted) or been received.

(e) No Injunctions, Orders or Restraints; Illegality . No Order (whether temporary or permanent) nor any law, rule or regulation of any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall be in effect which would have the effect of (i) making the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement illegal or (ii) otherwise

 

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prohibiting, restraining or enjoining the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 6.2 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Buyer . The obligations of Buyer to effect the Closing under this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions (any or all of which may be waived in writing by Buyer in whole or in part to the extent permitted by applicable Law):

(a) Representations and Warranties . (i) The representations and warranties of Seller set forth in ARTICLE III (other than (x) the Seller Fundamental Reps and (y) those other representations and warranties that address matters as of a specific date) (A) that are qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifications shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified as of the date of this Agreement (subject to the proviso to this sentence) and (B) that are not qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifications shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement (subject to the proviso to this sentence), (ii) the representations and warranties of Seller set forth in ARTICLE III that address matters as of a specific date (other than the Seller Fundamental Reps) (A) that are qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifications shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified as of such specific date (subject to the proviso to this sentence) and (B) that are not qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifications shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such specific date (subject to the proviso to this sentence), (iii) the representations and warranties of Seller set forth in ARTICLE III (other than (x) the Seller Fundamental Reps and (y) those other representations and warranties that address matters as of a specific date) shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date as though then made at and as of the Closing Date (without giving effect to references to materiality or Material Adverse Effect in such representations and warranties), except where the failure of such representations and warranties referenced in this clause (iii) to be so true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, has not had a Material Adverse Effect and (iv) the Seller Fundamental Reps (A) that are qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifications shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified as of the date of this Agreement (subject to the proviso to this sentence) and as of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date (except for such Seller Fundamental Reps which address matters only as of a specific date, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified as of such specific date (subject to the proviso to this sentence)) and (B) that are not qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifications shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement (subject to the proviso to this sentence) and as of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date (except for such Seller Fundamental Reps which address matters only as of a specific date, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such specific date (subject to the proviso to this sentence)); provided , however , that (i) if any representation or warranty set forth in ARTICLE III fails to be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement or, with respect to any representation or warranty that addresses matters as of a specific date, as of such specific date, and Seller thereafter cures such inaccuracy, at no cost or detriment to Buyer or the Sold Companies (except to the extent such cost is taken into account in the Final Purchase Price Elements), so that such representation or warranty is true and correct in all material respects as of the date of such cure, then such representation or warranty for purposes of this Section 6.2(a) shall be deemed to have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement (or with respect to

 

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any representation or warranty that addresses matters as of a specific date, as of such specific date) and (ii) if, as of the date of this Agreement, Buyer has Knowledge of the breach of any representation or warranty set forth in ARTICLE III (as modified by the Seller Disclosure Schedule), then any failure of such representation or warranty set forth in ARTICLE III (as modified by the Seller Disclosure Schedule) to be true and correct shall, to the extent, and only to the extent, of Buyer’s Knowledge of such breach, not be taken into account in determining whether the condition specified in this Section 6.2(a) has been satisfied.

(b) Performance of Obligations of Seller . Seller shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all agreements and obligations required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it prior to the Closing Date.

(c) Officer’s Certificate . Seller shall have delivered to Buyer a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date and executed by an authorized officer of Seller, certifying to the fulfillment of the conditions specified in Section 6.2(a) and Section 6.2(b) .

(d) HSR Act . The waiting period or required approval applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the HSR Act shall have expired (or early termination shall have been granted) or been received.

(e) No Injunctions, Orders or Restraints; Illegality . No Order (whether temporary or permanent) nor any law, rule or regulation of any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall be in effect which would have the effect of (i) making the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement illegal or (ii) otherwise permanently prohibiting, restraining or enjoining the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(f) No Material Adverse Effect . Since the date hereof, there has not been any change, occurrence or development that has had, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(g) Restructuring . The Restructuring shall have been consummated pursuant to Section 5.14 .

(h) Employment Matters . (i) At least twelve (12) of the Key Employees have not revoked or repudiated their Key Employee Offer Letters or ceased to be employed by one of the Sold Companies (other than to become employed by the Buyer or one of its Affiliates), and (ii) at least 75% of the Business Employees shall have executed the Offer Letter delivered to them pursuant to Section 5.6(a) and not revoked or repudiated such Offer Letter or ceased to be employed by one of the Sold Companies (other than to become employed by the Buyer or one of its Affiliates); provided , however , that (x) if Buyer shall have failed to comply in all material respects with respect to its obligations pursuant to Section 5.6(a) and Section 5.6(b) as they apply with respect to any specific Business Employee, then such Business Employee shall have been deemed to have executed the Offer Letter delivered to them pursuant to Section 5.6(a) and deemed not to have ceased to be employed by one of the Sold Companies and (y) each Business Employee outside of the United States will be deemed to have executed and not revoked or repudiated an Offer Letter so long as such Business Employee does not cease to be employed by

 

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one of the Sold Companies (other than to become employed by the Buyer or one of its Affiliates).

(i) Consent . The Consent set forth on Section 6.2(i) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule shall have been obtained in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer and shall be in full force and effect.

(j) SL Agreement . Buyer shall have received the SL Agreement, executed by each of Silver Lake Management Company III, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (“ SLMC ”), and Silver Lake Management Company Sumeru, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (“ SLMCS ”), which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

ARTICLE VII

TERMINATION

Section 7.1 Termination .

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, this Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement abandoned at any time prior to the Closing as follows:

(i) by mutual written consent of Seller and Buyer;

(ii) by Seller, if there shall have been a breach, following the date hereof, of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Buyer contained in this Agreement such that the conditions set forth in Section 6.1(a) or Section 6.1(b) would not be satisfied and, in either such case, such breach is incapable of being cured by the Termination Date; provided , that Seller shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(a)(ii) if Seller is then in material breach of any of its obligations contained in this Agreement;

(iii) by Buyer, if there shall have been a breach, following the date hereof, of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Seller contained in this Agreement such that the conditions set forth in Section 6.2(a) or Section 6.2(b) would not be satisfied and, in either such case, such breach is incapable of being cured by the Termination Date; provided , that Buyer shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.2(a)(iii) if Buyer is then in material breach of any of its obligations contained in this Agreement;

(iv) by either Seller or Buyer, if any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have issued a permanent injunction or other order, decree or ruling which would have the effect of (A) making the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement illegal or (B) otherwise permanently prohibiting, restraining or enjoining the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and such permanent injunction or other order, decree or ruling shall have become final and nonappealable; provided , that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.2(a)(iv) shall not be available to any party whose breach of any

 

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provision of this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, such permanent injunction or other order, decree or ruling; and

(v) by either Seller or Buyer, if the Closing does not occur on or prior to 5:30 p.m. San Jose, California time on September 30, 2013 (as such date may be extended in accordance with this Section 7.1(a)(v) , the “ Termination Date ”); provided , that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(a)(v) shall not be available to any party (A) whose breach of any provision of this Agreement has been a cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or before the Termination Date or (B) in the event the other party has initiated proceedings to specifically enforce this Agreement while such proceedings are still pending; provided , further , that if the conditions set forth in Section 6.1(d) and Section 6.2(d) have not been satisfied or waived on or prior to such date, but all other conditions set forth Section 6.1 and Section 6.2 in have been satisfied or waived (except for those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing), then the Termination Date may be extended by Seller or Buyer (by delivery of written notice to the other party prior to 5:30 p.m. San Jose, California time on the Termination Date) to a date no later than January 31, 2014.

(b) In the event of termination by Seller or Buyer, or both, pursuant to this Section 7.1 , written notice thereof shall forthwith be given to the other parties and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be terminated, without further action by any party. If the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are terminated as provided herein, Buyer shall return all documents and other material received from Seller relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, whether so obtained before or after the execution hereof, to Seller.

Section 7.2 Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby are abandoned as described in Section 7.1 , this Agreement shall become null and void and of no further force and effect, except for each of Section 5.11 (Confidentiality), Section 5.17 (Preparation for Transition Services), Section 9.3 (Expenses; Transfer Taxes), Section 7.1 (Termination), Section 7.2 (Effect of Termination) and ARTICLE IX (Miscellaneous), each of which, shall survive such termination. Nothing in this Section 7.2 shall be deemed to release any party from any liability for any breach by such party of the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 8.1 Survival . Each representation and warranty contained in ARTICLE III and ARTICLE IV shall survive the Closing and shall terminate on the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Closing Date, except that (a) Seller’s representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.13 (the “ Seller IP Reps ”) shall survive the Closing and shall terminate on the eighteen (18) month anniversary of the Closing Date and (b) the Seller Fundamental Reps and Buyer Fundamental Reps shall survive the Closing and shall terminate ninety (90) days after the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. The covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement (i) that are required to be performed in whole prior to the Closing (collectively,

 

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the “ Pre-Closing Covenants ”) shall survive the Closing and shall terminate on the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Closing Date and (ii) that require performance after the Closing Date shall survive until the date or dates expressly specified therein or, if not so specified, until performed in accordance with their terms. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in this Section 8.1 , all representations and warranties made by Seller in this Agreement shall survive until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations in the event of actual fraud by Seller or any of its Representatives.

Section 8.2 Indemnification by Seller .

(a) From and after the Closing, the Seller Group agrees, jointly and severally, to indemnify, defend and hold Buyer, each of its Affiliates (including the Sold Companies after the Closing) and each of their respective Representatives and Affiliates (the “ Buyer Indemnified Persons ”) harmless from and in respect of and shall compensate and reimburse each of the Buyer Indemnified Persons for any and all Losses, other than Losses taken into account in calculating the Final Purchase Price Elements, that they may incur arising out of or resulting from:

(i) any breach of any representations or warranties of Seller set forth in ARTICLE III or Exhibit A hereto as of the date of this Agreement ((x) except in the cases of Section 3.6 , Section 3.16(a) and the definition of “Material Contracts” for purposes of clause (i) of Section 3.17(b) , without giving effect to references to any “Material Adverse Effect” or other materiality qualification contained or incorporated directly or indirectly in such representations and warranties for purposes of determining any such breach or the calculation of Losses that the Buyer Indemnified Persons may incur arising out of or resulting from any such breach, (y) in the cases of Section 3.6 , Section 3.16(a) and the definition of “Material Contracts” for purposes of clause (i) of Section 3.17(b) , without giving effect to references to any “Material Adverse Effect” or other materiality qualification contained or incorporated directly or indirectly in such representations and warranties solely for purposes of determining the calculation of Losses that the Buyer Indemnified Persons may incur arising out of or resulting from any such breach and not for purposes of determining any such breach and (z) in the case of Section 3.13(g) , without giving effect to the reference to “Knowledge of the Seller”); provided , that this Section 8.2(a)(i) shall not apply to any Losses arising out of or resulting from a breach of any Seller IP Rep if such Losses arise out of or result from third party claims or third party counterclaims in connection with, or as a result of, any claims first made against such third parties by Buyer or any of its Affiliates (including, after the Closing, the Sold Companies).

(ii) any breach of any representations or warranties of Seller set forth in ARTICLE III , Exhibit A hereto or the certificate delivered by or on behalf of Seller pursuant to Section 6.2(c) on and as of the Closing Date ((x) except in the cases of Section 3.6 , Section 3.16(a) and the definition of “Material Contracts” for purposes of clause (i) of Section 3.17(b) , without giving effect to references to any “Material Adverse Effect” or other materiality qualification contained or incorporated directly or indirectly in such representations and warranties for purposes of determining any such breach or the calculation of Losses that the Buyer Indemnified Persons may incur arising out of or resulting from any such breach, (y) in the cases of Section 3.6 , Section 3.16(a) and the

 

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definition of “Material Contracts” for purposes of clause (i) of Section 3.17(b) , without giving effect to references to any “Material Adverse Effect” or other materiality qualification contained or incorporated directly or indirectly in such representations and warranties solely for purposes of determining the calculation of Losses that the Buyer Indemnified Persons may incur arising out of or resulting from any such breach and not for purposes of determining any such breach and (z) in the case of Section 3.13(g) , without giving effect to the reference to “Knowledge of the Seller”); provided , that this Section 8.2(a)(ii) shall not apply to any Losses arising out of or resulting from a breach of any Seller IP Rep if such Losses arise out of or result from third party claims or third party counterclaims in connection with, or as a result of, any claims first made against such third parties by Buyer or any of its Affiliates (including, after the Closing, the Sold Companies);

(iii) any failure of Seller to perform any of its covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement or in Exhibit A hereto;

(iv) any Unpaid Sold Company Transaction Expenses to the extent not taken into account in calculating the Estimated Purchase Price or the Final Purchase Price;

(v) (A) any Taxes imposed on the Sold Companies with respect to any Pre-Closing Tax Period, (B) any Taxes for which any of the Sold Companies (or any predecessors of the foregoing) is liable under Section 1.1502-6 of the United States Treasury Regulations (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) by reason of such entity being included in any consolidated, affiliated, combined or unitary group at any time on or before the Closing Date, (C) any Taxes imposed on or payable by third parties with respect to which any of the Sold Companies has an obligation to indemnify such third party pursuant to a transaction consummated on or prior to the Closing to the extent any of the Sold Companies does in fact so indemnify such third party, and (D) any Taxes imposed on the Sold Companies arising as a result of the Restructuring, (E) any liability for any withholding Tax imposed on any payments to Seller pursuant to this Agreement, and (F) any Taxes of Seller or its Affiliates (other than the Sold Companies);

(vi) the conduct and operation of the Legacy Defense Business before and following the Closing; and

(vii) the conduct and operation of the Remaining Entities before and following the Closing.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, even if any of the Buyer Indemnified Persons would otherwise be entitled to recover a Loss pursuant to this Agreement:

(i) none of the Buyer Indemnified Persons shall be entitled to any indemnification for a Loss pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(i) or Section 8.2(a)(ii) (in each case, other than with respect to breaches of Seller Fundamental Reps (excluding Section 3.12 ))

 

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if, with respect to any individual item of Loss, such item (together with any related series of items of Loss) is less than $75,000 (each, a “ De Minimis Claim ”);

(ii) none of the Buyer Indemnified Persons shall be entitled to any indemnification for a Loss pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(i) or Section 8.2(a)(ii) (in each case, other than with respect to breaches of Seller Fundamental Reps) unless the aggregate of all indemnifiable Losses (excluding all De Minimis Claims) pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(i) and Section 8.2(a)(ii) (in each case, other than with respect to breaches of Seller Fundamental Reps) would exceed on a cumulative basis an amount equal to the product of (A) the Final Purchase Price multiplied by (B) 0.6% (the “ Deductible ”), and then only to the extent such Losses exceed the Deductible;

(iii) the maximum amount of, and the sole and exclusive resource with respect to, indemnifiable Losses that may be recovered by the Buyer Indemnified Persons in the aggregate pursuant to (A)  Section 8.2(a)(i) and Section 8.2(a)(ii) (in each case, other than (x) with respect to breaches of Seller IP Reps or Seller Fundamental Reps or (y) claims for actual fraud) and (B)  Section 8.2(a)(iii) with respect to a breach of a Pre-Closing Covenant (in each case, the “ Escrow Limited Claims ”) shall be the balance of the Escrow Account (if any) at the time of such recovery;

(iv) the maximum amount of indemnifiable Losses that may be recovered by the Buyer Indemnified Persons in the aggregate pursuant Section 8.2(a)(i) and Section 8.2(a)(ii) with respect to breaches of Seller IP Reps (including any amounts recovered from the Escrow Account) shall be an amount equal to the product of (A) the Final Purchase Price multiplied by (B) 20%;

(v) the maximum amount of indemnifiable Losses that may be recovered by the Buyer Indemnified Persons in the aggregate pursuant to this Agreement (including any claim for actual fraud as contemplated by Section 8.11 ) shall be the Final Purchase Price; and

(vi) for purposes of indemnification under Section 8.2(a) , Losses shall not include any reduction in any net operating loss carryover, capital loss carryover, or Tax credit carryover of the Sold Companies with respect to a Pre-Closing Tax Period.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, for the avoidance of doubt:

(i) any payment of indemnifiable Losses a Seller Indemnifying Person is obligated to make to a Buyer Indemnified Person pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall be paid first, to the extent of any funds remaining in the Escrow Account, by release of funds to Buyer (on behalf of the applicable Buyer Indemnified Persons) from the Escrow Account by the Escrow Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement and shall accordingly reduce the Escrow Amount; and

(ii) only with respect to any remaining indemnifiable Losses a Seller Indemnifying Person is obligated to make to a Buyer Indemnified Person pursuant to this Section 8.2 (other than the Escrow Limited Claims), then the Seller Group members shall

 

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be required to pay such additional indemnifiable Losses (subject to the express limitations set forth in this ARTICLE VIII ) due and owing to any such Buyer Indemnified Person by wire transfer of immediately available funds in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(d) The representations, warranties, covenants and obligations of Seller, and the rights and remedies that may be exercised by the Buyer Indemnified Persons, shall not be limited or otherwise affected by or as a result of any information furnished to, or any investigation made by or knowledge of, any of the Buyer Indemnified Persons or any of their Representatives.

Section 8.3 Indemnification by Buyer . From and after the Closing, Buyer agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Seller, each of its Affiliates and each of their respective Representatives and Affiliates (the “ Seller Indemnified Persons ”) harmless from and in respect and shall compensate and reimburse each of the Seller Indemnified Persons for any and all Losses that they may incur arising out of or resulting from:

(a) any breach of any representations or warranties of Buyer set forth in ARTICLE IV ;

(b) any failure of Buyer to perform any of its covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement;

(c) Losses with respect to liabilities and obligations arising out of the Westford LC;

(d) the conduct and operation of the businesses of the Sold Companies (excluding the Legacy Defense Business) before and following the Closing;

(e) any severance obligations payable to any Continuing Employee arising after the Closing due to any actions or inactions taken by, or at the direction of, Buyer or any of its Affiliates (including, after the Closing, the Sold Companies), other than any severance obligations that constitute Unpaid Sold Company Transaction Expenses.

Section 8.4 Termination of Indemnification . The obligations to indemnify and hold harmless a party hereto in respect of a breach of representation or warranty, covenant or agreement shall terminate on the applicable survival termination date (as set forth in Section 8.1 ), unless an Indemnified Party shall have incurred a Loss prior to such applicable survival termination date and made a proper claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 8.2 or Section 8.3 , subject to the terms and conditions of this ARTICLE VIII , prior to such survival termination date, as applicable, including by delivering an Officer’s Claim Certificate to the Indemnifying Party in accordance with Section 8.9 . If an Indemnified Party has made a proper claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 8.2 or Section 8.3 and in accordance with Section 8.9 prior to such survival termination date, then such claim for such Loss incurred (and only such claim for such Loss incurred), if then unresolved, shall not be extinguished by the passage of the deadlines set forth in Section 8.1 .

 

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Section 8.5 Notice and Opportunity to Defend . Other than with respect to Tax Claims (which shall be governed by Section 8.6 ), if there occurs an event which a party asserts is an indemnifiable event pursuant to Section 8.2 or Section 8.3 , the party or parties seeking indemnification (the “ Indemnified Party ”) shall notify the other party or parties obligated to provide indemnification (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) promptly. If such event involves any claim or the commencement of any Action by a third Person (a “ Third Party Claim ”), the Indemnified Party will give such Indemnifying Party prompt written notice of such Third Party Claim. The failure to provide prompt notice as provided herein will relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder only if, and to the extent that, such failure prejudices the Indemnifying Party hereunder. In the event of any Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party; provided , that the Indemnifying Party may only assume the defense of a Third Party Claim if (a) it acknowledges to the Indemnified Party in writing and without reservation of rights (subject to the limitations in this ARTICLE VIII ) that there exists an indemnification obligation relating to such claim, (b) if such claim is an Escrow Limited Claim, the amount claimed in such claim is less than or equal to the current balance of the Escrow Account, (c) such claim does not primarily seek as a remedy the imposition of an equitable remedy that is binding upon Buyer or any of its Affiliates (including any of the Sold Companies), (d) such claim does not relate to or arise in connection with any criminal claim brought by a Governmental Entity, (e) such claim does not involve a Top Customer or Top Supplier and (f) an adverse resolution of such claim would not reasonably be expected to have material adverse effect on the business or operations of Buyer. After notice from the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnified Party of such election to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to participate at its own expense in the defense of such Third Party Claim and the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable to the Indemnified Party hereunder for any legal costs or expenses of other counsel or any other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with such participation. In either case, the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party agree to cooperate fully with each other and their respective counsel in connection with the defense, negotiation or settlement of any such Third Party Claim. In no event may the Indemnifying Party consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to any Third Party Claim (other than a judgment or settlement that (A) is on exclusively monetary terms with such monetary amounts paid by the Indemnifying Party concurrently with the effectiveness of the settlement, (B) does not involve any finding or admission of violation of Law or admission of wrongdoing by the Indemnified Party, and (C) provides a complete and unconditional release of, or dismissal with prejudice of, all claims against any Indemnified Party potentially affected by such Third Party Claim for all matters asserted in connection with such Third Party Claim) without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). Whether or not the Indemnifying Party shall have assumed the defense, such Indemnifying Party shall not be obligated to indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Party hereunder for any settlement entered into without the Indemnifying Party’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

Section 8.6 Procedures for Tax Claims . If a tax audit or other claim shall be made against Buyer, the Sold Companies or their Affiliates by any Taxing Authority, which, if successful, would result in an indemnity payment by Seller pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(i) or Section 8.2(a)(ii) with respect to a breach of Seller’s representations or warranties in Section 3.8

 

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or pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(v) (a “ Tax Claim ”), Buyer shall promptly notify Seller in writing of such Tax Claim stating the nature and basis of such Tax Claim and the amount thereof, to the extent known by Buyer; provided, however, that any failure on the part of Buyer to so notify Seller shall not limit any indemnification obligations of Seller under ARTICLE VIII (except to the extent such failure materially prejudices the defense of the Tax Claim). If such Tax Claim is with respect to Taxes relating to a Pre-Closing Tax Period (other than any Straddle Periods), Seller shall have the right (but not the obligation) to control, at its own expense, the conduct and resolution of such Tax Claim, provided that Seller shall keep Buyer reasonably informed of all material developments on a timely basis and Buyer shall have the right to participate in such Tax Claim and, at its own expense, employ counsel of its choice for purposes of such participation. Seller shall not compromise or settle such Tax Claim without the Buyer’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If a Tax Claim is not controlled by Seller pursuant to the second sentence of this Section 8.6 , Buyer shall control the conduct and resolution of such Tax Claim, provided that Buyer shall keep Seller reasonably informed of all material developments on a timely basis and Seller shall have the right to participate in such Tax Claim and, at its own expense, employ counsel of its choice for purposes of such participation. Buyer shall not compromise or settle such Tax Claim without the Seller’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

Section 8.7 Other Limitations . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the amount of any Loss subject to indemnification pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII shall be calculated net of (a) any insurance proceeds actually received in cash (net of any applicable deductibles, co-payments, “retro premium” adjustments and similar costs or payments) by the Indemnified Party or any of its Affiliates on account of such Loss, (b) any Tax Benefits inuring to the Indemnified Party on account of such Loss and (c) any indemnification, contribution or other payment actually received in cash (net of any applicable costs of recovery or collection thereof) from any third Person with respect to such Loss. The Indemnified Party shall use its reasonable best efforts to (A) seek full recovery from any third parties and under all insurance policies covering, and all right to indemnification and/or contribution from third Persons in respect of, any Loss and (B) mitigate any actual or potential Loss, in each case to the same extent as it would if such Loss were not subject to indemnification pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII (including, for example, Buyer’s judgment regarding the impact such actions might have on customers and other third parties having material continuing business relationships with the Sold Companies). In the event that an insurance, indemnification, contribution or other recovery is made or a Tax benefit described in this Section 8.7(b) is realized by the Indemnified Party with respect to any Loss for which it has been indemnified pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII , then a refund equal to the aggregate amount of the recovery or benefit shall be paid promptly in immediately available funds to the Indemnifying Party that provided such indemnification to the Indemnified Party. If the Indemnified Party receives a Tax Benefit after an indemnification payment is made to it pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII , the Indemnified Party shall promptly pay to the Indemnifying Party that made such indemnification payment the amount of such Tax Benefit at such time or times as and to the extent that such Tax Benefit is realized by the Indemnified Party. For purposes hereof, “ Tax Benefit ” shall mean, with respect to any applicable Loss, any cash Tax savings or refunds that are received and actually recognized by the Indemnified Party in the tax year of the respective Loss, and any amounts actually credited against cash Taxes payable of the Indemnified Party in the tax year of the respective Loss, in each case determined on a with and without basis (comparing the actual

 

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cash Tax liability of the Indemnified Party for the applicable year against the hypothetical cash Tax liability of the Indemnified Party had such Loss not been incurred); provided, that no Tax Benefit shall be taken into account with respect to a Loss to the extent such Loss (or the receipt of an indemnity payment in respect of such Loss) would result in a reduction of Tax basis in depreciable or amortizable property; provided, further, that in no event shall the Tax Benefit be deemed to exceed the amount of any indemnification payment paid to the Indemnified Party. The Seller Indemnified Persons or the Buyer Indemnified Persons, as the case may be, shall not be entitled to recover more than once for the same Loss. No Seller Indemnified Person shall be entitled to recover any Loss if and to the extent such Loss is reflected in the calculation of Closing Indebtedness, Unpaid Sold Company Transaction Expenses or Closing Net Working Capital.

Section 8.8 Treatment of Indemnification Payments . The parties agree that any indemnification payments made pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated for Tax purposes as an adjustment to the Final Purchase Price, unless otherwise required by applicable Law.

Section 8.9 Procedures for Claims .

(a) If at any time prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period for a representation or warranty in Section 8.1 , an Indemnified Party (or Seller or Buyer, as applicable, on behalf thereof) determines in good faith that it has a bona fide claim for indemnification pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII , such Indemnified Party may deliver to the Indemnifying Party a certificate signed by any officer of the Indemnified Party (any certificate delivered in accordance with the provisions of this Section 8.9(a) , an “ Officer’s Claim Certificate ”):

(i) stating that an Indemnified Party has a claim for indemnification pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII ;

(ii) to the extent possible, containing a good faith non-binding, preliminary estimate of the amount to which such Indemnified Party claims to be entitled to receive as a claim for indemnification pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII , which shall be the amount of Losses such Indemnified Party claims to have so incurred or suffered or could reasonably be expected to incur or suffer; and

(iii) specifying in reasonable detail (based upon the information then possessed by the Indemnified Party) the material facts known to the Indemnified Party giving rise to such claim.

No delay in providing such Officer’s Claim Certificate prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period for a representation or warranty in Section 8.1 shall affect an Indemnified Party’s rights hereunder, unless (and then only to the extent that) the Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced thereby.

(b) At the time of delivery of any Officer’s Claim Certificate to the Indemnifying Party, a duplicate copy of such Officer’s Claim Certificate shall be delivered to the Escrow Agent by or on behalf of the Indemnified Party.

 

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(c) If the Indemnifying Party in good faith objects to any claim made by an Indemnified Party in any Officer’s Claim Certificate, then the Indemnifying Party shall deliver a written notice (a “ Claim Dispute Notice ”) to the Indemnified Party during the 30-day period commencing upon receipt by the Indemnifying Party of the Officer’s Claim Certificate. A duplicate copy of such Claim Dispute Notice shall be delivered to the Escrow Agent by or on behalf of the Indemnifying Party. The Claim Dispute Notice shall set forth in reasonable detail, if and to the extent that such detail is available based upon the information available to such Indemnifying Party at such time, the principal basis for the dispute of any claim made by the Indemnified Party in the Officer’s Claim Certificate. If the Indemnifying Party does not deliver a Claim Dispute Notice to the Indemnified Party prior to the expiration of such 30-day period, then (i) each claim for indemnification set forth in such Officer’s Claim Certificate shall be deemed to have been conclusively determined in the Indemnified Party’s favor for purposes of this ARTICLE VIII on the terms set forth in the Officer’s Claim Certificate and (ii) if cash remains in the Escrow Account, then the Indemnified Party may direct the Escrow Agent to deliver cash from the Escrow Account to the Indemnified Party in accordance with this Section 8.9(c) .

(d) If the Indemnifying Party delivers a Claim Dispute Notice, then the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party shall attempt in good faith to resolve any such objections raised by the Indemnifying Party in such Claim Dispute Notice. If the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party agree to a resolution of such objection, then a memorandum setting forth the matters conclusively determined by the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party shall be prepared and signed by both parties and, if cash remains in the Escrow Account, promptly delivered to the Escrow Agent, together with a Joint Direction (as defined in the Escrow Agreement) from Buyer and Seller pursuant to Section 4(b) of the Escrow Agreement directing the Escrow Agent to distribute cash from the Escrow Account in accordance with the terms of such memorandum.

(e) If no such resolution can be reached during the 45-day period following the Indemnified Party’s receipt of a given Claim Dispute Notice, then upon the expiration of such 45-day period, either the Indemnified Party or the Indemnifying Party may bring suit to resolve the objection in accordance with Section 9.1 and Section 9.13 .

Section 8.10 Procedures for Release of Escrow Account .

(a) On the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Closing Date, Buyer and Seller shall deliver a Joint Direction to the Escrow Agent pursuant to Section 4(b) of the Escrow Agreement to release an amount from the Escrow Account to Seller equal to (i) the balance of the Escrow Account (if any) at such date less (ii) the aggregate amount of any outstanding unresolved claims of Buyer Indemnified Persons for indemnification pursuant to Section 8.2 set forth in a Claim Dispute Notice (each such claim, an “ Unresolved Claim ”). The aggregate amount of any Unresolved Claims retained in the Escrow Account in accordance with the preceding sentence is referred to as the “ Retained Escrow Amount ”).

(b) In the event and to the extent that (i) all or any portion of the amount of an Unresolved Claim is resolved against the relevant Buyer Indemnified Persons (such amount, a “ Seller Favorable Outcome ”) and (ii) the aggregate Retained Escrow Amount at such time

 

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exceeds the amount of the aggregate Unresolved Claims after giving effect to such Seller Favorable Outcome (such excess, if any, the “ Retained Escrow Excess ”), Buyer and Seller shall deliver a Joint Direction to the Escrow Agent pursuant to Section 4(b) of the Escrow Agreement to release an amount from the Escrow Account to Seller equal to such Retained Escrow Excess.

(c) In the event and to the extent that all or any portion of the amount of an Unresolved Claim is resolved in favor of the relevant Buyer Indemnified Persons (such amount, a “ Buyer Favorable Outcome ”), Buyer and Seller shall deliver a Joint Direction to the Escrow Agent pursuant to Section 4(b) of the Escrow Agreement to release an amount from the Escrow Account to Seller equal to such Buyer Favorable Outcome.

Section 8.11 Exclusive Remedy . Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 2.5, Section 2.6 and , the indemnification provided in this ARTICLE VIII , subject to the limitations set forth herein, shall be the exclusive post-Closing remedy available to any party in connection with any Losses arising out of or resulting from this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. The foregoing notwithstanding, nothing in this Section 8.11 shall limit or restrict the ability or right of any party hereto (x) to seek injunctive or other equitable relief for any breach or alleged breach of any provision of ARTICLE II , ARTICLE V , ARTICLE VIII or ARTICLE IX or (y) to pursue claims for actual fraud (without duplication for any Losses recovered pursuant to the indemnification provisions of this ARTICLE VIII ); provided , that (i) any procedures in respect of and limitations on Losses or liabilities in this ARTICLE VIII shall in no event be diminished or circumvented by such relief and (ii) any such claim for actual fraud shall be subject to the limitation set forth in Section 8.2(b)(v) . Buyer acknowledges and agrees that the Buyer Indemnified Persons may not avoid any limitation on liability by (A) seeking damages, subject to the foregoing clause (y), for breach of contract, tort or pursuant to any other theory of liability, all of which are hereby waived or (B) asserting or threatening any claim against any Person that is not a party hereto (or a successor to a party hereto) for breaches of the representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement. EACH OF THE BUYER INDEMNIFIED PERSONS EXPRESSLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS AFFORDED BY ANY STATUTE WHICH LIMITS THE EFFECT OF A RELEASE WITH RESPECT TO UNKNOWN CLAIMS. EACH OF THE BUYER INDEMNIFIED PERSONS UNDERSTANDS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS RELEASE OF UNKNOWN CLAIMS AND WAIVER OF STATUTORY PROTECTION AGAINST A RELEASE OF UNKNOWN CLAIMS. EACH OF THE BUYER INDEMNIFIED PERSONS ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS WAIVER IS AN ESSENTIAL AND MATERIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT. The parties hereto agree that the provisions in this Agreement relating to indemnification, and the limits imposed on the Buyer Indemnified Persons’ remedies with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including Section 8.2 and Section 8.3 ) were specifically bargained for between sophisticated parties and were specifically taken into account in the determination of the amounts to be paid to Seller hereunder.

 

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ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 9.1 Governing Law . This Agreement and all Actions (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any Action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws.

Section 9.2 Materiality; Disclosure Schedules . As used in this Agreement, unless the context would require otherwise, the term “material” and the concept of the “material” nature of an effect upon the Sold Companies shall be measured relative to the Sold Companies, taken as a whole. There have been included in the Seller Disclosure Schedule and/or the Buyer Disclosure Schedule and may be included elsewhere in this Agreement items which are not “material” within the meaning of the immediately preceding sentence for informational purposes and in order to avoid any misunderstanding, and such inclusion, or any references to dollar amounts, shall not be deemed to be an agreement or admission by Seller or Buyer that such items are “material” or to further define the meaning of such term for purposes of this Agreement. With respect to the Seller Disclosure Schedule and Buyer Disclosure Schedule hereto, the disclosures made on any Schedule with respect to any representation or warranty shall be deemed to be made with respect to any other representation or warranty to which it relates or to which such matter’s application or relevance is reasonably apparent.

Section 9.3 Expenses; Transfer Taxes .

(a) Whether or not the Closing takes place, and except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation and execution of this Agreement and the Closing Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses.

(b) All Transfer Taxes applicable to the conveyance and transfer from Seller to Buyer of the Sold Shares or the Sold Companies and any other transfer or documentary Taxes in connection therewith shall be borne by Seller.

Section 9.4 Amendments . This Agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by each of the parties hereto.

Section 9.5 Waiver . Any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement, which may be lawfully waived, may be waived in writing at any time by each party which is entitled to the benefits thereof. Any waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement by any party hereto shall be binding only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by or on behalf of such party making specific reference to this Agreement. No failure to enforce or delay in enforcing any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to or shall constitute a waiver of such

 

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provision and no waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy by either party preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy by such party.

Section 9.6 Assignment . This Agreement and the rights and obligations hereunder shall not be assignable or transferable by any party (including by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto, except that Buyer may transfer or assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement, in whole or from time to time in part, to (i) one or more of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries, (ii) to a lender of Buyer as collateral for bona fide indebtedness for money borrowed or (iii) in connection with a merger, consolidation, conversion or sale of assets of Buyer; provided , that such transfer or assignment shall not relieve Buyer of its obligations hereunder or enlarge, alter or change any obligation of any other party hereto or due to Buyer. Any attempted assignment without obtaining any such required consent shall be null and void.

Section 9.7 Notices . Any notice, demand, or communication required or permitted to be given by any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or served for all purposes if (i) personally delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt), (ii) one (1) Business Day following the day sent by an internationally recognized overnight courier service (with written confirmation of receipt) or (iii) delivered by facsimile (with written confirmation of transmission), in each case, at the following addresses and facsimile numbers (or to such other address or facsimile number as a party may have specified by written notice given to the other parties pursuant to this provision):

If to any of the Seller Group members, to:

c/o SMART Storage Systems (Global Holdings), Inc.

39870 Eureka Dr.

Newark, CA 94560

Attn: General Counsel

Facsimile: (510) 623-1434

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice or constructive notice) to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

2475 Hanover Street

Palo Alto, California 94304

Attn: Chad Skinner

Facsimile: (650) 251-5002

If to Buyer:

SanDisk Corporation

951 SanDisk Drive

Milpitas, CA 95035-7933

 

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Attn.: Chief Legal Officer

Facsimile: (408) 801-8657

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice or constructive notice) to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

140 Scott Drive

Menlo Park, California 94025

Attn: Anthony J. Richmond

Facsimile: (650) 463-2600

Section 9.8 Complete Agreement . This Agreement (including the Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules attached hereto), the Nondisclosure Agreement, the Closing Agreements and the other documents and writings referred to herein or delivered pursuant hereto contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that to the extent any terms and provisions of this Agreement are in any way inconsistent with or in conflict with any term, condition or provision of any other agreement, document or instrument contemplated hereby, this Agreement shall govern and control.

Section 9.9 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed and delivered in one or more counterparts (including by facsimile or electronic mail (in portable document format)), all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and each of which shall be deemed an original.

Section 9.10 Headings . The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

Section 9.11 Severability . If any condition, term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced by any Law or public policy, all other conditions, terms or provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties intend that the provisions of ARTICLE VII and ARTICLE VIII , including the remedies (and limitations thereon) and the limitations on representations, warranties and covenants, be construed as integral provisions of this Agreement and that such provisions, remedies and limitations shall not be severable in any manner that diminishes a party’s rights hereunder or increases a party’s liability or obligations hereunder.

 

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Section 9.12 Third Parties . Nothing in this Agreement shall create or be deemed to create any third party beneficiary rights in any Person not a party to this Agreement except (i)  shall be for the benefit of, and enforceable by, the D&O Indemnified Persons, (ii)  ARTICLE VIII shall be for the benefit of, and enforceable by, the Buyer Indemnified Persons and the Seller Indemnified Persons ( provided , that no Indemnified Party may bring a claim for indemnification pursuant to ARTICLE VIII without the prior written consent of Buyer or Seller, as the case may be), (iii)  Section 9.15 shall be for the benefit of, and enforceable by, STB and (iv)  Section 9.17 shall be for the benefit of, and enforceable by, the Nonparty Affiliates of the parties.

Section 9.13 Consent to Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .

(a) Each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware located in Dover, Delaware (and any appellate court thereof), or if such court does not have (or declines to accept) jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware located in Wilmington, Delaware (and any appellate court thereof) for the purposes of any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and agrees that all claims in respect of any such Action shall be heard and determined in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware located in Dover, Delaware (and any appellate court thereof), or if such court does not have (or declines to accept) jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware located in Wilmington, Delaware (and any appellate court thereof). Each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally and fully waives the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such Action. Each of the parties hereto further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document to such party’s respective address listed above in one of the manners set forth in Section 9.7 hereof shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process in any such Action. Nothing herein shall affect the right of any Person to serve process in any other manner permitted by Law. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally waives (x) to the fullest extent permitted by Law any objection to the laying of venue of any Action arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in (A) the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware located in Dover, Delaware (and any appellate court thereof) or (B) the United States District Court for the District of Delaware located in Wilmington, Delaware (and any appellate court thereof), (y) waives to the fullest extent permitted by Law and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such Action brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum and (z) agrees that a final judgment in any such Action shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law.

(b) EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEGOTIATION, EXECUTION, PERFORMANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO IN CONNECTION HEREWITH AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM WITH RESPECT THERETO. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO (i) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR

 

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ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF ANY LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (ii) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 9.13(B) .

Section 9.14 Fulfillment of Obligations . Any obligation of Seller to Buyer under this Agreement, which obligation is performed, satisfied or fulfilled completely by an Affiliate of Seller, shall be deemed to have been performed, satisfied or fulfilled by Seller.

Section 9.15 Provision Respecting Legal Representation . It is acknowledged by Buyer that each of the Seller Group members, the Sold Companies, Silver Lake Partners III, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund, L.P. and certain of their respective Affiliates have retained STB to act as its counsel in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and that STB has not acted as counsel for any other party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and that none of the other parties has the status of a client of STB for conflict of interest or any other purposes as a result thereof. Each of Seller and Buyer hereby agrees that, in the event that a dispute arises after the Closing between Buyer or any of the Sold Companies, on the one hand, and any of the Seller Group members, on the other hand, STB may represent such Seller Group member in such dispute even though the interests of such Seller Group member may be directly adverse to Buyer or any of the Sold Companies, and even though STB formerly may have represented each of the Seller Group members, the Sold Companies, Silver Lake Partners III, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund, L.P. and certain of their respective Affiliates in a matter substantially related to such dispute; provided , however , that this sentence shall not apply if STB, at the time of such dispute, is handling ongoing matters for Buyer or any of the Sold Companies. Buyer further agrees that, in connection with any future dispute between Buyer, any of the Sold Companies and/or any of their respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and any of the Seller Group members, Silver Lake Partners III, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund, L.P. and/or their respective Affiliates, on the other hand, with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as to all communications among STB, the Seller Group members, the Sold Companies, Silver Lake Partners III, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund, L.P. and their respective Affiliates that relate in any way to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the attorney-client privilege and the expectation of client confidence belongs to the applicable Seller Group member, the applicable Sold Company, Silver Lake Partners III, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund, L.P. and/or the applicable Affiliate, as the case may be, and may be controlled by the applicable Seller Group member, the applicable Sold Company, Silver Lake Partners III, L.P., Silver Lake Sumeru Fund, L.P. and/or the applicable Affiliate, as the case may be, and shall not pass to or be claimed by Buyer or any of its Affiliates.

Section 9.16 Enforcement of Agreement . Each party acknowledges and agrees that the other parties would be irreparably damaged if any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms and that any breach of this Agreement by any party could not be adequately compensated in all cases by monetary damages alone. Accordingly, in addition to any other right or remedy to which any party may be entitled at law or in equity, before or after the Closing each of the parties shall be entitled to enforce any

 

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provision of this Agreement by a decree of specific performance and to temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of any of the provisions of this Agreement, without proof of actual damages or inadequacy of legal remedy, and without posting any bond, security or other undertaking. The pursuit of specific enforcement by any party hereto will not be deemed an election of remedies or waiver of the right to pursue any other right or remedy (whether at law or in equity) to which such party may be entitled at any time.

Section 9.17 Non-Recourse . Except to the extent otherwise set forth in the Nondisclosure Agreement, all claims, obligations, liabilities, or causes of action (whether in contract or in tort, in law or in equity, or granted by statute) that may be based upon, in respect of, arise under, out or by reason of, be connected with, or relate in any manner to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution, or performance of this Agreement (including any representation or warranty made in, in connection with, or as an inducement to, this Agreement), may be made only against (and such representations and warranties are those solely of) the Persons that are expressly identified as parties in the preamble to this Agreement (the “ Contracting Parties ”). No Person who is not a Contracting Party, including any current, former or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner, manager, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, representative, or assignee of, and any financial advisor to, or any current, former or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner, manager, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, representative or assignee of, and any financial advisor to, any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Nonparty Affiliates ”), shall have any liability (whether in contract or in tort, in law or in equity, or granted by statute) for any claims, causes of action, obligations, or liabilities arising under, out of, in connection with, or related in any manner to this Agreement or based on, in respect of, or by reason of this Agreement or its negotiation, execution, performance, or breach (other than as set forth in the Nondisclosure Agreement), and, to the maximum extent permitted by Law, each Contracting Party hereby waives and releases all such liabilities, claims, causes of action, and obligations against any such Nonparty Affiliates of another Contracting Party. Without limiting the foregoing, to the maximum extent permitted by Law, except to the extent otherwise set forth in the Nondisclosure Agreement, (a) each Contracting Party hereby waives and releases any and all rights, claims, demands, or causes of action that may otherwise be available at law or in equity, or granted by statute, to avoid or disregard the entity form of a Contracting Party or otherwise impose liability of a Contracting Party on any other Contracting Party’s Nonparty Affiliate in respect of this Agreement, whether granted by statute or based on theories of equity, agency, control, instrumentality, alter ego, domination, sham, single business enterprise, piercing the veil, unfairness, undercapitalization, or otherwise; (b) each Contracting Party disclaims any reliance upon any other Contracting Party’s Nonparty Affiliates with respect to the performance of this Agreement or any representation or warranty made in, in connection with, or as an inducement to this Agreement.

Section 9.18 Construction; Cooperation . The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party hereto because of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.

 

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Section 9.19 Time is of the Essence . Time is of the essence with respect to the performance of this Agreement.

Section 9.20 Buyer Guaranty .

(a) Buyer hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantees the timely performance and observance by BuyerSub of all its obligations to be performed or observed, and all of its liabilities, under this Agreement (such obligations, the “ Guaranteed Obligations ”).

(b) This guarantee by Buyer is an absolute, unconditional, continuing and irrevocable guaranty by Buyer of all Guaranteed Obligations now or hereafter existing, is in no way conditioned upon any requirement that any member of the Seller Group first attempt to collect or enforce any of the Guaranteed Obligations from Buyer or upon any other condition or contingency whatsoever and shall remain in full force and effect until all Guaranteed Obligations are indefeasibly performed in full and paid in cash. Buyer hereby waives presentment, protest, notice, dishonor or default, demand for payment and any other notices to which Buyer might otherwise be entitled and any legal or equitable defenses to the enforcement of this guarantee.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, in each case as of the date first above written.

 

SMART STORAGE SYSTEMS (GLOBAL HOLDINGS), INC.
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name: Iain MacKenzie
  Title: Director, President and CEO
SANDISK CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Sanjay Mehrotra

  Name: Sanjay Mehrotra
  Title: Director
SANDISK MANUFACTURING
By:  

/s/ Judy Bruner

  Name: Judy Bruner
  Title: Director
SALEEN HOLDINGS, INC., solely for purposes of Section 5.7(c) , Section 5.8 , ARTICLE VIII and ARTICLE IX
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name: Iain MacKenzie
  Title: Director

[Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement]


SALEEN INTERMEDIATE, INC., solely for purposes of Section 5.7(c) , Section 5.8 , ARTICLE VIII and ARTICLE IX
By:   /s/ Iain MacKenzie
  Name: Iain MacKenzie
  Title: Director
SMART WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS, INC., solely for purposes of Section 5.7(c) , Section 5.8 , ARTICLE VIII and ARTICLE IX
By:   /s/ Iain MacKenzie
  Name: Iain MacKenzie
  Title: Director, President

[Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement]


Exhibit A

Restructuring

See attached.


Exhibit B

Form of A&R IP Cross-License Agreement

See attached.


Exhibit C-1

Form of Buyer General Release

See attached.


Exhibit C-2

Form of Seller General Release

See attached.


Exhibit D

Closing Net Working Capital Methodology

See attached.

[Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement]


Exhibit E

Form of Escrow Agreement

See attached.

[Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement]


Exhibit F

Form of SL Agreement

See attached.

[Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement]


Exhibit G

Form of Transition Services Agreement

See attached.

[Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement]


Exhibit H

Form of Offer Letter

See attached.

Exhibit 10.21

EXECUTION VERSION

RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, this “ Agreement ”), dated as of May 16, 2012, among SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC. , a California corporation (together with its successors and assigns, “ Smart ” and in its capacity as the Seller Representative, the “ Seller Representative ”), SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (EUROPE) LIMITED , an England and Wales corporation (together with its successors and assigns, “ Smart Europe ”; and collectively with Smart, the “ Sellers ” and each a “ Seller ”) and WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. , a national banking association (together with its successors and assigns, “ Wells Fargo ”).

Sellers from time to time wish to sell certain of their Receivables (as defined below) to Wells Fargo, and Wells Fargo, at its sole discretion may from time to time purchase such Receivables upon the terms set forth in this Agreement.

Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Section 1. Definitions . The following terms have the respective meanings indicated below:

1.1 “ Account Debtor ” shall mean each Person that is a buyer of goods or services from a Seller in the ordinary course of such Seller’s business and identified by (and acting in its capacity under) its Identification Number, all as set forth on Exhibit A (as such exhibit may from time to time be amended or replaced with the consent of the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo); provided , that following written notification from Wells Fargo to the Seller Representative that it will no longer purchase Receivables owing from a particular Account Debtor, from and after the Collection Date relating to all Purchased Receivables owing from such Account Debtor, such Account Debtor shall cease to be an “Account Debtor” hereunder.

1.2 “ Account Debtor Group ” shall mean each of the HP Account Debtor Group and Dell Account Debtor Group.

1.3 “ Account Debtor Group Sublimit ” shall mean each of the Dell Sublimit and the HP Sublimit.

1.4 “ Advance Rate ” shall mean, for each Account Debtor, the percentage listed on Exhibit A as the Advance Rate applicable to such Account Debtor (as such exhibit may from time to time be amended or replaced with the consent of the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo).

1.5 “ Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereof.

1.6 “ Applicable Seller Account ” shall mean:

(a) with respect to any payment in connection with (or Turnover Amount related to) any Receivable the originator of which is Smart, account number 4100063098 at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. at 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA (ABA: 121-000-248, SWIFT code: WFBIUS6S), named “Smart Modular Technologies, Inc.”; and

(b) with respect to any payment in connection with (or Turnover Amount related to) any Receivable the originator of which is Smart Europe, account number 46085477 at Barclays Bank Plc in London, United Kingdon, (SWIFT: BARCGB22 Sort Code: 20-78-98), named “Smart Modular Technologies (Europe) Limited”;


or, in each case, such other bank account identified in writing to Wells Fargo by the applicable Seller from time to time as a replacement “Applicable Seller Account” for such Seller.

1.7 “ Base Invoice Amount ” shall mean the portion of Net Invoice Amount of any Receivable equal to (i) the Net Invoice Amount minus (ii) the VAT Invoice Amount, if any.

1.8 “ Brazil Tax Dispute ” shall mean that certain import tax assessment instituted by the Secretariat of Federal Revenue of Brazil against a subsidiary of Smart in February, 2012, and any case, proceeding, additional claims, levies or litigation arising directly therefrom.

1.9 “ Buffer Period ” shall mean for each Account Debtor the number of days listed on Exhibit A as the Buffer Period applicable to such Account Debtor (as such exhibit may from time to time be amended or replaced with the consent of the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo).

1.10 “ Business Day ” shall mean any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York and Charlotte, North Carolina are authorized or required by law to be closed.

1.11 “ Change of Control ” shall mean, with respect to any Person (the “ Relevant Person ”), any of the following: (a) the sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of such Relevant Person or group (as such term is defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended); (b) the liquidation or dissolution of (or the adoption of a plan of liquidation by) such Relevant Person; or (c) the acquisition by any Person or group (as such term is defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of more than 40% of the voting stock of such Relevant Person by way of merger or consolidation or otherwise; provided , that none of the foregoing shall constitute a Change of Control with respect to any Relevant Person to the extent such transaction occurs with a Person who is an affiliate of such Relevant Person immediately prior to the occurrence of such transaction.

1.12 “ Closing Date ” shall mean May 16, 2012, being the date that Wells Fargo shall have received the agreements, documents and instruments set forth on Exhibit D , each in form, substance and date reasonably satisfactory to Wells Fargo.

1.13 “ Collection Account ” shall mean, for each Receivable, the account specified in Exhibit E (as such exhibit may from time to time be amended or replaced with the consent of the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo).

1.14 “ Collection Date ” means, with respect to any Purchased Receivable, the earliest to occur of (i) the date on which Collections at least equal to the sum of (x) the Purchase Price, plus (y) the Discount relating to such Purchased Receivable have been deposited in the Collection Account, (ii) the date on which the Seller makes payment of the Repurchase Price pursuant to Section 3.1 , (iii) the date on which the Servicer certifies to Wells Fargo that no further Collections are anticipated to be received thereon as a result of a Credit Reason of the related Account Debtor, and (iv) the date at least 90 days following the Due Date of such Receivables on which the Servicer certifies to Wells Fargo that no further Collections are anticipated to be received thereon other than as a result of a Dispute or a Credit Reason of the related Account Debtor.

1.15 “ Collections ” shall mean all cash collections, including wire transfers and other cash proceeds, received in connection with any Receivable (including any Related Assets) and deposited in the Collection Account.

 

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1.16 “ Contract ” shall mean an agreement (which may be in the form of an electronic purchase order) between a Seller and an Account Debtor, each invoice sent by a Seller, and each purchase order completed by the Account Debtor and delivered to the Seller pursuant to which a Receivable shall arise, in each case, or which otherwise evidences a Receivable.

1.17 “ Credit Reason ” shall mean the non-payment of any amounts due and payable under a Purchased Receivable by an Account Debtor for either of the following reasons: (i) the occurrence of an Insolvency Event with respect to such Account Debtor, or (ii) the Account Debtor’s inability to make payment on the Purchased Receivables on or prior to the Due Date relating thereto.

1.18 “ Deemed Application ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4 .

1.19 “ Dell Account Debtor Group ” shall mean the group of Account Debtors listed under the heading “The Dell Account Debtor Group” on Exhibit A (as such exhibit may from time to time be amended or replaced with the consent of the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo).

1.20 “ Dell Receivables ” shall mean Receivables payable by an Account Debtor in the Dell Account Debtor Group.

1.21 “ Dell Sublimit ” shall mean, with respect to the Dell Account Debtor Group, the amount listed on Exhibit A as the Account Debtor Sublimit applicable to such Account Debtor Group (as such exhibit may from time to time be amended or replaced with the consent of the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo.

1.22 “ Discount ” shall mean, with respect to any Receivable payable by any Account Debtor, the product of (i) the Discount Rate, multiplied by (ii) the product of (A) the Net Invoice Amount of such Purchased Receivable, multiplied by (B) the Advance Rate for such Account Debtor, and multiplied by (iii) the quotient of (A) the number of days in the Discount Period, divided by (B) 360.

1.23 “ Discount Margin ” shall mean, for each Account Debtor, the rate per annum set forth in the Fee Letter.

1.24 “ Discount Period ” shall mean, with respect to any Receivable, the sum of (i) the number of days from (and including) the Purchase Date of such Receivable to (but not including) its Due Date, plus (ii) the Buffer Period with respect to the Account Debtor of such Receivable.

1.25 “ Discount Rate ” means, with respect to any Receivable, a rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) the Discount Margin, plus , (ii) LIBOR determined as of two (2) Business Days prior to the applicable Purchase Date for such Receivable.

1.26 “ Dispute ” shall mean any dispute, discount (whether through the issuance of any credit note or similar adjustment or otherwise), deduction, claim, offset, defense or counterclaim of any kind relating to the Purchased Receivables (other than a Pre-Purchase Discount related to such Purchased Receivable and/or such other adjustment granted with Wells Fargo’s written approval), regardless of whether the same is in an amount greater than, equal to or less than the Purchased Receivables concerned. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, “Dispute” shall include any dispute, discount, deduction, claim, offset, defense or counterclaim of any kind relating to the bona fide nature of the payment obligations, the amount payable and due date thereunder, any claims of Liens any other claims of allowances, set-offs, counterclaims, or side agreements asserted with respect thereto; provided , the term “Dispute” shall not include any non-payment of a Purchased Receivable due to a Credit Reason applicable to the related Account Debtor.

 

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1.27 “ Disqualified Assignee ” shall mean those Persons identified by the Seller Representative to Wells Fargo prior to the Closing Date in writing and acknowledged by Wells Fargo.

1.28 “ Due Date ” shall mean the date which such Receivable is required to be paid in full in accordance with the terms of the applicable Contract; provided ¸ that the period from the initial Invoice Date to the Due Date shall in no event exceed the Maximum Tenor.

1.29 “ Eligible Receivable ” shall mean a Receivable payable and owing by an Account Debtor that, as of the Purchase Date, satisfies all of the following requirements:

(a) the Receivable is evidenced by an invoice, electronic or otherwise, or other documentation accepted by the Account Debtor;

(b) the Receivable is denominated in, and payable solely in, United States Dollars;

(c) the number of days between the initial Invoice Date and the Due Date of such Receivable does not exceed the Maximum Tenor;

(d) the applicable Seller has good and marketable title to such Receivable and will, upon the purchase by the Seller of such Receivable hereunder, transfer such Receivable free and clear of any Lien, and upon the purchase of such Receivable in accordance with Section 2 of this Agreement, Wells Fargo will acquire valid ownership of each Purchased Receivable free and clear of any Lien and prior to all other Persons;

(e) such Receivable constitutes a bona fide, unconditional, legal, valid and binding payment obligation of the related Account Debtor, enforceable against such Account Debtor with respect thereto and in accordance with its terms;

(f) the related Seller has delivered to the related Account Debtor all property or performed all services required to be so delivered or performed giving rise to such Receivable, and the related Account Debtor has accepted all such property and services and the payments due with respect to such Receivable is not contingent upon the related Seller’s fulfillment of any further obligation; neither the related Seller nor the related Account Debtor is in default in the performance of any of the provisions of the Contract applicable to such Receivable;

(g) each Contract relating to such Receivable is legal, valid and in full force and effect; all right, title and interest in and to the proceeds of the applicable Contracts are freely transferable to Wells Fargo by assignment; the related Account Debtor has completed all inspection and approvals for which it is entitled and accepted all property or services performed relating to such Receivable; none of the parties to such Contract is in breach of its obligations nor is any dispute or challenge continuing in connection with the Contract;

(h) no Dispute or Repurchase Event exists on such Purchase Date with respect to such Receivable;

(i) all information with respect to the Receivable provided by the related Seller by Transmission or otherwise, including the information set forth in the invoices included in the Purchase Notice, is true and correct in all respects; Wells Fargo has received true and correct copies of all documentation required or requested with respect to such Receivable;

 

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(j) such Receivable and the related Contract under which it arises, complies with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations or orders of any governmental authority and does not contravene any agreement binding upon the related Seller;

(k) the obligations of such Account Debtor in respect of such Receivable have not been prepaid in whole or in part or subject to a deposit, and no credit (other than any Pre-Purchase Discount) is available that may be applied by such Account Debtor;

(l) the Receivable does not represent a progress billing or a sale on a bill-and-hold, guaranteed sale, sale-and-return, sale on approval, consignment, cash-on-delivery or any other repurchase or return basis, and does not relate to payments of interest and has not been invoiced more than once;

(m) such Receivable is not evidenced by or arising under any lease, chattel paper or instrument; and

(n) such Receivable is not due from (A) a Person that is a subsidiary or other affiliate of the related Seller or (B) any Person or group of Persons that owns or controls, by election of directors, appointment of managers, management contract or otherwise, more than 10% of the voting power to select the related Seller’s directors or senior management or to set the related Seller’s management policies.

1.30 “ Existing Credit Agreement ” shall mean that certain Credit Agreement dated as of August 26, 2011 among SMART Modular Technologies (Global Holdings), Inc. (formerly known as SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc.), SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., the Seller Representative, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and the other lenders party thereto.

1.31 “ Fee Letter ” shall mean that certain fee letter, dated the Closing Date, between the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo.

1.32 “ Funding Notice ” shall mean an acceptance notice relating to the funding of the Purchase Price substantially in the form of Exhibit C delivered by Wells Fargo to the Seller Representative by Transmission on the first Business Day of each Week with respect to any Purchase Notice delivered during the prior Week and specifying the Proposed Receivables that Wells Fargo has accepted for purchase on the next following Purchase Date.

1.33 “ HP Account Debtor Group ” shall mean the group of Account Debtors listed under the heading “The HP Account Debtor Group” on Exhibit A (as such exhibit may from time to time be amended or replaced with the consent of the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo).

1.34 “ HP Receivables ” shall mean Receivables payable by an Account Debtor in the HP Account Debtor Group.

1.35 “ HP Sublimit ” shall mean, with respect to the HP Account Debtor Group, the amount listed on Exhibit A as the Account Debtor Sublimit applicable to such Account Debtor Group (as such exhibit may from time to time be amended or replaced with the consent of the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo.

 

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1.36 “ Identification Number ” means the identification number assigned by the Seller Representative relating to the division or group of an Account Debtor with direct responsibilities and duties under a Contract with one or more Sellers under which Receivables are arising.

1.37 “ Information Certificate ” shall mean, with respect to any Seller, the Information Certificate of such Seller in the form of Exhibit B .

1.38 “ Insolvency Event ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any of the following: (a) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, court protection, reorganization or other relief in respect of such Person or its debts, or of a material part of its assets, under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, examiner, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for such Person or for a material part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed or unstayed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered, or(b) such Person shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, court protection, reorganization or other relief under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (a) above, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, examiner, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for such Person or for a material part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or (vi) generally not pay its debts as such debts become due (as understood under the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act) or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally.

1.39 “ Invoice Date ” shall mean, with respect to any Receivable, the date of the original invoice with respect thereto.

1.40 “ LIBOR ” shall mean the rate per annum equal to the offered rate for deposits in United States Dollars for a two month (60 day) interest period which appears two Business Days prior to the date of the applicable Purchase Date on the Dow Jones Markets Service (formerly known as Telerate) display page 3750 (or such other page as may replace page 3750 on that service or such other service as may be nominated by the British Bankers’ Association as the information vendor for the purpose of displaying British Bankers’ Association Interest Settlement Rates for United States Dollar deposits).

1.41 “ Lien ” shall mean any lien, charge, deed of trust, mortgage, security interest (including, with respect to Receivables, any ownership interest), tax lien, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, preference, priority, claim, other charge or encumbrance, or any other type of preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever by or with any Person (including, without limitation, any conditional sale or title retention agreement), whether arising by contract, operation of law, or otherwise.

1.42 “ Material Adverse Change ” shall mean, an event that results or could likely result in (i) a material adverse change in (a) the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance, properties or prospects of the Sellers and the Parents, taken as a whole (including as a result of a change in the status of the Brazil Tax Dispute), (b) the relationship with an Account Debtor which, as at the date of determination, is the Account Debtor of any Purchased Receivables outstanding hereunder or any Receivables being offered for purchase hereunder; provided , that for the avoidance of doubt, a reduction in the amounts of purchases made by such Account Debtor to the extent not related to Disputes claimed or Credit Reasons shall not be considered a Material Adverse Change, or (c) the ability of each Seller, as Servicer of the Purchased Receivables sold by it hereunder or otherwise, to fulfill its obligations hereunder or under any of the other Transaction Documents or of any Parent to fulfill its obligations

 

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under any Performance Undertaking, (ii) the impairment of the validity or enforceability of, or the rights, remedies or benefits available to, Wells Fargo under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, or (iii) a Change of Control of any Seller, any Parent or any Account Debtor.

1.43 “ Maximum Tenor ” shall mean, for Receivables of any Account Debtor, the number of days listed on Exhibit A as the Maximum Tenor (as such exhibit may from time to time be amended or replaced with the consent of the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo).

1.44 “ Net Invoice Amount ” shall mean, as to any Receivable, an amount equal to the face value payable by the related Account Debtor set forth in the invoices included in the Purchase Notice related to such Receivable, net of any Pre-Purchase Discount related to such Receivable, and including the related VAT Invoice Amount, if any.

1.45 “ Outstanding Purchase Price ” shall mean, at any time, the amount equal to the product of (A) the aggregate Net Invoice Amounts, multiplied by (B) the applicable Advance Rates, with respect to (i) the Purchased Receivables or (ii) the Purchased Receivables relating to any Account Debtor Group, as the context may require, minus the aggregate amount of all Collections with respect to such Purchased Receivables deposited in the Collection Account up to but not exceeding, for any Purchased Receivable, the Net Invoice Amount with respect thereto; provided, that the Outstanding Purchase Price shall not equal less than zero.

1.46 “ Parent ” shall mean SMART Modular Technologies (Global Holdings), Inc. (formerly known as SMART Modular Technologies (Global Memory Holdings), Inc.), a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability and SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability, jointly and severally.

1.47 “ Payment Report ” shall mean a reconciliation report or payment summary provided by Transmission by the Seller Representative to Wells Fargo from time to time (at minimum weekly by the last day of each Week) in a format reasonably acceptable to Wells Fargo for each Account Debtor Group, providing invoice, payment and collection details with respect to the Purchased Receivables of each Account Debtor Group.

1.48 “ Performance Undertakings ” shall mean, collectively, each Performance Undertaking, dated as of the Closing Date, by each Parent in favor of Wells Fargo, as each such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in accordance with its terms.

1.49 “ Periodic Reconciliation Report ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(j)(v) .

1.50 “ Person ” or “ person ” shall mean any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, business trust, unincorporated association, joint stock corporation, trust, joint venture or other entity or any government or any agency or instrumentality or political subdivision thereof.

1.51 “ Pre-Purchase Discount ” shall mean, with respect to a Proposed Receivable, any discount, credit or other allowance set forth in the invoices included in the Purchase Notice relating thereto and deducted from the face amount of such Proposed Receivable payable by the applicable Account Debtor in the determination of the Net Invoice Amount and in the subsequent determination of both the Purchase Price therefor and the Base Invoice Amount related thereto.

 

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1.52 “ Proposed Receivable ” shall mean any Eligible Receivable that is offered for sale and set forth in a Purchase Notice pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.1 at all times prior to becoming a Purchased Receivable or being rejected by Wells Fargo for purchase pursuant to Section 2.1 .

1.53 “ Purchase Date ” shall mean, as to any Purchased Receivable, the date (which shall occur on the third Business Day of any Week) on which Wells Fargo purchased such Receivable.

1.54 “ Purchase Limit ” shall mean the sum of the Dell Sublimit plus the HP Sublimit which, on the Closing Date, is equal to $75,000,000.

1.55 “ Purchase Notice ” shall mean with respect to Proposed Receivables, the aggregate of all data (whether included in a Payment Report, an invoice or other Transmission) relating to new Proposed Receivables in a form reasonably satisfactory to Wells Fargo that are included in a Transmission on any Business Day during any Week received by Wells Fargo from the Seller Representative during any Week.

1.56 “ Purchase Price ” shall mean, as to any Receivable proposed to be purchased hereunder, an amount equal to (a) the product of (i) the Advance Rate, multiplied by (ii) the Net Invoice Amount of such Receivable, minus (b) the Discount applicable to such Receivable, all as set forth in the applicable Funding Notice and as calculated in the manner set forth in this Agreement and in the Funding Notice.

1.57 “ Purchased Receivable ” shall mean any Receivable that is purchased by Wells Fargo hereunder.

1.58 “ Receivables ” shall mean all accounts, instruments, documents, contract rights, general intangibles and chattel paper (as such terms are understood under the UCC), all tax refunds and proceeds of insurance, and all other forms of obligations owing to a Seller by an Account Debtor, whether now existing or hereafter created that represent bona fide obligations of an Account Debtor arising out of a Seller’s sale and delivery of goods and services, together with the Related Assets with respect thereto, and with respect to each of the foregoing, all proceeds thereof.

1.59 “ Records ” shall mean, with respect to any Receivable, all of the related Seller’s present and future books of account of every kind or nature, purchase and sale agreements, invoices, sales orders, credit memos, ledger cards, bills of lading and other shipping evidence, statements, correspondence, memoranda, credit files and other data relating to such Receivable, including any Related Assets, or the related Account Debtor, together with the tapes, disks, diskettes, software and other data (including electronic data and information) in or on which the foregoing are stored (including any rights of such Seller with respect to the foregoing maintained with or by any other person).

1.60 “ Related Assets ” shall mean, with respect to any Receivable, all of the right, title and interest of the related Seller in and to: (a) all rights, but not any obligations, under all related Contracts and other Related Assets with respect to such Receivable; (b) all documents, instruments and chattel paper, if any, arising pursuant to or in connection with such Receivable; (c) all inventory and goods (including returned, repossessed or reclaimed inventory or goods), if any, the sale of which gave rise to such Receivable or otherwise representing or evidencing, such Receivable and including any rights to such inventory and goods; (d) all security deposits and property subject to security interests or Liens, and all guarantees, letters of credit, banker’s acceptances, letter-of-credit rights, supporting obligations and other agreements or arrangements of whatever character from time to time, supporting or securing payment of such Receivable whether pursuant to the Contract related to such Receivable or otherwise and including all rights of stoppage in transit, replevin, repossession, reclamation and other rights and remedies of an unpaid vendor lienor or secured party; (e) all insurance policies, and all claims thereunder, related to such Receivable or other Related Assets, and including all rights against carriers of the inventory and goods related thereto; (f) all Records; (g) all Collections in respect thereof, and (h) all other proceeds of any of the foregoing.

 

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1.61 “ Repurchase Event ” shall mean, as to any Purchased Receivable, at any time: (a) any of the representations or warranties made by the related Seller herein or in any of the other Transaction Documents with respect to such Receivable is or becomes untrue or inaccurate and shall have an adverse impact on the ability to obtain Collections of such Purchased Receivable; (b) the related Seller fails to comply with any of its covenants or obligations with respect to such Purchased Receivable and such failure shall have an adverse impact on the ability to obtain Collections of such Purchased Receivable; (c) such Purchased Receivable was not an Eligible Receivable as of the Purchase Date with respect thereto; or (d) a Dispute has arisen with respect to any Purchased Receivable that impacts or impairs the ability to obtain as Collections all or any portion of the Net Invoice Amount of such Purchased Receivable in a timely manner set forth under the Contract(s) giving rise to such Receivable.

1.62 “ Repurchase Price ” shall mean, with respect to any Purchased Receivable or portion thereof required to be repurchased by Seller pursuant to Section 3.1 , the sum of: (a) the Purchase Price then outstanding with respect to such Purchased Receivable, plus (b) from the Purchase Date for such Purchased Receivable to and including the date that Wells Fargo receives payment in full of such Repurchase Price, an amount equal to (i) the applicable Repurchase Rate, multiplied by (ii) such Purchase Price for each such day.

1.63 “ Repurchase Rate ” shall mean, with respect to the determination of the Repurchase Price for any Purchased Receivable that the related Seller of which is required to repurchase from Wells Fargo pursuant to Section 3.1 , for each day, a rate per annum equal to the Discount Rate that was applicable to such Purchased Receivable in determining its original Purchase Price, divided by 360.

1.64 “ Repurchased Receivable ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 .

1.65 “ Responsible Officer ” shall mean the chief executive officer, president, vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer or assistant treasurer, or other similar officer, manager or a director of the Seller Representative or a Seller. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of the Seller Representative or a Seller shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Person and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Person.

1.66 “ Seller ” and “ Sellers ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereof.

1.67 “ Seller Representative ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereof.

1.68 “ Servicer ” shall mean initially, with respect to any Purchased Receivable, the Seller Representative , or any replacement or successor servicer designated by Wells Fargo in accordance with Section 6.2(b) or Section 7.2 .

1.69 “ Servicing Bonus ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(b)(viii) .

1.70 “ Servicing Bonus Amount ” shall mean, as at any time, as to each Purchased Receivable, the excess, if any, of (a) Collections received in the Collections Account attributable to such Purchased Receivable, over (b) the sum of (i) the Purchase Price of such Purchased Receivable, plus (ii) the Discount applicable to such Purchased Receivable, plus (iii) any out of pocket collections costs, fees and expenses incurred by Wells Fargo in connection with the enforcement of the right to payment of such Purchased Receivable, plus (iv) for each day after the final day of the Discount Period applicable to such

 

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Purchased Receivable that the sum of the Collections received in the Collections Account attributable to such Purchased Receivable do not exceed the amount determined pursuant to subclauses (i) through (iii) of this clause (b)  and this clause (iv) for each day prior to the day of collection, a per diem amount equal to the result of (A) such shortfall on such day, multiplied by (B) the Servicing Bonus Discount Rate divided by 360; provided , that the Servicing Bonus shall not equal less than zero.

1.71 “ Servicing Bonus Discount Rate ” means, with respect to the calculation of the amount set forth in clause (iv) of the definition of Servicing Bonus Amount as of any date of determination, a rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) the Discount Margin, plus , (ii) LIBOR determined as of the date on which all amounts set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) of the definition of Servicing Bonus Amount have been collected and paid to Wells Fargo.

1.72 “ Servicing Bonus Payment Date ” shall mean the first Purchase Date of each week.

1.73 “ Smart ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereof.

1.74 “ Smart Europe ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereof.

1.75 “ Solvent ” shall mean with respect to such Person as at any date of determination, (a) that such Person is able to pay its debts as they become due, (b) that such Person maintains reasonably sufficient capital to carry on its business consistent with its practices as of the date hereof, and (c) the present fair sale value of such Person’s assets and properties is sufficient to pay its probable liabilities on its existing indebtedness as they become absolute and mature.

1.76 “ Termination Event ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1 hereof.

1.77 “ Transaction Documents ” shall mean, collectively, the following (as the same now or hereafter exist or may at any time be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated or replaced): (a) this Agreement; (b) each Transmission; (c) each Purchase Notice; (d) each Funding Notice; (e) the Performance Undertakings, and (f) all other documents to be executed and delivered in connection with any of the foregoing.

1.78 “ Transmission ” shall mean the electronic delivery of reports, data or information, which may include electronic transmission through a web portal established with Wells Fargo, email or other electronic arrangements, all pursuant to protocols and in a format established by Wells Fargo or otherwise agreed upon between the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo from time to time.

1.79 “ Turnover Amounts ” shall mean (i) any amounts received in the Collection Account that Wells Fargo identifies or the Servicer identifies to Wells Fargo as not constituting Collections on a Purchased Receivable, (ii) any amounts received from the Account Debtor and identified as being applicable to a Purchased Receivable but subsequently corrected by the Servicer to be applicable to a Receivable other than a Purchased Receivable, amounts in excess of the Net Invoice Amount, or otherwise not applicable to a Purchased Receivable, and (iii) following a Deemed Application with respect to any Purchased Receivable, the amount of any payment on such Purchased Receivable in excess of the Net Invoice Amount of such Receivable (after application of such payment, any other Collections on such Purchased Receivable and the amount of such Deemed Application).

1.80 “ UCC ” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York, and any successor statute, as in effect from time to time.

 

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1.81 “ VAT Invoice Amount ” shall mean that portion of Net Invoice Amount of any Receivable, if any, equal to the “value added tax” (or similar tax) payable and included in the Net Invoice Amount.

1.82 “ Week ” means a calendar week.

Section 2. Purchase and Sale of Receivables

2.1 Purchase and Sale .

(a) Purchase Notice and Funding Notice Procedures . Subject to the terms and conditions in this Agreement, the Seller Representative, on behalf of each Seller, may from time to time offer to sell to Wells Fargo, Eligible Receivables specified in a Purchase Notice. The delivery of such Purchase Notice by Transmission shall constitute (i) an offer to sell the Proposed Receivables included in such Purchase Notice on the Purchase Date to occur in next succeeding Week, and (ii) a representation by the applicable Seller that each Proposed Receivable included in such Purchase Notice would be an Eligible Receivable as of the Purchase Date. Wells Fargo, in its sole and absolute discretion, may elect to accept or reject the offer set forth in a Purchase Notice in whole or in part; provided , that Wells Fargo will endeavor in good faith to provide prompt notice to the Seller Representative of any intention to cease purchases of Receivables of any Account Debtor; provided, further that each Seller and the Seller Representative acknowledge and agree that the failure by Wells Fargo to provide such advance notice shall not impair or limit in any manner the sole and absolute discretion of Wells Fargo to make purchases hereunder or result in any breach, costs or damages resulting therefrom hereunder. If Wells Fargo wishes to accept an offer, Wells Fargo shall deliver by Transmission a Funding Notice to the Seller Representative by the first Business Day of the Week following receipt of a Purchase Notice and shall purchase on the next succeeding Purchase Date, and each applicable Seller shall sell, all of such Seller’s right, title and interest (but none of such Seller’s underlying obligations to the applicable Account Debtor) in the Eligible Receivables set forth in such Funding Notice on the related Purchase Date (such Receivables, once sold and purchased on a Purchase Date, “ Purchased Receivables ”). In no event shall Wells Fargo purchase any Proposed Receivables if such purchase would result, as of the related Purchase Date (after giving effect to all Collections received as of such date), in (i) the Outstanding Purchase Price exceeding the Purchase Limit, (ii) the Outstanding Purchase Price of HP Receivables exceeding the HP Sublimit, or (iii) the Outstanding Purchase Price of Dell Receivables exceeding the Dell Sublimit. In the event that as of such Purchase Date, the Outstanding Purchase Price would exceed the Purchase Limit, the HP Sublimit or the Dell Sublimit, then such Funding Notice shall only be effective as to the amount of those Proposed Receivables (as identified by Wells Fargo) that would result in the Outstanding Purchase Price not exceeding the Purchase Limit, HP Sublimit or Dell Sublimit, as applicable.

(b) Confirmation of Eligibility . Upon receipt of a Funding Notice, the Seller Representative shall promptly, and in any event no later than one Business Day after receiving the Funding Notice, notify Wells Fargo in writing if any of the Proposed Receivables identified on the Funding Notice are not Eligible Receivables or as to which any of the other representations of the applicable Seller and the Seller Representative set forth herein or in the Funding Notice would not be true and accurate. The Seller Representative and each Seller hereby represents and warrants that the election by the Seller Representative to not identify any Proposed Receivable as not qualifying as an Eligible Receivable pursuant to this Section 2.1(b) shall constitute a confirmation by each relevant Seller and the Seller Representative that such Proposed Receivable constitutes an Eligible Receivable as of its Purchase Date.

 

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(c) General . On each Purchase Date, subject to Section 2.1(a) , Wells Fargo shall purchase and each applicable Seller shall sell all of such Seller’s right, title and interest (but none of such Seller’s underlying obligations to the applicable Account Debtor) in such Proposed Receivables that are Eligible Receivables set forth in such Funding Notice as accepted for purchase by Wells Fargo, and by acceptance by the Seller of the Purchase Price for such Proposed Receivable, such Proposed Receivable shall be automatically sold and purchased without any further action by Seller or Wells Fargo.

2.2 Purchase Price Payment . Wells Fargo agrees (and each Seller hereby directs Wells Fargo) to pay on each Purchase Date to the Applicable Seller Account(s) the Purchase Price for the Proposed Receivables specified in the related Funding Notice that Wells Fargo has agreed to purchase pursuant to Section 2.1 on such Purchase Date.

2.3 Conditions Precedent . Prior to the delivery of the initial Purchase Notice hereunder, Wells Fargo shall have received the agreements, documents and instruments set forth on Exhibit D , each in form, substance and date satisfactory to Wells Fargo.

2.4 No Commitment to Purchase; No Liability . Wells Fargo shall have no obligation to accept any offer to sell, or otherwise to purchase, any Receivable from any Seller and this Agreement does not constitute a commitment on the part of Wells Fargo to make any such purchase. No obligation or commitment shall be implied by an act or omission of Wells Fargo, or any course of dealings in connection with purchases made hereunder. Wells Fargo shall not have any liability to any Seller or to any other Person for declining to accept any offer to purchase a Receivable hereunder.

2.5 No Recourse . Except as specifically provided in this Agreement, the sale and purchase of Receivables under this Agreement shall be without recourse to each Seller and the Seller Representative. The Seller Representative and each Seller shall be liable to Wells Fargo for all representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities made by such Seller or by the Seller Representative on behalf of such Seller pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

2.6 No Assumption of Obligations Relating to Receivables or Contracts . Wells Fargo and the Servicer (if other than the applicable Seller) shall not have any obligation or liability to any Account Debtor (including any obligation under any Contract or any other related agreements); provided , that Wells Fargo shall promptly remit to the Applicable Seller Account(s) all Turnover Amounts. It is understood and agreed that Wells Fargo shall have no rights, title or interest to or in any Receivables (and Collections related thereto) other than Purchased Receivables (and Collections related thereto).

2.7 True Sales . The Sellers and Wells Fargo have structured the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as a sale and intend the transfer and conveyance of Purchased Receivables hereunder to be absolute and irrevocable true sales by the applicable Seller to Wells Fargo, that provide Wells Fargo with the full benefits and burdens of ownership of the Purchased Receivables. None of the Sellers nor Wells Fargo intends the transactions contemplated hereunder to be, or for any purpose to be characterized as, loans from Wells Fargo to any Seller. Each Seller and Wells Fargo shall treat the transactions hereunder as true sales for all purposes under applicable law and accounting principles, including, without limitation, in their respective books, records, computer files, tax returns (federal, state and local), regulatory and governmental filings (and shall reflect such sale in their respective financial statements). Each Seller will advise all persons inquiring about the ownership of the Receivables sold by such Seller that all such Purchased Receivables have been sold to Wells Fargo. If, notwithstanding the intention of the parties expressed in this Section 2.7 , the transfer and conveyance by any Seller to Wells Fargo of Receivables hereunder shall be characterized by a court of competent jurisdiction as a secured loan and not a sale, then, in such event, this Agreement shall constitute a security agreement under the UCC and

 

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other applicable law. For this purpose, each Seller hereby grants Wells Fargo a perfected, first priority security interest in all of such Seller’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Purchased Receivables sold or purportedly sold by such Seller pursuant to this Agreement, and all proceeds of any thereof, to secure the timely payment and performance by such Seller of all amounts owing to Wells Fargo hereunder and any other obligations owing to Wells Fargo hereunder. In the event this Agreement shall be characterized as a security agreement, Wells Fargo shall have, in addition to the rights and remedies which it may have under this Agreement, all the rights and remedies provided to a secured creditor under the UCC and applicable law, which rights and remedies shall be cumulative.

Section 3. Repurchase Event

3.1 Repurchase Event .

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Repurchase Event with respect to any Purchased Receivable or any portion thereof, Seller Representative on behalf of the applicable Seller (or the applicable Seller directly) shall, within one Business Day of written notice from Wells Fargo to the Seller Representative (which notice shall be promptly forwarded from the Seller Representative to the applicable Seller), purchase from Wells Fargo such Purchased Receivable and shall pay to Wells Fargo the Repurchase Price in respect of such Repurchased Receivable or portion thereof (such Purchased Receivable, once repurchased in accordance with this Section 3.1 , a “ Repurchased Receivable ”); it being understood and agreed that the obligations of the Seller Representative and the Sellers to make such a purchase upon a Repurchase Event under this Section 3.1(a) shall be in full force and effect notwithstanding the occurrence of a Credit Reason of the applicable Account Debtor for such Purchased Receivable. Each Seller and the Servicer each hereby authorizes Wells Fargo at all times, and Wells Fargo may, at its option, either: (i) setoff against the Servicing Bonus or any amount at any time owing (including any Purchase Price) by Wells Fargo to any Seller for any amounts at any time owing by any Seller to Wells Fargo, with respect to a Repurchased Receivable, (ii) after the occurrence and during the continuation of a Termination Event, debit or deduct from any deposit account of any Seller any amounts at any time owing by any Seller to Wells Fargo with respect to a Repurchased Receivable, or (iii) require that the applicable Seller make a cash payment to Wells Fargo in respect of such amounts. All such payments by the applicable Seller to Wells Fargo on account of the Repurchase Price shall be due and payable on the next Business Day after the date of the notice by Wells Fargo to the Seller Representative requiring that the applicable Seller repurchase any such Repurchased Receivable.

(b) Effective upon receipt by Wells Fargo of the Repurchase Price with respect to a Repurchased Receivable, such Repurchased Receivable shall be deemed sold by Wells Fargo to the applicable Seller, without recourse, representation or warranty, except that Wells Fargo represents that each Repurchased Receivable shall be transferred to the applicable Seller free and clear of any Liens imposed by or through Wells Fargo.

3.2 Adjustments to Purchase Price . At Wells Fargo’s option, all amounts at any time payable by any Seller to Wells Fargo provided for in this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents may be setoff against any amount at any time owing by Wells Fargo to any Seller in respect of the Purchase Price for a Purchased Receivable or the Repurchase Price for a Repurchased Receivable, or, after the occurrence and during the continuation of a Termination Event, deducted from any amounts in any deposit account of any Seller (and to the extent that such Sellers are not the same entities, each Seller agrees to true up any such setoff or deduction between such Sellers). If after receipt of any payment under this Agreement or any Transaction Document, Wells Fargo is required to surrender or return such payment or proceeds to any Person for any reason, then the obligations intended to be satisfied by such

 

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payment shall be reinstated and continue and this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect as if such payment had not been received by Wells Fargo. Each Seller does hereby indemnify and hold Wells Fargo harmless for the amount of any payments surrendered or returned, except for those payments surrendered or returned as the result of a Credit Reason. This Section 3.2 shall remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may be taken by Wells Fargo in reliance upon such payment or proceeds. This Section 3.2 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Section 4. Representations and Warranties

Seller Representative and each Seller hereby represents and warrants to Wells Fargo as of Closing Date and each Purchase Date:

4.1 Organization and Good Standing . It is duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state, country or jurisdiction of incorporation set forth in the first paragraph hereof, with power and authority to own its properties and to conduct its business as such properties are presently owned and such business is presently conducted.

4.2 Due Qualification . It is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing, and it has obtained all necessary approvals, in all jurisdictions in which the ownership or lease of its property or the conduct of its business requires such licensing, qualification or approvals.

4.3 Power and Authority; Due Authorization . It has (a) all necessary power, authority and legal right (i) to execute and deliver, and perform its obligations under, each Transaction Document to which it is a party, and (ii) to generate, own, sell, transfer and assign Receivables on the terms and subject to the conditions herein and therein provided; and (b) duly authorized the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the sale and transfer of Receivables hereunder, and the performance of its obligations under the Transaction Documents. It has duly executed and delivered this Agreement.

4.4 Valid Sale; Binding Obligations . This Agreement constitutes, and each other Transaction Document it has or will sign in connection herewith, when duly executed and delivered, will constitute, a legal, valid, and binding obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity. Each transfer of Receivables to Wells Fargo pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute a valid sale, transfer, and assignment thereof to Wells Fargo, enforceable against creditors of, and purchasers from, it. On the initial Purchase Date, all conditions precedent set forth on Exhibit D have, to the extent applicable to it, been fulfilled.

4.5 No Conflict or Violation . This Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the fulfillment of the terms hereof or thereof will not (a) conflict with, result in any breach of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under (i) its articles or certificate of incorporation or similar organizational documentation, or by-laws, operating agreement or similar operational documentation, or (ii) any indenture, loan agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, or other material agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound, (b) result in the creation or imposition of, or give rise to any obligation to provide, any Lien upon any of its properties pursuant to the terms of any such indenture, loan agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, or other material agreement or instrument, except under the Transaction Documents, or (c) violate any law or any order, rule, or regulation applicable to it of any court or of any federal, state or foreign regulatory body, administrative agency, or other governmental authority having jurisdiction over it or any of its properties.

 

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4.6 Proceedings . There is no litigation, investigation or proceeding pending, or to the best of its knowledge, threatened, before any court, regulatory body, arbitrator, administrative agency, or other tribunal or governmental instrumentality (a) asserting the invalidity of any Transaction Document to which it is a party, or (b) seeking to prevent the sale of Receivables to Wells Fargo or the consummation of any of the other transactions contemplated by any Transaction Document to which it is a party.

4.7 Government Approvals . Except for the filing of the UCC financing statements, no authorization or approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority is required for its due execution, delivery and performance of any Transaction Document to which it is a party.

4.8 Financial Condition; Material Adverse Change . On the date hereof it is, and on the date of each transfer of a Receivable hereunder (both before and after giving effect to such transfer) shall be, Solvent. There has been no Material Adverse Change with respect to the Sellers and the Parents, taken as a whole or the related Account Debtor of a Purchased Receivable on such Purchase Date since December 31, 2011; provided , that the representations in this sentence with respect to an Account Debtor shall not be applicable with respect to the Purchased Receivables of any other Account Debtor.

4.9 Quality of Title .

(a) Effective upon each purchase of a Receivable hereunder, Wells Fargo shall have acquired a valid and perfected first priority ownership interest (free and clear of any Lien) in such Receivable it sold hereunder, including the Related Assets with respect thereto.

(b) There does not exist any effective financing statement or other instrument similar on file in any recording office in effect covering any Purchased Receivable it sold or purported to sell to Wells Fargo hereunder, except those financing statements in favor of (i) Wells Fargo filed in accordance with this Agreement, and (ii) JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (for the benefit of the secured parties under the Existing Credit Agreement) in accordance with the Existing Credit Agreement (it being understood that the Seller Representative and each Seller hereby confirms the claims in the Receivables held by the parties to the Existing Credit Agreement shall have been automatically released pursuant thereto as of the Purchase Date with respect to any such Purchased Receivables).

4.10 Eligibility . Effective as of each Purchase Date for a Receivable being sold hereunder, (i) each such Receivable is an Eligible Receivable (ii) no Repurchase Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to such Receivable, (iii) it is not in default in any material respect of any of its obligations under this Agreement, (iv) all conditions precedent set forth in this Agreement to the purchase of such Receivables are satisfied, (v) the receivables information contained in the Purchase Notice is a true and correct list of the purchase order number, the invoice number, the invoice date, the due date and the unpaid amounts due in respect thereof (and such other information set forth therein), and (vi) Wells Fargo has received true and correct copies of all the documentation relating to each of the Purchased Receivables that it has requested, including, without limitation, the Contract(s) giving rise to such Receivable.

4.11 Offices . The offices where it keeps all its books, records and documents evidencing the Receivables, the related Contracts and all other agreements related to such Receivables (including the Records) are located at the address specified in the Information Certificate or at such other locations it has identified to Wells Fargo after the date hereof in accordance with Section 5.1(h) hereof.

 

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4.12 Compliance with Applicable Laws . It is in compliance, in all material respects, with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and orders of any governmental authority.

4.13 Accuracy of Information . No information at any time it has furnished in writing (including in electronic form) to Wells Fargo for purposes of or in connection with any Transaction Document or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby is, or will be, inaccurate in any material respect as of the date it was furnished or (except as otherwise disclosed to Wells Fargo in writing at or prior to such time) as of the date as of which such information is dated or certified, or contained or will contain any material misstatement of fact or omitted or will omit to state any material fact necessary to make such information not materially misleading.

Section 5. Covenants

5.1 Affirmative Covenants . Seller Representative and each Seller, for and on behalf of itself, until the Collection Date for all outstanding Purchased Receivables, will comply with the following affirmative covenants:

(a) Compliance with Laws, Etc . It will comply in all material respects with all laws, rules, regulations, licenses, approvals, orders and other permits applicable to it and duly observe all requirements of any foreign, Federal, State or local governmental authority.

(b) Preservation of Corporate Existence . It will preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its corporate or limited liability company existence and rights and franchises with respect thereto and maintain in full force and effect all licenses, trademarks, tradenames, approvals, authorizations, leases, contracts and permits necessary to carry on the business as presently, or proposed to be, conducted except to the extent not material to the collection of the Purchased Receivables.

(c) Keeping of Records and Books of Account . It will maintain accurate and complete books, records, accounts and other information relating to the Receivables (including the Records and other Related Assets) which, in the reasonable determination of the Seller Representative are necessary or advisable in order to determine amounts owing and amounts paid in respect of Receivables and the status of the goods or services purchased giving rise to such Receivables. It will mark its Records (whether electronic or otherwise) which relate to the Purchased Receivables and related Contracts with a legend, reasonably acceptable to Wells Fargo, evidencing that it has sold the Purchased Receivables to Wells Fargo. In the event that any such electronic records are printed and distributed or shown to any person other than Wells Fargo, such legend shall be included with such printed records.

(d) Accounting for Purchases . Its financial statements shall account for the transactions contemplated in this Agreement as a sale by it of the Purchased Receivables to Wells Fargo, and shall account for and treat the transactions contemplated hereunder (including but not limited to accounting and tax reporting) as a sale of the Purchased Receivables by it to Wells Fargo.

(e) Ownership Interest of the Company . It will take all necessary action to establish and maintain, in favor of Wells Fargo a valid and perfected first priority ownership interest in all Purchased Receivables, free and clear of any Lien, including, without limitation, the filing of all financing statements under the UCC or other similar instruments or documents necessary in appropriate jurisdictions (or any comparable law) to perfect Wells Fargo’s ownership interest in the Purchased Receivables; and take such other action to perfect, protect or more fully evidence the interest of Wells Fargo as Wells Fargo may reasonably request.

 

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(f) Receivables Review . It will, from time to time as requested by Wells Fargo, at reasonable times and upon reasonable prior notice, permit Wells Fargo or its designee, (i) to have access to its premises during normal business hours and (ii) to have it make available copies of its books and records electronically to Wells Fargo, in each case, for the purposes of inspecting, verifying and auditing its books and records with respect to Receivables arising under any Contract (including the Records and other Related Assets) and discussing matters relating to such Receivables or its financial condition or performance under any Transaction Document or performance under any Contract, in each case, with any of its officers, employees or authorized designees or of the Parents having knowledge of such matters and, after the occurrence and during the continuation of a Termination Event, to take copies of any of the Records relating to transactions subject to this Agreement and to obtain such originals thereof as Wells Fargo may request.

(g) Performance and Compliance with Receivables and Contracts . It will, at its expense, timely and fully perform and comply in all material respects with all provisions, covenants and other promises required to be observed by it under the Contracts and all purchase orders and other agreements related to the Receivables arising under any Contract.

(h) Location of Records . It will keep the offices where it keeps its Records at the addresses set forth in the Information Certificate or, upon not less than ten (10) Business Days written notice to Wells Fargo, at such other address within the United States as may be designated by the Seller Representative.

(i) Defense of Title . It will defend the right, title and interest of Wells Fargo in any of the Purchased Receivables, against all claims of third parties claiming through or under it, at its sole cost and expense.

(j) Reporting Requirements . It will provide to Wells Fargo (in multiple copies, if requested by Wells Fargo) the following:

(i) as soon as available and in any event within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., a copy of the audited consolidated financial statements (together with explanatory notes thereon) together with the auditor’s report letter for such year for SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc. and its subsidiaries, containing financial statements for such year audited by independent public accountants of recognized standing, including an audited consolidated balance sheet, an audited consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows on a consolidated basis, all prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(ii) as soon as available and in any event within 75 days after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., unaudited consolidated balance sheets of SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc. and its subsidiaries for such fiscal quarter (including consolidation of each Seller), and unaudited statement of operations and comprehensive consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc. and its subsidiaries (including consolidation of each Seller) which, after the end of fiscal 2012, shall be provided in comparative form to the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year, all prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and certified by the chief financial officer of SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc.;

 

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(iii) as soon as available and in any event within 120 days after the beginning of each fiscal year of SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc., a detailed consolidated budget for SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc. and its subsidiaries for such fiscal year, including a projected consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statements of projections operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the fiscal year and the material assumptions used in the preparation of such budget and such projections;

(iv) promptly after the sending or filing thereof, if any, copies of all reports and registration statements that either Parent or any Seller files with the SEC or any national securities exchange and official statements that either Parent or any Seller files with respect to the issuance of tax-exempt indebtedness;

(v) on and as of the last Business Day of each Week (in addition to, at the option of the Seller Representative and each Seller, any other additional Business Days) by Transmission, Payment Reports updating all invoice and collection information with respect to the Purchased Receivables, together with such other data as may be requested by Wells Fargo from time to time to assist in the accurate and timely presentation of the invoice and payment information that Wells Fargo posts on its web portal relating to the transactions under this Agreement;

(vi) promptly (and in no event later than five Business Days following actual knowledge or receipt thereof), written notice in reasonable detail, of (A) any Dispute or Lien asserted, or claim made, against a Purchased Receivable, (B) any other material dispute asserted, or material claim made, with respect to any Contract with an Account Debtor or any of the goods underlying any such Contract and (C) any material dispute asserted, or material claim made, by any entity listed as an Account Debtor under any other contract between such entity and a Seller or an affiliate of any Seller if as a matter of law or contract such material dispute or material claim could give rise to setoff or deduction on account of a Purchased Receivable of such Account Debtor;

(vii) promptly (and in no event later than three Business Day following actual knowledge or receipt thereof), written notice in reasonable detail, if any Purchased Receivable ceases to be an Eligible Receivable or if any Seller believes or has reason to believe that any Purchased Receivable sold by such Seller may no longer be an Eligible Receivable;

(viii) promptly and in any event no later than five Business Days after a Responsible Officer of any Seller has actual knowledge thereof, notice of any event of default or any other event or circumstance that may result in the acceleration of the maturity of any Indebtedness of a Seller and/or any Parent in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $15,000,000;

(ix) promptly, notice of any event, development or circumstance whereby any financial statements or other reports furnished to Wells Fargo fail in any material respect to present fairly, in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, the financial condition or operating results of SMART Modular Technologies (Global), Inc. or any Seller as of the date of such statements;

 

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(x) promptly after the occurrence thereof, written notice in reasonable detail of any Material Adverse Change;

(xi) promptly, and in no event later than two Business Days of any Seller or Parent’s knowledge thereof, written notice of any material administrative or judicial orders, determinations, rulings, decisions or similar occurrences, in connection with the Brazil Tax Dispute;

(xii) without duplication of the notices required to be delivered pursuant to the immediately preceding clause, on the first Business Day of each fiscal quarter (or such other date requested by Wells Fargo and reasonably acceptable to the Seller Representative), the Seller Representative will make available for a conference call with Wells Fargo the senior officers who are directly responsible for overseeing the administration and negotiation of the Brazil Tax Dispute to provide a status update of the Brazil Tax Dispute and answer questions from Wells Fargo directly relating thereto, which status update shall include a summary of any orders, determinations or decisions rendered by the applicable authorities with regard to the Brazil Tax Dispute, the assessment and of any collateral and/or interim cash payments relating to the Brazil Tax Dispute, and any change in the reporting treatment of the Brazil Tax Dispute by Smart’s outside auditors;

(xiii) promptly following request by Wells Fargo, copies of Contracts pursuant to which Purchased Receivables arise; and

(xiv) such additional information as Wells Fargo shall reasonably request in order to enable Wells Fargo to determine whether the terms, covenants, provisions and conditions of this Agreement have been complied with by the Sellers.

5.2 Negative Covenants . Seller Representative and each Seller, for and on behalf of itself, until the Collection Date for all outstanding Purchased Receivables, will comply with the following negative covenants:

(a) No Amendments or Liens . It will not amend, without Wells Fargo’s prior written consent, extend or terminate any Contract or other agreement or document from which any Purchased Receivable arises in any manner that would impact the payment, timing and collectability of the Purchased Receivables generated thereunder or the compliance of its obligations under this Agreement (whether through the acceptance of any credit note or similar adjustment or otherwise). It will not at any time sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise dispose of, or create or suffer to exist any Lien upon or with respect to, any of the Purchased Receivables, or assign any right to receive income in respect thereof, or grant any option with respect thereto. It will not, without Wells Fargo’s prior written consent, grant any extension of the time for payment of, or reduce the amount of, any Purchased Receivables, or compromise, compound or settle the same, or release, in whole or in part, the Account Debtor from payment thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Sellers may make adjustments (including by application of any credit note or similar adjustment or otherwise) to the Purchased Receivables in the ordinary course of business to reflect any returns of goods or other changes to correct the related invoices; provided that at the time the adjustment is made the applicable Seller pays into the Collection Account the amount of such adjustment as a Collection on the Purchased Receivable or otherwise compensates Wells Fargo in a manner acceptable to Wells Fargo.

(b) Change in Name; Jurisdiction of Organization . It will not: (i) change its corporate or limited liability status, (ii) change its type of organization or jurisdiction of organization, or

 

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(iii) change its name, unless, in connection with any such proposed change, each of the following conditions is satisfied: (A) Wells Fargo shall have received not less than 30 days prior written notice from the Seller Representative of such proposed change, which notice shall accurately set forth the new information; (B) if applicable, Wells Fargo shall receive a copy of the amendment to its certificate of incorporation or certificate of formation providing for the change, certified by the Secretary of State of its jurisdiction of organization as soon as it is available, (C) it provides Wells Fargo with such, documents, supplements and amendments (including amendments to UCC financing statements) as it may deem necessary or advisable to maintain its first priority perfected security interest (as defined in the UCC) in the Purchased Receivables, and (D) the first priority perfected security interest (as defined in the UCC) in the Purchased Receivables of Wells Fargo is maintained.

Section 6. Rights and Obligations in Respect of Purchased Receivables

6.1 Rights of Wells Fargo .

(a) Authorization to Collect Purchased Receivables, Etc . The Seller Representative and each Seller hereby acknowledge the right of Wells Fargo, as owner of the Purchased Receivables, and authorizes Wells Fargo, its designees and Servicer (if other than Seller Representative) to take any and all steps in its name or on its behalf necessary or desirable, in such Person’s determination following the replacement of Seller Representative as Servicer pursuant to Section 6.2(b)(iv) or Section 7.2 , to collect all amounts due under any and all Purchased Receivables, including, without limitation, endorsing its name on checks and other instruments representing Collections and enforcing such Purchased Receivables and the provisions of the related Contracts that concern payment and/or enforcement of rights to payment.

(b) Rights of Wells Fargo in Purchased Receivables . As owner of the Purchased Receivables, Wells Fargo shall have no obligation to account for, to replace, to substitute or to return any Purchased Receivables or Collections thereon to Seller Representative or any Seller, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement. Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, Wells Fargo shall have the sole right to retain any gains or profits created by buying, selling or holding the Purchased Receivables and shall have the sole risk of and responsibility for losses or damages created by such buying, selling or holding; provided , that Wells Fargo shall promptly remit to the Applicable Seller Account(s) all Turnover Amounts in accordance with Section 2.6 . Wells Fargo shall have the right to further assign, transfer, deliver, hypothecate, subdivide or otherwise deal with the Purchased Receivables and Collections thereon on whatever terms Wells Fargo shall determine and to any Person, other than a Disqualified Assignee, as Wells Fargo shall desire.

6.2 Collections; Appointment of Servicer; Responsibilities of Servicer and Seller .

(a) Collection of Receivables; Rights of Wells Fargo . Seller Representative and each Seller will take any and all actions, including actions reasonably requested by Wells Fargo, to ensure that all amounts owing under the Receivables will be deposited exclusively to the Collection Account; provided , that neither the Seller Representative nor the applicable Seller shall be under any obligation to notify the Account Debtor of any Purchased Receivable of the sale of such Purchased Receivable hereunder unless a Termination Event has occurred and is continuing. Unless otherwise instructed by Wells Fargo, neither Seller Representative nor any Seller may change any payment instructions to any Account Debtor to make payment on Receivables to any account other than the Collection Account until the occurrence of the Collection Date for all Purchased Receivables. Seller Representative and each Seller

 

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acknowledges that any Collections and any remittances, checks, bills and other proceeds of Purchased Receivables are and shall be property of Wells Fargo and, to the extent received by Seller Representative or any Seller, shall be deemed for all purposes to be received and held by Seller Representative or such Seller in trust for Wells Fargo. Seller Representative and each Seller further agrees that it will immediately pay and deposit solely to the Collection Account any Collections or other amounts received by Seller Representative or such Seller with respect to the Purchased Receivables, and in any event within two Business Days of receipt by Seller Representative or such Seller.

(b) Appointment of Servicer .

(i) Wells Fargo appoints the Seller Representative as the Servicer for the administration, reconciliation and servicing of all Purchased Receivables, and the Seller Representative hereby accepts such appointment in connection with Purchased Receivables sold by any Seller, and agrees to perform all necessary and appropriate commercial collection activities with the same care and policies as are applied to its own Receivables in arranging the timely payment of amounts due and owing by any Account Debtor all in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, with reasonable care and diligence and shall act in the best interest of Wells Fargo to maximize Collections; provided, that such appointment shall not release any Seller from any of its duties, responsibilities, liabilities and obligations as a Seller resulting from or arising hereunder.

(ii) The Servicer shall be responsible for identifying, matching and reconciling any payments received in the Collection Account with the Receivable associated with such payment. If any payment is received from an Account Debtor, and such payment is not identified or is misidentified by such Account Debtor as relating to a particular Receivable and cannot otherwise be reasonably identified (by invoice amount or otherwise) as relating to a particular Receivable or if Wells Fargo determines that the reconciliation is otherwise incorrect or inaccurate within five Business Days of receipt thereof or if the Servicer defaults in its obligations as the Servicer of any Purchased Receivables as set forth under this Section 6.2 , the parties hereto agree that such payment shall be applied as provided in Section 6.4 . Wells Fargo will retain for its own account from Collections on account of Purchased Receivables any amounts then owing to Wells Fargo under this Agreement.

(iii) Based on the reconciliation information provided by the Servicer to Wells Fargo as required under Section 5.1(j)(v) hereof each week and other information available to Wells Fargo, Wells Fargo shall promptly remit to the Applicable Seller Account(s) all Turnover Amounts in accordance with Section 2.6 .

(iv) Without limiting the Servicer’s servicing obligations as agent for Wells Fargo with respect to the Purchased Receivables, including its obligations set forth in this Section 6.2 , (1) the Servicer shall with respect to any Purchased Receivable that has not been paid in full within 10 days following its Due Date, contact the applicable Account Debtor by phone or in person to discuss the reason for non-payment and when payment can be expected, and (2) within 10 Business Days of such contact either (x) the Servicer shall provide Wells Fargo with a written report (a “ Delayed Payment Report ”) detailing the reason for non-payment and stating that no Dispute is outstanding with respect to such Purchased Receivables, or (y) if a Dispute exists, the applicable Seller shall have repurchased the related Purchased Receivables at the Repurchase Price related thereto pursuant to Section 3 .

 

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(v) To the extent that the unpaid Purchased Receivables have not been paid in full within 30 days of the Due Date, unless the Seller has repurchased the Purchased Receivable pursuant to Section 3 , Wells Fargo may, at its option, take all actions it believes necessary and appropriate to obtain full collection of the Purchased Receivable from the Account Debtor and, in connection therewith, the Servicer shall immediately (i) advise the Account Debtor, in writing, with copy to Wells Fargo, of the purchase of the particular Receivable by Wells Fargo, (ii) facilitate, at Wells Fargo’s request, direct contact between the Account Debtor and Wells Fargo, and (iii) continue to use all efforts to assist Wells Fargo in obtaining full collection of the Purchased Receivable from the Account Debtor.

(vi) To the extent that the unpaid Purchased Receivables have not been paid in full within 60 days of the Due Date, unless the Seller has repurchased the Purchased Receivable pursuant to Section 3 , in addition to the rights set forth under clause (v) above, Wells Fargo may, at any time by written notice to the Seller Representative, terminate the rights of the Seller Representative as Servicer hereunder in connection with such Purchased Receivable and designate a new Servicer for such Purchased Receivable, which may be any person (other than a Disqualified Assignee) as Wells Fargo may select for such purpose who is qualified to perform the obligations of Servicer to administer such Purchased Receivable on the terms and conditions as set forth hereunder. The Seller Representative shall, upon receipt of such notice (but not prior thereto) cease its activities as Servicer of such Purchased Receivable and, in a manner that Wells Fargo determines, shall cooperate fully and facilitate the transition of the performance of such activities to the new Servicer, and shall take such action or refrain from taking such action as Wells Fargo may specify in order to assist Wells Fargo (or its designee as new Servicer) in assuming and performing such obligations in connection with such Purchased Receivable.

(vii) Upon written notice to the Seller Representative following a Termination Event, and automatically and without notice to any Seller or Seller Representative upon the commencement of an Insolvency Event with respect to any Seller or any Parent, Wells Fargo may terminate the rights of the Seller Representative as Servicer hereunder and designate a new Servicer, which may be any person (other than a Disqualified Assignee) as Wells Fargo may select for such purpose who is qualified to perform the obligations of Servicer to administer the Purchased Receivables on the terms and conditions as set forth hereunder. The Seller Representative shall cease its activities as a Servicer in a manner that Wells Fargo determines shall cooperate fully and facilitate the transition of the performance of such activities to the new Servicer, and shall take such action or refrain from taking such action as Wells Fargo may specify in order to assist Wells Fargo (or its designee as new Servicer) in assuming and performing such obligations. Upon the commencement of a Termination Event with respect to any Seller or any Parent, the Seller Representative agrees, at its expense, to take all actions necessary to provide the new Servicer with access, whether or not at the offices and properties of the Seller Representative or the Sellers, to all computer software (including its servicing software and its claims software), necessary or useful in collecting, billing or maintaining the records with respect to the Purchased Receivables. The provisions of this clause (vii) shall survive the termination of this Agreement for continuing collection activities of Wells Fargo with respect to any Purchased Receivable.

(viii) On each Servicing Bonus Payment Date, Wells Fargo shall pay to the Seller Representative, on behalf of itself and the Sellers with respect to each Purchased Receivable that was the subject of a Purchase Notice at the time the Seller Representative was acting as Servicer, a Servicing Bonus in an amount equal to the Servicing Bonus Amounts with respect to the Purchased Receivables, if any, calculated as of such Servicing Bonus Payment Date (each, a “ Servicing Bonus ”). Upon receipt of such Servicing Bonus, the Seller Representative agrees to promptly distribute to each applicable Seller the Servicing Bonus (other than amounts

 

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mutually agreed between such Seller and the Seller Representative as compensation for the services provided by the Seller Representative hereunder) with respect to the Purchased Receivables sold by such Seller. The Servicer acknowledges that each Servicing Bonus is subject to prior setoff in the manner set forth in Section 3.1(a) . The parties acknowledge that the Purchase Price and the Servicing Bonus for Purchased Receivables are fair consideration and reasonably equivalent value for the sale of the Purchased Receivables and the performance by the Seller Representative, in its capacity as Servicer, of its servicing obligations under Section 6.2 .

(c) Performance Under Contract . Notwithstanding whether the Seller Representative is serving as a Servicer hereunder, each Seller shall remain responsible for performing its obligations hereunder and under the Contracts, and the exercise by Wells Fargo or its designee of its rights hereunder shall not relieve any Seller from such obligations.

(d) Power of Attorney . Each Seller hereby appoints Wells Fargo and the Seller Representative, in its capacity as Servicer (and any successor Servicer hereunder) as the true and lawful attorney-in-fact of such Seller, with full power of substitution, coupled with an interest, and hereby authorizes and empowers Wells Fargo in the name and on behalf of such Seller at any time following removal of such Seller as Servicer pursuant to Section 6.2(b)(vii) or Section 7.2 , to take such actions, and execute and deliver such documents, as Wells Fargo deems necessary or advisable in connection with any Purchased Receivable (i) to obtain full benefits of the Transaction Documents and the Purchased Receivables, (ii) to perfect the purchase and sale of Purchased Receivables, or (iii) to make collection of and otherwise realize the benefits of any Purchased Receivable. At any time that a Seller is no longer servicing as Servicer hereunder, Wells Fargo shall have the right to bring suit, in Wells Fargo’s or such Seller’s name, and generally have all other rights of an owner and holder respecting any Purchased Receivables sold to Wells Fargo by such Seller, including without limitation the right to accelerate or extend the time of payment, settle, compromise, release in whole or in part any amounts owing on any Purchased Receivables and issue credits to any Purchased Receivable in Wells Fargo’s or Seller’s name. At any time following removal of a Seller as Servicer pursuant to Section 6.2(b)(vii) or Section 7.2 , Wells Fargo may endorse or sign Wells Fargo’s or such Seller’s name on any checks or other instruments with respect to any Purchased Receivables sold to Wells Fargo by such Seller and not repurchased by the applicable Seller pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, or the goods covered thereby. Except as Wells Fargo may otherwise expressly agree in writing, any and all returned, reclaimed or repossessed inventory and goods relating to any Purchased Receivables not repurchased by the applicable Seller pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be set aside by each Seller, marked with Wells Fargo’s name and held by such Seller in trust for Wells Fargo as owner, and for Wells Fargo’s account.

(e) Licensed Property . Following removal of a Seller as Servicer pursuant to Section 6.2(b)(vii) or Section 7.2 , to the extent that the Seller Representative or any Seller does not own the computer software that such Seller uses to account for Purchased Receivables, for so long as this Agreement shall be in effect and the Collection Date with respect to all Purchased Receivables has not yet occurred, it shall use reasonable efforts to provide Wells Fargo with such non-exclusive licenses, sublicenses and/or assignments of contracts as Wells Fargo shall require with regard to all services and computer hardware or software used by the Seller Representative or such Seller that relate to the servicing of the Receivables.

6.3 Further Action Evidencing Purchases .

(a) Additional Documents and Actions . The Servicer, the Seller Representative and each Seller agrees that from time to time, at its expense, it will promptly execute and deliver all

 

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further instruments and documents, and take all further action that Wells Fargo may reasonably request in order to perfect, protect or more fully evidence Wells Fargo’s ownership of the Purchased Receivables, or to enable Wells Fargo to exercise or enforce any of its rights hereunder or under any other Transaction Document (it being understood that the Seller Representative and each Seller hereby confirms the claims in the Receivables held by the parties to the Existing Credit Agreement shall have been automatically released pursuant thereto as of the Purchase Date with respect to any such Purchased Receivables).

(b) Authorization to File Financing Statements . Each Seller authorizes Wells Fargo (or its agent) to file at any time and from time to time such financing statements with respect to the Purchased Receivables naming each such Seller as seller/debtor and Wells Fargo as buyer/secured party, as Wells Fargo may require.

6.4 Application of Unidentified Collections . Any payment by an Account Debtor in respect of any Receivable that is not identified as relating to a particular Receivable and cannot otherwise be reasonably identified (by invoice amount or otherwise) as relating to a particular Receivable shall be deposited in or, if already deposited in, held in, the Collection Account. The Servicer shall promptly communicate with the Account Debtor to identify the Receivable to which such payment relates, and upon confirmation of the proper application of such payment, shall promptly notify Wells Fargo. Based on such reconciliation information provided by the Servicer to Wells Fargo with respect to such Receivable resulting from such communications, (i) if such payment related to a Purchased Receivable, Wells Fargo shall apply such payment to such Purchased Receivable, or (ii) if such payment related to a Receivable which is not a Purchased Receivable, Wells Fargo shall promptly remit such payment to the Applicable Seller Account. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Receivable to which any such payment relates has not been identified within 10 Business Days of the date on which such payment was received, such payment shall, as between the applicable Seller, Servicer and Wells Fargo, be applied as a Collection of the Purchased Receivables of such Account Debtor, in the order of the age of such Purchased Receivables, starting with the oldest of such Purchased Receivables (each such application, a “ Deemed Application ”).

Section 7. Termination

7.1 Rights to Terminate . Wells Fargo or the Seller Representative (for and on behalf of the Sellers, collectively) may each terminate this Agreement at any time upon 30 days’ written notice to the other party. In addition, Wells Fargo may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice to Seller Representative in the event (each, a “ Termination Event ”):

(a) any Seller (i) intentionally diverts any funds from deposit into the Collection Account or (ii) fails to pay any obligations to Wells Fargo within 3 Business Days of when due;

(b) any Seller fails to perform (i) the covenants contained in Section 5.1 of this Agreement (other than Section 5.1(f) , Section 5.1(g) and clauses (x) , (xi)  and (xii)  of Section 5.1(j) ) and such failure continues unremedied for a period of ten Business Days, (ii) the covenants contained in Section 5.1(f) , Section 5.1(g) and Section 6 of this Agreement (to the extent applicable to such Seller, including any Seller performing in the role of Servicer hereunder) and such failure continues unremedied for a period of five Business Days, or (iii) any covenant contained in this Agreement other than those specifically set forth in clause (i) or (ii)  above;

(c) any representation, warranty or statement of fact made by any Seller to Wells Fargo in this Agreement, or any other written agreement, schedule or otherwise shall when made or deemed made be false or misleading in any material respect;

 

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(d) any Seller or Parent dissolves or suspends or discontinues doing business, or an Insolvency Event occurs with respect to any Seller or such Parent; or

(e) any Parent (i) revokes or terminates or purports to revoke or terminate any provisions of the Performance Undertaking, or fails to perform any of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of any Performance Undertaking which require the payment of any amount, or (ii) fails to perform any of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of any Performance Undertaking (other than those payment related terms, covenants, conditions or provisions set forth in clause (i)  of this Section 7.1(e) ) and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of five Business Days.

7.2 Effect of Termination . In the event that Wells Fargo terminates this Agreement as a result of events described in any of clauses (a)  through (e)  of Section 7.1 , all amounts then owing from the Sellers shall be immediately due and payable by each such Seller, Wells Fargo may immediately remove any or all Sellers as Servicers and exercise any other rights and remedies available to Wells Fargo at law or equity; provided, that , upon the occurrence of a case or proceeding against any Seller or any Parent under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any similar statute: (a) this Agreement shall automatically and without notice or action terminate, and (b) Wells Fargo shall have no obligation to pay the Purchase Price for any Receivables that may have been subject to a Purchase Notice prior to the commencement of such case or proceeding and, so long as the Purchase Price has not been paid, such Receivables shall not be Purchased Receivables hereunder. Termination of this Agreement shall not affect any rights created or obligations incurred under this Agreement prior to termination.

Section 8. Indemnification

8.1 Indemnities by Seller . Without limiting any other rights which Wells Fargo may have hereunder or under applicable law, the Seller Representative and each Seller hereby agrees to indemnify Wells Fargo and its assigns, officers, directors, employees and agents (each of the foregoing Persons being individually called an “ Indemnified Party ”), on demand, from and against any and all damages, losses, claims, judgments, liabilities and related costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements (all of the foregoing being collectively called “ Indemnified Amounts ”) awarded against or incurred by any of them arising out of or as a result of the following:

(a) the transfer by a Seller of an interest in any Receivable to any Person other than Wells Fargo;

(b) the breach of any representation or warranty made by the Seller Representative or any Seller under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or any information or report delivered by the Seller Representative or any Seller pursuant hereto or thereto which shall have been false or incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made;

(c) the failure by the Seller Representative or any Seller to comply with any applicable law, rule or regulation with respect to any Receivable or Related Asset, or the nonconformity of any Receivable or the Related Asset with any such applicable law, rule or regulation, or resulting from an act of God, civil strife, war, currency restrictions, foreign political restrictions or regulations or any other circumstance beyond the control of the related Seller or the related Account Debtor;

(d) the failure by the Seller Representative or any Seller to remit to the appropriate tax authorities any VAT related the VAT Invoice Amount with respect to any Purchased Receivable that has not been paid in full for any reason other than the claim or existence of a Dispute or as a result of a Credit Reason with respect to the related Account Debtor;

 

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(e) the failure to vest and maintain vested in Wells Fargo a perfected security interest (as defined in the UCC) in the Purchased Receivables and the proceeds thereof, free and clear of any Lien other than a Lien arising solely as a result of an act of Wells Fargo, whether existing at the time of the purchase of such Receivables or at any time thereafter;

(f) any Dispute of an Account Debtor to the payment of any Receivable or purported Receivable generated by the Seller Representative or any Seller (including, without limitation, a defense based on such Receivables or the related Contracts not being a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Account Debtor enforceable against it in accordance with its terms), or any other claim arising from the breach, as of the Purchase Date, of the eligibility criteria set forth in the defined term “Eligible Receivable” or otherwise resulting from the goods or services related to any such Receivable or the furnishing of or failure to furnish such goods or services;

(g) any failure of the Seller Representative or any Seller to perform its duties or obligations in accordance with the provisions of the Transaction Documents;

(h) any products liability claim, personal injury or property damage suit, environmental liability claim or any other claim or action by a party of whatever sort, whether in tort, contract or any other legal theory, arising out of or in connection with the goods or services that are the subject of any Receivable with respect thereto;

excluding, however , (i) Indemnified Amounts to the extent directly resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of such Indemnified Party, and (ii) any indemnification which has the effect of recourse to such Seller for non-payment of the Receivables to the extent any loss arises as a result of a Credit Reason of an Account Debtor. If for any reason the indemnification provided above is unavailable to an Indemnified Party or is insufficient to hold such Indemnified Party harmless, then such Seller shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law.

8.2 Tax Indemnification . All payments on the Purchased Receivables from each Account Debtor will be made free and clear of and without deduction for any present or future taxes, withholdings or other deductions whatsoever and any interest and penalties thereon. The Seller Representative and each Seller will indemnify Wells Fargo for any such taxes, withholdings or deductions and any interest and penalties thereon related to Purchased Receivables sold by such Seller, within 30 days from the date Wells Fargo makes written demand therefor. Further, the Seller Representative and each Seller shall pay, and indemnify and hold Wells Fargo harmless from and against, any taxes that may at any time be imposed on or paid by Wells Fargo or any affiliate of Wells Fargo in respect of the purchase transactions hereunder (including any sales, occupational, excise, gross receipts, personal property, privilege or license taxes, or withholdings and any interest and penalties thereon, but not including taxes imposed upon Wells Fargo with respect to its overall net income) and costs, expenses and reasonable counsel fees in defending against the same, whether arising by reason of the acts to be performed by the Seller Representative or any Seller hereunder or otherwise. Within 30 days after the date of payment of any such taxes, the Seller Representative or the applicable Seller or Sellers shall furnish to Wells Fargo, at its address referred to herein the original or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing such payment.

8.3 Limitation on Claims . To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Sellers shall not assert, and the Sellers hereby waive, any claim against any Indemnified Party, on any theory of liability for special, indirect, exemplary, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual

 

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damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any of the other Transaction Documents or any undertaking or transaction contemplated hereby. Any such direct damages of the Sellers arising out of any failure by Wells Fargo to perform purchase obligations under this Agreement is further limited to an amount not to exceed, the aggregate Outstanding Purchase Price of all Purchased Receivables.

8.4 Indemnities Payable on Demand; Survival . All amounts due under this Section 8 shall be payable upon demand. The indemnity set forth above shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Section 9. Seller Representative

9.1 Appointment; Authorization . Each Seller and Servicer hereby appoints the Seller Representative as its representative under this Agreement, under each other Transaction Document and under agreements entered into or executed and delivered by or on behalf of any Seller or any Servicer in connection herewith or therewith and each Seller and each Servicer irrevocably authorizes Seller Representative to act as the representative of such Seller or such Servicer with the rights and duties set forth herein. Seller Representative agrees to act as Seller Representative upon the conditions contained in this Section 9 .

9.2 Agent for Payment and Notices; No Liability . Each Seller and each Servicer hereby appoints the Seller Representative as its agent for the purpose of receiving all payments to be made to such Seller or Servicer hereunder and all notices to be delivered to such Seller or Servicer hereunder, at which time the Seller Representative hereby agrees to promptly disburse such payments or deliver such notices to the appropriate Seller or Servicer. Any notice provided to the Seller Representative hereunder shall constitute notice to each Seller and each Servicer on the date received by the Seller Representative. Neither Wells Fargo, nor any of its officers, directors, employees or agents, shall be liable to the Seller Representative, any Seller or any Servicer for the failure by the Seller Representative to make distributions to the Sellers or Servicers hereunder or to deliver notices to the Sellers or Servicers hereunder (including, without limitation, in connection with the payment of the Purchase Price for any Purchased Receivables) or any other action taken or omitted to be taken by the Seller Representative, Sellers or Servicer pursuant to this Section 9 .

9.3 Notification of Repurchase Event . Each Seller or Servicer shall immediately notify the Seller Representative of the occurrence of any Repurchase Event hereunder. In the event that the Seller Representative is aware of any Repurchase Event or receives such a notice, the Seller Representative shall give prompt notice thereof to Wells Fargo.

9.4 Resignation of Seller Representative . Upon the prior written consent of Wells Fargo, the Seller Representative may resign at any time, such resignation to be effective upon the appointment of a successor Seller Representative.

9.5 Authorization to Execute, Make Representations, etc; Binding Nature . Sellers and Servicers hereby empower and authorize the Seller Representative, on behalf of Sellers and Servicers, to execute and deliver to Wells Fargo any Purchase Notice and any amendment, restatement, supplement or modification to any Purchase Notice (including, without limitation, any notice of ineligibility pursuant to Section 2.1(b) ) and all agreements, certificates, documents, or instruments related to or in connection with this Agreement as shall be necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of this Agreement. Further, each Seller and each Servicer agrees that the Seller Representative is empowered to make representations and warranties in connection with this Agreement, any Purchase Notice on behalf of the applicable Seller or Servicer; it being agreed that such representations and warranties made by the Seller Representative on behalf of any Seller or Servicer shall be binding on such Seller or Servicer and shall be effective as if such

 

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representations and warranties were made directly by such Seller or Servicer. Each Seller and Servicer agrees that any action taken by the Seller Representative in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, and the exercise by the Seller Representative of its powers set forth therein or herein, together with such other powers that are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be binding upon all of Sellers and Servicers.

9.6 Additional Information; Further Assurances . Each Seller and Servicer hereby agrees that such Seller or Servicer shall furnish promptly to the Seller Representative all information required hereunder or requested by the Seller Representative on which the Seller Representative shall rely to prepare any Purchase Notice or any amendment, restatement, supplement or modification to any Purchase Notice (including, without limitation, any notice of ineligibility pursuant to Section 2.1(b) ), accept any Funding Notice or make any amendment, restatement, supplement or modification to any Funding Notice or make representations and warranties and prepare or deliver other documents that are required to be prepared or delivered pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or any Purchase Notice.

Section 10. Miscellaneous

10.1 Amendments . The provisions of this Agreement may from time to time be amended, modified or waived, if such amendment, modification or waiver is in writing and signed by Wells Fargo and the Seller Representative (on behalf of itself and all Sellers).

10.2 Notices, Etc .

(a) Unless otherwise provided herein, (i) all communications by Seller Representative, any Seller or any Servicer shall be made by the Seller Representative, (ii) all communications to the Seller Representative, any Seller or any Servicer shall be made to the Seller Representative at the address for the Seller Representative set forth below, and (iii) all communications or notices required under this Agreement shall be in writing (which includes an electronic writing), shall be deemed to have been given and received (1) when delivered personally to the recipient, (2) one Business Day after being sent by nationally recognized overnight courier service with instructions to deliver the next Business Day with signature required, or (3) on the date received if before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time after being sent to the recipient by Transmission or electronic mail, or, if after 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, the next Business Day at the following addresses :

 

If to the Seller Representative:    SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.
   39870 Eureka Drive
   Newark, CA 94560-4809
   Attention: Bruce Goldberg
   Telecopy No.: (510)-624-8231
   Email Address: bruce.goldberg@smartm.com
If to Wells Fargo:    Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
   Supply Chain Finance Group
   301 South College Street, 9th Floor
   MAC D1053-901
   Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
   Attention: SCF Product Manager
   Telecopy No: 704-383-8577
   Email Address: salesfinance@wellsfargo.com

 

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   and to:
   Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
   Wells Fargo Legal Division
   301 South College Street, 30th Floor
   Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0630
   Attention: Legal Intake Paralegals
   Telecopy No.: 704-383-0649
   with a copy to:
   Terry Novetsky, Esq.
   Kaye Scholer LLP
   425 Park Avenue
   New York, New York 10022
   Telecopy No.: 212-836-7490
   Email Address: tnovetsky@kayescholer.com

(b) Notices and other communications to Wells Fargo and the Seller Representative hereunder may be delivered or furnished by Transmission or by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures agreed upon by Wells Fargo and the Seller Representative. The Seller Representative or Wells Fargo may change the address at which it is to receive notices hereunder by written notice in the foregoing manner given to the other party.

10.3 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies . No failure or delay on the part of Wells Fargo, any Seller, any Servicer or any third party beneficiary in exercising any power or right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power or right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power or right. No notice to or demand on Wells Fargo, any Seller or any Servicer in any case shall entitle it to any notice or demand in similar or other circumstances. No waiver or approval by Wells Fargo or Servicer (if other than a Seller) under this Agreement shall, except as may otherwise be stated in such waiver or approval, be applicable to subsequent transactions. No waiver or approval under this Agreement shall require any similar or dissimilar waiver or approval thereafter to be granted hereunder. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

10.4 Binding Effect; Assignability; Survival of Provisions . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Wells Fargo, the Sellers and each of their respective successors and permitted assigns. No Seller may assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo shall have the right without the consent of or notice to any Seller to (i) sell, transfer or negotiate in all or any part of, or any interest in, Wells Fargo’s obligations, rights and benefits hereunder other than to a Disqualified Assignee, and (ii) grant participations in all or any part of, or any interest in, Wells Fargo’s obligations, rights and benefits hereunder to any Person other than to a Disqualified Assignee. The Agreement shall create and constitute the continuing obligations of the parties hereto in accordance with its terms, and shall remain in full force and effect until the occurrence of the Collection Date for all Purchased Receivables (except for the continuing obligations under Section 6.2(b)(vii) ). Together with any provisions of this Agreement which expressly survive termination of this Agreement, the rights and remedies with respect to any breach of any representation and warranty made by any Seller pursuant to Section 4 hereof, the repurchase obligations and related provisions set forth in Section 3 , the rights granted to Wells Fargo pursuant to the servicing provisions in Section 6 , and the indemnification and payment provisions of Section 8 hereof shall be continuing and shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

29


10.5 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York. Each party hereto irrevocably consents and submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of New York in New York County and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and waives any objection based on venue or forum non conveniens with respect to any action instituted therein arising under or in connection with this Agreement.

10.6 Service of Process . Each Seller party hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally designates and appoints the Seller Representative as its authorized agent to receive and forward on its behalf service of any and all process which may be served in any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court and irrevocably waives all claim of error by reason of any such service of process and agrees that service of process upon the Seller Representative shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon it in any such suit, action or proceeding and shall be taken and held to be valid personal service upon it. Nothing in this Section 10.6 shall limit any service of process on any Seller in any other manner permitted by law. Each Seller further agrees to take any and all action, including the execution and filing of any and all such documents and instruments, as may be necessary to continue such designation and appointment of the Seller Representative as agent for service of process in full force and effect until the later of the termination of this Agreement and the Collection Date for all Purchased Receivables. Each Seller hereby irrevocably and unconditionally authorizes and directs the Seller Representative to accept such service on its behalf.

10.7 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE.

10.8 Costs, Expenses and Taxes . In addition to the obligations of the Sellers under Section 8 hereof, each Seller agrees to pay, on demand: (a) all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and reasonable due diligence costs and expenses, in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, amendment, waiver or other modification of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, (b) all costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expenses and due diligence costs and expenses, in connection with the enforcement against the Sellers and each Parent of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, and (c) all stamp and other similar taxes and fees payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution, delivery, filing and recording of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, and agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Party against any liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay in paying or omission to pay such taxes and fees.

10.9 Execution in Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by PDF copy, facsimile or other electronic means shall have the same force and effect as the delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Agreement by PDF copy, facsimile or other electronic means shall also deliver an original executed counterpart, but the failure to do so shall not affect the validity, enforceability or binding effect of this Agreement.

 

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10.10 Confidentiality . Wells Fargo acknowledges that all of the Seller Information (as defined below) provided to it in connection with the Transaction Documents is proprietary and confidential, and each of the Sellers acknowledge that all of the Wells Fargo Information (as defined below) provided to it in connection with the Transaction Documents is proprietary and confidential. Each of the parties hereto agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information provided to it and not use such Confidential Information for any purpose other than in connection with its decision to purchase or sell Receivables as described herein, except that such information may be disclosed (a) to the directors, officers, employees, trustees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other agents and advisors of such part or such party’s affiliates (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Confidential Information and instructed to keep such Confidential Information confidential and any failure of such Persons to comply with this Section 10.10 shall constitute a breach of this Section 10.10 by the applicable party, (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority or government body or pursuant to any subpoena or similar legal process; provided , that unless prohibited by applicable law or court order or otherwise requested by the applicable regulatory authority or government body, the applicable party shall use reasonable commercial efforts to notify the other parties hereto of any such disclosure of non-public information (other than any such request in connection with an examination of the financial condition of the party by such governmental agency or other routine examinations of such party by such governmental agency); provided , further , that (i) in no event shall any party hereto be obligated or required to return any materials furnished by each other party hereto, and (ii) no party shall be liable to the other for any failure to provide notification of any disclosure to a regulatory authority or governmental body in accordance with this proviso, (c) to any other party to this Agreement, (d) subject to an agreement containing confidentiality undertakings substantially similar to those of this Section 10.10 , to any assignee or participant, or any prospective assignee or participant, of such party’s interest in this Agreement or in any portion of this Agreement, (e) with the consent of the other parties or (f) to the extent such information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.10 , (ii) becomes available to the other parties on a non-confidential basis from a source other than a party hereto or (iii) was known by such party before entering into the relationship created by this Agreement.

For the purposes of this Section 10.10 , the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Confidential Information ” shall mean, as to Wells Fargo, the Seller Information, and as to the Sellers, the Wells Fargo Information.

Seller Information ” shall mean all information received by Wells Fargo from the Seller Representative, any Parent, any Seller or any other subsidiary of Parent relating to the Seller Representative, any Parent, any Seller or any other subsidiary of Parent or their business, other than any such information that is available to Wells Fargo on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by the Seller Representative, any Parent, any Seller or any other subsidiary of Parent; provided , that, in the case of information received by Wells Fargo from the Seller Representative, any Parent, any Seller or any other subsidiary of Parent after the date hereof, such information relates to the Receivables or any Account Debtor or is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential.

Wells Fargo Information ” shall mean all information received by the Seller Representative or any Seller from Wells Fargo in connection with the Transaction Documents, including information as to the price offered by Wells Fargo for Purchased Receivables, other than any such information that is available to the Seller Representative or any Seller on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by Wells Fargo or was known by the Seller Representative or any Seller before entering into the relationship created by this Agreement; provided , that, in the case of information received by the Seller Representative or any Seller from Wells Fargo after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential.

 

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10.11 Patriot Act; OFAC . To help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, United States Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person or corporation who opens an account and/or enters into a business relationship and in connection therewith, Wells Fargo hereby notifies the Seller Representative and each Seller that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Seller Representative and each Seller, which information includes the name and address of the Seller Representative and each Seller and other information that will allow Wells Fargo to identify the Seller Representative and each Seller in accordance with the USA Patriot Act. None of the payments or other transactions hereunder will violate the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 USC §1 et seq., as amended) or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto. Neither Seller nor any of its subsidiaries or other affiliates is or will become a “blocked person” as described in the Trading with the Enemy Act, any foreign asset control regulations or executive order or engages or will engage in any dealings or transactions, or be otherwise associated, with any such “blocked person”.

10.12 Entire Agreement . This Agreement (including the documents referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement among the parties to this Agreement and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof.

[Remainder of page intentionally blank]

 

32


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duty authorized, as of the date first above written.

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
By:   /s/ Barbara Van Meerten
  Name:   Barbara Van Meerten
  Title:  

 

SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC. , as a Seller and as the Seller Representative
By:   /s/ Iain MacKenzie
  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   President, CEO
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (EUROPE) LIMITED , as a Seller
By:   /s/ Iain MacKenzie
  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director


EXHIBIT A

to

RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

List of Account Debtors

 

Account Debtor Name and Identification Number

   Account Debtor
Group Sublimit
    

Buffer Period

   Advance
Rate
    Maximum
Tenor

The HP Account Debtor Group

 

Hewlett-Packard Company

(Identification Numbers CPQ11F, CPQ20F and CPQ24F)

 

Hewlett-Packard Caribe B.V.

(Identification Numbers HPQ30S and EDI10Z)

   $ 50,000,000     

For Hewlett-Packard Caribe B.V. (Identification Numbers HPQ30S and EDI10Z), 3 days.

 

Otherwise, 0 days

     95   45 days

The Dell Account Debtor Group

 

Dell, Inc.

(Identification Number DEL21F)

 

Dell Global, B.V.

(Identification Numbers DEL31F, DEL44F, DEL20S and DEL16M)

   $ 25,000,000      0 days      95   90 days


EXHIBIT B

to

RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Information Certificate

Reference is made to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated May 16, 2012 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), among SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., a California corporation, SMART Modular Technologies (Europe) Limited, an England and Wales corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“ Wells Fargo ”). Terms not otherwise defined herein have the meaning set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

In connection with the Purchase Agreement, [            ] (the “ Certifying Seller ”) hereby represents and warrants to Wells Fargo as follows:

1. Certifying Seller was organized on                     , under the laws of                     , and Certifying Seller is in good standing. The full and exact name of Certifying Seller as set forth in its certificate of [incorporation/formation] attached hereto.

2. Certifying Seller uses and owns the following trade name(s) in the operation of its business:                     

3. The organizational identification number of Certifying Seller issued by              is                      (or if none is issued by the jurisdiction of organization indicate “none”).

4. Certifying Seller’s Federal Employer Identification Number is:                     .

5. Certifying Seller is duly qualified, in good standing and authorized to transact business as a foreign organization in the following states:                     .

6. Certifying Seller has not changed its name or corporate structure in any way within the past five years through (i) mergers, (ii) consolidations, (iii) acquisitions or (iv) any change in jurisdiction of corporate organization, except as set forth on Schedule 1 .

7. The books and records of Certifying Seller pertaining to the Receivables and Contracts are located at the following addresses:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Certificate through its duly authorized officer as of this      day of May, 2012.

 

[SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.][SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (EUROPE) LIMITED] , as a Seller
By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 


EXHIBIT C

to

RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Funding Notice

 

Receivables Period:    [Date Range Mon-Sun]   
Purchase Date:    [Date Wed Funding Date]   
[Notice Creation Date]

Purchase Price Calculation for Receivables Offered for Sale To Be Purchased by Wells Fargo

 

I. CALCULATION OF PURCHASE PRICE FOR THE RECEIVABLES OFFERED FOR SALE

   Currency: USD  

Aggregate Net Invoice Amount

  
  

 

 

 

Multiplied by Advance Rate

     0.95  

Aggregate invoice purchase value

  
  

 

 

 

Less: Discount

  
  

 

 

 
  
  

 

 

 

Purchase Price

  

Adjustments

  
  

 

 

 

Servicing Bonus Amount

  
  

 

 

 
  
  

 

 

 

Total Amount Due To Seller

  
II. CALCULATION OF USAGE OF PURCHASE LIMIT   

Outstanding Purchase Price (aggregate purchase values previously purchased, not collected)

  
  

 

 

 

Plus: aggregate invoice purchase value related to this Purchase Notice

  
  

 

 

 
  
  

 

 

 

Total Outstanding Purchase Price of Purchased Receivables (not to exceed the Purchase Limit)

  


EXHIBITS TO FUNDING NOTICE

FUNDING DETAILS

 

Funding Report

   Account
Debtor
     Customer ID      Invoice Number      Invoice
Date
     Currency      Invoice
Amount
     Discount  
                    
                    
                    


ACCOUNT DEBTOR SUMMARY

 

Account Debtor Group    Customer ID#      Currency      Invoice
Amount
     Credit Note      Adjustment      Corrections      Outstanding
Purchase Price
 
                    
                    
                    


EXHIBIT D

to

RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Conditions Precedent

As conditions precedent to the initial purchase by Wells Fargo of Receivables from any Seller, Wells Fargo shall have received the following, each in form, substance and date satisfactory to Wells Fargo:

(a) the Receivables Purchase Agreement duly authorized, executed and delivered by each Seller to Wells Fargo;

(b) each Performance Undertaking duly authorized, executed and delivered by each Parent to Wells Fargo;

(c) a completed Information Certificate for each Seller;

(d) a good standing certificate for each Seller and each Parent issued as of a recent date by the Secretary of State of the State (or equivalent Governmental Authority) of its incorporation or formation;

(e) a certificate of the Secretary of each Seller and each Parent certifying (i) as to the names and true signatures of the officers authorized on such Seller’s or such Parent’s behalf to sign the Transaction Documents to be delivered by it on which certificate Wells Fargo may conclusively rely until such time as Wells Fargo shall receive from such Seller or such Parent a revised certificate meeting the requirements hereof, (ii) as to, and attaching, a copy of the resolutions of the Board of Directors of such Seller or such Parent approving the Transaction Documents to be delivered by such Seller or such Parent and the transactions contemplated thereby, (iii) as to, and attaching, the articles or certificate of incorporation or certificate of formation, as applicable, of such Seller or such Parent, duly certified by the Secretary of State of the State of its incorporation or formation as of a recent date, (iv) as to, and attaching, a copy of the by-laws or operating agreement of such Seller or such Parent, and (v) solely as to each Seller (and not as to the Parents), that such Seller has placed on the most recent summary master control data processing report, and have taken all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that there shall be placed on subsequent, summary master control data processing reports, the legend (or the substantive equivalent thereof) provided for in Section 5.1(c) ;

(f) UCC, tax Lien and judgment search results for the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of each Seller, the jurisdiction of the chief executive office of each Seller, and all jurisdictions in which assets of each Seller are located, which search results shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Wells Fargo;

(g) copies of the proper UCC financing statements, each naming a Seller as the assignor and Wells Fargo as the assignee of the Purchased Receivables assigned by such Seller, or other similar instruments or documents, as may be necessary or, in Wells Fargo’s reasonable opinion, desirable under the UCC of all appropriate jurisdictions or any comparable law of all appropriate jurisdictions to perfect Wells Fargo’s ownership interest in all Purchased Receivables in which the ownership interest may be assigned to it hereunder;

(h) evidence of establishment of the Collection Account;


(i) favorable opinions of counsel to each Seller in each jurisdiction that a Seller is located (including with respect to the true sale nature of the Receivables Purchase Agreement) and Parents in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Wells Fargo;

(j) additional documentation to be executed and, if applicable, filed in each jurisdiction (other than the United States) that a Seller is located, that is necessary or advisable (i) to reflect (and record) the true sale of and security interest in the Purchased Receivables, (ii) to comply with applicable law and regulation in such jurisdiction, including any exchange control regulations relating to the transactions contemplated hereunder;

(k) completion by Wells Fargo of all required due diligence matters, including completion of a field audit of the records of the Sellers related to the Receivables and the related Contracts;

(l) delivery by the Sellers and the Parents of audited and consolidated financial statements of Saleen Holdings, Inc. and SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc., each as of their respective fiscal years ending 8/26/2011, together with such other financial statements requested by Wells Fargo, all of which shall be reasonably acceptable in form and substance to Wells Fargo;

(m) syndication of $25,000,000 of the HP Sublimit; and

(n) proof of payment of all attorneys’ fees and disbursements incurred by Wells Fargo.


EXHIBIT E

to

RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Collection Accounts

Exhibit 10.22

EXECUTION VERSION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

FIRST AMENDMENT, dated as of March 28, 2013 (the “ First Amendment ”), to RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT (prior to the effectiveness of this First Amendment, the “ Existing Agreement ”, and as amended by this First Amendment and as it may be further amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, this “ Agreement ”), dated as of May 16, 2012, among SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC. , a California corporation (together with its successors and assigns, “ Smart ” and in its capacity as the Seller Representative, the “ Seller Representative ”), SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (EUROPE) LIMITED , an England and Wales corporation (together with its successors and assigns, “ Smart Europe ”; and collectively with Smart, the “ Sellers ” and each a “ Seller ”) and WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. , a national banking association (together with its successors and assigns, “ Wells Fargo ”), and confirmed by SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (GLOBAL HOLDINGS), INC. , a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability (“ Smart Global Holdings ”), SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (GLOBAL), INC. , a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability (“ Smart Global ”; Smart Global collectively with Smart Global Holdings being referred to herein as the “ Guarantors ” and each a “ Guarantor ”).

Sellers wish to add a new Account Debtor and Account Debtor Group under the Agreement.

Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

Section 1. Amendments .

1.1 Section 1 to the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by (i) deleting the defined terms “Account Debtor Group”, “Account Debtor Sublimit” and “Purchase Limit”, and (ii) adding the following defined terms and placing them in the appropriate alphabetical order in Section 1:

Account Debtor Group ” shall mean each of the HP Account Debtor Group, the Dell Account Debtor Group and the Hon-Hai Account Debtor Group.

Account Debtor Group Sublimit ” shall mean each of the Dell Sublimit, the HP Sublimit and the Hon-Hai Sublimit.

Fee Letter ” shall mean that certain fee letter, dated the Closing Date and amended on the First Amendment Closing Date, between the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo.

First Amendment Closing Date ” shall mean March 28, 2013.

Hon-Hai Account Debtor Group ” shall mean the group of Account Debtors listed under the heading “The Hon-Hai Account Debtor Group” on Exhibit A (as such exhibit may from time to time be amended or replaced with the consent of the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo).

Hon-Hai Receivables ” shall mean Receivables payable by an Account Debtor in the Hon-Hai Account Debtor Group.

Hon-Hai Sublimit ” shall mean, with respect to the Hon-Hai Account Debtor Group, the amount listed on Exhibit A as the Account Debtor Sublimit applicable to such Account Debtor Group (as such exhibit may from time to time be amended or replaced with the consent of the Seller Representative and Wells Fargo).

Purchase Limit ” shall mean $75,000,000.


1.2 Section 2.1(a) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by (x) deleting the word “or” immediately prior to the number “(iii)” appearing on the 24 th line thereof, and (y) adding prior to the period at the end of such sentence the following:

“or, (iv) the Outstanding Purchase Price of Hon-Hai Receivables exceeding the Hon-Hai Sublimit”

1.3 Exhibit A of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by (i) deleting the existing Exhibit A, and (ii) substituting therefor Exhibit A attached to this First Amendment.

1.4 Exhibit E of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by (i) deleting the existing Exhibit E, and (ii) substituting therefor Exhibit E attached to this First Amendment.

 

Section 2. Conditions Precedent

This First Amendment shall become effective when Wells Fargo shall have received the agreements, documents and instruments set forth on Exhibit D to this First Amendment, each in form, substance and date satisfactory to Wells Fargo.

 

Section 3. Representations and Warranties

Seller Representative and each Seller hereby represents and warrants to Wells Fargo as of First Amendment Closing Date and each Purchase Date:

3.1 Organization and Good Standing . It is duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state, country or jurisdiction of incorporation set forth in the first paragraph hereof, with power and authority to own its properties and to conduct its business as such properties are presently owned and such business is presently conducted.

3.2 Due Qualification . It is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing, and it has obtained all necessary approvals, in all jurisdictions in which the ownership or lease of its property or the conduct of its business requires such licensing, qualification or approvals.

3.3 Power and Authority; Due Authorization . It has (a) all necessary power, authority and legal right (i) to execute and deliver, and perform its obligations under, this First Amendment, the Agreement and each Transaction Document to which it is a party, and (ii) to generate, own, sell, transfer and assign Receivables on the terms and subject to the conditions herein and therein provided; and (b) duly authorized the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the sale and transfer of Receivables hereunder, and the performance of its obligations under this First Amendment, the Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents. It has duly executed and delivered this First Amendment.

3.4 Valid Sale; Binding Obligations . The First Amendment and the Agreement constitute and continue to constitute and each other Transaction Document it has or will sign in connection herewith, when duly executed and delivered, will constitute, a legal, valid, and binding obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity. Each transfer of Receivables to Wells Fargo pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute a valid sale, transfer, and assignment thereof to Wells Fargo, enforceable against creditors of, and purchasers from, it. On the First Amendment Effective Date, all conditions precedent set forth on Exhibit D have, to the extent applicable to it, been fulfilled.

 

2


3.5 No Conflict or Violation . The First Amendment and the Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this First Amendment and the Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the fulfillment of the terms hereof or thereof will not (a) conflict with, result in any breach of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under (i) its articles or certificate of incorporation or similar organizational documentation, or by-laws, operating agreement or similar operational documentation, or (ii) any indenture, loan agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, or other material agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound, (b) result in the creation or imposition of, or give rise to any obligation to provide, any Lien upon any of its properties pursuant to the terms of any such indenture, loan agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, or other material agreement or instrument, except under the Transaction Documents, or (c) violate any law or any order, rule, or regulation applicable to it of any court or of any federal, state or foreign regulatory body, administrative agency, or other governmental authority having jurisdiction over it or any of its properties.

3.6 Proceedings . There is no litigation, investigation or proceeding pending, or to the best of its knowledge, threatened, before any court, regulatory body, arbitrator, administrative agency, or other tribunal or governmental instrumentality (a) asserting the invalidity of this First Amendment, the Agreement, or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party, or (b) seeking to prevent the sale of Receivables to Wells Fargo or the consummation of any of the other transactions contemplated by this First Amendment, the Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party.

3.7 Government Approvals . Except for the filing of the UCC financing statements, no authorization or approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority is required for its due execution, delivery and performance of this First Amendment, the Agreement as amended by this First Amendment or any Transaction Document to which it is a party.

3.8 Financial Condition; Material Adverse Change . On the date hereof it is, and on the date of each transfer of a Receivable hereunder (both before and after giving effect to such transfer) shall be, Solvent. There has been no Material Adverse Change with respect to the Sellers and the Parents, taken as a whole or the related Account Debtor of a Purchased Receivable on such Purchase Date since May 12, 2012; provided , that the representations in this sentence with respect to an Account Debtor shall not be applicable with respect to the Purchased Receivables of any other Account Debtor.

 

Section 4. Confirmation of Performance Undertakings

By its execution of this First Amendment, each Guarantor hereby consents and acknowledges the revised terms set forth in this First Amendment, including the addition of the Hon-Hai Receivables as Receivables under the Agreement and under the Performance Undertaking, and further acknowledges the continuing validity of the Performance Undertaking reaffirms all of the terms and obligations contained in the Performance Undertaking, which shall remain in full force and effect for all obligations of Sellers now or hereafter owing to Wells Fargo and acknowledges, agrees, represents and warrants that no oral or other agreements, understandings, representations or warranties exist with respect to the Performance Undertaking or with respect to the obligations of the undersigned thereunder, except those specifically set forth herein. Each Guarantor further acknowledges and agrees that neither further notice to, nor consent of, either Guarantor with respect to the modifications effected by this First Amendment is required under the terms of the Performance Undertaking.

 

3


Section 5. Miscellaneous

5.1 Binding Effect; Assignability; Survival of Provisions . Except as expressly amended by this First Amendment, the Existing Agreement and each of terms remains in full force and effect. This First Amendment, and the Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Wells Fargo, the Sellers and each of their respective successors and permitted assigns.

5.2 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction . This First Amendment, and the Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York. Each party hereto irrevocably consents and submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of New York in New York County and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and waives any objection based on venue or forum non conveniens with respect to any action instituted therein arising under or in connection with this First Amendment and the Agreement.

5.3 Costs, Expenses and Taxes . Each Seller agrees to pay, on demand: (a) all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and reasonable due diligence costs and expenses, in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, amendment, waiver or other modification of this First Amendment and the other Transaction Documents being delivered in connection therewith.

5.4 Execution in Counterparts . This First Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this First Amendment by PDF copy, facsimile or other electronic means shall have the same force and effect as the delivery of an original executed counterpart of this First Amendment. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this First Amendment by PDF copy, facsimile or other electronic means shall also deliver an original executed counterpart, but the failure to do so shall not affect the validity, enforceability or binding effect of this First Amendment or the Agreement.

[Remainder of page intentionally blank]

 

4


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this First Amendment to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duty authorized, as of the date first above written.

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
By:  

/s/ Barbara Van Meerten

  Name:   Barbara Van Meerten
  Title:   Managing Director
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC. , as a Seller and as the Seller Representative
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:  

President & CEO

SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (EUROPE) LIMITED , as a Seller
By:  

/s/ Iain MacKenzie

  Name:   Iain MacKenzie
  Title:   Director

 

CONFIRMED AS TO SECTION 4
SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (GLOBAL HOLDINGS), INC. , as a Guarantor
By:   /s/ Iain MacKenzie
Name:  

Iain MacKenzie

Title:  

Director

SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES (GLOBAL), INC. , as a Guarantor
By:   /s/ Iain MacKenzie
Name:  

Iain MacKenzie

Title:  

Director


EXHIBIT A

to

RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

List of Account Debtors

 

Account Debtor Name and Identification Number

   Account Debtor
Group Sublimit
    

Buffer Period

   Advance
Rate
    Maximum
Tenor

The HP Account Debtor Group

 

Hewlett-Packard Company

(Identification Numbers CPQ11F, CPQ20F and CPQ24F)

 

Hewlett-Packard Caribe B.V.

(Identification Numbers HPQ30S and EDI10Z)

   $ 50,000,000     

For Hewlett-Packard Caribe B.V. (Identification Numbers HPQ30S and EDI10Z), 3 days.

 

Otherwise, 0 days

     95   45 days

The Dell Account Debtor Group

 

Dell, Inc.

(Identification Number DEL21F)

 

Dell Global, B.V.

(Identification Numbers DEL31F, DEL44F, DEL20S and DEL16M)

   $ 25,000,000      0 days      95   90 days

The Hon-Hai Account Debtor Group

 

Hon-Hai Precision Co., Ltd.

(Identification Numbers FOX20F, FOX21F, FOX22F, FOX55F, FOX73F)

   $ 25,000,000      0 days      95   45 days


EXHIBIT D

to

RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Conditions Precedent

As conditions precedent to the effectiveness of the First Amendment, Wells Fargo shall have received the following, each in form, substance and date satisfactory to Wells Fargo, dated the First Amendment Effective Date:

(a) the First Amendment duly authorized, executed and delivered by each Seller to Wells Fargo;

(b) a certificate of the Secretary of each Seller and each Parent certifying (i) as to the names and true signatures of the officers authorized on such Seller’s or such Parent’s behalf to sign the Transaction Documents to be delivered by them on the First Amendment Closing Date on which certificate Wells Fargo may conclusively rely until such time as Wells Fargo shall receive from such Seller or such Parent a revised certificate meeting the requirements hereof, and (ii) that no changes to any articles or certificate of incorporation or certificate of formation, as applicable, of such Seller or such Parent, or by-laws or operating agreement of such Seller or such Parent, delivered on the Closing Date have occurred and such articles, certificate and by-laws remain in full force and effect and have not been amended or modified since the Closing Date;

(c) UCC, tax Lien and judgment search results for the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of each Seller, the jurisdiction of the chief executive office of each Seller, and all jurisdictions in which assets of each Seller are located, which search results shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Wells Fargo;

(d) copies of the proper amendment to the UCC financing statements, each naming a Seller as the assignor and Wells Fargo as the assignee of the Purchased Receivables (including Hon-Hai Receivables purchased under the Agreement) and assigned by such Seller, or other similar instruments or documents, as may be necessary or, in Wells Fargo’s reasonable opinion, desirable under the UCC of all appropriate jurisdictions or any comparable law of all appropriate jurisdictions to perfect Wells Fargo’s ownership interest in all Purchased Receivables (including Hon-Hai Receivables purchased under the Agreement) in which the ownership interest may be assigned to it hereunder;

(e) evidence of establishment of the Collection Account with respect to the Hon-Hai Receivables;

(f) additional documentation to be executed and, if applicable, filed in each jurisdiction (other than the United States) that a Seller is located, that is necessary or advisable (i) to reflect (and record) the true sale of and security interest in the Hon-Hai Receivables that are Purchased Receivables, (ii) to comply with applicable law and regulation in such jurisdiction, including any exchange control regulations relating to the transactions contemplated hereunder;

(g) completion by Wells Fargo of all required due diligence matters, including completion of a field audit of the records of the Sellers related to the Hon-Hai Receivables and the related Contracts; and

(h) proof of payment of all attorneys’ fees and disbursements incurred by Wells Fargo as are required hereunder.


EXHIBIT E

to

RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Collection Accounts

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated November 29, 2016 relating to the financial statements of SMART Global Holdings, Inc., appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Prospectus.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

San Jose, California

April 28, 2017