As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2018

1933 Act File No. 333-208637

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

Form N-2

 

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

   THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  
   PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.  
   POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 7  

 

 

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

1521 WESTBRANCH DRIVE, SUITE 100

MCLEAN, VA 22102

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (703) 287-5800

DAVID GLADSTONE

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION

1521 WESTBRANCH DRIVE, SUITE 100

MCLEAN, VIRGINIA 22102

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

COPIES TO:

Lori B. Morgan

Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

150 Third Avenue South

Suite 2800

Nashville, TN 37201

(615) 742-6280

(615) 742-6293 (Facsimile)

 

 

Approximate date of proposed public offering: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

If any securities being registered on this form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box.  ☒

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

 

 

When declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c).

 

 

 


PART C

     C-1  

Other Information

     C-1  

Item 25. Financial Statements and Exhibits

     C-1  

Item 26. Marketing Arrangements

     C-6  

Item 27. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

     C-6  

Item 28. Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control

     C-7  

Item 29. Number of Holders of Securities

     C-7  

Item 30. Indemnification

     C-7  

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser

     C-9  

Item 32. Location of Accounts and Records

     C-9  

Item 33. Management Services

     C-9  

Item 34. Undertakings

     C-9  

SIGNATURES

  

EXHIBIT INDEX

  

 


EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637) (the “Registration Statement”) of Gladstone Capital Corporation (the “Company” or the “Registrant”) is being filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), solely for the purpose of filing additional exhibits to such Registration Statement. Accordingly, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 consists only of a facing page, this explanatory note and Part C of the Registration Statement on Form N-2 setting forth the exhibits to the Registration Statement. This Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 does not modify any other part of the Registration Statement. Pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 shall become effective immediately upon filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The contents of the Registration Statement are hereby incorporated by reference.


Part C — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 25. Financial Statements and Exhibits

1. Financial Statements

The following financial statements and schedule of Gladstone Capital Corporation (the “Company” or the “Registrant”) are included in the Registration Statement in “Part A: Information Required in a Prospectus”

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Report of Management on Internal Controls

     F-2  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-3  

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September  30, 2017 and 2016

     F-4  

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September  30, 2017, 2016 and 2015

     F-5  

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015

     F-7  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September  30, 2017, 2016 and 2015

     F-8  

Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of September 30, 2017 and 2016

     F-9  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-21  

Schedule 12-14 Investments in and Advances to Affiliates

     F-51  

2. Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

2.a.1    Articles of Amendment and Restatement to the Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.a.2 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-63700), filed July 27, 2001.
2.a.2    Articles Supplementary Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Term Preferred Shares, including Appendix A thereto relating to the Term Preferred Shares, 7.125% Series 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.a.2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-162592), filed October 31, 2011.
2.a.3    Articles Supplementary Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Term Preferred Shares, 6.75% Series 2021, including Exhibit A thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-35332), filed May 15, 2014.
2.a.4    Certificate of Correction to Articles Supplementary Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Term Preferred Shares, 6.75% Series 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 811-000000), filed July 30, 2014.
2.a.5    Certificate of Correction to Articles Supplementary Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Term Preferred Shares, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed October 29, 2015.
2.a.6    Articles Supplementary, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed September 21, 2017
2.a.7    Articles Supplementary Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Term Preferred Shares, 6.00% Series 2024, including Exhibit A thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed September 21, 2017.

 

C-1


2.b.1    By-laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.b to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-63700), filed July 27, 2001.
2.b.2    Amendment to By-laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 814-00237), filed February 17, 2004.
2.b.3    Second Amendment to By-laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed July 10, 2007.
2.b.4    Third Amendment to By-laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed June 10, 2011.
2.b.5    Fourth Amendment to By-laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed November 29, 2016.
2.c    Not applicable.
2.d.1    Form of Certificate for Common Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.d.2 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-63700), filed August 23, 2001.
2.d.2    Form of Senior Indenture incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-162592), filed October 20, 2009.
2.d.3    Form of Subordinated Indenture incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.4 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-162592), filed October 20, 2009.
2.d.4    Form of 6.00% Series 2024 Term Preferred Stock Certificate incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35332), filed September 21, 2017.
2.d.5    Form of Common Stock Subscription Form and Subscription Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.6 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed January 17, 2013.
2.d.6    Form of Preferred Stock Subscription Form and Subscription Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.7 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed January 17, 2013.
2.d.7    Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.8 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed January 17, 2013.
2.d.8    Form of Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.9 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed January 17, 2013.
2.d.9    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the Form of Senior and Subordinated Indentures, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.9 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.d.10*    Base Indenture between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, dated as of November 6, 2018.
2.d.11*    First Supplemental Indenture between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, dated as of November 6, 2018.
2.d.12*    Form of Global Note with respect to the 6.125% Notes due 2023, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.11 hereto, and Exhibit A therein.
2.f    Not applicable.
2.g.1    Amended and Restated Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between the Registrant and Gladstone Management Corporation, dated as of October 1, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed October 5, 2006.

 

C-2


2.g.2    Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between the Registrant and Gladstone Management Corporation, dated as of October 13, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed October 14, 2015.
2.h.1*    Underwriting Agreement among the Registrant, Gladstone Management Corporation, Gladstone Administration, LLC and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., as representative of the other underwriters named in Exhibit A thereto, dated as of November 1, 2018.
2.h.2    Equity Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, Gladstone Management Corporation, Gladstone Administration, LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., dated February 27, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.h.2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-333-185191), filed February 27, 2015.
2.h.3    Amendment No. 1 to Equity Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, Gladstone Management Corporation, Gladstone Administration, LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., dated May 22, 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.h.3 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed May 22, 2017.
2.i    Not applicable.
2.j.1    Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York, dated as of May 5, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 814-00237), filed August 1, 2006.
2.j.2    Custodial Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.j.2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed December 23, 2013.
2.j.3    Amendment No. 1 to Custodial Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.j.3 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed December 23, 2013.
2.j.4    Amendment No. 2 to Custodial Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.j.4 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed December 23, 2013.
2.k.1    Stock Transfer Agency Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.k.1 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-63700), filed July 27, 2001.
2.k.2    Administration Agreement between the Registrant and Gladstone Administration, LLC, dated as of October 1, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed October 5, 2006.
2.k.3    Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2015, by and among Gladstone Business Loan, LLC, as Borrower, Gladstone Management Corporation, as Servicer, the Lenders and Managing Agents named therein, and Keybank National Association, as Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed May 5, 2015.
2.k.4    Joinder Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2015, by and among Gladstone Business Loan, LLC, Gladstone Management Corporation, Keybank National Association and Santander Bank, N.A., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed June 23, 2015.
2.k.5    Assignment, Acceptance and Joinder, dated as of June 19, 2015, by and between Keybank National Association and Alostar Bank of Commerce, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed June 23, 2015.
2.k.6    Assignment and Acceptance, dated as of June 19, 2015, by and between Keybank National Association and Newbridge Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed June 23, 2015.

 

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2.k.7    Amendment No. 1 to Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on form 10-Q (file No. 814-00237), filed February 8, 2016.
2.k.8    Amendment No. 2 to Fifth Amended and Restated Credit agreement, dated August 18, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.k.8 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed October 28, 2016.
2.k.9    Amendment No. 3 to Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 24, 2017, by and among Gladstone Business Loan, LLC, as Borrower, Gladstone Management Corporation, as Servicer, Keybank National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender, managing agent and lead arranger and certain other lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed August 29, 2017.
2.k.10    Amendment No. 4 to Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2018 by and among Gladstone Business Loan, LLC, as Borrower, Gladstone Management Corporation, as Servicer, KeyBank National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender, managing agent and lead arranger and certain other lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed March 12, 2018.
2.l.1    Opinion of Counsel (Bass, Berry & Sims PLC), dated December 18, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.l.1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.l.2    Opinion of Counsel (Venable LLP), Dated December 18, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.l.2 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.l.3*    Opinion of Counsel (Bass, Berry & Sims PLC).
2.l.4*    Opinion of Counsel (Venable LLP).
2.m.    Not applicable.
2.n.1    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.n.1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.n.2    Consent of Counsel (Bass, Berry & Sims PLC) (included in Exhibit 2.l.1).
2.n.3    Consent of Counsel (Venable LLP) (included in Exhibit 2.l.2).
2.n.4    Consent of Counsel (Bass, Berry & Sims PLC) (included in Exhibit 2.l.3).
2.n.5    Consent of Counsel (Venable LLP) (included in Exhibit 2.l.4).
2.n.6    Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.n.4 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.n.7    Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.n.5 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.n.8    Consent of Henderson Hutcherson & McCullough, PLLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.n.6 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.n.9    Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.n.7 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.o    Not applicable.

 

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2.p    Subscription Agreement dated May 30, 2001, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.p to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-63700), filed June 22, 2001.
2.q    Not applicable.
2.r    Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, updated January 28, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 814-00237), filed November 20, 2013.
2.s.1    Power of Attorney, incorporated by reference to the signature page of the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.2    Reserved.
2.s.3    Statements Re: Computation of Ratios, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.3 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.s.4    Financial Statements of Defiance Integrated Technologies, Inc. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (audited), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.4 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.s.5    Financial Statements of Sunshine Media Group, Inc. as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (audited), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.5 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.s.6    Financial Statements of Sunshine Media Group, Inc. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (audited), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.6 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.s.7    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Common Stock Offering, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.8 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.8    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Preferred Stock Offering, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.9 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.9    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Rights Offering of Common Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.10 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.10    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Rights Offering of Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.11 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.11    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Notes, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.12 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.12    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Senior Notes, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.13 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.13    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Warrants for Common Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.14 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.14    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Warrants for Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.15 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.

 

*

Filed herewith.

 

C-5


Item 26. Marketing Arrangements

The information contained under the heading “Plan of Distribution” on page 97 of the prospectus is incorporated herein by reference, and any information concerning any underwriters will be contained in the accompanying prospectus supplement, if any.

Item 27. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

 

Commission registration fee

   $ 30,210  

FINRA fee

     45,500  

Accounting fees and expenses

     55,000

Printing and engraving

     75,000

Legal fees and expenses

     150,000

Miscellaneous fees and expenses

     15,000

Total

   $ 370,710

 

*

These amounts are estimates.

All of the expenses set forth above shall be borne by the Registrant.

 

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Item 28. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control

The following list sets forth each of the companies considered to be “controlled” by the Registrant as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as of September 30, 2017:

 

   

Gladstone Capital Advisers, Inc., a Delaware corporation, controlled by the Registrant, through 100% of the voting securities.  (1)

 

   

Gladstone Business Loan, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, controlled by the Registrant, through 100% of the voting securities.  (1)

 

   

Defiance Integrated Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation controlled by the Registrant through 90% of the voting securities.  (2)

 

   

Gladstone Financial Corporation, a Delaware corporation, controlled by the Registrant, through 100% of the voting securities.  (1)

 

   

PIC Foundry Holdings, Corp., a Delaware corporation, controlled by the Registrant through 100% of the voting securities.  (3)

 

   

PIC 360, LLC a Delaware limited liability company, controlled by the Registrant through 50% of the voting securities.  (3)

 

   

Publication Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, controlled by the Registrant through 100% of the voting securities.

 

   

Sunshine Media Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, controlled by Publication Holdings, Inc. through 100% of the voting securities. (2)

 

(1)  

Subsidiary is included in the Registrant’s consolidated financial statements.

(2)  

The Registrant filed separate audited or unaudited financial statements for these entities for the applicable periods as exhibits to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, filed on November 20, 2017.

(3)  

Subsidiary is not significant subsidiary as such term is defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X.

We may also be deemed to be under “common control” with the following entities: Gladstone Commercial Corporation; Gladstone Land Corporation; and Gladstone Investment Corporation by virtue of the fact that they are advised by the Adviser, Gladstone Management Corporation. We may also be deemed to be under “common control” with Gladstone Lending Corporation, a Maryland Corporation, and Gladstone Participation Fund, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, because 100% of the voting securities of each are owned by the Adviser.

Item 29. Number of Holders of Securities

The following table sets forth the approximate number of record holders of each class of our securities at November 1, 2018. This number does not include stockholders for whom shares are held in “street name.”

 

Title of Class

   Number of
Record
Holders
 

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

     36  

6.00% Series 2024 Term Preferred Stock

     1  

Item 30. Indemnification

Indemnification and Limitation of Liability of Directors and Officers

Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty that is established by a final judgment and is material to the cause of action. Our charter contains a provision that eliminates the liability of our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

 

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The Maryland General Corporation Law (“MGCL”) requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that:

 

   

the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty;

 

   

the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or

 

   

in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.

Under the MGCL, we may not indemnify a director or officer in a suit by us or on our behalf in which the director or officer was adjudged liable to us or in a suit in which the director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or on our behalf, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses.

In addition, the MGCL permits us to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon our receipt of:

 

   

a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by us; and

 

   

a written undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by us if it is ultimately determined that the director or officer did not meet the standard of conduct.

Subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), or any valid rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) thereunder, our charter obligates us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to any director or officer, whether serving our company or at our request any other entity. Our charter also permits us to indemnify and advance expenses to any employee or agent of our company to the extent authorized by our board of directors or the bylaws and permitted by law.

Our bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent required by Maryland law or the charter, to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or was our director, officer, employee or agent, or is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, manager, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise if our board of directors determines that such person acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of our company, and, in the case of any criminal action or proceeding, that such person had no reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful. However, our bylaws permit us to advance expenses only so long as, in addition to the requirements above, we obtain security for the advance from the director or officer, we obtain insurance against losses arising by reason of lawful advances or we determine that there is reason to believe that the director or officer will be found entitled to indemnification.

These provisions on indemnification and limitation of liability are subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act that prohibit us from protecting any director or officer against any liability to us or our stockholders arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office.

In addition, the investment advisory and management agreement between us and our investment adviser, Gladstone Management Corporation (the “Adviser”), as well as the administration agreement between us and our administrator Gladstone Administration, LLC (the “Administrator”), each provide that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of their respective duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of their respective duties and obligations, the Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable, and their respective officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members, and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from us for any damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable

 

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attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering of the Adviser’s services under the investment advisory and management agreement or otherwise as our investment adviser, or the rendering of the Administrator’s services under the administration agreement, as applicable.

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser

A description of any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which the Adviser, and each director or executive officer of the Adviser, is or has been during the past two fiscal years, engaged in for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee, is set forth in Part A of this Registration Statement in the section entitled “Management.” Additional information regarding the Adviser and its officers and directors is set forth in its Form ADV, as filed with the SEC, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 32. Location of Accounts and Records

All accounts, books or other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder are maintained at the offices of:

 

(1)

the Registrant, Gladstone Capital Corporation, 1521 Westbranch Drive, Suite 100, McLean, VA 22102;

 

(2)

the Transfer Agent, Computershare Inc., 250 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021;

 

(3)

the Adviser, Gladstone Management Corporation, 1521 Westbranch Drive, Suite 100, McLean, VA 22102;

 

(4)

the Custodian, The Bank of New York Mellon Corp., 500 Ross Street, Suite 625, Pittsburgh, PA 15262; and

 

(5)

the Collateral Custodian, The Bank of New York Mellon Corp., 500 Ross Street, Suite 625, Pittsburgh, PA 15262.

Item 33. Management Services

Not applicable.

Item 34. Undertakings

 

  1.

We hereby undertake to suspend the offering of shares until the prospectus is amended if: (1) subsequent to the effective date of this registration statement, our net asset value declines more than ten percent from our net asset value as of the effective date of this registration statement; or (2) the net asset value increases to an amount greater than our net proceeds as stated in the prospectus.

 

  2.

We hereby undertake:

 

  (a)

to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

  (i)

to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act;

 

  (ii)

to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; and

 

  (iii)

to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

 

  (b)

that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of those securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

 

  (c)

to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

 

C-9


  (d)

that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C: Each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 497(b), (c), (d) or (e) under the Securities Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A under the Securities Act, 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 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of 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 the purchaser:

 

  (i)

any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act;

 

  (ii)

the portion of any advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities Act relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

 

  (iii)

any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser;

 

  (f)

to file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement, and to suspend any offers or sales pursuant the registration statement until such post-effective amendment has been declared effective under the Securities Act, in the event the shares of the Registrant are trading below its net asset value and either (i) the Registrant receives, or has been advised by its independent registered accounting firm that it will receive, an audit report reflecting substantial doubt regarding the Registrant’s ability to continue as a going concern or (ii) the Registrant has concluded that a material adverse change has occurred in its financial position or results of operations that has caused the financial statements and other disclosures on the basis of which the offering would be made to be materially misleading;

 

  (g)

to file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement in respect of any one or more offerings of the Registrant’s shares (including warrants and/or rights to purchase the shares) below net asset value that will result in greater than 15% dilution, in the aggregate, to existing net asset value per share;

 

  (h)

to file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement in connection with any rights offering; and

 

  (i)

to file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement in connection with any combined offering of securities.

 

  3.

We hereby undertake that:

 

  (a)

for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, 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 us under Rule 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and

 

  (b)

for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, 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 the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

C-10


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of McLean and Commonwealth of Virginia, on the 6th day of November, 2018.

 

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION

By: 

  /s/ DAVID GLADSTONE
  David Gladstone
 

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on November 6, 2018:

 

By: 

  /s/ DAVID GLADSTONE
 

David Gladstone

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

(principal executive officer)

By:

  /s/ NICOLE SCHALTENBRAND
 

Nicole Schaltenbrand

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(principal financial officer)

By:

  /s/ *
 

Terry L. Brubaker

Vice Chairman, Chief Operating Officer, Director

By:

  /s/ *
 

Paul W. Adelgren

Director

By:

  /s/ *
 

Michela A. English

Director

By:

  /s/ *
 

Caren D. Merrick

Director

By:

  /s/ *
 

John H. Outland

Director

By:

  /s/ *
 

Anthony W. Parker

Director

By:

  /s/ *
 

Walter H. Wilkinson, Jr.

Director


*By: 

  /s/ David Gladstone
 

David Gladstone

Attorney-in-fact

 


Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

2.a.1    Articles of Amendment and Restatement to the Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.a.2 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-63700), filed July 27, 2001.
2.a.2    Articles Supplementary Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Term Preferred Shares, including Appendix A thereto relating to the Term Preferred Shares, 7.125% Series 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.a.2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-162592), filed October 31, 2011.
2.a.3    Articles Supplementary Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Term Preferred Shares, 6.75% Series 2021, including Exhibit A thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-35332), filed May 15, 2014.
2.a.4    Certificate of Correction to Articles Supplementary Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Term Preferred Shares, 6.75% Series 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 811-000000), filed July 30, 2014.
2.a.5    Certificate of Correction to Articles Supplementary Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Term Preferred Shares, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed October 29, 2015.
2.a.6    Articles Supplementary, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed September 21, 2017
2.a.7    Articles Supplementary Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Term Preferred Shares, 6.00% Series 2024, including Exhibit A thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed September 21, 2017.
2.b.1    By-laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.b to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-63700), filed July 27, 2001.
2.b.2    Amendment to By-laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 814-00237), filed February 17, 2004.
2.b.3    Second Amendment to By-laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed July 10, 2007.
2.b.4    Third Amendment to By-laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed June 10, 2011.
2.b.5    Fourth Amendment to By-laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed November 29, 2016.
2.c    Not applicable.
2.d.1    Form of Certificate for Common Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.d.2 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-63700), filed August 23, 2001.
2.d.2    Form of Senior Indenture incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-162592), filed October 20, 2009.
2.d.3    Form of Subordinated Indenture incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.4 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-162592), filed October 20, 2009.


2.d.4    Form of 6.00% Series 2024 Term Preferred Stock Certificate incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35332), filed September 21, 2017.
2.d.5    Form of Common Stock Subscription Form and Subscription Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.6 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed January 17, 2013.
2.d.6    Form of Preferred Stock Subscription Form and Subscription Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.7 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed January 17, 2013.
2.d.7    Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.8 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed January 17, 2013.
2.d.8    Form of Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.9 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed January 17, 2013.
2.d.9    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the Form of Senior and Subordinated Indentures, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.9 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.d.10*    Base Indenture between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, dated as of November 6, 2018.
2.d.11*    First Supplemental Indenture between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, dated as of November 6, 2018.
2.d.12*    Form of Global Note with respect to the 6.125% Notes due 2023, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.d.11 hereto, and Exhibit A therein.
2.f    Not applicable.
2.g.1    Amended and Restated Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between the Registrant and Gladstone Management Corporation, dated as of October 1, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed October 5, 2006.
2.g.2    Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between the Registrant and Gladstone Management Corporation, dated as of October 13, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed October 14, 2015.
2.h.1*    Underwriting Agreement among the Registrant, Gladstone Management Corporation, Gladstone Administration, LLC and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., as representative of the other underwriters named in Exhibit A thereto, dated as of November 1, 2018.
2.h.2    Equity Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, Gladstone Management Corporation, Gladstone Administration, LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., dated February 27, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.h.2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-333-185191), filed February 27, 2015.
2.h.3    Amendment No. 1 to Equity Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, Gladstone Management Corporation, Gladstone Administration, LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., dated May 22, 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.h.3 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed May 22, 2017.
2.i    Not applicable.
2.j.1    Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York, dated as of May 5, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 814-00237), filed August 1, 2006.
2.j.2    Custodial Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.j.2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed December 23, 2013.


2.j.3    Amendment No. 1 to Custodial Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.j.3 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed December 23, 2013.
2.j.4    Amendment No. 2 to Custodial Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.j.4 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-185191), filed December 23, 2013.
2.k.1    Stock Transfer Agency Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.k.1 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-63700), filed July 27, 2001.
2.k.2    Administration Agreement between the Registrant and Gladstone Administration, LLC, dated as of October 1, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed October 5, 2006.
2.k.3    Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2015, by and among Gladstone Business Loan, LLC, as Borrower, Gladstone Management Corporation, as Servicer, the Lenders and Managing Agents named therein, and Keybank National Association, as Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed May 5, 2015.
2.k.4    Joinder Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2015, by and among Gladstone Business Loan, LLC, Gladstone Management Corporation, Keybank National Association and Santander Bank, N.A., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed June 23, 2015.
2.k.5    Assignment, Acceptance and Joinder, dated as of June 19, 2015, by and between Keybank National Association and Alostar Bank of Commerce, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed June 23, 2015.
2.k.6    Assignment and Acceptance, dated as of June 19, 2015, by and between Keybank National Association and Newbridge Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed June 23, 2015.
2.k.7    Amendment No. 1 to Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on form 10-Q (file No. 814-00237), filed February 8, 2016.
2.k.8    Amendment No. 2 to Fifth Amended and Restated Credit agreement, dated August 18, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.k.8 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed October 28, 2016.
2.k.9    Amendment No. 3 to Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 24, 2017, by and among Gladstone Business Loan, LLC, as Borrower, Gladstone Management Corporation, as Servicer, Keybank National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender, managing agent and lead arranger and certain other lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed August 29, 2017.
2.k.10    Amendment No. 4 to Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2018 by and among Gladstone Business Loan, LLC, as Borrower, Gladstone Management Corporation, as Servicer, KeyBank National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender, managing agent and lead arranger and certain other lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00237), filed March 12, 2018.
2.l.1    Opinion of Counsel (Bass, Berry & Sims PLC), dated December 18, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.l.1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.l.2    Opinion of Counsel (Venable LLP), Dated December 18, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.l.2 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.l.3*    Opinion of Counsel (Bass, Berry & Sims PLC).


2.l.4*    Opinion of Counsel (Venable LLP).
2.m.    Not applicable.
2.n.1    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.n.1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.n.2    Consent of Counsel (Bass, Berry & Sims PLC) (included in Exhibit 2.l.1).
2.n.3    Consent of Counsel (Venable LLP) (included in Exhibit 2.l.2).
2.n.4    Consent of Counsel (Bass, Berry & Sims PLC) (included in Exhibit 2.l.3).
2.n.5    Consent of Counsel (Venable LLP) (included in Exhibit 2.l.4).
2.n.6    Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.n.4 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.n.7    Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.n.5 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.n.8    Consent of Henderson Hutcherson & McCullough, PLLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.n.6 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.n.9    Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.n.7 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.o    Not applicable.
2.p    Subscription Agreement dated May 30, 2001, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.p to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-63700), filed June 22, 2001.
2.q    Not applicable.
2.r    Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, updated January 28, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 814-00237), filed November 20, 2013.
2.s.1    Power of Attorney, incorporated by reference to the signature page of the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.2    Reserved.
2.s.3    Statements Re: Computation of Ratios, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.3 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.s.4    Financial Statements of Defiance Integrated Technologies, Inc. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (audited), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.4 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.s.5    Financial Statements of Sunshine Media Group, Inc. as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (audited), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.5 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.
2.s.6    Financial Statements of Sunshine Media Group, Inc. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (audited), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.6 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 19, 2017.


2.s.7    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Common Stock Offering, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.8 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.8    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Preferred Stock Offering, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.9 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.9    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Rights Offering of Common Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.10 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.10    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Rights Offering of Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.11 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.11    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Notes, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.12 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.12    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Senior Notes, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.13 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.13    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Warrants for Common Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.14 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.
2.s.14    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Warrants for Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.s.15 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), filed December 18, 2015.

 

*

Filed herewith.

Exhibit 2.d.10

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION,

Issuer

AND

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

Trustee

 

 

INDENTURE

Dated as of November 6, 2018

 

 

Senior Debt Securities


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ARTICLE 1

  DEFINITIONS      1  

Section 1.01

 

Definitions of Terms

     1  

ARTICLE 2

  ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION, REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES      4  

Section 2.01

  Designation and Terms of Securities      4  

Section 2.02

  Form of Securities and Trustee’s Certificate      6  

Section 2.03

  Denominations: Provisions for Payment      6  

Section 2.04

  Execution and Authentications      7  

Section 2.05

  Registration of Transfer and Exchange      8  

Section 2.06

  Temporary Securities      9  

Section 2.07

  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities      9  

Section 2.08

  Cancellation      10  

Section 2.09

  Benefits of Indenture      10  

Section 2.10

  Authenticating Agent      10  

Section 2.11

  Global Securities      10  

ARTICLE 3

  REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES AND SINKING FUND PROVISIONS      11  

Section 3.01

  Redemption      11  

Section 3.02

  Notice of Redemption      11  

Section 3.03

  Payment Upon Redemption      12  

Section 3.04

  Sinking Fund      12  

Section 3.05

  Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities      13  

Section 3.06

  Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund      13  

ARTICLE 4

  COVENANTS      13  

Section 4.01

  Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest      13  

Section 4.02

  Maintenance of Office or Agency      13  

Section 4.03

  Paying Agents      14  

Section 4.04

  Appointment to Fill Vacancy in Office of Trustee      14  

Section 4.05

  Compliance with Consolidation Provisions      14  

ARTICLE 5

  SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE      15  

Section 5.01

  Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Securityholders      15  

Section 5.02

  Preservation Of Information; Communications With Securityholders      15  

Section 5.03

  Reports by the Company      15  

Section 5.04

  Reports by the Trustee      15  

ARTICLE 6

  REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT      16  

Section 6.01

  Events of Default      16  

Section 6.02

  Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee      17  

Section 6.03

  Application of Moneys Collected      18  

Section 6.04

  Limitation on Suits      18  

Section 6.05

  Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver      19  

Section 6.06

  Control by Securityholders      19  

Section 6.07

  Undertaking to Pay Costs      19  

ARTICLE 7

  CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE      20  

Section 7.01

  Certain Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee      20  

Section 7.02

  Certain Rights of Trustee      21  

Section 7.03

  Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance or Securities      22  

Section 7.04

  May Hold Securities      22  

Section 7.05

  Moneys Held in Trust      22  

Section 7.06

  Compensation and Reimbursement      22  

Section 7.07

  Reliance on Officer’s Certificate      23  

Section 7.08

  Disqualification; Conflicting Interests      23  


Section 7.09

  Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility      23  

Section 7.10

  Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor      24  

Section 7.11

  Acceptance of Appointment By Successor      24  

Section 7.12

  Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business      25  

Section 7.13

  Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company      26  

Section 7.14

  Notice of Default      26  

ARTICLE 8

  CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS      26  

Section 8.01

  Evidence of Action by Securityholders      26  

Section 8.02

  Proof of Execution by Securityholders      26  

Section 8.03

  Who May be Deemed Owners      27  

Section 8.04

  Certain Securities Owned by Company Disregarded      27  

Section 8.05

  Actions Binding on Future Securityholders      27  

ARTICLE 9

  SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES      27  

Section 9.01

  Supplemental Indentures Without the Consent of Securityholders      27  

Section 9.02

  Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders      28  

Section 9.03

  Effect of Supplemental Indentures      29  

Section 9.04

  Securities Affected by Supplemental Indentures      29  

Section 9.05

  Execution of Supplemental Indentures      29  

ARTICLE 10

  SUCCESSOR ENTITY      30  

Section 10.01

  Company May Consolidate, Etc.      30  

Section 10.02

  Successor Entity Substituted      30  

ARTICLE 11

  SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE      30  

Section 11.01

  Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture      30  

Section 11.02

  Discharge of Obligations      31  

Section 11.03

  Deposited Moneys to be Held in Trust      31  

Section 11.04

  Payment of Moneys Held by Paying Agents      31  

Section 11.05

  Repayment to Company      31  

ARTICLE 12

  IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS      32  

Section 12.01

  No Recourse      32  

ARTICLE 13

  MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS      32  

Section 13.01

  Effect on Successors and Assigns      32  

Section 13.02

  Actions by Successor      32  

Section 13.03

  Surrender of Company Powers      32  

Section 13.04

  Notices      32  

Section 13.05

  Governing Law      32  

Section 13.06

  Treatment of Securities as Debt      33  

Section 13.07

  Certificates and Opinions as to Conditions Precedent      33  

Section 13.08

  Payments on Business Days      33  

Section 13.09

  Conflict with Trust Indenture Act      33  

Section 13.10

  Counterparts      33  

Section 13.11

  Separability      33  

Section 13.12

  Compliance Certificates      34  

 

 

(1)

This Table of Contents does not constitute part of the Indenture and shall not have any bearing on the interpretation of any of its terms or provisions.

 


INDENTURE

INDENTURE , dated as of November 6, 2018, among GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION , a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as trustee (the “Trustee”):

WHEREAS , for its lawful corporate purposes, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of debt securities (hereinafter referred to as the “Securities”), in an unlimited aggregate principal amount to be issued from time to time in one or more series as in this Indenture provided, as registered Securities without coupons, to be authenticated by the certificate of the Trustee;

WHEREAS , to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Securities are to be authenticated, issued and delivered, the Company has duly authorized the execution of this Indenture; and

WHEREAS , all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed as follows for the equal and ratable benefit of the holders of Securities:

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

Section  1.01 Definitions of Terms .

The terms defined in this Section (except as in this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires) for all purposes of this Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto shall have the respective meanings specified in this Section and shall include the plural as well as the singular. All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or that are by reference in such Act defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (except as herein or any indenture supplemental hereto otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires), shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in said Trust Indenture Act and in said Securities Act as in force at the date of the execution of this instrument.

Authenticating Agent ” means an authenticating agent with respect to all or any of the series of Securities appointed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.10.

Bankruptcy Law ” means Title 11, U.S. Code, or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.

Board of Directors ” means the Board of Directors (or the functional equivalent thereof) of the Company or any duly authorized committee of such Board.

Board Resolution ” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification.

Business Day ” means, with respect to any series of Securities, any day other than a day on which federal or state banking institutions in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, or in the city of the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, are authorized or obligated by law, executive order or regulation to close.

Certificate ” means a certificate signed by any Officer. The Certificate need not comply with the provisions of Section 13.07.

Commission ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.

 

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Company ” means GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION , a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of MARYLAND , and, subject to the provisions of Article Ten, shall also include its successors and assigns.

Corporate Trust Office ” means the office of the Trustee at which, at any particular time, its corporate trust business shall be principally administered, which office at the date hereof is located at .

Custodian ” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

Defaulted Interest ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03.

Depositary ” means, with respect to Securities of any series for which the Company shall determine that such Securities will be issued as a Global Security, The Depository Trust Company, another clearing agency, or any successor registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act, or other applicable statute or regulation, which, in each case, shall be designated by the Company pursuant to either Section 2.01 or 2.11.

Event of Default ” means, with respect to Securities of a particular series, any event specified in Section 6.01, continued for the period of time, if any, therein designated.

Exchange Act ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission thereunder.

Global Security ” means a Security issued to evidence all or a part of any series of Securities which is executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction, all in accordance with the Indenture, which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee.

Governmental Obligations ” means securities that are (a) direct obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (b) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America that, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof at any time prior to the stated maturity of the Securities, and shall also include a depositary receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such Governmental Obligation or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Governmental Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt; provided, however, that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Governmental Obligation or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the Governmental Obligation evidenced by such depositary receipt.

herein ”, “ hereof and “ hereunder ”, and other words of similar import, refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.

Indenture ” means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into in accordance with the terms hereof and shall include the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 2.01.

Interest Payment Date ”, when used with respect to any installment of interest on a Security of a particular series, means the date specified in such Security or in a Board Resolution or in an indenture supplemental hereto with respect to such series as the fixed date on which an installment of interest with respect to Securities of that series is due and payable.

 

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Officer ” means, with respect to the Company, the chairman of the Board of Directors, a chief executive officer, a president, a chief financial officer, a chief operating officer, any executive vice president, any senior vice president, any vice president, the treasurer or any assistant treasurer, the controller or any assistant controller or the secretary or any assistant secretary.

Officer’s Certificate ” means a certificate signed by any Officer. Each such certificate shall include the statements provided for in Section 13.07, if and to the extent required by the provisions thereof.

Opinion of Counsel ” means an opinion in writing subject to customary exceptions of legal counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel for the Company, that is delivered to the Trustee in accordance with the terms hereof. Each such opinion shall include the statements provided for in Section 13.07, if and to the extent required by the provisions thereof.

Outstanding ”, when used with reference to Securities of any series, means, subject to the provisions of Section 8.04, as of any particular time, all Securities of that series theretofore authenticated and delivered by the Trustee under this Indenture, except (a) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or any paying agent, or delivered to the Trustee or any paying agent for cancellation or that have previously been canceled; (b) Securities or portions thereof for the payment or redemption of which moneys or Governmental Obligations in the necessary amount shall have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with any paying agent (other than the Company) or shall have been set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own paying agent); provided, however, that if such Securities or portions of such Securities are to be redeemed prior to the maturity thereof, notice of such redemption shall have been given as provided in Article Three, or provision satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made for giving such notice; and (c) Securities in lieu of or in substitution for which other Securities shall have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of Section 2.07.

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

Predecessor Security ” of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 2.07 in lieu of a lost, destroyed or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the lost, destroyed or stolen Security.

Responsible Officer ” when used with respect to the Trustee means any officer of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate trust matters with respect to this Indenture (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes without limitation any supplemental indenture hereto).

Securities ” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

Securityholder ”, “ holder of Securities ”, “ registered holder ”, or other similar term, means the Person or Persons in whose name or names a particular Security is registered on the Security Register kept for that purpose in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

Security Register ” and “ Security Registrar ” shall have the meanings as set forth in Section 2.05.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person:

(1) any corporation or company a majority of whose capital stock with voting power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect directors is, at the date of determination, directly or indirectly, owned by such Person (a “ subsidiary ”), by one or more subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more subsidiaries of such Person;

(2) a partnership in which such Person or a subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a general partner of such partnership; or

 

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(3) any partnership, limited liability company or other Person in which such Person, a subsidiary of such Person or such Person and one or more subsidiaries of such Person, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, have (x) at least a majority ownership interest or (y) the power to elect or appoint or direct the election or appointment of the managing partner or member of such Person or, if applicable, a majority of the directors or other governing body of such Person.

Trustee ” means U.S. Bank National Association, and, subject to the provisions of Article Seven, shall also include its successors and assigns, and, if at any time there is more than one Person acting in such capacity hereunder, “Trustee” shall mean each such Person. The term “Trustee” as used with respect to a particular series of the Securities shall mean the trustee with respect to that series.

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

ARTICLE 2

ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION, REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES

Section  2.01 Designation and Terms of Securities .

(a) The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued in one or more series up to the aggregate principal amount of Securities of that series from time to time authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or pursuant to one or more indentures supplemental hereto. Prior to the initial issuance of Securities of any series, there shall be established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto:

(1) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of that series from all other Securities);

(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of that series);

(3) the date or dates on which the principal of the Securities of the series is payable;

(4) if the price (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount thereof) at which such Securities will be issued is a price other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount thereof payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, or if applicable, the portion of the principal amount of such Securities that is convertible into another security or the method by which any such portion shall be determined;

(5) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest or the manner of calculation of such rate or rates, if any;

(6) the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest will be payable or the manner of determination of such Interest Payment Dates, the place(s) of payment, and the record date for the determination of holders to whom interest is payable on any such Interest Payment Dates or the manner of determination of such record dates;

(7) the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of such extension;

(8) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series may be redeemed, converted or exchanged, in whole or in part;

 

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(9) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund, mandatory redemption, or analogous provisions (including payments made in cash in satisfaction of future sinking fund obligations) or at the option of a holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

(10) the form of the Securities of the series including the form of the Certificate of Authentication for such series;

(11) if other than denominations of one thousand U.S. dollars ($1,000) or any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which the Securities of the series shall be issuable;

(12) any and all other terms (including terms, to the extent applicable, relating to any auction or remarketing of the Securities of that series and any security for the obligations of the Company with respect to such Securities) with respect to such series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the terms of this Indenture, as amended by any supplemental indenture) including any terms which may be required by or advisable under United States laws or regulations or advisable in connection with the marketing of Securities of that series;

(13) whether the Securities of the series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of a Global Security or Securities; the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such Global Security or Securities may be exchanged in whole or in part for other individual Securities; and the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities;

(14) whether the Securities will be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock, preferred stock or other securities of the Company or any other Person and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be so convertible or exchangeable, including the conversion or exchange price, as applicable, or how it will be calculated and may be adjusted, any mandatory or optional (at the Company’s option or the holders’ option) conversion or exchange features, and the applicable conversion or exchange period;

(15) if other than the full principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01;

(16) any additional or alternative events of default;

(17) additional or alternative covenants (which may include, among other restrictions, restrictions on the Company’s ability or the ability of the Company’s Subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness; issue additional securities; create liens; pay dividends or make distributions in respect of the capital stock of the Company or the Company’s Subsidiaries; redeem capital stock; place restrictions on the Company’s Subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, make distributions or transfer assets; make investments or other restricted payments; sell or otherwise dispose of assets; enter into sale-leaseback transactions; engage in transactions with stockholders or affiliates; issue or sell stock of the Company’s Subsidiaries; or effect a consolidation or merger) or financial covenants (which may include, among other financial covenants, financial covenants that require the Company and its Subsidiaries to maintain specified interest coverage, fixed charge, cash flow-based, asset-based or other financial ratios) provided for with respect to the Securities of the series;

(18) the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Securities shall be payable (if other than the currency of the United States of America), which unless otherwise specified shall be the currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public or private debts;

(19) if the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on such Securities is to be payable, at the election of the Company or any Holder thereof, in a coin or currency other than that in which such Securities are stated to be payable, then the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made;

 

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(20) whether interest will be payable in cash or additional Securities at the Company’s or the Securityholders’ option and the terms and conditions upon which the election may be made;

(21) the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the Company shall pay amounts in addition to the stated interest, premium, if any and principal amounts of the Securities of the series to any Securityholder that is not a “United States person” for federal tax purposes;

(22) additional or alternative provisions, if any, related to defeasance and discharge of the offered Securities;

(23) the applicability of any guarantees;

(24) any restrictions on transfer, sale or assignment of the Securities of the series; and

(25) any other terms of the series.

All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to any such Board Resolution or in any indentures supplemental hereto.

If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution of the Company, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officer’s Certificate of the Company setting forth the terms of the series.

Securities of any particular series may be issued at various times, with different dates on which the principal or any installment of principal is payable, with different rates of interest, if any, or different methods by which rates of interest may be determined, with different dates on which such interest may be payable and with different redemption dates.

Section  2.02 Form  of Securities and Trustee’s Certificate .

The Securities of any series and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication to be borne by such Securities shall be substantially of the tenor and purport as set forth in one or more indentures supplemental hereto or as provided in a Board Resolution, and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, and they may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or designation and such legends or endorsements printed, lithographed or engraved thereon as the Company may deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any securities exchange on which Securities of that series may be listed, or to conform to usage.

Section  2.03 Denominations: Provisions for Payment .

The Securities shall be issuable as registered Securities and in the denominations of one thousand U.S. dollars ($1,000) or any integral multiple thereof, subject to Section 2.01(a)(10). The Securities of a particular series shall bear interest payable on the dates and at the rate specified with respect to that series. Subject to Section 2.01(a)(16), the principal of and the interest on the Securities of any series, as well as any premium thereon in case of redemption thereof prior to maturity, shall be payable in the coin or currency of the United States of America that at the time is legal tender for public and private debt, at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication. Interest on the Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months.

The interest installment on any Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for Securities of that series shall be paid to the Person in whose name said Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest installment. In the event that any Security of a particular series or portion thereof is called for redemption and the redemption date is subsequent to a regular record date with respect to any Interest Payment Date and prior to such Interest Payment Date, interest on such Security will be paid upon presentation and surrender of such Security as provided in Section 3.03.

 

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Any interest on any Security that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for Securities of the same series (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered holder on the relevant regular record date by virtue of having been such holder; and such Defaulted Interest shall be paid by the Company, at its election, as provided in clause (1) or clause (2) below:

(1) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on Securities to the Persons in whose names such Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner: the Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each such Security and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall not be more than 15 nor less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such special record date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor to be mailed, first class postage prepaid, to each Securityholder at his or her address as it appears in the Security Register (as hereinafter defined), not less than 10 days prior to such special record date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor having been mailed as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names such Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered on such special record date.

(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on any Securities in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

Unless otherwise set forth in a Board Resolution or one or more indentures supplemental hereto establishing the terms of any series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof, the term “regular record date” as used in this Section with respect to a series of Securities and any Interest Payment Date for such series shall mean either the fifteenth day of the month immediately preceding the month in which an Interest Payment Date established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such Interest Payment Date is the first day of a month, or the first day of the month in which an Interest Payment Date established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such Interest Payment Date is the fifteenth day of a month, whether or not such date is a Business Day.

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security of a series delivered under this Indenture upon transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security of such series shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, that were carried by such other Security.

Section  2.04 Execution and Authentications .

The Securities shall be signed on behalf of the Company by one of its Officers. Signatures may be in the form of a manual or facsimile signature.

The Company may use the facsimile signature of any Person who shall have been an Officer, notwithstanding the fact that at the time the Securities shall be authenticated and delivered or disposed of such Person shall have ceased to be such an officer of the Company. The Securities may contain such notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication by the Trustee.

 

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A Security shall not be valid until authenticated manually by an authorized signatory of the Trustee, or by an Authenticating Agent. Such signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security so authenticated has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and that the holder is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a written order of the Company for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, signed by an Officer, and the Trustee in accordance with such written order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities.

In authenticating such Securities and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, if requested, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the form and terms thereof have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture.

The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner that is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

Section  2.05 Registration of Transfer and Exchange .

(a) Securities of any series may be exchanged upon presentation thereof at the office or agency of the Company designated for such purpose, for other Securities of such series of authorized denominations, and for a like aggregate principal amount, upon payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in relation thereto, all as provided in this Section. In respect of any Securities so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, the Trustee shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in exchange therefor the Security or Securities of the same series that the Securityholder making the exchange shall be entitled to receive, bearing numbers not contemporaneously outstanding.

(b) The Company shall keep, or cause to be kept, at its office or agency designated for such purpose a register or registers (herein referred to as the “Security Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall register the Securities and the transfers of Securities as in this Article provided and which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Trustee. The registrar for the purpose of registering Securities and transfer of Securities as herein provided shall be appointed as authorized by Board Resolution (the “Security Registrar”).

Upon surrender for transfer of any Security at the office or agency of the Company designated for such purpose, the Company shall execute, the Trustee shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a new Security or Securities of the same series as the Security presented for a like aggregate principal amount.

All Securities presented or surrendered for exchange or registration of transfer, as provided in this Section, shall be accompanied (if so required by the Company or the Security Registrar) by a written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Company or the Security Registrar, duly executed by the registered holder or by such holder’s duly authorized attorney in writing.

(c) Except as provided pursuant to Section 2.01 pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental to this Indenture, no service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of Securities, or issue of new Securities in case of partial redemption of any series, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in relation thereto, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 2.06, Section 3.03(b) and Section 9.04 not involving any transfer.

(d) The Company shall not be required (i) to issue, exchange or register the transfer of any Securities during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of less than all the Outstanding Securities of the same series and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, nor (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Securities of any series or portions thereof called for redemption, other than the unredeemed portion of any such Securities being redeemed in part. The provisions of this Section 2.05 are, with respect to any Global Security, subject to Section 2.11 hereof.

 

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The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Security (including any transfers between or among depositary participants or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Security) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

Section  2.06 Temporary Securities .

Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and, upon receipt of written order of the Company, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities (printed, lithographed or typewritten) of any authorized denomination. Such temporary Securities shall be substantially in the form of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued, but with such omissions, insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Securities, all as may be determined by the Company. Every temporary Security of any series shall be executed by the Company and be authenticated by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with like effect, as the definitive Securities of such series. Without unnecessary delay the Company will execute and will furnish definitive Securities of such series and thereupon any or all temporary Securities of such series may be surrendered in exchange therefor (without charge to the holders), at the office or agency of the Company designated for the purpose, and the Trustee shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in exchange for such temporary Securities an equal aggregate principal amount of definitive Securities of such series, unless the Company advises the Trustee to the effect that definitive Securities need not be executed and furnished until further notice from the Company. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of such series shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series authenticated and delivered hereunder.

Section  2.07 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities .

In case any temporary or definitive Security shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company (subject to the next succeeding sentence) shall execute, and upon receipt of a written order of the Company’s request the Trustee (subject as aforesaid) shall authenticate and deliver, a new Security of the same series, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the mutilated Security, or in lieu of and in substitution for the Security so destroyed, lost or stolen. In every case the applicant for a substituted Security shall furnish to the Company and the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless, and, in every case of mutilation, destruction, loss or theft, the applicant shall also furnish to the Company and the Trustee evidence to their satisfaction of the mutilation, destruction, loss or theft of the applicant’s Security and of the ownership thereof. The Trustee may authenticate any such substituted Security and deliver the same upon the written request or authorization of any officer of the Company. Upon the issuance of any substituted Security, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

In case any Security that has matured or is about to mature shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company may, instead of issuing a substitute Security, pay or authorize the payment of the same (without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated Security) if the applicant for such payment shall furnish to the Company and the Trustee such security or indemnity as they may require to save them harmless, and, in case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence to the satisfaction of the Company and the Trustee of the mutilation, destruction, loss or theft of such Security and of the ownership thereof.

Every replacement Security issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall constitute an additional contractual obligation of the Company whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be found at any time, or be enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of the same series duly issued hereunder. All Securities shall be held and owned upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities, and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) any and all other rights or remedies, notwithstanding any law or statute existing or hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the replacement or payment of negotiable instruments or other securities without their surrender.

 

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Section  2.08 Cancellation .

All Securities surrendered for the purpose of payment, redemption, exchange or registration of transfer shall, if surrendered to the Company or any paying agent, be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, or, if surrendered to the Trustee, shall be cancelled by it, and no Securities shall be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly required or permitted by any of the provisions of this Indenture. On request of the Company at the time of such surrender, the Trustee shall deliver to the Company canceled Securities held by the Trustee. In the absence of such request the Trustee may dispose of canceled Securities in accordance with its standard procedures and, on request of the Company, deliver a certificate of disposition to the Company. If the Company shall otherwise acquire any of the Securities, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

Section  2.09 Benefits of Indenture .

Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give or be construed to give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and the holders of the Securities any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Indenture, or under any covenant, condition or provision herein contained; all such covenants, conditions and provisions being for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and of the holders of the Securities.

Section  2.10 Authenticating Agent .

So long as any of the Securities of any series remain Outstanding there may be an Authenticating Agent for any or all such series of Securities which the Trustee shall have the right to appoint. Said Authenticating Agent shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon exchange, transfer or partial redemption thereof, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. All references in this Indenture to the authentication of Securities by the Trustee shall be deemed to include authentication by an Authenticating Agent for such series. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall be a corporation that has a combined capital and surplus, as most recently reported or determined by it, sufficient under the laws of any jurisdiction under which it is organized or in which it is doing business to conduct a trust business, and that is otherwise authorized under such laws to conduct such business and is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities. If at any time any Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with these provisions, it shall resign immediately.

Any Authenticating Agent may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time (and upon request by the Company shall) terminate the agency of any Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon resignation, termination or cessation of eligibility of any Authenticating Agent, the Trustee may appoint an eligible successor Authenticating Agent acceptable to the Company. Any successor Authenticating Agent, upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder, shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent pursuant hereto.

Section  2.11 Global Securities .

(a) If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 2.01 that the Securities of a particular series are to be issued as a Global Security, then the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 2.04, authenticate and deliver, a Global Security that (i) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all of the Outstanding Securities of such series, (ii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, (iii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction and (iv) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect: “Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.11 of the Indenture, this Security may be transferred, in whole but not in part, only to another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor Depositary or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.”

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.05, the Global Security of a series may be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in Section 2.05, only to another nominee of the Depositary for such series, or to a successor Depositary for such series selected or approved by the Company or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.

 

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(c) If at any time the Depositary for a series of the Securities notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such series or if at any time the Depositary for such series shall no longer be registered or in good standing under the Exchange Act, or other applicable statute or regulation, and a successor Depositary for such series is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such condition, as the case may be, or if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Company has received a request from the Depositary or from the Trustee, this Section 2.11 shall no longer be applicable to the Securities of such series and the Company will execute, and subject to Section 2.04, the Trustee will authenticate and deliver the Securities of such series in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security of such series in exchange for such Global Security. In addition, the Company may at any time determine that the Securities of any series shall no longer be represented by a Global Security and that the provisions of this Section 2.11 shall no longer apply to the Securities of such series. In such event the Company will execute and, subject to Section 2.04, the Trustee, upon receipt of an Officer’s Certificate evidencing such determination by the Company, will authenticate and deliver the Securities of such series in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security of such series in exchange for such Global Security. Upon the exchange of the Global Security for such Securities in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, the Global Security shall be canceled by the Trustee. Such Securities in definitive registered form issued in exchange for the Global Security pursuant to this Section 2.11(c) shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee. The Trustee shall deliver such Securities to the Depositary for delivery to the Persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.

ARTICLE 3

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES AND SINKING FUND PROVISIONS

Section  3.01 Redemption .

The Company may redeem the Securities of any series issued hereunder on and after the dates and in accordance with the terms established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof.

Section  3.02 Notice of Redemption .

(a) In case the Company shall desire to exercise such right to redeem all or, as the case may be, a portion of the Securities of any series in accordance with any right the Company reserved for itself to do so pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof, the Company shall, or shall cause the Trustee to, give notice of such redemption to holders of the Securities of such series to be redeemed by mailing, first class postage prepaid, a notice of such redemption not less than 30 days and not more than 90 days before the date fixed for redemption of that series to such holders at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the Security Register, unless a shorter period is specified in the Securities to be redeemed. Any notice that is mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the registered holder receives the notice. In any case, failure duly to give such notice to the holder of any Security of any series designated for redemption in whole or in part, or any defect in the notice, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Securities of such series or any other series. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officer’s Certificate evidencing compliance with any such restriction.

Each such notice of redemption shall specify the date fixed for redemption and the redemption price at which Securities of that series are to be redeemed, and shall state that payment of the redemption price of such Securities to be redeemed will be made at the office or agency of the Company, upon presentation and surrender of such Securities, that interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption will be paid as specified in said notice, that from and after said date interest will cease to accrue and that the redemption is from a sinking fund, if such is the case. If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the notice to the holders of Securities of that series to be redeemed in part shall specify the particular Securities to be so redeemed.

 

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In case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, the notice that relates to such Security shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed, and shall state that on and after the redemption date, upon surrender of such Security, a new Security or Securities of such series in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued.

(b) If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Company shall give the Trustee at least 45 days’ notice (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) in advance of the date fixed for redemption as to the aggregate principal amount of Securities of the series to be redeemed, and thereupon the Trustee shall select, by lot or in such other manner as it shall deem appropriate and fair in its discretion and that may provide for the selection of a portion or portions (equal to one thousand U.S. dollars ($1,000) or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of such Securities of a denomination larger than $1,000, the Securities to be redeemed and shall thereafter promptly notify the Company in writing of the numbers of the Securities to be redeemed, in whole or in part. The Company may, if and whenever it shall so elect, by delivery of instructions signed on its behalf by an Officer, instruct the Trustee or any paying agent to call all or any part of the Securities of a particular series for redemption and to give notice of redemption in the manner set forth in this Section, such notice to be in the name of the Company or its own name as the Trustee or such paying agent may deem advisable. In any case in which notice of redemption is to be given by the Trustee or any such paying agent, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to, or permit to remain with, the Trustee or such paying agent, as the case may be, such Security Register, transfer books or other records, or suitable copies or extracts therefrom, sufficient to enable the Trustee or such paying agent to give any notice by mail that may be required under the provisions of this Section.

Section  3.03 Payment Upon Redemption .

(a) If the giving of notice of redemption shall have been completed as above provided, the Securities or portions of Securities of the series to be redeemed specified in such notice shall become due and payable on the date and at the place stated in such notice at the applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption and interest on such Securities or portions of Securities shall cease to accrue on and after the date fixed for redemption, unless the Company shall default in the payment of such redemption price and accrued interest with respect to any such Security or portion thereof. On presentation and surrender of such Securities on or after the date fixed for redemption at the place of payment specified in the notice, said Securities shall be paid and redeemed at the applicable redemption price for such series, together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption (but if the date fixed for redemption is an interest payment date, the interest installment payable on such date shall be payable to the registered holder at the close of business on the applicable record date pursuant to Section 2.03).

(b) Upon presentation of any Security of such series that is to be redeemed in part only, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and the office or agency where the Security is presented shall deliver to the holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new Security of the same series of authorized denominations in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Security so presented.

Section  3.04 Sinking Fund .

The provisions of Sections 3.04, 3.05 and 3.06 shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series, except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01 for Securities of such series.

The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment,” and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment”. If provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 3.05. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities of such series.

 

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Section  3.05 Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities .

The Company (i) may deliver Outstanding Securities of a series and (ii) may apply as a credit Securities of a series that have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as provided for by the terms of such series, provided that such Securities have not been previously so credited. Such Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the redemption price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.

Section  3.06 Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund .

Not less than 45 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Securities (unless a shorter period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of the series, the portion thereof, if any, that is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities of that series pursuant to Section 3.05 and the basis for such credit and will, together with such Officer’s Certificate, deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Not less than 30 days before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 3.02 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 3.02. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Section 3.03.

ARTICLE 4

COVENANTS

Section  4.01 Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest .

The Company will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities of that series at the time and place and in the manner provided herein and established with respect to such Securities. Payments of principal on the Securities may be made at the time provided herein and established with respect to such Securities by U.S. dollar check drawn on and mailed to the address of the Securityholder entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register, or U.S. dollar wire transfer to, a U.S. dollar account if such Securityholder shall have furnished wire instructions to the Trustee no later than 15 days prior to the relevant payment date. Payments of interest on the Securities may be made at the time provided herein and established with respect to such Securities by U.S. dollar check mailed to the address of the Securityholder entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register, or U.S. dollar wire transfer to, a U.S. dollar account if such Securityholder shall have furnished wire instructions in writing to the Security Registrar and the Trustee no later than 15 days prior to the relevant payment date.

Section  4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency .

So long as any series of the Securities remain Outstanding, the Company agrees to maintain an office or agency with respect to each such series and at such other location or locations as may be designated as provided in this Section 4.02, where (i) Securities of that series may be presented for payment, (ii) Securities of that series may be presented as herein above authorized for registration of transfer and exchange, and (iii) notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be given or served, such designation to continue with respect to such office or agency until the Company shall, by written notice signed by any officer authorized to sign an Officer’s Certificate and delivered to the Trustee, designate some other office or agency for such purposes or any of them. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, notices and demands. The Company initially appoints the Trustee at its applicable Corporate Trust Office as its paying agent with respect to the Securities.

 

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Section  4.03 Paying Agents .

(a) If the Company shall appoint one or more paying agents for all or any series of the Securities, other than the Trustee, the Company will cause each such paying agent to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section:

(1) that it will hold all sums held by it as such agent for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the Securities of that series (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Company or by any other obligor of such Securities) in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto;

(2) that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Company (or by any other obligor of such Securities) to make any payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the Securities of that series when the same shall be due and payable;

(3) that it will, at any time during the continuance of any failure referred to in the preceding paragraph (a)(2) above, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such paying agent; and

(4) that it will perform all other duties of paying agent as set forth in this Indenture.

(b) If the Company shall act as its own paying agent with respect to any series of the Securities, it will on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on Securities of that series, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay such principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming due on Securities of that series until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of such action, or any failure (by it or any other obligor on such Securities) to take such action. Whenever the Company shall have one or more paying agents for any series of Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with the paying agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium or interest, and (unless such paying agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of this action or failure so to act.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, (i) the agreement to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section is subject to the provisions of Section 11.05, and (ii) the Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or direct any paying agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such paying agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same terms and conditions as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such paying agent; and, upon such payment by the Company or any paying agent to the Trustee, the Company or such paying agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.

Section  4.04 Appointment to Fill Vacancy in Office of Trustee .

The Company, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office of Trustee, will appoint, in the manner provided in Section 7.10, a Trustee, so that there shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder.

Section  4.05 Compliance with Consolidation Provisions .

The Company will not, while any of the Securities remain Outstanding, consolidate with or merge into any other Person, in either case where the Company is not the survivor of such transaction, or sell or convey all or substantially all of its property to any other Person unless the provisions of Article Ten hereof are complied with.

 

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ARTICLE 5

SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE

Section  5.01 Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Securityholders .

The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee (a) within 15 days after each regular record date (as defined in Section 2.03) a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the holders of each series of Securities as of such regular record date, provided that the Company shall not be obligated to furnish or cause to furnish such list at any time that the list shall not differ in any respect from the most recent list furnished to the Trustee by the Company and (b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished; provided, however, that, in either case, no such list need be furnished for any series for which the Trustee shall be the Security Registrar.

Section  5.02 Preservation Of Information; Communications With Securityholders .

(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the holders of Securities contained in the most recent list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 and as to the names and addresses of holders of Securities received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar (if acting in such capacity).

(b) The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

(c) Securityholders may communicate as provided in Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and, in connection with any such communications, the Trustee shall satisfy its obligations under Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the provisions of Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section  5.03 Reports by the Company .

(a) The Company covenants and agrees to provide (which delivery may be via electronic mail) to the Trustee within 30 days, after the Company files the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company is required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, the Company shall not be required to deliver to the Trustee any materials for which the Company has sought and received confidential treatment by the Commission; and provided further, that so long as such filings by the Company are available on the Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (EDGAR), or Interactive Data Electronic Applications (IDEA), or any successor system, such filings shall be deemed to have been filed with the Trustee for purposes hereof without any further action required by the Company; provided that an electronic link to such filing, together with an electronic notice of such filing have been sent to the Trustee. For the avoidance of doubt, a failure by the Company to file annual reports, information and other reports with the SEC within the time period prescribed thereof by the Commission shall not be deemed a breach of this Section 5.03.

(b) Delivery of reports, information and documents to the Trustee under Section 5.03 is for informational purposes only and the information and the Trustee’s receipt of the foregoing shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein, or determinable from information contained therein including the Company’s compliance with any of their covenants thereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on an Officer’s Certificate).

Section  5.04 Reports by the Trustee .

(a) If required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee, within sixty (60) days after each May 1, shall transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Securityholders, as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register, a brief report dated as of such May 1, which complies with Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.

(b) The Trustee shall comply with Section 313(b) and 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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(c) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Securityholders, be filed by the Trustee with the Company, with each securities exchange upon which any Securities are listed (if so listed) and also with the Commission. The Company agrees to notify the Trustee when any Securities become listed on any securities exchange.

ARTICLE 6

REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT

Section  6.01 Events of Default .

(a) Whenever used herein with respect to Securities of a particular series, “Event of Default” means any one or more of the following events that has occurred and is continuing:

(1) the Company defaults in the payment of any installment of interest upon any of the Securities of that series, as and when the same shall become due and payable, and such default continues for a period of 90 days; provided, however, that a valid extension of an interest payment period by the Company in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental hereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of interest for this purpose;

(2) the Company defaults in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any of the Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable whether at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise, or in any payment required by any sinking or analogous fund established with respect to that series; provided, however, that a valid extension of the maturity of such Securities in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental hereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any;

(3) the Company fails to observe or perform any other of its covenants or agreements with respect to that series contained in this Indenture or otherwise established with respect to that series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof (other than a covenant or agreement that has been expressly included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of Securities other than such series) for a period of 90 days after the date on which written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder, shall have been given to the Company by the Trustee, by registered or certified mail, or to the Company and the Trustee by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Securities of that series at the time Outstanding;

(4) the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law (i) commences a voluntary case, (ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case, (iii) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property or (iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or

(5) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order under any Bankruptcy Law that (i) is for relief against the Company in an involuntary case, (ii) appoints a Custodian of the Company for all or substantially all of its property or (iii) orders the liquidation of the Company, and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days.

(b) In each and every such case (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (4) or clause (5) above), unless the principal of all the Securities of that series shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by such Securityholders), may declare the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become and shall be immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in clause (4) or clause (5) above occurs, the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Securities of that series shall automatically be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or the holders of the Securities.

 

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(c) At any time after the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and accrued and unpaid interest on the Securities of that series shall have been so declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the payment of the moneys due shall have been obtained or entered as hereinafter provided, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if: (i) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest upon all the Securities of that series and the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any and all Securities of that series that shall have become due otherwise than by acceleration (with interest upon such principal and premium, if any, and, to the extent that such payment is enforceable under applicable law, upon overdue installments of interest, at the rate per annum expressed in the Securities of that series to the date of such payment or deposit) and the amount payable to the Trustee under Section 7.06, and (ii) any and all Events of Default under the Indenture with respect to such series, other than the nonpayment of principal on (and premium, if any, on) and accrued and unpaid interest on Securities of that series that shall not have become due by their terms, shall have been remedied or waived as provided in Section 6.06.

No such rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

(d) In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right with respect to Securities of that series under this Indenture and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned because of such rescission or annulment or for any other reason or shall have been determined adversely to the Trustee, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceedings, the Company and the Trustee shall be restored respectively to their former positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Company and the Trustee shall continue as though no such proceedings had been taken.

Section  6.02 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee .

(a) The Company covenants that (i) in case it shall default in the payment of any installment of interest on any of the Securities of a series, or in any payment required by any sinking or analogous fund established with respect to that series as and when the same shall have become due and payable, and such default shall have continued for a period of 90 days, or (ii) in case it shall default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any of the Securities of a series when the same shall have become due and payable, whether upon maturity of the Securities of a series or upon redemption or upon declaration or otherwise then, upon demand of the Trustee, the Company will pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Securities of that series, the whole amount that then shall have been become due and payable on all such Securities for principal (and premium, if any) or interest, or both, as the case may be, with interest upon the overdue principal (and premium, if any) and (to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) upon overdue installments of interest at the rate per annum expressed in the Securities of that series; and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, and the amount payable to the Trustee under Section 7.06.

(b) If the Company shall fail to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any such action or proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Company or other obligor upon the Securities of that series and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law or equity out of the property of the Company or other obligor upon the Securities of that series, wherever situated.

(c) In case of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or judicial proceedings affecting the Company, or its creditors or property, the Trustee shall have power to intervene in such proceedings and take any action therein that may be permitted by the court and shall (except as may be otherwise provided by law) be entitled to file such proofs of claim and other papers and documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and of the holders of Securities of such series allowed for the entire amount due and payable by the Company under the Indenture at the date of institution of such proceedings and for any additional amount that may become due and payable by the Company after such date, and to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claim, and to distribute the same after the deduction of the amount payable to the Trustee under Section 7.06; and any receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization is hereby authorized by each of the holders of Securities of such series to make such payments to the Trustee, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to such Securityholders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it under Section 7.06.

 

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(d) All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the terms established with respect to Securities of that series, may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of such Securities, or the production thereof at any trial or other proceeding relative thereto, and any such suit or proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for payment to the Trustee of any amounts due under Section 7.06, be for the ratable benefit of the holders of the Securities of such series.

In case of an Event of Default hereunder, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any of such rights, either at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in the Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture, or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.

Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Securityholder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities of that series or the rights of any holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Securityholder in any such proceeding.

Section  6.03 Application of Moneys Collected .

Any moneys collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article with respect to a particular series of Securities shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such moneys on account of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, upon presentation of the Securities of that series, and notation thereon of the payment, if only partially paid, and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

FIRST: To the payment of reasonable costs and expenses of collection and of all amounts payable to the Trustee under Section 7.06;

SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon Securities of such series for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, respectively; and

THIRD: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company or any other Person lawfully entitled thereto.

Section  6.04 Limitation on Suits .

No holder of any Security of any series shall have any right by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any suit, action or proceeding in equity or at law upon or under or with respect to this Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless (i) such holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof with respect to the Securities of such series specifying such Event of Default, as hereinbefore provided; (ii) the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series then Outstanding shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action, suit or proceeding in its own name as Trustee hereunder; (iii) such holder or holders shall have offered to the Trustee such reasonable indemnity as it may require against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby; (iv) the Trustee for 90 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity, shall have failed to institute any such action, suit or proceeding and (v) during such 90 day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of that series do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

 

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Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary or any other provisions of this Indenture, the right of any holder of any Security to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such Security, as therein provided, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Security (or in the case of redemption, on the redemption date), or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates or redemption date, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such holder and by accepting a Security hereunder it is expressly understood, intended and covenanted by the taker and holder of every Security of such series with every other such taker and holder and the Trustee, that no one or more holders of Securities of such series shall have any right in any manner whatsoever by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of the holders of any other of such Securities, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such holder, or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all holders of Securities of such series. For the protection and enforcement of the provisions of this Section, each and every Securityholder and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in equity.

Section  6.05 Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver .

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.07, all powers and remedies given by this Article to the Trustee or to the Securityholders shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any other powers and remedies available to the Trustee or the holders of the Securities, by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to enforce the performance or observance of the covenants and agreements contained in this Indenture or otherwise established with respect to such Securities.

(b) No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any holder of any of the Securities to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Event of Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall impair any such right or power, or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such default or an acquiescence therein; and, subject to the provisions of Section 6.04, every power and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or the Securityholders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Securityholders.

Section  6.06 Control by Securityholders .

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding, determined in accordance with Section 8.04, shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to such series; provided, however, that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture or subject the Trustee in its sole discretion to personal liability. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee in good faith shall, by a Responsible Officer or officers of the Trustee, determine that the proceeding so directed, subject to the Trustee’s duties under the Trust Indenture Act, would involve the Trustee in personal liability or might be unduly prejudicial to the Securityholders not involved in the proceeding. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding affected thereby, determined in accordance with Section 8.04, may on behalf of the holders of all of the Securities of such series waive any past default in the performance of any of the covenants contained herein or established pursuant to Section 2.01 with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any of the Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due by the terms of such Securities otherwise than by acceleration (unless such default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal and any premium has been deposited with the Trustee (in accordance with Section 6.01(c)). Upon any such waiver, the default covered thereby shall be deemed to be cured for all purposes of this Indenture and the Company, the Trustee and the holders of the Securities of such series shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, respectively; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

Section  6.07 Undertaking to Pay Costs .

All parties to this Indenture agree, and each holder of any Securities by such holder’s acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the

 

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filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Securityholder, or group of Securityholders, holding more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Securityholder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Security of such series, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Security or established pursuant to this Indenture.

ARTICLE 7

CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

Section  7.01 Certain Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee .

(a) The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a series and after the curing of all Events of Default with respect to the Securities of that series that may have occurred, shall undertake to perform with respect to the Securities of such series such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. In case an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a series has occurred (that has not been cured or waived), the Trustee shall exercise with respect to Securities of that series such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

(b) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:

(i) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a series and after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default with respect to that series that may have occurred:

(A) the duties and obligations of the Trustee shall with respect to the Securities of such series be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to the Securities of such series except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

(B) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may with respect to the Securities of such series conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts, statements, opinions or conclusions stated therein);

(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;

(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the holders of not less than a majority (or such lesser amount as may be permitted by the Indenture, in principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of that series; and

(iv) none of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if there is reasonable ground for believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the terms of this Indenture or adequate indemnity against such risk is not reasonably assured to it.

 

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Section  7.02 Certain Rights of Trustee .

Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01:

(a) The Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, security or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

(b) Any request, direction, order or demand of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution or an instrument signed in the name of the Company by any authorized officer of the Company (unless other evidence in respect thereof is specifically prescribed herein);

(c) The Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or, if requested, any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

(d) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Securityholders pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that may be incurred therein or thereby;

(e) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;

(f) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, security, or other papers or documents, unless requested in writing so to do by the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of the particular series affected thereby (determined as provided in Section 8.04); provided, however, that if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require reasonable indemnity against such costs, expenses or liabilities as a condition to so proceeding. The reasonable expense of every such examination shall be paid by the Company or, if paid by the Trustee, shall be repaid by the Company upon demand;

(g) The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder;

(h) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances;

 

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(i) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action; and

(j) The Trustee agrees to accept and act upon instructions or directions pursuant to this Indenture sent by unsecured e-mail, facsimile transmission or other similar unsecured electronic methods; provided, however, that (a) the party providing such written instructions, subsequent to such transmission of written instructions, shall provide the originally executed instructions or directions to the Trustee in a timely manner, and (b) such originally executed instructions or directions shall be signed by an authorized representative of the party providing such instructions or directions. If the party elects to give the Trustee e-mail or facsimile instructions (or instructions by a similar electronic method) and the Trustee in its discretion elects to act upon such instructions, the Trustee’s understanding of such instructions shall be deemed controlling. The Trustee shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s reliance upon and compliance with such instructions notwithstanding such instructions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction. The party providing electronic instructions agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of such electronic methods to submit instructions and directions to the Trustee, including without limitation the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized instructions, and the risk or interception and misuse by third parties.

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

(l) The permissive right of the Trustee to take or refrain from taking action hereunder shall not be construed as a duty.

In addition, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default until the Trustee shall have received written notification in the manner set forth in this Indenture or a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have obtained actual knowledge.

Section  7.03 Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance or Securities .

(a) The recitals contained herein and in the Securities shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same.

(b) The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities.

(c) The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of any of the Securities or of the proceeds of such Securities, or for the use or application of any moneys paid over by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture or established pursuant to Section 2.01, or for the use or application of any moneys received by any paying agent other than the Trustee.

Section  7.04 May  Hold Securities .

The Trustee or any paying agent or Security Registrar, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, paying agent or Security Registrar.

Section  7.05 Moneys Held in Trust .

Subject to the provisions of Section 11.05, all moneys received by the Trustee shall, until used or applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received, but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any moneys received by it hereunder except such as it may agree with the Company to pay thereon.

Section  7.06 Compensation and Reimbursement .

(a) The Company covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee, and the Trustee shall be entitled to, such reasonable compensation (which shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust) as the Company and the Trustee may from time to time agree in writing, for all services rendered by it in the execution of the trusts hereby created and in the exercise and performance of any of the powers and duties hereunder of the Trustee, and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Company will pay or reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by

 

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the Trustee in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its counsel and of all Persons not regularly in its employ), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may arise from its negligence or bad faith and except as the Company and Trustee may from time to time agree in writing. The Company also covenants to indemnify the Trustee (and its officers, agents, directors and employees) for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee and arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust, including the reasonable costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim of liability in the premises.

(b) The obligations of the Company under this Section to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder. Such additional indebtedness shall be secured by a lien prior to that of the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the benefit of the holders of particular Securities.

(c) To ensure the Company’s payment obligations in this Section, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities on all funds or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal of or interest on particular Securities. When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(4) or (5), the expenses (including the reasonable fees and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for services in connection therewith are to constitute expenses of administration under any bankruptcy law. The provisions of this Section 7.06 shall survive the termination of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.

Section  7.07 Reliance on Officer’s Certificate .

Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01, whenever in the administration of the provisions of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it reasonably necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering or omitting to take any action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee and such certificate, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith thereof.

Section  7.08 Disqualification; Conflicting Interests .

If the Trustee has or shall acquire any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee and the Company shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section  7.09 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility .

There shall at all times be a Trustee with respect to the Securities issued hereunder which shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or any state or territory thereof or of the District of Columbia, or a corporation or other Person permitted to act as trustee by the Commission, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least fifty million U.S. dollars ($50,000,000), and subject to supervision or examination by federal, state, territorial, or District of Columbia authority.

If such corporation or other Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation or other Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. The Company may not, nor may any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company, serve as Trustee. In case at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 7.10.

 

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Section  7.10 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor .

(a) The Trustee or any successor hereafter appointed may at any time resign with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company and by transmitting notice of resignation by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Securityholders of such series, as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor trustee with respect to Securities of such series by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and one copy to the successor trustee. If no successor trustee shall have been so appointed and have accepted appointment within 30 days after the mailing of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to Securities of such series, or any Securityholder of that series who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or Securities for at least six months may on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any such court for the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court may thereupon after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, appoint a successor trustee.

(b) In case at any time any one of the following shall occur:

(i) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of Section 7.08 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Securityholder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or Securities for at least six months; or

(ii) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.09 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Securityholder; or

(iii) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting, or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or commence a voluntary bankruptcy proceeding, or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or consented to, or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation;

then, in any such case, the Company may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities and appoint a successor trustee by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so removed and one copy to the successor trustee, or any Securityholder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or Securities for at least six months may, on behalf of that holder and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court may thereupon after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee.

(c) The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding may at any time remove the Trustee with respect to such series by so notifying the Trustee and the Company and may appoint a successor Trustee for such series with the consent of the Company.

(d) Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor trustee with respect to the Securities of a series pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section shall become effective upon acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee as provided in Section 7.11.

(e) Any successor trustee appointed pursuant to this Section may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more series or all of such series, and at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series.

Section  7.11 Acceptance of Appointment By Successor .

(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor trustee all the rights, powers, and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.

 

 

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(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor trustee shall accept such appointment and which (i) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates, (ii) shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (iii) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust, that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee and that no Trustee shall be responsible for any act or failure to act on the part of any other Trustee hereunder; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein, such retiring Trustee shall with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates have no further responsibility for the exercise of rights and powers or for the performance of the duties and obligations vested in the Trustee under this Indenture, and each such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor trustee, to the extent contemplated by such supplemental indenture, the property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates.

(c) Upon request of any such successor trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.

(d) No successor trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.

(e) Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee as provided in this Section, the Company shall transmit notice of the succession of such trustee hereunder by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Securityholders, as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. If the Company fails to transmit such notice within ten days after acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee, the successor trustee shall cause such notice to be transmitted at the expense of the Company.

Section  7.12 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business .

Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate trust business of the Trustee, including the administration of the trust created by this Indenture, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided that such corporation shall be qualified under the provisions of Section 7.08 and eligible under the provisions of Section 7.09, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities.

 

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Section  7.13 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company .

The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, excluding any creditor relationship described in Section 311(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act to the extent included therein.

Section 7.14 Notice of Default

If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if such Event of Default is known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to each Securityholder in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act notice of the Event of Default within the earlier of 90 days after it occurs and 30 days after it is known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee or written notice of it is received by the Trustee, unless such Event of Default has been cured; provided, however , that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Security, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Securityholders.

ARTICLE 8

CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS

Section  8.01 Evidence of Action by Securityholders .

Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the holders of a majority or specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series may take any action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the fact that at the time of taking any such action the holders of such majority or specified percentage of that series have joined therein may be evidenced by any instrument or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by such holders of Securities of that series in person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing.

If the Company shall solicit from the Securityholders of any series any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, the Company may, at its option, as evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate, fix in advance a record date for such series for the determination of Securityholders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action may be given before or after the record date, but only the Securityholders of record at the close of business on the record date shall be deemed to be Securityholders for the purposes of determining whether Securityholders of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Securities of that series have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, and for that purpose the Outstanding Securities of that series shall be computed as of the record date; provided, however, that no such authorization, agreement or consent by such Securityholders on the record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than six months after the record date.

Section  8.02 Proof of Execution by Securityholders .

Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, proof of the execution of any instrument by a Securityholder (such proof will not require notarization) or his agent or proxy and proof of the holding by any Person of any of the Securities shall be sufficient if made in the following manner:

(a) The fact and date of the execution by any such Person of any instrument may be proved in any reasonable manner acceptable to the Trustee.

 

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(b) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register of such Securities or by a certificate of the Security Registrar thereof.

The Trustee may require such additional proof of any matter referred to in this Section as it shall deem necessary.

Section  8.03 Who May  Be Deemed Owners .

Prior to the due presentment for registration of transfer of any Security, the Company, the Trustee, any paying agent and any Security Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name such Security shall be registered upon the books of the Company as the absolute owner of such Security (whether or not such Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notice of ownership or writing thereon made by anyone other than the Security Registrar) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal of, premium, if any, and (subject to Section 2.03) interest on such Security and for all other purposes; and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any paying agent nor any Security Registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

Section  8.04 Certain Securities Owned by Company Disregarded .

In determining whether the holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Securities of a particular series have concurred in any direction, consent or waiver under this Indenture, the Securities of that series that are owned by the Company or any other obligor on the Securities of that series or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under common control with the Company or any other obligor on the Securities of that series shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination, except that for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, consent or waiver, only Securities of such series that the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. The Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding for the purposes of this Section, if the pledgee shall establish to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not a Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company or any such other obligor. In case of a dispute as to such right, any decision by the Trustee taken upon the advice of counsel shall be full protection to the Trustee.

Section  8.05 Actions Binding on Future Securityholders .

At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section 8.01, of the taking of any action by the holders of the majority or percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series specified in this Indenture in connection with such action, any holder of a Security of that series that is shown by the evidence to be included in the Securities the holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice with the Trustee, and upon proof of holding as provided in Section 8.02, revoke such action so far as concerns such Security. Except as aforesaid any such action taken by the holder of any Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all future holders and owners of such Security, and of any Security issued in exchange therefor, on registration of transfer thereof or in place thereof, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon such Security. Any action taken by the holders of the majority or percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series specified in this Indenture in connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the Company, the Trustee and the holders of all the Securities of that series.

ARTICLE 9

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

Section  9.01 Supplemental Indentures Without the Consent of Securityholders .

In addition to any supplemental indenture otherwise authorized by this Indenture, the Company and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect), without the consent of the Securityholders, for one or more of the following purposes:

 

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(a) to cure any ambiguity, defect, or inconsistency herein or in the Securities of any series;

(b) to comply with Article Ten;

(c) to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities;

(d) to add to the covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions relating to the Company for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series), to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and the continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an Event of Default, or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company;

(e) to add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations, and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, or purposes of issue, authentication, and delivery of Securities, as herein set forth;

(f) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Securityholder in any material respect;

(g) to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the Securities of any series as provided in Section 2.01, to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or any series of Securities, or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of Securities;

(h) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor trustee; or

(i) to comply with any requirements of the Commission or any successor in connection with the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Company in the execution of any such supplemental indenture, and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such supplemental indenture that affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section may be executed by the Company and the Trustee without the consent of the holders of any of the Securities at the time Outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 9.02.

Section  9.02 Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders .

With the consent (evidenced as provided in Section 8.01) of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture or indentures at the time Outstanding, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect) for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner not covered by Section 9.01 the rights of the holders of the Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the holders of each Security then Outstanding and affected thereby, (a) extend the fixed maturity of any Securities of any series, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the redemption thereof or (b) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Securities, the holders of which are required to consent to any such supplemental indenture.

 

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It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Securityholders of any series affected thereby under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.

Section  9.03 Effect of Supplemental Indentures .

Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of Section 10.01, this Indenture shall, with respect to such series, be and be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Company and the holders of Securities of the series affected thereby shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all the terms and conditions of any such supplemental indenture shall be and be deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.

Section  9.04 Securities Affected by Supplemental Indentures .

Securities of any series affected by a supplemental indenture, authenticated and delivered after the execution of such supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of Section 10.01, may bear a notation in form approved by the Company, provided such form meets the requirements of any securities exchange upon which such series may be listed, as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of that series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, to any modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may be prepared by the Company, authenticated by the Trustee and delivered in exchange for the Securities of that series then Outstanding.

Section  9.05 Execution of Supplemental Indentures .

Upon the request of the Company, accompanied by its Board Resolutions authorizing the execution of any such supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Securityholders required to consent thereto as aforesaid, the Trustee shall join with the Company in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion but shall not be obligated to enter into such supplemental indenture. The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, shall receive an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article is authorized or permitted by the terms of this Article and that all conditions precedent to the execution of the supplemental indenture have been complied with; provided, however, that such Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel need not be provided in connection with the execution of a supplemental indenture that establishes the terms of a series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof.

Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Company shall (or shall direct the Trustee to) transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, a notice, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture, to the Securityholders of all series affected thereby .as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. Any failure of the Company to mail, or cause the mailing of, such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture.

 

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ARTICLE 10

SUCCESSOR ENTITY

Section 10.01 Company May Consolidate, Etc.

Nothing contained in this Indenture shall prevent any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other Person (whether or not affiliated with the Company) or successive consolidations or mergers in which the Company or its successor or successors shall be a party or parties, or shall prevent any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of the property of the Company or its successor or successors as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, to any other corporation (whether or not affiliated with the Company or its successor or successors) authorized to acquire and operate the same; provided, however, (a) the Company hereby covenants and agrees that, upon any such consolidation or merger (in each case, if the Company is not the survivor of such transaction), sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, the due and punctual payment of the principal of (premium, if any) and interest on all of the Securities of all series in accordance with the terms of each series, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all the covenants and conditions of this Indenture with respect to each series or established with respect to such series pursuant to Section 2.01 to be kept or performed by the Company shall be expressly assumed, by supplemental indenture (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, as then in effect) reasonably satisfactory in form to the Trustee executed and delivered to the Trustee by the entity formed by such consolidation, or into which the Company shall have been merged, or by the entity which shall have acquired such property and (b) in the event that the Securities of any series then Outstanding are convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock or other securities of the Company, such entity shall, by such supplemental indenture, make provision so that the Securityholders of Securities of that series shall thereafter be entitled to receive upon conversion or exchange of such Securities the number of securities or property to which a holder of the number of shares of common stock or other securities of the Company deliverable upon conversion or exchange of those Securities would have been entitled had such conversion or exchange occurred immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition.

Section  10.02 Successor Entity Substituted .

(a) In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition and upon the assumption by the successor entity by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee and satisfactory in form to the Trustee, of the obligations set forth under Section 10.01 on all of the Securities of all series Outstanding, such successor entity shall succeed to and be substituted for the Company with the same effect as if it had been named as the Company herein, and thereupon the predecessor corporation shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.

(b) In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.

(c) Nothing contained in this Article shall require any action by the Company in the case of a consolidation or merger of any Person into the Company where the Company is the survivor of such transaction, or the acquisition by the Company, by purchase or otherwise, of all or any part of the property of any other Person (whether or not affiliated with the Company).

ARTICLE 11

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section  11.01 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture .

If at any time: (a) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all Securities of a series theretofore authenticated and not delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (other than any Securities that shall have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that shall have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.07 and Securities for whose payment money or Governmental Obligations have theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereupon repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 11.05); or (b) all such Securities of a particular series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption, and the Company shall deposit or cause to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds the entire amount in moneys or Governmental Obligations or a combination thereof, sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay at

 

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maturity or upon redemption all Securities of that series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including principal (and premium, if any) and interest due or to become due to such date of maturity or date fixed for redemption, as the case may be, and if the Company shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder with respect to such series by the Company then this Indenture shall thereupon cease to be of further effect with respect to such series except for the provisions of Sections 2.03, 2.05, 2.07, 4.01, 4.02, 4.03 and 7.10, that shall survive until the date of maturity or redemption date, as the case may be, and Sections 7.06 and 11.05, that shall survive to such date and thereafter, and the Trustee, on demand of the Company and at the cost and expense of the Company shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction of and discharging this Indenture with respect to such series.

Section  11.02 Discharge of Obligations .

If at any time all such Securities of a particular series not heretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or that have not become due and payable as described in Section 11.01 shall have been paid by the Company by depositing irrevocably with the Trustee as trust funds moneys or an amount of Governmental Obligations sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all such Securities of that series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including principal (and premium, if any) and interest due or to become due to such date of maturity or date fixed for redemption, as the case may be, and if the Company shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company with respect to such series, then after the date such moneys or Governmental Obligations, as the case may be, are deposited with the Trustee the obligations of the Company under this Indenture with respect to such series shall cease to be of further effect except for the provisions of Sections 2.03, 2.05, 2.07, 4,01, 4.02, 4,03, 7.06, 7.10 and 11.05 hereof that shall survive until such Securities shall mature and be paid.

Thereafter, Sections 7.06 and 11.05 shall survive.

Section  11.03 Deposited Moneys to be Held in Trust .

All moneys or Governmental Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Sections 11.01 or 11.02 shall be held in trust and shall be available for payment as due, either directly or through any paying agent (including the Company acting as its own paying agent), to the holders of the particular series of Securities for the payment or redemption of which such moneys or Governmental Obligations have been deposited with the Trustee.

Section  11.04 Payment of Moneys Held by Paying Agents .

In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture all moneys or Governmental Obligations then held by any paying agent under the provisions of this Indenture shall, upon demand of the Company, be paid to the Trustee and thereupon such paying agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys or Governmental Obligations.

Section  11.05 Repayment to Company .

Any moneys or Governmental Obligations deposited with any paying agent or the Trustee, or then held by the Company, in trust for payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of a particular series that are not applied but remain unclaimed by the holders of such Securities for at least two years after the date upon which the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on such Securities shall have respectively become due and payable, or such other shorter period set forth in applicable escheat or abandoned or unclaimed property law, shall be repaid to the Company on May 31 of each year or upon the Company’s request or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and thereupon the paying agent and the Trustee shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys or Governmental Obligations, and the holder of any of the Securities entitled to receive such payment shall thereafter, as a general creditor, look only to the Company for the payment thereof.

 

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ARTICLE 12

IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Section  12.01 No Recourse .

No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of this Indenture, or of any Security, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, shall be had against any incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, past, present or future as such, of the Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation, either directly or through the Company or any such predecessor or successor corporation, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly understood that this Indenture and the obligations issued hereunder are solely corporate obligations, and that no such personal liability whatever shall attach to, or is or shall be incurred by, the incorporators, stockholders, officers or directors as such, of the Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation, or any of them, because of the creation of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities or implied therefrom; and that any and all such personal liability of every name and nature, either at common law or in equity or by constitution or statute, of, and any and all such rights and claims against, every such incorporator, stockholder, officer or director as such, because of the creation of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities or implied therefrom, are hereby expressly waived and released as a condition of, and as a consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and the issuance of such Securities.

ARTICLE 13

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section  13.01 Effect on Successors and Assigns .

All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements in this Indenture made by or on behalf of the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

Section  13.02 Actions by Successor .

Any act or proceeding by any provision of this Indenture authorized or required to be done or performed by any board, committee or officer of the Company shall and may be done and performed with like force and effect by the corresponding board, committee or officer of any corporation that shall at the time be the lawful successor of the Company.

Section  13.03 Surrender of Company Powers .

The Company by instrument in writing executed by authority of its Board of Directors and delivered to the Trustee may surrender any of the powers reserved to the Company, and thereupon such power so surrendered shall terminate both as to the Company and as to any successor corporation.

Section  13.04 Notices .

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any notice, request or demand that by any provision of this Indenture is required or permitted to be given, made or served by the Trustee or by the holders of Securities or by any other Person pursuant to this Indenture to or on the Company may be given or served by being deposited in first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Company with the Trustee), as follows: . Any notice, election, request or demand by the Company or any Securityholder or by any other Person pursuant to this Indenture to or upon the Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, if given or made in writing at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

Section  13.05 Governing Law .

This Indenture and each Security shall be deemed to be a contract made under the internal laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of said State, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable.

 

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Section  13.06 Treatment of Securities as Debt .

It is intended that the Securities will be treated as indebtedness and not as equity for federal income tax purposes. The provisions of this Indenture shall be interpreted to further this intention.

Section  13.07 Certificates and Opinions as to Conditions Precedent .

(a) Upon any application or demand by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture (other than the certificate to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.12) relating to the proposed action have been complied with and, if requested, an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

(b) Each certificate or opinion provided for in this Indenture and delivered to the Trustee with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant in this Indenture shall include (i) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition; (ii) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based; (iii) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he has made such examination or investigation as is reasonably necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and (iv) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

Section  13.08 Payments on Business Days .

Except as provided pursuant to Section 2.01 pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental to this Indenture, in any case where the date of maturity of interest or principal of any Security or the date of redemption of any Security shall not be a Business Day, then payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the nominal date of maturity or redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period after such nominal date.

Section  13.09 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act .

If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall control.

Section  13.10 Counterparts .

This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

Section  13.11 Separability .

In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Indenture or in the Securities of any series shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Indenture or of such Securities, but this Indenture and such Securities shall be construed as if such invalid or illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein or therein.

 

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Section  13.12 Compliance Certificates .

The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year during which any Securities of any series were outstanding, an officer’s certificate stating whether or not the signers know of any Event of Default that occurred during such fiscal year. Such certificate shall contain a certification from the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer of the Company that a review has been conducted of the activities of the Company and the Company’s performance under this Indenture and that the Company has complied with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture. For purposes of this Section 13.12, such compliance shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided under this Indenture. If the officer of the Company signing such certificate has knowledge of such an Event of Default, the certificate shall describe any such Event of Default and its status.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.

 

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ David Gladstone

Name:   David Gladstone
Title:   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as Trustee
By:  

/s/ Wally Jones

Name:   Wally Jones
Title:   Vice President


CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE (1)

 

Section of Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as Amended

  

Section of Indenture

310(a)    7.09
310(b)    7.08
   7.10
310(c)    Inapplicable
311(a)    7.13
311(b)    7.13
311(c)    Inapplicable
312(a)    5.01
   5.02(a)
312(b)    5.02(c)
312(c)    5.02(c)
313(a)    5.04(a)
313(b)    5.04(b)
313(c)    5.04(a)
   5.04(b)
313(d)    5.04(c)
314(a)    5.03
   13.12
314(b)    Inapplicable
314(c)    13.07(a)
314(d)    Inapplicable
314(e)    13.07(b)
314(f)    Inapplicable
315(a)    7.01(a)
   7.01(b)
315(b)    7.14
315(c)    7.01
315(d)    7.01(b)
315(e)    6.07
316(a)    6.06
   8.04
316(b)    6.04
316(c)    8.01
317(a)    6.02
317(b)    4.03
318(a)    13.09

 

(1)

This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Indenture and shall not have any bearing on the interpretation of any of its terms or provisions.

Exhibit 2.d.11

FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

between

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION

and

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee

Dated as of November 6, 2018

THIS FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “ First Supplemental Indenture ”), dated as of November 6, 2018, is between Gladstone Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ Company ”), and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”). All capitalized terms used herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Base Indenture (as defined below).

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee executed and delivered an Indenture, dated as of November 6, 2018 (the “ Base Indenture ” and, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, the “ Indenture ”), to provide for the issuance by the Company from time to time of the Securities, to be issued in one or more series as provided in the Base Indenture;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to initially issue and sell up to $50,000,000 aggregate principal amount (or up to $57,500,000 aggregate principal amount if the underwriters’ overallotment option to purchase additional Notes is exercised in full) of the Company’s 6.125% Notes due 2023 (the “ Notes ”);

WHEREAS, Sections 2.01, 9.01(e) and 9.01(g) of the Base Indenture provide that, without the consent of the Holders of the Notes, the Company, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental to the Base Indenture to (i) add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations, and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, or purposes of issue, authentication, and delivery of Securities, as set forth in the Base Indenture and (ii) provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the Securities of any series as provided in Section 2.01 of the Base Indenture, to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of the Base Indenture or any series of Securities, or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of Securities;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to establish the form and terms of the Notes and to modify, alter, supplement and change certain provisions of the Base Indenture for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes (except as may be provided in a future supplemental indenture to the Indenture (each, a “ Future Supplemental Indenture ”)); and

WHEREAS, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture to provide for the issuance of the Notes and all acts and things necessary to make this First Supplemental Indenture a valid, binding, and legal obligation of the Company and to constitute a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done and performed,


NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Notes by the Holders thereof, it is mutually agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Notes, as follows:

ARTICLE I

TERMS OF THE NOTES

Section  1.01 . Terms of the Notes. The following terms relating to the Notes are hereby established:

(a) The Notes shall constitute a series of Securities having the title “6.125% Notes due 2023”. The Notes shall bear a CUSIP number of 376535 605 and an ISIN number of US3765356056, as may be supplemented or replaced from time to time.

(b) The aggregate principal amount of the Notes that may be initially authenticated and delivered under the Indenture (except for Notes authenticated and delivered upon registration of, transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Notes pursuant to Sections 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 3.02(a) and 9.04, of the Base Indenture) shall be $50,000,000 (or, pursuant to a Company Order, up to $57,500,000 aggregate principal amount if the underwriters’ overallotment option to purchase additional Notes is exercised in full). Under a Board Resolution, Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Board Resolutions or a Future Supplemental Indenture, the Company may from time to time, without the consent of the Holders of Notes, issue additional Notes (in any such case, “ Additional Notes ”) having the same ranking and the same interest rate, maturity and other terms as the Notes; provided that, if such Additional Notes are not fungible with the Notes (or any other tranche of Additional Notes) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then such Additional Notes shall have different CUSIP numbers from the Notes (and any such other tranche of Additional Notes). Any Additional Notes and the existing Notes shall constitute a single series under the Indenture, and all references to the relevant Notes herein shall include the Additional Notes unless the context otherwise requires.

(c) The entire outstanding principal of the Notes shall be payable on November 1, 2023 unless earlier redeemed or repurchased in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture.

(d) The rate at which the Notes shall bear interest shall be 6.125% per annum. The date from which interest shall accrue on the Notes shall be November 6, 2018, or the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or provided for; the Interest Payment Dates for the Notes shall be February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing February 1, 2019 ( provided that , if an Interest Payment Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, then the applicable interest payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and no additional interest shall accrue as a result of such delayed payment); the initial interest period shall be the period from and including November 6, 2018, to, but excluding, the initial Interest Payment Date, and the subsequent interest periods shall be the periods from and including an Interest Payment Date to, but excluding, the next Interest Payment Date or the Stated Maturity, as the case may be; the interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date, shall be paid to the Person in whose name the Note (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be January 15, April 15, July 15 or October 15 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Payment of principal of (and premium, if any, on) and any such interest on the Notes shall be made at the office of the Trustee located at 111 Fillmore Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55107, Attention: Gladstone Capital Corporation (6.125% Notes Due 2023) or at such other address as designated by the Trustee, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private

 

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debts; provided , however , that, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register; provided, further, however , that, at the request of the registered Holder, the Company will pay the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the Notes by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account at a bank in St. Paul, MN, on the date when such amount is due and payable and as further set forth in Section 4.01 of the Indenture; provided ,  further ,  however , that, so long as the Notes are registered to Cede & Co., such payment will be made by wire transfer in accordance with the procedures established by The Depository Trust Company and the Trustee. Interest on the Notes shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

(e) The Notes shall be initially issuable in global form (each such Note, a “ Global Note ”). The Global Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication thereon shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit  A to this First Supplemental Indenture. Each Global Note shall represent the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified therein and each shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any new Global Note reflecting the amount of any increase or decrease in the amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee in accordance with Section 3.03 of the Base Indenture.

(f) The depositary for such Global Notes (the “ Depository ”) shall be DTC. The Security Registrar with respect to the Global Notes shall be the Trustee.

(g) The Notes shall be redeemable pursuant to Section 3.01 of the Base Indenture and as follows:

(i) The Notes shall be redeemable in whole or in part at any time or from time to time, at the option of the Company, on or after November 1, 2020, at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest payments otherwise payable for the then-current quarterly interest period accrued to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

(ii) Notice of redemption shall be given in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid or by overnight courier guaranteeing next-day delivery, to each Holder of the Notes to be redeemed, not less than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the Redemption Date, at the Holder’s address appearing in the Security Register. All notices of redemption shall contain the information set forth in Section 3.02(a) of the Base Indenture.

(iii) Any exercise of the Company’s option to redeem the Notes shall be done in compliance with the Indenture and the Investment Company Act, to the extent applicable.

(iv) If the Company elects to redeem only a portion of the Notes, the Trustee or, with respect to the Global Notes, the Depository shall determine the method for selecting the particular Notes to be redeemed, in accordance with Section 3.02(b) of the Base Indenture, the Investment Company Act and the rules of any national securities exchange or quotation system on which the Notes are listed, in each case to the extent applicable.

(v) Unless the Company defaults in payment of the Redemption Price, on and after the Redemption Date, interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes called for redemption hereunder.

 

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(h) The Notes shall not be subject to any sinking fund pursuant to Section 3.04 of the Base Indenture.

(i) The Notes shall be issuable in denominations of $25 and integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof.

(j) Holders of the Notes shall not have the option to have the Notes repaid prior to the Stated Maturity.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

Section  2.01. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, Article One of the Base Indenture shall be amended by adding the following defined terms to Section 1.01 in appropriate alphabetical sequence, as follows:

“‘ Act ’, when used with respect to any Holder of a Note, has the meaning specified in Section 8.01 of the Indenture.”

“‘ Company Order ’ means, a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by the Chief Executive Officer, President or a Vice President of the Company, and by the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.”

“‘ Default ’ means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.”

“‘ DTC ’ means The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York.”

“‘ Exchange Act ’ means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules, regulations and interpretations promulgated thereunder, to the extent applicable, and any statute successor thereto.”

“‘ GAAP ’ means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the opinions and pronouncements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, which are in effect from time to time.”

“‘ Holder ” means the Person or Persons in whose name or names a particular Note is registered on the Security Register kept for that purpose in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

“‘ Investment Company Act ’ means the United States Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules, regulations and interpretations promulgated thereunder, to the extent applicable, and any statute successor thereto.”

“‘ Maturity ’, when used with respect to any Note, means the date on which the principal of such Note or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, notice of redemption, notice of option to elect repayment, notice of exchange or conversion or otherwise.”

 

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“‘ Redemption Date ’, when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed, in whole or in part, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.”

“‘ Redemption Price ’, when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.”

“‘ Regular Record Date ’ for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Notes means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 1.01(d) of this First Supplemental Indenture.”

“‘ Special Record Date ’ for the payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Notes means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Base Indenture.”

“‘ Stated Maturity ’ means, when used with respect to any Note or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, the date specified in such Note as the fixed date on which the principal of such Note or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.”

“‘ Trustee ’ means U.S. Bank National Association, and, subject to the provisions of Article Seven of the Base Indenture, its successors and assigns under the Indenture.”

Section  2.02. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, Article One of the Base Indenture shall be amended by replacing the definitions of “Business Day”, “Corporate Trust Office” and “Officer’s Certificate” in Section 1.01 with the following:

“‘ Business Day ’, when used with respect to any particular location referred to in this Indenture or in the Notes, means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York, Nashville, Tennessee, the city in which the Corporate Trust Office is located or that particular location are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.”

“‘ Corporate Trust Office ’ means the principal office of the Trustee at which at any time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date hereof for purposes of presentment of Notes for transfer, exchange or surrender only is located at 111 Fillmore Avenue East, Mailcode: EP-MN-WS2N, St. Paul, MN 55107, Attention: Gladstone Capital Corporation, and for all other purposes is located at 333 Commerce Street, Suite 800, Nashville, TN 37201, Attention: Gladstone Capital Corporation, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company).”

“‘ Officer’s Certificate ’ means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer (or, in each case, any permitted designee of such Person as may be identified as such in a writing delivered to the Trustee from time to time), and by any President, the Treasurer, or the Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee.”

 

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ARTICLE III

REDEMPTION OF NOTES

Section  3.01. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, Section 3.02(b) of the Base Indenture shall be amended by replacing the text thereof with the following:

“If less than all the Notes are to be redeemed, the particular Notes to be redeemed shall be selected by the Trustee, or by the Depository in the case of Global Notes, in compliance with the requirements of DTC, from the Outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed (if the Notes are listed on any national securities exchange), or if the Notes are not held through DTC or listed on any national securities exchange, or DTC prescribed no method of selection, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and subject to and otherwise in accordance with the procedures of the applicable Depository; provided that such method complies with the rules of any national securities exchange or quotation system on which the Notes are listed, and may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for the Notes or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of the Notes of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for the Notes; provided , however , that no such partial redemption shall reduce the portion of the principal amount of a Note not redeemed to less than the minimum authorized denomination for the Notes.”

ARTICLE IV

COVENANTS

Section  4.01. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, Section 4.01 of the Base Indenture shall be amended and restated as follows:

“The Company will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Notes at the time and place and in the manner provided herein and established with respect to such Notes. Payments of principal on the Notes may be made at the time provided herein and established with respect to such Notes by U.S. dollar check drawn on and mailed to the address of the Holder entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register. Alternatively, at the request of the registered Holder, the Company will pay the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the Notes by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account at a bank in New York City, on the date when such amount is due and payable. To request payment by wire transfer, the registered Holder must give the Security Registrar and the Trustee appropriate wire transfer instructions at least 15 Business Days before the requested payment is due. In the case of any interest payment due on an Interest Payment Date, the instructions must be given by the person who is the registered Holder on the Regular Record Date. Any wire instructions, once properly given, will remain in effect unless and until new instructions are given in accordance with this Section.”

Section  4.02 . Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, Article Four of the Base Indenture shall be amended by adding the following new Sections 4.06, 4.07 and 4.08 thereto, each as set forth below:

 

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Section  4.06. Section  18(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act.

The Company hereby agrees that for the period of time during which Notes are Outstanding, the Company will not violate Section 18(a)(1)(A) as modified by such provisions of Section 61(a) of the Investment Company Act as may be applicable to the Company from time to time or any successor provisions thereto, whether or not the Company continues to be subject to such provisions of the Investment Company Act.”

Section  4.07. Section  18(a)(1)(B) of the Investment Company Act.

The Company hereby agrees that for the period of time during which Notes are Outstanding, the Company shall not declare any dividend (except a dividend payable in stock of the Company), or declare any other distribution, upon a class of the Company’s capital stock, or purchase any such capital stock, unless, in every such case, at the time of the declaration of any such dividend or distribution, or at the time of any such purchase, the Company has an asset coverage (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of at least the threshold specified in Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by such provisions of Section 61(a) of the Investment Company Act as may be applicable to the Company from time to time or any successor provisions thereto of the Investment Company Act, as such obligation may be amended or superseded, after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be, and giving effect, in each case, to any no-action relief granted by the Commission to another business development company (or to the Company if it determines to seek such similar no-action or other relief) permitting the business development company to declare any cash dividend or distribution notwithstanding the prohibition contained in Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by such provisions of Section 61(a) of the Investment Company Act as may be applicable to the Company from time to time, as such obligation may be amended or superseded, in order to maintain such business development company’s status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.”

Section  4.08. Commission Reports and Reports to Holders.

If, at any time, the Company is not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act to file any periodic reports with the Commission, the Company agrees to furnish to Holders of the Notes and the Trustee for the period of time during which the Notes are Outstanding: (i) within 90 days after the end of the each fiscal year of the Company, audited annual consolidated financial statements of the Company and (ii) within 45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company (other than the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter), unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Company. All such financial statements shall be prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with GAAP.”

ARTICLE V

REMEDIES

Section  5.01. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, Section 6.01(a) of the Base Indenture shall be amended and restated as follows:

“(a) Whenever used herein with respect to the Notes, “Event of Default” means any one or more of the following events that has occurred and is continuing:

 

  (1)

default in the payment of any interest upon any Note when such interest becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or

 

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  (2)

default in the payment of the principal of any Note when it becomes due and payable at its Maturity; or

 

  (3)

default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or agreement of the Company in this Indenture with respect to any Note (other than a covenant or agreement a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of Securities other than the Notes), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder;

 

  (4)

the Company, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

 

  a.

commences a voluntary case or proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law,

 

  b.

consents to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or files a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief against it,

 

  c.

consents to the entry of a decree or order for relief against it in an involuntary case or proceeding,

 

  d.

consents to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a Custodian of the Company or for all or substantially all of its property, or

 

  e.

makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or admits in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due or takes any corporate action in furtherance of any such action; or

 

  (5)

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

 

  a.

is for relief against the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding, or

 

  b.

adjudges the Company bankrupt or insolvent, or approves as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company, or

 

  c.

appoints a Custodian of the Company or for all or substantially all of its property, or

 

  d.

orders the winding up or liquidation of the Company,

and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

 

  (6)

if, pursuant to Sections 18(a)(1)(c)(ii) and 61 of the Investment Company Act, on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months the Notes shall have an asset coverage (as such term is used in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of less than 100%.”

Section  5.02. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, Section 6.01(b) of the Base Indenture shall be amended and restated as follows:

 

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“(b) In each and every such case, unless the principal of all the Notes shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then Outstanding hereunder, by notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by such Holders), may declare the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become and shall be immediately due and payable.”

Section  5.03. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, Section 6.02(a) of the Base Indenture shall be amended and restated as follows:

“(a) The Company covenants that (i) in case it shall default in the payment of any installment of interest on any of the Notes, or in any payment required by any sinking or analogous fund established with respect to that series, as and when the same shall have become due and payable, and such default shall have continued for a period of 30 days, or (ii) in case it shall default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any of the Notes when the same shall have become due and payable, whether upon maturity of the Notes or upon redemption or upon declaration or otherwise then, upon demand of the Trustee, the Company will pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Notes, the whole amount that then shall have been become due and payable on all such Notes for principal (and premium, if any) or interest, or both, as the case may be, with interest upon the overdue principal (and premium, if any) and (to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) upon overdue installments of interest at the rate per annum expressed in the Notes; and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, and the amount payable to the Trustee under Section 7.06.”

Section  5.04. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, the first paragraph of Section 6.04 of the Base Indenture shall be amended and restated as follows:

“No holder of any Note shall have any right by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any suit, action or proceeding in equity or at law upon or under or with respect to this Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless (i) such holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof with respect to the Notes specifying such Event of Default, as hereinbefore provided; (ii) the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then Outstanding shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action, suit or proceeding in its own name as Trustee hereunder; (iii) such holder or holders shall have offered to the Trustee such reasonable indemnity as it may require against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby; (iv) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity, shall have failed to institute any such action, suit or proceeding and (v) during such 60 day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.”

ARTICLE VI

CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS

Section  6.01. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, the second paragraph of Section 8.01 of the Base Indenture shall be amended by replacing the text thereof with the following:

 

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“If the Company shall solicit from the Holders of the Notes any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other act (each, an “ Act ”), the Company may, at its option, in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders of the Notes entitled to give such Act, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. Such record date shall be the record date specified in or pursuant to such Board Resolution, which date shall be a date not earlier than the date 30 days prior to the first solicitation of Holders of the Notes generally in connection therewith and not later than the date such solicitation is completed. If such a record date is fixed, such Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of the Notes of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the purposes of determining whether Holders of the Notes of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Notes have authorized or agreed or consented to such Act, and for that purpose the Outstanding Notes shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the Holders of the Notes on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than eleven months after the record date.”

ARTICLE VII

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

Section  7.01. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, Section 9.01 of the Base Indenture shall be amended by replacing the text thereof with the following:

“Without the consent of any Holders of the Notes, the Company, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:

(a) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities contained; or

(b) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or

(c) to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); provided, however, that in respect of any such additional Events of Default such supplemental indenture may provide for a particular period of grace after default (which period may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other defaults) or may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such default or may limit the remedies available to the Trustee upon such default or may limit the right of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of that or those series of Securities to which such additional Events of Default apply to waive such default; or

(d) to change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture; provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective only when there is no Security Outstanding of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture that is entitled to the benefit of such provision; or

 

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(e) to secure the Securities; or

(f) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 2.01, including the provisions and procedures relating to Securities convertible into or exchangeable for any securities of any Person (including the Company); or

(g) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee; or

(h) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture; provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect; or

(i) to supplement any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of Securities pursuant to Sections 11.01, 14.02 and 14.03; provided that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of such series or any other series of Securities in any material respect.

Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section may be executed by the Company and the Trustee without the consent of the holders of any of the Securities at the time Outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 9.02.”

Section  7.02. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, Section 9.02 of the Base Indenture shall be amended by replacing the text thereof with the following:

“With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of all Outstanding Notes affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture that affects the Notes or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Notes under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Note:

(a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of (or premium, if any) or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Note; or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest (or change the manner of calculating the rate of interest thereon), or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or reduce the portion of the principal of a Note that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01(b), or upon the redemption thereof or the amount thereof provable in bankruptcy pursuant to Section 6.02(c), or adversely affect any right of repayment at the option of the Holder, or change any place of payment where, or the currency in which, any Note or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption or repayment at the option of the Holder, on or after the Redemption Date), or

 

11


(b) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver with respect to such series (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or reduce any requirements of Section 8.01 for quorum or voting, or

(c) modify any of the provisions of this Section or Section 6.01(c) except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Note affected thereby; provided, however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any Holder of a Note with respect to changes in the references to “the Trustee” and concomitant changes in this Section, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 7.11 and 9.01(h).

It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or that modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.

The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Persons entitled to consent to any indenture supplemental hereto. If a record date is fixed, the Holders on such record date, or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to consent to such supplemental indenture, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided, that unless such consent shall have become effective by virtue of the requisite percentage having been obtained prior to the date that is 90 days after such record date, any such consent previously given shall automatically and without further action by any Holder be cancelled and of no further effect.”

ARTICLE VIII

SUCCESSOR ENTITY

Section  8.01. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, Section 10.01 of the Base Indenture shall be amended by replacing the text thereof with the following:

“The Company shall not consolidate with or merge with or into any other entity or convey or transfer all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, unless:

(1) either the Company shall be the continuing entity, or the entity (if other than the Company) formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety

 

12


shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on all the Notes and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;

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

(3) the Company and the successor Person have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer and such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.”

ARTICLE IX

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section  9.01. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, Section 11.01 of the Base Indenture shall be amended by replacing the text thereof with the following:

Except as set forth below, this Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect with respect to any Notes specified in such Company Request (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Notes expressly provided for herein or pursuant hereto, any surviving rights of tender for repayment at the option of the Holders), and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series when

(1) either

(A) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Notes which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.07 and (ii) Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust with the Trustee or any Paying Agent or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Sections 4.03, 11.03 and 11.05) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(B) all Notes

(i) have become due and payable, or

(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

 

13


(iii) if redeemable at the option of the Company, are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company, and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for such purpose, solely for the benefit of the Holders, an amount in the Currency in which the Notes are payable, sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, to the date of such deposit (in the case of Notes which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;

(2) the Company has irrevocably paid or caused to be irrevocably paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and

(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series have been complied with.

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee under Section 7.06, the obligations of the Company to any Authenticating Agent under Section 2.10 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Sections 11.03 and 11.04 shall survive any termination of this Indenture.”

Section  9.02. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, Section 11.02 of the shall be amended by replacing the text thereof with the following:

“[Intentionally omitted.]”

ARTICLE X

DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

Section  10.01. Except as may be provided in a Future Supplemental Indenture, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes but no other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding, the Base Indenture shall be amended by adding a new Article 14 as follows:

“ARTICLE 14

DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

Section 14.01. Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The Company may at its option by Board Resolution, at any time, with respect to the Notes, elect to have either Section 14.02 (if applicable) or Section 14.03 (if applicable) be applied to such Outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article.

Section 14.02. Defeasance and Discharge.

Upon the Company’s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section with respect to the Notes, the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to such Outstanding Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 14.04 are satisfied (hereinafter,

 

14


defeasance ”). For this purpose, such defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Outstanding Notes, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “Outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 14.05 and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in clauses (A) and (B) of this Section, and to have satisfied all its other obligations under the Notes and this Indenture insofar as such Notes are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (A) the rights of Holders of such Outstanding Notes receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 14.04 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Notes when such payments are due, (B) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Notes under Sections 2.05, 2.07, 4.02 and 4.03, (C) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (D) this Article. Subject to compliance with this Article Fourteen, the Company may exercise its option under this Section notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 14.03 with respect to such Notes. Following a defeasance, payment of such Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default.

Section 14.03. Covenant Defeasance.

Upon the Company’ s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section with respect to any Notes, the Company shall be released from its obligations under Sections 4.06, 4.07 and 4.08 on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 14.04 are satisfied (hereinafter, “ covenant defeasance ”), and such Notes shall thereafter be deemed to be not “Outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or Act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection such covenant, but shall continue to be deemed “Outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder. For this purpose, such covenant defeasance means that, with respect to such Outstanding Notes, the Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such Section or such other covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or such other covenant or by reason of reference in any such Section or such other covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01(a)(3) or otherwise, as the case may be, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes shall be unaffected thereby. Following a covenant defeasance, payment of such Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default solely by reference to such Sections specified above in this Section 14.03.

Section 14.04. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The following shall be the conditions to application of either Section 14.02 or Section 14.03 to any Outstanding Notes:

 

  (i)

The Company shall have irrevocably deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 7.09 who shall agree to comply with the provisions of this Article Fourteen applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for the benefit of, and dedicated solely to, the Holders of such Notes, (A) an amount (in such Currency in which such Notes are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity), or (B) Government Obligations applicable to such Notes (determined on the basis of the Currency in which such Notes are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity) which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, without reinvestment thereof, not later than one day before the

 

15


  due date of any payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Notes, money in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof in an amount, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, (1) the principal of and interest, if any, on such Outstanding Notes on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal or interest and (2) any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments applicable to such Outstanding Notes on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of such Notes.

 

  (ii)

Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.

 

  (iii)

No Default or Event of Default with respect to such Notes shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or, insofar as Sections 6.01(a)(4) and 6.01(a)(5) are concerned, at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period).

 

  (iv)

In the case of an election under Section 14.02, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (i) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (ii) since the date of execution of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred.

 

  (v)

In the case of an election under Section 14.03, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such Outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such covenant defeasance had not occurred.

 

  (vi)

The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to either the defeasance under Section 14.02 or the covenant defeasance under Section 14.03 (as the case may be) have been complied with.

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

Section  11.01. This First Supplemental Indenture and the Notes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York. This First Supplemental Indenture is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of the Indenture and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.

 

16


Section  11.02 . In case any provision in this First Supplemental Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section  11.03 . This First Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same First Supplemental Indenture. The exchange of copies of this First Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile, .pdf transmission, email or other electronic means shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile, .pdf transmission, email or other electronic means shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

Section  11.04 . The Base Indenture, as supplemented and amended by this First Supplemental Indenture, is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and the Base Indenture and this First Supplemental Indenture shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument with respect to the Notes. All provisions included in this First Supplemental Indenture supersede any conflicting provisions included in the Base Indenture with respect to the Notes, unless not permitted by law. The Trustee accepts the trusts created by the Base Indenture, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, and agrees to perform the same upon the terms and conditions of the Base Indenture, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture.

Section  11.05. The provisions of this First Supplemental Indenture shall become effective as of the date hereof.

Section  11.06. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary herein, the terms and provisions of this First Supplemental Indenture shall apply only to the Notes and shall not apply to any other series of Securities under the Indenture, and this First Supplemental Indenture shall not and does not otherwise affect, modify, alter, supplement or change the terms and provisions of any other series of Securities under the Indenture, whether now or hereafter issued and Outstanding.

Section  11.07. The recitals contained herein and in the Notes, except the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this First Supplemental Indenture, the Notes or any Additional Notes, except that the Trustee represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this First Supplemental Indenture, authenticate the Notes and any Additional Notes and perform its obligations hereunder. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of the Notes or any Additional Notes or the proceeds thereof.

 

17


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

 

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ David Gladstone

Name:   David Gladstone
Title:   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as Trustee
By:  

/s/ Wally Jones

Name:   Wally Jones
Title:   Vice President

 

[ Signature page to First Supplemental Indenture ]


Exhibit A — Form of Global Note

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT AND SUCH CERTIFICATE ISSUED IN EXCHANGE FOR THIS CERTIFICATE IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO., OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL, AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

Gladstone Capital Corporation

 

No.    $
   CUSIP No. 376535 605
   ISIN No. US3765356056

6.125% Notes due 2023

Gladstone Capital Corporation, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Maryland (herein called the “Company,” which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of                      (U.S. $                     ) on November 1, 2023, and to pay interest thereon from November 6, 2018 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, quarterly on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 in each year, commencing February 1, 2019, at the rate of 6.125% per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15, whether or not a Business Day, as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holders of the Notes on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture. This Security may be issued as part of a series.


Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and any such interest on this Security shall be made at the office of the Trustee located at 111 Fillmore Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55107, Attention: Gladstone Capital Corporation (6.125% Notes Due 2023) or at such other address as designated by the Trustee, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided , however , that, at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register; provided, further, however , that, at the request of the registered Holder, the Company will pay the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the Securities by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account at a bank in New York City, on the date when such amount is due and payable and as further set forth in Section 4.01 of the Indenture; provided further, however , that so long as this Security is registered to Cede & Co., such payment shall be made by wire transfer in accordance with the procedures established by The Depository Trust Company and the Trustee.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

A-2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated:

 

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

               Attest
  By:  

             

  Name:  
  Title:  

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

Dated:

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee

By:  

 

 

Name:

Title:

 

A-3


Gladstone Capital Corporation

6.125% Notes due 2023

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of Securities of the Company (herein called the “ Securities ”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of November 6, 2018 (herein called the “ Base Indenture ”), between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (herein called the “ Trustee ,” which term includes any successor trustee under the Base Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Base Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee, and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 6, 2018, by and between the Company and the Trustee (herein called the “ First Supplemental Indenture ,” the First Supplemental Indenture and the Base Indenture collectively are herein called the “ Indenture ”). In the event of any conflict between the Base Indenture and the First Supplemental Indenture, the First Supplemental Indenture shall govern and control.

This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, which series is initially limited in aggregate principal amount to $50,000,000 (or up to $57,500,000 aggregate principal amount if the underwriters’ overallotment option to purchase additional Securities is exercised in full). Under a Board Resolution, Officers’ Certificate pursuant to Board Resolutions or an indenture supplement, the Company may from time to time, without the consent of the Holders of Securities, issue additional Securities of this series (in any such case “ Additional Securities ”) having the same ranking and the same interest rate, maturity and other terms as the Securities; provided that, if such Additional Securities are not fungible with the Securities (or any other tranche of Additional Securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then such Additional Securities will have a different CUSIP numbers from the Securities (and any such other tranche of Additional Securities). Any Additional Securities and the existing Securities will constitute a single series under the Indenture and all references to the relevant Securities herein shall include the Additional Securities unless the context otherwise requires. The aggregate amount of outstanding Securities represented hereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions.

The Securities of this series are subject to redemption in whole or in part at any time or from time to time, at the option of the Company, on or after November 1, 2020, at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest payments otherwise payable for the then-current quarterly interest period accrued to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

Notice of redemption shall be given in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid or by overnight courier guaranteeing next-day delivery, to each Holder of the Securities to be redeemed, not less than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the Redemption Date, at the Holder’s address appearing in the Security Register. All notices of redemption shall contain the information set forth in Section 3.02(a) of the Base Indenture.

Any exercise of the Company’s option to redeem the Securities shall be done in compliance with the Indenture and the Investment Company Act, to the extent applicable.

If the Company elects to redeem only a portion of the Securities, the Trustee or, with respect to global Securities, the Depository will determine the method for selecting the particular Securities to be redeemed, in accordance with Section 1.01 of the First Supplemental Indenture and Section 3.02(b) of the Base Indenture. In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

 

A-4


Unless the Company defaults in payment of the Redemption Price, on and after the Redemption Date, interest shall cease to accrue on the Securities called for redemption.

Holders of Securities do not have the option to have the Securities repaid prior to November 1, 2023.

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness of this Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee indemnity, security, or both, reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for sixty (60) days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity and/or security. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

 

A-5


As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $25 and any integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company, the Trustee, or the Security Registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee, or the Security Registrar and any agent of the Company, the Trustee, or the Security Registrar shall treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and none of the Company, the Trustee, the Security Registrar, or any agent thereof shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

To the extent any provision of this Security conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

The Indenture and this Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.

 

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Exhibit 2.h.1

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION

$50,000,000 6.125% Notes due 2023

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

November 1, 2018

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

As representative of the several underwriters named in Exhibit A

c/o Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

787 Seventh Avenue, 4th Floor

New York, New York 10019

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Gladstone Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ Company ”), Gladstone Management Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Adviser ”), and Gladstone Administration, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Administrator ”), each confirms with Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. and each of the other underwriters named in Exhibit A hereto (collectively, the “ Underwriters ,” which term shall also include any underwriter substituted as provided in Section  8 hereof), for whom Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. is acting as the representative (in such capacity, the “ Representative ”) with respect to the issuance and sale by the Company of $50,000,000 aggregate principal amount (the “ Initial Securities ”) of the Company’s 6.125% notes due 2023 (the “ Notes ”), and the purchase by the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the aggregate principal amount of Initial Securities set forth opposite their respective names in Exhibit A hereto, and with respect to the grant by the Company to the Underwriters of the option described in Section  3(b) hereof to purchase all or any part of $7,500,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes (the “ Option Securities ”) to cover over-allotments, if any. The Initial Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters and all or any part of the Option Securities are hereinafter called, collectively, the “ Securities .”

The Company has entered into an amended and restated investment advisory and management agreement, dated October 1, 2006 (as amended by Amendment No. 1 on October 13, 2015 and reapproved through August 31, 2019 by the board of directors of the Company on July 10, 2018, the “ Investment Advisory Agreement ”), with the Adviser. The Company has entered into an administration agreement, dated as of October 1, 2006 (the “ Administration Agreement ”), with the Administrator.

The Company has filed, pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (collectively with the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, the “ 1933 Act ”), with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) a universal shelf registration statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637), which registers the offer and sale of certain securities to be issued from time to time by the Company, including the Securities.

 


The registration statement as amended, including the exhibits and schedules thereto, at the time it became effective on February 1, 2018 and any post-effective amendment thereto and including any information contained in a prospectus subsequently filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497 under the 1933 Act (“ Rule 497 ”) with respect to the offer, issuance and/or sale of the Securities and deemed to be a part of the registration statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430C under the 1933 Act, and also including any registration statement relating to the Securities filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the 1933 Act (a “ Rule 462(b) Registration Statement ”), is hereinafter referred to as the “ Registration Statement .” The prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the time it became effective on February 1, 2018 is hereinafter referred to as the “ Base Prospectus .” The Company has prepared and filed with the Commission in accordance with Rule 497 a “ Preliminary Prospectus Supplement ,” which means the preliminary prospectus supplement used in connection with the offer of the Securities and filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497 prior to execution and delivery of this Agreement. “ Final Prospectus Supplement ” means the prospectus supplement containing all information omitted from the Base Prospectus and Preliminary Prospectus Supplement pursuant to Rules 430B or 430C under the 1933 Act which will be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497. “ Prospectus ” means, collectively, the Base Prospectus and Final Prospectus Supplement. Any reference herein to the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement, the Final Prospectus Supplement or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include any supplements or amendments thereto, filed with the Commission after the date of filing of the Prospectus under Rule 497 and prior to the termination of the offering of the Securities by the Underwriters.

The Notes will be issued under an indenture (the “ Base Indenture ”), as supplemented by a first supplemental indenture (the “ First Supplemental Indenture ” and, together with the Base Indenture, the “ Indenture ”), each to be dated on or about November 6, 2018, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, trustee (the “ Trustee ”). The Notes will be issued as fully registered securities to Cede & Co. (or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company (“ DTC ”)), as nominee of DTC.

All references in this Agreement to the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing shall include any copy thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (EDGAR).

In consideration of the mutual agreements contained herein and of the interests of the parties in the transactions contemplated hereby, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Representations and Warranties of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator . The Company, the Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to and agree with the Underwriters as of the date of this Agreement, as of the Applicable Time, as of the Closing Date and as of each Option Closing Date (as such terms are defined in Sections 1(a) , 3(c) and 3(b) , respectively, hereof), as follows:

(a) A registration statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-208637) with respect to the Securities has been prepared by the Company in conformity with the requirements of the 1933 Act, has been filed with the Commission and has been declared effective. The Company

 

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meets the requirements of and complies with the conditions for the use of Form N-2 under the 1933 Act. Copies of the Registration Statement, including any amendments thereto, the preliminary prospectuses (meeting the requirements of the 1933 Act) contained therein and the exhibits, financial statements and schedules, as finally amended and revised, have heretofore been delivered by the Company to the Representative. As of the Applicable Time, the Base Prospectus and the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement and the information included in Exhibit  B hereto, all considered together (collectively, the “ General Disclosure Package ”), did not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no representations or warranties as to information contained in or omitted from the General Disclosure Package or the Registration Statement in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Underwriters through the Representative, specifically for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information is that described in Section  7 herein. As of the date set forth on its cover page (solely in the case of the Prospectus), the Closing Date and each Option Closing Date, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no representations or warranties as to information contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information furnished by or on behalf of any Underwriters through the Representative, specifically for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information is that described in Section  7 herein. As used in this subsection and elsewhere in this Agreement, the term “ Applicable Time ” means 4:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date of this Agreement or such other time as agreed to by the Company and the Representative.

The Commission has not issued an order preventing or suspending the use of the Base Prospectus, the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement or the Prospectus relating to the proposed offering of the Securities, and no proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the 1933 Act has been instituted or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened by the Commission. The Registration Statement contains, and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto contain and will contain, all statements which are required to be stated therein by, and conform and will conform to the requirements of, the 1933 Act. At the respective times the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendments thereto became effective and as of the Applicable Time, the Closing Date and each Option Closing Date (if any), the Registration Statement did not, and will 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 not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no representations or warranties as to information contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, or any such amendment or supplement, in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriters through the Representative, specifically for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information is that described in Section  7 herein.

 

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(b) The Company has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland, with corporate power and authority to own or lease its properties and conduct its business as currently carried on and described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Indenture and the Securities, except where the failure of the Company to be so qualified or in good standing or have such power or authority would not result in a Company Material Adverse Effect (defined below). Each of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries other than those entities which would not constitute a “significant subsidiary” within the meaning of Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X (collectively, the “ Subsidiaries ”) has been duly organized and is validly existing as a limited liability company or corporation in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, with all requisite power and authority to own or lease its properties and conduct its business as currently carried on and described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except where the Subsidiaries’ failure to be so qualified would not (i) have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the earnings, business, properties, assets, rights, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (ii) prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and under the Indenture and the Notes (the occurrence of any such effect or any such prevention described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being referred to as a “ Company Material Adverse Effect ”). Each of the Company and each of the Subsidiaries is duly qualified to transact business in all jurisdictions in which the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except for such jurisdictions where failure to so qualify or to be in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Company Material Adverse Effect. The outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the Subsidiaries have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and are wholly owned by the Company or another Subsidiary free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and equities and claims; and no options, warrants or other rights to purchase, agreements or other obligations to issue or other rights to convert any obligations into shares of capital stock or ownership interests in the Subsidiaries are outstanding. As of June 30, 2018, the Company did not own, directly or indirectly, any shares of stock or any other equity or long-term debt securities of any corporation or other entity other than those corporations or other entities described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the caption “Portfolio Companies” (each, a “ Portfolio Company ,” and collectively, the “ Portfolio Companies ”), and the Subsidiaries listed in Item 28 of the Registration Statement. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, as of the respective dates set forth therein, the Company does not control (as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (collectively with the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, the “ 1940 Act ”)) any of the Portfolio Companies.

(c) The outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (the “ Common Stock ”) have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; and no preemptive rights of stockholders exist with respect to any of the Securities or the issue and sale thereof. Neither the filing of the Registration Statement nor the offering or sale of the Securities as contemplated by this Agreement gives rise to any rights, other than those which have been waived or satisfied, for or relating to the registration of any class of securities of the Company.

 

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(d) The information set forth under the captions “Description of Our Securities” and “Description of the Notes” in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, insofar as such statements purport to summarize certain provisions of the 1940 Act, Maryland law, the Indenture and the Securities, fairly and accurately summarize such provisions in all material respects. The Indenture and the Securities materially conform to the description thereof contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The form of certificate for the Securities conform to the requirements of the Indenture, any requirements of the Company’s charter or bylaws and the listing requirements for the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“ Nasdaq ”). Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except as otherwise specifically stated therein or in this Agreement or as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company has not: (i) issued any securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, for borrowed money; or (ii) declared or paid any dividend or made any other distribution on or in respect to its capital stock.

(e) The Company has duly authorized, executed and delivered and currently is a party to or payee with respect to the promissory notes and other agreements evidencing the investments described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the caption “Portfolio Companies” (each, a “ Portfolio Company Agreement ”). Except as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, to the Company’s knowledge, each Portfolio Company is current with all its obligations under the applicable Portfolio Company Agreements, no event of default (or a default which with the giving of notice or the passage of time would become an event of default) has occurred under such agreements, except to the extent that any such failure to be current in its obligations and any such default would not reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(f) The Indenture has been duly authorized, and at the Closing Date, will be duly executed and delivered by the Company and, when duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trustee, will constitute a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Company enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, and by general equitable principles.

(g) The Securities have been duly authorized by the Company for sale to the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement and, when executed and delivered by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture relating thereto, against payment of the consideration set forth in this Agreement, will constitute legal, valid and binding agreements of the Company enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, and by general equitable principles.

(h) The Indenture has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

 

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(i) The Company has not, directly or indirectly, distributed and will not distribute any offering material in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities other than the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or other materials, if any, permitted by the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act.

(j) The consolidated financial statements of the Company and the Subsidiaries, together with related notes and schedules as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, present fairly in all material respects the financial position and the results of operations and cash flows of the Company and the Subsidiaries, as of the indicated dates and for the indicated periods. Such financial statements and related schedules have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted principles of accounting (“ GAAP ”), consistently applied throughout the periods involved, except as disclosed therein, and all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of results for such periods have been made. The summary and selected consolidated financial and statistical data included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus present fairly the information shown therein, and such data have been compiled on a basis consistent with the financial statements presented therein and the books and records of the Company. All disclosures contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the 1933 Act) comply with Regulation G of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (collectively with the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, the “ Exchange Act ”), and Item 10 of Regulation S-K under the 1933 Act, to the extent applicable. The Company and the Subsidiaries do not have any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations or any “variable interest entities” within the meaning of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810), which are not disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. There are no financial statements (historical or pro forma) that are required to be included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus that are not included as required.

(k) Any audited consolidated financial statements of a Portfolio Company, together with related notes and schedules, included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, present fairly in all material respects the financial position and the results of operations and cash flows of such Portfolio Company, as of the indicated dates and for the indicated periods. Such audited consolidated financial statements and related schedules have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied throughout the periods involved, except as disclosed therein.

(l) PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, who has certified certain of the financial statements filed with the Commission as part of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, is an independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the Company and the Subsidiaries within the meaning of the 1933 Act and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).

(m) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is aware of (i) any material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting or (ii) any change in internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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(n) Solely to the extent that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission and Nasdaq thereunder (collectively, the “ Sarbanes-Oxley Act ”) have been applicable to the Company, there is and has been no failure on the part of the Company to comply with any applicable provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(o) There is no action, suit, claim or proceeding pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of the Subsidiaries before any court or administrative agency or otherwise, which if determined adversely to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries would have a Company Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

(p) The Company and the Subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all of the properties and assets reflected in the consolidated financial statements hereinabove described or described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, subject to no lien, mortgage, pledge, charge or encumbrance of any kind, except those reflected in such financial statements or described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or which are not material in amount. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company and the Subsidiaries are not party to any leases, except for such leases entered into after the effective date of the Prospectus and such leases that would not be reasonably likely to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(q) The Company and the Subsidiaries have filed all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns which have been required to be filed and have paid all taxes indicated by such returns and all assessments received by them or any of them to the extent that such taxes have become due and are not being contested in good faith and for which an adequate reserve for accrual has been established in accordance with GAAP, other than as set forth or contemplated in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and except where the failure to so file or pay would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect. All tax liabilities have been adequately provided for in the financial statements of the Company, and the Company does not know of any actual or proposed additional material tax assessments.

(r) Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there has not been any material adverse change or any development that is reasonably likely to involve a prospective material adverse change in the earnings, business, management, properties, assets, rights, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, whether or not occurring in the ordinary course of business, and there has not been any material transaction entered into, or any material transaction that is probable of being entered into, by the Company or the Subsidiaries, other than transactions in the ordinary course of business and changes and transactions described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented. The Company and the Subsidiaries have no material contingent obligations which are not disclosed in the Company’s financial statements which are included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

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(s) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is or, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, will be as of the Applicable Time, the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date: (i) in violation of its charter or certificate or articles of incorporation (as amended, restated and supplemented), bylaws, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement, partnership agreement or other organizational documents or (ii) in violation of or in default under any agreement, lease, contract, indenture or other instrument or obligation to which it is a party or by which it, or any of its properties, is bound and, solely with respect to this clause (ii), which violation or default would have a Company Material Adverse Effect. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Indenture and the Securities and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and the fulfillment of the terms hereof and thereof will not conflict with or result in a breach of (i) any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or by which the Company or any Subsidiary or any of their respective properties is bound, (ii) the charter or bylaws of the Company or (iii) any law, order, rule or regulation, judgment, order, writ or decree applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary of any court or of any government, regulatory body or administrative agency or other governmental body having jurisdiction, except in the case of clauses (i) and (iii) only, such conflicts, or breaches as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(t) The execution and delivery of, and the performance by the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator of their obligations under, this Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action or limited liability company action, as applicable, on the part of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator, and this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator.

(u) Each approval, consent, order, authorization, designation, declaration or filing by or with any regulatory, administrative or other governmental body necessary in connection with the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, the Indenture and the Securities and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (except (i) the post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement adding certain documents related to the offering of the Securities as exhibits thereto and (ii) such additional steps as may be (w) required by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“ FINRA ”); (x) required by Nasdaq in connection with the listing of the Securities; or (y) necessary to qualify the Securities for public offering by the Underwriters under state securities or Blue Sky laws) has been obtained or made and is in full force and effect.

(v) The Company, the Adviser, the Administrator and each of the Subsidiaries hold all licenses, certificates and permits from governmental authorities which are necessary to the conduct of their businesses as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except where the failure to hold such licenses, certificates or permits would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect; the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator and the Subsidiaries each own or possess rights to use all patents, patent rights, trademarks, trade names, service marks, service names, copyrights, license rights, know-how

 

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(including trade secrets and other unpatented and unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures) and other intellectual property rights (“ Intellectual Property ”) necessary to carry on their businesses as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus in all material respects; none of the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator or any of the Subsidiaries has infringed, and none of the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator or the Subsidiaries has received notice of conflict with, any Intellectual Property of any other person or entity. None of the technology employed by the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator has been obtained or is being used by the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator in violation of any contractual obligation binding on the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator or any of their respective officers, directors or employees or otherwise in violation of the rights of any persons; none of the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator has received any written or oral communications alleging that the Company has violated, infringed or conflicted with, or, by conducting its business as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, would violate, infringe or conflict with, any of the Intellectual Property of any other person or entity, except for such violations, infringements or conflicts that would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect, none of the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator knows of any infringement by others of Intellectual Property owned by or licensed to the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator.

(w) Neither the Company, nor to the Company’s knowledge, any of its affiliates, has taken or will take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or result in, or which has constituted or which might reasonably be expected to constitute, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Notes to facilitate the sale or resale of the Notes. The Company acknowledges that the Underwriters may engage in passive market-making transactions in the Securities on Nasdaq in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act.

(x) The terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement, including compensation terms, comply in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “ Advisers Act ”), and the approvals by the board of directors and the Company’s stockholders, as applicable, of the Investment Advisory Agreement have been obtained in accordance with the requirements of Section 15 of the 1940 Act applicable to companies that have elected to be regulated as business development companies under the 1940 Act.

(y) Each of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

 

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(z) The Company has established and maintains “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act); the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” are reasonably designed to ensure that all material information (both financial and non-financial) 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 Exchange Act, and that all such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make the certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company required under the Exchange Act.

(aa) The statistical, industry-related and market-related data, if any, included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources which the Company reasonably and in good faith believes are reliable and accurate, and such data agree with the sources from which they are derived.

(bb) The operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial record-keeping and reporting requirements, including those of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, those of the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act), and the applicable money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions in which the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries conduct business, and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental or regulatory agency (collectively, the “ Money Laundering Laws ”), and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any or its consolidated subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened.

(cc) Neither the Company nor any of its consolidated subsidiaries, nor, any director or officer of the Company or its consolidated subsidiaries, nor to the knowledge of the Company, any agent, employee or representative of the Company or its consolidated subsidiaries, or other person acting on behalf of the Company or its consolidated subsidiaries is currently the subject or target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. government (including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department or the U.S. Department of State and including the designation as a “specially designated national” or “blocked person”), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “ Sanctions ”), nor is the Company or any of its consolidated subsidiaries located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the target of Sanctions, including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, the Crimean region, Sudan and Syria (each, a “ Sanctioned Country ”); and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering of the Securities hereunder, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity (i) to fund or facilitate any unlawful activities of or business with any person that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the target of Sanctions, (ii) to fund or facilitate any unlawful activities of or business in any Sanctioned Country or (iii) in any other manner that will result in a violation by any person (including any person participating in the

 

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transaction, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions. For the past five years, the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries have not knowingly engaged in, are not now knowingly engaged in, and will not engage in, any dealings or transactions with any person that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the target of Sanctions or with any Sanctioned Country.

(dd) The Company and each of the Subsidiaries carry, or are covered by, insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as the Company deems adequate for the conduct of their respective business and the value of their respective properties and as is customary for companies engaged in similar businesses.

(ee) Each of the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator and each Subsidiary is in compliance in all material respects with all presently applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, including the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (“ ERISA ”); no “reportable event” (as defined in ERISA) has occurred with respect to any “pension plan” (as defined in ERISA) for which the Company and each Subsidiary would have any liability; the Company and each Subsidiary has not incurred and does not expect to incur liability under (i) Title IV of ERISA with respect to termination of, or withdrawal from, any “pension plan” or (ii) Sections 412 or 4971 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (the “ Code ”); and each “pension plan” for which the Company or any Subsidiary would have any liability that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified in all material respects and nothing has occurred, whether by action or by failure to act, which would reasonably be expected to cause the loss of such qualification.

(ff) To the Company’s knowledge, there are no affiliations or associations between any member of FINRA and any of the Company’s officers, directors or 5% or greater securityholders except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

(gg) There are no relationships or related-party transactions involving the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or any other person required to be described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus which have not been described as required.

(hh) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has made any contribution or other payment to any official of, or candidate for, any federal, state or foreign office in violation of any law, which violation is required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus.

(ii) As of the date hereof, there are no outstanding personal loans made, directly or indirectly, by the Company to any director or executive officer of the Company.

(jj) Any advertising, sales literature or other promotional material (including “prospectus wrappers,” “broker kits,” “road show slides,” “road show scripts” and “electronic road show presentations”) authorized in writing by or prepared by the Company to be used in connection with the public offering of the Securities (collectively, “ Sales Material ”) do not and

 

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will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein in light of the circumstances under which they were made not misleading. Moreover, all Sales Material complies and will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act (except that this representation and warranty does not apply to statements in or omissions from the Sales Material made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Underwriters furnished to the Company by the Underwriters expressly for use therein).

(kk) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and the Company’s credit facility with KeyBank National Association, and as otherwise required by the 1940 Act, no Subsidiary of the Company is prohibited, directly or indirectly, from paying any dividends to the Company, from making any other distribution on such Subsidiary’s capital stock, from repaying to the Company any loans or advances to such Subsidiary from the Company or from transferring any of such Subsidiary’s property or assets to the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company.

(ll) None of the Adviser, the Administrator, the Company, nor any of its consolidated subsidiaries, nor any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company nor any director, officer, agent or affiliate of any consolidated subsidiary of the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any employee of any consolidated subsidiary of the Company is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “ FCPA ”), or any applicable law or regulation implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, or committed an offense under any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws, including making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the any applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws, and the Adviser, the Administrator, the Company, the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries and their respective affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance with any applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws and have instituted, maintained and enforced and will continue to maintain and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.

(mm) The Company and its Subsidiaries are (i) in compliance with any and all applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health and safety, access for disabled persons, the environment or hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants (collectively, “ Environmental Laws ”), (ii) have received and are in compliance with all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses and (iii) have not received notice of any actual or potential liability under any Environmental Laws, except where such non-compliance with Environmental Laws, failure to receive required permits, licenses or other approvals, or liability would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Registration

 

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Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has been named as a “potentially responsible party” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.

(nn) The Company has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the 1940 Act and has filed with the Commission, pursuant to Section 54(a) of the 1940 Act, a duly completed and executed Form N-54A (the “ Company BDC Election ”); the Company has not filed with the Commission any notice of withdrawal of the Company BDC Election pursuant to Section 54(c) of the 1940 Act; the Company BDC Election remains in full force and effect and, to the Company’s actual knowledge, no order of suspension or revocation of such election under the 1940 Act has been issued or proceedings therefor initiated or threatened by the Commission. The operations of the Company are in compliance with the provisions of the 1940 Act applicable to business development companies, except where such non-compliance would not reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(oo) The Company is currently organized and operates in compliance in all material respects with the requirements to be taxed as, and has duly elected to be taxed as (which election has not been revoked), a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. The Company intends to direct the investment of the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Securities in the manner specified in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus Supplement under the caption “Use of Proceeds” and in such a manner as to continue to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code.

(pp) There are no contracts or documents that are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that have not been so described and filed as required. All descriptions of contracts or documents described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus are accurate and complete in all material respects. Notwithstanding the foregoing, as of the date hereof, the Company has not filed this Agreement, the Indenture or the opinion of Maryland Counsel (as defined below) with respect to the legality of the Securities as exhibits to the Registration Statement, although all such exhibits will be filed by post-effective amendment pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the 1933 Act by the Closing Date.

(qq) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus: (i) no person is serving or acting as an officer, director or investment adviser of the Company, except in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act; and (ii) to the knowledge of the Company, no director of the Company is an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company or an “affiliated person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Underwriters.

(rr) The Notes, by the Closing Date, will be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, and the Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the Notes under the Exchange Act, nor has the Company received any notification that the Commission or FINRA is contemplating terminating such registration or listing. The application for listing of the Notes for trading on Nasdaq has been submitted by the Company.

 

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(ss) The Common Stock and each of the Company’s outstanding series of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, conform in all material respects to all of the respective statements relating thereto contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and such statements conform to the rights set forth in the respective instruments and agreements defining the same.

(tt) The Securities conform to the provisions of the Indenture and the relative rights, preferences, interests and powers of such Securities are set forth in the Indenture.

(uu) As of the date of this Agreement and on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the issuance and sale of the Securities and the use of proceeds therefrom, the Company will be in compliance with the applicable asset coverage requirements set forth in Sections 18 and 61 of the 1940 Act.

(vv) This Agreement, the Indenture and the Notes comply in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.

Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator and delivered to the Underwriters or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator (as applicable) to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby.

2. Representations and Warranties of the Adviser and the Administrator . The Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to the Underwriters as of the date of this Agreement, as of the Applicable Time, as of the Closing Date and as of each Option Closing Date, and agree with the Underwriters as follows:

(a) Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein, there has been no material adverse change in the financial condition, or in the earnings, business affairs, operations or regulatory status of the Adviser, the Administrator or any of their respective subsidiaries, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, that would reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect, would otherwise reasonably be expected to prevent the Adviser from carrying out its obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement (an “ Adviser Material Adverse Effect ”) or would otherwise reasonably be expected to prevent the Administrator from carrying out its obligations under the Administration Agreement (an “ Administrator Material Adverse Effect ”).

(b) Each of the Adviser and the Administrator has been duly organized and is validly existing in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement; the Adviser has the corporate power and authority

 

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to execute and deliver and perform its obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement; the Administrator has the power and authority to execute and deliver and perform its obligations under the Administration Agreement; and each of the Adviser, the Administrator and their respective subsidiaries is duly qualified to transact business as a foreign entity and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of ownership or leasing of its property or the conduct of business, except, in each case, where the failure to qualify or be in good standing would not otherwise reasonably be expected to result in an Adviser Material Adverse Effect or an Administrator Material Adverse Effect, as applicable.

(c) The Adviser is duly registered with the Commission as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and is not prohibited by the Advisers Act or the 1940 Act from acting under the Investment Advisory Agreement for the Company as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. There does not exist any proceeding or, to the Adviser’s knowledge, any facts or circumstances the existence of which could reasonably be expected to lead to any proceeding, which might adversely affect the registration of the Adviser with the Commission.

(d) There is no action, suit or proceeding or, to the knowledge of the Adviser, the Administrator or any of their respective subsidiaries, inquiry or investigation before or brought by any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, now pending, or, to the knowledge of the Adviser or the Administrator, threatened, against or affecting the Adviser or the Administrator which is required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus (other than as disclosed therein), or which would reasonably be expected to result in an Adviser Material Adverse Effect or Administrator Material Adverse Effect, or which would reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement, the Investment Advisory Agreement or the Administration Agreement; the aggregate of all pending legal or governmental proceedings to which the Adviser or the Administrator is a party or of which any of their respective property or assets is the subject which are not described in the Registration Statement and/or the Prospectus, including ordinary routine litigation incidental to their business, would not reasonably be expected to result in an Adviser Material Adverse Effect or an Administrator Material Adverse Effect, as applicable.

(e) None of the Adviser, the Administrator or any of their respective subsidiaries is (i) in violation of its organizational or governing documents or (ii) in default in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan or credit agreement, note, lease or other agreement or instrument to which the Adviser or Administrator is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of the property or assets of the Adviser or the Administrator is subject (collectively, the “ Agreements and Instruments ”), or (iii) in violation of any law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) only, for such violations or defaults that would not reasonably be expected to result in an Adviser Material Adverse Effect or Administrator Material Adverse Effect, as applicable; and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and therein and in the Registration Statement (including the issuance and sale of the Securities and the use of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities as described in the Registration

 

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Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the caption “Use of Proceeds”) and compliance by the Adviser and the Administrator with their respective obligations hereunder and under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement do not and will not, whether with or without the giving of notice or passage of time or both, conflict with or constitute a breach of, or default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Adviser or the Administrator pursuant to the Agreements and Instruments except for such violations or defaults that would not reasonably be expected to result in an Adviser Material Adverse Effect or an Administrator Material Adverse Effect, as applicable, nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the bylaws or limited liability company operating agreement of the Adviser or Administrator, respectively; nor will such action result in any violation of any applicable law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ or decree of any government, government instrumentality or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Adviser or the Administrator or any of their respective assets, properties or operations.

(f) This Agreement, the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable. The Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement are valid and binding obligations of the Adviser or the Administrator, respectively, enforceable against them in accordance with their terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be subject to (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws now or thereafter in effect relating to creditors’ rights generally and (ii) general principles of equity and the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.

(g) No filing with, or authorization, approval, consent, license, order, registration, qualification or decree of, any court or governmental authority or agency is necessary or required for the performance by the Adviser or the Administrator of their respective obligations hereunder, in connection with the offering, issuance or sale of the Securities hereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the use of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the caption “Use of Proceeds”), except such as have been already obtained under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act or will be obtained by the Closing Date.

(h) The descriptions of the Adviser and the Administrator contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

(i) The Adviser and the Administrator possess such licenses issued by the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies necessary to conduct the business now operated by them (“ Governmental Licenses ”), except where the failure so to possess would not reasonably be expected to, singly or in the aggregate, result in an Adviser Material Adverse Effect or an Administrator Material Adverse Effect, as applicable; the Adviser and the Administrator are in compliance with the terms and conditions of all such Governmental Licenses, except where the failure so to comply would not, singly or in the aggregate, result in an Adviser Material Adverse Effect or an Administrator Material Adverse Effect, as applicable; all

 

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of the Governmental Licenses are valid and in full force and effect, except where the invalidity of such Governmental Licenses or the failure of such Governmental Licenses to be in full force and effect would not, singly or in the aggregate, result in an Adviser Material Adverse Effect or an Administrator Material Adverse Effect, as applicable; and neither the Adviser nor the Administrator has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such Governmental Licenses which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would reasonably be expected to result in an Adviser Material Adverse Effect or an Administrator Material Adverse Effect, as applicable.

(j) Each of the Adviser and the Administrator maintains data processing, communications and other technology systems sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, and (iii) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Each of the Adviser and the Administrator has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent data breaches and other breaches of applicable privacy laws.

(k) Neither the Adviser nor the Administrator is aware that (i) any executive, key employee or significant group of employees of the Company (if any), the Adviser (to the extent any such person devotes substantive attention to matters involving the Company) or the Administrator (to the extent any such person devotes substantive attention to matters involving the Company) plans to terminate employment with the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable, or (ii) any such executive or key employee is subject to any non-compete, nondisclosure, confidentiality, employment, consulting or similar agreement that would be violated by the present or proposed business activities of the Company or the Adviser except where such termination or violation would not reasonably be expected to have an Adviser Material Adverse Effect or an Administrator Material Adverse Effect, as applicable.

3. Purchase, Sale and Delivery of the Securities .

(a) On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company hereby agrees to sell to the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, the respective aggregate principal amount of Initial Securities set forth opposite the name of the Underwriter in Exhibit A hereto, and each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase the aggregate principal amount of Initial Securities set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter on Exhibit A hereto, plus any additional aggregate principal amount of Initial Securities which such Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant to the provisions of Section  8 hereof, subject to such adjustments among the Underwriters as the Representative in its sole discretion shall make to eliminate any sales or purchases of fractional Securities, in each case at a purchase price of 97.0% of the aggregate principal amount (the “ Purchase Price ”).

(b) In addition, on the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company hereby grants an option to the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, to purchase all or any portion of the Option Securities at a price equal to the Purchase Price (without giving effect to any accrued interest

 

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from the Closing Date to the applicable Option Closing Date). The option hereby granted will expire at 11:59 P.M. (New York City time) on the 30th day after the date hereof and may be exercised on up to three occasions in whole or in part only for the purpose of covering over-allotments which may be made in connection with the offering and distribution of the Initial Securities upon notice by the Representative to the Company setting forth the aggregate principal amount of Option Securities as to which the several Underwriters are then exercising the option and the time and date of payment and delivery for such Option Securities. Any such time and date of delivery (an “ Option Closing Date ”) shall be determined by the Representative, but shall not be earlier than three or later than seven full business days after the exercise of said option, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Company and the Representative, nor in any event prior to the Closing Date. If the option is exercised as to all or any portion of the Option Securities, the Company will sell to the Underwriters that proportion of the aggregate principal amount of Option Securities then being purchased, and each of the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, will purchase that proportion of the aggregate principal amount of Option Securities then being purchased, which the aggregate principal amount of Initial Securities set forth in Exhibit A opposite the name of such Underwriter, plus any additional aggregate principal amount of Initial Securities which such Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant to the provisions of Section  8 hereof, bears to the aggregate principal amount of Initial Securities, subject in each case to such adjustments as the Representative in their discretion shall make to eliminate any sales or purchases of fractional Securities.

(c) Payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of any certificates for, the Initial Securities shall be made at the offices of Proskauer Rose LLP at 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 600 South, Washington, D.C. 20004 or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company, at 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on November 6, 2018 (unless postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section  8 ), or such other time not later than ten business days after such date as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company (such time and date of payment and delivery being herein called “ Closing Date ”).

In addition, in the event that any or all of the Option Securities are purchased by the Underwriters, payment of the Purchase Price for, and delivery of any certificates for, such Option Securities shall be made at 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) at the above-mentioned offices, or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company, on each Option Closing Date.

Payment shall be made to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a single bank account designated by the Company against delivery to the Representative for the respective accounts of the Underwriters of the Securities to be purchased by them. It is understood that each Underwriter has authorized the Representative, for their accounts, to accept delivery of, receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the Initial Securities and the Option Securities, if any, which it has agreed to purchase. The Representative, individually and not as representative of the Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment of the purchase price for the Initial Securities or the Option Securities, if any, to be purchased by any Underwriter whose funds have not been received by the Closing Date or the relevant Option Closing Date, as the case may be, but such payment shall not relieve such Underwriter from its obligations hereunder.

 

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(d) Certificates for the Initial Securities and the Option Securities, if any, shall be in such denominations and registered in such names as the Representative may request in writing at least two full business days before the Closing Date or the relevant Option Closing Date, as the case may be.

4. Expenses . The Company agrees to pay the reasonable costs and expenses relating to the following matters: (i) the preparation, printing or reproduction and filing with the Commission of the Registration Statement (including financial statements and exhibits thereto) and the Prospectus, and each amendment or supplement to either of them; (ii) the printing (or reproduction) and delivery (including postage, air freight charges and charges for counting and packaging) of such copies of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package, and the Prospectus, and all amendments or supplements to any of them, as may, in each case, be reasonably requested for use in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities; (iii) the costs and expenses incurred by the Company arising out of the marketing of the sale of the Securities to investors; (iv) the preparation, printing, authentication, issuance and delivery of the Securities; (v) the printing (or reproduction) and delivery of this Agreement, any blue sky memorandum and all closing documents printed (or reproduced) and delivered in connection with the offering of the Securities; (vi) the listing of the Securities on Nasdaq; (vii) any registration or qualification of the Securities for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of the several states and the securities laws of Canada (including filing fees and the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters relating to such registration and qualification, and, if requested by the Representative, the preparation of a “Canadian wrapper”); (viii) any filings required to be made with FINRA (including filing fees and the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters, in an amount not to exceed $7,500, relating to such filings); (ix) the fees and expenses of the Company’s accountants and the fees and expenses of counsel (including Maryland Counsel) for the Company; (x) the fees and expenses of the Trustee and (xi) all other reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator incident to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder.

5. Agreements of the Company . The Company agrees with the Underwriters that:

(a) Prior to the termination of the offering of the Securities, the Company will not file any amendment of the Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement unless the Company has furnished the Representative copies for their review prior to filing and will not file any such proposed amendment, supplement or Rule 462(b) Registration Statement to which the Representative reasonably objects. Subject to the foregoing sentence, if the Registration Statement has become or becomes effective pursuant to Rule 430A under the 1933 Act, or filing of the Prospectus is otherwise required under Rule 497, the Company will cause the Prospectus, properly completed, and any supplement thereto to be filed in a form approved by the Representative with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497 within the time period prescribed and will provide evidence satisfactory to the Representative of such timely filing. The Company will promptly advise the Representative (1) when the Prospectus, and any supplement thereto, will have been filed (if required) with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497 or when any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement will have been filed with the Commission, (2) when, prior to termination of the offering of the Securities, any amendment to the Registration Statement will have been filed or become effective, (3) of any request by the Commission or its staff for any amendment of the Registration Statement or any Rule 462(b)

 

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Registration Statement, or for any supplement to the Prospectus or for any additional information, (4) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the institution or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatening of any proceeding for that purpose and (5) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the institution or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose. The Company will use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such stop order or the suspension of any such qualification and, if issued, to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal thereof.

(b) The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 430B and 430C under the 1933 Act and will notify the Representative immediately, and confirm the notice in writing, of (i) the effectiveness of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or any new registration statement relating to the Securities or the filing of any supplement or amendment to the Prospectus, (ii) the receipt of any comments from the Commission, (iii) any request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or the filing of a new registration statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for additional information, (iv) the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or such new registration statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus, or of the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any of such purposes or of any examination pursuant to Section 8(e) of the 1933 Act concerning the Registration Statement and (v) if the Company becomes the subject of a proceeding under Section 8A of the 1933 Act in connection with the offering of the Securities. The Company will promptly effect the filings required under Rule 497, in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 497, notify the Representative of the filing thereof, and take such steps as it deems necessary to ascertain promptly whether the Prospectus transmitted for filing under Rule 497 was received for filing by the Commission and, in the event that it was not, it will promptly file the Prospectus. The Company will make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance of any stop order and, if any stop order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible moment.

(c) If at any time when the Prospectus is required by the 1933 Act or the Exchange Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the Securities, any event will occur or condition will exist as a result of which it is necessary, in the reasonable opinion of outside counsel to the Underwriters or the Company, to amend the Registration Statement in order that the Registration Statement will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order that the Prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser, or if it will be necessary, in the reasonable opinion of such outside counsel, at any such time to amend the Registration Statement, to file a new registration statement, or to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to comply with the requirements of the 1933 Act, the Company will (i) promptly prepare and file with the Commission, such amendment, supplement or new registration statement as may be necessary to correct such statement or omission or to comply with such requirements, provided that the Company shall not make any filing to which the Representative reasonably objects, (ii) use its best efforts to have such amendment or new registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable, and (iii) furnish to the Representative, without charge, such number of copies of such amendment, supplement or new registration statement as the Representative may reasonably request.

 

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(d) The Company will cooperate with the Representative in endeavoring to qualify the Securities for sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as the Representative may reasonably have designated in writing and will make such applications, file such documents, and furnish such information as may be reasonably required for that purpose; provided the Company will not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to file a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction where it is not now so qualified or required to file such a consent. The Company will, from time to time, prepare and file such statements, reports, and other documents, as are or may be required to continue such qualifications in effect for so long a period as the Representative may reasonably request for distribution of the Securities.

(e) The Company will deliver to, or upon the order of, the Representative, from time to time, as many copies of any Preliminary Prospectus as the Representative may reasonably request. The Company will deliver to, or upon the order of, the Representative during the period when delivery of a Prospectus is required under the 1933 Act, as many copies of the Prospectus in final form, or as thereafter amended or supplemented, as the Representative may reasonably request. The Company will deliver to the Representative at or before the Closing Date, a copy of the signed Registration Statement and all amendments thereto including all exhibits filed therewith, and will deliver to the Representative such number of copies of the Registration Statement (including such number of copies of the exhibits filed therewith that may reasonably be requested) and of all amendments thereto, as the Representative may reasonably request.

(f) The Company will comply with the 1933 Act and the Exchange Act so as to permit the completion of the distribution of the Securities as contemplated in this Agreement and the Prospectus.

(g) If the General Disclosure Package is being used to solicit offers to buy the Securities at a time when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers and any event will occur as a result of which, in the judgment of the Company or in the reasonable opinion of the Underwriters, it becomes necessary to amend or supplement the General Disclosure Package in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or to make the statements therein not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement then on file, or if it is necessary at any time to amend or supplement the General Disclosure Package to comply with any law, the Company promptly will prepare, file with the Commission (if required) and furnish to the Underwriters and any dealers an appropriate amendment or supplement to the General Disclosure Package.

(h) The Company will make generally available to its security holders, as soon as it is practicable to do so, an earnings statement or statements (which need not be audited), which will satisfy the requirements of Section 11(a) of the 1933 Act and Rule 158 under the 1933 Act and will advise the Representative in writing when such statement has been so made available.

 

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(i) No offering, sale, short sale or other disposition of any debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or derivative of debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company (or agreement for such) will be made for a period of 90 days after the date of the Prospectus, directly or indirectly, by the Company otherwise than hereunder or with the prior written consent of the Representative.

(j) The Company will apply the net proceeds of its sale of the Securities as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

(k) The Company will maintain a trustee, paying agent and registrar for the Notes.

(l) The Company will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or result in, or that has constituted or might reasonably be expected to constitute, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any securities of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities, except as may be allowed by law.

(m) The Company, during the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered under the 1933 Act, will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the 1933 Act, the Exchange Act and the 1940 Act within the time periods required by such act, rule or regulation. To the extent the distribution of Securities has been completed, the Company will not be required to provide the Underwriters with reports it is required to file with the Commission under the Exchange Act.

(n) The Company has obtained an initial no objections letter and the Underwriters will obtain a final no objection letter from FINRA regarding the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements.

(o) The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to effect within thirty (30) days of the Closing Date and to maintain the listing of the Notes on Nasdaq.

6. Conditions to the Underwriters’ Obligations . The obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the Securities on the Closing Date and the Option Securities, if any, on the Option Closing Date are subject to the accuracy, as of the Applicable Time, the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, of the representations and warranties of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator contained herein, and to the performance by the Company of its covenants and obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions:

(a) The Registration Statement and all post-effective amendments thereto shall have become effective and the Prospectus shall have been filed as required by Rules 430A, 430B, 430C or 497 under the 1933 Act, as applicable, within the time period prescribed by, and in compliance with the 1933 Act, and any request of the Commission for additional information (to be included in the Registration Statement or otherwise) shall have been disclosed to the Representative and complied with to their reasonable satisfaction. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, as amended from time to time, shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A under the 1933 Act shall

 

22


have been taken or, to the knowledge of the Company, shall be contemplated or threatened by the Commission and no injunction, restraining order or order of any nature by a Federal or state court of competent jurisdiction shall have been issued as of the Closing Date which would prevent the issuance of the Securities.

(b) The Representative shall have received from Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, counsel for the Company (the “ Company Counsel ”), an opinion and a negative assurance letter, each dated the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, addressed to the Representative in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative.

(c) The Representative shall have received from Venable LLP, special Maryland counsel for the Company (“ Maryland Counsel ”), an opinion dated the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, addressed to the Underwriters, regarding matters relating to Maryland law, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative.

(d) The Representative shall have received from Proskauer Rose LLP, counsel to Underwriters (“ Underwriters’ Counsel ”), an opinion dated the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative.

(e) The Representative shall have received, on each of the date hereof, the Closing Date and, if applicable, the Option Closing Date, the letter dated the date hereof, the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters, delivered in accordance with Statement of Auditing Standards No. 72 (or any successor bulletin), with respect to the financial statements and certain financial and statistical information contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

(f) Each of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator shall have furnished to the Representative, on the Closing Date and, if applicable, the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 6(f) .

(g) The Company and the Trustee shall have executed and delivered each of the Base Indenture, the First Supplemental Indenture and the Securities.

(h) Each of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator shall have furnished to the Representative such further certificates and documents as the Representative may reasonably require for the purpose of enabling the Underwriters to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Securities as herein contemplated.

(i) The application for listing of the Securities shall have been submitted to Nasdaq.

(j) There shall not have been any decrease in the rating of any debt of the Company by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” (as defined in Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act), or any notice given of any intended or potential decrease in any such rating or of a possible change in any such rating that does not indicate the direction of the possible change, and no such organization shall have publicly announced it has under surveillance or review any such rating.

 

23


The opinions and certificates mentioned in this Agreement shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are in all material respects satisfactory to the Representative and to Underwriters’ Counsel.

If any of the conditions hereinabove provided for in this Section  6 shall not have been fulfilled when and as required by this Agreement to be fulfilled, the obligations of the Underwriters hereunder may be terminated by the Representative by notifying the Company of such termination in writing at or prior to the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be. In such event, the Company and the Underwriters shall not be under any obligation to each other (except to the extent provided in Sections 4 and 7 hereof).

7. Indemnification and Contribution .

(a) The Company, the Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Underwriters, the directors, officers, employees and agents of the Underwriters and each person who controls the Underwriters within the meaning of either Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act:

(i) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, arising out of any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement for the Securities as originally filed or in any amendment thereof (and including any post-effective amendment), the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or in any sales material (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arising out of or based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;

(ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission; provided that any such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company; and

(iii) against any and all expense whatsoever, as incurred (including the fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by the Representative), reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission, to the extent that any such expense is not paid under (i) or (ii) above;

 

24


provided, however, that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent arising out of any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter through the Representative expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), or the General Disclosure Package, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the following information in the Prospectus furnished on behalf of each Underwriter: (i) their names and (ii) the eleventh through thirteenth paragraphs of text under the caption “Underwriting.”

(b) Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator, each of their respective directors, each of their respective officers who sign the Registration Statement, and each person who controls the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator within the meaning of either Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, to the same extent as the indemnity from the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator to the Underwriters set forth in Section  7(a)(i) and the proviso thereto, but only with reference to written information relating to the Underwriters furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Underwriters specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the foregoing indemnity. The Underwriters agree to reimburse each such indemnified party, as incurred, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any loss, claim, damage, liability or action to which they are entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section  7(b) . This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which the Underwriters may otherwise have.

(c) In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section  7 , such person (the “indemnified party”) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the “indemnifying party”) in writing. No indemnification provided for in Section  7 shall be available to any party who shall fail to give notice as provided in this Section  7(c) if the party to whom notice was not given was unaware of the proceeding to which such notice would have related and was materially prejudiced by the failure to give such notice, but the failure to give such notice shall not relieve the indemnifying party or parties from any liability which it or they may have to the indemnified party for contribution or otherwise than on account of the provisions of Section  7 . In case any such proceeding shall be brought against any indemnified party and it shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party and shall pay as incurred the fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any indemnified party shall have the right to retain its own counsel at its own expense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnifying party shall pay as incurred (or within 30 days of presentation) the fees and expenses of the counsel retained by the indemnified party in the event (i) the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel, (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party and the indemnified party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them or (iii) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense and employ counsel acceptable to the indemnified party within a reasonable

 

25


period of time after notice of commencement of the action. Such firm shall be designated in writing by the Representative in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section  7(a) and by the Company in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section  7(b) . The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. In addition, the indemnifying party will not, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action or proceeding of which indemnification may be sought hereunder (whether or not any indemnified party is an actual or potential party to such claim, action or proceeding) unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out of such claim, action or proceeding and does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

(d) To the extent the indemnification provided for in Section  7 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under Section  7(a) or (b)  above in respect of any losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, from the offering of the Securities. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case, as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company, on the one hand, or the Underwriters, on the other, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

The Company, the Adviser, the Administrator and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section  7(d) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section  7(d) . The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof) referred to above in this Section  7(d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably

 

26


incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section  7(d) , (i) no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the underwriting discounts and commissions applicable to the Securities purchased by such Underwriter and (ii) no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

(e) Any contribution by the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator shall be subject to the requirements and limitations of Section 17(i) of the 1940 Act and Investment Company Act Release 11330, as amended or updated.

8. Default by One or More Underwriters. If one or more of the Underwriters shall fail on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date to purchase the Securities which it or they are obligated to purchase under this Agreement (the “ Defaulted Securities ”), the Representative shall use reasonable efforts, within 36 hours thereafter, to make arrangements for one or more of the non-defaulting Underwriters, or any other underwriters, to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Defaulted Securities in such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon the terms herein set forth; if, however, the Representative shall not have completed such arrangements within such 36-hour period, then:

(a) if the aggregate principal amount of Defaulted Securities does not exceed 10% of the aggregate principal amount of Securities to be purchased on such date, each of the non-defaulting Underwriters shall be obligated, severally and not jointly, to purchase the full amount thereof in the proportions that their respective underwriting obligations hereunder bear to the underwriting obligations of all non-defaulting Underwriters; or

(b) if the aggregate principal amount of Defaulted Securities exceeds 10% of the aggregate principal amount of Securities to be purchased on such date, this Agreement or, with respect to any Option Closing Date which occurs after the Closing Date, the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase and of the Company to sell the Option Securities that were to have been purchased and sold on such Option Closing Date, shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter.

No action taken pursuant to this Section  8 shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of its default.

In the event of any such default which does not result in a termination of this Agreement or, in the case of an Option Closing Date which is after the Closing Date, which does not result in a termination of the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase and the Company to sell the relevant Option Securities, as the case may be, the Representative shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date or the relevant Option Closing Date, as the case may be, for a period not exceeding seven days in order to effect any required changes in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements. As used herein, the term “ Underwriter ” includes any person substituted for an Underwriter under this Section  8 .

 

27


9. Termination . This Agreement may be terminated by the Representative by notice to the Company (a) at any time prior to the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date (if different from the Closing Date and then only as to Option Securities) if any of the following has occurred: (i) since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, any material adverse change or any development involving a prospective material adverse change in or affecting the earnings, business, properties, assets, rights, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, which the Representative deems to materially impair the investment quality of the Securities, (ii) any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or declaration of war or national emergency or other national or international calamity or crisis (including, without limitation, an act of terrorism) or change in economic or political conditions, if the effect of such outbreak, escalation, declaration, emergency, calamity, crisis or change on the financial markets of the United States would, in the judgment of the Representative, materially impair the investment quality of the Securities, (iii) suspension of trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq or limitation on prices (other than limitations on hours or numbers of days of trading), (iv) the declaration of a banking moratorium by United States or New York State authorities, (v) the suspension of trading of any security of the Company by Nasdaq, the Commission or any other governmental authority or (vi) the taking of any action by any governmental body or agency in respect of its monetary or fiscal affairs which in the opinion of the Representative has a material adverse effect on the securities markets in the United States; or (b) as provided in Section  6 of this Agreement.

10. Representations and Indemnities to Survive . The respective agreements, representations, warranties, indemnities and other statements of the Company or its officers and of the Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Underwriters or the Company or any of the officers, directors, employees, agents or controlling persons referred to in Section  8 hereof, and will survive delivery of and payment for the Securities. The provisions of Section  4 , Section  7 , Section  10 , Section  13 , Section  15 and Section  16 shall survive the termination or cancellation of this Agreement.

11. Notices . All communications hereunder will be in writing and effective only on receipt, and will be mailed (postage prepaid, certified or registered mail, return receipt requested), delivered or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication:

(a) if to the Underwriters:

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

787 Seventh Avenue, 4th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Attention: Capital Markets

with an additional copy to:

Proskauer Rose LLP

1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Suite 600 South

Washington, D.C. 20004

(202) 416-6899 (fax)

Attention: William J. Tuttle (which copy shall not constitute notice)

 

28


(b) if to the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator:

Gladstone Capital Corporation

1521 Westbranch Drive, Suite 100

McLean, VA 22102

(703) 287-5801(fax)

Attention: David Gladstone

with an additional copy to:

Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

150 Third Avenue South, Suite 2800

Nashville, TN 37201

(615) 742-2780 (fax)

Attention: Lori B. Morgan (which copy shall not constitute notice)

12. Successors . This Agreement has been and is made solely for the benefit of the Underwriters, the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator and their respective successors, executors, administrators, heirs and assigns, and the officers, directors and controlling persons referred to herein, and no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder. No purchaser of any of the Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed a successor or assign merely because of such purchase.

13. No Fiduciary Duty . The Company hereby acknowledges that (a) the offering and sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement is an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters and any affiliate through which an Underwriter may be acting, on the other, (b) the Underwriters have not assumed an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to the offering contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether any Underwriter has advised or is currently advising the Company on related or other matters), and (c) the Company’s engagement of the Underwriters in connection with the offering and the process leading up to the offering is as independent contractors and not in any other capacity. Furthermore, the Company agrees that it is solely responsible for making its own judgments in connection with the offering (irrespective of whether any Underwriter has advised or is currently advising the Company on related or other matters). The Company agrees that it will not claim that any Underwriter has rendered advisory services of any nature or respect, or owe an agency, fiduciary or similar duty to the Company, in connection with such transaction or the process leading thereto.

14. Integration . This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between the Company and the Underwriters with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

29


15. Applicable Law . This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed within the State of New York.

16. Waiver of Jury Trial . The parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

17. Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

18. Headings . The section headings used herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

19. Partial Unenforceability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any Section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other Section, paragraph or provision hereof. If any Section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement is for any reason determined to be invalid or unenforceable, there shall be deemed to be made such minor changes (and only such minor changes) as are necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank]

 

30


If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to us the enclosed duplicate hereof, whereupon this letter and your acceptance shall represent a binding agreement among the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator and the Underwriters.

 

Very truly yours,

 

Gladstone Capital Corporation
By:  

/s/ David Gladstone

Name:   David Gladstone
Title:   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Gladstone Management Corporation
By:  

/s/ David Gladstone

Name:   David Gladstone
Title:   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Gladstone Administration, LLC
By:  

/s/ Michael B. LiCalsi

Name:   Michael B. LiCalsi
Title:   President

The foregoing Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted as of the date first-written above.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

 

By:  

/s/ Allen G. Laufenberg

Name:   Allen G. Laufenberg
Title:   Managing Director

For itself and as Representative of the Underwriters named in Exhibit A hereto

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

UNDERWRITERS

 

Name of Underwriter

   Aggregate Principal
Amount of Initial Securities
 

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

   $ 17,500,000  

Janney Montgomery Scott LLC

   $ 12,500,000  

Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.

   $ 11,250,000  

William Blair & Company, L.L.C.

   $ 3,750,000  

J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC

   $ 2,500,000  

National Securities Corporation

   $ 1,250,000  

Wedbush Securities Inc.

   $ 1,250,000  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 50,000,000  
  

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A


EXHIBIT B

PRICE-RELATED INFORMATION

[See attached]

 


GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION

$50,000,000

6.125% Notes Due 2023

Pricing Term Sheet

November 1, 2018

The following sets forth the final terms of the 6.125% Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”) and should only be read together with the preliminary prospectus supplement dated November 1, 2018, together with the accompanying prospectus dated February 1, 2018, relating to the Notes (the “Preliminary Prospectus”), and supersedes the information in the Preliminary Prospectus to the extent inconsistent with the information in the Preliminary Prospectus. In all other respects, this pricing term sheet is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Preliminary Prospectus. Terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings as set forth in the Preliminary Prospectus. All references to dollar amounts are references to U.S. dollars.

 

Issuer:    Gladstone Capital Corporation (the “Company”)
Title of the Securities:    6.125% Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”)
Expected Rating:*   

Egan-Jones Ratings Company: A-

Initial Aggregate Principal

Amount Being Offered:

   $50,000,000
Over-Allotment Option:    $7,500,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes on or before December 1, 2018 solely to cover over-allotments, if any
Initial Public Offering Price:    $25.00 (par)
Principal Payable at Maturity:    100% of the aggregate principal amount
Type of Note:    Fixed-rate note
Listing:    The Company intends to list the Notes on the Nasdaq Global Select Market within 30 days of the original issue date under the trading symbol “GLADD”
Stated Maturity Date:    November 1, 2023
Interest Rate:    6.125%
Underwriting Discount:    $0.75 per Note (or $1,500,000 total assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised)
Net Proceeds to the Issuer, before Expenses:    $24.25 per Note (or $48,500,000 total assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised)
Day Count Basis:    360-day year of twelve 30-day months
Trade Date:    November 1, 2018
Settlement Date:**    November 6, 2018 (T+3)
Date Interest Starts Accruing:    November 6, 2018
Interest Payment Dates:    Every February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1, commencing February 1, 2019. If an interest payment date falls on a non-business day, the applicable interest payment will be made on the next business day and no additional interest will accrue as a result of such delayed payment.
Regular Record Dates:    January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15.
Interest Periods:    The initial interest period will be the period from and including November 6, 2018, to, but excluding, the initial interest payment date, and the subsequent interest periods will be the periods from and including an interest payment date to, but excluding, the next interest payment date or the stated maturity date, as the case may be.
Specified Currency:    U.S. Dollars
Denominations:    The Company will issue the Notes in denominations of $25 and integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof.
Business Day:    Each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York, Nashville, TN or the place of payment are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.


Optional Redemption:    The Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option on or after November 1, 2020, upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days written notice by mail prior to the date fixed for redemption thereof, at a redemption price of 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest payments otherwise payable for the then-current quarterly interest period accrued to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption.
CUSIP/ISIN:    376535 605/US3765356056
Joint Book-running Managers:    Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., a Stifel Company , and Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
Lead Manager:    Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.
Co-Managers:    William Blair & Company, L.L.C., J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC, National Securities Corporation and Wedbush Securities Inc.
Trustee, Paying Agent and Security Registrar:    U.S. Bank National Association

*    A securities rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time.

**    Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Notes on the date of pricing or the next two succeeding business days will be required, by virtue of the fact that the Notes initially will settle T+3 to specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the Notes who wish to trade the Notes on the date of pricing or the next two succeeding business days should consult their own advisor.

This pricing term sheet, the Preliminary Prospectus and the pricing press release are not offers to sell or the solicitation of offers to buy, nor will there be any sale of the Notes referred to in this pricing term sheet, in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

A shelf registration statement relating to these securities is on file with and has been declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus and a related preliminary prospectus supplement, copies of which may be obtained from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., 787 Seventh Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10019 (telephone number 1-800-966-1559).

Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objective, risks and charges and expenses of the Company before investing. The preliminary prospectus supplement, dated November 1, 2018, and accompanying prospectus, dated February 1, 2018, each of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, contain a description of these matters and other important information about the Company and should be read carefully before investing.

 

2

Exhibit 2.l.3

 

LOGO

150 Third Avenue South, Suite 2800

Nashville, TN 37201

(615) 742-6200

November 6, 2018

Gladstone Capital Corporation

1521 Westbranch Drive, Suite 100

McLean, Virginia 22102

Re:   Public Offering of $5,700,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of 6.125% Notes due 2023 of Gladstone Capital Corporation

We have acted as counsel to Gladstone Capital Corporation (the “ Company ”) in connection with the issuance of up to $5,700,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 6.125% notes due 2023 (which includes up to $7,500,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.125% notes due 2023 that may be issued pursuant to an overallotment option as provided by the Underwriting Agreement (defined below)) (the “ Securities ”), pursuant to the Company’s shelf Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Number: 333-208637) (the “ Registration Statement ”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”) and the final prospectus supplement dated November 1, 2018, filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act on November 2, 2018 (collectively with the base prospectus, the “ Prospectus ”).

The Securities are to be issued pursuant to the provisions of the Base Indenture, dated as of November 6, 2018 (the “ Base Indenture ”), by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association (the “ Trustee ”), as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 6, 2018, by and between the Company and the Trustee (the “ First Supplemental Indenture ,” and together with the Base Indenture, the “ Indenture ”), including the form of global note representing the Securities (the “ Global Note ”). The Securities are being issued in an underwritten public offering (the “ Offering ”) pursuant to that certain Underwriting Agreement, dated November 1, 2018 (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”), by and among the Company, Gladstone Management Corporation, a Delaware corporation, Gladstone Administration, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., as representative of the several underwriters listed on Exhibit A thereto.

In connection with our representation of the Company and as a basis for the opinion hereinafter set forth, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following documents:

 

  1.

Articles of Amendment and Restatement to the Articles of Incorporation, as filed with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, as amended and supplemented to date;

 

  2.

Bylaws, as amended and supplemented to date;

 

  3.

Certificate of good standing, certified by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation as of a recent date;

 

  4.

the Underwriting Agreement;

 

  5.

the Registration Statement;

 

  6.

the Prospectus;

 

  7.

the Indenture;


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  8.

the Global Note; and

 

  9.

such corporate records of the Company, certificates of public officials, officers of the Company and other persons, and such other documents, agreements and instruments as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinion hereinafter expressed.

We have assumed for purposes of this opinion that (a) each of the Company and the Trustee is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization; (b) each of the Company and the Trustee has the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver and to perform its obligations under each of the Indenture and the Securities; (c) each of the Company and the Trustee has duly authorized, executed and delivered each of the Indenture and the Securities (except that no such assumption is made with respect to execution and delivery thereof by the Company under the laws of the State of New York); (d) each of the Indenture and the Securities constitutes a legally valid and binding agreement of the Trustee, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms; and (e) the Trustee is in compliance, generally and with respect to acting as Trustee under the Indenture, with all applicable laws and regulations.

We have assumed the conformity of the documents filed with the Commission via the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System or Interactive Data Electronic Applications system, as the case may be (“ EDGAR ”), except for required EDGAR formatting changes, to physical copies of the documents prepared by the Company and submitted for our examination.

To the extent our opinion set forth below relates to the enforceability of the choice of New York law and choice of New York forum provisions of the Indenture and the Securities, our opinion is rendered in reliance upon N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §§5-1401, 5-1402 (McKinney 2018) and N.Y. C.P.L.R. 327(b) (McKinney 2018) and is subject to the qualification that such enforceability may be limited by public policy considerations of any jurisdiction, other than the courts of the State of New York, in which enforcement of such provisions, or of a judgment upon an agreement containing such provisions, is sought. We have also assumed that the Company has complied with all aspects of applicable laws of jurisdictions other than the State of New York in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Indenture. As to facts material to the opinion expressed herein, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company, public officials and others.

Our opinion set forth herein is limited to the laws of the State of New York that, in our experience, are applicable to the Securities (“ Covered Law ”). We do not express any opinion with respect to the law of any jurisdiction other than the Covered Law or as to the effect of any such non-covered law on the opinion herein stated or the securities or “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction. We express no opinion as to compliance with any federal or state securities laws or the 1940 Act, or as to federal or state laws regarding fraudulent transfers. The opinion expressed in this opinion letter is strictly limited to the matters stated in this opinion letter and no other opinions are to be implied.


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Based upon and subject to the foregoing and the limitations, qualifications, exceptions and assumptions set forth herein, and assuming that (i) the Indenture and the Securities have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each of the Company and the Trustee, (ii) the final terms of the Securities have been duly established and approved by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company and (iii) the Securities have been duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the Indenture and delivered to and paid for by the purchasers thereof, we are of the opinion that the Securities will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with the terms thereof.

The opinions expressed above with respect to the valid and binding nature of obligations may be limited by the following exceptions, limitations and qualifications: (i) the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights (including, without limitation, the effect of statutory and other law regarding fraudulent conveyances, fraudulent transfers and preferential transfers); (ii) the exercise of judicial discretion and the application of principles of equity, good faith, fair dealing, reasonableness, conscionability and materiality, regardless of whether the Securities are considered in a proceeding in equity or at law (including the possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive relief); (iii) the unenforceability under certain circumstances under law or court decisions of provisions providing for the indemnification of or contribution to a party with respect to a liability where such indemnification or contribution is contrary to public policy; and (iv) the unenforceability of any provision requiring the payment of attorneys’ fees, where such payment is contrary to law or public policy. The opinions rendered herein do not include opinions with respect to compliance with laws relating to permissible rates of interest.

In rendering the opinion set forth above, we have assumed that the execution and delivery by the Company of the Indenture and the Securities and the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder do not and will not violate, conflict with or constitute a default under any agreement or instrument to which the Company or its properties is subject. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement through a post-effective amendment. We also hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are included in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder. This opinion is expressed as of the date hereof unless otherwise expressly stated, and we disclaim any undertaking to advise you of any subsequent changes in the facts stated or assumed herein or of any subsequent changes in applicable law.

 

Yours very truly,

/s/ Bass Berry & Sims PLC

Exhibit 2.l.4

[LETTERHEAD OF VENABLE LLP]

November 6, 2018

Gladstone Capital Corporation

1521 Westbranch Drive

Suite 100

McLean, Virginia 22102

Re:    Registration Statement on Form N-2, File No. 333-208637

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have served as Maryland counsel to Gladstone Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “Company”) and a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, in connection with certain matters of Maryland law arising out of the issuance by the Company of up to $57,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 6.125% Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”), including up to $7,500,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes pursuant to an option to purchase, covered by the above-referenced Registration Statement and all amendments thereto (the “Registration Statement”), filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). The Notes are to be issued in an underwritten public offering pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement, dated November 1, 2018 (the “Prospectus Supplement”).

In connection with our representation of the Company, and as a basis for the opinion hereinafter set forth, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following documents (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Documents”):

1. The Registration Statement, and the related form of prospectus included therein, in the form filed by the Company with the Commission under the 1933 Act;

2. The Prospectus Supplement, in the form filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the 1933 Act;

3. The charter of the Company (the “Charter”), certified by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the “SDAT”);

4. The Bylaws of the Company, as amended, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company;

5. A certificate of the SDAT as to the good standing of the Company, dated as of a recent date;


Gladstone Capital Corporation

November 6, 2018

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6. Resolutions (the “Resolutions”) adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company, and a duly authorized committee thereof, relating to the authorization of the issuance of the Notes, and the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Note Documents (as defined herein), certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company;

7. The Indenture, dated as of November 6, 2018 (the “Base Indenture”), by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”);

8. The First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 6, 2018 (the “Supplemental Indenture” and, together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), by and between the Company and the Trustee;

9. The Global Note, dated as of November 6, 2018 (the “Note” and, together with the Indenture, the “Note Documents”), made by the Company, representing the Notes;

10. A certificate executed by an officer of the Company, dated as of the date hereof; and

11. Such other documents and matters as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to express the opinion set forth below, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein.

In expressing the opinion set forth below, we have assumed the following:

1. Each individual executing any of the Documents, whether on behalf of such individual or another person, is legally competent to do so.

2. Each individual executing any of the Documents on behalf of a party (other than the Company) is duly authorized to do so.

3. Each of the parties (other than the Company) executing any of the Documents has duly and validly executed and delivered each of the Documents to which such party is a signatory, and such party’s obligations set forth therein are legal, valid and binding and are enforceable in accordance with all stated terms.

4. All Documents submitted to us as originals are authentic. The form and content of all Documents submitted to us as unexecuted drafts do not differ in any respect relevant to this opinion from the form and content of such Documents as executed and delivered. All Documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original documents. All signatures on all Documents are genuine. All public records reviewed or relied upon by us or on our behalf are true and complete. All representations, warranties, statements and information contained in the Documents are true and complete. There has been no oral or written modification of or amendment to any of the Documents, and there has been no waiver of any provision of any of the Documents, by action or omission of the parties or otherwise.


Gladstone Capital Corporation

November 6, 2018

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Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein, it is our opinion that:

1. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing with the SDAT.

2. The execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under, the Note Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company. The Notes have been duly authorized for issuance by the Company.

3. The Note Documents have been duly executed and delivered by the Company.

The foregoing opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Maryland and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any other law. We express no opinion as to compliance with any federal or state securities laws, including the securities laws of the State of Maryland, or as to federal or state laws regarding fraudulent transfers. To the extent that any matter as to which our opinion is expressed herein would be governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Maryland, we do not express any opinion on such matter.

The opinion expressed herein is limited to the matters specifically set forth herein and no other opinion shall be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. We assume no obligation to supplement this opinion if any applicable law changes after the date hereof or if we become aware of any fact that might change the opinion expressed herein after the date hereof.

This opinion is being furnished to you for submission to the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and the said incorporation by reference and to the use of the name of our firm therein. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the 1933 Act.

 

Very truly yours,
/s/ Venable LLP