AZEK Co Inc. false 0001782754 0001782754 2022-04-28 2022-04-28

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): April 28, 2022

 

 

The AZEK Company Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-39322   90-1017663

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

1330 W Fulton Street 350

Chicago, Illinois

  60607
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (877) 275-2935

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240-14d-2(b))

 

 

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

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share   AZEK   The New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

 

 


Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On April 28, 2022 (the “Closing Date”), The AZEK Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”) and its subsidiary, CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), entered into a Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) by and among Holdings, the Borrower, each of the lenders identified therein and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent (the “Agent”), providing for a $600 million first lien term loan facility (the “Credit Facility”).

The Credit Facility will mature on April 28, 2029, subject to acceleration or prepayment. Commencing on December 31, 2022, the Credit Facility will amortize in equal quarterly installments of 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the loans outstanding, subject to reduction for certain prepayments.

The Borrower borrowed the full $600 million under the Credit Facility, the proceeds of which were applied, among other uses, to prepay the obligations in full under Holdings’ and the Borrower’s existing first lien term loan credit agreement (the “Existing Credit Agreement”). On the Closing Date, in connection with prepayment of the obligations under the Existing Credit Agreement, the Existing Credit Agreement was terminated.

All obligations under the Credit Facility are unconditionally guaranteed jointly and severally by (i) Holdings and (ii) the wholly owned domestic subsidiaries of the Borrower, other than certain immaterial subsidiaries and other excluded subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”).

The Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in the membership interests of the Borrower owned by Holdings and substantially all of the present and future assets of the Borrower and the Guarantors named therein including equity interests of their domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions and a second priority lien on current assets.

The interest rate applicable to loans under the Credit Facility equals, at the Borrower’s option, (i) in the case of alternative base rate borrowings, the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 12 of 1.00%, (b) the Prime Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as in effect on such day and (c) the one-month Term SOFR (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 1.00% per annum, provided that in no event will the alternative base rate be less than 1.50% per annum, plus an applicable margin of 1.50% and (ii) in the case of SOFR borrowings, Term SOFR for the applicable interest period, plus an applicable margin of 2.50%.

The Credit Facility may be voluntarily prepaid in whole, or in part, in each case without premium or penalty (other than the Prepayment Premium, as defined in the Credit Agreement, if applicable), subject to certain customary conditions. The Credit Agreement also requires mandatory prepayments of loans under the Credit Facility from the proceeds of certain debt issuances and certain asset dispositions (subject to certain reinvestment rights) and a percentage of excess cash flow (subject to step-downs upon the Borrower achieving certain leverage ratios and other reductions in connection with other debt prepayments).

The Credit Agreement contains affirmative covenants and negative covenants that are customary for facilities of this type. The Credit Agreement does not have any financial maintenance covenants and includes customary events of default, including the occurrence of a change of control.

The Borrower has the right to arrange for incremental term loans under the Credit Agreement in an amount that shall not exceed the sum of (i) the Fixed Incremental Amount, as defined in the Credit Agreement, and (ii) the Ratio Amount, as defined in the Credit Agreement.

The foregoing description of the Credit Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Credit Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.

On May 3, 2022, the Company issued a press release relating to the Credit Agreement. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

 

Item 1.02

Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement

The information set forth in Item 1.01 is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.02. The Company and the Borrower have terminated the Existing Credit Agreement pursuant to its terms.

 

Item 2.03

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

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


Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

(d)    Exhibits

 

10.1    Credit Agreement dated as of April 28, 2022, among Borrower, the lenders party hereto and the Agent.
10.2    Term Loan Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2022, among Borrower, each of the Subsidiaries identified therein and the Agent
10.3    Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2022, among Deutsche Bank, as ABL Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Term Loan Agent, Borrower, Holdings, and each of the Subsidiaries identified therein
99.1    Press Release Announcing New Term Loan Credit Agreement
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).


Signature

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

 

    The AZEK Company Inc.
Date: May 3, 2022     By:  

/s/ Peter Clifford

     

Peter Clifford

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

TERM LOAN CREDIT AGREEMENT,

Dated as of April 28, 2022,

among

CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC,

as the Borrower,

THE LENDERS PARTY HERETO,

and

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

BARCLAYS BANK PLC,

DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.,

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,

JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC,

TD SECURITIES (USA) LLC, and

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.

as Joint Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

               Page  

Article I. Definitions

  
   Section 1.01    Defined Terms      1  
   Section 1.02    Terms Generally      56  
   Section 1.03    Accounting Terms; GAAP      57  
   Section 1.04    Effectuation of Transfers      58  
   Section 1.05    Currencies      58  
   Section 1.06    Rounding      58  
   Section 1.07    Times of Day      58  
   Section 1.08    Available Amount Transactions      58  
   Section 1.09    Pro Forma Calculations; Limited Condition Event; Basket and Ratio Compliance      59  
   Section 1.10    Benchmark Replacement Setting      62  

Article II. The Credits

  
   Section 2.01    [Reserved]      64  
   Section 2.02    Term Loans and Borrowings      64  
   Section 2.03    Request for Borrowing      64  
   Section 2.04    Funding of Borrowings      64  
   Section 2.05    Interest Elections      65  
   Section 2.06    Promise to Pay; Evidence of Debt      66  
   Section 2.07    Repayment of Term Loans      66  
   Section 2.08    Optional Prepayment of Term Loans      67  
   Section 2.09    Mandatory Prepayment of Term Loans      68  
   Section 2.10    Fees      71  
   Section 2.11    Interest      71  
   Section 2.12    Alternate Rate of Interest      72  
   Section 2.13    Increased Costs      73  
   Section 2.14    Break Funding Payments      74  
   Section 2.15    Taxes      74  
   Section 2.16    Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs      77  
   Section 2.17    Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders      78  
   Section 2.18    Illegality      80  
   Section 2.19    Incremental Term Facilities      80  
   Section 2.20    Refinancing Amendments      83  
   Section 2.21    Extensions of Term Loans      84  

Article III. Representations and Warranties

  
   Section 3.01    Organization; Powers      86  
   Section 3.02    Authorization      86  
   Section 3.03    Enforceability      87  
   Section 3.04    Governmental Approvals      87  
   Section 3.05    Financial Statements      87  

 

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   Section 3.06    Labor Matters      87  
   Section 3.07    Title to Properties      87  
   Section 3.08    Subsidiaries      88  
   Section 3.09    Litigation; Compliance with Laws      88  
   Section 3.10    Federal Reserve Regulations      88  
   Section 3.11    Investment Company Act      88  
   Section 3.12    [Reserved.]      88  
   Section 3.13    Tax Returns      88  
   Section 3.14    No Material Misstatements      89  
   Section 3.15    Employee Benefit Plans      89  
   Section 3.16    Environmental Matters      90  
   Section 3.17    Security Documents      91  
   Section 3.18    [Reserved]      91  
   Section 3.19    Solvency      91  
   Section 3.20    No Material Adverse Effect      92  
   Section 3.21    [Reserved]      92  
   Section 3.22    USA PATRIOT Act; FCPA; OFAC      92  
   Section 3.23    Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc.      92  
   Section 3.24    EEA Financial Institutions      93  

Article IV. Conditions of Lending

  
   Section 4.01    Conditions Precedent      93  

Article V. Affirmative Covenants

  
   Section 5.01    Existence; Businesses and Properties      95  
   Section 5.02    Insurance      96  
   Section 5.03    Taxes      96  
   Section 5.04    Financial Statements, Reports, etc.      97  
   Section 5.05    Litigation and Other Notices      99  
   Section 5.06    Compliance with Laws      99  
   Section 5.07    Maintaining Records; Access to Properties and Inspections      99  
   Section 5.08    Use of Proceeds      99  
   Section 5.09    Compliance with Environmental Laws      99  
   Section 5.10    Further Assurances; Additional Security      99  
   Section 5.11    Fiscal Year; Accounting      100  
   Section 5.12    Credit Ratings      100  
   Section 5.13    [Reserved]      101  
   Section 5.14    Post-Closing Matters      101  
   Section 5.15    Patriot Act, OFAC, FCPA      101  

Article VI. Negative Covenants

  
   Section 6.01    Indebtedness      101  
   Section 6.02    Liens      105  
   Section 6.03    Sale and Lease-Back Transactions      109  
   Section 6.04    Investments, Loans and Advances      110  

 

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Section 6.05

   Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions      113  
  

Section 6.06

   Restricted Payments      116  
  

Section 6.07

   Transactions with Affiliates      120  
  

Section 6.08

   Business of Borrower      122  
  

Section 6.09

   Limitation on Payments and Modifications of Indebtedness; Modifications of Certificate of Incorporation, By Laws and Certain Other Agreements; etc.      122  

Article VII. Events of Default

  
   Section 7.01    Events of Default      125  

Article VIII. The Administrative Agents

  
   Section 8.01    Appointment      129  
  

Section 8.02

   Delegation of Duties      130  
  

Section 8.03

   Exculpatory Provisions      131  
  

Section 8.04

   Reliance by Administrative Agent      132  
  

Section 8.05

   Notice of Default      132  
  

Section 8.06

   Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders      132  
  

Section 8.07

   Indemnification      133  
  

Section 8.08

   Agent in Its Individual Capacity      133  
  

Section 8.09

   Successor Agent      133  
  

Section 8.10

   Lead Arrangers      134  
  

Section 8.11

   Certain ERISA Matters      134  
  

Section 8.12

   Recovery of Erroneous Payments      135  

Article IX. Miscellaneous

  
   Section 9.01    Notices; Communications      135  
  

Section 9.02

   Survival of Agreement      136  
  

Section 9.03

   Binding Effect      137  
  

Section 9.04

   Successors and Assigns      137  
  

Section 9.05

   Expenses; Indemnity      143  
  

Section 9.06

   Right of Set-off      145  
  

Section 9.07

   Applicable Law      145  
  

Section 9.08

   Waivers; Amendment      145  
  

Section 9.09

   Interest Rate Limitation      147  
  

Section 9.10

   Entire Agreement      147  
  

Section 9.11

   WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL      148  
  

Section 9.12

   Severability      148  
  

Section 9.13

   Counterparts      148  
  

Section 9.14

   Headings      148  
  

Section 9.15

   Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process      148  
  

Section 9.16

   Confidentiality      149  
  

Section 9.17

   Platform; Borrower Materials      150  
  

Section 9.18

   Release of Liens and Guarantees      150  
  

Section 9.19

   Keepwell      151  
   Section 9.20    USA PATRIOT Act Notice      151  

 

iii


   Section 9.21    Security Documents and Intercreditor Agreement      151  
   Section 9.22    Acknowledgements      152  
   Section 9.23    Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions      152  
   Section 9.24    Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs      153  
   Section 9.25    Disqualified Institutions and Net Short Positions      154  

 

iv


Exhibits and Schedules
Exhibit A    Form of Assignment and Acceptance
Exhibit B    Form of Solvency Certificate
Exhibit C    Form of Borrowing Request
Exhibit D    Form of Interest Election Request
Exhibit E    Form of Non-Debt Fund Affiliate Assignment and Acceptance
Exhibit F    Form of Promissory Note
Schedule 1.01B    Guarantors
Schedule 1.01C    Sale/Lease-Back Documents
Schedule 2.01    Closing Date Commitments
Schedule 3.04    Environmental Filings; Governmental Approvals
Schedule 3.08(a)    Subsidiaries
Schedule 3.09(a)    Litigation/Compliance with Laws
Schedule 3.13    Taxes
Schedule 3.16    Environmental Matters
Schedule 3.23    Intellectual Property
Schedule 5.02    Insurance
Schedule 5.14    Post-Closing Matters
Schedule 6.01(a)    Indebtedness
Schedule 6.02(a)    Liens
Schedule 6.04(h)    Investments
Schedule 6.06(m)    Restricted Payments
Schedule 9.01    Notice Information

 

 

v


TERM LOAN CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of April 28, 2022 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”), among CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), The Azek Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the Lenders party hereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent (in such capacities, and as further defined in Section 1.01, the “Administrative Agent”).

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

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01 Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified below:

ABL Commitments” shall mean “Commitments” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

ABL Credit Agreement” shall mean the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2017 (as amended by that certain first amendment, dated June 5, 2020, that certain second amendment, dated August 12, 2020, and that certain third amendment, dated March 31, 2021), among CPG International LLC, the guarantors thereto, the lenders party thereto and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent and collateral agent, in respect of up to $150.0 million of asset-based revolving credit facilities, as such document may be amended, restated, supplemented, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Agreement.

ABL Credit Facility” shall mean the “Revolving Facility” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement, as may be amended, restated, supplemented, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Agreement.

ABL Loan Documents” shall mean the ABL Credit Agreement and the other “Loan Documents” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement, as each such document may be amended, restated, supplemented, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Agreement.

ABL Loans” shall mean any loans provided to CPG International LLC under the ABL Credit Agreement.

ABL Obligations” shall mean the “Obligations” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

ABL Priority Collateral” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement.

ABL Priority Collateral Asset Sale” shall mean any Asset Sale that consists of or includes the disposition of ABL Priority Collateral outside the ordinary course of business.

ABL Security Documents” shall mean the “Security Documents” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement” shall mean that certain Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by and among the Administrative Agent, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as collateral agent under the ABL Credit Agreement, Holdings, Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties party thereto, as amended, restated, supplemented, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Agreement.


ABR” shall mean, for any day, a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 12 of 1.00%, (b) the Prime Rate as in effect on such day and (c) the one-month Term SOFR plus 1.00% per annum; provided that the ABR shall not be less than 1.50% per annum.

ABR Borrowing” shall mean a Borrowing comprised of ABR Loans.

ABR Loans” shall mean any Term Loan bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the ABR.

Accounting Change” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.03.

Additional Lender” shall mean any person that makes an Incremental Term Loan or an Other Term Loan.

Administrative Agent” shall mean Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent for itself and the Lenders hereunder, and any duly appointed successor in such capacity.

Administrative Agent Fees” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.10(a).

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

Affected Financial Institution” shall mean (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.

Affiliate” shall mean, when used with respect to a specified person, another person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the person specified. For purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, Jefferies LLC and its Affiliates shall be deemed to be Affiliates of Jefferies Finance LLC and its Affiliates.

Affiliated Lender” shall mean each Sponsor and their respective Affiliates, other than (a) Holdings or any Subsidiary (including the Borrower) and (b) any natural person.

Agent Parties” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.01.

Agreement” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraphs hereof.

Annual Financial Statements” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.04(a).

Applicable Margin” shall mean

(a) with respect to any Closing Date Term Loans 2.50% per annum in the case of any Term SOFR Loan and 1.50% per annum in the case of any ABR Loan,

(b) with respect to any Incremental Term Loans, the “Applicable Margin” set forth in the Incremental Term Facility Amendment establishing the terms thereof,

 

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(c) with respect to any Other Term Loans, the “Applicable Margin” set forth in the Refinancing Amendment establishing the terms thereof and

(d) with respect to any Extended Term Loans, the “Applicable Margin” set forth in the Extension Amendment establishing the terms thereof.

Applicable Prepayment Percentage” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.08(b).

Approved Fund” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

Asset Sale” shall mean any sale, transfer or other disposition (including any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction) to any person of any asset or assets of the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (a) the granting of Liens and (b) the issuance of Equity Interests of (i) the Borrower or Holdings or (ii) any Subsidiary of the Borrower to the Borrower, any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower or on a pro rata basis to holders of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary, shall not, in each case, constitute an “Asset Sale”.

Asset Sale Prepayment Percentage” shall mean, in each case, calculated without netting the cash proceeds of such Asset Sale or disposition

(a) 100%, if the Borrower’s First Lien Net Leverage Ratio at the end of the immediately preceding fiscal year equals or exceeds 3.75 to 1.00;

(b) 50%, if such First Lien Net Leverage Ratio is less than 3.75 to 1.00, but equals or exceeds 3.00 to 1.00; and

(c) 0%, if such First Lien Net Leverage Ratio is less than 3.00 to 1.00.

Assignee” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

Assignment and Acceptance” shall mean an assignment and acceptance entered into by a Lender and an Assignee, and accepted by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (if required by Section 9.04), substantially in the form of Exhibit A or such other form as may be agreed between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

Assignor” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

Available Amount” shall mean, at any date, an amount, not less than zero in the aggregate, determined on a cumulative basis, equal to (without duplication):

the sum of:

(a) the greater of (i) $200.0 million and (ii) 9.0% of Consolidated Total Assets; plus

(b) 50% of Consolidated Net Income for the period (treated as one accounting period) commencing on April 1, 2022 to the end of the most recent fiscal quarter ending prior to such date for which internal consolidated financial statements of Holdings are available; provided that when measuring such amount (A) Consolidated Net Income will be deemed not to be less than zero in any fiscal quarter and (B) Consolidated Net Income for any fiscal quarter will be deemed to be zero until the financial statements required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.04(a) or 5.04(b), as applicable, for such period, and the related Compliance Certificate required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.04(d) for such period, have been received by the Administrative Agent; plus

 

3


(c) the cumulative amount of proceeds (including cash and the fair market value of property other than cash) from the sale of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any Parent Entity after the Closing Date and on or prior to such time (including upon exercise of warrants or options) which proceeds have been contributed as equity to the capital of the Borrower; provided that this clause (c) shall exclude issuances of Disqualified Stock, sales of Equity Interests financed as contemplated by Section 6.04(e), any amounts used to finance the payments or distributions in respect of any Junior Financing pursuant to Section 6.09(b)(i), Equity Interests issued in connection with a Cure Right (as defined in the ABL Loan Documents) and Equity Interests issued in connection with the incurrence of Indebtedness pursuant to Section 6.01(aa), sales of Equity Interests as contemplated by Section 6.06(d) and amounts used to fund charges, expenses, accruals or reserves in accordance with clause (l) of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income”; plus

(d) 100% of the aggregate amount of contributions (other than any such contributions received from Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary) to the equity capital of the Borrower received in cash (and the fair market value of property other than cash) after the Closing Date (subject to the same exclusions as are applicable to clause (c) above); plus

(e) 100% of the aggregate principal amount of any Indebtedness (including the liquidation preference or maximum fixed repurchase price, as the case may be, of any Disqualified Stock) of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary issued after the Closing Date (other than Indebtedness issued to a Restricted Subsidiary), which has been converted into or exchanged for Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) in the Borrower or Holdings; provided that this clause (e) shall exclude any conversions pursuant to Section 6.09(b)(i)(4); plus

(f) 100% of the aggregate amount received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in cash (and the fair market value of property other than cash) after the Closing Date from (i) the sale (other than to Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary) of the Equity Interests of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or (ii) any dividend or other distribution by an Unrestricted Subsidiary; plus

(g) in the event any Unrestricted Subsidiary has been redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary or has been merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary, the lesser of (i) fair market value of the Investments of the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary in such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation, combination or transfer (or of the assets transferred or conveyed, as applicable) and (ii) the fair market value of the original Investments by the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary, in each case, as determined by the Borrower in good faith; plus

(h) (i) the amount of any mandatory prepayment declined by a Lender under Section 2.09(c) and (ii) without duplication, the amount of mandatory prepayments of Pari Passu Lien Debt, to the extent such amount was required to be applied to offer to repurchase or otherwise prepay such Indebtedness and the holders of such Indebtedness declined such repurchase or prepayment; plus

(i) an amount equal to any returns (including dividends, interest, distributions, returns of principal, profits on sale, repayments, income and similar amounts) actually received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in cash or cash equivalents in respect of any Investments made pursuant to Section 6.04(j)(ii); plus

(j) any amount of Net Cash Proceeds from Asset Sales or Recovery Events not required to be applied to a mandatory prepayment pursuant to Section 2.09(a) as a result of the leverage based step-downs contained in the definition of Asset Sale Prepayment Percentage;

 

4


minus the sum of

(a) the cumulative amount of Investments made pursuant to Section 6.04(j)(ii) prior to such time; plus

(b) the cumulative amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to Section 6.06(f) prior to such time; plus

(c) payments or distributions in respect of Junior Financings pursuant to Section 6.09(b)(i)(7);

provided that contributions to equity capital of a Parent Entity or any Restricted Subsidiary resulting from a Restricted Payment made pursuant to Section 6.06(j) shall not be included in the calculation of the Available Amount.

Available Tenor” shall mean, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, (x) if such Benchmark is a term rate, any tenor for such Benchmark (or component thereof) that is or may be used for determining the length of an interest period pursuant to this Agreement or (y) otherwise, any payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark (or component thereof) that is or may be used for determining any frequency of making payments of interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark pursuant to this Agreement, in each case, as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to Section 1.10.

Bail-In Action” shall mean the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an Affected Financial Institution.

Bail-In Legislation” shall mean (a) with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law, regulation rule or requirement for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, Part I of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 (as amended from time to time) and any other law, regulation or rule applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (other than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).

Below Threshold Asset Sale Proceeds” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “Net Cash Proceeds.”

Benchmark” shall mean, initially, the Term SOFR Reference Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event has occurred with respect to the Term SOFR Reference Rate or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” shall mean the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to Section 1.10.

Benchmark Replacement” shall mean, with respect to any Benchmark Transition Event, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:

(a) Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment; or

(b) the sum of: (i) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower giving due consideration to (A) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (B) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement to the then-current Benchmark for Dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

 

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If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (a) or (b) above would be less than the Floor, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” shall mean, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement, the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower giving due consideration to (a) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body or (b) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for Dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time.

Benchmark Replacement Date” shall mean the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:

(a) in the case of clause (a) or (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (i) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (ii) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or

(b) in the case of clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the first date on which such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) has been determined and announced by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) to be non-representative; provided that such non-representativeness will be determined by reference to the most recent statement or publication referenced in such clause (c) and even if any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) continues to be provided on such date.

For the avoidance of doubt, the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (a) or (b) with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to all then-current Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).

Benchmark Transition Event” shall mean the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:

(a) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof), permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);

(b) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof), the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the

 

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administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or

(c) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are not, or as of a specified future date will not be, representative.

For the avoidance of doubt, a “Benchmark Transition Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).

Benchmark Unavailability Period” shall mean, the period (if any) (a) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 1.10 and (b) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 1.10.

Board” shall mean the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.

Borrower” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraphs hereof.

Borrower Materials” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.

Borrowing” shall mean a group of Term Loans of a single Type made on a single date under a single Term Facility and, in the case of Term SOFR Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

Borrowing Base” shall mean, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to the“Borrowing Base” (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement as in effect on the date hereof).

Borrowing Request” shall mean a request by the Borrower in accordance with the terms of Section 2.03 and substantially in the form of Exhibit C (or such other form as may be agreed by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent from time to time including any form on an electronic platform or electronic transmission system as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent), appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.

Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s office is located.

Captive Insurance Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is subject to regulation as an insurance company (or any Subsidiary thereof).

Cash Management Bank” shall mean any provider of Cash Management Services that, at the time such Cash Management Obligations were entered into or, if entered into prior to the Closing Date, on the Closing Date, was the Administrative Agent, a Lender or an Affiliate of the foregoing, whether or not such person subsequently ceases to be the Administrative Agent, a Lender or an Affiliate of the foregoing.

 

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Cash Management Obligations” shall mean obligations owed by any Loan Party to any Cash Management Bank in respect of or in connection with Cash Management Services and designated by the Cash Management Bank and the Borrower in writing to the Administrative Agent as “Cash Management Obligations”.

Cash Management Services” shall mean any treasury, depository, pooling, netting, overdraft, stored value card, purchase card (including so called “procurement card” or “P-card”), debit card, credit card, cash management, e-payables and similar services and any automated clearing house transfer of funds.

CFC” shall mean a controlled foreign corporation under Section 957 of the Code.

A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur if:

(a) at any time, Holdings shall fail to own, directly or indirectly, beneficially and of record, 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower;

(b) any person or “group” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act as in effect on the Closing Date, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person and its subsidiaries and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan), other than the Permitted Holders, shall have acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act as in effect on the Closing Date) of Equity Interests of Holdings representing more than 35% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Holdings (determined on a fully diluted basis but not giving effect to contingent voting rights that have not yet vested) and the percentage of the aggregate ordinary voting power so held by such person or “group” is greater than the percentage of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the Equity Interests of Holdings owned beneficially (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act as in effect on the Closing Date), directly or indirectly, in the aggregate by the Permitted Holders (determined on a fully diluted basis but not giving effect to contingent voting rights that have not yet vested),

unless, in the case of clause (b) above, the Permitted Holders have, at such time, the right or the ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election at least a majority of the persons constituting the Governing Persons of Holdings.

Notwithstanding the preceding or any provision of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act (as in effect on the Closing Date), (i) a person or “group” shall not be deemed to beneficially own securities (1) subject to an equity or asset purchase agreement, merger agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option or similar agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such agreement or (2) as a result of veto or approval rights in any joint venture agreement, shareholder agreement or other similar agreement and (ii) if any “group” includes one or more Permitted Holders, any issued and outstanding voting Equity Interests of Holdings beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any Permitted Holders that are a part of such “group” shall not be treated as being beneficially owned by any other member of such “group” for purposes of determining whether a Change in Control has occurred.

Change in Law” shall mean (a) the adoption of any law, rule, regulation or treaty after the Closing Date, (b) any change in law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the Closing Date or (c) compliance by any Lender (or, for purposes of Section 2.13(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s holding company, if any) with any written request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority, made or issued after the Closing Date; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the

 

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Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (ii) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States of America or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, in each case shall be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or issued.

Charges” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.09.

Class” shall mean, with respect to a Term Facility, (a) when used with respect to Lenders, the Lenders under such Term Facility, and (b) when used with respect to Loans or Borrowings, Loans or Borrowings under such Term Facility.

Closing” shall mean the satisfaction (or waiver) of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.01.

Closing Date” shall mean April 28, 2022.

Closing Date EBITDA” shall mean $285,000,000.

Closing Date Term Loan Installment Date” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.07(a).

Closing Date Term Loans” shall mean the term loans made to the Borrower on the Closing Date pursuant to the terms hereto.

CME” shall mean CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited.

Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, modified, and supplemented.

Collateral” shall mean the “Collateral” as defined in the Collateral Agreement and shall also include all other property that is subject to any Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to any Security Document.

Collateral Agreement” shall mean the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of the Closing Date, among the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Collateral and Guarantee Requirement” shall mean the requirement that:

(a) (i) on the Closing Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received (A) a counterpart of the Collateral Agreement duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrower and Holdings and (B) a supplement to the Collateral Agreement, substantially in the form specified therein, duly executed and delivered on behalf of each person that was a Subsidiary as of such date (other than any Excluded Subsidiary that, in each case, was not a Subsidiary Loan Party under and as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement as of such date) and

(ii) on or prior to the Closing Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received the Security Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.14;

(b) on the Closing Date,

 

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(i) the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee thereof) shall have received, subject to the exceptions set forth in the Collateral Agreement, (A) a pledge of all the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower and of each Subsidiary (other than any Excluded Subsidiary) owned on the Closing Date directly by any Loan Party and (B) a pledge of 100% of the outstanding non-voting Equity Interests and 65% of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of each (1) CFC directly owned by any Loan Party and (2) FSHCO directly owned by any Loan Party and

(ii) the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee thereof) shall have received all certificates or other instruments (if any) representing such Equity Interests, together with stock powers or other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank;

(c) (i) on the Closing Date all Indebtedness of Holdings, the Borrower and each other Subsidiary of Holdings having, in the case of each instance of Indebtedness, an aggregate principal amount in excess of $10.0 million (other than (A) intercompany current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the cash management operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries or (B) to the extent that a pledge of such promissory note or instrument would violate applicable law) that is owing to any Loan Party shall be evidenced by a promissory note or an instrument and shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement (or other applicable Security Document as reasonably required by the Administrative Agent) and (ii) the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee thereof) shall have received all such promissory notes or instruments, together with note powers or other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank;

(d) in the case of any person that becomes a Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary that, in each case, is not a Subsidiary Loan Party under and as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) after the Closing Date (with (i) any Subsidiary Redesignation resulting in an Unrestricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary being deemed to constitute the acquisition of a Subsidiary, (ii) any Immaterial Subsidiary being designated a Material Subsidiary being deemed to constitute the acquisition of a Subsidiary and (iii) any transaction or event resulting in a Subsidiary ceasing to be an Excluded Subsidiary being deemed to constitute the acquisition of a Subsidiary), the Administrative Agent shall have received a supplement to the Collateral Agreement, substantially in the form specified therein, duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Subsidiary within the time period specified in Section 5.10(c);

(e) after the Closing Date, subject to the exceptions set forth in the Collateral Agreement,

(i) (A) all the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of any person that becomes a Subsidiary Loan Party after the Closing Date and (B) all the Equity Interests that are acquired by a Loan Party after the Closing Date (with

(i) any Subsidiary Redesignation resulting in an Unrestricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary being deemed to constitute the acquisition of the Equity Interests of such redesignated Subsidiary,

(ii) any Immaterial Subsidiary being designated a Material Subsidiary being deemed to constitute the acquisition of the Equity Interests of such redesignated Subsidiary and

(iii) any transaction or event resulting in a Subsidiary ceasing to be an Excluded Subsidiary being deemed to constitute the acquisition of any Equity Interests of such Subsidiary not required to be pledged pursuant to the Loan Documents during the time such Subsidiary was an Excluded Subsidiary) and owned directly by such Loan Party, shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement; provided that in no event shall any Loan Party be required to pledge any Excluded Equity Interests and

 

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(ii) the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee thereof) shall have received all certificates or other instruments (if any) representing such Equity Interests, together with stock powers or other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank, to the extent required by the Collateral Agreement, in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii), within the time period specified in Section 5.10(c);

(f) except as otherwise contemplated by the Security Documents, all documents and instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and all other actions reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to be filed, registered, recorded or delivered to create the Liens intended to be created by the Security Documents (in each case, including any supplements thereto) and perfect such Liens to the extent required by, and with the priority required by, the Security Documents, shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee thereof) for filing, registration or the recording concurrently with, or promptly following, the execution and delivery of each such Security Document;

(g) except as otherwise contemplated by any Security Document, each Loan Party shall have obtained all consents and approvals required to be obtained by it in connection with (i) the execution and delivery of all Security Documents (or supplements thereto) to which it is a party and the granting by it of the Liens thereunder and (ii) the performance of its obligations thereunder; and

(h) after the Closing Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) such other Security Documents as may be required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.10 or Section 5.14 and (ii) upon reasonable request by the Administrative Agent, evidence of compliance with any other requirements of Section 5.10.

Commitment” shall mean with respect to each Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make Term Loans as set forth on Schedule 2.01.

Compliance Certificate” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.04(d).

Conforming Changes” shall mean, with respect to either the use or administration of Term SOFR or the use, administration, adoption or implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “ABR,” the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “U.S. Government Securities Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period” or any similar or analogous definition (or the addition of a concept of “interest period”), timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, the applicability and length of lookback periods, the applicability of Section 2.13 and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of any such rate or to permit the use and administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent determines that no market practice for the administration of any such rate exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents).

Consolidated Capital Expenditures” shall mean, for any period, the aggregate amount of all expenditures of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period determined on a consolidated basis that, in accordance with GAAP, are or should be included as “additions to property, plant or equipment” or similar items in the consolidated statement of cash flows of Holdings. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Consolidated Capital Expenditures shall not include:

(a) the purchase price of assets that would otherwise be included in Consolidated Capital Expenditures for the relevant period in an amount equal to the proceeds of Asset Sales that are reinvested pursuant to Section 2.09(a),

 

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(b) expenditures made with tenant allowances received by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary from landlords in the ordinary course of business and subsequently capitalized,

(c) expenditures made in connection with the Transactions and Permitted Business Acquisitions,

(d) expenditures to the extent they are (i) paid for in Equity Interests of any Parent Entity or (ii) made with proceeds of the issuance of Equity Interests of, or a cash capital contribution to, the Borrower after the Closing Date,

(e) expenditures that are accounted for as capital expenditures by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary and that actually are paid for by a person other than Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent none of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary has provided or is required to provide or incur, directly or indirectly, any consideration or obligation to such person or any other person (whether before, during or after such period),

(f) any expenditures which are contractually required to be, and are, advanced or reimbursed to Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary in cash by a third party (including landlords) during such period of calculation,

(g) the book value of any asset owned by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary prior to or during such period to the extent that such book value is included as a capital expenditure during such period as a result of such person reusing or beginning to reuse such asset during such period without a corresponding expenditure actually having been made in such period; provided that (a) any expenditure necessary in order to permit such asset to be reused shall be included as a capital expenditure during the period in which such expenditure actually is made and (b) such book value shall have been included in Consolidated Capital Expenditures when such asset was originally acquired,

(h) that portion of interest on Indebtedness incurred for capital expenditures that is capitalized in accordance with GAAP,

(i) expenditures made in connection with the replacement, substitution, restoration, upgrade, development or repair of assets to the extent financed with (x) insurance or settlement proceeds paid on account of the loss of or damage to the assets being replaced, substituted, restored, upgraded, developed or repaired or (y) awards of compensation arising from the taking by eminent domain or condemnation of the assets being replaced, in each case to the extent such expenditures are made within 24 months of receipt of such proceeds,

(j) in the event that any equipment is purchased simultaneously with the trade-in of existing equipment in the ordinary course of business, the gross amount of the credit granted by the seller of such equipment for the equipment being traded in at such time, or

(k) expenditures relating to the construction, acquisition, replacement, reconstruction, development, refurbishment, renovation or improvement of any property which has been transferred to a person other than the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary during the same fiscal year in which such expenditures were made pursuant to a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction to the extent of the cash proceeds received by the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction that are not required to prepay loans under the Credit Facilities.

 

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Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense” shall mean, with respect to Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of key money and other intangible assets and deferred financing fees and amortization of unrecognized prior service costs, of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries as set forth on the most recently delivered Required Financial Statements for such period and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated EBITDA” shall mean, with respect to Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (without duplication):

(1) increased, in each case, to the extent deducted (and not added back) or, in the case of clause (j) or (l), not already included in Consolidated Net Income and, in each case, without duplication, by:

(a) provision for taxes based on income or, profits or capital, including state, franchise, excise and similar taxes and foreign withholding taxes of such person paid or accrued, including any penalties and interest relating to any tax examinations; plus

(b) Consolidated Interest Expense of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (including (i) net losses on Hedge Agreements or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk and (ii) expenses of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, in each case, to the extent included in Consolidated Interest Expense), together with items excluded from the definition of Consolidated Interest Expense pursuant to clauses (a)(i) and (a)(ii) thereof as well as all cash dividend payments (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any Disqualified Stock of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries.; plus

(c) extraordinary, non-recurring or, unusual losses, charges and expenses, whether or not classified as such under GAAP (provided that such losses, charges or expenses shall not be of the type that may be added back pursuant to clause (e) or (j) below); plus

(d) all

(1) charges and expenses (including any printer expenses, filing fees, financial advisory fees, accounting fees, auditor fees, legal fees and other advisory and consulting fees and related out-of-pocket expenses and other fees, discounts and commissions, including with respect to underwriting, placement, arranging or syndication) relating to the Transactions,

(2) charges and expenses incurred in connection with (x) investments in any person, acquisitions of the Equity Interests of any Person, acquisitions of all or a material portion of the assets of any Person or constituting a line of business of any Person, and financings related to any of the foregoing or to the capitalization of any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary or (y) other transactions that are out of the ordinary course of business of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries (in each case of clauses (x) and (y), including transactions considered or proposed but not consummated), including issuances of Equity Interests, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, recapitalizations, mergers, option buyouts and the incurrence, modification or repayment of Indebtedness (including all consent fees, premium and other amounts payable in connection therewith) and

(3) non-operating professional fees, costs and expenses; plus

 

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(e) charges, costs, losses, expenses or reserves related to:

(i) restructuring (including restructuring charges or reserves, whether or not classified as such under GAAP), severance, relocation, consolidation, integration or other similar items,

(ii) business optimization (including consolidation initiatives), initiatives aimed at profitability improvement; strategic initiatives, new systems design and implementation, as well as consulting fees and any one-time expense relating to enhanced accounting function;

(iii) start-up, opening, transition, consolidation, shut-down, exiting or closing of facilities or businesses;

(iv) personnel relocation, recruiting, restructuring, redundancy, severance, termination, settlement or judgment;

(v) litigation (including threatened litigation), any investigation or proceeding (or any threatened investigation or proceeding) by a regulatory, governmental or law enforcement body (including any attorney general),

(vi) one-time compensation charges and

(vii) signing, retention and completion bonuses; plus

(f) losses, charges and expenses attributable to asset dispositions, casualty events or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case other than in the ordinary course of business, as determined in good faith by a Responsible Officer or Governing Person of Holdings; plus

(g) losses, charges and expenses attributable to abandoned, closed, disposed or discontinued assets, properties or operations and losses, charges and expenses related to the disposal of disposed, abandoned, closed or discontinued assets, properties or operations; plus

(h) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting, transaction and advisory fees (including termination fees and distributions and dividends paid to Teachers to approximate management fees and transaction and advisory fees) and related indemnities, charges and expenses paid or accrued to or on behalf of any Parent Entity or any of the Permitted Holders, in each case, to the extent permitted under Section 6.06 and Section 6.07 of this Agreement; plus

(i) losses, charges and expenses related to internal software development that are expensed but could have been capitalized under alternative accounting policies in accordance with GAAP; plus

(j) the amount of “run rate” cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies projected by Holdings in good faith to be realized as a result of actions taken or expected to be taken (which cost savings or synergies shall be subject only to certification by an officer of Holdings and shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as though such cost savings or synergies had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings or synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable (it being agreed such determination need not be made in compliance with Regulation S-X or other applicable securities law) and (B) such actions have been taken or are expected to be taken within 24 months after the date of determination to take such action; plus

 

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(k) expenses, charges and losses resulting from the payment or accrual of indemnification or refunding provisions, earn-outs and contingent consideration obligations, bonuses and other compensation paid to employees, directors or consultants, and payments in respect of dissenting shares and purchase price adjustments, in each case, made in connection with any Permitted Business Acquisition or other Investment; plus

(l) business interruption insurance in an amount representing the earnings for the applicable period that such proceeds are intended to replace (whether or not received, so long as Holdings in good faith expects to receive the same within the next four fiscal quarters (it being understood that to the extent not actually received within such four fiscal quarter period, such proceeds shall be deducted in calculating Consolidated EBITDA for the next four fiscal quarter period)); plus

(m) all charges, costs, expenses, accruals or reserves in connection with the rollover, acceleration or payout of Equity Interests held by officers or employees and all losses, charges and expenses related to payments made to holders of options or other derivative Equity Interests of Holdings or any Parent Entity in connection with, or as a result of, any distribution being made to equity holders of such person or any of its direct or indirect parents, including (A) payments made to compensate such option holders as though they were equityholders at the time of, and entitled to share in, such distribution and (B) all dividend equivalent rights owed pursuant to any compensation or equity arrangement; plus

(n) any other non-cash losses, charges and expenses, including any write offs or write downs, reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period, decreased by all cash payments during such period on account of accruals on or reserves added back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (n) in prior periods, excluding any such charge that represents an accrual or reserve for a cash expenditure for a future period; plus

(o) losses, charges and expenses attributable to the early extinguishment or conversion of Indebtedness or any Hedge Agreements or other derivative instruments, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business (including deferred financing expenses written off and premiums paid); plus

(p) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense; plus

(q) minority interest expense consisting of income attributable to Equity Interests held by third parties in any non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary; plus

(r) Public Company Costs;

(2) decreased by (without duplication and to the extent increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period),

(a) non-cash gains, excluding any non-cash gains that represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges that were deducted (and not added back) in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA for any prior period; plus

(b) extraordinary, unusual or exceptional income or gains; plus

(c) any gains attributable to asset dispositions or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries other than in the ordinary course of business, as determined in good faith by a Responsible Officer or the Governing Persons of Holdings;

 

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(d) gains attributable to abandoned, closed, disposed or discontinued operations and gains related to the disposal of disposed, abandoned, closed, or discontinued operations; plus

(e) gains attributable to the early extinguishment or conversion of Indebtedness or any Hedge Agreements or other derivative instruments, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business.

Consolidated Interest Expense” shall mean, with respect to Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:

(a) consolidated interest expense of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including amortization of original issue discount, the interest component of Finance Lease Obligations, and net payments and receipts (if any) pursuant to interest rate Hedge Agreements but excluding (i) additional interest, if any, owing pursuant to a registration rights agreement, (ii) amortization of deferred financing fees, (iii) debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and (iv) non-cash expensing of any bridge, commitment or other financing fees that have been previously paid in cash (but solely to the extent not reducing Consolidated Interest Expense in any prior period) and (v) any original issue discount in respect of the Term Loans); plus

(b) consolidated capitalized interest of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; minus

(c) interest income of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period.

For purposes of this definition, interest on a Finance Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by Holdings (or any Parent Entity on behalf of Holdings) to be the rate of interest implicit in such Finance Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Net Income” shall mean with respect to Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that, without duplication:

(a) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded;

(b) the net after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring and unusual gains, losses, charges and expenses shall be excluded (provided that such losses, charges or expenses shall not be of the type that may be excluded pursuant to clause (d));

(c) the net after-tax effect of any charges and expenses (including any financial advisory fees, accounting fees, auditor fees, legal fees and other advisory and consulting fees and related out-of-pocket expenses and other fees, discounts and commissions, including with respect to underwriting, placement or syndication) related to the Transactions, shall be excluded;

(d) (i) business optimization expenses (including consolidation initiatives), relocation or integration;

(ii) expenses, costs and charges related to consolidation or closing of distribution centers or other facilities or exiting lines of business; acquisitions and mergers after the Closing Date; initiatives aimed at profitability improvement; strategic initiatives; personnel relocation, restructuring, redundancy, severance, termination, settlement or judgment;

 

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(iii) one-time compensation charges and

(iv) the amount of any signing, retention and completion bonuses shall in each case be excluded;

(e) the net after-tax effect of gains, losses, charges and expenses attributable to asset dispositions or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case other than in the ordinary course of business, as determined in good faith by a Responsible Officer or the Governing Persons of the Borrower or any Parent Entity on behalf of the Borrower, shall be excluded;

(f) the net after-tax effect of gains, losses, charges and expenses attributable to the early extinguishment or conversion of indebtedness, Hedge Agreements or other derivative instruments, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business (including deferred financing expenses written off and premiums paid) shall be excluded;

(g) the Net Income for such period of any person that is not a Subsidiary, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of Holdings shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid to Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period in cash;

(h) solely for the purpose of determining the Available Amount, the Net Income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary of its Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior Governmental Approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement to which it is a party (other than any restriction permitted by Section 6.06(a)) or any judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to such Restricted Subsidiary, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided that Consolidated Net Income of Holdings will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash by such Restricted Subsidiary to Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary not subject to the restrictions contemplated by this clause (h) in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein;

(i) the effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Borrower and the other Restricted Subsidiaries) in any line item in Holdings’ consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP resulting from the application of recapitalization accounting or purchase accounting, as the case may be, in connection with the Transactions, any acquisition or any joint venture investments or the amortization or write off of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, shall be excluded;

(j) impairment charges, asset write offs and write downs, including impairment charges, asset write offs and write downs related to goodwill, intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded;

(k) non-cash compensation charges and expenses, including any such charges and expenses arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, phantom equity, stock options, restricted stock or other rights or equity incentive shall be excluded;

(l) (i) charges and expenses pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement, any stock subscription or shareholder agreement and (ii) charges, expenses, accruals and reserves in connection with the rollover, acceleration or payout of Equity Interests held by management of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in the case

 

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of each of clauses (i) and (ii), to the extent that (in the case of any cash charges and expenses) such charges, expenses, accruals and reserves are funded with cash proceeds contributed (other than from a Restricted Subsidiary) to the capital of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings or Net Cash Proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of Holdings or (if such Net Cash Proceeds are contributed as common equity to the capital of Holdings) any direct or indirect parent of Holdings shall be excluded, in each case to the extent that such proceeds do not increase the amount pursuant to the definition of Available Amount and without duplication of proceeds applied in accordance with Section 6.01(aa), Section 6.06(d) or Section 6.09(b)(i)(3);

(m) charges, expenses and fees incurred, including financial advisory, accounting, auditor, legal and other consulting and advisory fees and any SEC or other filling fees and expenses, public company preparation costs and expenses (including third party legal, auditor, consultant and advisor costs), or any amortization thereof, in connection with any equity offering, acquisition (including a Permitted Business Acquisition), merger, investment, recapitalization, asset disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness (including deferred financing expenses), refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated prior to the Closing Date and any transaction undertaken but not completed) and any non-recurring charges and expenses (including non-recurring merger expenses) incurred as a result of any such transaction shall be excluded;

(n) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted, in each case within 24 months of the subject transaction, including as a result of the Transactions or any other acquisition, investment, asset disposition, write down or write off (including the related tax benefit) in accordance with GAAP (including any adjustment of estimated payouts on earn-outs) or charges as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies shall be excluded;

(o) any charge or expense resulting from the application of FAS-141R relating to the incurrence of obligations in respect of an “earn out” or other similar contingent obligations shall be excluded;

(p) to the extent covered by insurance and actually reimbursed, or, so long as Holdings has made a good faith determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer and only to the extent that (i) such coverage is not denied by the applicable carrier or indemnifying party in writing within 270 days and (ii) such amount is in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such determination (with a deduction in the applicable future period for any amount so added back to the extent not so reimbursed within 365 days), losses, charges, expenses, accruals and reserves with respect to liability or casualty events or business interruption shall be excluded;

(q) losses, charges and expenses that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any acquisition, investment or asset disposition, to the extent actually reimbursed, or, so long as Holdings has made a determination that a reasonable basis exists for indemnification or reimbursement and only to the extent that such amount is in fact indemnified or reimbursed within 365 days of such determination (with a deduction in the applicable future period for any amount so added back to the extent not so indemnified or reimbursed within such 365 days), shall be excluded;

(r) (i) non-cash or unrealized gains or losses in respect of obligations under Specified Hedge Agreements (as defined herein or in the ABL Credit Agreement as of the Closing Date) or any ineffectiveness recognized in earnings related to qualifying hedge transactions or the fair value of changes therein recognized in earnings for derivatives that do not qualify as hedge transactions, in each case, in respect of obligations under Hedge Agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, and

(ii) unrealized gains or losses resulting from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of indebtedness (including gains or losses resulting from (A) Hedge Agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business for currency exchange risk and (B) intercompany Indebtedness) and all other unrealized foreign currency translation gains or losses to the extent such gains or losses are non-cash items shall be excluded;

 

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(s) the net after-tax effect of gains, losses, charges and expenses attributable to disposed or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains, losses, charges and expenses related to the disposal of disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations shall be excluded;

(t) non-cash interest charges on defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans or other pension plans shall be excluded;

(u) deferred tax expenses associated with tax deductions or net operating losses arising as a result of the Transactions or the release of any valuation allowance related to such item, shall be excluded (provided that they shall be deducted in any period in which such tax expense is incurred);

(v) any expenses or charges to the extent paid by a third party on behalf of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded;

(w) [reserved]; and

(x) costs and expenses in connection with the establishment and integration of enterprise resource planning systems shall be excluded.

Consolidated Total Assets” shall mean, as of any date of determination, the total amount of all assets of Holdings and the other Restricted Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP as of such date.

Consolidated Total Debt” shall mean, as of any date of determination, without duplication, (i) the aggregate principal amount of funded Indebtedness for borrowed money, Finance Lease Obligations and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding the effects of any discounting of Indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Transactions or any Permitted Business Acquisitions) and (ii) guarantee obligations of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of Indebtedness that, if incurred directly by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary, would constitute Indebtedness under clause (i) above; provided that Consolidated Total Debt shall not include (i) Indebtedness in respect of letters of credit, except to the extent of drawn and unreimbursed amounts thereunder, (ii) Indebtedness of Unrestricted Subsidiaries and (iii) obligations under Hedge Agreements.

Contract Consideration” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.09(c).

Control” shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and “Controlling” and “Controlled” shall have meanings correlative thereto.

Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness” shall mean any (a) Permitted Pari Passu Secured Refinancing Debt, (b) Permitted Junior Secured Refinancing Debt, (c) Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt or (d) Indebtedness incurred pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment, in each case, issued, incurred or otherwise obtained (including by means of the extension or renewal of existing Indebtedness) in exchange for, or to extend, renew, replace or refinance Term Loans in whole or part (including any successive Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness) (“Refinanced Debt”); provided that

(i) such exchanging, extending, renewing, replacing or refinancing Indebtedness is in an original aggregate principal amount not greater than the principal amount of the Refinanced Debt (plus the amount of unpaid accrued or capitalized interest and premiums thereon (including tender premiums), underwriting discounts, original issue discount, defeasance costs, fees (including upfront fees), commissions and expenses);

 

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(ii) the final maturity date of such Indebtedness shall be no earlier than the Maturity Date for the Refinanced Debt;

(iii) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Indebtedness is not less than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Term Loans (if any) in the Class being prepaid;

(iv) the terms and conditions of such Indebtedness (other than (A) interest rate, fees, funding discounts and other pricing terms, redemption, prepayment or other premiums, optional prepayment terms and redemption terms, (B) subordination terms and (C) covenants or other provisions applicable only to periods after the then Latest Maturity Date at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness) are substantially identical to, or, taken as a whole, no more favorable to the lenders or holders providing such Indebtedness, than those set forth in the Loan Documents are to the Lenders holding such Refinanced Debt; provided that a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower delivered to the Administrative Agent prior to or substantially concurrently with the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with copies of substantially final drafts of the definitive credit documentation relating to such Indebtedness (it being understood that the Borrower shall have no obligation to deliver such drafts if it is bound by a confidentiality obligation with respect thereto, in which case a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness shall be provided in lieu thereof), stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the requirement of this clause (iv) shall be conclusive evidence (absent manifest error) that such terms and conditions satisfy such requirement; and provided, further, that the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall be permitted to amend the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to provide for such terms more favorable to the Lenders as may be necessary in order to satisfy the condition set forth in the immediately preceding proviso, without the requirement for the consent of any Lender or any other person (a “Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness Amendment”),

(v) such Indebtedness is not secured by any assets or property of the Loan Parties that does not constitute Collateral (except, in the case of an escrow or similar arrangement with respect to the repayment of any such Indebtedness, for the proceeds thereof and subject to customary exceptions for cash collateral in favor of an agent, letter of credit issuer or similar “fronting” lender),

(vi) such Indebtedness is not guaranteed by any Subsidiary of the Borrower other than the Loan Parties and

(vii) such Refinanced Debt shall be repaid (in the case of Refinanced Debt consisting of Loans), defeased or satisfied and discharged, and all accrued interest, fees and premiums (if any) in connection therewith shall be paid.

Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness Amendment” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness”.

Credit Facilities” shall mean each of the Term Facility (including any replacement or refinancing of any Term Loans permitted hereunder) and the ABL Credit Facility.

Credit Party” shall mean any of the Administrative Agent, any Lead Arranger (or any of its Affiliates) or any Lender.

Current Assets” shall mean, with respect to Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, all assets (other than Permitted Investments or other cash equivalents) that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified on a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries as current assets at such date of determination, other than amounts related to current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits.

 

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Current Liabilities” shall mean, with respect to Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, all liabilities that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified on the Required Financial Statements as current liabilities at such date of determination, other than (a) the current portion of any Indebtedness, (b) accruals of Consolidated Interest Expense (excluding Consolidated Interest Expense that is due and unpaid), (c) accruals for current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits, (d) accruals, if any, of transaction costs resulting from the Transactions, (e) accruals of any costs or expenses related to (i) severance or termination of employees prior to the Closing Date or (ii) bonuses, pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations, and (f) accruals for addbacks to Consolidated EBITDA included in clauses (d), (e), (j) and (n) of the definition thereof.

Daily Simple SOFR” means for any day (a “SOFR Rate Day”), a rate per annum equal to SOFR for the day (such day “SOFR Determination Date”) that is five (5) U.S. Government Securities Business Day prior to (i) if such SOFR Rate Day is a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, such SOFR Rate Day or (ii) if such SOFR Rate Day is not a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, the U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately preceding such SOFR Rate Day, in each case, as such SOFR is published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s website. Any change in Daily Simple SOFR due to a change in SOFR shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in SOFR without notice to the Borrower.

Debt Fund Affiliate” shall mean

(a) any Sponsor Affiliate that is a bona fide bank, debt fund, distressed asset fund, hedge fund, mutual fund, insurance company, financial institution or an investment vehicle that is engaged in the business of investing in, acquiring or trading commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of business, in each case, that is not organized primarily for the purpose of making equity investments with respect to which the relevant Sponsor does not possess the power to make investment decisions for such entity and either (i) information barriers are in place restricting the sharing of information between it and such Sponsor or (ii) the managers have fiduciary duties to the investors of such fund independent of their fiduciary duties to investors in such Sponsor,

(b) any investment fund or account of a Permitted Debt Fund Affiliate Investor managed by third parties (including by way of a managed account, a fund or an index fund in which a Permitted Debt Fund Affiliate Investor has invested) that is not organized or used primarily for the purpose of making equity investments and

(c) for purposes of any investment in Term Loans (or participations therein) made by or on behalf of Teachers or any Affiliate of Teachers by persons at Teachers or such Affiliate that are not engaged in making, acquiring or holding equity investments in Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or similar private equity investments, Teachers or such Affiliate.

Default” shall mean any event or condition which, but for the giving of notice, lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

Derivative Instrument” means with respect to a Person, any contract or instrument to which such Person is a party (whether or not requiring further performance by such Person), the value and/or cash flows of which (or any portion thereof) are based on the value and/or performance of the Loans and/or any Deliverable Obligations or “Obligations” (as defined in the ISDA CDS Definitions) with respect to the Loan Parties; provided that a “Derivative Instrument” will not include any contract or instrument that is entered into pursuant to bona fide market-making activities.

 

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Designated Non-Cash Consideration” shall mean the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an Asset Sale that is designated as Designated Non-Cash Consideration pursuant to a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth the basis of such valuation, less the amount of cash or cash equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of such Designated Non-Cash Consideration.

Disqualified Institution” shall mean

(i) the persons identified in writing to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Closing Date as competitors of Holdings, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary (or, if after the Closing Date, that are mutually agreed upon between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, each party acting reasonably),

(ii) Affiliates of any such competitors clearly identifiable by similarity of name other than any such Affiliate that is a bona fide debt fund or investment vehicle that is engaged in the making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in fixed-income instruments, commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of business with separate fiduciary duties to the investors in such fund or vehicle,

(iii) certain banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders and investors that have been specifically identified in writing to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Closing Date,

(iv) Affiliates of the Lead Arrangers engaged as principals primarily in private equity or venture capital (other than bona fide debt funds or investment vehicles that are engaged in the making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in fixed-income instruments, commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of business with separate fiduciary duties to the investors in such funds or vehicles),

(v) at any time, or with respect to any action (or proposed action) in connection with which, a Net Short Representation is required to be made (or deemed made) hereunder, any Lender (or prospective Lender) that has breached its Net Short Representation at such time or in connection with such action (or proposed action) and the Borrower has identified such Lender (or prospective Lender) to the Administrative Agent in writing or

(vi) such other persons identified in writing to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Closing Date (other than, in each case, such persons engaged by the Borrower as part of the Transactions or persons identified in writing by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent that are to be no longer considered Disqualified Institutions);

provided that any person that is a Lender and subsequently becomes a Disqualified Institution (but was not a Disqualified Institution at the time it became a Lender (including pursuant to clauses (v) and (vi) above)) shall not retroactively be deemed to be a Disqualified Institution hereunder; provided, further, any person that is a Lender that is designated as a Disqualified Institution after the date it became a Lender, once so designated, shall not be entitled to acquire any additional assignments of, or participations in, Commitments or Loans from any other Lender.

Disqualified Stock” shall mean, with respect to any person, any Equity Interests of such person that, by their terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which they are convertible or for which they are redeemable or exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition

(a) mature or are mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control, asset sale, condemnation or similar event so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control, asset sale, condemnation or similar event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Term Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable and the termination of the Commitments),

 

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(b) are redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), in whole or in part,

(c) provide for the scheduled payments of dividends in cash or

(d) either mandatorily or at the option of the holders thereof, are or become convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Stock, in each case, prior to the date that is 91 days after the earlier of (i) the Latest Maturity Date and (ii) the date on which the Term Loans and all other Obligations (other than Obligations in respect of Specified Hedge Agreements, Cash Management Obligations and contingent indemnification and reimbursement obligations that are not yet due and payable and for which no claim has been asserted) are repaid in full and the Commitments are terminated;

provided that only the portion of the Equity Interests that so mature or are mandatorily redeemable, are so convertible or exchangeable or are so redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date shall be deemed to be Disqualified Stock; provided further, that if such Equity Interests are issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees of Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because they may be required to be repurchased by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s termination, death or disability; provided further, that any class of Equity Interests of such person that by its terms authorizes such person to satisfy its obligations thereunder by delivery of Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Stock shall not be deemed to be Disqualified Stock.

Dividing Person” has the meaning assigned to it in the definition of “Division.”

Division” means the division of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations of a person (the “Dividing Person”) among two or more persons (whether pursuant to a “plan of division” or similar arrangement), which may or may not include the Dividing Person and pursuant to which the Dividing person may or may not survive.

Division Successor” means any person that, upon the consummation of a Division of a Dividing Person, holds all or any portion of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations previously held by such Dividing Person immediately prior to the consummation of such Division. A Dividing Person which retains any of its assets, liabilities and/or obligations after a Division shall be deemed a Division Successor upon the occurrence of such Division.

Dollars” or “$” shall mean lawful money of the United States of America.

Domestic Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary that is not a Foreign Subsidiary.

Dutch Auction” shall mean an auction of Term Loans conducted (a) pursuant to Section 9.04(k) to allow an Affiliated Lender to acquire Term Loans at a discount to par value and on a non pro rata basis or (b) pursuant to Section 9.04(o) to allow a Purchasing Borrower Party to prepay Term Loans at a discount to par value and on a non pro rata basis, in each case, in accordance with the applicable Dutch Auction Procedures.

Dutch Auction Procedures” shall mean, with respect to a purchase of Term Loans by an Affiliated Lender pursuant to Section 9.04(k) or with respect to a purchase or prepayment of Term Loans by a Purchasing Borrower Party pursuant to Section 9.04(o), Dutch auction procedures as reasonably agreed upon by such Affiliated Lender or Purchasing Borrower Party, as the case may be, and the Administrative Agent.

 

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ECF Required Percentage” shall mean, with respect to any Excess Cash Flow Period, 50.0%; provided that (a) if the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio at the end of the applicable Excess Cash Flow Period is less than or equal to 3.75 to 1.00 but greater than 3.00 to 1.00, such percentage shall be 25.0%, and (b) if the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio at the end of the applicable Excess Cash Flow Period is less than or equal to 3.00 to 1.00, such percentage shall be 0%.

EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clause (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.

Engagement Letter” shall mean that certain Amended & Restated Engagement Letter, dated as of April 22, 2022, by and between the Borrower, BofA Securities, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Jefferies Finance LLC, TD Securities (USA) LLC and Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

environment” shall mean ambient and indoor air, surface water and groundwater (including potable water, navigable water and wetlands), the land surface or subsurface strata, natural resources such as flora and fauna or as otherwise defined in any Environmental Law.

Environmental Laws” shall mean all applicable laws (including common law), statutes, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, binding agreements and final, binding decrees or judgments, in each case, promulgated or entered into by or with any Governmental Authority, relating to the environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources, the generation, management, Release or threatened Release of, or exposure to, any harmful or deleterious substances or to occupational health and safety matters (to the extent relating to the environment or exposure to harmful or deleterious substances) but for the avoidance of doubt excluding any laws relating to products liability.

Equity Interests” shall mean, with respect to any person, any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase or otherwise acquire, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity or ownership of such person, including any preferred stock, any limited or general partnership interest and any limited liability company membership interest, and any securities or other rights or interests convertible into or exchangeable for any of the foregoing.

ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as the same may be amended from time to time, and any final regulations promulgated and the rulings issued thereunder.

ERISA Affiliate” shall mean any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

 

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ERISA Event” shall mean (a) a Reportable Event, or the requirements of Section 4043(b) of ERISA apply, with respect to a Plan, (b) a withdrawal by Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge the Borrower, any ERISA Affiliate from a Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations by Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any ERISA Affiliate that is treated as a termination under Section 4062(e) of ERISA, (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan, receipt of written notification by the Borrower any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any ERISA Affiliate concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or written notification that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent, in reorganization within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA or endangered or in critical status within the meaning of Section 305 of ERISA, (d) the provision by a Plan administrator or the PBGC of notice of intent to terminate a Plan, the treatment of a Plan or Multiemployer Plan amendment as a termination under Sections 4041 or 4041A of ERISA or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Plan or Multiemployer Plan, (e) the incurrence by the Borrower any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any ERISA Affiliate of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan or Multiemployer Plan, other than for the payment of plan contributions or PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, (f) the application for a minimum funding waiver under Section 302(c) of ERISA with respect to a Plan, (g) the imposition of a lien under Section 303(k) of ERISA with respect to any Plan, (h) a determination that any Plan is in “at risk” status (within the meaning of Section 303 of ERISA) or (i) a Foreign Benefit Event.

EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person); as in effect from time to time.

Event of Default” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.01.

Excess Cash Flow” shall mean, for any period, an amount equal to the excess of:

(1) the Consolidated Net Income of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis (but not adjusted to exclude the results of discontinued operations), increased, in each case, without duplication, by

(a) an amount equal to the amount of all non-cash charges (including depreciation and amortization) to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, but excluding any such non-cash charges representing an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period,

(b) decreases in Working Capital for such period,

(c) cash receipts in respect of Hedge Agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business during such fiscal year to the extent not otherwise included in such Consolidated Net Income;

(d) the aggregate amount of any non-cash loss recognized as a result of any Asset Sale or Recovery Event (other than any Asset Sale in the ordinary course of business) that resulted in a decrease to Consolidated Net Income (up to the amount of such decrease ),

reduced by

 

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(2) the sum, in each case, without duplication, of:

(a) an amount equal to the amount of all non-cash credits included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income (but excluding any non-cash credit to the extent representing the reversal of an accrual or reserve described in clause (1)(a) above) and cash charges excluded by virtue of clauses (a) through (w) of the definition of Consolidated Net Income,

(b) [reserved],

(c) the aggregate amount of all scheduled principal payments of Indebtedness of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries (including (i) the principal component of payments in respect of Finance Lease Obligations and (ii) the amount of any mandatory prepayments of Term Loans made during such period), in each case except to the extent financed with the Net Cash Proceeds of other Indebtedness of Holdings or the Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding any such amounts that reduce the repayment of Term Loans that would otherwise be required by Section 2.09(c)),

(d) increases in Working Capital for such period,

(e) cash payments by Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of the permanent reduction of long-term liabilities of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness) to the extent such payments are not expensed during such period and are not deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income (excluding any such amounts that reduce the repayment of Term Loans that would otherwise be required by Section 2.09(c)),

(f) cash payments by Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of residual income liabilities of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent such payments are not expensed during such period and are not deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income,

(g) [reserved],

(h) [reserved],

(i) the aggregate amount of any premium, make-whole or penalty payments actually paid in cash by Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period that are made in connection with any prepayment, early extinguishment or conversion of Indebtedness to the extent such payments are not expensed during such period and are not deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income,

(j) [reserved],

(k) the amount of cash taxes (including penalties and interest) paid or tax reserves set aside or payable (without duplication) in such period to the extent they exceed the amount of tax expense deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period,

(l) cash expenditures in respect of Hedge Agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business during such fiscal year to the extent not deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income,

(m) proceeds of any Asset Sale or Recovery Event to the extent constituting Consolidated Net Income and to the extent the Borrower is in compliance with the applicable mandatory prepayment requirements set forth in Section 2.09,

(n) the aggregate amount of any non-cash gain recognized as a result of any Asset Sale or Recovery Event (other than any Asset Sale in the ordinary course of business) that resulted in an increase to Consolidated Net Income (up to the amount of such increase), and cash indemnity payments received pursuant to indemnification provisions in any acquisition or any other Investment permitted under this Agreement, in each case that resulted in an increase to Consolidated Net Income (up to the amount of such increase),

 

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(o) the aggregate amount of fees, costs and expenses in connection with any, and any payments of, Transaction expenses, to the extent not expensed and not deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income,

(p) to the extent not already deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income, losses, charges and expenses related to internal software development that are expenses but could have been capitalized under alternative accounting policies in accordance with GAAP, and

(q) [reserved].

Excess Cash Flow Calculation Date” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.09(c).

Excess Cash Flow Period” shall mean each fiscal year of the Borrower, commencing with the fiscal year of the Borrower ending on September 30, 2023.

Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Excluded Assets” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Collateral Agreement.

Excluded Equity Interests” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Collateral Agreement.

Excluded Incremental Term Loan” means any:

(a) Incremental Term Loans incurred in reliance on, or reclassified to, the Ratio Amount,

(b) Incremental Term Loans incurred in connection with an Investment permitted pursuant to Section 6.04 or a Permitted Business Acquisition,

(c) Incremental Term Loans in an original aggregate principal amount not to exceed the greater of (A) 50% of Closing Date EBITDA and (B) 50% of Consolidated EBITDA, determined for the most recent Test Period,

(d) Incremental Term Loans with a scheduled maturity date more than eight years after the Closing Date,

(e) Incremental Term Loans that are not a syndicated “term loan b” facility or

(f) Incremental Term Loans that are not denominated in Dollars.

Excluded Indebtedness” shall mean all Indebtedness not incurred in violation of Section 6.01 (other than Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness).

Excluded Subsidiary” means:

(a) any Subsidiary that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower or a Guarantor,

(b) any CFC,

 

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(c) any FSHCO,

(d) any Subsidiary that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a CFC,

(e) any Subsidiary that is prohibited or restricted by applicable law from providing a Guaranty or by a binding contractual obligation existing on the Closing Date or at the time of the acquisition of such Subsidiary (and not incurred in contemplation of such acquisition) from providing a Guaranty (provided that such contractual obligation is not entered into by the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries principally for the purpose of qualifying as an “Excluded Subsidiary” under this definition) or if such Guaranty would require governmental (including regulatory) or third party (other than Holdings, the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary) consent, approval, license or authorization, unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been obtained,

(f) any special purpose securitization vehicle or securitization subsidiary (or similar entity),

(g) any Subsidiary that is a not-for-profit organization,

(h) any Captive Insurance Subsidiary,

(i) any other Subsidiary with respect to which, as reasonably determined by the Borrower in good faith and in consultation with the Administrative Agent, the cost or other consequences (including any material adverse Tax consequences) of providing the Guaranty shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom,

(j) any other Subsidiary to the extent the provision of a guaranty by such Subsidiary would result in material adverse tax consequences to Holdings (or any Parent Entity to the extent such material adverse tax consequences are related to its ownership of the Equity Interests in Holdings or the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries), the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries as reasonably determined by the Borrower in good faith in consultation with the Administrative Agent;

(k) any Unrestricted Subsidiary, and

(l) any Immaterial Subsidiary;

provided that the Borrower, in its sole discretion (or in the case of any Foreign Subsidiary, with the consent of the Administrative Agent not to be unreasonably withheld), may cause any Restricted Subsidiary that qualifies as an Excluded Subsidiary under clauses (a) through (l) above to become a Guarantor in accordance with the definition thereof (subject to completion of any requested “know your customer” and similar requirements of the Administrative Agent) and thereafter such Subsidiary shall not constitute an “Excluded Subsidiary” (unless and until the Borrower elects, in its sole discretion, to designate such persons as an Excluded Subsidiary); provided, further, that no person shall constitute an Excluded Subsidiary at any time if such person or becomes a guarantor of the ABL Credit Facility.

Excluded Swap Obligation” shall mean, with respect to any Guarantor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal or is not permitted under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder (determined after giving effect to Section 9.19 and any other “keepwell, support or other agreement” for the benefit of such Guarantor and any and all guarantees

 

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of such Guarantor’s Swap Obligations by other Loan Parties)at the time the Guarantee of such Guarantor or the grant of such security interest becomes effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.

Excluded Taxes” shall mean, with respect to any Recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder,

(a) income taxes imposed on or measured by its net income (however denominated), franchise taxes or branch profits taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes,

(b) in the case of a Lender making a Term Loan to the Borrower, any withholding tax (including any backup withholding tax) imposed by the United States that is in effect and would apply to amounts payable hereunder to such Lender at the time such Lender (i) acquires its interest in the Term Loans or Commitments (other than pursuant to Section 2.17) or (ii) designates a new lending office, except in each case to the extent that such Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new lending office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from a Loan Party with respect to any withholding tax pursuant to Section 2.15(a) or Section 2.15(c),

(c) Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with Section 2.15(e) and

(d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

Executive Order” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.22(b).

Existing Facilities” shall mean that certain Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2018, of the Borrower (as amended from time to time).

Extended Term Loan Installment Date” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.07(b).

Extended Term Loans” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21(a).

Extending Term Lender” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21(a).

Extension” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21(a).

Extension Amendment” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21(c).

Extension Offer” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21(a).

FATCA” shall mean Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among Governmental Authorities and implementing such Sections of the Code.

 

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FCPA” shall mean the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, modified, and supplemented thereto.

Federal Funds Rate” shall mean, for any day, the rate per annum calculated by the New York Federal Reserve Bank based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depository institutions (as determined in such manner as the New York Federal Reserve Bank shall set forth on its public website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the New York Federal Reserve Bank as the federal funds effective rate; provided that if the Federal Funds Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

Fee Letter” shall mean the Agency Fee Letter, dated April 17, 2022, by and among CPG International LLC and BofA Securities, Inc.

Fees” shall mean the Administrative Agent Fees and all other fees set forth in the Fee Letter and relating hereto.

Finance Lease Obligations” shall mean, with respect to any person, the obligations of such person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other similar arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are, in conformity with GAAP, accounted for as a finance lease (rather than an operating lease) on the balance sheet of that person. and, for purposes hereof, the amount of such obligations at any time shall be the capitalized amount thereof at such time determined in accordance with GAAP.

Financial Covenant Default” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.01(f).

Financial Officer” shall mean, with respect to any person, the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, director of financial services, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller or similar officer of such person.

First Lien Debt” shall mean, as of any date of determination, the aggregate principal amount of Consolidated Total Debt outstanding on such date that is secured by a Lien on the Term Loan Priority Collateral that is pari passu or senior with the Lien on the Term Loan Priority Collateral securing the Obligations or that is secured by a Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral that is senior to the Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral securing the Obligations.

First Lien Intercreditor Agreement” shall mean a “pari passu” intercreditor agreement between or among the Administrative Agent and one or more Senior Representatives for holders of Pari Passu Lien Debt or Permitted Pari Passu Secured Refinancing Debt reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof. Upon the request of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent will execute and deliver a First Lien Intercreditor Agreement with one or more Senior Representatives for Pari Passu Lien Debt permitted hereunder.

First Lien Net Leverage Ratio” shall mean, as at any date of determination, the ratio of First Lien Debt (net of Unrestricted Cash and cash equivalents of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries) as at such date to Consolidated EBITDA, determined for the most recent Test Period. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) debt incurred with respect to any Incremental Facilities and any Incremental Equivalent Debt (or any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of the foregoing) shall, in each case, be treated as First Lien Debt for purposes of the calculation of the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio governing the incurrence of debt under the Incremental Facilities or Incremental Equivalent Debt even if incurred as unsecured or junior secured debt and (ii) for purposes of determining pro forma compliance with the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio in connection with the incurrence of Indebtedness (including any Incremental Facility), the cash proceeds to be received in connection with such incurrence shall not be included in the calculation of Unrestricted Cash and cash equivalents of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

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Fixed Incremental Amount” means, as of the date of measurement, the sum of:

(a) the greater of (i) 100% of Closing Date EBITDA and (ii) 100% of Consolidated EBITDA determined for the most recent Test Period, plus

(b) the aggregate principal amount of any voluntary prepayments, redemptions and repurchases (including those made through (i) debt buybacks (whether or not offered to all lenders) and in the case of below-par repurchases in an amount equal to the discounted amount actually paid in cash in respect of such below-par repurchase and (ii) amounts paid pursuant to “yank-a-bank” provisions with credit given to the amount actually paid in cash, if acquired below par) of the Term Loans or of other indebtedness secured on a pari passu basis with the Term Loans, in each case except to the extent such prepayments were funded with the proceeds of long-term indebtedness of a Loan Party; plus

(c) the principal amount of any permanent reduction in the aggregate commitments under the ABL Credit Facility as in effect on the Closing Date (the amount in this clause (c) being solely the difference between (A) the aggregate commitments under the ABL Credit Facility as in effect on the Closing Date and (B) the aggregate commitments under the ABL Credit Facility after giving effect to such reduction); plus

(d) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Section 6.01(l)(i); minus

(e) without duplication of any amounts incurred in reliance on this definition, the sum of:

(i) the aggregate amount of any Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Equivalent Debt incurred and then outstanding in reliance on the Fixed Incremental Amount, plus

(ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness incurred and then outstanding under Section 6.01(l).

Floor” shall mean a rate of interest equal to 0.50%.

Foreign Benefit Event” shall mean, with respect to any Foreign Benefit Plan, (a) the existence of unfunded liabilities in excess of the amount permitted under any applicable law, or in excess of the amount that would be permitted absent a waiver from a Governmental Authority, (b) the failure to make the required contributions or payments under any applicable law on or before the due date for such contributions or payments, (c) the receipt of a notice by a Governmental Authority relating to the intention to terminate any such Foreign Benefit Plan, which termination would reasonably be expected to give rise to liability for the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries or to appoint a trustee or similar official to administer any such Foreign Benefit Plan, or alleging insolvency or any such Foreign Benefit Plan, (d) the incurrence of any liability under applicable law on account of the complete or partial termination of such Foreign Benefit Plan or the complete or partial withdrawal of any participating employer therein, (e) the occurrence of any transaction that is prohibited under any applicable law and could reasonably be expected to result in the incurrence of any liability by the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries, or (f) the imposition on the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries of any fine, excise tax or penalty resulting from any noncompliance with any applicable law, in each case, that would result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Foreign Benefit Plan” shall mean any benefit plan (other than a Plan or a Multiemployer Plan) that is not governed by the laws of the United States and that, under applicable law, is required to be funded through a trust or other funding vehicle maintained exclusively by a Governmental Authority.

Foreign Lender” shall mean any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States of America. For purposes of this definition, the United States of America, each state thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.

Foreign Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary that is not organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

FSHCO” means any direct or indirect Subsidiary of Holdings (other than the Borrower) that has no material assets other than Equity Interests (or Equity Interests and Indebtedness) in one or more CFCs or other FSHCOs.

GAAP” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time in the United States, applied on a consistent basis, subject to the provisions of Section 1.03; provided that any reference to the application of GAAP in Section 3.13(b), Section 5.03, Section 5.07 and Section 6.02(e) to a Foreign Subsidiary (and not as a consolidated Subsidiary of the Borrower) shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time in the jurisdiction of organization of such Foreign Subsidiary.

General Asset Sale Basket” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.05(n).

Governing Person(s)” shall mean: (a) in the case of any corporation, the board of directors of such corporation; (b) in the case of any limited liability company, (i) if such limited liability company is a member-managed limited liability company, the member(s) of such limited liability company or (ii) if such limited liability company is not a member-managed limited liability company, the board of directors, board of managers or manager of such limited liability company; (c) in the case of any partnership, the general partner of such partnership; and (d) in case of any other entity, the functional equivalent of the foregoing as it relates to that entity.

Governmental Approval” shall mean any action, consent or approval of, registration or filing with or any other action by any Governmental Authority or third party is or will be required in connection with the Transactions, the perfection or maintenance of the Liens created under the Security Documents or the exercise by the Administrative Agent or any Lender of its rights under the Loan Documents or the remedies in respect of the Collateral.

Governmental Authority” shall mean any federal, state, local or foreign court or governmental agency, authority, instrumentality or regulatory or legislative body with competent jurisdiction over a person.

Guarantee” of or by any person (the “guarantor”) shall mean

(a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation payable or performable by another person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect,

(i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, by agreement to keep well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take or pay or otherwise) or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment of such Indebtedness or other obligations,

 

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(ii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation,

(iii) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the holders of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such holders against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part) or

(iv) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit, bank guarantee or other letter of credit guarantee issued to support such Indebtedness or other obligation, or

(b) any Lien on any assets of the guarantor securing any Indebtedness (or any existing right, contingent or otherwise, of the holder of Indebtedness to be secured by such a Lien) of any other person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by the guarantor;

provided, however, that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Closing Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or disposition of assets permitted by this Agreement (other than such obligations with respect to Indebtedness). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the Indebtedness in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof (assuming such person is required to perform thereunder) as determined by such person in good faith.

Guarantors” shall mean Holdings, each Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower listed on Schedule 1.01B and each other Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is or becomes, or is required to become, a party to the Collateral Agreement after the Closing Date, in each case, other than any Excluded Subsidiaries.

Guaranty” means (a) the guaranty pursuant to the Collateral Agreement made by Guarantors from time to time party thereto in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties and (b) each other guaranty and supplement to the Collateral Agreement delivered in accordance with the Collateral and Guarantee Requirements.

Hazardous Materials” shall mean all pollutants, contaminants, wastes, chemicals, materials, substances and constituents, including explosive or radioactive substances or petroleum or petroleum byproducts or distillates, friable asbestos or friable asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls or radon gas, in each case, that are regulated or would give rise to liability under any Environmental Law. “Hedge Agreement” shall mean any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions, in each case, not entered into for speculative purposes; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries shall be a Hedge Agreement.

Historical Annual Financial Statements” shall mean the audited consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2021 and, to the extent such consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income and cash flows include the financial results of any person who is not a Restricted Subsidiary, supplements showing consolidating information for the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

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Historical Interim Financial Statements” shall mean unaudited interim consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2022 and the comparative period in the preceding fiscal year (without footnote disclosure) and, to the extent such unaudited interim consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income and cash flows include the financial results of any person who is not a Restricted Subsidiary, supplements showing consolidating information for the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

Holdings” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraphs hereof.

Immaterial Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary that

(a) did not, as of the last day of the fiscal year of Holdings most recently ended, have assets with a value in excess of 5.0% of the Consolidated Total Assets or revenues representing in excess of 5.0% of total revenues of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of such date, and

(b) when taken together with all Immaterial Subsidiaries as of the last day of the fiscal year of Holdings most recently ended, have assets with a value in excess of 10.0% of Consolidated Total Assets or revenues representing in excess of 10.0% of total revenues of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date;

provided that Holdings shall only be required to make such determination at the time it delivers Annual Financial Statements corresponding to such fiscal year pursuant to Section 5.04(a). Holdings will designate in writing to the Administrative Agent the Subsidiaries that will cease to be treated as “Immaterial Subsidiaries” promptly after making any determination in order to comply with the foregoing limitation.

Incremental ABL Commitment” shall mean the “Incremental Revolving Commitment” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

Incremental ABL Loans” shall mean revolving facility loans made by one or more lenders to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.21 of the ABL Credit Agreement (or any successor provision).

Incremental Equivalent Debt” shall mean Indebtedness subject to the terms set forth in Section 2.19(f).

Incremental Term Facility” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.19(a).

Incremental Term Facility Amendment” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.19(b).

Incremental Term Loans” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.19(a).

Indebtedness” shall mean, with respect to any person, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such person under conditional sale or title retention agreements relating to property or assets purchased by such person, (d) all obligations of such person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services, to the extent the same would be required to be shown as a long-term liability on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, (e) all Finance Lease Obligations of such person, (f) all net payments that such person would have to make in the event of an early

 

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termination, on the date Indebtedness of such person is being determined, in respect of outstanding Hedge Agreements, (g) the principal component of all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and bank guarantees, (h) the principal component of all obligations of such person in respect of bankers’ acceptances, (i) all Guarantees by such person of Indebtedness described in clauses (a) through (h) above and (j) the amount of all obligations of such person with respect to the redemption, repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified Stock (excluding accrued dividends that have not increased the liquidation preference of such Disqualified Stock); provided that Indebtedness shall not include (i) trade payables, accrued expenses and intercompany liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business, (ii) prepaid or deferred revenue arising in the ordinary course of business, (iii) purchase price holdbacks arising in the ordinary course of business in respect of a portion of the purchase prices of an asset to satisfy unperformed obligations of the seller of such asset, (iv) earn-out obligations until such obligations become a liability on the balance sheet of such person in accordance with GAAP or (v) obligations under or in respect of the Sale/Lease-Back Documents . The Indebtedness of any person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership in which such person is a general partner, other than to the extent that the instrument or agreement evidencing such Indebtedness expressly limits the liability of such person in respect thereof.

Indemnified Taxes” shall mean (a) all Taxes other than Excluded Taxes imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in clause (a), Other Taxes.

Indemnitee” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.05(b).

Information” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.14(a).

Inside Maturity Exception” means Indebtedness consisting of any combination of Incremental Term Facilities, Incremental Equivalent Debt, Permitted Ratio Debt or Indebtedness incurred (and, for the avoidance of doubt, not assumed) pursuant to Section 6.01(i) and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in connection with the foregoing that is designated by the Borrower as being incurred pursuant to this provision; provided that such Indebtedness either (a) is in an original principal amount not to exceed the greater of (i) 50% of Closing Date EBITDA and (ii) 50% of Consolidated EBITDA determined for the most recent Test Period, (b) is incurred under (or reclassified to) the Ratio Amount or (c) constitutes bridge financings, escrow or other similar arrangements, the terms of which provide for automatic extension of the maturity date thereof, subject to customary conditions, to a date that is not earlier than the latest maturity date of the Closing Date Term Loans.

Insufficiency” with respect to any Plan, the amount, if any, of its unfunded benefit liabilities, as defined in Section 4001(a)(18) of ERISA.

Intellectual Property Rights” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.23.

Interest Coverage Ratio” shall mean, as at any date of determination, the ratio of (i) Consolidated EBITDA of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries for the most recent Test Period to (ii) consolidated interest charges paid or payable currently in cash in respect of such period, but in any event to (A) exclude (w) fees and expenses associated with the Transactions and any annual agency fees, (x) costs associated with obtaining, or breakage costs in respect of, obligations under Hedge Agreements, (y) fees and expenses associated with any Asset Sales, acquisitions, Investments, equity issuances or debt issuances (in each case, whether or not consummated) and (z) amortization of deferred financing costs with respect to the Term Facility and with respect to other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred hereunder and (B) be net of interest income and gains from hedging obligations.

Interest Election Request” shall mean a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.05.

 

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Interest Payment Date” shall mean, (a) with respect to any Term SOFR Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Term Loan is a part and, in the case of a SOFR Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day that would have been an Interest Payment Date had successive Interest Periods of three months’ duration been applicable to such Borrowing and, in addition, the date of any refinancing or conversion of such Borrowing with or to a Borrowing of a different Type and (b) with respect to any ABR Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December.

Interest Period” means as to each Term SOFR Loan, the period commencing on the date such Term SOFR Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Term SOFR Loan and ending on the date one, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its committed loan notice, or such other period that is twelve months or less requested by the Borrower (by 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) four Business Days prior to the commencement of such period) and consented to by the Administrative Agent (in the case of each requested Interest Period, subject to availability); provided that:

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

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

(iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date.

Investment” shall mean, as to any person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such person, by means of:

(a) the purchase or other acquisition (including by merger or otherwise) of Equity Interests or debt or other securities of another person;

(b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other person; or

(c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions, including by merger or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the property and assets or business of another person or assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of another person;

provided that the following shall not constitute an Investment: (i) intercompany advances between and among the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries relating to their cash management, tax and accounting operations in the ordinary course of business and (ii) intercompany loans, advances or Indebtedness between and among the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries having a term not exceeding 364 days and made in the ordinary course of business.

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Junior Financing” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.09(b)(i).

 

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Junior Lien Debt” shall mean any Indebtedness that is secured by a Lien on all or any portion of the Collateral that has a priority that is contractually junior to the Lien on such Collateral that secure the Obligations.

Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement” shall mean a “junior lien” intercreditor agreement between or among the Administrative Agent and one or more Senior Representatives for holders of Junior Lien Debt or Permitted Junior Secured Refinancing Debt reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof. Upon the request of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent will execute and deliver a Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement with one or more Senior Representatives for Junior Lien Debt or Permitted Junior Secured Refinancing Debt permitted hereunder.

Latest Maturity Date” shall mean, at any date of determination, the latest Maturity Date of the Term Facilities in effect on such date.

LCE Election” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.09.

LCE Test Date” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.09.

Lead Arranger” shall mean each of the Bookrunners and Lead Arrangers identified on the cover page of this Agreement.

Lender” shall mean each financial institution listed on Schedule 2.01 (other than any such person that has ceased to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance in accordance with Section 9.04), as well as any person that becomes a Lender hereunder pursuant to Section 9.04 and any Additional Lender.

lending office” shall mean, as to any Lender, the applicable branch, office or Affiliate of such Lender designated by such Lender to make Term Loans.

Letter of Credit” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the ABL Credit Agreement.

Lien” shall mean, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, hypothecation, pledge, charge, security interest or similar encumbrance in or on such asset or (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset; provided that in no event shall an operating lease or an agreement to sell be deemed to constitute a Lien.

Limited Condition Event” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.09.

Loan” shall mean any borrowed money from the Commitments provided by the Lenders hereunder.

Loan Documents” shall mean this Agreement, the Security Documents, the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement, any Note and, solely for the purposes of Section 3.01, Section 3.02, and Section 7.01 hereof, the Fee Letter, as each such document may be amended, restated, supplemented, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Agreement.

Loan Parties” shall mean Holdings, the Borrower and the other Subsidiary Loan Parties.

 

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Management Group” shall mean the group consisting of the Governing Persons of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, on the Closing Date, or any replacements appointed or elected by the Sponsors or their Affiliates after the Closing Date.

Margin Stock” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Regulation U.

Market Disruption Event” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.12(b).

Material Adverse Effect” shall mean a material adverse effect on (i) the business, financial condition or results of operations, in each case, of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) the ability of the Borrower and the Guarantors (taken as a whole) to perform their payment obligations under the Loan Documents or (iii) the legality, validity or enforceability of the Loan Documents or the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, taken as a whole, under the Loan Documents.

Material Indebtedness” shall mean Indebtedness (other than the Term Loans) of Holdings or any Subsidiary Loan Party in an aggregate principal amount exceeding the greater of (i) $45.0 million and (ii) 2.0% of Consolidated Total Assets, determined as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date of determination for which financial statements are available.

Material Subsidiary” shall mean any Restricted Subsidiary other than Immaterial Subsidiaries.

Maturity Date” shall mean, as the context may require,

(a) with respect to the Closing Date Term Loans, April 28, 2029,

(b) with respect to any Incremental Term Loans, the final maturity date specified therefor in the applicable Incremental Term Facility Amendment,

(c) with respect to any Other Term Loans, the final maturity date specified therefor in the applicable Refinancing Amendment and

(d) with respect to any Extended Term Loans, the final maturity date specified therefor in the applicable Extension Amendment.

Maximum Rate” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.09.

Minimum Extension Condition” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21(b).

MNPI” shall mean any material nonpublic Information regarding the Borrower and the Subsidiaries that has not been disclosed to the Lenders generally (other than Lenders who elect not to receive such information). For purposes of this definition “material Nonpublic Information” shall mean nonpublic information that would reasonably be expected to be material to a decision by any Lender to assign or acquire any Term Loans or to enter into any of the transactions contemplated thereby.

Moody’s” shall mean Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

Multiemployer Plan” shall mean a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate (other than one considered an ERISA Affiliate only pursuant to subsection (m) or (o) of Code Section 414) is making or accruing an obligation to make contributions, or has within any of the preceding six plan years made or accrued an obligation to make contributions.

 

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Net Cash Proceeds” shall mean,

(a) 100% of the cash proceeds actually received by Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when actually received) in respect of any Asset Sale or Recovery Event, net of

(i) attorney, accountants, auditor, printer, SEC filing, brokerage, consultant, investment banking, advisory, placement, arranger or underwriting fees and expenses and any other customary fees and expenses actually incurred in connection therewith,

(ii) search and recording charges,

(iii) required debt payments and required payments of other obligations in respect of Indebtedness secured by a Lien permitted hereunder on any asset that is the subject of such Asset Sale or Recovery Event (other than any Lien pursuant to a Security Document or a Lien which is expressly pari passu (in which case the pro rata portion (determined based on the then outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans that would otherwise be required to be prepaid with such Net Cash Proceeds and the aggregate amount of such principal) of such Net Cash Proceeds applied in respect of any such payments secured by such Lien shall not constitute Net Cash Proceeds for purposes hereof) or subordinate to the Liens pursuant to the Loan Documents),

(iv) Taxes (and the amount of any distributions made pursuant to Section 6.06 to permit the Borrower or any Parent Entity to pay such Taxes), including sales, transfer, deed or mortgage recording taxes, paid or payable as a result thereof, and any other payment required by applicable law as a result of such Asset Sale,

(v) any payment amounts required to be paid by law, rule or regulation upon receipt to a third party as a result of such Asset Sale or Recovery Event (including to labor unions and environmental trusts) and

(vi) any reserve established in accordance with GAAP (provided that such reserved amounts shall be Net Cash Proceeds to the extent and at the time of any reversal (without the satisfaction of any applicable liabilities in cash in a corresponding amount)), in each case, as determined reasonably and in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower;

provided that, with respect to any Asset Sale or Recovery Event, (A) no proceeds realized in a single transaction or series of related transactions shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds unless such proceeds shall exceed $10.0 million, and (B) no proceeds shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds in any fiscal year until the aggregate amount of all such proceeds in such fiscal year shall exceed $20.0 million (the proceeds described in clauses (A) and (B), “Below Threshold Asset Sale Proceeds”) and

(b) 100% of the cash proceeds from the incurrence, issuance or sale by the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness (other than Excluded Indebtedness), net of all taxes and fees (including attorney, accountants, auditor, printer, SEC filing, brokerage, consultant, investment banking, advisory, placement, arranger or underwriting fees and expenses and any other customary fees and expenses actually incurred in connection therewith).

For purposes of calculating the amount of any Net Cash Proceeds, fees, commissions and other costs and expenses payable to Holdings or any Affiliate of Holdings shall be disregarded, except for financial advisory fees customary in type and amount paid to a Sponsor or any Sponsor Affiliates and otherwise not prohibited from being paid hereunder.

 

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Net Income” shall mean, with respect to any person, the net income (loss) of such person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of preferred stock dividends.

Net Short Lender” means at any date of determination, each Lender that has a Net Short Position as of such date; provided that Unrestricted Lenders shall not be Net Short Lenders.

Net Short Position” means, with respect to a Lender (other than an Unrestricted Lender), as of a date of determination, the net positive position, if any, held by such Lender that is remaining after deducting any long position that the Lender holds (i.e., a position (whether as an investor, lender or holder of Loans, debt obligations and/or Derivative Instruments) where the Lender is exposed to the credit risk of Deliverable Obligations of the Loan Parties) from any short positions (i.e., a position as described above, but where the Lender is instead protected from the credit risk described above).

For purposes of determining whether a Lender (other than an Unrestricted Lender) has a Net Short Position on any date of determination:

(i) Derivative Instruments shall be counted at the notional amount (in Dollars) of such Derivative Instrument; provided that, subject to clause (v) below, the notional amount of Derivative Instruments referencing an index that includes any of the Loan Parties or any bond or loan obligation issued or guaranteed by any Loan Party shall be determined in proportionate amount and by reference to the percentage weighting of the component which references any Loan Party or any bond or loan obligation issued or guaranteed by any Loan Party that would be a “Deliverable Obligation” or an “Obligation” (as defined in the ISDA CDS Definitions) of the Loan Parties;

(ii) notional amounts of Derivative Instruments in other currencies shall be converted to the Dollar equivalent thereof by such Lender in accordance with the terms of such Derivative Instruments, as applicable; provided that if not otherwise provided in such Derivative Instrument, such conversion shall be made in a commercially reasonable manner consistent with generally accepted financial practices and based on the prevailing conversion rate determined (on a mid-market basis) by such Lender, acting in a commercially reasonable manner, on the date of determination;

(iii) Derivative Instruments that are documented using either the 2014 ISDA Credit Derivatives Definitions or the 2003 ISDA Credit Derivatives Definitions (or any successor definitions thereof, collectively, the “ISDA CDS Definitions”) shall be deemed to create a short position with respect to the Loans if such Lender is a protection buyer or the equivalent thereof for such Derivative Instrument and (A) the Loans are a “Reference Obligation” under the terms of such derivative transaction (whether specified by name in the related documentation, included as a “Standard Reference Obligation” on the most recent list published by IHS Markit Ltd, if “Standard Reference Obligation” is specified as applicable in the relevant documentation or in any other manner) or (B) the Loans would be a “Deliverable Obligation” or an “Obligation” (as defined in the ISDA CDS Definitions) of the Loan Parties under the terms of such derivative transaction;

(iv) credit derivative transactions or other Derivative Instruments not documented using the ISDA CDS Definitions shall be counted for purposes of the Net Short Position determination if, with respect to the Loans, such transactions are functionally equivalent to a transaction that offers such Lender protection in respect of the Loans; and

(v) Derivative Instruments in respect of an index that includes any of the Loan Parties or any instrument issued or guaranteed by any of the Loan Parties shall not be deemed to create a short position, so long as (A) such index is not created, designed, administered or requested by such Lender and (B) the Loan Parties, and any Deliverable Obligation of the Loan Parties, collectively, shall represent less than 5.0% of the components of such index.

 

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Net Short Representation” means, with respect to any Lender (other than an Unrestricted Lender) at any time, a representation and warranty (including any deemed representation and warranty, as the case may be) from such Lender to the Borrower that it is not (x) a Net Short Lender at such time or (y) knowingly and intentionally acting in concert with any of its Affiliates for the express purpose of creating (and in fact creating) the same economic effect with respect to the Loan Parties as though such Lender were a Net Short Lender at such time.

New York Courts” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.15.

New York Federal Reserve Bank” shall mean the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

No MNPI Representation” shall mean, with respect to any person, a representation that such person is not in possession of any MNPI.

Non-Consenting Lender” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.17(c).

Non-Debt Fund Affiliate” shall mean any Affiliated Lender other than a Debt Fund Affiliate.

Non-Debt Fund Affiliate Assignment and Acceptance” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(k).

Not Otherwise Applied” shall mean shall mean, with respect to any capital contribution or the proceeds from the sale or issuance of Equity Interests that is proposed to be applied to a particular use or transaction, that such amount was not previously applied or is not simultaneously being applied, to any other use, payment or transaction other than such particular use, payment or transaction. “Otherwise Applied” shall have the corresponding meaning.

Note” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(e).

Obligations” shall mean

(a) all amounts owing to the Administrative Agent or any Lender pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, including all interest and expenses accrued or accruing (or that would, absent the commencement of an insolvency or liquidation proceeding, accrue) after the commencement by or against any Loan Party of any proceeding under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or any other federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law naming such Loan Party as the debtor in such proceeding, in accordance with and at the rate specified in this Agreement, whether or not the claim for such interest or expense is allowed or allowable as a claim in such proceeding,

(b) all amounts owing to any Qualified Counterparty under any Specified Hedge Agreement and

(c) any Cash Management Obligations;

provided that (i) the Obligations of the Loan Parties under any Specified Hedge Agreement and Cash Management Obligations shall be secured and guaranteed pursuant to the Security Documents only to the extent that, and for so long as, the other Obligations are so secured and guaranteed and (ii) any release of Collateral or Guarantors effected in the manner permitted by this Agreement or any Security Document shall not require the consent of any Cash Management Bank or Qualified Counterparty pursuant to any Loan Document; provided, further, that for purposes of determining any Obligations of a Loan Party, “Obligations” shall not create any Guarantee by a Guarantor of any Excluded Swap Obligation of such Guarantor.

 

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OFAC” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.22(b).

Other Applicable Indebtedness” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.09(a).

Other Connection Taxes” shall mean, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).

Other Taxes” shall mean any and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise, transfer, sales, property, all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 2.17).

Other Term Loan Installment Date” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.07(b).

Other Term Loans” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20.

Parent Entity” shall mean any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower, including Holdings.

Pari Passu Lien Debt” means any Indebtedness that is secured by Liens on all or any portion of the Collateral that is pari passu in priority with the Liens on Collateral that secure the Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, “Pari Passu Lien Debt” includes the Closing Date Term Loans.

Participant” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(d).

Participant Register” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(d).

Payment Office” shall mean the office of the Administrative Agent located at 70 Hudson Street, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302, or such other office as the Administrative Agent may designate to the Borrower and the Lenders from time to time.

PBGC” shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA, or any successor thereto.

Permitted Amendment” shall mean any Incremental Term Facility Amendment, Refinancing Amendment or Extension Amendment.

Permitted Business Acquisition” shall mean (i) any acquisition of Equity Interests of a person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) any acquisition (including through a merger, consolidation or amalgamation) of a division or line of business or all or substantially all of the assets of a person by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary (or any subsequent investment made in a person, division or line of business previously acquired in a Permitted Business Acquisition by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary), if immediately after giving effect thereto, any assets acquired shall be utilized in, and if the acquisition involves a merger, consolidation or stock acquisition, the person that is the subject of such acquisition shall be engaged in, a business otherwise permitted to be engaged in by the Borrower under this Agreement.

 

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Permitted Debt Fund Affiliate Investors” shall mean (a) either Sponsor, (b) each of the Affiliates and investment managers of a Sponsor, (c) any fund or account managed by any of the persons described in clause (a) or (b) of this definition, (d) any employee benefit plan of the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries and any person acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan and (e) investment vehicles of members of management of Holdings or the Borrower, but excluding natural persons.

Permitted Holder” shall mean any of (a) the Sponsors and any of their Affiliates, (b) funds or partnerships managed or advised by any of the persons described in clause (a) of this definition (but not including any portfolio company of any of the foregoing), (c) the Management Group, (d) family members or trusts of any person listed in clauses (a) and (c), and (e) any person that forms a group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) with any of the persons listed in clauses (a), (c) and (d); provided that persons described in clauses (a), (c) and (d) shall form the majority in interest of any group formed pursuant to this clause (e).

Permitted Indebtedness” shall mean all Indebtedness not incurred in violation of Section 6.01.

Permitted Investments” shall mean:

(a) Dollars, Canadian dollars, pounds sterling, euros or, in the case of any Foreign Subsidiary, such local currencies held by it from time to time in the ordinary course of business and not for speculation;

(b) direct obligations of the United States of America or any member of the European Union or any agency thereof or obligations guaranteed by the United States of America or any member of the European Union or any agency thereof, in each case, with maturities not exceeding two years;

(c) time deposits, eurodollar time deposits, certificates of deposit and money market deposits, in each case, with maturities not exceeding one year from the date of acquisition thereof, and overnight bank deposits, in each case, with any commercial bank having capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than $250.0 million and whose long term debt, or whose parent holding company’s long term debt, is rated at least “A-2” by Moody’s or at least “A” by S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized rating agency);

(d) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (b) and (c) above entered into with a bank meeting the qualifications described in clause (c) above;

(e) commercial paper maturing not more than one year after the date of acquisition issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate of the Borrower) organized and in existence under the laws of the United States of America or any foreign country recognized by the United States of America with a rating, at the time any investment therein is made, of at least “P-1” by Moody’s or at least “A-1” by S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized rating agency);

(f) securities with maturities of two years or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof, having one of the two highest rating categories obtainable from either Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized rating agency);

 

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(g) Indebtedness issued by persons (other than a Sponsor or any Sponsor Affiliate) with a rating of at least “A-2” by Moody’s or “A” by S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized rating agency), in each case, with maturities not exceeding one year from the date of acquisition;

(h) shares of or interests in mutual funds substantially all of the assets of which comprise investments satisfying any of the provisions of clauses (a) through (g) above;

(i) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated “Aaa” by Moody’s and “AAA” by S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized rating agency) and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $250.0 million; and

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

Permitted Junior Secured Refinancing Debt” shall mean Junior Lien Debt; provided that (i) such Indebtedness is not secured by any property or assets of the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary other than the Collateral, (ii) such Indebtedness constitutes Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness, (iii) the security agreements relating to such Indebtedness are substantially similar to or the same as the Security Documents (as reasonably determined by the Borrower); and (iv) a Senior Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to or otherwise subject to the provisions of a Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement; provided that if such Indebtedness is the initial Permitted Junior Secured Refinancing Debt incurred by the Borrower, then the Administrative Agent and the Senior Representative for such Indebtedness shall have executed and delivered a Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Permitted Junior Secured Refinancing Debt will include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.

Permitted Liens” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.02.

Permitted Pari Passu Secured Refinancing Debt” shall mean any Pari Passu Lien Debt incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more series of senior secured notes or loans; provided that

(i) such Indebtedness constitutes Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness,

(ii) the security agreements relating to such Indebtedness are substantially similar to or the same as the Security Documents (as reasonably determined by the Borrower) and

(iii) a Senior Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to or otherwise subject to the provisions of a First Lien Intercreditor Agreement; provided that if such Indebtedness is the initial Permitted Pari Passu Secured Refinancing Debt incurred by the Borrower, then the Administrative Agent and the Senior Representative for such Indebtedness shall have executed and delivered a First Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

 

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Permitted Pari Passu Secured Refinancing Debt will include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.

Permitted Ratio Debt” means Indebtedness; provided that, at the time of incurrence thereof:

(a) immediately after giving effect to the issuance, incurrence, or assumption of such Indebtedness:

(i) in the case of any Pari Passu Lien Debt, the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio is equal to or less than (A) 4.50 to 1.00 or (B) if incurred in connection with a Permitted Business Acquisition or Investment, the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence;

(ii) in the case of any Junior Lien Debt, the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio is equal to or less than (A) 5.25 to 1.00 or (B) if incurred in connection with a Permitted Business Acquisition or Investment, the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence, or

(iii) in the case of any Indebtedness that is not secured by a Lien on any Collateral, either:

(A) the Total Net Leverage Ratio is equal to or less than (A) 5.25 to 1.00 or (B) if incurred in connection with a Permitted Business Acquisition or Investment, the Total Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence, or

(B) the Interest Coverage Ratio is equal to or greater than (A) 2.00 to 1.00 or (B) if incurred in connection with a Permitted Business Acquisition or Investment, the Interest Coverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence;

in each case, after giving Pro Forma Effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof and measured as of and for the most recent Test Period immediately preceding the issuance, incurrence or assumption of such Indebtedness provided that, that the principal amount of Indebtedness incurred under clause (a)(iii) above by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not or do not become Loan Parties shall not exceed the Shared Non-Guarantor Cap then available

; and

(b) if such Indebtedness is Pari Passu Lien Debt or Junior Lien Debt, a Senior Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Permitted Ratio Debt has become party to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of,

(i) if such Permitted Ratio Debt is Pari Passu Lien Debt, a First Lien Intercreditor Agreement,

(ii) if such Permitted Ratio Debt is Junior Lien Debt, a Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and

(iii) to the extent the ABL Debt Obligation (as defined in the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement) remain outstanding at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness, the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement.

Permitted Ratio Debt will be deemed to include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.

Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness” shall mean any Indebtedness issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund (collectively, to “Refinance”) the Indebtedness being Refinanced (or previous refinancings thereof constituting Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness); provided that

 

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(a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so Refinanced (plus the amount of unpaid accrued or capitalized interest and premiums thereon (including tender premiums), underwriting discounts, original issue discount, defeasance costs, fees (including upfront fees), commissions and expenses),

(b) except with respect to Section 6.01(j), the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is greater than or equal to the shorter of (i) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced and (ii) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity that would result if all payments of principal on the Indebtedness being Refinanced that were due on or after the date that is one year following the Latest Maturity Date were instead due on the date that is one year following the Latest Maturity Date; provided that no Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred in reliance on this subclause (ii) shall have any scheduled principal payments due prior to the Latest Maturity Date in excess of, or prior to, the scheduled principal payments due prior to such Latest Maturity Date for the Indebtedness being Refinanced; provided, further, that this requirement shall not apply to Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in the form of one-year bridge loans that are automatically convertible or exchangeable without conditions into other instruments meeting the requirements set forth in this definition (but for the avoidance of doubt, this requirement shall apply to any loans, securities or other debt into which such bridge loans are exchanged or that otherwise replace such bridge loans),

(c) if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations under this Agreement, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced and

(d) no Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall have different obligors, or greater guarantees or security, than the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

provided, further, that

(i) with respect to a Refinancing of any Indebtedness permitted hereunder that is subordinated, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall (A) be subordinated to the guarantee by Holdings and the Subsidiary Loan Parties of the Term Facility and (B) be otherwise on terms not materially less favorable to the Lenders than those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced and

(ii) with respect to a Refinancing of the ABL Obligations, the Liens, if any, securing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall be (A) subject to the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement or another intercreditor agreement that is substantially consistent with and no less favorable to the Lenders in any material respect than the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement and (B) on terms not materially less favorable to the Lenders than those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

provided, further, that Indebtedness constituting Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall not cease to constitute Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness as a result of the subsequent extension of the Latest Maturity Date.

Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt” shall mean any unsecured Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more series of unsecured notes or loans; provided that (i) such Indebtedness is not secured by any property or assets of the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) such Indebtedness constitutes Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness. Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt will include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.

 

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person” shall mean any natural person, corporation, business trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, limited liability company, government, individual or family trust, Governmental Authority or other entity of whatever nature.

Plan” shall mean any “employee pension benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan) that is (a) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA and (b) either (i) sponsored or maintained (at the time of determination or at any time within the five years prior thereto) by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate or (ii) in respect of which Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

Platform” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17(a).

Pledged Collateral” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Collateral Agreement.

Prepayment Premium” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.08(b).

Prime Rate” shall mean a rate set by the Administrative Agent based upon various factors including the Administrative Agent’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate.

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

Public Company Costs” means costs relating to, or in anticipation of or preparation for, compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (or similar regulations in other jurisdictions), as amended, and other expenses arising out of or incidental to Holdings’ status (or any Parent Entity’s status that only owns, directly or indirectly, Holdings and its Subsidiaries) as a reporting company, including costs, fees and expenses (including legal, accounting and other professional fees) relating to compliance with provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (or similar regulations in other jurisdictions), the rules of securities exchange companies with listed equity securities, directors’ compensation, fees and expense reimbursement, shareholder meetings and reports to shareholders, investor relations, directors’ and officers’ insurance and other executive costs, legal and other professional fees, and listing fees.

Public Lender” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17(b).

Purchasing Borrower Party” shall mean Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary that becomes an Assignee or Participant pursuant to Section 9.04.

Qualified Counterparty” shall mean any counterparty to any Specified Hedge Agreement that, at the time such Specified Hedge Agreement was entered into or, if entered into prior to the Closing Date, on the Closing Date, was the Administrative Agent, a Lead Arranger, a Lender or an Affiliate of the foregoing, whether or not such person subsequently ceases to be the Administrative Agent, a Lead Arranger, a Lender or an Affiliate of the foregoing.

Qualified ECP Guarantor” shall mean, at any time, each Loan Party with total assets exceeding $10,000,000 or that qualifies at such time as an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time under §1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

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Qualified Equity Interests” shall mean any Equity Interests other than Disqualified Stock.

Qualified Holding Company Debt” shall mean unsecured Indebtedness of Holdings that

(a) does not benefit from any Guarantee of any Subsidiary,

(b) will not mature prior to the date that is six months after the Latest Maturity Date in effect on the date of issuance or incurrence thereof,

(c) has no scheduled amortization or scheduled payments of principal and is not subject to mandatory redemption, repurchase, prepayment or sinking fund obligation (it being understood that such Indebtedness may have mandatory prepayment, repurchase or redemption provisions satisfying the requirements of clause (e) below),

(d) does not require any payments in cash of interest or other amounts in respect of the principal thereof prior to the date that is six months after the Latest Maturity Date in effect on the date of such issuance or incurrence and

(e) that has mandatory prepayment, repurchase or redemption, covenant, default and remedy provisions that are no more restrictive (taken as a whole) to Holdings than those set forth in this Agreement or that are customary for senior discount notes of an issuer that is the parent of a borrower under senior secured credit facilities;

provided, that any such Indebtedness shall constitute Qualified Holding Company Debt only if immediately after giving effect to the issuance or incurrence thereof and the use of proceeds thereof, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

Qualified IPO” shall mean the initial public offering of the Equity Interests of Holdings that occurred on June 11, 2020.

Quarterly Financial Statements” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.04(b).

Ratio Amount” means an aggregate principal amount that, after giving Pro Forma Effect to the incurrence thereof, in accordance with Section 1.09 (assuming, in the case of any Incremental Term Facilities with a delayed draw feature, either (as determined by the Borrower) (i) a full drawing thereof as of the date of receiving commitments in respect thereof or (ii) based on the date and actual amount of funding thereof), would not result in:

(a) with respect to an Incremental Term Facility or Incremental Equivalent Debt to be incurred as Pari Passu Lien Debt, the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio being greater than (i) 4.50 to 1.00 or (ii) if incurred in connection with a Permitted Business Acquisition or similar investment, the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence;

(b) with respect to any Incremental Term Facility or Incremental Equivalent Debt to be incurred as Junior Lien Debt, the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio being greater than (A) 5.25 to 1.00 or (B) if incurred in connection with a Permitted Business Acquisition or similar investment, the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence; and

 

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(c) with respect to any Incremental Term Facility or Incremental Equivalent Debt that is not secured by a Lien on any Collateral, either:

(i) the Total Net Leverage Ratio being greater than (A) 5.25 to 1.00 or (B) if incurred in connection with a Permitted Business Acquisition or similar investment, the Total Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence; or

(ii) the Interest Coverage Ratio being less than (A) 2.00 to 1.00 or (B) if incurred in connection with a Permitted Business Acquisition or similar investment, the Interest Coverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence

in each case, after giving Pro Forma Effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof and measured as of and for the most recent Test Period immediately preceding the issuance, incurrence or assumption of such Indebtedness; provided that, that the principal amount of Indebtedness incurred under clause (c) above by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not or do not become Loan Parties shall not exceed the Shared Non-Guarantor Cap then available.

Real Property” shall mean, collectively, all right, title and interest (including any leasehold estate) in and to any and all parcels of or interests in real property owned in fee or leased by any Loan Party, together with, in each case, all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances relating thereto, and all improvements and appurtenant fixtures incidental to the ownership or lease thereof.

Recipient” shall mean the Administrative Agent and any Lender, as applicable.

Recovery Event” shall mean any settlement of, or payment in respect of, any property or casualty insurance claim or any condemnation proceeding relating to any asset of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary.

Refinance” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of the term “Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness”, “Permitted Refinancing” and “Refinanced” shall have a meaning correlative thereto.

Rescindable Amount” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.16.

Refinanced Debt” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of the term “Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness”.

Refinancing Amendment” shall mean an amendment to this Agreement executed by each of (a) the Borrower and Holdings, (b) the Administrative Agent and (c) each Lender that agrees to provide any portion of the Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness being incurred pursuant thereto, in accordance with Section 2.20.

Register” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b)(iv).

Registered Equivalent Notes” shall mean, with respect to any notes originally issued in a Rule 144A or other private placement transaction under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, substantially identical notes (having the same guarantees and collateral provisions) issued in a dollar-for-dollar exchange therefor pursuant to an exchange offer registered with the SEC.

Regulated Entity” means (a) any swap dealer registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission or security-based swap dealer registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as applicable; or (b) any commercial bank with a consolidated combined capital and surplus of at least $5,000,000,000 that is (i) a U.S. depository institution the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (ii) a corporation organized under section 25A of the U.S. Federal Reserve Act of 1913; (iii) a branch, agency or commercial lending company of a foreign bank operating pursuant to approval by and under the supervision of the Board under 12 C.F.R. part 211; (iv) a non-U.S. branch of a foreign bank managed and controlled by a U.S. branch referred to in clause (iii); or (v) any other U.S. or non-U.S. depository institution or any branch, agency or similar office thereof supervised by a bank regulatory authority in any jurisdiction.

 

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Regulation S-K” shall mean Regulation S-K in the Exchange Act, as amended, modified, and supplemented thereby.

Regulation U” shall mean Regulation U of the Board as from time to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Regulation X” shall mean Regulation X of the Board as from time to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Related Parties” shall mean, with respect to any specified person, such person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, trustees, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such person and such person’s Affiliates.

Release” shall mean any spilling, leaking, seepage, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, disposing, depositing, dispersing, emanating or migrating in, into, upon, onto or through the environment.

Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Bank or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Bank or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or any successor thereto.

Remaining Present Value” shall mean, as of any date with respect to any lease, the present value as of such date of the scheduled future lease payments with respect to such lease, determined with a discount rate equal to a market rate of interest for such lease reasonably determined at the time such lease was entered into.

Reportable Event” shall mean any reportable event as defined in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, other than those events as to which the 30 day notice period referred to in Section 4043(c) of ERISA has been waived, with respect to a Plan (other than a Plan maintained by an ERISA Affiliate that is considered an ERISA Affiliate only pursuant to subsection (m) or (o) of Section 414 of the Code).

Repricing Transaction” shall mean, in connection with a transaction the primary purpose of which is to prepay, refinance, substitute or replace the Term Loans or to amend the Loan Documents to reduce the yield on the Term Loans, the prepayment, refinancing, substitution or replacement of all or a portion of the Term Loans with the incurrence of any long-term debt financing by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries having an “effective yield” at the time of incurrence thereof (with the comparative determinations to be made by the Administrative Agent in good faith and in consultation with the Borrower consistent with generally accepted financial practices, after giving effect to, among other factors, margin, interest rate floors, upfront or similar fees or original issue discount shared with all providers of such financing, but excluding the effect of any arrangement, structuring, syndication or other fees payable in connection therewith that are not shared with all providers of such financing) that is less than the “effective yield” (as determined by the Administrative Agent on the same basis as provided in the preceding parenthetical) of such Term Loans at the time of incurrence thereof, including, as may be effected through any amendment to this Agreement relating to the interest rate for, or weighted average yield of, such Term Loans; provided that a Repricing Transaction shall not include any event that is consummated in connection with a Change in Control or Transformative Acquisition.

 

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Required Financial Statements” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.04(b).

Required Lender Consent Items” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(m).

Required Lenders” shall mean, at any time, Lenders having Term Loans outstanding and unused Commitments that, taken together, represent more than 50.0% of the sum of all Term Loans outstanding and Commitments at such time.

Resolution Authority” shall mean an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.

Responsible Officer” shall mean, with respect to any Loan Party, the chief executive officer, president, vice president, secretary, assistant secretary or any Financial Officer of such Loan Party or any other individual designated in writing to the Administrative Agent by an existing Responsible Officer of such Loan Party as an authorized signatory of any certificate or other document to be delivered hereunder and, solely for purposes of notices given to Article II, any other officer or employee of the applicable Loan Party so designated by any of the foregoing officers in a notice to the Administrative Agent or any other officer or employee of the applicable Loan Party designated in or pursuant to an agreement between the applicable Loan Party and the Administrative Agent. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.

Restricted Payments” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.06.

Restricted Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary of Holdings that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

S&P” shall mean Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC or any successor entity thereto.

Sale and Lease-Back Transaction” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03.

Sale/Lease-Back Documents” shall mean each of the documents set forth on Schedule 1.01C.

SEC” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto.

Secured Parties” shall mean the collective reference to the “Secured Parties” as defined in the Collateral Agreement.

Security Documents” shall mean the Collateral Agreement and each of the security agreements and other instruments and documents executed and delivered by any Loan Party pursuant to the Collateral Agreement or pursuant to Section 5.10 hereof.

Senior Representative” shall mean, with respect to any series of Pari Passu Lien Debt, Junior Lien Debt, Permitted Pari Passu Secured Refinancing Debt or Permitted Junior Secured Refinancing Debt, the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under the indenture or agreement pursuant to which such Indebtedness is issued, incurred or otherwise obtained, as the case may be, and each of their successors in such capacities.

 

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Senior Secured Debt” shall mean, as of any date of determination, the aggregate principal amount of Consolidated Total Debt outstanding on such date that is secured by a Lien on any assets of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary.

Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio” shall mean the ratio of Senior Secured Debt (net of Unrestricted Cash and cash equivalents of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries) to Consolidated EBITDA, determined for the most recent Test Period.

Shared Non-Guarantor Cap” shall mean, at any time, (a) the greater of (1) $100.0 million and (2) 5.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date such Indebtedness is incurred for which financial statements are available, less (b) the amount of any Indebtedness then outstanding and incurred in reliance on the Shared Non-Guarantor Cap.

SOFR” shall mean the Secured Overnight Financing Rate as administered by the SOFR Administrator.

SOFR Adjustment” shall mean, for any calculation with respect to a ABR Loan or a Term SOFR Loan, 0.10%.

SOFR Administrator” shall mean the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).

SOFR Borrowing” shall mean a Borrowing comprised of Term SOFR Loans.

SOFR Determination Date” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Daily Simple SOFR”.

SOFR Rate Day” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Daily Simple SOFR”.

Specified Event of Default” shall mean any Event of Default under Section 7.01(b), Section 7.01(c), Section 7.01(h) or Section 7.01(i).

Specified Hedge Agreement” shall mean any Hedge Agreement entered into or assumed between or among the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary and any Qualified Counterparty and designated by the Qualified Counterparty and the Borrower in writing to the Administrative Agent as a “Specified Hedge Agreement”.

Specified Loan Party” means any Loan Party that is not an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act (determined prior to giving effect to Section 9.19).

Specified Representations” shall mean the representations and warranties with respect to the Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties set forth in Section 3.01 (but solely with respect to organizational status and organizational power and authority to execute, deliver and perform obligations under the applicable Loan Documents), Section 3.02 (but solely with respect to clauses (a) and (b)(i) thereof), Section 3.03 (but solely with respect to the Loan Documents), Section 3.10 (but solely with respect to clause (b)(ii) thereof), Section 3.11, Section 3.12, Section 3.17, Section 3.19 and Section 3.22.

Specified Transaction” shall mean with respect to any period, any of the following identified by Holdings: (a) transaction or series of related transactions, including Investments, that results in a person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, (b) any designation of a Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary, (c) any Permitted Business Acquisition, (d) any transaction or series of related transactions, including Asset Sales, that results in a Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Subsidiary of the Borrower, (e) any acquisition or disposition of assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division

 

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of another person or a facility, (f) any material acquisition, disposition, or changes in customer, supplier or other commercial contracts or arrangements or new material customer, supplier or other commercial contracts or arrangements, including (i) material changes to amounts to be paid by or received by Loan Parties and (ii) material changes to contracted or implemented revenue (g) any restructuring of the business of the Borrower, whether by merger, consolidation, amalgamation or otherwise, (h) any incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness incurred or repaid under any revolving credit facility in the ordinary course of business for working capital purposes), (i) any Restricted Payment, (j) any Limited Condition Event or (k) other event, in each case that by the terms of the Loan Documents requires pro forma compliance with a test or covenant hereunder or requires such test or covenant to be calculated on a “Pro Forma Basis.”

Sponsor Affiliate” shall mean each Affiliate of a Sponsor and each individual who is a partner or employee of a Sponsor.

Sponsors” shall mean Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund IV, L.P. and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board.

Subagent” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.02.

Subsidiary” shall mean, with respect to any person (herein referred to as the “parent”), any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which (a) Equity Interests having ordinary voting power (other than Equity Interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) to elect a majority of the Governing Persons of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity are at the time owned by such parent or (b) more than 50.0% of the Equity Interests are at the time owned by such parent. Unless the context otherwise requires, “Subsidiary” shall mean a Subsidiary of Holdings.

Subsidiary Loan Parties” shall mean the Borrower and each Guarantor.

Subsidiary Redesignation” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary”.

Supported QFC” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.24.

Swap Obligation” means with respect to any Guarantor, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Taxes” shall mean any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or similar charges imposed by any Governmental Authority and any and all interest and additions to tax or penalties related thereto.

Teachers” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraphs hereof.

Term Facility” shall mean the facility and commitments utilized in making Term Loans hereunder, as may be amended, restated, supplemented, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Agreement. Following the establishment of any Incremental Term Loans, Other Term Loans or Extended Term Loans, such Incremental Term Loans, Other Term Loans or Extended Term Loans shall be considered a separate Term Facility hereunder.

Term Loan Installment Date” shall mean, as the context requires, a Closing Date Term Loan Installment Date, an Incremental Term Loan Installment Date, an Other Term Loan Installment Date or an Extended Term Loan Installment Date.

 

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Term Loan Priority Collateral” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement.

Term Loans” shall mean (i) the Closing Date Term Loans, (ii) any Incremental Term Loans, (iv) any Other Term Loans and (v) any Extended Term Loans, collectively (or if the context so requires, any of them individually).

Term SOFR” shall mean,

(a) for any Interest Period with respect to a Term SOFR Loan, the rate per annum equal to the Term SOFR Reference Rate two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period with a term equivalent to such Interest Period; provided that if the rate is not published prior to 11:00 a.m. on such determination date then Term SOFR means the Term SOFR Reference Rate on the first U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately prior thereto, in each case, plus the SOFR Adjustment for such Interest Period; and

(b) for any interest calculation with respect to a ABR Loan on any date, the rate per annum equal to the Term SOFR Reference Rate with a term of one month commencing that day;

provided that if the Term SOFR determined in accordance with either of the foregoing provisions (a) or (b) of this definition would otherwise be less than the Floor, the Term SOFR shall be deemed the Floor for purposes of this Agreement.

Term SOFR Administrator” shall mean CME (or a successor administrator of the Term SOFR Reference Rate selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion).

Term SOFR Loan” shall mean committed loan that bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of Term SOFR.

Term SOFR Reference Rate” shall mean, the forward-looking SOFR term rate administered by the Term SOFR Administrator and published on the applicable Reuters screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time).

Test Period” shall mean, at any time, the most recent period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of Holdings ended on or prior to such time (taken as one accounting period) in respect of which financial statements for each quarter or fiscal year in such period are available.

Total Net Leverage Ratio” shall mean, as at any date of determination, the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt (net of Unrestricted Cash and cash equivalents of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries) as at such date to Consolidated EBITDA, determined for the most recent Test Period.

Transactions” shall mean the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents, the creation of the Liens pursuant to the Security Documents, the initial borrowings hereunder and the use of proceeds thereof.

Transformative Acquisition” shall mean any acquisition that is either (a) not permitted by the terms of this Agreement immediately prior to the consummation of such acquisition or (b) if permitted by the terms of this Agreement immediately prior to the consummation thereof, would not provide the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries with adequate flexibility under the Loan Documents for the continuation and/or expansion of their combined operations following the consummation thereof, as determined by Holdings acting in good faith.

 

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Type” shall mean, when used in respect of any Term Loan or Borrowing, the Rate by reference to which interest on such Term Loan or on the Term Loans comprising such Borrowing is determined. For purposes hereof, the term “Rate” shall mean Term SOFR or ABR, as applicable.

UK Financial Institutions” shall mean any BRRD Undertaking (as such term is defined under the PRA Rulebook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority) or any person falling within IFPRU 11.6 of the FCA Handbook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which includes certain credit institutions and investment firms, and certain affiliates of such credit institutions or investment firms.

UK Resolution Authority” shall mean the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.

Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” shall mean the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of New York or the Uniform Commercial Code (or similar code or statute) of another jurisdiction, to the extent it may be required to apply to any item or items of Collateral.

United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America.

Unrestricted Cash” shall mean cash or cash equivalents of Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries that would not appear as “restricted” on the Required Financial Statements.

Unrestricted Lender” shall mean any Regulated Entity, any Lead Arranger or any of their respective Affiliates.

Unrestricted Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary of Holdings (other than the Borrower) designated by the Borrower as an Unrestricted Subsidiary hereunder by written notice to the Administrative Agent; provided that the Borrower shall only be permitted to so designate a new Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date if

(i) no Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom,

(ii) the designation of any Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall constitute an Investment by the Borrower therein at the date of designation in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Borrower’s or its Restricted Subsidiary’s (as applicable) Investment therein and

(iii) such Subsidiary has been designated an “unrestricted subsidiary” (or otherwise is not subject to the covenants and defaults) under the ABL Credit Agreement or any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof.

The Borrower may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary for purposes of this Agreement (each, a “Subsidiary Redesignation”); provided that (a) no Specified Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, and (b) the designation of any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary shall constitute the incurrence at the time of designation of any Indebtedness and Liens of such Subsidiary existing at such time and a return on any Investment (or deemed Investment) by the Borrower in Unrestricted Subsidiaries in an amount equal to the fair market value at the date of such designation of the Borrower’s or its Restricted Subsidiary’s (as applicable) Investment in such Subsidiary.

 

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U.S. Government Securities Business Day” shall mean any Business Day, except any Business Day on which any of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the New York Stock Exchange or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is not open for business because such day is a legal holiday under the federal laws of the United States or the laws of the State of New York, as applicable.

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.15(e).

USA PATRIOT Act” shall mean the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Title III of Pub. L. No. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)).

Weighted Average Life to Maturity” shall mean, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (a) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (i) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payment of principal (excluding nominal amortization), including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (ii) the number of years (calculated to the nearest 1/12) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment by (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary” shall mean, with respect to any person, a Subsidiary of such person, all of the Equity Interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares or nominee or other similar shares required pursuant to applicable law) are owned by such person or another Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of such person.

Withdrawal Liability” shall mean liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

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

Write-Down and Conversion Powers” shall mean (a) with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers.

Section 1.02 Terms Generally. The definitions set forth or referred to in Section 1.01 shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. Unless the context requires otherwise,

(a) the words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”,

 

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(b) in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” shall mean “from and including”; the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding” and the word “through” shall mean “to and including”,

(c) the word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”,

(d) the word “incur” shall be construed to mean incur, create, issue, assume or become liable in respect of (and the words “incurred” and “incurrence” shall have correlative meanings),

(e) the word “or” shall be construed to mean “and/or”,

(f) any reference to any person shall be construed to include such person’s legal successors and permitted assigns,

(g) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and

(h) any reference herein to a merger, transfer, consolidation, amalgamation, consolidation, assignment, sale, disposition or transfer, or similar term, shall be deemed to apply to a division of or by a limited liability company, or an allocation of assets to a series of a limited liability company (or the unwinding of such a division or allocation), as if it were a merger, transfer, consolidation, amalgamation, consolidation, assignment, sale, disposition or transfer, or similar term, as applicable, to, of or with a separate Person.

Any division of a limited liability company shall constitute a separate Person hereunder (and each division of any limited liability company that is a Subsidiary, joint venture or any other like term shall also constitute such a person or entity). All references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be deemed references to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement unless the context shall otherwise require. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any reference in this Agreement to any Loan Document or organizational document of the Loan Parties shall mean such document as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan Document). Any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

Section 1.03 Accounting Terms; GAAP. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein (including pursuant to the definition of Finance Lease Obligations and Consolidated Capital Expenditures), all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that,

(i) notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, all accounting or financial terms used herein shall be construed, and all financial computations pursuant hereto shall be made, without giving effect to any election under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 825-10 (or any other Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification having a similar effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein,

(ii) for purposes of determinations of the Interest Coverage Ratio, the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio and the Total Net Leverage Ratio, GAAP shall be construed as in effect on the Closing Date and

 

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(iii) for purposes of determining compliance with any provision of this Agreement and any related definitions, the determination of whether a lease is to be treated as an operating lease or capital lease shall be made without giving effect to any change in GAAP that becomes effective on or after the Closing Date, notwithstanding any modification or interpretative change thereto after the Closing Date (including without giving effect to any treatment of leases under Accounting Standards Codification 842 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect)) that would require treating any lease (or similar arrangement) as a capital lease where such lease (or similar arrangement) would not have been required to be so treated under GAAP as in effect on the Closing Date.

In the event that any Accounting Change (as defined below) shall occur and such change results in a change in the method of calculation of financial covenants, standards or terms in this Agreement, then upon the written request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall enter into good faith negotiations in order to amend such provisions of this Agreement so as to equitably reflect such Accounting Change with the desired result that the criteria for evaluating the Borrower’s financial condition shall be the same after such Accounting Change as if such Accounting Change had not occurred; provided that if such notice is given, until so amended, such ratio, basket, requirement or other provision shall continue to be computed or interpreted in accordance with GAAP or the application thereof prior to such change therein. “Accounting Change” shall mean any change in accounting principles required by the promulgation of any rule, regulation, pronouncement or opinion by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Section 1.04 Effectuation of Transfers. Each of the representations and warranties of Holdings and the Borrower contained in this Agreement (and all corresponding definitions) is made after giving effect to the Transactions, unless the context otherwise requires.

Section 1.05 Currencies. Unless otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement, monetary amounts shall be in Dollars. For purposes of determining compliance with any Dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness or determining the amount of any Indebtedness or judgment pursuant to clause (f) or (j) of Section 7.01, the Dollar-equivalent principal amount of any Indebtedness or judgment denominated in a foreign currency will be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was incurred or such judgment was entered.

Section 1.06 Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be satisfied in order for a specific action to be permitted under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one decimal place more than the number of decimal places by which such ratio is expressed herein (the “applicable decimal place”) and rounding the result up or down to the applicable decimal place.

Section 1.07 Times of Day. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to New York City time (daylight or standard, as applicable).

Section 1.08 Available Amount Transactions. If more than one action occurs on any given date the permissibility of the taking of which is determined hereunder by reference to the amount of the Available Amount immediately prior to the taking of such action, the permissibility of the taking of each such action shall be determined independently, but in no event may any two or more such actions be treated as occurring simultaneously (i.e., each transaction must be permitted under the Available Amount as so calculated).

 

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Section 1.09 Pro Forma Calculations; Limited Condition Event; Basket and Ratio Compliance.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Consolidated EBITDA, Consolidated Net Income, Consolidated Total Assets, the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio, the Total Net Leverage Ratio, the Interest Coverage Ratio, the Ratio Amount, Permitted Ratio Debt, any component or components of the foregoing and any other basket or test based on any of the foregoing (collectively, the “Pro Forma Items”) shall be calculated in the manner prescribed by this Section 1.09; provided, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in clause (b), (c) or (d) of this Section 1.09, when calculating the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio for purposes of the ECF Required Percentage and the Asset Sale Prepayment Percentage, the events described in this Section 1.09 that occurred subsequent to the end of the applicable Test Period shall not be given pro forma effect.

(b) For purposes of calculating the Pro Forma Items, Specified Transactions (and the incurrence or repayment of any Indebtedness in connection therewith) that have been made (i) during the applicable Test Period or (ii) subsequent to such Test Period and prior to, simultaneously with or as part of the event for which the calculation of any such ratio is made shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Specified Transactions (and any increase or decrease in Consolidated EBITDA, Consolidated Net Income, Consolidated Total Assets, and the component financial definitions used therein attributable to any Specified Transaction) had occurred on the first day of the applicable Test Period. If since the beginning of any applicable Test Period any person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries since the beginning of such Test Period shall have made any Specified Transaction that would have required adjustment pursuant to this Section 1.09, then the Pro Forma Items shall be calculated to give pro forma effect thereto in accordance with this Section 1.09.

(c) Whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a Specified Transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a Responsible Officer and may include, for the avoidance of doubt, the amount of cost savings, operating expense reductions, synergies, material changes to amounts to be paid by or received by Loan Parties and material changes to contracted or implemented revenue (in connection with any material acquisition, disposition or changes in customer, supplier or other commercial contracts or arrangements or new material customer, supplier or other commercial contracts or arrangements), projected by the Borrower in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken, committed to be taken or expected to be taken (calculated on a pro forma basis as though amounts had been realized on the first day of such Test Period and as if any such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies were realized during the entirety of such period) relating to such Specified Transaction, net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions (such amounts, “Specified Transaction Adjustments”); provided that (i) such Specified Transaction Adjustments are reasonably identifiable and quantifiable in the good faith judgment of the Borrower, (ii) such actions are taken, committed to be taken or expected to be taken no later than twenty-four months after the date of such Specified Transaction, and (iii) no amounts shall be included pursuant to this clause (c) to the extent duplicative of any amounts that are otherwise included in calculating Consolidated EBITDA, Consolidated Net Income, or Consolidated Total Assets, whether through a pro forma adjustment or otherwise, with respect to any Test Period.

(d) In the event that the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary incurs (including by assumption or guarantees) or repays (including by redemption, repayment, retirement or extinguishment) any Indebtedness included in the calculations of any Pro Forma Item, as the case may be (in each case, other than Indebtedness incurred or repaid under any revolving credit facility in the ordinary course of business for working capital purposes), (i) during the applicable Test Period or (ii) subsequent to the end of the applicable Test Period and prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of any such ratio is made, then the Pro Forma Item shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, to the extent required, as if the same had occurred on the last day of the applicable Test Period with respect to leverage ratios or the first day of such Test Period with respect to the Interest Coverage Ratio.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any classification under GAAP of any person, business, assets or operations in respect of which a definitive agreement for the disposition thereof has been entered into as discontinued operations, no pro forma effect shall be given to any discontinued operations (and the Consolidated EBITDA, Consolidated Net Income, and Consolidated Total Assets attributable to any such person, business, assets or operations shall not be excluded for any purposes hereunder) until such disposition shall have been consummated.

 

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(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any Loan Document to the contrary,

(i) For purposes of determining compliance with Section 2.19 or any of the covenants set forth in Article V or Article VI at any time (whether at the time of incurrence or thereafter), if any Lien, Investment, Indebtedness, disposition, sale or transfer of assets, Restricted Payment, Affiliate transaction, payments in respect of Junior Financing or other transaction (or any portion of any of the foregoing) meets the criteria of one, or more than one, of the clauses of the provision permitting (including by way of exemption) such Lien, Investment, Indebtedness, disposition, sale or transfer of assets, Restricted Payment, Affiliate transaction, payments in respect of Junior Financing or other transaction (or any portion of any of the foregoing), as the case may be, the Borrower (i) shall in its sole discretion determine under which clause (or sub-clause) or clauses (or sub-clauses) such Lien, Investment, Indebtedness, disposition, sale or transfer of assets, Restricted Payment, Affiliate transaction, payments in respect of Junior Financing or other transaction (or any portion of any of the foregoing), as the case may be, is classified (including both Ratio-Based Baskets and Fixed Baskets and exceptions, and including partial reliance on different baskets that, collectively, permit the entire proposed transaction) and (ii) shall be permitted, in its sole discretion, to make any subsequent redetermination and/or to divide, classify or reclassify under which clause or clauses such Lien, Investment, Indebtedness, disposition, sale or transfer of assets, Restricted Payment, Affiliate transaction or other transaction (or any portion of any of the foregoing), as the case may be, is permitted from time to time as it may determine and without notice to the Administrative Agent or any Lender; provided that (i) all Indebtedness under this Agreement incurred on the Closing Date shall be deemed to have been incurred pursuant to Section 6.01(a) and the Borrower shall not be permitted to reclassify all or any portion of Indebtedness incurred on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 6.01(a), and (ii) all Indebtedness under the ABL Credit Agreement will be deemed to have been incurred pursuant to Section 6.01(m) and the Borrower shall not be permitted to reclassify all or any portion of Indebtedness under the ABL Credit Agreement pursuant to Section 6.01(m).

(ii) unless the Borrower elects otherwise, if the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any transaction or series of such related transaction

(A) incurs Indebtedness, creates Liens, disposes, sells or transfers assets, makes Investments, makes Restricted Payments, enters into Affiliate transactions, makes a payment in respect of Junior Financing, designates any Subsidiary as restricted or unrestricted or repays any Indebtedness or takes any other action under or as permitted by a basket that requires compliance with a financial ratio or test (including, without limitation, the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio, the Total Net Leverage Ratio or the Interest Coverage Ratio) (such basket, a “Ratio-Based Basket”) and

(B) incurs Indebtedness, creates Liens, disposes, sells or transfers assets, makes Investments, makes Restricted Payments, enters into Affiliate transactions, makes a payment in respect of Junior Financing, designates any Subsidiary as restricted or unrestricted or repays any Indebtedness or takes any other action under a basket that requires compliance with a dollar amount, including any grower component based on Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Total Assets (such basket, a “Fixed Basket”) (which shall occur within five Business Days of the events in clause (A) above),

then the applicable financial ratio or test will be calculated with respect to any such action under the applicable Ratio-Based Basket without regard to any such action under such Fixed Basket made in connection with such transaction or series of related transactions,

 

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(iii) if the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries enters into any revolving, delayed draw or other committed debt facility, the Borrower may elect to determine compliance of such debt facility (including the incurrence of Indebtedness and Liens from time to time in connection therewith) with this Agreement and each other Loan Document on the date commitments with respect thereto are first received, assuming the full amount of such facility is incurred (and any applicable Liens are granted) on such date, in which case such committed amount may thereafter be borrowed or reborrowed, in whole or in part, from time to time, without further compliance with such applicable Ratio-Based Basket hereunder, in lieu of determining such compliance on any subsequent date (including any date on which Indebtedness is incurred pursuant to such facility); provided that, in each case, any future calculation of such Ratio-Based Basket shall only include amounts borrowed and outstanding as of such date of determination; and

(iv) if the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary incurs Indebtedness under a Ratio-Based Basket, such Ratio-Based Basket (together with any other Ratio-Based Basket utilized in connection therewith, including in respect of other Lien, Investment, Indebtedness, disposition, sale or transfer of assets, Restricted Payment, Affiliate transaction, payments in respect of Junior Financing or other transaction (or any portion of any of the foregoing)) will be calculated excluding the cash proceeds of such Indebtedness for netting purposes, provided that the actual application of such proceeds may reduce Indebtedness for purposes of determining compliance with any such applicable Ratio-Based Basket.

For example, if the Borrower incurs Indebtedness under the Fixed Incremental Amount on the same date that it incurs Indebtedness under the Ratio Amount, then the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio, the Total Net Leverage Ratio, the Interest Coverage Ratio and any other applicable ratio will be calculated with respect to such incurrence under the Ratio Amount without regard to any incurrence of Indebtedness under the Fixed Incremental Amount. Unless the Borrower elects otherwise, each Incremental Term Facility (or Incremental Equivalent Debt) shall be deemed incurred first under the Ratio Amount to the extent permitted (and calculated prior to giving effect to any substantially simultaneous incurrence of any Indebtedness based on a basket or exception that is not based on a financial ratio, including the Fixed Incremental Amount), with any balance incurred under the Fixed Incremental Amount. For purposes of determining compliance with Section 2.19, in the event that any Incremental Term Facility or Incremental Equivalent Debt (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of Ratio Amount or Fixed Incremental Amount, the Borrower may, in its sole discretion, at the time of incurrence, divide, classify or reclassify, or at any later time divide, classify or reclassify, such Indebtedness (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with Section 2.19 on the date of such classification or any such reclassification, as applicable.

(g) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any Loan Document to the contrary, when

(i) calculating any applicable ratio in connection with the incurrrence of Indebtedness, creation of Liens, the making of any disposition, sale or transfer of assets, making of Investments, making of Restricted Payments, entering into of Affiliate transactions, making a payment in respect of Junior Financing, designation of any Subsidiary as restricted or unrestricted or repayment of any Indebtedness or for any other purpose,

(ii) determining the accuracy of any representation or warranty,

(iii) determining whether any Default or Event of Default has occurred, is continuing or would result from any action, or

(iv) determining compliance with any other condition precedent to any action or transaction,

 

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in each case of clauses (i) through (iv) in connection with a Limited Condition Event, the date of determination of such ratio, the accuracy of such representation or warranty (but taking into account any earlier date specified therein), whether any Default or Event of Default has occurred, is continuing or would result therefrom, or the satisfaction of any other condition precedent shall, at the option of the Borrower (the Borrower’s election to exercise such option in connection with any Limited Condition Event, an “LCE Election”), be deemed to be the date the definitive agreements for such Limited Condition Event are entered into (the “LCE Test Date”). If on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such Limited Condition Event and the other transactions to be entered into in connection therewith (including any incurrence of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof) such ratios, representations and warranties, absence of defaults, satisfaction of conditions precedent and other provisions are calculated as if such Limited Condition Event or other transactions had occurred at the beginning of the most recent Test Period ending prior to the LCE Test Date for which financial statements are available, the Borrower could have taken such action on the relevant LCE Test Date in compliance with the applicable ratios or other provisions, such provisions shall be deemed to have been complied with, unless a Specified Event of Default is continuing on the date on which such Limited Condition Event is consummated. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) if any of such ratios, representations and warranties, absence of defaults, satisfaction of conditions precedent or other provisions are exceeded or breached as a result of fluctuations in such ratio (including due to fluctuations in Consolidated EBITDA, Consolidated Net Income, or Consolidated Total Assets), a change in facts and circumstances or other provisions at or prior to the consummation of the relevant Limited Condition Event, such ratios, representations and warranties, absence of defaults, satisfaction of conditions precedent and other provisions will not be deemed to have been exceeded, breached, or otherwise failed as a result of such fluctuations or changed circumstances solely for purposes of determining whether the Limited Condition Event and any related transactions is permitted hereunder and (ii) such ratios and compliance with such conditions shall not be tested at the time of consummation of such Limited Condition Event or related Specified Transactions. If the Borrower has made an LCE Election for any Limited Condition Event, then in connection with any subsequent calculation of any ratio or basket availability with respect to any other Specified Transaction or otherwise on or following the relevant LCE Test Date and prior to the earlier of the date on which such Limited Condition Event is consummated or the date that the definitive agreement for such Limited Condition Event is terminated or expires without consummation of such Limited Condition Event, any such ratio or basket shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis assuming such Limited Condition Event and other transactions in connection therewith (including any incurrence of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof) have been consummated. For purposes of any calculation pursuant to this clause (g) of the Interest Coverage Ratio, Consolidated Interest Expense may be calculated using an assumed interest rate for the Indebtedness to be incurred in connection with such Limited Condition Event based on the indicative interest margin contained in any financing commitment documentation with respect to such Indebtedness or, if no such indicative interest margin exists, as reasonably determined by the Borrower in good faith.

(h) For purposes of determining the maturity date of any Indebtedness, customary bridge loans that are subject to customary conditions (including no payment or bankruptcy event of default) that would either automatically be extended as, converted into or required to be exchanged for permanent refinancing shall be deemed to have the maturity date as so extended, converted or exchanged.

Section 1.10 Benchmark Replacement Setting.

(a) Benchmark Replacement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (a) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will

 

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replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Lenders without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders. If the Benchmark Replacement is Daily Simple SOFR, all interest payments will be payable on a quarterly basis.

(b) Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the use, administration, adoption or implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

(c) Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of (i) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement and (ii) the effectiveness of any Conforming Changes in connection with the use, administration, adoption or implementation of a Benchmark Replacement. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower of (x) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to Section 1.10(d) and (y) the commencement of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Administrative Agent or, if applicable, any Lender (or group of Lenders) pursuant to this Section 1.10, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its or their sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 1.10.

(d) Unavailability of Tenor of Benchmark. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement),

(i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including Term SOFR Reference Rate) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion or (B) the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark has provided a public statement or publication of information announcing that any tenor for such Benchmark is not or will not be representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” (or any similar or analogous definition) for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable, non-representative or non-compliant tenor and

(ii) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to clause (i) above either (A) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (B) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is not or will not be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” (or any similar or analogous definition) for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.

(e) Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Term SOFR Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for a Borrowing of or conversion to ABR Loans. During a Benchmark Unavailability Period or at any time that a tenor for the then-current Benchmark is not an Available Tenor, the component of ABR based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of the ABR.

 

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ARTICLE II.

THE CREDITS

Section 2.01 [Reserved].

Section 2.02 Term Loans and Borrowings.

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender, severally agrees, to make to the Borrower, Term Loans denominated in Dollars equal to such Lender’s Commitment on the Closing Date. The failure of any Lender to make any Term Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Term Loans as required. Amounts paid or prepaid in respect of Term Loans may not be reborrowed.

(b) Subject to Section 2.12, each Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Term SOFR Loans as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith. Each Lender at its option may make any ABR Loan or Term SOFR Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Term Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Term Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and such Lender shall not be entitled to any amounts payable under Section 2.13 or Section 2.15 solely in respect of increased costs resulting from such exercise and existing at the time of such exercise.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date.

Section 2.03 Request for Borrowing. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable Incremental Term Facility Amendment or Refinancing Amendment, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a Borrowing Request not later than 2:00 p.m., New York City time (i) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, one Business Day before the anticipated funding date for such Borrowing and (ii) in the case of a SOFR Borrowing, three Business Days before the anticipated funding date for such Borrowing, in each case, requesting that the Lenders make Term Loans on such anticipated funding date. The Borrowing Request must specify (A) the principal amount of Term Loans to be borrowed, (B) the requested date of the Borrowing (which shall be a Business Day), (C) the Type of Term Loans to be borrowed, (D) in the case of a SOFR Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period” and (E) the location and number of the Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed. Upon receipt of such Borrowing Request, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender thereof. The proceeds of the Term Loans requested under this Section 2.03 shall be disbursed by the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds by wire transfer to such bank account or accounts as designated by the Borrower in the Borrowing Request or in the Administrative Questionnaire.

Section 2.04 Funding of Borrowings.

(a) Each Lender shall make each Term Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 10:00 a.m., New York City time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent will make such Term Loans available to the Borrower by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to an account of the Borrower as specified in the Borrowing Request.

 

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(b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed funding date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section 2.04 and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent, forthwith on demand (without duplication) such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of (A) the Federal Funds Rate and (B) a rate reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to the applicable Term Loans comprising such Borrowing. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Term Loan included in such Borrowing.

Section 2.05 Interest Elections.

(a) Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a SOFR Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a SOFR Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section 2.05. The Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Term Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Term Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. To make an election pursuant to this Section 2.05, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by telephone (i) in the case of an election to convert to or continue a SOFR Borrowing, not later than 2:00 p.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the effective date of such election, (ii) in the case of an election to convert to an ABR Borrowing, not later than 2:00 p.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the effective date of such election, or (iii) in the case of an election to continue an ABR Borrowing, not later than 2:00 p.m., New York City time, one Business Day before the effective date of such election. Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery, facsimile transmission or PDF attachment to an e-mail to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request substantially in the form of Exhibit D (or such other form as may be agreed between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent) and completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.

(b) Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

(i) the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);

(ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;

(iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a SOFR Borrowing; and

(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a SOFR Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of “Interest Period”.

 

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If any such Interest Election Request requests a SOFR Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

(c) Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each applicable Lender of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.

(d) If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a SOFR Borrowing two Business Days prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be continued as a SOFR Borrowing having an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the written request (including a request through electronic means) of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing, (i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a SOFR Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each SOFR Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.

Section 2.06 Promise to Pay; Evidence of Debt.

(a) The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Term Loan of such Lender as provided in Section 2.07.

(b) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Term Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Term Loan made hereunder, the Type thereof and the Interest Period (if any) applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder and (iii) any amount received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender’s share thereof.

(d) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section 2.06 shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Term Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(e) Any Lender may request that Term Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note (a “Note”). In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a Note payable to such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit F (or such other form as may be agreed between the Administrative Agent and the Borrower). Thereafter, the Term Loans evidenced by such Note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more Notes in such form payable to the payee named therein (or, if requested by such payee, to such payee and its registered assigns).

Section 2.07 Repayment of Term Loans.

(a) The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Lenders on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the last Business Day of the second full fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date, an aggregate principal amount equal to 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Closing Date Term Loans (which payments shall be reduced as a result of the application of prepayments in accordance with the order of priority set forth in Section 2.08 or Section 2.09, as applicable) (each such date being referred to as an “Closing Date Term Loan Installment Date”);

 

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(b) (i) in the event that any Incremental Term Loans are made, the Borrower shall repay Borrowings consisting of Incremental Term Loans on the dates (each an “Incremental Term Loan Installment Date”) and in the amounts set forth in the applicable Incremental Term Facility Amendment, (ii) in the event that any Other Term Loans are made, the Borrower shall repay Borrowings consisting of Other Term Loans on the dates (each an “Other Term Loan Installment Date”) and in the amounts set forth in the applicable Refinancing Amendment and (iii) in the event that any Extended Term Loans are made, the Borrower shall repay Borrowings consisting of Extended Term Loans on the dates (each an “Extended Term Loan Installment Date”) and in the amounts set forth in the applicable Extension Amendment; and

(c) to the extent not previously paid, all outstanding Term Loans shall be due and payable on the applicable Maturity Date.

Section 2.08 Optional Prepayment of Term Loans.

(a) The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay the Term Loans in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, other than the Prepayment Premium in an aggregate principal amount, (i) in the case of Term SOFR Loans, that is an integral multiple of $500,000 and not less than $2.5 million, and (ii) in the case of ABR Loans, that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $1.0 million, or, if less, the amount outstanding. The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by hand delivery, facsimile transmission or PDF attachment to an e-mail) of such election not later than 2:00 p.m., New York City time, (i) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, one Business Day before the anticipated date of such prepayment and (ii) in the case of a SOFR Borrowing, three Business Days before the anticipated date of such prepayment. Any such notice shall be irrevocable except to the extent conditioned on a refinancing of all or any portion of the Term Facility. Any optional prepayments of Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.08 shall be applied to the remaining scheduled amortization payments as directed by the Borrower (or in the absence of such direction, in direct order of maturity).

(b) If the Borrower (i) prepays, refinances, substitutes or replaces any Term Loans in connection with a Repricing Transaction or (ii) effects any amendment of this Agreement resulting in a Repricing Transaction, in each case, on or prior to, the six-month anniversary of the Closing Date, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable account of each of the Lenders holding Term Loans immediately prior to the consummation of such Repricing Transaction (including each Lender holding Term Loans immediately prior to the consummation of such Repricing Transaction that withholds its consent to such Repricing Transaction and is replaced pursuant to Section 2.17), (A) in the case of clause (i), a prepayment premium equal to 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans so prepaid, refinanced, substituted or replaced (the “Applicable Prepayment Percentage”) and (B) in the case of clause (ii), a fee equal to the Applicable Prepayment Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Term Loans outstanding immediately prior to such amendment. Such amounts (as applicable, the “Prepayment Premium”) shall be due and payable on the date of effectiveness of the applicable Repricing Transaction; provided that the Borrower shall not be subject to the requirements of this Section 2.08(b) with respect to any Repricing Transaction occurring after the six-month anniversary of the Closing Date.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary (including Section 2.16), the Borrower may prepay Term Loans of one or more Classes below par on a non-pro rata basis in accordance with the Dutch Auction Procedures; provided that, in each case, no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom.

 

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Section 2.09 Mandatory Prepayment of Term Loans.

(a) If the Borrower or any Loan Party, (i) consummates any Asset Sale of property or assets constituting Collateral pursuant to the General Asset Sale Basket (other than dispositions of obsolete or worn out property, dispositions in the ordinary course of business and dispositions of assets no longer determined by the Borrower to be used or useful in its business), or (ii) any Recovery Event occurs with respect to property or assets constituting Collateral, which in either case, results in the realization or receipt by the Borrower or such Loan Party of Net Cash Proceeds (excluding in respect of Net Cash Proceeds of an ABL Priority Collateral Asset Sale), then:

(i) the Borrower shall, within five Business Days following actual receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds, prepay Term Loans an aggregate principal amount of Closing Date Term Loans and any other Term Loans (unless such prepayment is not required pursuant to the terms of such other Term Loans) equal to the Asset Sale Prepayment Percentage of such Net Cash Proceeds realized or received; provided that if at the time that any such prepayment would be required pursuant to this clause (a), the Borrower is required to repay or repurchase or to offer to repurchase or repay Pari Passu Lien Debt pursuant to the terms of the documentation governing such Indebtedness with the proceeds of such disposition or Recovery Event (such Pari Passu Lien Debt required to be repaid or repurchased or to be offered to be so repaid or repurchased, “Other Applicable Indebtedness”), then the Borrower may apply such Net Cash Proceeds on a pro rata basis to the prepayment of the Term Loans and to the repayment or repurchase of Other Applicable Indebtedness, and the amount of prepayment of the Term Loans that would have otherwise been required pursuant to this Section 2.09(a) shall be reduced accordingly (for purposes of this proviso pro rata basis shall be determined on the basis of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans and Other Applicable Indebtedness at such time, with it being agreed that the portion of such net proceeds allocated to the Other Applicable Indebtedness shall not exceed the amount of such net proceeds required to be allocated to the Other Applicable Indebtedness pursuant to the terms thereof, and the remaining amount, if any, of such net proceeds shall be allocated to the Term Loans in accordance with the terms hereof); provided, further, that to the extent the holders of Other Applicable Indebtedness decline to have such indebtedness repurchased or prepaid, the declined amount shall promptly (and in any event within ten Business Days after the date of such rejection) be applied to prepay the Term Loans in accordance with the terms hereof; provided, further, that no prepayment shall be required pursuant to this Section 2.09(a) with respect to such portion of such Net Cash Proceeds that the Borrower shall reinvest in accordance with this Section 2.09(a).

(ii) With respect to any Net Cash Proceeds realized or received with respect to any Asset Sale or any Recovery Event that, in either case, is subject to the application of the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.07(b), at the option of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may (in lieu of making a prepayment pursuant to the foregoing provisions) elect to

(A) reinvest an amount equal to all or any portion of such Net Cash Proceeds in assets used or useful for the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries (1) within twenty-four months following receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds or (2) if the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries enters into a legally binding commitment to reinvest such Net Cash Proceeds within twenty-four months following receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds, no later than twelve months after the end of such twenty-four month period; provided that if any portion of such amount is not so reinvested by such dates, subject to Section 2.09(d), an amount equal to the Asset Sale Prepayment Percentage of any such Net Cash Proceeds shall be applied within five Business Days after such dates to the prepayment of the Term Loans and Other Applicable Indebtedness as set forth above or

 

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(B) apply such Net Cash Proceeds to permanently repay indebtedness of non-Loan Parties.

(b) Within five Business Day following receipt of Net Cash Proceeds from the incurrence, issuance or sale by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness (other than Excluded Indebtedness), the Borrower shall apply the Net Cash Proceeds of such Indebtedness to prepay Closing Date Term Loans and any other Term Loans (unless such prepayment is not required pursuant to the terms of such other Term Loans).

(c) Commencing with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, not later than five Business Days after the date on which the Borrower is required to deliver financial statements with respect to the end of such Excess Cash Flow Period under Section 5.04(a), the Borrower shall calculate Excess Cash Flow for the relevant Excess Cash Flow Period (the “Excess Cash Flow Calculation Date”) and shall prepay the Term Loans in an amount equal to:

(i) the ECF Required Percentage times the amount of such Excess Cash Flow, minus

(ii) the sum of:

(A) to the extent not financed with the proceeds of the incurrence of Indebtedness having a maturity not less than 12 months from the date of incurrence thereof and not previously deducted pursuant to this clause (c) in any prior period, the amount of any voluntary prepayments (including (A) those made through debt buybacks and in the case of below-par repurchases in an amount equal to the discounted amount actually paid in cash in respect of such below-par repurchase, (B) cash payments by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.17 or other applicable “yank-a-bank” provisions (solely to the extent the applicable Indebtedness is retired instead of assigned), (C) prepayments of Term Loans and participations held by Disqualified Institution) during such Excess Cash Flow Period or on or prior to the Excess Cash Flow Calculation Date of

(I) Term Loans,

(II) revolving loans (in each case, to the extent commitments in respect thereof are permanently reduced by the amount of such prepayments),

(III) Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness, Indebtedness created under Incremental Facilities, Incremental Equivalent Debt and other Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 that in each case is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis with the Obligations,

(IV) any term loan (or revolving loan to the extent accompanied by a corresponding permanent reduction in commitments) that is unsecured or Junior Lien Debt,

(V) term loans (or revolving loans to the extent accompanied by a corresponding permanent reduction in commitments) of Restricted Subsidiaries that are unsecured or secured by Liens on assets that are not Collateral and

(VI) any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing that is secured by the same collateral, and with the same priority, as the Indebtedness being refinanced, in each case, permitted hereunder;

 

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provided that to the extent the amount of voluntary prepayments described in this paragraph in respect of any Excess Cash Flow Period exceeds the amount of the mandatory prepayment required under this Section 2.09(c) (after giving effect to all other reductions described herein), such excess amounts shall be applied to reduce the required mandatory prepayment in subsequent Excess Cash Flow Periods; plus

(B) the amount of Consolidated Capital Expenditures and Investments (including Permitted Business Acquisitions, Investments in respect of joint ventures and Unrestricted Subsidiaries, and acquisitions of intellectual property) accrued or made in cash during such period, except to the extent financed with (x) the Net Cash Proceeds of long-term Indebtedness ((i) excluding any drawings under the ABL Credit Facility and (ii) except to the extent such Indebtedness has been repaid), or (y) Net Cash Proceeds reinvested pursuant to Section 2.09(a); plus

(C) the amount of Restricted Payments made in cash pursuant to Section 6.06 (excluding clauses (a), (e) and (j) thereof) during such period in each case to the extent such Restricted Payments except to the extent financed with the Net Cash Proceeds of long-term Indebtedness; plus

(D) without duplication of amounts deducted in prior periods, the aggregate consideration required to be paid in cash by Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to binding contracts (the “Contract Consideration”) entered into prior to or during such period relating to Permitted Business Acquisitions, other permitted Investments in third parties made pursuant to Section 6.04, joint ventures, capital expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property to be consummated or made during the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of Holdings following the end of such period; provided that, to the extent the aggregate amount of consideration actually utilized to finance such Permitted Business Acquisitions, Investments, joint ventures, capital expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property during such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters is less than the Contract Consideration, the amount of such shortfall shall, to the extent it was deducted in the prior period, be added to the required prepayment pursuant to this Section 2.09(c) in respect of the next period of four consecutive fiscal quarters; provided further that any amounts deducted pursuant to this sub-clause (D) may not be deducted in any period in which such consideration is actually paid.

(iii) No such payment shall be required pursuant to this Section 2.09(c) if such amount in respect of any fiscal year is equal to or less than the greater of 10% of Closing Date EBITDA and 5% of Consolidated EBITDA with respect to such fiscal year. If at the time that any such prepayment would be required pursuant to this clause (c), the Borrower is required to repay or repurchase or to offer to repurchase or repay Pari Passu Lien Debt pursuant to the terms of the documentation governing such Indebtedness with such Excess Cash Flow (such Indebtedness required to be offered to be so repurchased, “Other Applicable ECF Indebtedness”), then the Borrower may apply such Excess Cash Flow on a pro rata basis (determined on the basis of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans and Other Applicable Indebtedness at such time); provided, that the portion of such Excess Cash Flow allocated to the Other Applicable Indebtedness shall not exceed the amount of such Excess Cash Flow required to be allocated to the Other Applicable ECF Indebtedness pursuant to the terms thereof, and the remaining amount, if any, of such Excess Cash Flow shall be allocated to the Term Loans (in accordance with the terms hereof); provided, further, that to the extent the holders of Other Applicable ECF Indebtedness decline to have such Indebtedness repurchased or repaid with such Excess Cash Flow, the declined amount of such Excess Cash Flow shall promptly (and in any event within 10 Business Days after the date of such rejection) be applied to prepay the Term Loans in accordance with the terms hereof (to the extent such Excess Cash Flow would otherwise have been required to be so applied if such Other Applicable ECF Indebtedness was not then outstanding).

 

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(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2.09 to the contrary, any Lender may elect, by notice to the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by hand delivery, facsimile transmission or PDF attachment to an e-mail) at least one Business Day prior to the required prepayment date, to decline all or any portion of any mandatory prepayment of its Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.09, in which case the aggregate amount of the prepayment that would have been applied to prepay Term Loans but was so declined may be retained by the Borrower and used for any general corporate purpose not prohibited by this Agreement.

(e) Prepayment of the Term Loans from Net Cash Proceeds and Excess Cash Flow shall be applied without penalty or premium (but subject to Section 2.14) as directed by the Borrower (or, absent such direction, in direct order of maturity of Term Loans under Section 2.07(a)); provided that any Incremental Term Loans, Other Term Loans or Extended Term Loans shall be applied in the order specified in the applicable Permitted Amendment.

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.09, to the extent any Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow is attributable to a Foreign Subsidiary, each payment pursuant to Section 2.09(a), Section 2.09(b) and Section 2.09(c) shall not be required to the extent repatriation of such amounts (a) would be prohibited or restricted under applicable local law and (b) would result or reasonably be expected to result in material adverse tax consequences (including, as a result of any withholding tax or the upstreaming of cash) to any Parent Entity, the Borrower or any Subsidiary as determined in good faith by the Borrower at the time the corresponding payments would otherwise be required to be made pursuant to Section 2.09(a), 2.09(b), or Section 2.09(c). The non-application of the prepayment amounts as a consequence of this Section 2.09(f) will not, for the avoidance of doubt, constitute a Default or an Event of Default, and such amounts shall be available for working capital or other purposes of the applicable Foreign Subsidiary (or any other Foreign Subsidiary).

(g) Any prepayments required after the application of this Section 2.09 shall be net of any costs, expenses or Taxes incurred by the Borrower or any of its Affiliates or Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of complying with this Section 2.09, and the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries be permitted to make, directly or indirectly, dividends or distributions, to their Affiliates and Parent Entities to cover such Tax liability, costs or expenses.

Section 2.10 Fees.

(a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, the agency fees set forth in the Fee Letter at the times specified therein (the “Administrative Agent Fees”).

(b) All Fees shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent at the Payment Office for distribution, if and as appropriate, among the Lenders. Once paid, none of the Fees shall be refundable under any circumstances.

Section 2.11 Interest.

(a) The Term Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing shall bear interest at the ABR plus the Applicable Margin.

(b) The Term Loans comprising each SOFR Borrowing shall bear interest at the Term SOFR for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Margin.

 

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(c) Following the occurrence and during the continuation of a Specified Event of Default from the date the Borrower receives written notice of such Specified Event of Default from the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall pay interest on overdue amounts hereunder at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of, or interest on, any Term Loan, 2.0% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Term Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section 2.11 or (ii) in the case of any other overdue amount, 2.0% plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in clause (a) of this Section 2.11.

(d) Accrued interest on each Term Loan shall be payable in arrears (i) on each Interest Payment Date for such Term Loan and (ii) on the applicable Maturity Date; provided that (A) default interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 2.11 shall be payable on demand, (B) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Term Loan, accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (C) in the event of any conversion of any Term SOFR Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Term Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.

(e) All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the ABR, shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and, in each case, shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). The applicable ABR or Term SOFR shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

Section 2.12 Alternate Rate of Interest. If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a SOFR Borrowing:

(a) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Term SOFR for such Interest Period; or

(b) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that the Term SOFR for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Term Loans included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period (each of clause (a) and (b), a “Market Disruption Event”);

then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the applicable Lenders by telephone, facsimile transmission or PDF attachment to an e-mail as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any applicable Borrowing to, or continuation of any such Borrowing as, a SOFR Borrowing shall be ineffective and such Borrowing shall be converted to or continued as on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto an ABR Borrowing and (ii) if any Borrowing Request requests a Eurocurrency Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as an ABR Borrowing. During any period in which a Market Disruption Event is in effect, Borrower may request that the Administrative Agent request the Required Lenders to confirm that the circumstances giving rise to the Market Disruption Event continue to be in effect; provided that (A) Borrower shall not be permitted to submit any such request more than once in any 30-day period and (B) nothing contained in this Section 2.12 or the failure to provide confirmation of the continued effectiveness of such Market Disruption Event shall in any way affect the Administrative Agent’s or Required Lenders’ right to provide any additional notices of a Market Disruption Event as provided in this Section 2.12. If the Required Lenders have not confirmed within 10 Business Days after request of such report from the Borrower that a Market Disruption Event has occurred, then such Market Disruption Event shall be deemed to be no longer existing.

 

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Section 2.13 Increased Costs

(a) If any Change in Law shall:

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Term SOFR);

(ii) subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than Indemnified Taxes and Excluded Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

(iii) impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Term Loan) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrower will pay to such Lender or Recipient such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Recipient for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

(b) If any Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Term Loans made by such Lender, to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy or liquidity), then from time to time the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, no Lender shall demand compensation pursuant to this Section 2.13(b) as a result of a change in law resulting from Basel III or the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act if it shall not at the time be the general policy or practice of such Lender to demand such compensation from similarly situated borrowers (to the extent that, with respect to such change in law, such Lender has the right to do so under its credit facilities with similarly situated borrowers).

(c) A certificate of a Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as applicable, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 2.13 shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

(d) Promptly after any Lender has determined that it will make a request for increased compensation pursuant to this Section 2.13, such Lender shall notify the Borrower thereof. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 2.13 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this Section 2.13 for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided, further, that if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 180 day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

 

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Section 2.14 Break Funding Payments. In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Term SOFR Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (b) the conversion of any Term SOFR Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Term SOFR Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto or (d) the assignment of any Term SOFR Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.17, then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. In the case of a Term SOFR Loan, such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to be the amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Term Loan had such event not occurred, at the Term SOFR that would have been applicable to such Term Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue a Term SOFR Loan, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Term Loan) over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for deposits in Dollars of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the secured overnight financing market. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 2.14 shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

Section 2.15 Taxes.

(a) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder or under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law; provided that if a Loan Party or the Administrative Agent shall be required to deduct any Indemnified Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable by such Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.15) the Administrative Agent or any Lender, as applicable, receives an amount equal to the amount it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) such Loan Party shall make such deductions and (iii) such Loan Party shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

(b) In addition, the Loan Parties shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

(c) Each Loan Party shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender, within 10 days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 2.15) payable or paid by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to such Loan Party by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d) As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by a Loan Party to a Governmental Authority, such Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(e) (i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition,

 

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any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 2.15(e)(ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is a U.S. person,

(A) any Lender that is a U.S. person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

(B) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

(1) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

(2) executed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI;

(3) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable; or

(4) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

 

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(C) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

(D) if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

(f) [Reserved].

(g) If the Administrative Agent or any Lender receives a refund of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by a Loan Party or with respect to which such Loan Party has paid additional amounts, in each case pursuant to this Section 2.15, it shall pay an amount equal to such refund to such Loan Party (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by such Loan Party under this Section 2.15 with respect to the Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent or such Lender (including any Taxes imposed with respect to such refund) as is determined by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in good faith, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund); provided that such Loan Party, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, agrees to repay as soon as reasonably practicable the amount paid over to such Loan Party (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent or such Lender in the event the Administrative Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (g), in no event will the Administrative Agent or any Lender be required to pay any amount to a Loan Party pursuant to this paragraph (g) the payment of which would place the Administrative Agent or such Lender in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the Administrative Agent or such Lender would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This Section 2.15 shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes which it deems, in good faith, to be confidential) to the Loan Parties or any other person.

 

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(h) Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within 10 days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Loan Parties to do so),(ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 9.04(d) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph (h).

Section 2.16 Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs.

(a) Unless otherwise specified, the Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or otherwise) prior to 2:00 p.m., New York City time, at the Payment Office, except that payments pursuant to Section 2.13, Section 2.14, Section 2.15 and Section 9.05 shall be made directly to the persons entitled thereto, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without condition or deduction for any defense, recoupment, set-off or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof and shall make settlements with the Lenders with respect to other payments at the times and in the manner provided in this Agreement. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. Any payment required to be made by the Administrative Agent hereunder shall be deemed to have been made by the time required if the Administrative Agent shall, at or before such time, have taken the necessary steps to make such payment in accordance with the regulations or operating procedures of the clearing or settlement system used by the Administrative Agent to make such payment.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, if (i) at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent from the Borrower to pay fully all amounts of principal, interest and fees then due from the Borrower hereunder or (ii) at any time an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the Administrative Agent shall receive proceeds of Term Loan Priority Collateral in connection with the exercise of remedies, such funds shall be applied in accordance with Section 5.02 of the Collateral Agreement (subject to the application of proceeds provisions contained in the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement).

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, if any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Class of Term Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Class of Term Loans than the proportion received by any other Lender in such Class, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Term Loans of such Class of other Lenders in such Class to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders in such Class ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Term Loans of such Class; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such

 

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participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph (c) shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Term Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof in an assignment not permitted by this Agreement (as to which the provisions of this paragraph (c) shall apply). The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

(d) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

(e) If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.04(b) or Section 2.16(d), then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender’s obligations under Section 2.04(b) or Section 2.16(d), as applicable, until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid.

With respect to any payment that the Administrative Agent makes for the account of the Lenders as to which the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that any of the following applies (such payment referred to as the “Rescindable Amount”): (1) the Borrower has not in fact made such payment; (2) the Administrative Agent has made a payment in excess of the amount so paid by the Borrower (whether or not then owed); or (3) the Administrative Agent has for any reason otherwise erroneously made such payment; then each of the Lenders, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount so distributed to such Lender, in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to the extent the Administrative Agent receives a payment or other amount after the date such payment or other amount is due, the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, may distribute such payment or other amount to the relevant Lender of record (or other Person of record entitled to such payment) as of the date such payment or other amount is received by the Administrative Agent.

Section 2.17 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

(a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.13, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.15, then such Lender shall (at the request of the Borrower) use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Term Loans hereunder or assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates if, in the reasonable judgment of such

 

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Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.13 or 2.15, as applicable, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

(b) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.13, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.15 and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different lending office in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section 2.17, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, either

(i) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, prepay such Lender’s outstanding Term Loans hereunder in full on a non-pro rata basis without premium or penalty or

(ii) require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights (other than existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 2.13 or Section 2.15) and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (A) in the case of clause (ii) above, the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld and (B) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Term Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts) and

(iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.13 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.14, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments.

No action by or consent of the replaced Lender shall be necessary in connection with such removal or assignment, in the case of clause (ii) above, which shall be immediately and automatically effective upon payment of such purchase price. In connection with any such assignment, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, such replaced Lender and the replacement Lender shall otherwise comply with Section 9.04; provided that if such replaced Lender does not comply with Section 9.04 within three Business Days after the Borrower’s request, compliance with Section 9.04 shall not be required to effect such assignment.

(c) If any Lender (such Lender, a “Non-Consenting Lender”) has failed to consent to a proposed amendment, waiver, discharge or termination which, pursuant to the terms of Section 9.08, requires the consent of all of the Lenders affected or all Lenders and with respect to which the Required Lenders shall have granted their consent, then the Borrower shall have the right (unless such Non-Consenting Lender grants such consent) at its sole expense, to either

(i) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, prepay such Lender’s outstanding Term Loans hereunder in full on a non-pro rata basis without premium or penalty (including with respect to the processing and recordation fee referred to in Section 9.04(b)(ii)(B)) or

(ii) replace such Non-Consenting Lender by deeming such Non-Consenting Lender to have assigned its Term Loans and its Commitments hereunder to one or more assignees reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent;

provided that

 

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(A) all Obligations of the Borrower owing to such Non-Consenting Lender (including accrued Fees and any amounts due under Section 2.08(b), Section 2.13, Section 2.14 or Section 2.15) being removed or replaced shall be paid in full to such Non-Consenting Lender concurrently with such removal or assignment and

(B) in the case of clause (ii) above, the replacement Lender shall purchase the foregoing by paying to such Non-Consenting Lender a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

No action by or consent of the Non-Consenting Lender shall be necessary in connection with such removal or assignment, in the case of clause (ii) above, which shall be immediately and automatically effective upon payment of such purchase price. In connection with any such assignment, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, such Non-Consenting Lender and the replacement Lender shall otherwise comply with Section 9.04; provided that if such Non-Consenting Lender does not comply with Section 9.04 within three Business Days after the Borrower’s request, compliance with Section 9.04 shall not be required to effect such assignment.

Section 2.18 Illegality. If any Lender reasonably determines that any change in law has made it unlawful, or if any Governmental Authority has asserted after the Closing Date that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable lending office to make or maintain any Term SOFR Loans, then, upon notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, any obligations of such Lender to make or continue Term SOFR Loans or to convert ABR Borrowings to SOFR Borrowings shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), either convert all SOFR Borrowings of such Lender to ABR Borrowings, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such SOFR Borrowings to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Term Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

Section 2.19 Incremental Term Facilities.

(a) At any time and from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may, by notice to the Administrative Agent (whereupon the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver a copy to each of the Lenders), add additional Term Loans or add one or more additional tranches of term loans (the “Incremental Term Loans”; each such increase or tranche, an “Incremental Term Facility). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the aggregate amount of the Incremental Facilities shall not exceed an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Fixed Incremental Amount, plus (ii) the Ratio Amount (the sum of the Fixed Incremental Amount and the Ratio Amount, the “Incremental Amount”). Calculation of the Incremental Amount shall be made on Pro Forma Basis. Each tranche of Incremental Term Loans shall be in an integral multiple of $1.0 million and in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $10.0 million (or such lesser minimum amount approved by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion); provided that such amount may be less than the applicable minimum amount or integral multiple amount if such amount represents all the remaining availability under the Fixed Incremental Amount or the Ratio Amount.

(b) Each notice from the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.19 shall set forth the requested amount and proposed terms of the relevant Incremental Term Loans. Incremental Term Loans may be provided by any existing Lender (it being understood that no existing Lender will have an obligation to provide, and the Borrower shall have no obligation to offer any existing Lender the opportunity to provide any commitment for, Incremental Term Loans), in each case, on terms permitted under this Section 2.19, or any Additional Lender; provided that the Administrative Agent shall have consented (in each case, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) to any Additional Lender’s providing such Incremental Term Loans if such consent by the Administrative Agent would be required under Section 9.04 for an assignment of Term Loans to such Additional Lender; provided further that the making of any

 

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Incremental Term Loans by any Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to any assignment of Term Loans to such Affiliated Lender as if such Incremental Term Loans were assigned to such Affiliated Lender. Each Incremental Term Facility shall become effective pursuant to an amendment (each, an “Incremental Term Facility Amendment”) to this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by the Borrower, each Lender or Additional Lender providing such Incremental Term Facility (but without the consent of any other Lender) and the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender as to the effectiveness of each Incremental Term Facility Amendment. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that, upon the effectiveness of any Incremental Term Facility Amendment, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, as applicable, shall be deemed amended to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to reflect the existence and terms of the Incremental Term Facility and the Incremental Term Loans evidenced thereby.

(c) Any Incremental Term Facility shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

(i)

(A) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result the incurrence of such Incremental Term Facility; provided that the condition set forth in this clause (A) may be waived or not required (other than with respect to Specified Events of Default) by the Persons providing such Incremental Term Facilities if the proceeds of the initial Borrowings under such Incremental Term Facilities will be used to finance, in whole or in part, an Investment or acquisition; and

(B) the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents will be true and correct in all material respects (except for representations and warranties that are already qualified by materiality, which representations and warranties will be true and correct in all respects) immediately prior to, and after giving effect to, the incurrence of such Incremental Term Facility; provided that the condition set forth in this clause (B) may be waived or not required (other than with respect to the Specified Representations) by the persons providing such Incremental Term Facilities if the proceeds of the initial Borrowings under such Incremental Term Facilities will be used to finance, in whole or in part, an Investment or acquisition,

(ii) without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders,

(A) the final maturity date of any such Incremental Term Loans will be no earlier than the Maturity Date of the Closing Date Term Loans; provided that this clause shall not apply to the incurrence of any Incremental Term Loans pursuant to the Inside Maturity Exception,

(B) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any such Incremental Term Loans will be no shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Closing Date Term Loans; provided that this clause shall not apply to the incurrence of any Incremental Term Loans pursuant to the Inside Maturity Exception; and

(C) subject to clauses (A) and (B), the amortization schedules applicable to such Incremental Term Facility shall be as determined by the Borrower and the Lenders or Additional Lenders thereunder,

(iii) such Incremental Term Facility shall, at the discretion of the Borrower, (A) rank pari passu in right of payment with the Obligations, (B) be subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, (C) be secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations, (D) be secured on a junior basis to the Obligations or (E) be unsecured;

 

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(iv) any Incremental Term Facility may provide for the ability of the Lenders or Additional Lenders providing such Incremental Facility to participate on a pro rata basis or less than pro rata basis in any voluntary or mandatory prepayments of the Term Loans, but not on a greater than pro rata basis to the Closing Date Term Loans (other than (A) any repayment of such Incremental Term Loans at maturity, and (B) any greater than pro rata repayment of such Incremental Term Loans with the proceeds of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness);

(v) the interest rate, upfront fees and original issue discount for any Incremental Term Loans shall be as determined by the Borrower and the Lenders or Additional Lenders providing such Incremental Term Facility; provided that in the event that the interest rate margins applicable to any Incremental Term Loans (other than any Excluded Incremental Term Loan) that are incurred during the first six months following the Closing Date and are secured on a pari passu basis with the Closing Date Term Loans exceed the interest rate margins (taking into account the leverage-based pricing grid therein and any comparable leverage-based pricing grid applicable to such Incremental Term Loans) for the Closing Date Term Loans by more than 75 basis points, then the interest rate margins for the Closing Date Term Loans shall be increased to the extent necessary so that such interest rate margins for such Term Loans are equal to the interest rate margins for such Incremental Term Loans minus 75 basis points

(vi) any other fees payable in connection with any Incremental Term Loans shall be as determined by the Borrower and the Lenders or Additional Lenders providing such Incremental Term Facility and

(vii) except as otherwise provided in clauses (i) through (vi), all other terms of such Incremental Term Facility shall be on terms (including subordination terms, if applicable) and pursuant to documentation to be determined by the Borrower and the providers of the Incremental Term Facility; provided that the operational and agency provisions contained in such documentation shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower.

(d) The proceeds of any Incremental Term Loans will be used for general corporate purposes (including financing capital expenditures, Investments, Permitted Business Acquisitions, Restricted Payments, refinancing of Indebtedness and any other transaction not prohibited hereunder).

(e) At any time and from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may, incur Incremental Equivalent Debt in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed, as of the date of and after giving effect to the issuance of any such Incremental Equivalent Debt, the aggregate amount of Incremental Facilities then permitted to be incurred under Section 2.19 (determined assuming that the proceeds of any such Incremental Facilities would have been used for the same purposes as the proceeds of such Incremental Equivalent Debt); provided that the incurrence of any Incremental Equivalent Debt shall reduce, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the aggregate amount of Incremental Facilities permitted to be incurred under Section 2.19.

(f) The incurrence of any Incremental Equivalent Debt pursuant to this Section 2.19(f), shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

(i) the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of the Borrower dated as of the date of issuance of the Incremental Equivalent Debt signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by the Borrower approving or consenting to the execution and delivery of the applicable financing documentation in respect of such Incremental Equivalent Debt and the issuance of such Incremental Equivalent Debt,

 

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(ii) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom; provided that the condition set forth in this clause (ii) may be waived or not required (other than with respect to Specified Events of Default) by the persons providing such Incremental Equivalent Debt if the proceeds of the initial Borrowings under such Incremental Equivalent Debt will be used to finance, in whole or in part, an Investment or acquisition.

(iii) without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders,

(A) the final maturity date of any such Incremental Equivalent Debt will be no earlier than the Maturity Date of the Closing Date Term Loans; provided that this clause shall not apply to the incurrence of any Incremental Equivalent Debt pursuant to the Inside Maturity Exception;

(B) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any such Incremental Equivalent Debt will be no shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Closing Date Term Loans; provided that this clause shall not apply to the incurrence of any Incremental Term Loans pursuant to the Inside Maturity Exception and

(C) subject to clauses (A) and (B), the amortization schedules applicable to such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall be as determined by the Borrower and the Lenders or Additional Lenders thereunder,

(iv) such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall, at the discretion of the Borrower, (A) rank pari passu in right of payment with the Obligations, (B) be subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, (C) be secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations, (D) be secured on a junior basis to the Obligations or (E) be unsecured; provided that if subordinated or secured, any intercreditor or lien subordination arrangements shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent,

(v) any fees payable in connection with such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall be determined by the Borrower and the arrangers or lenders providing such Incremental Equivalent Debt,

(vi) any Incremental Equivalent Debt may provide for the ability of the lenders providing such Incremental Equivalent Debt to participate on a pro rata basis or less than pro rata basis in any voluntary or mandatory prepayments of the Term Loans but not on a greater than pro rata basis to the Closing Date Term Loans (other than (A) any repayment of such Incremental Equivalent Debt at maturity, and (B) any greater than pro rata repayment of such Incremental Equivalent Debt with the proceeds of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness),

(vii) all other terms of such Incremental Equivalent Debt, shall be on terms (including subordination terms, if applicable) and pursuant to documentation to be determined by the Borrower and the providers of the Incremental Equivalent Debt.

This Section 2.19 shall supersede any provisions in Section 9.08 to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, no existing Lender will be required to provide any Incremental Equivalent Debt and the Borrower shall have no obligation to offer any existing Lender the opportunity to provide any commitment for any Incremental Equivalent Debt.

Section 2.20 Refinancing Amendments.

At any time and from time to time, the Borrower may obtain, from any Lender or any Additional Lender, Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of all or any portion of the Term Loans or Commitments then outstanding under this Agreement, in each case, pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment, which Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness may, at the election of the Borrower, take

 

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the form of (i) new Term Loans under an additional or replacement Term Facility hereunder (“Other Term Loans”), or (ii) one or more additional series of unsecured or subordinated notes or loans or senior secured loans or notes that will be secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis with the Term Facility, or junior lien secured or unsecured notes or loans that will be secured on a junior basis to the Term Facility. Any Other Term Loans may participate on a pro rata basis or on a less than pro rata basis (but not on a greater than pro rata basis) in any voluntary or mandatory prepayments hereunder, as specified in the applicable Refinancing Amendment (provided that if the Lenders or Additional Lenders providing such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness have the ability to decline mandatory prepayments, any such mandatory prepayment that is not accepted by such Lenders or Additional Lenders shall be applied, subject to the right of any applicable Lender to decline mandatory prepayments (if any), to the non-refinanced Term Loans of the Class being refinanced). The effectiveness of any Refinancing Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.01 (including, solely to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative Agent of customary legal opinions, board resolutions, officers’ certificates or reaffirmation agreements consistent with those delivered on the Closing Date under Section 4.01 (other than changes to such legal opinions resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent)). Each incurrence of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness under this Section 2.20 shall be in an aggregate principal amount of not less than $25.0 million. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender as to the effectiveness of each Refinancing Amendment. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that, upon the effectiveness of any Refinancing Amendment, this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to reflect the existence and terms of the Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness incurred pursuant thereto (including any amendments necessary to treat the Term Loans subject thereto as Other Term Loans). Any Refinancing Amendment may, without the consent of any person other than the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Lenders or Additional Lenders providing the applicable Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.20. This Section 2.20 shall supersede any provisions in Section 9.08 to the contrary. It is understood that (a) any Lender approached to provide all or a portion of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness may elect or decline, in its sole discretion, to provide such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness (it being understood that there is no obligation to approach any existing Lenders to provide any such commitment to provide Other Term Loans), (b) the Administrative Agent shall have consented (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) to such person’s providing such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness if such consent would be required under Section 9.04 for an assignment of Term Loans to such person and (c) the making of any Other Term Loans by any Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to any assignment of Term Loans to such Affiliated Lender as if such Other Term Loans were assigned to such Affiliated Lender.

Section 2.21 Extensions of Term Loans.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, pursuant to one or more offers (each, an “Extension Offer”) made from time to time by the Borrower to all Lenders of Term Loans with a like Maturity Date on a pro rata basis (based on the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the respective Term Loans with a like Maturity Date) and on the same terms to each such Lender, the Borrower is hereby permitted to consummate from time to time transactions with individual Lenders that accept the terms contained in such Extension Offers to extend the Maturity Date of each such Lender’s Term Loans and otherwise modify the terms of such Term Loans pursuant to the terms of the relevant Extension Offer (including by increasing the interest rate or fees payable in respect of such Term Loans or modifying the amortization schedule in respect of such Lender’s Term Loans) (each, an “Extension”, and each group of Term Loans so extended, as well as the original Term Loans not so extended, being a “tranche”). Any Extended Term Loans shall constitute a separate tranche of Term Loans from the tranche of Term Loans from which they were converted, so long as the following terms are satisfied:

 

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(i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time the offering document in respect of an Extension Offer is delivered to the Lenders;

(ii) except as to pricing (interest rate, fees, funding discounts and prepayment premiums) and maturity (which shall be set forth in the relevant Extension Offer), the Term Loans of any Lender that agrees to an Extension with respect to such Term Loans (an “Extending Term Lender”) extended pursuant to any Extension (“Extended Term Loans”) shall have the same terms as the tranche of Term Loans subject to such Extension Offer (except for covenants or other provisions contained therein applicable only to periods after the then Latest Maturity Date of the Term Loans);

(iii) the final maturity date of any Extended Term Loans shall be no earlier than the then Latest Maturity Date of the Term Loans;

(iv) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Extended Term Loans shall be no shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Class extended thereby;

(v) any Extended Term Loans may participate on a pro rata basis or a less than pro rata basis (but not greater than a pro rata basis) in any voluntary or mandatory repayments or prepayments hereunder, in each case, as specified in the respective Extension Offer (provided that if the applicable Extending Term Lenders have the ability to decline mandatory prepayments, any such mandatory prepayment that is not accepted by the applicable Extending Term Lenders shall be applied, subject to the right of any applicable Lender to decline mandatory prepayments (if any), to the non-extended Term Loans of the Class being extended);

(vi) if the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans (calculated on the face amount thereof) in respect of which Lenders shall have accepted the relevant Extension Offer shall exceed the maximum aggregate principal amount of Term Loans offered to be extended by the Borrower pursuant to such Extension Offer, then the Term Loans of such Lenders shall be extended ratably up to such maximum amount based on the respective principal amounts (but not to exceed actual holdings of record) with respect to which such Lenders have accepted such Extension Offer;

(vii) the Extended Term Loans may not be guaranteed by any Subsidiary of the Borrower other than the Loan Parties;

(viii) no assets or property shall secure the Extended Term Loans unless such assets or property constitute Collateral; and

(ix) any applicable Minimum Extension Condition shall be satisfied unless waived by the Borrower.

(b) With respect to all Extensions consummated by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.21, (i) such Extensions shall not constitute voluntary or mandatory payments or prepayments for purposes of this Agreement and (ii) each Extension Offer shall (a) specify the minimum amount of Term Loans to be tendered, which shall be with respect to Term Loans of a Class an integral multiple of $1.0 million and an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $25.0 million (or if less, the remaining outstanding principal amount thereof) (or such lesser minimum amount reasonably approved by the Administrative Agent) (a “Minimum Extension Condition”) and (b) provide notice to the Administrative Agent which sets forth the date on which such Extension is requested to become effective (which shall be not less than 10 Business Days nor more than 45 days after the date of such Extension notice (or such longer or shorter periods as the Administrative Agent shall agree in its sole discretion)). The transactions contemplated by this Section 2.21 (including, for the avoidance of doubt, payment of any interest, fees or premium in respect of any Extended Term Loans on such terms as may be set forth in the relevant Extension Offer) shall not require the consent of any Lender or any other person (other than as set forth in clause (c) of this Section 2.21), and the requirements of any provision of this Agreement (including Section 2.09 and Section 2.16) or any other Loan Document that may otherwise prohibit any such Extension or any other transaction contemplated by this Section 2.21 shall not apply to any of the transactions effected pursuant to this Section 2.21.

 

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(c) The consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) of the Administrative Agent shall be required to effectuate any Extension. No consent of any Lender or any other person shall be required to effectuate any Extension, other than the consent of the Borrower and each Lender agreeing to such Extension with respect to one or more of its Term Loans (or a portion thereof). The Lenders hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (an “Extension Amendment”) with the Borrower as may be necessary in order to establish new tranches in respect of Term Loans so extended and such technical amendments as may be necessary or appropriate in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in connection with the establishment of such new tranches or sub-tranches, in each case on terms consistent with this Section 2.21. This Section 2.21 shall supersede any provisions in Section 9.08 to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood that no existing Lenders will have any obligation to commit to any such extension.

ARTICLE III.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Each of Holdings and the Borrower, with respect to itself and each of its Restricted Subsidiaries, represents and warrants to each Agent and to each of the Lenders that:

Section 3.01 Organization; Powers. Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the other Restricted Subsidiaries

(i) is a partnership, limited liability company or corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (or in any foreign jurisdiction where an equivalent status exists, enjoys the equivalent status under the laws of such foreign jurisdiction of organization) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization,

(ii) has all requisite power and authority to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect,

(iii) is qualified to do business in each jurisdiction where such qualification is required, except where the failure so to qualify would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and

(iv) has the power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under each of the Loan Documents and each other agreement or instrument contemplated thereby to which it is or will be a party and, in the case of the Borrower, to borrow and otherwise obtain credit hereunder.

Section 3.02 Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, the borrowings hereunder and the Transactions

(a) have been duly authorized by all corporate, stockholder, partnership or limited liability company action required to be taken by the Loan Parties and

(b) will not violate (i) any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation, or of the certificate or articles of incorporation or other constitutive documents (including any partnership, limited liability company or operating agreement or by-laws) of any Loan Party or (ii) any applicable order of any court or any rule, regulation or order of any Governmental Authority, where any such violation referred to in this Section 3.02(b) would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, or

 

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(c) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property or assets of any Loan Party, other than the Liens created by the Loan Documents and Permitted Liens.

Section 3.03 Enforceability. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is party hereto and constitutes, and each other Loan Document when executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is party thereto will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party enforceable against each such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, subject to (a) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (b) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), (c) implied covenants of good faith and fair dealing and (d) any foreign laws, rules and regulations as they relate to pledges of Equity Interests in Foreign Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties.

Section 3.04 Governmental Approvals. No action, consent or approval of, registration or filing with or any other action by any Governmental Authority or third party is or will be required in connection with the Transactions, the perfection or maintenance of the Liens created under the Security Documents or the exercise by the Administrative Agent or any Lender of its rights under the Loan Documents or the remedies in respect of the Collateral, except for (a) the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and equivalent filings in foreign jurisdictions, (b) filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office and comparable offices in foreign jurisdictions and equivalent filings in foreign jurisdictions, (c) filings required under Environmental Laws as set forth on Schedule 3.04, (d) such as have been made or obtained and are in full force and effect, (e) such actions, consents and approvals the failure of which to be obtained or made would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and (f) filings or other actions listed on Schedule 3.04.

Section 3.05 Financial Statements.

(a) [Reserved]

(b) Each of the Historical Annual Financial Statements and the Historical Interim Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial condition of Holdings, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the results of operation of Holdings, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the periods covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein and subject to normal year-end audit adjustments. .

Section 3.06 Labor Matters. Except as, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect:

(a) there are no strikes or other labor disputes against any Restricted Subsidiary pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened;

(b) hours worked by and payment made to employees of each Restricted Subsidiary have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable law dealing with such matters; and

(c) all payments due from any Restricted Subsidiary on account of employee health and welfare insurance have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the relevant Restricted Subsidiary.

Section 3.07 Title to Properties. Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries has valid fee simple title to, or valid leasehold interests in, or easements or other limited property interests in, all of its Real Properties and has valid title to its personal property and assets, in each case, except for Permitted Liens and defects in title that do not materially interfere with its ability to conduct its business

 

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as currently conducted or to utilize such properties and assets for their intended purposes and except where the failure to have such title would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. All such properties and assets are free and clear of Liens, other than Permitted Liens.

Section 3.08 Subsidiaries.

(a) Schedule 3.08(a) sets forth as of the Closing Date the name and jurisdiction of incorporation, formation or organization of each direct or indirect Subsidiary of Holdings and, as to each such Subsidiary, the percentage of each class of Equity Interests owned by Holdings or by any such Subsidiary.

Section 3.09 Litigation; Compliance with Laws.

(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.09(a), there are no actions, suits or proceedings at law or in equity or by or on behalf of any Governmental Authority or in arbitration now pending, or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened in writing against or affecting Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or any business, property or rights of any such person (but excluding any actions, suits or proceedings arising under or relating to any Environmental Laws, which are subject to Section 3.16) which would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) To the knowledge of the Borrower, none of Holdings, the Borrower, the Restricted Subsidiaries or their respective properties or assets is in violation of (nor will the continued operation of their material properties and assets as currently conducted violate) any law, rule or regulation (including any zoning, building, ordinance, code or approval, or any building permit, but excluding any Environmental Laws, which are subject to Section 3.16) or any restriction of record or agreement affecting any property, or is in default with respect to any judgment, writ, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority, where such violation or default would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.10 Federal Reserve Regulations.

(a) Neither Holdings, the Borrower nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock.

(b) No part of the proceeds of any Term Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, (i) to purchase or carry Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose or (ii) for any purpose that entails a violation of, or that is inconsistent with, the provisions of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulation U or Regulation X.

Section 3.11 Investment Company Act. None of Holdings nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Section 3.12 [Reserved.]

Section 3.13 Tax Returns. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.13:

(a) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries has filed or caused to be filed all federal, state, local and non-U.S. Tax returns required to have been filed by it and each such Tax return is true and correct;

 

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(b) Each of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries has timely paid or caused to be timely paid all Taxes shown to be due and payable by it on the returns referred to in clause (a) of this Section 3.13 and all other Taxes or assessments (or made adequate provision (in accordance with GAAP) for the payment of all Taxes due) with respect to all periods or portions thereof ending on or before the Closing Date (except Taxes or assessments that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings in accordance with Section 5.03 and for which Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (as the case may be) has set aside on its books adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP), which Taxes, if not paid or adequately provided for, would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

(c) Other than as would not be in, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, as of the Closing Date, with respect to each of Holdings and any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, there are no claims being asserted in writing with respect to any Taxes.

Section 3.14 No Material Misstatements.

(a) All written information (other than financial projections and other forward looking statements, estimates and information of a general economic nature or general industry nature) (the “Information”) concerning Holdings, or any of its Subsidiaries and any transactions contemplated hereby prepared by or on behalf of the foregoing or their representatives and made available to any Lender, any Lead Arranger or the Administrative Agent in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, when taken as a whole, was true and correct in all material respects as of the date such Information was furnished to such person and as of the Closing Date and did not, taken as a whole, contain any untrue statement of a material fact as of any such date or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein, taken as a whole, not materially misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made.

(b) The financial projections and other forward looking statements, estimates and information of a general economic nature prepared by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its representatives and that have been made available to any Lenders, any Lead Arranger or the Administrative Agent in connection with the Transactions or the other transactions contemplated hereby have been prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable as of the date thereof (it being understood that actual results may vary materially from such information), as of the date such financial projects and other forward looking statements and estimates were furnished to the Lenders and as of the Closing Date.

Section 3.15 Employee Benefit Plans.

(a) Except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect: (i) each Plan is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code; (ii) no Reportable Event has occurred during the past five years as to which Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate was required to file a report with the PBGC; (iii) no ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (iv) none of Holdings or the Restricted Subsidiaries has engaged in a “prohibited transaction” (as defined in Section 406 of ERISA and Code Section 4975) in connection with any employee pension benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) that would subject Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to tax or other penalty; (v) none of Holdings, any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, any ERISA Affiliate has received any written notification that any Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization or has been terminated within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA, or has knowledge that any Multiemployer Plan is reasonably expected to be in reorganization (within the meaning of Section 4242 of ERISA), terminated, insolvent (within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA), or in endangered or in, or reasonably expected to be in, critical status (within the meaning of Section 305 of ERISA); and (vi) none of Holdings, any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, and neither Holdings nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries is reasonably expected to incur, any Withdrawal Liability to any Multiemployer Plan.

 

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(b) Each of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries is in compliance with (i) all applicable provisions of law and all applicable regulations and published interpretations thereunder with respect to any employee pension benefit plan or other employee benefit plan governed by the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States and (ii) the terms of any such plan, except, in each case, for such noncompliance that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Within the last five years, no Plans of Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, ERISA Affiliates have been terminated, whether or not in a “standard termination” (as such term is used in Section 404(b)(1) of ERISA) that would reasonably be expected to result in liability to Holdings, the Restricted Subsidiaries or the ERISA Affiliates in excess of $15.0 million, nor has any Plan of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries, the ERISA Affiliates (determined at any time within the past five years) with an Insufficiency been transferred outside of the “controlled group” (within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA) of Holdings, the Restricted Subsidiaries or the ERISA Affiliates that has or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(d) Except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, there are no pending, or to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened claims (other than claims for benefits in the normal course), sanctions, actions or lawsuits, asserted or instituted against any Plan or any person as fiduciary or sponsor of any Plan that could result in liability to Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries.

(e) Except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, each Foreign Benefit Plan is in compliance in all material respects with all requirements of law applicable thereto and the respective requirements of the governing documents of such plan. With respect to each Foreign Benefit Plan, none of Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents has engaged in a transaction which would subject Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or Affiliates, directly or indirectly, to a tax or civil penalty which can reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.16 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.16 or as to matters that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect,

(a) Holdings, the Borrower and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries is in compliance with all Environmental Laws (including having obtained all permits, licenses and other approvals required under any Environmental Law for the operation of its business as currently conducted and being in compliance with the terms of such permits, licenses and other approvals),

(b) neither Holdings, the Borrower nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries has received notice of or is subject to any pending, or to the Borrower’s knowledge, threatened action, suit or proceeding alleging a violation of, or liability under, any Environmental Law that remains outstanding or unresolved,

(c) to the Borrower’s knowledge, there is and has been no Release or threatened Release of Hazardous Material at, on or under any property currently or formerly owned, operated or leased by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries and no Hazardous Material has been generated, owned, treated, stored, handled or controlled by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries and transported to or Released at any location which, in each case, described in this clause (c), would reasonably be expected to result in liability to Holdings, the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries and

 

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(d) there are no agreements in which Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries has expressly assumed or undertaken responsibility for any known or reasonably likely liability or obligation of any other person arising under or relating to Environmental Laws or any Hazardous Materials.

Section 3.17 Security Documents.

(a) The Collateral Agreement is effective to create in favor of the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Collateral described therein and proceeds thereof. In the case of the Pledged Collateral described in the Collateral Agreement, when certificates or promissory notes, as applicable, representing such Pledged Collateral are delivered to the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee thereof), and in the case of the other Collateral described in the Collateral Agreement (other than the Intellectual Property (as defined in the Collateral Agreement)), when financing statements and other filings specified in the Collateral Agreement are filed in the offices specified in the schedules to the Collateral Agreement, the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) shall have a perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in such Collateral and, subject to Section 9-315 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, the proceeds thereof, as security for the Obligations to the extent perfection can be obtained by filing Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, in each case prior and superior in right to the Lien of any other person (except for Permitted Liens).

(b) When the Collateral Agreement or a summary thereof is properly filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, and, with respect to Collateral in which a security interest cannot be perfected by such filings, upon the proper filing of the financing statements referred to in paragraph (a) of this Section 3.17, the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) shall have, solely if and to the extent that a security interest may be perfected by making such filings, a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties thereunder in the domestic Intellectual Property, in each case prior and superior in right to the Lien of any other person (except for Permitted Liens) (it being understood that subsequent recordings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office may be necessary to perfect a Lien on registered trademarks and patents, trademark and patent applications and registered copyrights acquired by the grantors after the Closing Date).

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein (including this Section 3.17) or in any other Loan Document to the contrary, neither Holdings, the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary makes any representation or warranty as to the effects of perfection or non-perfection, the priority or the enforceability of any pledge of or security interest in any Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, or as to the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect thereto, under foreign law.

Section 3.18 [Reserved]

Section 3.19 Solvency. On the Closing Date, after giving effect to the consummation of the Transactions and the making of the Term Loans hereunder, and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of such Indebtedness:

(a) the fair value of the assets of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, exceeds, on a consolidated basis, their debts and liabilities, direct, subordinated, contingent or otherwise;

(b) the present fair saleable value of the property of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability, on a consolidated basis, of their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured;

 

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(c) Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such liabilities become absolute and matured; and

(d) Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are not engaged in, and are not about to engage in, business for which they have unreasonably small capital.

For purposes of determining solvency, the amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that would reasonably be expected to become an actual and matured liability.

Section 3.20 No Material Adverse Effect. Since September 30, 2021, there has been no change in the financial condition, business, operations, assets or liabilities of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.21 [Reserved].

Section 3.22 USA PATRIOT Act; FCPA; OFAC

(a) To the extent applicable, each of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries is in compliance, in all material respects, with the USA PATRIOT Act.

(b) Neither Holdings nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries is any of the following:

(i) a person that is listed in the annex to, or it otherwise subject to the provisions of, Executive Order No. 13224 on Terrorist Financing effective September 24, 2001 (the “Executive Order”);

(ii) a person owned or Controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, any person that is listed in the annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, the Executive Order;

(iii) a person with which any Lender is prohibited from dealing or otherwise engaging in any transaction by any laws with respect to terrorism or money laundering;

(iv) a person that commits, threatens or conspires to commit or supports “terrorism” as defined in the Executive Order; or

(v) a person that is named as a “specially designated national and blocked person” on the most current list published by the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) at its official website or any replacement website or other replacement official publication of such list and none of the proceeds of the Term Loans will be, directly or indirectly, offered, lent, contributed or otherwise made available to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person (A) for the purpose of financing the activities of any person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such financing, is the subject of sanctions administered by OFAC or by any other authority applicable to Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or (B) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any person in violation of FCPA or any other anti-corruption law, rule or regulation applicable to Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries.

Section 3.23 Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or as set forth on Schedule 3.23,

 

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(a) Holdings, the Borrower and each of the Subsidiary Loan Parties owns, or possesses the right to use, all intellectual property, including all of the patents, patent rights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade dress, copyrights or mask works, domain names, applications and registrations for any of the foregoing (collectively, “Intellectual Property Rights”) that are reasonably necessary for the operation of their respective businesses,

(b) neither Holdings, the Borrower nor any of the Subsidiary Loan Parties nor any product, process, method, substance, part or other material now employed, sold or offered by Holdings, the Borrower or the Subsidiary Loan Parties is infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating Intellectual Property Rights of any person,

(c) no claim or litigation regarding any of the foregoing is pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, and

(d) no person is infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the Intellectual Property Rights owned by Holdings, the Borrower or by any of the Subsidiary Loan Parties.

Section 3.24 EEA Financial Institutions. No Loan Party is an EEA Financial Institution.

ARTICLE IV.

CONDITIONS OF LENDING

Section 4.01 Conditions Precedent. The agreement of each Lender to make Term Loans on the Closing Date is subject to the satisfaction and waiver by the Lead Arrangers, prior to or concurrently with the making of the Term Loans on the Closing Date, of the following conditions precedent (unless otherwise provided by Section 5.14):

(a) Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) this Agreement, the Collateral Agreement, the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement and each other Security Document required to be delivered on the Closing Date, in each case, duly executed and delivered by a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party party thereto and (ii) for the account of each Lender that has requested the same at least three Business Days prior to the Closing Date, a Note executed and delivered by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.

(b) Borrowing Request. Prior to the Closing Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Request meeting the requirements of Section 2.03(a).

(c) Refinancing. The refinancing of the Existing Facilities shall be consummated substantially concurrently with the making of the Term Loans hereunder (and the Borrower shall have provided to the Administrative Agent reasonable evidence thereof, including reasonably satisfactory payoff letters, mortgage releases, Intellectual Property Rights releases and UCC-3 termination statements).

(d) [Reserved]

(e) Fees. All accrued fees of the Administrative Agent, all fees owed to the Lenders and all reasonable, documented and invoiced out-of-pocket expenses required to be paid by the Borrower to the Lenders, the Lead Arrangers and the Administrative Agent on or before the Closing Date (to the extent invoiced at least two Business Days prior to the Closing Date except as otherwise agreed by the Borrower) shall have been paid to the extent due and payable.

(f) Solvency Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have received a solvency certificate substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B executed by a Financial Officer of the Borrower.

 

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(g) Closing Date Certificates. The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower with respect to each Loan Party dated the Closing Date and certifying:

(i) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the charter or other similar organizational document of each Loan Party and each amendment thereto, certified (as of a date reasonably near the date of the initial extension of credit) as being a true and correct copy thereof by the Secretary of State or other applicable Governmental Authority of the jurisdiction in which each such Loan Party is organized;

(ii) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of a certificate of the Secretary of State or other applicable Governmental Authority of the jurisdiction in which each such Loan Party is organized, dated reasonably near the date of the initial extension of credit, listing the charter or other similar organizational document of such Loan Party and each amendment thereto on file in such office and, if available, certifying that (A) such amendments are the only amendments to such person’s charter on file in such office, (B) such person has paid all franchise taxes to the date of such certificate and (C) such person is duly organized and in good standing or full force and effect under the laws of such jurisdiction;

(iii) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of resolutions duly adopted by the Governing Persons of such Loan Party authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a party or any other document delivered in connection herewith and that such resolutions have not been modified, rescinded or amended and are in full force and effect; and

(iv) as to the incumbency and specimen signature of each Responsible Officer executing the Loan Documents or any other document delivered in connection herewith on behalf of such Loan Party (together with a certificate of another officer as to the incumbency and specimen signature of the Responsible Officer executing the certificate pursuant to this Section 4.01(g)).

(h) Legal Opinions. The Administrative Agent shall have received a customary legal opinion, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, New York counsel to the Loan Parties.

(i) Pledged Equity Interests; Pledged Notes. Except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) the certificates representing the Equity Interests pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement (if such Equity Interests are certificated), together with an undated stock power for each such certificate executed in blank by a duly authorized officer of the pledgor thereof and (ii) each promissory note required to be delivered by the Loan Parties pursuant to the Collateral Agreement endorsed in blank (or accompanied by an executed transfer form in blank) by the pledgor thereof.

(j) No Material Adverse Effect. From September 30, 2021 to the Closing Date, no event or development shall have occurred that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually, or in the aggregate, any Material Adverse Effect.

(k) Security Interests. The Administrative Agent shall have received the results of a search of the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent) filings made with respect to the Loan Parties in the applicable jurisdiction of organization of each Loan Party and copies of the financing statements (or similar documents) disclosed by such search and evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that the Liens indicated by such financing statements (or similar documents) are permitted by Section 6.02 or have been or will contemporaneously with the initial funding of the Loans on the Closing Date be released or terminated. Each document (including any UCC financing statement) required by the Security Documents or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent (subject to the terms of the Collateral Agreement) to be

 

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filed, registered or recorded in order to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a perfected Lien on the Collateral described therein, prior and superior in right to any other person (other than with respect to Permitted Liens), shall have been filed, registered or recorded or shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent in proper form for filing, registration or recordation.

(l) Know Your Customer and Other Required Information. To the extent reasonably requested in writing (which shall include any requests by e-mail) at least 5 Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Lenders shall have received, no later than three Business Days prior to the Closing Date, all documentation and other information about the Loan Parties that is required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act.

(m) [Reserved]

(n) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and warranties made by any Loan Party in or pursuant to the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date); provided that any representation and warranty that is qualified by “materiality”, “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language shall be true and correct (after giving effect to any qualification therein) in all respects.

(o) No Default. No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on such date or after giving effect to the making of the Term Loans on the Closing Date.

ARTICLE V.

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

Each of Holdings and the Borrower covenants and agrees with each Lender that so long as this Agreement shall remain in effect and until the Obligations (other than Obligations in respect of Specified Hedge Agreements, Cash Management Obligations and contingent indemnification and reimbursement obligations that are not yet due and payable and for which no claim has been asserted) shall have been paid in full, Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause the Restricted Subsidiaries to:

Section 5.01 Existence; Businesses and Properties.

(a) Do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence, except, in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary other than the Borrower, where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and except as otherwise expressly permitted under Section 6.05.

(b) Except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, do or cause to be done all things necessary to (i) lawfully obtain, preserve, renew, extend and keep in full force and effect the permits, franchises, authorizations, Intellectual Property Rights, licenses and rights with respect thereto necessary to the normal conduct of its business and (ii) at all times maintain and preserve all property necessary to the normal conduct of its business and keep such property in good repair, working order and condition and from time to time make, or cause to be made, all needful and proper repairs, renewals, additions, improvements and replacements thereto necessary in order that the business carried on in connection therewith, if any, may be properly conducted at all times (in each case except as expressly permitted by this Agreement).

 

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Section 5.02 Insurance.

(a) Maintain insurance in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by similarly situated companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations either with (or combination of), at the Borrower’s option, (i) financially sound and reputable insurance companies, in which case the Borrower shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Administrative Agent to be listed as a co-loss payee on property and casualty policies and as an additional insured on liability policies, or (ii) maintain a sufficient amount of funds to effect self-insurance in an amount customarily maintained by similarly situated companies engaged in the same or similar business. Schedule 5.02 sets forth a true, complete and correct description of all material insurance maintained by or on behalf of Holdings, the Borrower or the other Loan Parties as of the Closing Date.

(b) In connection with the covenants set forth in this Section 5.02, it is understood and agreed that:

(i) neither the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, nor their respective agents or employees shall be liable for any loss or damage insured by the insurance policies required to be maintained under this Section 5.02, it being understood that (A) Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall look solely to their insurance companies or any other parties other than the aforesaid parties for the recovery of such loss or damage and (B) such insurance companies shall have no rights of subrogation against the Administrative Agent, the Lenders or their agents or employees. If, however, the insurance policies, as a matter of the internal policy of such insurer, do not provide waiver of subrogation rights against such parties, as required above, then the Borrower hereby agrees, to the extent permitted by law, to waive, and further agrees to cause each of the Restricted Subsidiaries, to the extent permitted by law, to waive, its right of recovery, if any, against the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and their agents and employees;

(ii) the designation of any form, type or amount of insurance coverage by the Administrative Agent under this Section 5.02 shall in no event be deemed a representation, warranty or advice by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders that such insurance is adequate for the purposes of the business of Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or the protection of their properties; and

(iii) if insurance is procured from insurance companies, the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain customary endorsements with respect to property and casualty insurance providing that such insurance shall not be canceled, modified or not renewed (x) by reason of nonpayment of premium except upon not less than 10 days’ prior written notice thereof by the insurer to the Administrative Agent (giving the Administrative Agent the right to cure defaults in the payment of premiums) or (y) for any other reason except upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice thereof by the insurer to the Administrative Agent.

Section 5.03 Taxes. Pay and discharge promptly when due all material Taxes imposed upon it or its income or profits or in respect of its property, before the same shall become delinquent or in default; provided that such payment and discharge shall not be required with respect to any Tax, assessment, charge or levy so long as (a) the validity or amount thereof shall be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and (b) Holdings, the Borrower or any affected Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, shall have set aside on its books reserves in accordance with GAAP with respect thereto, except to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 5.04 Financial Statements, Reports, etc. Furnish to the Administrative Agent (which will promptly furnish such information to the Lenders):

(a) As soon as available, and in any event not later than five Business Days after the date by which Holdings is required to file its annual report on Form 10-K with the SEC (after giving effect to any permitted extensions or, if such financial statements are not required to be filed with the SEC, not later than 120 days after the end of such fiscal year),

(i) a consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, cash flows and owners’ equity showing the financial position of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal year and the consolidated results of its operations during such year (the “Annual Financial Statements”); provided that if Holdings includes the financial results of any person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in such Annual Financial Statements, Holdings shall also provide a supplement showing consolidating information for Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(ii) a narrative discussion of management’s discussion and analysis of results; and

(iii) setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the prior fiscal year, which consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, cash flows and owners’ equity shall be audited by Holdings’ independent public accountants of recognized national standing and accompanied by an opinion of such accountants (which shall not be qualified as to scope of audit or as to the status of Holdings or its Subsidiaries as a going concern other than any such qualification or exception that is solely with respect to, or resulting solely from, an upcoming maturity date under the Credit Facilities or any other Material Indebtedness occurring within one year from the time such report is delivered or any prospective default of any financial covenant) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP;

(b) As soon as available, and in any event not later than five Business Days after the date by which Holdings is required to file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the SEC (after giving effect to any permitted extensions or, if such financial statements are not required to be filed with the SEC, not later than 60 days after the end of such fiscal quarter),

(i) a consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations and cash flows showing (x) the financial position of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal quarter and the consolidated and consolidating results of its operations during such fiscal quarter and (y) the then-elapsed portion of the fiscal year and setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year (the “Quarterly Financial Statements” and, together with the Annual Financial Statements, the “Required Financial Statements”); provided that if Holdings includes the financial results of any person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in such Quarterly Financial Statements, Holdings shall also provide a supplement showing consolidating information for Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries; and

(ii) a narrative discussion of management’s discussion and analysis of results, certified by a Responsible Officer of Holdings on behalf of Holdings as fairly presenting, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes);

(c) [Reserved];

(d) concurrently with any delivery of Required Financial Statements under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 5.04, a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower (the “Compliance Certificate”)

 

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(i) certifying that no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or, if a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, specifying the nature and extent thereof and any corrective action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto,

(ii) setting forth the calculation and uses of the Available Amount for the fiscal period then ended if the Borrower shall have used the Available Amount for any purpose during such fiscal period,

(iii) certifying a list of all Immaterial Subsidiaries, that each Subsidiary set forth on such list individually qualifies as an Immaterial Subsidiary and that all such Subsidiaries in the aggregate do not exceed the limitation set forth in clause (b) of the definition of the term “Immaterial Subsidiary” and

(iv) certifying a list of all Unrestricted Subsidiaries at such time and that each Subsidiary set forth on such list qualifies as an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(e) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other publicly available reports, proxy statements and, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, other materials filed by Holdings or its Subsidiaries with the SEC or, after an initial public offering, distributed to its stockholders generally, as applicable;

(f) upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, concurrently with the delivery of the Annual Financial Statements, provide an update to the information set forth on the schedules to the Collateral Agreement, together with information about deposit accounts, securities accounts and commodities accounts entered into by the Borrower or any of the Loan Parties since the Closing Date or the delivery of the previous year’s Annual Financial Statements, as applicable, to the extent not previously notified to the Administrative Agent.

(g) [Reserved]

(h) promptly, from time to time, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, or compliance with the terms of any Loan Document, in each case, as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request (for itself or on behalf of any Lender);

(i) [Reserved]; and

(j) [Reserved];

provided that documents required to be delivered pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) and (d) shall be deemed to have been delivered on the earlier of the date on which (A) Holdings posts such documents or provides a link thereto on Holdings’ website, with notification to the Administrative Agent of the posting of such documents and (B) such documents are filed with the SEC; provided, further, if requested by the Administrative Agent in writing, Holdings shall also provide such documents by electronic mail to the Administrative Agent.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the request of the Borrower, in connection with any material Investment or acquisition (as determined by the Borrower in good faith), the deadlines set forth in Section 5.04 shall be extended by up to 30 days with the consent of the Administrative Agent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

 

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Section 5.05 Litigation and Other Notices. Furnish to the Administrative Agent (which will promptly thereafter furnish to the Lenders) written notice of the following promptly after any Responsible Officer of the Borrower obtains actual knowledge thereof:

(a) any Default or Event of Default, specifying the nature and extent thereof and the corrective action (if any) proposed to be taken with respect thereto;

(b) the filing or commencement of, or any written threat or notice of intention of any person to file or commence, any action, suit or proceeding, whether at law or in equity or by or before any Governmental Authority or in arbitration, against Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as to which an adverse determination is reasonably probable and which, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(c) any other development, the subject matter of which is not covered by Section 5.05(a), Section 5.05(b), or Section 5.05(d), specific to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is not a matter of general public knowledge and that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect; and

(d) the development of any ERISA Event that, together with all other ERISA Events that have developed or occurred, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.06 Compliance with Laws. Comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property (including ERISA), except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; provided that this Section 5.06 shall not apply to Environmental Laws, which are the subject of Section 5.09, or laws related to Taxes, which are the subject of Section 5.03.

Section 5.07 Maintaining Records; Access to Properties and Inspections. Maintain all financial records in accordance with GAAP in all material respects and permit any persons designated by the Administrative Agent or, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, any Lender, to visit and inspect the financial records and the properties of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries at reasonable times, upon reasonable prior notice to the Borrower, and as often as reasonably requested, to make extracts from and copies of such financial records, and permit any persons designated by the Administrative Agent or, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice to the Borrower to discuss the affairs, finances and condition of Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries with the officers thereof and independent accountants therefor (subject to reasonable requirements of confidentiality, including requirements imposed by law or by contract); provided that any visit or inspection permitted pursuant to this Section 5.07 shall be limited to once per year in the absence of an Event of Default.

Section 5.08 Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Closing Date Term Loans shall be used for general corporate purposes of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, including the financing of working capital needs and the repayment of Indebtedness of the Borrower (including Indebtedness under the Existing Facility).

Section 5.09 Compliance with Environmental Laws. Comply, and make reasonable efforts to cause all lessees and other persons occupying its Real Properties to comply, with all Environmental Laws applicable to its operations and properties, and obtain and renew all material authorizations and permits required pursuant to Environmental Law for its operations and properties, in each case in accordance with Environmental Laws, except, in each case, to the extent the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.10 Further Assurances; Additional Security.

(a) Execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements and other documents and recordings of Liens in stock registries), that may be required under any applicable law, or that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement

 

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and to cause the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to be and remain satisfied, all at the expense of the Borrower, and provide to the Administrative Agent, from time to time upon reasonable request, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent as to the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents.

(b) If any additional Subsidiary of the Borrower (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) is formed or acquired after the Closing Date (including, without limitation, upon the formation of any such Subsidiary that is a Division Successor) (with

(i) any Subsidiary Redesignation resulting in an Unrestricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary being deemed to constitute the acquisition of a Subsidiary,

(ii) any Immaterial Subsidiary being designated a Material Subsidiary being deemed to constitute the acquisition of a Subsidiary and

(iii) any transaction or event resulting in a Subsidiary ceasing to be an Excluded Subsidiary being deemed to constitute the acquisition of such Subsidiary),

within 30 Business Days after the date such Subsidiary is formed or acquired (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent shall agree), cause the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to be satisfied with respect to such Subsidiary and with respect to any Equity Interest in or Indebtedness of such Subsidiary owned by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary Loan Party, subject to paragraph (e) of this Section 5.10.

(c) (i) In each case, furnish to the Administrative Agent within 30 Business Days thereafter written notice of any change in (A) corporate or organization name, (B) organizational structure or (C) jurisdiction of organization (or other “location” for purposes of the UCC) with respect to Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties; provided that the Borrower shall not effect or permit any such change unless all filings have been made, or will have been made within any statutory period, under the Uniform Commercial Code or otherwise that are required in order for the Administrative Agent to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected security interest in all Collateral for the benefit of the applicable Secured Parties and

(ii) promptly notify the Administrative Agent if any material portion of the Collateral is damaged or destroyed.

(d) The Collateral and Guarantee Requirement and the other provisions of this Section 5.10 need not be satisfied with respect to any Excluded Assets or Excluded Equity Interests (each as defined in the Collateral Agreement) or any exclusions and carve-outs from the perfection requirements set forth in the Collateral Agreement.

(e) Nothing in this Section 5.10 shall require Holdings, the Borrower or any other Loan Party to take any action outside the United States to create or perfect any security interests in any Collateral located outside of the United States or of a Foreign Subsidiary (it being understood that there shall be no security agreements or pledge agreements governed under the laws of any foreign jurisdiction).

Section 5.11 Fiscal Year; Accounting. In the case of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary, cause the fiscal year to end on September 30, unless prior written notice of a change is given to the Administrative Agent.

Section 5.12 Credit Ratings. Use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain at all times a credit rating by each of S&P and Moody’s in respect of the Term Facility and a corporate rating by S&P and a corporate family rating by Moody’s for the Borrower, in each case, with no requirement to maintain any specific minimum rating.

 

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Section 5.13 [Reserved].

Section 5.14 Post-Closing Matters. Deliver to the Administrative Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, the items described on Schedule 5.14 of this Agreement (as in effect on the Closing Date) on or before the date that is 90 days after the Closing Date (or, in each case, such later date as may be reasonably agreed to by the Administrative Agent). All representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to effect the foregoing (and to permit the taking of the actions described on Schedule 5.14 within the time periods specified thereon, rather than as elsewhere provided in the Loan Documents).

Section 5.15 Patriot Act, OFAC, FCPA. Now or hereafter to the extent applicable to this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or the Loan Parties’ execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents, comply in all material respects with the USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC and FCPA, and with respect to each statute, any successor statute thereto.

ARTICLE VI.

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

Each of Holdings and the Borrower covenants and agrees with each Lender that so long as this Agreement shall remain in effect and until the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification and reimbursement obligations that are not yet due and payable and for which no claim has been asserted) shall have been paid in full, unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, Holdings and the Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries to:

Section 6.01 Indebtedness. Incur, create or assume any Indebtedness, except:

(a) any Indebtedness listed on Schedule 6.01(a) and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof;

(b) Indebtedness created hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (including the Closing Date Term Loans ), Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness, Indebtedness created under Incremental Facilities, Incremental Equivalent Debt and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance any of the foregoing Indebtedness;

(c) Indebtedness pursuant to Hedge Agreements other than for speculative purposes;

(d) Permitted Ratio Debt and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Permitted Ratio Debt;

(e) Indebtedness owed to (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees or similar instruments for the benefit of) any person providing workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance (including self-insurance) to the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such person, in each case, in the ordinary course of business; provided that upon the incurrence of Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims, such obligations shall be reimbursed not later than 30 days following such incurrence;

(f) intercompany Indebtedness between or among Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries or between and among Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that

(i) Indebtedness owing by any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings that is not a Loan Party to Holdings, the Borrower or another Subsidiary Loan Party is permitted under Section 6.04(b); provided, that the aggregate outstanding amount of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (f)(i) shall not exceed the greater of (i) $110.0 million and (ii) 5.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date of such incurrence for which financial statements are available and

 

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(ii) Indebtedness owing by Holdings, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary Loan Party to any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party is subordinated to the Obligations pursuant to customary subordination provisions;

(g) Indebtedness in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds and completion guarantees and similar obligations, in each case, provided in the ordinary course of business, including those incurred to secure health, safety and environmental obligations in the ordinary course of business;

(h) (i) Indebtedness in respect of Cash Management Services in the ordinary course of business,

(ii) other Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds, so long as such Indebtedness (other than credit or purchase cards) is extinguished within 10 Business Days after notification is received by the Borrower of its incurrence and

(iii) any other cash management or treasury services entered in the ordinary course of business;

(i) (i) Indebtedness incurred or assumed in connection with a Permitted Business Acquisition; provided, in each case,

(1) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing immediately before such Permitted Business Acquisition or would result immediately after giving pro forma effect to such Permitted Business Acquisition and any related transactions,

(2) (x) if such Indebtedness incurred or assumed is First Lien Debt, the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio is equal to or less than either 4.50 to 1.00 or the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence,

(y) if such Indebtedness incurred or assumed is secured Indebtedness other than First Lien Debt, the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio is equal to or less than either 5.25 to 1.00 or the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence, and

(z) if such Indebtedness incurred or assumed is unsecured Indebtedness, either

(A) the Total Net Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 5.25 to 1.00 or the Total Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence or

(B) the Interest Coverage Ratio is greater than or equal to 2.00 to 1.00 or the Interest Coverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence, in each case, immediately after giving pro forma effect to such incurrence or assumption of Indebtedness and

 

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(ii) any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness;

provided that at the time of the incurrence or assumption of any Indebtedness pursuant to clause (i) above (and after giving effect thereto), the aggregate outstanding amount of Indebtedness incurred under this Section 6.01(i) by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors does not exceed the Shared Non-Guarantor Cap;

(j) Finance Lease Obligations, Indebtedness incurred with respect to installations, repairs, improvement and removal of Real Property or other fixed or capital assets, purchase money Indebtedness, Indebtedness with respect to mortgage financings and Indebtedness with respect to additions or improvements to Real Property or other fixed or capital assets in an aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed, at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness (and after giving effect thereto), the greater of (i) $155.0 million and (ii) 7.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date such Indebtedness is incurred for which financial statements are available, at any time outstanding, and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness; provided that such Indebtedness shall be incurred within 270 days after the acquisition, lease or improvement of the property that is the subject of such Indebtedness;

(k) Incremental Equivalent Debt and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Incremental Equivalent Debt;

(l) Indebtedness (and any Permitted Refinancing thereof) in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the sum of (i) the greater of (A) $200.0 million and (A) 9.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the applicable date of determination, in each case, determined at the time of incurrence and (ii) the Fixed Incremental Amount; and

(m) Indebtedness consisting of (i) (A) ABL Commitments (including any ABL Commitments drawn) on the Closing Date, (B) Incremental ABL Commitments and (C) additional revolving Indebtedness and (ii) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance any of the foregoing Indebtedness; provided that at the time of the incurrence of any Indebtedness pursuant to clause (i) above (and after giving effect thereto), the aggregate amount of Indebtedness outstanding under this Section 6.01(m) does not exceed the greater of (x) $225.0 million and (y) the Borrowing Base minus the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness incurred and outstanding pursuant to clause (c) of the Fixed Incremental Amount.

(n) Guarantees

(i) of the Indebtedness described in clause (m) of this Section 6.01 so long as any Liens securing the ABL Obligations or any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof are subject to the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement (in the case of ABL Obligations) or other intercreditor agreement(s) substantially consistent with and no less favorable to the Lenders in any material respect than the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable,

(ii) of any Indebtedness of any Loan Party permitted to be incurred under this Agreement,

(iii) of Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party to the extent such Guarantees are permitted by Section 6.04 (other than Section 6.04(t));

(iv) by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party of Indebtedness of another Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party and

 

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(v) of Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries incurred for working capital purposes in the ordinary course of business on ordinary business terms so long as such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred under Section 6.01(s) to the extent such Guarantees are permitted by Section 6.04 (other than Section 6.04(t));

provided that Guarantees by Borrower or any other Loan Party under this clause (n) of any Indebtedness of a person that is subordinated to other Indebtedness of such person shall be expressly subordinated to the Obligations to at least the same extent as such underlying Indebtedness is subordinated;

(o) Indebtedness arising from agreements of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries providing for indemnification, contribution, earn-out, seller notes, adjustment of purchase or acquisition price or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the Transactions, any Permitted Business Acquisition, Investment or the disposition of any business, assets or Subsidiaries not prohibited by this Agreement, other than Guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or Subsidiaries for the purpose of financing any such Permitted Business Acquisition;

(p) Indebtedness supported by a Letter of Credit, in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such Letter of Credit;

(q) Indebtedness consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take or pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

(r) [reserved].

(s) (i) Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries and (ii) Indebtedness incurred on behalf of, or representing Guarantees of Indebtedness of, joint ventures; provided that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (s) shall not exceed, at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness (and after giving effect thereto) the greater of (i) $90.0 million and (ii) 4.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date of such incurrence for which financial statements are available;

(t) unsecured Indebtedness in respect of obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of goods or services or progress payments in connection with such goods and services so long as such obligations are incurred in connection with open accounts extended by suppliers on customary trade terms (which require that all such payments be made within 60 days after the incurrence of the related obligations) in the ordinary course of business and not in connection with the borrowing of money or any Hedge Agreements;

(u) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees, directors and officers incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(v) Indebtedness arising from customer deposits and advance payments received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods and services purchased in the ordinary course of business;

(w) Indebtedness consisting of reimbursement obligations related to bank guarantees to the extent that such obligations are collateralized by cash or cash equivalents;

(x) Indebtedness consisting of promissory notes issued by Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to current or former officers, managers, directors and consultants thereof or employees, their respective estates or family members to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of Holdings, the Borrower or any Parent Entity permitted by Section 6.06;

 

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(y) Guarantees by Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any lease or sublease permitted hereunder of real property entered into by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

(z) Indebtedness consisting of obligations under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements incurred by Holdings, Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions or Permitted Business Acquisitions or any other Investment permitted hereunder;

(aa) unsecured Indebtedness (and any Permitted Refinancing thereof) in a principal amount not to exceed an amount equal to the Net Cash Proceeds received from the issuance or sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock or Permitted Cure Securities (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement)) of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries (other than any such sale to Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries) and any cash or cash equivalents consisting of a capital contribution received from equityholders (other than Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary) of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than in respect of Disqualified Stock or any equity contributed as Permitted Cure Securities (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) or any such proceeds used for the Available Amount or any such proceeds used in connection with Section 6.06(d) or Section 6.09(b)(i)(3) or used to fund charges, expenses, accruals or reserves in accordance with clause (l) of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income” or Otherwise Applied) so long as such Indebtedness does not require any scheduled payment of principal (including pursuant to a sinking fund obligation) other than amortization or mandatory redemption or redemption at the option of the holders thereof or similar prepayment (other than (A) upon the occurrence of an Asset Sale or other asset sale or Recovery Event, (B) upon the occurrence of a change of control event, (C) customary acceleration rights following an event of default and (D) upon the incurrence of Indebtedness that is not permitted thereunder) prior to the then Latest Maturity Date of the Term Loans;

(bb) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Indebtedness is not less than the then Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans; Indebtedness of any person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date pursuant to an Investment or acquisition permitted hereunder, which Indebtedness is existing at the time such person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and is not incurred in contemplation of such person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary that is non-recourse to (and is not assumed by any of) Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Subsidiary of such person that is a Subsidiary on the date such person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date) and is either (A) unsecured or (B) secured only by the assets of such Restricted Subsidiary by Liens permitted under Section 6.02; and

(cc) all premium (if any, including tender premiums), defeasance costs, interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (a) through (bb) of this Section 6.01.

Section 6.02 Liens. Create, incur or assume any Lien on any of its property or assets (including Equity Interests or other securities of any person) at the time owned by it or on any income or revenues or rights in respect of any thereof, except the following (collectively, “Permitted Liens”):

(a) (i) Liens existing on the Closing Date (or created following the Closing Date pursuant to agreements in existence on the Closing Date requiring the creation of such Liens) and, in each case, set forth on Schedule 6.02(a); provided that such Liens shall secure only those obligations that they secure on the Closing Date (and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of such obligations permitted by Section 6.01(a)) and shall not subsequently apply to any other property or assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed to or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien and (B) proceeds and products thereof and

 

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(ii) Liens existing on the Closing Date securing property or assets having a fair market value not to exceed $5.0 million in the aggregate and, in each case, any modifications, replacements, renewals or extensions thereof;

(b) any Lien created under the Loan Documents, and any Lien created under the definitive documentation evidencing any other Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(b);

(c) any Lien securing Indebtedness or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(i); provided that in the case of a Lien securing Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, such Lien shall be permitted subject to compliance with clause (d) of the definition of “Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness”;

(d) Liens for Taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or levies not yet delinquent or that are being contested in compliance with Section 5.03;

(e) Liens imposed by law, including landlord’s, carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s, construction or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and in respect of which, if applicable, Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries shall have set aside on its books reserves in accordance with GAAP;

(f) (i) pledges and deposits and other Liens made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with the Federal Employers Liability Act or any other workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations and deposits securing liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements in respect of such obligations and

(ii) pledges and deposits and other Liens securing liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(g) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts (other than for Indebtedness), leases (other than Finance Lease Obligations), statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance and return of money bonds, bids, leases, government contracts, trade contracts, agreements with utilities, and other obligations of a like nature (including letters of credit in lieu of any such bonds or to support the issuance thereof) incurred by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, including those incurred to secure health, safety and environmental obligations in the ordinary course of business;

(h) zoning restrictions, survey exceptions and such matters as an accurate survey would disclose, easements, trackage rights, leases (other than Finance Lease Obligations), licenses, special assessments, rights of way covenants, conditions, restrictions and declarations on or with respect to the use of Real Property, servicing agreements, development agreements, site plan agreements and other similar encumbrances incurred in the ordinary course of business and title defects or irregularities that are of a minor nature and that, in the aggregate, do not interfere in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of Holdings, the Borrower or the other Restricted Subsidiaries;

(i) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(j) (limited to the assets subject to such Indebtedness or accessions to such property or the proceeds therefrom);

(j) Liens arising out of Sale and Lease-Back Transactions permitted under Section 6.03, so long as such Liens attach only to the property sold and being leased in such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction and any accessions thereto or proceeds thereof and related property;

 

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(k) Liens securing judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under Section 7.01(j);

(l) Liens securing Pari Passu Lien Debt and/or Junior Lien Debt; provided that:

(i) after giving Pro Forma Effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness,

(A) if such Indebtedness is Pari Passu Lien Debt, then the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio measured as of the date of initial attachment of such Lien shall be no greater than (1) 4.50 to 1.00 or (2) if incurred in connection with a Permitted Business Acquisition or Investment, the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence, or

(B) if such Indebtedness is Junior Lien Debt, either (1) the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio measured as of the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness (or revolving commitments) shall be no greater than (x) 5.25 to 1.00 or (y) if incurred in connection with a Permitted Business Acquisition or Investment, the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such incurrence; and

(ii) such Liens (other than with respect to purchase money and similar obligations) are, in each case, subject to an First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable and, to the extent the ABL Credit Facility is outstanding at the time of the granting of such Liens, the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement;

(m) any interest or title of a lessor or sublessor under any leases or subleases entered into by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(n) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off

(i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness,

(ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries or

(iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(o) Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provision relating to banker’s liens, rights of set-off or similar rights;

(p) leases or subleases, licenses or sublicenses (including with respect to intellectual property and software) granted to others in the ordinary course of business that do not interfere in any material respect with the business of Holdings, the Borrower and any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

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

 

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(r) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement in respect of any Investment permitted hereunder;

(s) Liens with respect to property or assets of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party securing Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party permitted under Section 6.01;

(t) Liens with respect to property or assets of a Foreign Subsidiary securing Indebtedness of such Foreign Subsidiary permitted under Section 6.01(s);

(u) Liens securing Permitted Ratio Debt; provided such Liens (i) apply only to property or assets of a Foreign Subsidiary or (ii) apply only to the Collateral with any of the priorities set forth in the definition of Permitted Ratio Debt; provided further any such Liens on Collateral are governed by a First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable (or, if neither is applicable, such other intercreditor arrangement as shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower);

(v) the prior rights of consignees and their lenders under consignment arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(w) Liens arising from precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statements;

(x) Liens on Equity Interests of any joint venture or Unrestricted Subsidiary (i) securing obligations of such joint venture or Unrestricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, or (ii) pursuant to the relevant joint venture agreement or arrangement;

(y) Liens on securities that are the subject of repurchase agreements constituting Permitted Investments under clause (d) of the definition thereof;

(z) Liens securing obligations in respect of trade-related letters of credit, trade-related bank guarantees or similar trade-related obligations permitted under Section 6.01(w) and covering the goods (or the documents of title in respect of such goods) financed by such letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar obligations and the proceeds and products thereof;

(aa) Liens securing insurance premium financing arrangements so long as such Liens are limited to the applicable unearned insurance premiums;

(bb) Liens in favor of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that if any such Lien shall cover any Collateral, the holder of such Lien shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a subordination agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(cc) Liens securing obligations permitted under Section 6.01(m) (including Liens created under the ABL Security Documents securing obligations in respect of (i) Specified Hedge Agreements (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement as of the Closing Date) and (ii) Cash Management Obligations (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement as of the Closing Date)), to the extent such Liens are subject to the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement or, in each case, other intercreditor agreement(s) reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and substantially consistent with and no less favorable to the Lenders in any material respect than the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement;

 

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(dd) Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancings, refundings, extensions, renewals, or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien permitted by the foregoing clauses; provided, however, that

(x) such new Lien pursuant to this clause (dd) shall be limited to all or part of the same property (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may include after-acquired property to the extent such after-acquired property would be subject to the existing Lien) that secured the original Lien (plus improvements on and accessions to such property), and

(y) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time pursuant to this clause (dd) is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the applicable Indebtedness at the time the original Lien became a Lien permitted hereunder, plus accrued interest, and (B) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement;

provided further that if any original Lien was subject to an intercreditor agreement with the Administrative Agent, such new Lien shall be subject to an intercreditor agreement substantially consistent with and no less favorable to the Lenders in any material respect than such original intercreditor agreement;

(ee) other Liens securing obligations in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed, at the time of incurrence of such Lien (and after giving effect thereto), the greater of (i) $110.0 million and (ii) 5.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date of such incurrence for which financial statements are available; and

(ff) Liens existing on property at the time of (and not in contemplation of) its acquisition or existing on the property of any person or on Equity Interests of any person, in each case, at the time such person becomes (and not in contemplation of such person becoming) a Restricted Subsidiary (other than by designation as a Restricted Subsidiary), in each case after the Closing Date.

Section 6.03 Sale and Lease-Back Transactions. Enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any person whereby it shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property that it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property being sold or transferred (a “Sale and Lease-Back Transaction”); provided that Sale and Lease-Back Transactions shall be permitted

(a) pursuant to the Sale/Lease-Back Documents,

(b) with respect to property owned (i) by Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries that is acquired after the Closing Date so long as such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction is consummated within 270 days of the acquisition of such property or (ii) by any Foreign Subsidiary of Holdings regardless of when such property was acquired and

(c) so long as at the time of any such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction (and after giving effect thereto), the Remaining Present Value of outstanding leases entered into pursuant to this Section 6.03 shall not exceed the greater of (i) $50.0 million and (ii) 3.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date of such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction for which financial statements are available; provided that the Remaining Present Value of outstanding leases entered into pursuant to this Section 6.03 shall not apply for purposes of calculating permitted Sale and Lease-Back Transactions under this Section 6.03 if the proceeds of the related Sale and Lease-Back Transactions are used to prepay Term Loans or revolving loans under the ABL Credit Agreement or any Incremental ABL Loans (in each case, to the extent commitments in respect thereof are permanently reduced by the amount of such prepayments).

 

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Section 6.04 Investments, Loans and Advances. Purchase, hold or acquire any Investment except:

(a) [reserved];

(b) (i) Investments in Holdings, the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary, or in any person that, as a result of such Investment, becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, Holdings, the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, and

(ii) Guarantees of Indebtedness expressly permitted hereunder;

(c) Permitted Investments and Investments that were Permitted Investments when made;

(d) Investments arising out of the receipt by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries of non-cash consideration for the sale or other disposition of assets permitted under Section 6.05;

(e) loans and advances to officers, directors, managers and employees or consultants of any Parent Entity or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries

(i) not to exceed $15.0 million in the aggregate at any time outstanding (calculated without regard to write downs or write offs thereof),

(ii) in respect of payroll payments and expenses, moving expenses and other similar expenses, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business or

(iii) in connection with the purchase of Equity Interests of any Parent Entity solely to the extent that the amount of such loans and advances shall be contributed to Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in cash as common equity;

(f) accounts receivable, security deposits and prepayments arising and trade credit granted in the ordinary course of business and any assets or securities received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors to the extent reasonably necessary in order to prevent or limit loss and any prepayments and other credits to suppliers made in the ordinary course of business;

(g) Hedge Agreements permitted by Section 6.01(c);

(h) Investments existing on, or contractually committed as of, the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 6.04(h) and any extensions, renewals or reinvestments thereof, so long as the aggregate amount of all Investments pursuant to this clause (h) is not increased at any time above the amount of such Investments existing or committed on the Closing Date (other than pursuant to an increase as required by the terms of any such Investment as in existence on the Closing Date);

(i) Investments resulting from pledges and deposits under the following clauses of Section 6.02: (a), (f), (g), (k), (q), (r) and (ee);

(j) other Investments in an aggregate amount (valued at the time of the making thereof, and without giving effect to any write downs or write offs thereof) not to exceed

 

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(i) at the time of the making of such Investment (and after giving effect thereto) and together with all outstanding Investments pursuant to this Section 6.04(j)(i), the greater of (A) $200.0 million and (B) 9.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date of such Investment for which financial statements are available (plus, without duplication of the last paragraph of this Section 6.04, any returns of capital actually received by the respective investor in respect of Investments theretofore made by it pursuant to this clause (j)(i)) plus

(ii) so long as no Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as of the making of such Investment, the portion, if any, of the Available Amount on the date of such election that the Borrower elects to apply to this Section 6.04(j)(ii);

(k) Investments constituting Permitted Business Acquisitions;

(l) intercompany loans among Foreign Subsidiaries and Guarantees by Foreign Subsidiaries permitted by Section 6.01(n);

(m) Investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with or judgments against, customers and suppliers, in each case, in the ordinary course of business and Investments acquired as a result of a foreclosure by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investments or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;

(n) Investments of a Subsidiary of Holdings acquired after the Closing Date or of an entity merged into, or consolidated or amalgamated with, Holdings, the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date, in each case,

(i) to the extent permitted under this Section 6.04,

(ii) in the case of any acquisition, merger, consolidation or amalgamation, in accordance with Section 6.05, and

(iii) to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger, consolidation or amalgamation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger, consolidation or amalgamation;

(o) acquisitions of obligations of one or more directors, officers, managers or other employees of any Parent Entity, the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such director’s, officer’s, manager’s or employee’s acquisition of Equity Interests of any Parent Entity, so long as no cash is actually advanced by the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries to such directors, officers, managers or employees in connection with the acquisition of any such obligations;

(p) Guarantees of operating leases (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding Finance Lease Obligations) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case, entered into by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(q) Investments to the extent that payment for such Investments is made with Equity Interests of any Parent Entity;

(r) Investments consisting of the redemption, purchase, repurchase or retirement of any Equity Interests permitted under Section 6.06;

(s) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of Uniform Commercial Code Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and Uniform Commercial Code Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;

 

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(t) Guarantees permitted under Section 6.01 (except to the extent such Guarantee is expressly subject to Section 6.04);

(u) advances in the form of a prepayment of expenses, so long as such expenses are being paid in accordance with customary trade terms of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries;

(v) Investments, including loans and advances, to any Parent Entity so long as Holdings, Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries would otherwise be permitted to make a Restricted Payment in such amount; provided that the amount of any such Investment shall also be deemed to be a Restricted Payment under the appropriate clause of Section 6.06 for all purposes of this Agreement;

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

(x) purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, materials and equipment or purchases of contract rights or licenses or leases of intellectual property in each case in the ordinary course of business, to the extent such purchases and acquisitions constitute Investments;

(y) Investments received substantially contemporaneously in exchange for Equity Interests of any Parent Entity;

(z) Investments in

(i) joint ventures and Unrestricted Subsidiaries,

(ii) the Equity Interests of one or more newly formed persons that are received in consideration of the contribution by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries of assets (including Equity Interests and cash) to such person or persons and

(iii) Foreign Subsidiaries,

in each case, valued at the fair market value of such Investment at the time such Investment is made, in the aggregate at any time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (x) $90.0 million and (y) 4.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date of such Investment for which financial statements are available (calculated without regard to write downs or write offs thereof); provided that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (z) is made in any person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary at the date of the making of such Investment and such person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after such date pursuant to another Investment (including a Subsidiary Redesignation) the amount of which, when taken together with the amount of the prior Investment, would be permitted under another provision of this Section 6.04, any Investment in such person outstanding under this Section 6.04(z) shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to such other provision and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (z) for so long as such person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;

(aa) Investments in assets useful in the business of Holdings, the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries made with Below Threshold Asset Sale Proceeds; provided, that if the underlying Asset Sale or Recovery Event was with respect to Holdings or a Subsidiary Loan Party, then such Investment shall be consummated by a Subsidiary Loan Party;

(bb) any Investment, so long as, after giving effect to such Investment on a Pro Forma Basis, the Total Net Leverage Ratio is no greater than 4.25:1.00; and

 

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(cc) Investments in the Term Loans, the ABL Loans and other Permitted Indebtedness of Holdings, the Borrower, in each case to the extent such purchases or repurchases are not otherwise prohibited hereunder;

The amount of any Investment at any time shall be the amount of cash and the fair market value of other property actually invested (measured at the option of the Borrower, either (x) at the time made or (y) to the extent an LCE Election has been made with respect to such Investment, as of the date that any applicable definitive agreement with respect to such Investment is entered into), without adjustment for subsequent changes in the value of such Investment, net of any return, whether a return of capital, interest, dividend or otherwise, with respect to such Investment. To the extent any Investment in any person is made in compliance with this Section 6.04 in reliance on a category above that is subject to a Dollar-denominated restriction on the making of Investments and, subsequently, such person returns to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary all or any portion of such Investment (in the form of a dividend, distribution, liquidation or otherwise, but excluding intercompany Indebtedness), such return shall be deemed to be credited to the Dollar-denominated category against which the Investment is then charged. To the extent the category subject to a Dollar-denominated restriction is also subject to a percentage of Consolidated Total Assets restriction which, at the date of determination, produces a numerical restriction that is greater than such Dollar amount, then such Dollar equivalent shall be deemed to be substituted in lieu of the corresponding Dollar amount in the foregoing sentence for purposes of determining such credit.

Section 6.05 Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions. Merge into, or consolidate or amalgamate with, any other person, or permit any other person to merge into or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or any part of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or issue, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) all or any substantial part of the assets of any other person or any division, unit or business of any other person (including, in each case, pursuant to a Division), except that this Section 6.05 shall not prohibit:

(a) (i) the purchase and sale of inventory or equipment in the ordinary course of business,

(ii) the acquisition or lease (pursuant to an operating lease) of any other asset in the ordinary course of business,

(iii) the disposition of surplus, obsolete, damaged or worn out equipment or other property in the ordinary course of business or

(iv) the disposition of Permitted Investments;

(b) if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom,

(i) the merger, consolidation or amalgamation of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Borrower) into (or with) Holdings or the Borrower in a transaction in which Holdings or the Borrower (as applicable) is the survivor,

(ii) the merger, consolidation or amalgamation of any Restricted Subsidiary into or with any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower (or person that will become a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower) that is or will become, substantially contemporaneously with the closing of the relevant transaction, a Subsidiary Loan Party in a transaction in which the surviving or resulting entity is a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings that is or becomes a Subsidiary Loan Party,

 

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(iii) the merger, consolidation or amalgamation of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party into or with any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party,

(iv) the liquidation or dissolution or change in form of entity of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Holdings or the Borrower) if the Borrower or any Parent Entity on behalf of the Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation, dissolution or change in form is in the best interests of the Borrower and (with respect to any liquidation or dissolution of a Loan Party, to the extent the residual assets of such Loan Party or proceeds thereof are not transferred to another Loan Party) is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders or

(v) the merger, consolidation or amalgamation of any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings (other than the Borrower) with or into any other person in order to effect an Investment permitted under Section 6.04 so long as the continuing or surviving person shall be or become a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a Subsidiary Loan Party if the merging, consolidating or amalgamating Restricted Subsidiary was a Loan Party and which, together with each of its Restricted Subsidiaries, shall have complied with the requirements of Section 5.10;

(c) sales, transfers, leases or other dispositions to Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise); provided that any sales, transfers, leases or other dispositions by a Loan Party to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in reliance on this clause (c) shall be made in compliance with Section 6.07 and the aggregate gross proceeds (including non-cash proceeds) of any and all assets sold, leased, transferred or leased shall not in the aggregate exceed, as of the date of any such disposition (and after giving effect thereto), in any fiscal year of Holdings, the greater of (i) $20.0 million and (ii) 1.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date of such sale, transfer or other disposition for which financial statements are available;

(d) Sale and Lease-Back Transactions permitted by Section 6.03;

(e) Investments permitted by Section 6.04, Permitted Liens and Restricted Payments permitted by Section 6.06;

(f) Dispositions of Investments in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to, contractual buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding arrangements;

(g) Transfers of property subject to casualty, eminent domain or condemnation proceedings (including in lieu thereof);

(h) the sale, lease, sublease, license, sublicense, consignment, conveyance or other disposition of equipment, inventory or other assets (including leasehold interests in real property) with respect to facilities that are temporarily not in use, held for sale or closed;

(i) sales of non-core assets acquired in connection with an acquisition permitted hereunder and sales of real estate assets acquired in an acquisition permitted hereunder which, in each case, within 90 days of the date of the acquisition, are designated in writing to the Administrative Agent as being held for sale and not for the continued operation of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries or any of their respective businesses;

(j) terminations of Hedge Agreements;

(k) sales or dispositions of Equity Interests of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

 

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(l) (i) licensing and cross-licensing arrangements involving any technology, intellectual property or intellectual property rights of Holdings, the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business, other than any such exclusive licensing arrangement that prevents Holdings, the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary from conducting its business in any material respect, and

(ii) the sale, disposal, abandonment, cancellation or lapse of intellectual property rights, or any issuances or registrations, or applications for issuances or registrations, of any intellectual property rights, which, in the reasonable good faith determination of Holdings, the Borrower or any Parent Entity on behalf of the Borrower, are uneconomical, negligible, or not material to the conduct of the business of Holdings, the Borrower or the other Restricted Subsidiaries;

(m) the sale of defaulted receivables in the ordinary course of business and not as part of an accounts receivables financing transaction;

(n) sales, transfers or other dispositions of assets not otherwise permitted by this Section 6.05; provided that

(i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom (or, in the case of a sale, transfer, or other disposition made pursuant to a legally binding commitment, no Event of Default existed or would result therefrom at the time of entry into such commitment),

(ii) with respect to any sale, transfer or other disposition pursuant to this clause (n) for a purchase price in excess of the greater of (A) $45.0 million and (B) 2.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date of such sale, transfer or other disposition for which financial statements are available, at least 75.0% of the consideration therefor shall be in the form of cash and cash equivalents and

(iii) such sale, transfer or disposition shall be made for fair value (as determined by Holdings in good faith);

provided, further, that

(i) any liabilities (as shown on the most recent Required Financial Statements or in the notes thereto) of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Obligations, that are assumed by the transferee with respect to the applicable disposition and for which Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall have been validly released by all applicable creditors in writing,

(ii) any securities received by Holdings or its Subsidiaries from such transferee that are converted by Holdings or such Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received) within 180 days following the closing of the applicable disposition and

(iii) any Designated Non-Cash Consideration received in respect of such disposition having an aggregate fair market value as determined by the Borrower in good faith, taken together with all other Designated Non-Cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (iii) that is then outstanding, shall not exceed the greater of (x) $45.0 million and (y) 2.0% of Consolidated Total Assets (measured at the time such Designated Non-Cash Consideration is received and on a Pro Forma Basis), with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-Cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value, shall be deemed for purposes of this clause (n) to be cash

 

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(this clause (n), the “General Asset Sale Basket”);

(o) Permitted Business Acquisitions (including any merger, consolidation or amalgamation in order to effect a Permitted Business Acquisition); provided that following any such merger, consolidation or amalgamation involving Holdings or the Borrower, Holdings or the Borrower (as applicable) shall be the surviving entity;

(p) leases, licenses, or subleases or sublicenses of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;

(q) sales, leases or other dispositions of inventory of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries determined by the management of Holdings to be no longer useful or necessary in the operation of the business of Holdings or such Subsidiary;

(r) any exchange or swap, including transactions covered by Section 1031 of the Code, of assets for services or other assets of comparable or greater value; provided that

(i) no Event of Default shall exist or would result therefrom and

(ii) in the event of an exchange or swap with a fair market value in excess of $15.0 million, such exchange or swap shall have been approved by at least a majority of the Governing Persons of the Borrower or any Parent Entity on behalf of the Borrower;

(s) (i) termination of leases in the ordinary course of business,

(ii) the expiration of any option agreement in respect of real or personal property and

(iii) any surrender or waiver of contractual rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contractual rights or other litigation claims in the ordinary course of business; and

(t) sales, transfers or other dispositions of any property or asset with a fair market value not to exceed with respect to any transaction the greater of (i) $20.0 million and (ii) 1.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date of such sale, transfer or other disposition for which financial statements are available.

To the extent any Collateral is disposed of in a transaction expressly permitted by this Section 6.05 to any Person other than a Loan Party, such Collateral shall be sold free and clear of the Liens created by the Loan Documents, and the Administrative Agent shall take, and shall be authorized by each Lender to take, any actions reasonably requested by the Borrower in order to effect the foregoing, in each case, in accordance with Section 9.18.

Section 6.06 Restricted Payments. Declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution (by reduction of capital or otherwise), directly or indirectly, whether in cash, property, securities or a combination thereof, with respect to any of its Equity Interests (other than dividends and distributions on Equity Interests payable solely by the issuance of additional Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the person paying such dividends or distributions) or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase, retire or otherwise acquire for value any of its Equity Interests or set aside any amount for any such purpose (other than through the issuance of additional Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the person redeeming, purchasing, retiring or acquiring such shares) (the foregoing, “Restricted Payments”) other than:

 

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(a) Restricted Payments to Holdings, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of Holdings (or, in the case of non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, to Holdings and to each other owner of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary on a pro rata basis (or more favorable basis from the perspective of Holdings, the Borrower or such Subsidiary) based on their relative ownership interests so long as any repurchase of its Equity Interests from a person that is not Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings is permitted under Section 6.04);

(b) Restricted Payments to permit any Parent Entity to

(i) pay operating, overhead, legal, accounting and other professional fees and expenses (including directors’ fees and expenses and administrative, legal, accounting, filings and similar expenses),

(ii) pay fees and expenses related to any public offering or private placement of debt or equity securities of any Parent Entity whether or not consummated or any Investment permitted hereunder,

(iii) pay fees, non-income taxes and expenses, in each case, in connection with any Parent Entity’s ownership of any Subsidiary or the maintenance of its legal existence,

(iv) make payments permitted by Section 6.07 (other than Section 6.07(g)) or

(v) pay customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, officers and employees of any Parent Entity, in each case, in order to permit such Parent Entity to make such payments;

(c) (i) Restricted Payments to any Parent Entity that files, or to any Parent Entity for the purpose of paying to any other Parent Entity that files, a consolidated U.S. federal or combined or unitary state tax return that includes Holdings and its Subsidiaries (or the taxable income thereof), in each case, to the extent income taxes reportable on such return are attributable to Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in an amount not to exceed the amount that Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries would have been required to pay in respect of U.S. federal, state or local taxes (as the case may be) in respect of such fiscal year if Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries paid such taxes directly as a stand-alone taxpayer (or stand-alone group); and

(ii) to the extent of amounts paid by Unrestricted Subsidiaries to Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries (unless (A) such cash distribution by an Unrestricted Subsidiary is prohibited or restricted by any law, (B) the Borrower is unable to obtain, through commercially reasonable efforts, any required consent, approval or authorization of any Governmental Authority for such cash distribution, or (C) such cash distribution is prohibited by any contractual obligation or the terms of any security that the Borrower, through commercially reasonable efforts, is unable to avoid), Restricted Payments to any Parent Entity necessary to pay the tax liabilities of Unrestricted Subsidiaries or of any Parent Entity attributable to Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

(d) Restricted Payments to any Parent Entity the proceeds of which are used to purchase or redeem, or to any Parent Entity for the purpose of paying to any other Parent Entity to purchase or redeem, the Equity Interests of such Parent Entity (including related stock appreciation rights or similar securities) held by then present or former directors, consultants, officers or employees of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, their respective estates or family members, or by any Plan or any shareholders’ agreement then in effect upon such person’s death, disability, retirement or termination of employment or under the terms of any such Plan or any other agreement under which such shares of stock or related rights were issued; provided that the aggregate amount of such purchases or redemptions under this clause (d) shall not exceed

(i) $25.0 million in the aggregate in any fiscal year of Holdings (with any unused amounts in any fiscal year being carried over to the immediately succeeding fiscal year) plus

 

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(ii) the amount of Net Cash Proceeds (other than amounts included in the Available Amount, amounts used for purposes of Section 6.01(aa) or Section 6.09(b)(i)(3) or used to fund charges, expenses, accruals or reserves in accordance with clause (l) of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income” or Otherwise Applied) contributed to the Borrower or Holdings that were received by any Parent Entity during such fiscal year from sales of Equity Interests of any Parent Entity to directors, managers, consultants, officers or employees of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with permitted employee compensation and incentive arrangements, plus

(iii) the amount of net proceeds of any key man life insurance policies received during such calendar year plus

(iv) the amount of any bona fide cash bonuses otherwise payable to members of management, directors or consultants of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions that are foregone in return for the receipt of Equity Interests, the fair market value of which is equal to or less than the amount of such cash bonuses, which, if not used in any year, may be carried forward to any subsequent fiscal year;

provided, further, that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries from any future, present or former employees, directors, managers or consultants (or any of their respective estates or family members) of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of any Parent Entity will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this Section 6.06;

(e) non-cash repurchases of Equity Interests of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;

(f) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments (the proceeds of which may be utilized by Holdings to make additional Restricted Payments) in an aggregate amount not to exceed the sum of,

(i) the greater of (A) $90 million and (B) 5% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date of such Restricted Payment for which financial statements are available; and

(ii) so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result from such Restricted Payment, the Available Amount at such time;

(g) [reserved];

(h) Restricted Payments to allow any Parent Entity to make, or to any Parent Entity for the purpose of paying to any other Parent Entity to make, payments in cash, in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares, upon the exercise of warrants or upon the conversion or exchange of Equity Interests of any such person; provided that any such payment is not for the purpose of evading the limitations of this Section 6.06;

(i) after a Qualified IPO, Restricted Payments to any Parent Entity in an amount equal to the sum of (x) 6.0% per annum of the net cash proceeds received from any public offering of the Equity Interests of Holdings or any Parent Entity that are contributed to or received by Holdings or the Borrower plus (y) 6.0% of market capitalization (calculated based on the average closing price per share of the common equity interests of the Borrower, Holdings or Parent Entity, as applicable, for the 30 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of declaration of the Restricted Payment (it being understood that with respect to market capitalization based on the closing price per share of the common equity interests of a Parent Entity, such calculation shall be adjusted by the Borrower in good faith to reflect the portion of such market capitalization attributable to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries)), so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred or is continuing;

 

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(j) Restricted Payments to any Parent Entity to finance, or to any Parent Entity for the purpose of paying to any other Parent Entity to finance, any Investment permitted to be made pursuant to Section 6.04; provided that

(i) such Restricted Payment shall be made substantially concurrently with the closing of such Investment and

(ii) such Parent Entity shall, immediately following the closing thereof, cause

(A) all property acquired (whether assets or Equity Interests) to be contributed to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or

(B) the merger, consolidation or amalgamation (to the extent permitted by Section 6.05) of the person formed or acquired into the Borrower or any other Subsidiary in order to consummate such Permitted Business Acquisition or Investment,

in each case, in accordance with the requirements of Section 5.10;

(k) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Restricted Payments to any Parent Entity not to exceed

(i) $2.0 million in any fiscal year to pay, or to any Parent Entity for the purpose of paying to any other Parent Entity to pay, monitoring, consulting, management, transaction, advisory, termination or similar fees payable to a Sponsor or any Sponsor Affiliate in accordance with the terms of any management or similar agreement with terms reasonably consistent with the terms of similar agreements entered into by similar financial sponsors and portfolio companies as determined in good faith by the Borrower or any Parent Entity on behalf of the Borrower at the time such management or similar agreement is entered into by the Sponsors and the Borrower (or, in the case of Teachers, distributions and dividends paid to Teachers to approximate management fees and transaction and advisory fees) (it being understood that any amounts that are not paid due to the existence of an Event of Default shall accrue and may be paid when the applicable Event of Default ceases to exist or is otherwise waived) and

(ii) indemnities, reimbursements and reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses of a Sponsor or any Sponsor Affiliate in connection therewith; provided that with respect to this clause (ii), such payments shall be on terms reasonably consistent with arrangements entered into between similar financial sponsors and portfolio companies as determined in good faith by the Borrower or any Parent Entity on behalf of the Borrower;

(l) Restricted Payments in an amount sufficient to make, to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 6.09(b), scheduled payments of interest on, prepayments of, or other payments in respect of, any Junior Financing;

(m) Restricted Payments required by the terms of agreements as in effect on the Closing Date (or as amended, to the extent such amendment is not adverse to the Lenders in any material respect) and listed on Schedule 6.06(m);

(n) any Restricted Payment, so long as, (i) after giving effect to such Restricted Payment on a Pro Forma Basis the Total Net Leverage Ratio is no greater than 4.25:1.00 and (ii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and

 

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(o) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, payments to a Sponsor or any Sponsor Affiliate for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking or transaction advisory activities, including in connection with

(i) the Transactions, acquisitions or divestitures, which payments are approved by the majority of the Governing Persons of the Borrower or any Parent Entity on behalf of the Borrower, in good faith and

(ii) distributions and dividends paid to Teachers to approximate management fees and transaction and advisory fees;

provided that such payments shall be on terms reasonably consistent with arrangements entered into between similar financial sponsors and portfolio companies as determined in good faith by the Borrower or any Parent Entity on behalf of the Borrower.

The amount set forth in Section 6.01(f) may, in lieu of Restricted Payments, be utilized by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to (i) make or hold any Investments without regard to Section 6.04 or (ii) prepay, repay redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof any Junior Financing without regard to Section 6.09.

The amount of any Restricted Payment at any time shall be the amount of cash and the fair market value of other property subject to the Restricted Payment at the time such Restricted Payment is made.

Section 6.07 Transactions with Affiliates. Sell or transfer any property or assets to, or purchase or acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transaction with, any of its Affiliates in a transaction involving aggregate consideration in excess of $10.0 million, unless such transaction is (i) otherwise permitted (or required) under this Agreement or (ii) upon terms not materially less favorable to Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries, as applicable, than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a person that is not an Affiliate, as determined by Holdings in good faith, except that this Section 6.07 shall not prohibit:

(a) any issuance of securities, or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, equity purchase agreements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the Governing Persons of the Borrower or any Parent Entity;

(b) loans or advances to directors, officers, managers, employees or consultants of any Parent Entity, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in accordance with Section 6.04(e);

(c) transactions between or among Holdings, the Borrower and any other Restricted Subsidiary or any entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction (including via merger, consolidation or amalgamation in which a Loan Party is the surviving entity);

(d) the payment of fees, customary benefits, reasonable out of pocket costs and indemnities to directors, officers, consultants and employees of a Parent Entity, the Borrower or any of the other Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business (limited, in the case of any Parent Entity, to the portion of such fees and expenses that are allocable to Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries (which shall be 100% for so long as such Parent Entity owns no assets other than, directly or indirectly, the Equity Interests in Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries and assets incidental to the ownership of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries));

(e) [Reserved]

 

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(f) (i) any employment agreements entered into by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business,

(ii) any subscription agreement or similar agreement pertaining to the repurchase of Equity Interests pursuant to put/call rights or similar rights with employees, officers or directors and

(iii) any employee compensation, benefit plan or arrangement, any health, disability or similar insurance plan which covers employees, and any reasonable employment contract and transactions pursuant thereto;

(g) Investments permitted under Section 6.04, Restricted Payments permitted under Section 6.06, including payments to any Parent Entity;

(h) any purchase by Parent Entity or its Subsidiaries of the Equity Interests of any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary; provided that any Equity Interests of any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary purchased by such Parent Entity shall be pledged to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders pursuant to the Collateral Agreement;

(i) so long as no Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any agreement to pay, and the payment of, monitoring, consulting, management, transaction, advisory, termination or similar fees payable to a Sponsor or any Sponsor Affiliate pursuant to a management agreement or another similar or related agreement entered into with a Sponsor or any Sponsor Affiliate, which agreement has terms reasonably consistent with the terms of similar agreements entered into by similar financial sponsors and portfolio companies as determined in good faith by the Borrower or any Parent Entity on behalf of the Borrower at the time such management or similar agreement is entered into (or, in the case of Teachers, distributions and dividends paid to Teachers to approximate management fees and transaction and advisory fees), provided that amounts paid pursuant to this Section 6.07 shall not exceed $2.0 million in any fiscal year, and provided, further, that to the extent any such fees are not paid due to the occurrence of a Specified Event of Default, such fees shall accrue during the continuance of such Specified Event of Default and paid immediately upon the cure, cessation or waiver of such Specified Event of Default;

(j) [Reserved];

(k) any transaction in respect of which the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent (for delivery to the Lenders) a letter addressed to the Governing Persons of Holdings or the Borrower from an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm, in each case, of nationally recognized standing which letter states that such transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to Holdings or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a person that is not an Affiliate or is fair from a financial point of view;

(l) subject to clause (i) of this Section 6.07, the payment of all fees, expenses, bonuses and awards related to the Transactions, including fees to a Sponsor or any Sponsor Affiliate;

(m) transactions with a joint venture, partnership, limited liability company or other entity for the purchase or sale of goods, equipment and services entered into in the ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice;

(n) the issuance, sale or transfer of Equity Interests of Holdings or the Borrower to any Parent Entity and capital contributions by any Parent Entity to Holdings or the Borrower;

(o) the issuance of Equity Interests to the management of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions;

 

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(p) payments by Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to tax sharing agreements among Holdings and any of the Restricted Subsidiaries on customary terms that require each party to make payments when such taxes are due or refunds received of amounts equal to the income tax liabilities and refunds generated by each such party calculated on a separate return basis, and payments to the party generating tax benefits and credits of amounts equal to the value of such tax benefits and credits made available to the group by such party;

(q) payments or loans (or cancellation of loans) to employees, directors, officers or consultants that are (i) approved by a majority of the Governing Persons (excluding any interested persons) of Holdings or the Borrower, in good faith, (ii) made in compliance with applicable law and (iii) otherwise permitted under this Agreement;

(r) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers, or purchasers or sellers or licensors or licensees of goods or services, licenses or sublicenses of intellectual property or lease or sublease of assets, in each case, in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Agreement that are fair to Holdings and its Subsidiaries;

(s) transactions between or among Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries and any person, a director of which is also a director of the Borrower or any Parent Entity, so long as (i) such director abstains from voting as a director of the Borrower or such Parent Entity, as the case may be, on any matter involving such other person and (ii) such person is not an Affiliate of the Borrower for any reason other than such director’s acting in such capacity;

(t) transactions permitted by, and complying with, the provisions of Section 6.05; and

(u) intercompany transactions undertaken in good faith (as certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower) for the purpose of improving the consolidated tax efficiency of Holdings and its Subsidiaries and not for the purpose of circumventing any covenant set forth herein.

Section 6.08 Business of Borrower.

Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, engage at any time in any business or business activity other than any business or business activity conducted by the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary on the Closing Date and any similar, corollary, related, incidental or complementary businesses or business activities or a reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof or ancillary thereto.

Section 6.09 Limitation on Payments and Modifications of Indebtedness; Modifications of Certificate of Incorporation, By Laws and Certain Other Agreements; etc.

(a) Amend or modify in any manner materially adverse to the Lenders or the Administrative Agent, or grant any waiver or release under or terminate in any manner (if such granting or termination shall be materially adverse to the Lenders), the articles or certificate of incorporation (or similar document), by-laws, limited liability company operating agreement, partnership agreement or other organizational documents of any Loan Party.

(b) (i) Make, or agree or offer in writing to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any payment or other distribution (other than any consent or amendment fee) in cash prior to the date that is one year before the scheduled maturity in respect of any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred hereunder that is subordinated in right of payment of the Obligations (“Junior Financing”) or any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination in respect of such Junior Financing except for

 

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(1) the incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof,

(2) payments of regularly scheduled principal and interest, mandatory offers to repay, mandatory prepayments of principal, premium and interest and payments of fees, expenses and indemnification obligations with respect to such Junior Financing,

(3) payments or distributions in respect of all or any portion of such Junior Financing with the proceeds (other than any proceeds included in the Available Amount, used in connection with Section 6.01(aa) or Section 6.06(d) or used to fund charges, expenses, accruals or reserves in accordance with clause (l) of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income”) contributed directly or indirectly to the Borrower or Holdings by any Parent Entity from the issuance, sale or exchange by any Parent Entity of Equity Interests made within 18 months prior thereto,

(4) the conversion of any such Junior Financing to Equity Interests of any Parent Entity (without duplication of amounts included in the Available Amount or Otherwise Applied),

(5) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any payment that is intended to prevent such Junior Financing or any Term Facility from being treated as an “applicable high yield discount obligation” within the meaning of Section 163(i)(1) of the Code,

(6) so long as no Event of Default pursuant to Section 7.01(h) or 7.01(i) has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, payments or distributions in respect of Junior Financings made with the portion, if any, of the Available Amount that the Borrower elects to apply to this Section 6.09(b)(i),

(7) any payment, so long as (x) the Total Net Leverage Ratio does not exceed 4.25 to 1.00 or (y) the Interest Coverage Ratio is 2.00 to 1.00 or greater, and

(8) otherwise in an amount up to the greater of (A) $45.0 million and (B) 2.0% of Consolidated Total Assets; or

(ii) amend or modify, or permit the amendment or modification of, any provision of any Junior Financing or any agreement, document or instrument evidencing or relating thereto, other than amendments or modifications that (A) are not materially adverse to the Lenders (as reasonably determined by the Borrower) or (B) otherwise comply with the definition of “Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness”.

(c) Permit any Restricted Subsidiary to enter into any agreement or instrument that by its terms restricts (1) the payment of dividends or distributions or the making of cash advances to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that is a direct or indirect parent of such Restricted Subsidiary or (2) the granting of Liens by the Borrower or such other Restricted Subsidiary permitted pursuant to Section 6.02 and pursuant to the Security Documents, in each case other than those arising under any Loan Document, except, in each case, restrictions existing by reason of:

(i) restrictions imposed by applicable law;

(ii) contractual encumbrances or restrictions

(A) under the ABL Loan Documents,

 

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(B) under the definitive documentation evidencing any Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness or Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness (as defined in each of the ABL Credit Agreement),

(C) under Indebtedness created under Incremental Facilities, Incremental Equivalent Debt, Indebtedness created under Incremental Facilities (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(b) or Indebtedness secured by a Lien permitted under Section 6.02(u) or 6.02(ee) and

(D) under any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing or any agreements related to any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any such Indebtedness that does not expand the scope of any such encumbrance or restriction;

(iii) any restriction on a Restricted Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of the Equity Interests or assets of a Restricted Subsidiary pending the closing of such sale or disposition;

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

(v) any restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness;

(vi) any restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Sections 6.01(i), (j), (l), (n), (r), (s) or (aa) or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof;

(vii) customary provisions contained in leases or licenses of intellectual property and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(viii) customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest;

(ix) customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement or any rights thereunder, in each case, entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(x) customary restrictions and conditions contained in any agreement relating to the sale, transfer or other disposition of any asset permitted under Section 6.05 pending the consummation of such sale, transfer or other disposition;

(xi) customary restrictions and conditions contained in the document relating to any Lien, so long as (1) such Lien is a Permitted Lien and such restrictions or conditions relate only to the specific asset subject to such Lien and (2) such restrictions and conditions are not created for the purpose of avoiding the restrictions imposed by this Section 6.09;

(xii) customary net worth provisions contained in Real Property leases entered into by Restricted Subsidiaries, so long as the Borrower or any Parent Entity on behalf of the Borrower has determined in good faith that such net worth provisions would not reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the Borrower and the other Restricted Subsidiaries to meet their ongoing obligations;

 

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(xiii) any agreement in effect at the time any person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, so long as such agreement was not entered into in contemplation of such person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary;

(xiv) restrictions in agreements representing Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party;

(xv) customary restrictions on leases, subleases, licenses or Equity Interests or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted hereby as long as such restrictions relate to the Equity Interests and assets subject thereto;

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

(xvii) any encumbrances or restrictions of the type referred to in Section 6.09(c)(1) and Section 6.09(c)(2) imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (i) through (xvi) above, so long as such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Borrower or any Parent Entity on behalf of the Borrower, no more restrictive in any material respect with respect to or such Lien, dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the Lien, dividend or other payment restrictions prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing.

ARTICLE VII.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

Section 7.01 Events of Default. In case of the happening of any of the following events (each, an “Event of Default”):

(a) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by Holdings, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary Loan Party herein or in any other Loan Document or any certificate or document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall prove to have been false or misleading in any material respect when so made or deemed made; and in the case of any representation and warranty made or deemed made after the Closing Date and to the extent capable of being cured, such representation or warranty shall remain untrue (in any material respect or in any respect, as applicable) for a period of thirty days after written notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower;

(b) default shall be made in the payment of any principal of any Term Loan when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof, at a date fixed for prepayment thereof, by acceleration thereof or otherwise;

(c) default shall be made in the payment of any interest on any Term Loan or in the payment of any Fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (b) of this Section 7.01) due under any Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of ten Business Days;

(d) default shall be made in the due observance or performance by Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party of any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.01(a), Section 5.05(a) or Section 5.08 or in Article VI (in each case solely to the extent applicable to such person);

 

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(e) default shall be made in the due observance or performance by Holdings, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary Loan Party of any covenant, condition or agreement contained in any Loan Document (other than those specified in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of this Section 7.01) (in each case solely to the extent applicable to such person) and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower;

(f) (i) any event or condition shall occur that (A) results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or (B) enables or permits (after all applicable grace periods have actually expired) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity or

(ii) Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall fail to pay the principal of any Material Indebtedness at the stated final maturity thereof;

provided that this clause (f) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness if such sale or transfer is permitted hereunder and under the documents providing for such Indebtedness; provided, further, that the failure to observe or perform the financial maintenance covenant under the ABL Credit Agreement (a “Financial Covenant Default”) shall not in and of itself constitute an Event of Default hereunder until the earlier of (1) 60 days following the date of such Financial Covenant Default and (2) the date on which the lenders under the ABL Credit Agreement shall have accelerated payment of the ABL Obligations and terminated the ABL Commitments or foreclosed upon the ABL Priority Collateral; and provided, further, that prior to the time it becomes an Event of Default hereunder, any Financial Covenant Default may be waived, amended, terminated or otherwise modified or cured from time to time by the Borrower and the Required Lenders (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) and then shall not constitute an Event of Default hereunder;

(g) a Change in Control shall have occurred;

(h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking

(i) relief in respect of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Material Subsidiaries, or of a substantial part of the property or assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary, under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or any other federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law,

(ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Holdings, the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the property or assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or

(iii) the winding up or liquidation of Holdings, the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary (except, in the case of any Material Subsidiary, in a transaction permitted by Section 6.05) and such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

(i) Holdings, the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary shall

(i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or any other federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law,

(ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or the filing of any petition described in clause (h) of this Section 7.01,

 

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(iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Holdings, the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the property or assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary,

(iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding,

(v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or

(vi) become unable or admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;

(j) the failure by the Borrower or any other Material Subsidiary to pay one or more final judgments aggregating in excess of the greater of (x) $45.0 million and (y) 2.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately for which financial statements are available (to the extent not covered by insurance and which are not vacated, discharged, effectively waived or stayed or bonded pending appeal within 30 days from entry thereof), or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to levy upon assets or properties of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary Loan Party to enforce any such judgment;

(k) (i) a trustee shall be appointed by a United States district court to administer any Plan,

(ii) an ERISA Event or ERISA Events shall have occurred with respect to any Plan or Multiemployer Plan,

(iii) the PBGC shall institute proceedings (including giving notice of intent thereof) to terminate any Plan or Plans,

(iv) Holdings, the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate shall have been notified by the sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan that such Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization (within the meaning of Section 4242 of ERISA), is being terminated, is insolvent (within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA) or is in endangered or critical status (within the meaning of Section 305 of ERISA) or

(v) Holdings, the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary shall engage in any “prohibited transaction” (as defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) involving any Plan (other than any “prohibited transaction” for which a statutory or administrative exemption is available)

and, in each case, with respect to clauses (i) through (v) above, such event or condition, together with all other such events or conditions, if any, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

(l) (i) any material provision of any Loan Document shall cease to be, or be asserted in writing by Holdings, the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary not to be, for any reason, a legal, valid and binding obligation of any party thereto,

(ii) any security interest purported to be created by any Security Document and to extend to assets that are not immaterial to Holdings, the Borrower and the other Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis shall cease to be, or shall be asserted in writing by the Borrower or any other Loan Party not to be, a valid and perfected security interest (perfected as or having the priority required by this Agreement or the relevant Security Document and subject to such limitations and restrictions as are set forth herein and therein) in the securities, assets or properties covered thereby, except to the extent that any such loss of perfection or priority results from the limitations of

 

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foreign laws, rules and regulations as they apply to pledges of Equity Interests in Foreign Subsidiaries or the application thereof, or from the failure of the Administrative Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to it representing securities pledged under a Security Document or to file Uniform Commercial Code continuation statements or take the actions described on Schedule 3.04 and except to the extent that such loss is covered by a lender’s title insurance policy and the Administrative Agent shall be reasonably satisfied with the credit of such insurer or

(iii) the Guarantees pursuant to the Security Documents by any Loan Party of any of the Obligations shall cease to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms thereof) or shall be asserted in writing by Holdings, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary Loan Party not to be in effect or not to be legal, valid and binding obligations;

then,

(i) in every such event (other than an event with respect to Holdings or the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Section 7.01), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, shall, by notice to the Borrower, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times:

(A) declare the Term Loans then outstanding to be forthwith due and payable in whole or in part, whereupon the principal of the Term Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and any unpaid accrued Fees and all other liabilities of the Borrower accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Document, shall become forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, anything contained herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding;

(B) exercise all rights and remedies granted to it under any Loan Document and all of its rights under any other applicable law or in equity, and

(ii) in any event with respect to Holdings or the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Section 7.01, the principal of the Term Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and any unpaid accrued Fees and all other liabilities of the Borrower accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Document, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, anything contained herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, with respect to any Default or Event of Default, the words “exists,” “is continuing” or similar expressions with respect thereto shall mean that the Default or Event of Default has occurred and has not yet been cured or waived; provided that, any court of competent jurisdiction may (x) extend or stay any grace period prior to when any actual or alleged Default becomes an actual or alleged Event of Default or (y) stay the exercise of remedies by any Administrative Agent upon the occurrence of an actual or alleged Event of Default, in each case, in accordance with the requirements of applicable law. If any Default or Event of Default occurs due to:

(i) the failure by any Loan Party to take any action by a specified time, such Default or Event of Default shall be deemed to have been cured at the time, if any, that the applicable Loan Party takes such action;

(ii) the failure by the Borrower to provide notice thereof pursuant to Section 5.05, such Default or Event of Default shall be deemed to have been cured upon the Borrower’s delivery of such notice; or

 

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(iii) the taking of any action by any Loan Party that is not then permitted by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, such Default or Event of Default shall be deemed to be cured on the earlier to occur of (x) the date on which such action would be permitted at such time to be taken under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including pursuant to an applicable amendment or waiver permitting such action, or otherwise and (y) the date on which such action is unwound or otherwise modified to the extent necessary for such revised action to be permitted at such time by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including after giving effect to any amendments or waivers);

provided that, the ability to cure shall not apply with respect to any Default or Event of Default if the Borrower knowingly fails to give timely notice to the Administrative Agent thereof.

ARTICLE VIII.

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENTS

Section 8.01 Appointment.

(a) Each Lender hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Administrative Agent as agent of such Lender under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, as applicable, including as the Administrative Agent for such Lender and the other applicable Secured Parties under the applicable Security Documents, and each such Lender irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent, in such capacities, to enter into and take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. In addition, to the extent required under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States, each of the Lenders hereby grants to the Administrative Agent any required powers of attorney to execute any Security Document governed by the laws of such jurisdiction on such Lender’s behalf. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, or any fiduciary relationship with any Lender, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent. To the extent required by any applicable law, the Administrative Agent may withhold from any payment to any Lender an amount equivalent to any applicable withholding Tax. If the IRS or any other Governmental Authority asserts a claim that the Administrative Agent did not properly withhold Tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender because the appropriate form was not delivered or was not properly executed or because such Lender failed to notify the Administrative Agent of a change in circumstance which rendered the exemption from, or reduction of, withholding Tax ineffective or for any other reason, such Lender shall indemnify the Administrative Agent fully for all amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by the Administrative Agent as Tax or otherwise, including any penalties or interest and together with all expenses (including legal expenses, allocated internal costs and out-of-pocket expenses) incurred. For the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower shall have no liability for the actions of the Administrative Agent pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.

(b) In furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to act as the agent of such Lender for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on the Collateral granted by any of the Loan Parties to secure any of the Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto. In connection therewith, the Administrative Agent (and any Subagents appointed by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.02 for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Security Documents, or for exercising any rights or remedies thereunder at the direction of the Administrative Agent) shall be entitled to the benefits of this Article VIII (including Section 8.07) as though the Administrative Agent (and any such Subagents) were an “Agent” under the Loan Documents, as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto.

 

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(c) Each Lender irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion:

(i) to release any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document (A) upon termination of the Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than Obligations in respect of Specified Hedge Agreements, Cash Management Obligations and contingent indemnification and reimbursement obligations that are not yet due and payable and for which no claim has been asserted), (B) that is sold or to be sold to a person other than a Loan Party or as part of or in connection with any sale permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document or (C) if approved, authorized or ratified in writing in accordance with Section 9.08 hereof;

(ii) to release any Loan Party from its obligations under the Loan Documents if such person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted hereunder or is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary; and

(iii) to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Section 6.02(i) or (j).

Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Loan Party from its obligations under the Loan Documents.

(d) In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party,

(i) the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise (A) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of any or all of the Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and any Subagents allowed in such judicial proceeding and (B) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same, and

(ii) any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, if the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.

Section 8.02 Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent may execute any of its duties under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof)) by or through agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel and other consultants or experts concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of the agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care. The Administrative Agent may also from time to time,

 

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when the Administrative Agent deems it to be necessary or desirable, appoint one or more trustees, co-trustees, collateral co-agents, collateral subagents or attorneys-in-fact (each, a “Subagent”) with respect to all or any part of the Collateral; provided that no such Subagent shall be authorized to take any action with respect to any Collateral unless and except to the extent expressly authorized in writing by the Administrative Agent. Should any instrument in writing from the Borrower or any other Loan Party be required by any Subagent so appointed by the Administrative Agent to more fully or certainly vest in and confirm to such Subagent such rights, powers, privileges and duties, the Borrower shall, or shall cause such Loan Party to, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all such instruments promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent. If any Subagent, or successor thereto, shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all rights, powers, privileges and duties of such Subagent, to the extent permitted by law, shall automatically vest in and be exercised by the Administrative Agent until the appointment of a new Subagent. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent, attorney-in-fact or Subagent that it selects in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 8.02 in the absence of the Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Section 8.03 Exculpatory Provisions. None of the Administrative Agent, its Affiliates or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents or attorneys-in-fact shall be

(a) liable for any action lawfully taken or omitted to be taken by it or such person under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document (except to the extent that any of the foregoing are found by a final and nonappealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from its or such person’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct) or

(b) responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for any failure of any Loan Party party thereto to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

The Administrative Agent shall not be under any obligation to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of any Loan Party. The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,

(a) the Administrative Agent shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and

(b) the Administrative Agent shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into

(i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document,

(ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith,

 

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(iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default,

(iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or the creation, perfection or priority of any Lien purported to be created by the Security Documents,

(v) the value or the sufficiency of any Collateral or

(vi) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

Section 8.04 Reliance by Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) or conversation believed in good faith by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed in good faith by it to have been made by the proper person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to any Borrowing that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to such Borrowing. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (including counsel to Holdings and the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts. The Administrative Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Note as the owner thereof for all purposes unless a written notice of assignment, negotiation or transfer thereof shall have been filed with the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Lenders (or, if so specified by this Agreement, all or other Lenders) as it deems appropriate or it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense that may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action (which indemnification may be joint and several). The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in accordance with a request of the Required Lenders (or, if so specified by this Agreement, all or other Lenders), and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders and all future holders of the Term Loans.

Section 8.05 Notice of Default. The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default unless the Administrative Agent has received written signed notice from a Lender, Holdings or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”. In the event that the Administrative Agent receives such a notice, the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed in a signed writing by the Required Lenders (or, if so specified by this Agreement, all or other Lenders); provided that unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received such directions, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the Lenders.

Section 8.06 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders. Each Lender expressly acknowledges that neither the Administrative Agent nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates have made any representations or warranties to it and that no act by the Administrative Agent hereafter taken, including any review of the affairs of a Loan Party or any

 

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Affiliate of a Loan Party, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by the Administrative Agent to any Lender. Each Lender represents to the Administrative Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their Affiliates and made its own decision to make its Term Loans hereunder and enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their Affiliates. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, operations, property, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or creditworthiness of any Loan Party or any Affiliate of a Loan Party that may come into the possession of the Administrative Agent or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates.

Section 8.07 Indemnification. The Lenders agree to indemnify each Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so), in the amount of its pro rata share (based on its aggregate outstanding Term Loans) (determined at the time such indemnity is sought), from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever that may at any time (whether before or after the payment of the Term Loans) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent in any way relating to or arising out of the Commitments, this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with any of the foregoing. The failure of any Lender to reimburse the Administrative Agent promptly upon demand for its ratable share of any amount required to be paid by the Lenders to the Administrative Agent as provided herein shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation hereunder to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its ratable share of such amount, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to reimburse the Administrative Agent for such other Lender’s ratable share of such amount. The agreements in this Section 8.07 shall survive the payment of the Term Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

Section 8.08 Agent in Its Individual Capacity. Each Agent and its affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from, and generally engage in any kind of business with any Loan Party as though the Administrative Agent were not the Administrative Agent. With respect to its Term Loans made or renewed by it, each Agent shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as any Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and the terms “Lender” and “Lenders” shall include each Agent in its individual capacity.

Section 8.09 Successor Agent. The Administrative Agent may resign as Administrative Agent upon 10 days’ notice to the Lenders and the Borrower. If the Administrative Agent resigns as the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, then the Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor agent for the Lenders (or with the consent of the Borrower, such other financial institution), which successor agent shall (unless a Specified Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing) be subject to approval by the Borrower (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed if such successor is a commercial bank with a combined capital and surplus of at least $5.0 billion, and otherwise may be withheld in the Borrower’s sole discretion), whereupon such successor agent shall succeed to the rights, powers and duties of the Administrative Agent, and the reference to the resigning Administrative Agent shall mean such successor agent effective upon such appointment and approval, and the former Administrative Agent’s rights, powers and duties as Agent shall be terminated, without any other or further act or deed on the part of such former Administrative Agent or any of the parties

 

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to this Agreement or any holders of the Loans. If no successor agent has accepted appointment as Administrative Agent by the date that is 10 days following a retiring Administrative Agent’s notice of resignation, the retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective, and the retiring Administrative Agent hereunder shall, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor agent which shall (unless a Specified Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing) be subject to approval by the Borrower (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). After any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation as Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Section 8.09 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Borrower shall have no obligation to pay any annual fee to any successor that is greater than or in addition to the annual fees payable to the Administrative Agent as in effect on the Closing Date.

Section 8.10 Lead Arrangers. None of the Lead Arrangers shall have any duties or responsibilities hereunder in their respective capacities as such.

Section 8.11 Certain ERISA Matters.

(a) Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such person became a Lender party hereto to the date such person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:

(A) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of Section 3(42) of ERISA or otherwise) of one or more benefit plans with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments or this Agreement,

(B) the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement,

(C) (A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement, or

(D) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.

 

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(b) In addition, unless either (1) sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or (2) a Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant in accordance with sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such person became a Lender party hereto to the date such person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that the Administrative Agent is not a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender involved in such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related to hereto or thereto).

Section 8.12 Recovery of Erroneous Payments. Without limitation of any other provision in this Agreement, if at any time the Administrative Agent makes a payment hereunder in error to any Lender, whether or not in respect of an Obligation due and owing by the Borrower at such time, where such payment is a Rescindable Amount, then in any such event, each Lender receiving a Rescindable Amount severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount received by such Lender in immediately available funds in the currency so received, with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such Rescindable Amount is received by it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation. Each Lender irrevocably waives any and all defenses, including any “discharge for value” (under which a creditor might otherwise claim a right to retain funds mistakenly paid by a third party in respect of a debt owed by another) or similar defense to its obligation to return any Rescindable Amount. The Administrative Agent shall inform each Lender promptly upon determining that any payment made to such Lender comprised, in whole or in part, a Rescindable Amount.

ARTICLE IX.

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 9.01 Notices; Communications.

(a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in Section 9.01(b)), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile or e-mail, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, in each case, as follows:

(i) if to any Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, to the address, facsimile number, e-mail address or telephone number specified for such person on Schedule 9.01; and

(ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number, e-mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire.

(b) Notices and other communications to the Lenders may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender pursuant to Article II if such Lender has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

 

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(c) Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received. Notices sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient). Notices delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in Section 9.01(b) shall be effective as provided in such Section 9.01(b).

(d) Any party hereto may change its address, facsimile number or e-mail address for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

(e) Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.04 (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically (including as set forth in Section 9.17) and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 9.01 or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by facsimile or e-mail) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents; provided, further, that, upon reasonable request by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall also provide a hard copy to the Administrative Agent of any such document; provided further, that any documents posted for which a link is provided after normal business hours for the recipient shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for such recipient. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery or to maintain copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Loan Parties with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

(f) THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM. In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “Agent Parties”) have any liability to Holdings, the Borrower, any Lender or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrower’s, any Loan Party’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of Borrower Materials or notices through the Platform, any other electronic platform or electronic messaging service, or through the Internet.

Section 9.02 Survival of Agreement. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties herein, in the other Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments prepared or delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Lenders and shall survive the making by the Lenders of the Term Loans and the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents, regardless of any investigation made by such persons or on their behalf, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Term Loan or any Fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document is outstanding and unpaid and so long as the Commitments have not been terminated. Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreements contained herein, indemnification and reimbursement obligations contained herein (including pursuant to Section 2.15, Section 2.17 and Section 9.05) shall survive the payment in full of the principal and interest hereunder and the termination of the Commitments or this Agreement.

 

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Section 9.03 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall become effective when it has been executed by Holdings, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent has received copies hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Holdings, the Borrower, each Agent, each Lender and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

Section 9.04 Successors and Assigns.

(a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that (i) the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by the Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and the consent and acknowledgement of the Administrative Agent, and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section 9.04. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section 9.04) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) of this Section 9.04, any Lender (in such capacity, an “Assignor”) may assign to one or more assignees (other than a natural person or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person) (each, an “Assignee”) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of the Term Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to unreasonably withheld) of:

(A) the Borrower; provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if a Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other person; provided, further, that such consent shall be deemed to have been given if the Borrower has not responded within 10 Business Days after notice by the Administrative Agent or the respective assigning Lender; and

(B) the Administrative Agent; provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment of all or any portion of a Term Loan to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund.

(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

(A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Term Loans, the amount of the Term Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $1.0 million, unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent; provided that (1) no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if a Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (2) such amounts shall be aggregated in respect of each Lender and its Affiliates or Approved Funds (with simultaneous assignments to or by two or more Approved Funds shall be treated as one assignment for purposes of meeting the minimum assignment amount requirement), if any;

 

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(B) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Acceptance via an electronic settlement system acceptable to the Administrative Agent (or, if previously agreed with the Administrative Agent, manually), and shall pay to the Administrative Agent a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 (which fee may be waived or reduced in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent);

(C) the Assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire and any tax forms required to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.15; and

(D) the Assignor shall deliver to the Administrative Agent any Note issued to it with respect to the assigned Term Loan.

For the purposes of this Section 9.04, “Approved Fund” shall mean any person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course and that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(v) of this Section 9.04, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, the Assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.13, Section 2.14, Section 2.15 and Section 9.05). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 9.04 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section 9.04.

(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as the Administrative Agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the principal amount of the Term Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender (solely with respect to such Lender’s Loans) at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(v) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Acceptance executed by an assigning Lender and an Assignee, the Assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the Assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), all applicable tax forms, any Note outstanding with respect to the assigned Term Loan, the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (B) of Section 9.04(b)(ii) and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section 9.04, the Administrative Agent promptly shall accept such Assignment and Acceptance and record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment, whether or not evidenced by a promissory note, shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph (b)(v).

 

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(c) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the assigning Lender thereunder and the Assignee thereunder shall be deemed to confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows:

(i) such assigning Lender warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned thereby free and clear of any adverse claim and that the outstanding balances of its Term Loans, in each case, without giving effect to assignments thereof which have not become effective, are as set forth in such Assignment and Acceptance;

(ii) except as set forth in clause (i) above, such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement, or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto, or the financial condition of Holdings, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or the performance or observance by Holdings, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of any of its obligations under this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto;

(iii) the Assignee represents and warrants that it is legally authorized to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance;

(iv) the Assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement, together with copies of the most recent Required Financial Statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.04, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance;

(v) the Assignee will independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, such assigning Lender or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement;

(vi) the Assignee appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms of this Agreement, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and

(vii) the Assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all the obligations which by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

(d) (i) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (other than a natural person or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person) (a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of the Term Loans owing to it); provided that (A) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (C) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement and the other Loan

 

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Documents; provided that (x) such agreement may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver that (1) requires the consent of each Lender directly affected thereby pursuant to Section 9.04(b)(i) or clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) or (vi) of the first proviso to Section 9.08(b) and (2) directly affects such Participant and (y) no other agreement with respect to amendment, modification or waiver may exist between such Lender and such Participant. Subject to clause (d)(ii) of this Section 9.04, the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.13, Section 2.14 and Section 2.15 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 9.04. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.06 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant shall be subject to Section 2.16(c) as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) or Proposed Section 1.163-5(b) (or, in each case, any amended or successor sections) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

(ii) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.13, Section 2.14 or Section 2.15 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.15 to the extent such Participant fails to comply with Section 2.15(e) as though it were a Lender.

(e) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank or other central banking authority and in the case of any Lender that is an Approved Fund, any pledge or assignment to any holders of obligations owed, or securities issued, by such Lender, including to any trustee for, or any other representative of, such holders, and this Section 9.04 shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or Assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

(f) The Borrower, upon receipt of written notice from the relevant Lender, agrees to issue Notes to any Lender requiring Notes to facilitate transactions of the type described in paragraph (e) of this Section 9.04.

(g) [Reserved].

(h) If the Borrower wishes to replace the Term Loans with ones having different terms, it shall have the option, with the consent of the Administrative Agent and subject to at least three Business Days’ advance notice to the Lenders, instead of prepaying the Term Loans to be replaced, to (i) require the Lenders to assign such Term Loans to the Administrative Agent or its designees and (ii) amend the terms thereof in accordance with Section 9.08 (with such replacement, if applicable, being deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 9.08(d)). Pursuant to any such assignment, all Term Loans to be replaced shall be purchased at par (allocated among the Lenders in the same manner as would be required if such Term Loans

 

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were being optionally prepaid), accompanied by payment of any accrued interest and fees thereon and any amounts owing pursuant to Section 9.05(b). By receiving such purchase price, the Lenders shall automatically be deemed to have assigned the Term Loans pursuant to the terms of the form of Assignment and Acceptance attached hereto as Exhibit A, and accordingly no other action by such Lenders shall be required in connection therewith. The provisions of this paragraph (h) are intended to facilitate the maintenance of the perfection and priority of existing security interests in the Collateral during any such replacement.

(i) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no assignment may be made or participation sold to a Disqualified Institution without the prior written consent of the Borrower. For the avoidance of doubt, the list of Disqualified Institutions shall be made available to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible or have any liability for, or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into, monitor or enforce, compliance with the provisions hereof relating to Disqualified Institutions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall not (x) be obligated to ascertain, monitor or inquire as to whether any Lender or Participant or prospective Lender or Participant is a Disqualified Institution or (y) have any liability with respect to or arising out of any assignment or participation of Loans or Commitments, or disclosure of confidential information, to any Disqualified Institution.

(j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall have any right to

(i) attend (including by telephone) any meeting or discussions (or portion thereof) among the Administrative Agent or any Lender to which representatives of Holdings or the Borrower are not then present,

(ii) receive any information or material prepared by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or any communication by or among Administrative Agent and one or more Lenders, except to the extent such information or materials have been made available to the Borrower or its representatives (and in any case, other than the right to receive notices of prepayments and other administrative notices in respect of its Loans required to be delivered to Lenders pursuant to this Agreement),

(iii) make or bring (or participate in, other than as a passive participant in or recipient of its pro rata benefits of) any claim, in its capacity as a Lender, against Administrative Agent or any other Lender with respect to any duties or obligations or alleged duties or obligations of such Agent or any other such Lender under the Loan Documents in the absence, with respect to any such person, of the gross negligence, bad faith (including a material breach of obligations under the Loan Documents) or willful misconduct by such person and its primary Related Parties (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment) or

(iv) receive advice of counsel to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders or challenge the Lenders’ attorney-client privilege.

(k) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender may assign all or any portion of its Term Loans hereunder to any person who, after giving effect to such assignment, would be an Affiliated Lender; provided that:

(i) such assignment shall be made pursuant to (A) an open market purchase (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any purchase made during the initial syndication of the Term Loans) on a non-pro rata basis or (B) a Dutch Auction open to all Lenders of the applicable Class on a pro rata basis;

(ii) in the case of an assignment to a Non-Debt Fund Affiliate, the assigning Lender and such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate purchasing such Lender’s Term Loans shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an assignment agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit E (a “Non-Debt Fund Affiliate Assignment and Acceptance”) in lieu of an Assignment and Acceptance;

 

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(iii) in the case of an assignment to a Non-Debt Fund Affiliate, at the time of such assignment and after giving effect to such assignment, Non-Debt Fund Affiliates shall not, in the aggregate, hold Term Loans (and participating interests in Term Loans) with an aggregate principal amount in excess of 25.0% of the principal amount of all Term Loans then outstanding; and

(iv) the applicable assignor shall provide a customary “big boy” letter.

(l) To the extent not previously disclosed to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall, upon reasonable request of the Administrative Agent (but not more frequently than once per calendar quarter), report to the Administrative Agent the amount and Class of Term Loans held by Non-Debt Fund Affiliates and the identity of such holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Affiliated Lender shall be permitted to contribute any Term Loan so assigned to such Affiliated Lender pursuant to this Section 9.04(k) to the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries for purposes of cancellation, which contribution may be made, subject to Section 6.07, in exchange for Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of any Parent Entity or Indebtedness of the Borrower to the extent such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 6.01 at such time; provided that any Term Loans so contributed shall be automatically and permanently canceled upon the effectiveness of such contribution and will thereafter no longer be outstanding for any purpose hereunder.

(m) Notwithstanding anything in Section 9.04 or the definition of “Required Lenders” to the contrary, for purposes of determining whether the Required Lenders, all affected Lenders or all Lenders have (i) consented (or not consented) to any amendment, modification, waiver, consent or other action with respect to any of the terms of any Loan Document or any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, (ii) otherwise acted on any matter related to any Loan Document or (iii) directed or required the Administrative Agent or any Lender to undertake any action (or refrain from taking any action) with respect to or under any Loan Document (collectively, “Required Lender Consent Items”):

(A) a Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall be deemed to have voted its interest as a Lender in the same proportion as the allocation of voting with respect to such matter by Lenders who are not Non-Debt Fund Affiliates, unless the result of such Required Lender Consent Item would reasonably be expected to deprive such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate of its pro rata share (compared to Lenders which are not Non-Debt Fund Affiliates) of any payments to which such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate is entitled under the Loan Documents without such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate providing its consent or such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate is otherwise adversely affected thereby compared to Term Loan Lenders which are not Non-Debt Fund Affiliates (in which case for purposes of such vote such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall have the same voting rights as other Term Loan Lenders which are not Non-Debt Fund Affiliates); and

(B) Term Loans held by Debt Fund Affiliates may not account for more than 49.9% of the Term Loans of consenting Lenders included in determining whether the Required Lenders have consented to any action pursuant to Section 9.04.

(n) Additionally, the Loan Parties and each Non-Debt Fund Affiliate hereby agree that, and each Non-Debt Fund Affiliate Assignment and Acceptance by a Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall provide a confirmation that, if a case under Title 11 of the United States Code is commenced against any Loan Party, such Loan Party shall seek (and each Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall consent) to provide that the vote of any Non-Debt Fund Affiliate (in its capacity as a Lender) with respect to any plan of reorganization of such Loan Party shall not be counted except that such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate’s vote (in its capacity as a Lender) may be counted to the extent any such plan of reorganization proposes to treat the Obligations or claims held by such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate in a manner that is less favorable to such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate than the proposed treatment of the Term Loans or claims held by Lenders that are not Affiliates of the Borrower.

 

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(o) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any Lender may assign all or a portion of its Term Loans to any Purchasing Borrower Party; provided that:

(i) the assigning Lender and the Purchasing Borrower Party purchasing such Lender’s Term Loans, as applicable, shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a Non-Debt Fund Affiliate Assignment and Acceptance in lieu of an Assignment and Acceptance;

(ii) such assignment shall be made pursuant to a Dutch Auction open to all Lenders of the applicable Class on a pro rata basis (or open market-purchases on a non-pro rata basis);

(iii) any Term Loans assigned to any Purchasing Borrower Party shall be automatically and permanently cancelled upon the effectiveness of such assignment and will thereafter no longer be outstanding for any purpose hereunder;

(iv) immediately after giving effect to any such purchase, no Event of Default shall exist;

(v) the applicable Purchasing Borrower Party shall in the relevant offer document delivered by it with respect to such Dutch Auction and at the time of consummation of any purchase of Term Loans pursuant thereto affirm the No MNPI Representation;

(vi) no proceeds from revolving loans under the ABL Credit Agreement shall be used to fund any such purchase; and

(vii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans of the applicable Class shall be deemed reduced by the full par value of the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans purchased pursuant to this Section 9.04(o) and each principal repayment installment with respect to the Term Loans of such Class shall be reduced pro rata to reflect the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans purchased.

Section 9.05 Expenses; Indemnity.

(a) The Borrower agrees to pay all reasonable, documented and invoiced out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and the Lead Arrangers in connection with the preparation of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, or by the Administrative Agent (and in the case of enforcement of this Agreement, the Lenders) in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery, amendment, modification, waiver or enforcement of this Agreement (including expenses incurred in connection with due diligence and initial and ongoing Collateral examination to the extent incurred with the reasonable prior approval of the Borrower or provided for in this Agreement) or in connection with the administration of this Agreement and any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the Transactions hereby contemplated shall be consummated), including the reasonable, documented and invoiced fees, charges and disbursements of a single counsel for the Administrative Agent and the Lead Arrangers (and in the case of enforcement of this Agreement, the Lenders) (which shall be, other than with respect to enforcement of this Agreement, Latham & Watkins LLP), one firm of local counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction and, in the case of any actual or perceived conflict of interest, one additional firm of counsel (and one firm of local counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction) for the Administrative Agent and the Lead Arrangers (and in the case of enforcement of this Agreement, the Lenders) so similarly situated, as applicable.

 

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(b) The Borrower agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lead Arranger, each Lender, each of their respective Affiliates and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors, controlling persons, equityholders, partners, members and other representatives and each of their respective successors and permitted assigns (each such person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and to hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and reasonable, documented and invoiced fees, charges and disbursements of one firm of counsel for all Indemnitees, taken as a whole, and, if necessary, one firm of counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction (which may include a single special counsel in multiple jurisdictions) for all Indemnitees taken as a whole (and, in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest, an additional counsel (and, if necessary, one firm of counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction (which may include a single special counsel in multiple jurisdictions)) for all such similarly situated Indemnitees subject to such conflict taken as a whole), incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in any way connected with, or as a result of

(i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the performance by the parties hereto and thereto of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions and the other transactions contemplated hereby,

(ii) the use of the proceeds of the Term Loans or

(iii) any claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not any Indemnitee is a party thereto and regardless of whether such matter is initiated by a third party or by or against Holdings, the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries or Affiliates;

provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses

(A) are determined by a final, non appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from (1) the gross negligence, bad faith, fraud or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or any of its Related Parties or (2) a material breach of the obligations of such Indemnitee hereunder to the Loan Parties or

(B) result from any proceeding between or among Indemnitees that does not involve an act or omission by the Borrower or the other Restricted Subsidiaries (other than claims against the Administrative Agent or any Lead Arranger in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as the Administrative Agent or a Lead Arranger or any similar role hereunder (excluding its role as a Lender)).

(c) Subject to and without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the Borrower agrees to indemnify each Indemnitee against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including reasonable, documented and invoiced fees, charges and disbursements of one firm of counsel for all Indemnitees, taken as a whole, and, if necessary, one firm of counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction (which may include a single special counsel in multiple jurisdictions) for all Indemnitees taken as a whole (and, in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest, an additional counsel) (and if necessary, one firm of counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction (which may include a single special counsel in multiple jurisdictions) all such similarly situated Indemnitees taken as a whole) and reasonable, documented and invoiced consultant fees, in each case, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in any way connected with, or as a result of any claim related to Environmental Laws and the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, or any actual or alleged presence, Release or threatened Release of Hazardous Materials at, under, on or from any property for which the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is, or is alleged to be, liable under Environmental Laws; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a final, non appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the gross negligence, bad faith, fraud or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or any of its Related Parties.

 

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(d) Any indemnification or payments required by the Loan Parties under this Section 9.05 shall not be duplicative of any indemnification or payments required by the Loan Parties under Section 2.15.

(e) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Holdings and the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waive, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Term Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

(f) The agreements in this Section 9.05 shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations and the termination of this Agreement. All amounts due under this Section 9.05 shall be payable on written demand therefor accompanied by reasonable documentation with respect to any reimbursement, indemnification or other amount requested.

Section 9.06 Right of Set-off. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by such Lender to or for the credit or the account of Holdings or any Subsidiary Loan Party against any of and all the obligations of Holdings or any Subsidiary Loan Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document held by such Lender, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement or such other Loan Document and although the obligations may be unmatured. The rights of each Lender under this Section 9.06 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off) that such Lender may be exercised only at the direction of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders.

Section 9.07 Applicable Law. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS (OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS) SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 9.08 Waivers; Amendment.

(a) No failure or delay of the Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of each Agent and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or consent to any departure by Holdings, the Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section 9.08, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice or demand on Holdings, the Borrower or any other Loan Party in any case shall entitle such person to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

 

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(b) Neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except (x) as provided in Section 2.19, Section 2.20 and Section 2.21, as the case may be, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, (y) in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the Required Lenders and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and (z) in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by each party thereto and the Administrative Agent and consented to by the Required Lenders; provided, however, that except as provided in Section 2.18, Section 2.19 and Section 2.20, no such agreement shall:

(i) decrease, forgive, waive or excuse the principal amount of, or any interest (other than default interest) on, or any fees in respect of, or extend the final maturity of, or decrease the rate of interest on, any Term Loan (other than by waiver or modification of a condition precedent, Default, Event of Default or covenant (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, a Default or Event of Default pursuant to Section 7.01(b) or (c)), without the prior written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

(ii) increase or extend the Commitment of any Lender or decrease, forgive, waive or excuse the fees of the Administrative Agent without the prior written consent of such Lender or Agent (it being understood that waivers or modifications of conditions precedent, covenants, Defaults or Events of Default shall not constitute an increase or extension of the Commitments of any Lender);

(iii) extend or waive any Term Loan Installment Date or reduce the amount due on any Term Loan Installment Date or extend any date on which payment of principal or interest on any Term Loan or any Fee is due, without the prior written consent of each Lender adversely affected thereby;

(iv) amend the provisions of Section 2.16(b) or (c) of this Agreement, Section 5.02 of the Collateral Agreement or any analogous provision of any other Loan Document, in a manner that would by its terms alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby, without the prior written consent of each Lender adversely affected thereby;

(v) amend or modify the provisions of this Section 9.08 or the definition of the term “Required Lenders” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the prior written consent of each Lender (it being understood that, with the consent of the Required Lenders, additional extensions of credit pursuant to this Agreement may be included in the determination of the Required Lenders on substantially the same basis as the Term Loans are included on the Closing Date); or

(vi) release all or substantially all of the Collateral (or subordinate the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent on all or substantially all of the Collateral) or release any of Holdings or all or substantially all of the Subsidiary Loan Parties from their respective Guarantees under the Collateral Agreement, without the prior written consent of each Lender;

provided that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent acting as such at the effective date of such agreement, as applicable. Each Lender shall be bound by any waiver, amendment or modification authorized by this Section 9.08 and any consent by any Lender pursuant to this Section 9.08 shall bind any assignee of such Lender.

 

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(c) Without the consent of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent may (in their respective sole discretion, or shall, to the extent required by any Loan Document) enter into any amendment, modification or waiver of any Loan Document, or enter into any new agreement or instrument, to effect the granting, perfection, protection, expansion or enhancement of any security interest in any Collateral or additional property to become Collateral for the benefit of the Secured Parties, or as required by local law to give effect to, or protect any security interest for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in any property or so that the security interests therein comply with applicable law.

(d) This Agreement may be amended (or amended and restated) with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent, Holdings and the Borrower (i) to add one or more additional credit facilities to this Agreement and to permit the extensions of credit from time to time outstanding thereunder and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof to share ratably in the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the Term Loans and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof and (ii) to include appropriately the Lenders holding such credit facilities in any determination of the Required Lenders.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary, the Borrower may enter into Incremental Term Facility Amendments in accordance with Section 2.19, Refinancing Amendments in accordance with Section 2.20, Extension Amendments in accordance with Section 2.21 and Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness Amendments, and such Incremental Term Facility Amendments, Refinancing Amendments, Extension Amendments and Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness Amendments shall be effective to amend the terms of this Agreement and the other applicable Loan Documents, in each case, without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document.

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Agent, with the consent of the Borrower, may amend, modify or supplement any Loan Document without the consent of any Lender or the Required Lenders in order to correct, amend or cure any ambiguity, inconsistency or defect or correct any typographical error or other manifest error in any Loan Document; provided that the Administrative Agent shall promptly give the Lenders notice of any such amendment, modification or supplement.

(g) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Repricing Transactions shall be permitted without the approval or consent of the Lenders other than any Lender holding Term Loans subject to such Repricing Transactions that will continue as a Lender hereunder in respect of the repriced tranche of Term Loans or modified Term Loans.

(h) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall enter into such amendments to this Agreement as may be reasonably required by the Lead Arrangers to document any modifications to this Agreement made in accordance with the rights of the Lead Arrangers set forth in the Fee Letter.

(i) Net Short Lenders. Net Short Lenders shall have the right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent, only to the extent set forth in Section 9.25.

Section 9.09 Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the applicable interest rate, together with all fees and charges that are treated as interest under applicable law (collectively, the “Charges”), as provided for herein or in any other document executed in connection herewith, or otherwise contracted for, charged, received, taken or reserved by any Lender, shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “Maximum Rate”) that may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by such Lender in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable hereunder, together with all Charges payable to such Lender, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate; provided that such excess amount shall be paid to such Lender on subsequent payment dates to the extent not exceeding the legal limitation.

Section 9.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the agreements regarding certain Fees referred to herein constitute the entire contract between the parties relative to the subject matter hereof. Any previous agreement among or representations from the parties or their Affiliates with respect to the subject matter hereof is superseded by this Agreement and the other Loan

 

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Documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fee Letter shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and remain in full force and effect. Nothing in this Agreement or in the other Loan Documents, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto and thereto any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

Section 9.11 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, AS APPLICABLE, BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 9.11.

Section 9.12 Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

Section 9.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one contract, and shall become effective as provided in Section 9.03. Delivery of an executed counterpart to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission (e.g., “PDF” or “TIFF”) shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed original. The words “execution,” “execute”, “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in or related to any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including without limitation Assignment and Acceptance, amendments or other modifications, Borrowing Requests, waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Administrative Agent, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act; provided that notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary the Administrative Agent is under no obligation to agree to accept electronic signatures in any form or in any format unless expressly agreed to by the Administrative Agent pursuant to procedures approved by it.

Section 9.14 Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and are not to affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

Section 9.15 Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.

(a) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State court or federal court of the United States of America sitting in New York County, and any appellate court from any thereof (collectively, “New York Courts”), in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and

 

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unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding shall be heard and determined in such New York State court or, to the extent permitted by law, in such federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that any party may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents in the courts of any jurisdiction, except that each of the Loan Parties agrees that (a) it will not bring any such action or proceeding in any court other than New York Courts (it being acknowledged and agreed by the parties hereto that any other forum would be inconvenient and inappropriate in view of the fact that more of the Lenders who would be affected by any such action or proceeding have contacts with the State of New York than any other jurisdiction), and (b) in any such action or proceeding brought against any Loan Party in any other court, it will not assert any cross-claim, counterclaim or setoff, or seek any other affirmative relief, except to the extent that the failure to assert the same will preclude such Loan Party from asserting or seeking the same in the New York Courts.

(b) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents in any New York State or federal court. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

Section 9.16 Confidentiality. Each of the Lenders and each of the Administrative Agent agrees that it shall maintain in confidence any information relating to Holdings, the Borrower and any Subsidiary furnished to it by or on behalf of Holdings, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary (other than information that

(a) has become generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by such party,

(b) has been independently developed by such Lender or the Administrative Agent without violating this Section 9.16 or

(c) was available to such Lender or the Administrative Agent from a third party having, to such person’s knowledge, no obligations of confidentiality to Holdings, the Borrower or any other Loan Party) and shall not reveal the same other than to its directors, trustees, officers, employees and advisors with a need to know or to any person that approves or administers the Term Loans on behalf of such Lender (so long as each such person shall have been instructed to keep the same confidential in accordance with this Section 9.16),

except:

(A) to the extent necessary to comply with law or any legal process or the requirements of any Governmental Authority, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or of any securities exchange on which securities of the disclosing party or any Affiliate of the disclosing party are listed or traded,

(B) as part of normal reporting or review procedures to, or examinations by, Governmental Authorities or self regulatory authorities,

(C) to its parent companies, Affiliates or auditors (so long as each such person shall have been instructed to keep the same confidential in accordance with this Section 9.16),

(D) in order to enforce its rights under any Loan Document in a legal proceeding,

 

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(E) to any pledge under Section 9.04(d) or any other prospective assignee of, or prospective Participant in, any of its rights under this Agreement (so long as such person shall have been instructed to keep the same confidential in accordance with this Section 9.16) and

(F) to any direct or indirect contractual counterparty in Hedge Agreements or such contractual counterparty’s professional advisor (so long as such contractual counterparty or professional advisor to such contractual counterparty agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 9.16).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such information shall be disclosed to a Disqualified Institution that constitutes a Disqualified Institution at the time of such disclosure without the Borrower’s prior written consent.

Section 9.17 Platform; Borrower Materials. The Borrower hereby acknowledges that

(a) the Administrative Agent or the Lead Arrangers will make available to the Lenders materials or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks, Syndtrak, ClearPar or another similar electronic system (the “Platform”), and

(b) certain of the Lenders may be “public-side” Lenders (i.e., Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities) (each, a “Public Lender”).

The Borrower hereby agrees that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to identify that portion of the Borrower Materials that may be distributed to the Public Lenders and that

(i) all the Borrower Materials shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof,

(ii) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC”, the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Lead Arrangers and the Lenders to treat the Borrower Materials as either publicly available information or not material information (although it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws,

(iii) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Investor;” and

(iv) the Administrative Agent and the Lead Arrangers shall be entitled to treat the Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Investor”.

Section 9.18 Release of Liens and Guarantees. In the event that any Loan Party is designated as an Excluded Subsidiary or conveys, sells, leases, assigns, transfers or otherwise disposes of all or any portion of any of the Equity Interests or assets of any Loan Party to a person that is not (and is not required to become) a Loan Party in a transaction not prohibited by Section 6.05, any Liens created by any Loan Document in respect of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or Equity Interests or assets shall be automatically released and the Administrative Agent shall promptly (and the Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to) take such action and execute any such documents as may be reasonably requested by the Borrower and at the Borrower’s expense in connection with the release of any Liens created by any Loan Document in respect of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or Equity Interests or assets, and, in the case of either an Excluded Subsidiary or a disposition of the Equity Interests of any Subsidiary Loan Party (other than the Borrower) in a transaction permitted by Section 6.05 (including through merger, consolidation, amalgamation or otherwise) and as a result of which such Subsidiary Loan Party would cease to be a Subsidiary, such Subsidiary Loan

 

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Party’s obligations under the Collateral Agreement shall be automatically terminated and the Administrative Agent shall promptly (and the Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to) take such action and execute any such documents as may be reasonably requested by the Borrower to terminate such Subsidiary Loan Party’s obligations under the Collateral Agreement; provided that if any Loan Party becomes an Excluded Subsidiary solely due to such Loan Party ceasing to be a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary as a result of a disposition of Equity Interests in (or issuance of Equity Interests by) such Loan Party to a third party, the Borrower shall be deemed to have made an Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Borrower’s or its Restricted Subsidiary’s (as applicable) Investment in such released Subsidiary. In addition, the Administrative Agent agrees to take such actions as are reasonably requested by the Borrower and at the Borrower’s expense to terminate the Liens and security interests created by the Loan Documents when all the Obligations (other than Obligations in respect of Specified Hedge Agreements, Cash Management Obligations and contingent indemnification and reimbursement obligations that are not yet due and payable and for which no claim has been asserted) are paid in full and the Commitments are terminated.

Section 9.19 Keepwell. Each Loan Party that is a Qualified ECP Guarantor at the time the Guaranty or the grant of the security interest under the Loan Documents, in each case, by any Specified Loan Party, becomes effective with respect to any Swap Obligation, hereby jointly and severally, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support to each Specified Loan Party with respect to such Swap Obligation as may be needed by such Specified Loan Party from time to time to honor all of its obligations under its Guaranty and the other Loan Documents in respect of such Swap Obligation (but, in each case, only up to the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering such Qualified ECP Guarantor’s obligations and undertakings under this Section 9.19 voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The obligations and undertakings of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section shall remain in full force and effect until the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends this Section to constitute, and this Section shall be deemed to constitute, a guarantee of the obligations of, and a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of, each Specified Loan Party for all purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Section 9.20 USA PATRIOT Act Notice. Each Lender that is subject to the USA PATRIOT Act and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of each Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify each Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act.

Section 9.21 Security Documents and Intercreditor Agreement. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that any provision of any Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding, prior to the discharge in full of all ABL Priority Obligations, the Loan Parties shall not be required to act or refrain from acting under any Security Document with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral in any manner that would result in a “Default” or “Event of Default” (as defined in any ABL Loan Document) under the terms and provisions of the ABL Loan Documents. Each Lender hereunder (a) consents to the subordination of Liens provided for in the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement, (b) agrees that it will be bound by and will take no actions contrary to the provisions of the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement and (c) authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent to enter into the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement as Term Loan Agent (as defined in the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement) and on behalf of such Lender. The foregoing provisions are intended as an inducement to the lenders under the ABL Credit Agreement to extend credit and such lenders are intended third party beneficiaries of such provisions and the provisions of the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement.

 

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Section 9.22 Acknowledgements. Each of Holdings and the Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that

(a) no fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship between the Loan Parties and the Credit Parties is intended to be or has been created in respect of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, irrespective of whether the Credit Parties have advised or are advising the Loan Parties on other matters, and the relationship between the Credit Parties, on the one hand, and the Loan Parties, on the other hand, in connection herewith and therewith is solely that of creditor and debtor,

(b) the Credit Parties, on the one hand, and the Loan Parties, on the other hand, have an arm’s length business relationship that does not directly or indirectly give rise to, nor do the Loan Parties rely on, any fiduciary duty to the Loan Parties or their affiliates on the part of the Credit Parties,

(c) the Loan Parties are capable of evaluating and understanding, and the Loan Parties understand and accept, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,

(d) the Loan Parties have been advised that the Credit Parties are engaged in a broad range of transactions that may involve interests that differ from the Loan Parties’ interests and that the Credit Parties have no obligation to disclose such interests and transactions to the Loan Parties,

(e) the Loan Parties have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent the Loan Parties have deemed appropriate in the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,

(f) each Credit Party has been, is, and will be acting solely as a principal and, except as otherwise expressly agreed in writing by it and the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for the Loan Parties, any of their affiliates or any other person,

(g) none of the Credit Parties has any obligation to the Loan Parties or their affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents except those obligations expressly set forth herein or therein or in any other express writing executed and delivered by such Credit Party and the Loan Parties or any such affiliate and

(h) no joint venture is created hereby or by the other Loan Documents or otherwise exists by virtue of the transactions contemplated hereby among the Credit Parties or among the Loan Parties and the Credit Parties.

Section 9.23 Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Affected Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the write-down and conversion powers of the applicable Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:

(a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an Affected Financial Institution; and

(b) the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:

(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

 

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(iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the write-down and conversion powers of the applicable Resolution Authority.

Section 9.24 Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for any Hedge Agreements or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support, “QFC Credit Support”, and each such QFC, a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States):

(a) In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

(b) As used in this Section 9.24, the following terms have the following meanings:

BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.

Covered Entity” means any of the following: (i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).

 

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Section 9.25 Disqualified Institutions and Net Short Positions.

(a) Replacement of Disqualified Institutions.

(i) To the extent that any assignment or participation is made or purported to be made to a Disqualified Institution described in clauses (i), (ii) or (v) of the definition thereof (notwithstanding the other restrictions in this Agreement with respect to Disqualified Institutions), or if any Lender or Participant becomes a Disqualified Institution described in clauses (i), (ii) or (v) of the definition thereof, in each case, without limiting any other provision of the Loan Documents,

(A) upon the request of the Borrower, such Disqualified Institution shall be required immediately (and in any event within five Business Days) to assign all or any portion of the Loans and Commitments then owned by such Disqualified Institution (or held as a participation) to another Lender (other than a Disqualified Institution), eligible Assignee or the Borrower, and

(B) the Borrower shall have the right to prepay all or any portion of the Loans and Commitments then owned by such Disqualified Institution (or held as a participation), and if applicable, terminate the Commitments of such Disqualified Institution, in whole or in part.

(ii) Any such assignment or prepayment shall be made in exchange for an amount equal to the lesser of (A) the face principal amount of the Loans so assigned and (B) the amount that such Disqualified Institution paid to acquire such Commitments and/or Term Loans, in each case without interest thereon (it being understood that if the effective date of any such assignment is not an Interest Payment Date, such assignee shall be entitled to receive on the next succeeding Interest Payment Date interest on the principal amount of the Loans so assigned that has accrued and is unpaid from the Interest Payment Date last preceding such effective date (except as may be otherwise agreed between such assignee and the Borrower)).

(iii) The Borrower shall be entitled to seek specific performance in any applicable court of law or equity to enforce this Section 9.25. In addition, in connection with any such assignment,

(A) if such Disqualified Institution does not execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a duly completed Assignment and Acceptance and/or any other documentation necessary or appropriate (in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, which determination shall be conclusive) to reflect such replacement by the later of (1) the date on which the replacement Lender executes and delivers such Assignment and Acceptance and/or such other documentation and (2) the date as of which such Disqualified Institution shall be paid by the assignee Lender (or, at its option, the Borrower) the amount required pursuant to this Section 9.25, then such Disqualified Institution shall be deemed to have executed and delivered such Assignment and Acceptance and/or such other documentation as of such date and the Borrower shall be entitled (but not obligated) to execute and deliver such Assignment and Acceptance and/or such other documentation on behalf of such Disqualified Institution, and the Administrative Agent shall record such assignment in the Register,

(B) each Lender (whether or not then a party hereto) agrees to disclose to the Borrower the amount that the applicable Disqualified Institution paid to acquire Commitments and/or Term Loans from such Lender and

(C) each Lender that is a Disqualified Institution agrees to disclose to the Borrower the amount it paid to acquire the Commitments and/or Loans held by it.

 

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(b) Amendments, Consents and Waivers under the Loan Documents. No Net Short Lender shall have the right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent pursuant to Section 9.08 or under any Loan Document. In connection with any determination as to whether the requisite Lenders (including whether the Required Lenders) have provided any amendment, waiver or consent pursuant to Section 9.08 or under any other Loan Document:

(i) Net Short Lenders shall not be considered, and

(ii) Net Short Lenders shall be deemed to have consented to any such amendment, waiver or consent with respect to its interest as a Lender in the same proportion as the allocation of voting with respect to such matter by Lenders who are not Net Short Lenders.

Each Lender that is not an Unrestricted Lender that delivers a written consent to any amendment, waiver or consent pursuant to Section 9.08 or under any other Loan Document shall concurrently deliver (or in the absence of any written Net Short Representation will be deemed to have delivered, concurrently with providing such consent) to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) a Net Short Representation.

(c) Limitation on Rights and Privileges of Disqualified Institutions. Except as otherwise provided in Section 9.25(b)(ii), no Disqualified Institutions shall have the right to, and each such person covenants and agrees not to, instruct the Administrative Agent or any other person in writing in respect of the exercise of remedies with respect to the Loans or other Obligations. Further, no Disqualified Institution that purports to be a Lender or Participant (notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement that may have prohibited such Disqualified Institution from becoming Lender or Participant) shall be entitled to any of the rights or privileges enjoyed by the other Lenders with respect to voting (other than to the extent provided in Section 9.25(b)(ii)), Information and Lender meetings and shall be deemed for all purposes to be, at most, a Disqualified Institution until such time as such Disqualified Institution no longer owns any Loans or Term Loan Commitments.

(d) Survival. The provisions of this Section 9.25 shall apply and survive with respect to each Lender and Participant notwithstanding that any such person may have ceased to be a Lender or Participant (or any purported participation to any such Lender shall be void) hereunder or this Agreement may have been terminated.

(e) Administrative Agent.

(i) Reliance. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively on any Net Short Representation delivered, provided or made (or deemed delivered, provided or made) to it in accordance with this Agreement, shall have no duty to inquire as to or investigate the accuracy of any Net Short Representation, verify any statements in any officer’s certificate delivered to it, or otherwise make any calculations, investigations or determinations with respect to any Derivative Instruments or Net Short Positions or any person. The Administrative Agent shall have no liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other person in acting in good faith on any notice of Default or acceleration.

(ii) Disqualified Institution Lists. The Administrative Agent shall have no responsibility or liability for monitoring or enforcing the list of Disqualified Institution or for any assignment or participation to a Disqualified Institution.

(iii) Liability Limitations. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible or have any liability for, or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into, monitor or enforce, compliance with the provisions hereof relating to Disqualified Institution. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall not (A) be obligated to ascertain, monitor or inquire as to whether any Lender or Participant or prospective Lender or Participant is a Disqualified Institution or (B) have any liability with respect to or arising out of any assignment or participation of Loans, or disclosure of confidential information (including Information), to any Disqualified Institution

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC
By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature page to Term Loan Credit Agreement]


THE AZEK COMPANY INC.
By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature page to Term Loan Credit Agreement]


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
By:   /s/ Linda Mackey
  Name: Linda Mackey
  Title: Vice President

 

[Signature page to Term Loan Credit Agreement]


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Lender
By:   /s/ Greg Roetting
  Name: Greg Roetting
  Title: Managing Director

 

[Signature page to Term Loan Credit Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

to Term Loan Credit Agreement

[FORM OF]

ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

This Assignment and Acceptance (this “Assignment and Acceptance”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the][each]1 Assignor identified in item 1 below ([the][each, an] “Assignor”) and [the][each]2 Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the][each, an] “Assignee”). [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees]3 hereunder are several and not joint.]4 Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (the “Credit Agreement”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Acceptance as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor’s][the respective Assignors’] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the Term Facility identified below and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Documents or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to [the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as [the][an] “Assigned Interest”). Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, without representation or warranty by [the][any] Assignor.

 

1.  Assignor[s]:

           _____________________________   
       

2.  Assignee[s]:

           ______________________________   
       

  

 

1 

For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignor(s), if the assignment is from a single Assignor, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is from multiple Assignors, choose the second bracketed language.

2 

For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.

3 

Select as appropriate.

4 

Include bracketed language if there are either multiple Assignors or multiple Assignees.

 

160


3.

Borrower: CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

 

4.

Administrative Agent: Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement.

 

5.

Credit Agreement: Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2022 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), The Azek Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the Lenders party thereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”).

 

6.

Assigned Interest[s]:

 

Assignor[s]5

   Assignee[s]6      Term Facility
Assigned7
     Amount of
Assignor’s
Commitment/
Loans8
     Amount of
Commitment/
Loans
Assigned9
     Percentage
of Assignor’s
Commitment/
Loans
Assigned10
    Resulting
Commitment/Loans
Amount for
Assignor
     Resulting
Commitment/Loans
Amount for
Assignee
 
         $ _________      $ ______        _________   $ ______      $ _______  
         $ _________      $ ______        _________   $ ______      $ _______  
         $ _________      $ ______        _________   $ ______      $ _______  

 

[7.

Trade Date: __________________]11

 

5 

List each Assignor, as appropriate.

6 

List each Assignee, as appropriate.

7 

Fill in appropriate terminology for each applicable type of facility under the Credit Agreement that is being assigned under this Assignment, i.e., “Extended Term Loans”, “Incremental Term Loans” or “Other Term Loans.”

8 

Amounts in this column and in the column immediately to the right to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

9 

Subject to minimum amount requirements pursuant to Section 9.04(b) of the Credit Agreement.

10 

Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitments/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

11 

To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.

 

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Effective Date: __________________, 20__ [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Acceptance are hereby agreed to:

 

ASSIGNOR
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]
By:    
Name:  
Title:  
ASSIGNEE
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

[Signature Page to Assignment and Acceptance]


[Consented to and]12 Accepted:
Bank of America, N.A., as
Administrative Agent
By:    
Name:  
Title:  
[Consented to:]13
CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC, as Borrower
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

 

12 

To the extent required under Section 9.04 of the Credit Agreement.

13 

To the extent required under Section 9.04 of the Credit Agreement.

 

[Signature Page to Assignment and Acceptance]


ANNEX 1 TO ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

Reference is made to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2022 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), The Azek Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the Lenders party thereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

1. Representations and Warranties.

1.1. Assignor. [The][Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the][[the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the][such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Acceptance and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Loan Parties or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Loan Parties or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

1.2. Assignee. [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Acceptance and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an Assignee under the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 9.04 of the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by [the][such] Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire [the][such] Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.04 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, and (vii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, [the][any] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

 

164


2. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the][each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the][the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued up to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

3. General Provisions. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Acceptance may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Acceptance by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Acceptance. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York.

4. Fees. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500.00.

5. Administrative Questionnaire. If the Assignee is not a Lender, annexed hereto as Exhibit A is a completed administrative questionnaire, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, providing such information (including, without limitation, credit contact information and wiring instructions) of the Assignee as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require.

 

165


Exhibit A

Administrative Questionnaire

[provided by Administrative Agent]

 

166


EXHIBIT B

to Term Loan Credit Agreement

[FORM OF]

SOLVENCY CERTIFICATE

OF CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC

AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

[ ], 20[    ]

This Solvency Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 4.01(f) of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2022 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), The Azek Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the Lenders party thereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”).

The undersigned hereby certifies, solely in such undersigned’s capacity as [chief financial officer][chief accounting officer][specify other officer with equivalent duties] of CPG International LLC, and not individually, as follows:

As of the date hereof, after giving effect to the consummation of the Transactions including the making of the Term Loans under the Credit Agreement on the date hereof, and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of such Indebtedness:

 

  a.

The fair value of the assets of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, exceeds, on a consolidated basis, their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise;

 

  b.

The present fair saleable value of the property of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability, on a consolidated basis, of their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured;

 

  c.

Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such liabilities become absolute and matured; and

 

  d.

Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are not engaged in, and are not about to engage in, business for which they have unreasonably small capital.

For purposes of this Solvency Certificate, the amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that would reasonably be expected to become an actual and matured liability.

 

167


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Solvency Certificate on the date first written above.

 

CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC
By:    

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

[Signature Page to Solvency Certificate]


EXHIBIT C

to Term Loan Credit Agreement

[FORM OF]

BORROWING REQUEST

To:    Bank of America, N.A.,as Administrative Agent forthe Lenders referred to below [•], 20[    ]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2022 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), The Azek Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the Lenders party thereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”).

The undersigned hereby gives you notice pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Credit Agreement that it requests a Borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the terms on which such Borrowing is requested to be made:

 

(A)  Date of Borrowing (the “Proposed Borrowing Date”)

  

(which shall be a Business Day)

    

(B)  Principal Amount of Borrowing

    

(C)  Type of Borrowing1

    

(D)  Interest Period and the last day thereof2

    

(in the case of a SOFR Borrowing)

  

(E)  Account Number and Location

    

The Borrower hereby agrees that if for any reason the Borrowing shall not be made on the Proposed Borrowing Date, Section 2.14 of the Credit Agreement shall be applicable and the Borrower shall pay any amounts under Section 2.14 of the Credit Agreement that it would be required to pay if the Credit Agreement were effective.

 

 

1 

Specify an ABR Borrowing or a SOFR Borrowing.

2 

The initial Interest Period applicable to a SOFR Borrowing shall be subject to the definition of “Interest Period”

 

169


CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC

By:

   

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Borrowing Request]


EXHIBIT D

to Term Loan Credit Agreement

[FORM OF]

INTEREST ELECTION REQUEST

To: Bank of America, N.A.,as Administrative Agentfor the Lenders referred to below

[•], 202[•]16

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2022 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), The Azek Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the Lenders party thereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”).

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

This notice constitutes a notice of conversion or notice of continuation, as applicable, under Section 2.05 of the Credit Agreement, and the Borrower hereby irrevocably notifies the Administrative Agent of the following information with respect to the conversion or continuation requested hereby:

a. The Borrowing to which this Interest Election Request applies17 is [•];

b. The effective date of the election (which shall be a Business Day) made pursuant to this Interest Election Request is [•], 202[•];

c. The resulting Borrowing is to be [an ABR Borrowing][a SOFR Borrowing][; and]

[d. The Interest Period applicable to the resulting Borrowing after giving effect to such election is [•]18].

CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC

 

 

16 

Administrative Agent must be notified as indicated in Section 2.05 of the Credit Agreement in the case of an election to convert to or continue a SOFR Borrowing election, not later than 2:00 p.m. New York City time, three Business Days before the effective date of such election or, in the case of an election to convert or continue an ABR Borrowing, not later than 2:00 p.m., New York City time, one Business Day before the effective date of such election.

17 

If different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information specified pursuant to (d) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing).

18 

Include this clause (d) if the resulting Borrowing is a SOFR Borrowing. Such Interest Period shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period” as set forth in the Credit Agreement. In the case of a SOFR Borrowing that does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration pursuant to Section 2.05(b).


By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Interest Election Request]


EXHIBIT E

to Term Loan Credit Agreement

[FORM OF]

NON-DEBT FUND AFFILIATE ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

This Non-Debt Fund Affiliate Assignment and Acceptance (this “Assignment and Acceptance”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the][each]19 Assignor identified in item 1 below ([the][each, an] “Assignor”) and [the][each]20 Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the][each, an] “Assignee”). [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees]21 hereunder are several and not joint.]22 Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (the “Credit Agreement”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Acceptance as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor’s][the respective Assignors’] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the Facility identified below and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Documents or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to [the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as [the][an] “Assigned Interest”). Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, without representation or warranty by [the][any] Assignor.

 

1.

Assignor[s]                                                                      

 

 

19 

For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignor(s), if the assignment is from a single Assignor, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is from multiple Assignors, choose the second bracketed language.

20 

For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.

21 

Select as appropriate.

22 

Include bracketed language if there are either multiple Assignors or multiple Assignees.


2.

Assignee[s]                                                         

[and is an Affiliate/Approved Fund of [identify Lender]23 ]

 

3.

Borrower: CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

 

4.

Administrative Agent: Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement

 

5.

Credit Agreement: Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2022 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), The Azek Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the Lenders party thereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”).

 

6.

Assigned Interest[s]:

 

Assignor[s]24

   Assignee[s]25      Facility
Assigned26
     Amount of
Assignor’s
Commitment/
Loans27
     Amount of
Commitment/
Loans
Assigned28
     Percentage
of Assignor’s
Commitment/
Loans
Assigned29
    Resulting
Commitment/
Loans
Amount for
Assignor
     Resulting
Commitment/
Loans
Amount for
Assignee
 
         $ _________      $ ______        _________   $ ______      $ _______  
         $ _________      $ ______        _________   $ ______      $ _______  
         $ _________      $ ______        _________   $ ______      $ _______  

  

 

23 

Select as applicable.

24 

List each Assignor, as appropriate.

25 

List each Assignee, as appropriate.

26 

Fill in appropriate terminology for each applicable type of facility under the Credit Agreement that is being assigned under this Assignment, i.e., “Extended Term Loans”, “Incremental Term Loans” or “Other Term Loans.”

27 

Amounts in this column and in the column immediately to the right to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

28 

Subject to minimum amount requirements pursuant to Section 9.04(b) of the Credit Agreement.

29 

Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.


[7.

Trade Date:__________________]30

Effective Date: __________________, 20__ [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Acceptance are hereby agreed to:

 

ASSIGNOR
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]
By:    
Name:  
Title:  
ASSIGNOR
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

30 

To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.

 

[Signature Page to Non-Debt Fund Affiliate Assignment And Acceptance]


[Consented to and]31 Accepted:

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as

Administrative Agent

By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

[Consented to:]32
CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC, as Borrower
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

 

31 

To the extent required under Section 9.04 of the Credit Agreement.

32

To the extent required under Section 9.04 of the Credit Agreement.

 

[Signature Page to Non-Debt Fund Affiliate Assignment And Acceptance]


ANNEX 1 TO ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

Reference is made to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2022 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), The Azek Company Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Lenders party thereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”).

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

NON-DEBT FUND AFFILIATE ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

1. Representations and Warranties.

1.1 Assignor. [The][Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the][[the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the][such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Acceptance and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Loan Parties or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Loan Parties or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

1.2. Assignee. [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Acceptance and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it is a [Non-Debt Fund Affiliate][Purchasing Borrower Party] pursuant to Section [9.04(k)(ii)][9.04(o)] of the Credit Agreement, (iii) it meets all the requirements to be an Assignee under the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 9.04 of the Credit Agreement), (iv) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (v) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by [the][such] Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire [the][such] Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (vi) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.04 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, (vii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, and (viii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the


terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, [the][any] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

1.3. [Non-Debt Fund Affiliate.

The Assignee consents to the provisions of Section 9.04 of the Credit Agreement that apply to a Non-Debt Fund Affiliate in its capacity as a Lender with respect to the Assigned Interest.

The Assignee affirms that it has received from the assignor a customary “big boy” letter.]

[Purchasing Borrower Party. The Assignee [affirms the No MNPI Representation as of the Effective Date and further represents and warrants that (a) immediately after giving effect to this Assignment and Acceptance, no Event of Default will exist, (b) no proceeds from revolving loans under the ABL Credit Agreement shall be used to fund any such purchase and (c) this Assignment and Acceptance is being entered into in connection with an offer by the Assignee to purchase or take by assignment Term Loans pursuant to a Dutch Auction open to all Lenders of the applicable Class on a pro rata basis. The Assignee consents to the provisions of the Credit Agreement that apply to the purchase by or assignment to a Purchasing Borrower Party of Term Loans included in the Assigned Interest.]

2. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the][each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the][the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued up to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

3. General Provisions. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Acceptance may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Acceptance by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Acceptance. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York.

4. Fees. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500.00.

5. Administrative Questionnaire. If the Assignee is not a Lender, annexed hereto as Exhibit A is a completed administrative questionnaire, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, providing such information (including, without limitation, credit contact information and wiring instructions) of the Assignee as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require.


Exhibit A

Administrative Questionnaire

[provided by Administrative Agent]


EXHIBIT F

to Term Loan Credit Agreement

[Form of]

TERM NOTE

 

$_______________    New York, New York
[Date]

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), hereby promises to pay to [                ] (the “Lender”) on the Maturity Date (as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below) in lawful money of the United States and in immediately available funds, the principal amount of ____________ DOLLARS ($____________), or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Loans of the Lender outstanding under the Credit Agreement referred to below, which sum shall be due and payable in such amounts and on such dates as are set forth in the Credit Agreement. The Borrower further agrees to pay interest in like money at such office specified pursuant to Section 9.01(a)(ii) of the Credit Agreement on the unpaid principal amount hereof from time to time from the date hereof at the rates, and on the dates, specified in Section 2.11 of such Credit Agreement.

The holder of this Note may endorse and attach a schedule to reflect the date, Type and amount of each Loan of the Lender outstanding under the Credit Agreement, the date and amount of each payment or prepayment of principal hereof, and the date of each interest rate conversion or continuation pursuant to Section 2.05 of the Credit Agreement and the principal amount subject thereto; provided that the failure of the Lender to make any such recordation (or any error in such recordation) shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Credit Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2022 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), The Azek Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the Lenders party thereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”). Terms used herein which are defined in the Credit Agreement shall have such defined meanings unless otherwise defined herein or unless the context otherwise requires.

This Note is secured and guaranteed as provided in the Credit Agreement and the Security Documents. Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement and the Security Documents for a description of the properties and assets in which a security interest has been granted, the nature and extent of the security and guarantees, the terms and conditions upon which the security interest and each guarantee was granted and the rights of the holder of this Note in respect thereof.

Upon the occurrence of any one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Credit Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided therein.

All parties now and hereafter liable with respect to this Note, whether maker, principal, surety, guarantor, endorser or otherwise, hereby waive presentment, demand, protest and all other notices of any kind.

THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT. TRANSFERS OF THIS NOTE MUST BE RECORDED IN THE REGISTER MAINTAINED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.


THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

[Signature Page Follows]


CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC,

as Borrower

By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

-1-

Exhibit 10.2

TERM LOAN GUARANTEE AND COLLATERAL AGREEMENT,

dated as of April 28, 2022

among

CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC,

as the Borrower,

each other Subsidiary of Holdings

identified herein

and

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

Reference is made to the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement”) among Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent under the ABL Credit Agreement (the “ABL Administrative Agent”), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent under the Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “Term Loan Administrative Agent”), the Borrower and the other parties thereto. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the lien and security interest granted to the Term Loan Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the secured parties hereunder, pursuant to this Term Loan Guarantee and Collateral Agreement (this “Agreement”) and the exercise of any right or remedy by the Term Loan Administrative Agent hereunder are subject to the provisions of the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement regarding the relative priorities of the liens granted to the ABL Administrative Agent and the Term Loan Administrative Agent in the collateral, the provisions of the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS   

Section 1.01.

  Credit Agreement      1  

Section 1.02.

  Other Defined Terms      1  
ARTICLE II GUARANTEE   

Section 2.01.

  Guarantee      4  

Section 2.02.

  Guarantee of Payment      4  

Section 2.03.

  No Limitations, Etc      4  

Section 2.04.

  Reinstatement      6  

Section 2.05.

  Agreement To Pay; Contribution; Subrogation      6  

Section 2.06.

  Information      7  

Section 2.07.

  Maximum Liability      7  

Section 2.08.

  Taxes      7  
ARTICLE III PLEDGE OF SECURITIES   

Section 3.01.

  Pledge      8  

Section 3.02.

  Delivery of the Pledged Collateral      10  

Section 3.03.

  Representations, Warranties and Covenants      10  

Section 3.04.

  Registration in Nominee Name; Denominations      12  

Section 3.05.

  Voting Rights; Dividends and Interest, Etc      13  
ARTICLE IV SECURITY INTERESTS IN OTHER PERSONAL PROPERTY   

Section 4.01.

  Security Interest      15  

Section 4.02.

  Representations and Warranties      18  

Section 4.03.

  Covenants      20  

Section 4.04.

  Other Actions      22  

Section 4.05.

  Covenants Regarding Patent, Trademark and Copyright Collateral      23  

Section 4.06.

  ABL/Term Intercreditor Relations      24  
ARTICLE V REMEDIES   

Section 5.01.

  Remedies Upon Default      25  

Section 5.02.

  Application of Proceeds      27  

Section 5.03.

  Securities Act, Etc      28  
ARTICLE VI INDEMNITY, SUBROGATION AND SUBORDINATION   

Section 6.01.

  Indemnity      29  

Section 6.02.

  Contribution and Subrogation      29  

Section 6.03.

  Subordination      29  
ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS   

Section 7.01.

  Notices      30  

Section 7.02.

  Security Interest Absolute      30  

Section 7.03.

  Limitation By Law      30  

 

i


Section 7.04.

  Binding Effect; Several Agreement      31  

Section 7.05.

  Successors and Assigns      31  

Section 7.06.

  Administrative Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification      31  

Section 7.07.

  Administrative Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact      31  

Section 7.08.

  APPLICABLE LAW      32  

Section 7.09.

  Waivers; Amendment      32  

Section 7.10.

  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL      32  

Section 7.11.

  Severability      33  

Section 7.12.

  Counterparts      33  

Section 7.13.

  Headings      33  

Section 7.14.

  Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process      33  

Section 7.15.

  Termination or Release      34  

Section 7.16.

  Additional Subsidiaries      35  

 

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Schedules   
Schedule I    Subsidiary Loan Parties
Schedule II    Pledged Stock; Debt Securities
Schedule III    Intellectual Property
Schedule IV    Filing Jurisdictions
Schedule V    Commercial Tort Claims
Schedule VI    Jurisdictions of Organization, Locations of Chief Executive Offices
Exhibits   
Exhibit I    Form of Supplement to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
Exhibit II    Form of Perfection Certificate
Exhibit III    Form of Trademark Security Agreement
Exhibit IV    Form of Patent Security Agreement
Exhibit V    Form of Copyright Security Agreement

 

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TERM LOAN GUARANTEE AND COLLATERAL AGREEMENT dated as of April 28, 2022 (as it may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), among CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), THE AZEK COMPANY, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”) and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (“Bank of America”), as administrative agent and as collateral agent (in such capacities, the “Administrative Agent”) for the Secured Parties (as defined below).

Reference is made to the Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of April 28, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, Holdings, the lenders party thereto from time to time, Bank of America, as Administrative Agent, and the other parties thereto.

The Lenders have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. The obligations of the Lenders to extend such credit are conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement. The Loan Parties will derive substantial benefits from the extension of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to extend such credit. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01. Credit Agreement. (a) Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings assigned thereto in the Credit Agreement. All capitalized terms defined in the New York UCC (as defined herein) and not defined in this Agreement have the meanings specified therein.

(b) The rules of construction specified in Section 1.02 of the Credit Agreement also apply to this Agreement.

Section 1.02. Other Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

ABL Administrative Agent” shall mean Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent under the ABL Credit Agreement, and any successor thereto.

ABL Priority Collateral” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement as in effect on the date hereof.

ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement” shall mean the Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of the date hereof among the Administrative Agent, the ABL Administrative Agent and the Pledgors.

Article 9 Collateral” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01.

 

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Collateral” shall mean the collective reference to Article 9 Collateral and Pledged Collateral.

Control Agreement” shall mean a deposit account control agreement, a securities account control agreement or a commodity account control agreement, as applicable, which provides the Administrative Agent with “control” (within the meaning of the New York UCC) of any such accounts, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Copyright License” shall mean any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting any right to any Pledgor under any Copyright now or hereafter owned by any third party (including, without limitation, any such rights that such Pledgor has the right to license).

Copyrights” shall mean all of the following which any Pledgor now or hereafter owns or in which any Pledgor now or hereafter has an interest (pursuant to a Copyright License or otherwise): (a) all copyright rights in any work subject to the copyright laws of the United States, whether as author, assignee, transferee or otherwise, (b) all registrations and applications for registration of any such Copyright in the United States, including registrations, supplemental registrations and pending applications for registration in the United States Copyright Office and the right to obtain all renewals thereof, including those listed on Schedule III, (c) all claims for, and rights to sue for, past or future infringements of any of the foregoing and (d) all income, royalties, damages and payments now or hereafter due and payable with respect to any of the foregoing, including damages and payments for past or future infringement thereof.

Credit Agreement” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

Discharge of ABL Priority Claims” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement.

Excluded Assets” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01.

Excluded Equity Interests” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01.

Federal Securities Laws” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.03.

Guarantors” shall mean Holdings and the Subsidiary Loan Parties.

Intellectual Property” shall mean all intellectual property of every kind and nature which any Pledgor now or hereafter owns or in which any Pledgor now or hereafter has an interest, including inventions, designs, Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, trade secrets, domain names, confidential or proprietary technical and business information or know-how.

Intellectual Property Security Agreement” shall mean a Trademark Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit III attached hereto, a Patent Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit IV attached hereto or a Copyright Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit IV attached hereto.

 

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IP Agreements” shall mean all material Copyright Licenses, Patent Licenses, Trademark Licenses, and all other agreements, relating to the license of any material Intellectual Property to which a Pledgor, now or hereafter, is a party, excluding, in each case, licenses of commercial business software and non-exclusive licenses of Intellectual Property incidental to the sale or purchase of products or services in the ordinary course of business, and including, without limitation, the agreements set forth on Schedule III hereto.

New York UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York.

Patent License” shall mean any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any Pledgor any right to make, use or sell any invention covered by a Patent, now or hereafter owned by any third party (including, without limitation, any such rights that such Pledgor has the right to license).

Patents” shall mean all of the following which any Pledgor now or hereafter owns or in which any Pledgor now or hereafter has an interest (pursuant to a Patent License or otherwise): (a) all letters patent of the United States, including those listed on Schedule III, and all applications for letters patent of the United States, including those listed on Schedule III, (b) all provisionals, reissues, extensions, continuations, divisions, continuations-in-part, reexaminations or revisions thereof, and the inventions disclosed or claimed therein, including the right to make, use, import and/or sell the inventions disclosed or claimed therein, (c) all claims for, and rights to sue for, past or future infringements of any of the foregoing and (d) all income, royalties, damages and payments now or hereafter due and payable with respect to any of the foregoing, including damages and payments for past or future infringement thereof.

Pledged Collateral” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01.

Pledged Debt Securities” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01.

Pledged Securities” shall mean any promissory notes, stock certificates or other certificated securities now or hereafter included in the Pledged Collateral, including all certificates, instruments or other documents representing or evidencing any Pledged Collateral.

Pledged Stock” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01.

Pledgor” shall mean Holdings, the Borrower and each Subsidiary Loan Party.

Secured Parties” shall mean (a) the Lenders, (b) the Agents, (c) the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (d) the successors and permitted assigns of each of the foregoing.

Security Interest” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01.

Subsidiary Loan Party” shall mean each Subsidiary identified on Schedule I and each other Person that becomes a party hereto in accordance with Section 7.16.

 

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Trademark License” shall mean any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any Pledgor any right to use any Trademark now or hereafter owned by any third party (including, without limitation, any such rights that such Pledgor has the right to license).

Trademarks” shall mean all of the following which any Pledgor now or hereafter owns or in which any Pledgor now or hereafter has an interest (pursuant to a Trademark License or otherwise): (a) all trademarks, service marks, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, trade dress, logos, other source or business identifiers, designs and general intangibles of like nature, now existing or hereafter adopted or acquired, all registrations thereof (if any), and all registration and recording applications filed in connection therewith, including registrations and registration applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any similar offices in any State of the United States, and all renewals thereof, including those listed on Schedule III, (b) all goodwill associated therewith or symbolized thereby, (c) all claims for, and rights to sue for, past or future infringements of any of the foregoing and (d) all income, royalties, damages and payments now or hereafter due and payable with respect to any of the foregoing, including damages and payments for past or future infringement thereof.

ARTICLE II

GUARANTEE

Section 2.01. Guarantee. Each Guarantor unconditionally guarantees, jointly with the other Guarantors and severally, to the Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, the due and punctual payment and performance in full of the Obligations. Each Guarantor further agrees that the Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice to or further assent from such Guarantor, and that such Guarantor will remain bound upon its guarantee hereunder notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Obligation. Each Guarantor waives presentment to, demand of payment from and protest to the Borrower or any other Loan Party of any of the Obligations, and also waives notice of acceptance of its guarantee and notice of protest for nonpayment.

Section 2.02. Guarantee of Payment. Each Guarantor further agrees that its guarantee hereunder constitutes a guarantee of payment when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) and not of collection, and waives any right to require that any resort be had by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to any security held for the payment of the Obligations or to any balance of any Deposit Account or credit on the books of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party in favor of any Loan Party or any other person.

Section 2.03. No Limitations, Etc. (a) Except for termination of a Guarantor’s obligations hereunder as expressly provided for in Section 7.15 and except as provided in Section 2.07, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Obligations or otherwise (other than defense of payment or performance in full). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except for termination or release of a Guarantor’s

 

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obligations hereunder in accordance with the terms of Section 7.15 hereof the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by, and each Guarantor hereby waives any defense to the enforcement hereof by reason of:

(i) the failure of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to assert any claim or demand or to exercise or enforce any right or remedy under the provisions of any Loan Document or otherwise;

(ii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or any release from any of the terms or provisions of, any Loan Document or any other agreement, including with respect to any other Guarantor under this Agreement;

(iii) the failure to perfect any security interest in, or the release of, any of the Collateral held by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party for the Obligations;

(iv) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Obligations;

(v) any illegality, lack of validity or enforceability of any Obligation;

(vi) any change in the corporate existence, structure or ownership of any Loan Party, or any insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Loan Party;

(vii) the existence of any claim, set-off or other rights that the Guarantors may have at any time against the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, any other Secured Party or any other person, whether in connection herewith, the other Loan Documents or any unrelated transactions; provided that nothing herein will prevent the assertion of any such claim by separate suit or compulsory counterclaim;

(viii) any action permitted or authorized hereunder; or

(ix) any other circumstance (including any statute of limitations) or any act or omission that may in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or otherwise operate as a defense to, or a legal or equitable discharge of, the Borrower or any Guarantor or any other guarantor or surety (other than the payment in full in cash or immediately available funds of the Obligations).

Each Guarantor expressly authorizes the Secured Parties to take and hold security for the payment and performance of the Obligations, to exchange, waive or release any or all such security (with or without consideration), to enforce or apply such security and direct the order and manner of any sale thereof in their sole discretion or to release, substitute or add any one or more other guarantors or obligors upon or in respect of the Obligations, all without affecting the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder.

 

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(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and except for termination or release of a Guarantor’s obligations hereunder in accordance with the terms of Section 7.15 hereof, each Guarantor waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of any other Loan Party or the unenforceability of the Obligations or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of any other Loan Party, other than, after the payment in full in cash of immediately available funds of all the Obligations (other than Obligations in respect of Specified Hedge Agreements, Cash Management Obligations and contingent indemnification and reimbursement obligations that are not yet due and payable and for which no claim has been asserted). The Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties may exercise any right or remedy available to them against any other Loan Party pursuant to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of any Guarantor hereunder except to the extent that after giving effect thereto all Obligations have been terminated and paid in full (other than contingent indemnity or expense reimbursement obligations that are not yet due and payable and for which no claim has been made). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though such election operates, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or to extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of such Guarantor against any other Loan Party, as the case may be, or any security.

Section 2.04. Reinstatement. Each Guarantor agrees that its guarantee hereunder shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, if, at any time payment, or any part thereof, of any Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower or any other Loan Party or otherwise.

Section 2.05. Agreement To Pay; Contribution; Subrogation. In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right that the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party has at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of any Loan Party to pay any Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, after notice of prepayment or otherwise, subject to Section 2.07, each Guarantor hereby promises to and will forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, to the Administrative Agent for distribution to the applicable Secured Parties in cash the amount of such unpaid Obligation. Subject to the foregoing, to the extent that any Guarantor shall, under this Agreement or the Credit Agreement as a joint and several obligor, repay any of the Obligations constituting Loans or other advances made to or reimbursement obligations owed by another Loan Party under the Credit Agreement (an “Accommodation Payment”), then the Guarantor making such Accommodation Payment shall be entitled to contribution and indemnification from, and be reimbursed by, each of the other Guarantors in an amount equal to a fraction of such Accommodation Payment, the numerator of which fraction is such other Guarantor’s Allocable Amount and the denominator of which is the sum of the Allocable Amounts of all of the Guarantors; provided that such rights of contribution and indemnification shall be subordinated to the discharge of Obligations. As of any date of determination, the “Allocable Amount” of each Guarantor shall be equal to the maximum amount of liability for Accommodation Payments which could be asserted against such Guarantor hereunder and under the Credit Agreement without (a) rendering such Guarantor “insolvent” within the meaning of Section 101 (31) of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (“UFTA”) or Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act (“UFCA”), (b) leaving such Guarantor with unreasonably small capital or assets, within the meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, Section 4 of the UFTA, or Section 5 of the UFCA, or (c) leaving such Guarantor unable to pay its debts as they

 

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become due within the meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States or Section 4 of the UFTA, or Section 5 of the UFCA. Upon payment by any Guarantor of any sums to the Administrative Agent as provided above, all rights of such Guarantor against the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Guarantor arising as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subject to Article VI.

Section 2.06. Information. Each Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the financial condition and assets of the Borrower and each other Loan Party, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that such Guarantor assumes and incurs hereunder, and agrees that no Agent nor any other Secured Party will have any duty to advise such Guarantor of information known to it or any of them regarding such circumstances or risks.

Section 2.07. Maximum Liability. Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of this guarantee, the Collateral Agent and each other Secured Party hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such persons that this guarantee and the Obligations of each Guarantor hereunder not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any other federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar foreign, federal or state law to the extent applicable to this guarantee and the Obligations of each Guarantor hereunder. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Agents, the other Secured Parties and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the Obligations of Guarantor under this guarantee at any time shall be limited to the maximum amount as will result in the Obligations of such Guarantor under this guarantee not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

Section 2.08. Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Guarantor hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for, any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes provided that if a Guarantor shall be required to deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.08) the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party, as applicable, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) such Guarantor shall make such deductions and (iii) such Guarantor shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law. The provisions of Section 2.15 of the Credit Agreement shall apply to each Guarantor mutatis mutandis.

Section 2.09. Keepwell. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally, and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each other Loan Party to honor all of its obligations under this guarantee in respect of any Swap Obligation (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 2.09 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 2.09, or otherwise under this guarantee, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section 2.09 shall remain in full force and effect until all of the Obligations (other than

 

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Obligations in respect of Specified Hedge Agreements, Cash Management Obligations and contingent indemnification and reimbursement obligations, in each case, that are not yet due and payable and for which no claim has been asserted) have been paid in full in cash or immediately available funds and the Lenders have no further commitment to lend under the Credit Agreement. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 2.09 constitute, and this Section 2.09 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Loan Party for all purposes of section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

ARTICLE III

PLEDGE OF SECURITIES

Section 3.01. Pledge. As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of its Obligations, each Pledgor hereby pledges to the Administrative Agent, its successors and permitted assigns, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, and hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, its successors and permitted assigns, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in all of such Pledgor’s right, title and interest in, to and under (a)(i) the Equity Interests directly owned by it (including those Equity Interests listed on Schedule II) and (ii) any other Equity Interests obtained in the future by such Pledgor and, in each case, the certificates representing all such Equity Interests (the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), collectively, the “Pledged Stock”); provided that the Pledged Stock shall not include:

(A) (1) more than 65% of the issued and outstanding voting Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that is (x) a CFC directly owned by any Pledgor or (y) any FSHCO directly owned by a Pledgor or (2) any of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of (x) any Domestic Subsidiary that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary that is a CFC or (y) any FSHCO that is not a “first tier” Subsidiary of a Loan Party,

(B) to the extent applicable law requires that a Subsidiary of such Pledgor issue directors’ qualifying shares, nominee shares or similar shares, which are required by Law to be held by persons other than the Pledgors, such qualifying shares, nominee shares or similar shares held by persons other than Pledgors,

(C) any Equity Interests of any person (other than a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is directly owned by a Pledgor) to the extent restricted or not permitted by the terms of such person’s organizational documents or other agreements with holders of such Equity Interests (so long as such prohibition did not arise as part of the acquisition or formation of such person or in anticipation of the Credit Agreement and other than to the extent that any such prohibition would be rendered ineffective pursuant to the UCC or any other applicable Law); provided that such Equity Interests shall cease to be Excluded Equity Interests at such time as such prohibition ceases to be in effect,

(D) any Equity Interests if, to the extent and for so long as the pledge of such Equity Interests hereunder is prohibited or restricted by any applicable Law, including any requirement to obtain consent of any Governmental Authority (other than to the extent such prohibition would be rendered ineffective under the UCC or any other applicable Law); provided that such Equity Interests shall cease to be Excluded Equity Interests at such time as such prohibition ceases to be in effect,

 

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(E) any Equity Interests if, to the extent and for so long as the pledge of such Equity Interests hereunder would result in (1) material adverse tax consequences (including, without limitation, as a result of the operation of Section 956 of the Code or any similar Law or regulation in any applicable jurisdiction) or (2) material adverse regulatory consequences, in each case as reasonably determined by the Borrower and with the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned),

(F) any margin stock,

(G) any Equity Interests that the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall have agreed in writing to treat as Excluded Equity Interests for purposes hereof on account of the cost, difficulty, burden or consequences of pledging such Equity Interests hereunder being excessive in relation to the benefit to the Secured Parties of the security to be afforded thereby,

(H) any Equity Interests in captive insurance subsidiaries, special purpose entities identified in writing at any time by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent and not-for-profit subsidiaries and

(I) (a) any Equity Interests in Unrestricted Subsidiaries or Immaterial Subsidiaries (any Equity Interests excluded pursuant to clauses (A) through (H) above, along with this clause (I), the “Excluded Equity Interests”), (b)(i) the promissory notes and any instruments evidencing Indebtedness owned by it as of the Closing Date (including those listed opposite the name of such Pledgor on Schedule II) and (ii) any promissory notes and instruments and any Indebtedness in the future issued to such Pledgor having, an aggregate principal amount in excess of $5.0 million (the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) collectively, the “Pledged Debt Securities”), in each case including all interest, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all Pledged Debt Securities (except to the extent otherwise excluded from the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement), but excluding (1) intercompany current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the cash management operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries or (2) to the extent the pledge of such promissory note or instrument would violate applicable law (after giving effect to the relevant anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code), (c) subject to Section 3.05 hereof, all payments of principal or interest, dividends, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of, in exchange for or upon the conversion of, and all other proceeds received in respect of, the securities referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above, (d) subject to Section 3.05 hereof, all rights and privileges of such Pledgor with respect to the securities and other property referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) above and (e) all proceeds of any of the foregoing (the items referred to in clauses (a) through (d) above being collectively referred to as the “Pledged Collateral”).

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Pledged Collateral, together with all right, title, interest, powers, privileges and preferences pertaining or incidental thereto, unto the Administrative Agent, its successors and permitted assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, forever, subject, however, to the terms, covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth and in each case subject to the last paragraph of Article IV of the Credit Agreement and the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.

 

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Section 3.02. Delivery of the Pledged Collateral. (a) Each Pledgor agrees promptly to deliver or cause to be delivered to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, any and all Pledged Securities to the extent such Pledged Securities, in the case of promissory notes or other instruments evidencing Indebtedness, are required to be delivered pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 3.02.

(b) Each Pledgor will cause any Indebtedness for borrowed money having an aggregate principal amount in excess of $5.0 million (other than (i) intercompany current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the cash management operations of Holdings, the Borrower and the other Subsidiaries or (ii) to the extent that a pledge of such promissory note or instrument would violate applicable law) owed to such Pledgor by any person to be evidenced by a duly executed promissory note that is pledged and delivered to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to the terms hereof. To the extent any such promissory note is a demand note, each Pledgor party thereto agrees, if requested by the Administrative Agent, to immediately demand payment thereunder upon a Specified Event of Default unless such demand would not be commercially reasonable or would otherwise expose such Pledgor to liability to the maker.

(c) Upon delivery to the Administrative Agent, (i) any Pledged Securities required to be delivered pursuant to the foregoing paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 3.02 shall be accompanied by stock powers or note powers, as applicable, duly executed in blank or other instruments of transfer reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and by such other instruments and documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and (ii) all other property composing part of the Pledged Collateral delivered pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be accompanied to the extent necessary to perfect the security interest in or allow realization on the Pledged Collateral by proper instruments of assignment duly executed by the applicable Pledgor and such other instruments or documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request. Each delivery of Pledged Securities shall be accompanied by a schedule describing the securities, which schedule shall be attached hereto as Schedule II (or a supplement to Schedule II, as applicable) and made a part hereof; provided that failure to attach any such schedule hereto shall not affect the validity of such pledge of such Pledged Securities. Each schedule so delivered shall supplement any prior schedules so delivered.

Section 3.03. Representations, Warranties and Covenants. Each Pledgor represents, warrants and covenants to and with the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, that:

(a) Schedule II correctly sets forth the percentage of the issued and outstanding shares of each class of the Equity Interests of the issuer thereof represented by such Pledged Stock, in each case as of the Closing Date and includes all Equity Interests, debt securities and promissory notes or instruments evidencing Indebtedness required to be pledged in order to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement on the Closing Date. Any Pledgor may certificate any interest in a limited liability company or a limited partnership that was previously uncertificated; provided that the certificate is promptly delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with

 

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the Intercreditor Agreements. Any Pledgor may amend the organizational documents of any limited liability company or limited partnership so that such limited liability company’s or limited partnership’s interests are no longer represented by a certificate; provided that upon such action, the Administrative Agent will not cease to have a perfected security interest in such interests;

(b) the Pledged Stock and Pledged Debt Securities (solely with respect to Pledged Debt Securities issued by a person that is not a Subsidiary of Holdings or an Affiliate of any such Subsidiary, to the best of each Pledgor’s knowledge) have been duly and validly authorized and issued by the issuers thereof and (i) in the case of Pledged Stock, are fully paid and nonassessable (other than with respect to Pledged Stock consisting of membership interests of limited liability companies to the extent provided in Sections 18-502 and 18-607 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act) and (ii) in the case of Pledged Debt Securities (solely with respect to Pledged Debt Securities issued by a person that is not a Subsidiary of Holdings or an Affiliate of any such Subsidiary, to the best of each Pledgor’s knowledge) are legal, valid and binding obligations of the issuers thereof, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing;

(c) except for the security interests granted hereunder, each Pledgor (i) is and, subject to any transfers made in compliance with the Credit Agreement, will continue to be the direct owner, beneficially and of record, of the Pledged Securities indicated on Schedule II as owned by such Pledgor, (ii) holds the same free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens, (iii) will make no assignment, pledge, hypothecation or transfer of, or create or permit to exist any security interest in or other Lien on, the Pledged Collateral, other than pursuant to a transaction permitted by the Credit Agreement and other than Permitted Liens and (iv) subject to the rights of such Pledgor under the Loan Documents to dispose of Pledged Collateral, will use commercially reasonable efforts to defend its title or interest hereto or therein against any and all Liens (other than Permitted Liens), however arising, of all persons;

(d) other than as set forth in the Credit Agreement or the schedules thereto, and except for restrictions and limitations imposed by the Loan Documents or securities laws generally or otherwise permitted to exist pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Pledged Stock (other than partnership interests) is and will continue to be freely transferable and assignable, and none of the Pledged Stock is or will be subject to any option, right of first refusal, shareholders agreement, charter or by-law provisions or contractual restriction of any nature that might prohibit, impair, delay or otherwise affect the pledge of such Pledged Stock hereunder, the sale or disposition thereof pursuant hereto or the exercise by the Administrative Agent of rights and remedies hereunder;

(e) each Pledgor has the power and authority to pledge the Pledged Collateral pledged by it hereunder in the manner hereby done or contemplated;

(f) other than as set forth in the Credit Agreement or the schedules thereto, no consent or approval of any Governmental Authority, any securities exchange or any other person was or is necessary to the validity of the pledge effected hereby (other than such as have been obtained and are in full force and effect);

 

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(g) by virtue of the execution and delivery by the Pledgors of this Agreement, when any Pledged Securities (including Pledged Stock of any Domestic Subsidiary, any FSHCO or any Foreign Subsidiary) are delivered to the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement), for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, in accordance with this Agreement and a financing statement covering such Pledged Securities is filed in the appropriate UCC filing office, the Administrative Agent will obtain, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, a legal, valid and perfected lien upon and security interest in such Pledged Securities under the New York UCC or the corresponding code or statute of any other applicable jurisdiction, subject only to Permitted Liens, as security for the payment and performance of the Obligations; and

(h) [reserved]

(i) the Pledgors shall not amend, or permit to be amended, the limited liability company agreement (or operating agreement or similar agreement) or partnership agreement of any subsidiary of any Loan Party whose Equity Interests are, or are required to be, Collateral in a manner to cause such Equity Interests to constitute a security under Section 8-103 of the New York UCC or the corresponding code or statute of any other applicable jurisdiction unless such Loan Party shall have first delivered reasonable prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and shall have taken all actions contemplated hereby and as otherwise reasonably required by the Administrative Agent to maintain the security interest of the Administrative Agent therein as a valid, perfected, first priority security interest, subject to the relative priorities set forth in the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement.

Section 3.04. Registration in Nominee Name; Denominations. The Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement), on behalf of the Secured Parties, shall have the right (in its sole and absolute discretion) to hold the Pledged Securities in the name of the applicable Pledgor, endorsed or assigned in blank or in favor of the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement) or, if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, in its own name as pledgee or the name of its nominee (as pledgee or as sub-agent). Each Pledgor will promptly give to the Administrative Agent copies of any notices or other communications received by it with respect to Pledged Securities registered in the name of such Pledgor. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement) shall have the right to exchange the certificates representing Pledged Securities for certificates of smaller or larger denominations for any purpose consistent with this Agreement. Each Pledgor shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause any Loan Party that is not a party to this Agreement to comply with a request by the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement), pursuant to this Section 3.04, to exchange certificates representing Pledged Securities of such Loan Party for certificates of smaller or larger denominations.

 

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Section 3.05. Voting Rights; Dividends and Interest, Etc. (a) Unless and until an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the Administrative Agent shall have given written notice to the relevant Pledgors of the Administrative Agent’s intention to exercise its rights hereunder:

(i) Each Pledgor shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting and/or other consensual rights and powers inuring to an owner of Pledged Collateral or any part thereof for any purpose consistent with the terms of this Agreement, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents provided that, except as permitted under the Credit Agreement, such rights and powers shall not be exercised in any manner that could materially and adversely affect the rights inuring to a holder of any Pledged Collateral, the rights and remedies of any of the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties under this Agreement, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or the ability of the Secured Parties to exercise the same.

(ii) The Administrative Agent shall promptly execute and deliver to each Pledgor, or cause to be executed and delivered to such Pledgor, all such proxies, powers of attorney and other instruments as such Pledgor may reasonably request for the purpose of enabling such Pledgor to exercise the voting and/or consensual rights and powers it is entitled to exercise pursuant to subparagraph (i) above.

(iii) Each Pledgor shall be entitled to receive and retain any and all dividends, interest, principal and other distributions paid on or distributed in respect of the Pledged Collateral to the extent and only to the extent that such dividends, interest, principal and other distributions are permitted by, and otherwise paid or distributed in accordance with, the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents and applicable laws; provided that (A) any noncash dividends, interest, principal or other distributions, payments or other consideration in respect thereof, including any rights to receive the same to the extent not so distributed or paid, that would constitute Pledged Securities, whether resulting from a subdivision, combination or reclassification of the outstanding Equity Interests of the issuer of any Pledged Securities, received in exchange for Pledged Securities or any part thereof, or in redemption thereof, as a result of any merger, consolidation, acquisition or other exchange of assets to which such issuer may be a party or otherwise and (B) any noncash dividends and other distributions paid or payable in respect of any Pledged Securities that would constitute Pledged Securities in connection with a partial or total liquidation or dissolution or in connection with a reduction of capital, capital surplus or paid in surplus, shall be and become part of the Pledged Collateral, and, if received by any Pledgor, shall not be commingled by such Pledgor with any of its other funds or property but shall be held separate and apart therefrom, shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, and shall be forthwith delivered to the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement), for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, in the same form as so received (endorsed in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent).

(b) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and after written notice by the Administrative Agent to the relevant Pledgors of the Administrative Agent’s intention to exercise its rights hereunder, all rights of any Pledgor to dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that such Pledgor is authorized to receive pursuant to paragraph

 

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(a)(iii) of this Section 3.05 shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement) which shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to receive and retain such dividends, interest, principal or other distributions; provided, however, that even after the occurrence of an Event of Default, any Pledgor may continue to exercise dividend and distribution rights solely to the extent permitted under subclause (i), subclause (iii) and subclause (v) of Section 6.06(b) of the Credit Agreement. All dividends, interest, principal or other distributions received by any Pledgor contrary to the provisions of this Section 3.05 shall not be commingled by such Pledgor with any of its other funds or property but shall be held separate and apart therefrom, shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, and shall be forthwith delivered to the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement), for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, in the same form as so received (endorsed in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent). Any and all money and other property paid over to or received by the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement) pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph (b), subject to the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement shall be retained by the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement) in an account to be established by the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement) upon receipt of such money or other property and shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.02 hereof. After all Events of Default have been cured or waived, the Administrative Agent shall, if not previously applied to the Obligations, promptly repay to each Pledgor (without interest) all dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that such Pledgor would otherwise be permitted to retain pursuant to the terms of paragraph (a)(iii) of this Section 3.05 and that remain in such account.

(c) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and after the Administrative Agent shall have given written notice to the Borrower of the Administrative Agent’s intention to exercise its rights hereunder, all rights of any Pledgor to exercise the voting and/or consensual rights and powers it is entitled to exercise pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of this Section 3.05, and the obligations of the Administrative Agent under paragraph (a)(ii) of this Section 3.05, shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, which shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to exercise such voting and consensual rights and powers (subject to the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement); provided that, unless otherwise directed by the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent shall have the right from time to time following and during the continuance of an Event of Default to permit the Pledgors to exercise such rights. After all Events of Default have been cured or waived, each Pledgor shall have the right to exercise the voting and/or consensual rights and powers that such Pledgor would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant to the terms of paragraph (a)(i) above.

 

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ARTICLE IV

SECURITY INTERESTS IN OTHER PERSONAL PROPERTY

Section 4.01. Security Interest. (a) As security for the payment or performance when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), as the case may be, in full of the Obligations, each Pledgor hereby pledges to the Administrative Agent, its successors and permitted assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, its successors and permitted assigns, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest (the “Security Interest”) in all right, title and interest in or to any and all of the following assets and properties now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Pledgor or in which such Pledgor now has or at any time in the future may acquire any right, title or interest (collectively, the “Article 9 Collateral”):

(i) all Accounts;

(ii) all Chattel Paper;

(iii) all cash and Money, whether held in a Deposit Account or in the possession of the Administrative Agent;

(iv) all Documents;

(v) all Equipment;

(vi) all General Intangibles;

(vii) all Instruments;

(viii) all Inventory;

(ix) all Investment Property;

(x) all Letter of Credit Rights;

(xi) all Intellectual Property;

(xii) all Commercial Tort Claims described on Schedule V hereto, as updated from time to time;

(xiii) all cash held in any Securities Account;

(xiv) all books and Records pertaining to the Article 9 Collateral; and

(xv) all Proceeds, Supporting Obligations and products of any and all of the foregoing and all collateral security and guarantees given by any person with respect to any of the foregoing.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, this Agreement shall not constitute a grant of a security interest in (a) any vehicle or any other property covered by a certificate of title or ownership, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, (b) any Excluded Equity Interests, (c) any Letter of Credit Rights, except to the extent a security interest therein can be perfected by the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, and to the extent such Pledgor is not required by applicable law to apply the proceeds of a drawing of such Letter of Credit for a specified purpose, (d) any Pledgor’s right, title or interest in any lease, license, contract or

 

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agreement to which such Pledgor is a party or any of its right, title or interest thereunder to the extent, but only to the extent, that such a grant would, under the terms of such lease, license, contract or agreement, result in a breach of the terms of, or constitute a default under, or result in the abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability of or create a right of termination in favor of or require the consent of any other party thereto (other than such Pledgor), such lease, license, contract or agreement (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Section 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the New York UCC or any other applicable law (including, without limitation, Title 11 of the United States Code) or principles of equity), (e) assets to the extent the granting of a security interest therein would be prohibited or restricted by applicable law, rule or regulation (including any requirement to obtain the consent of any Governmental Authority), (f)(i) payroll and other employee wage and benefit accounts, (ii) tax accounts, including, without limitation, sales tax accounts, (iii) escrow accounts and (iv) fiduciary or other trust accounts, and, in the case of clauses (i) through (iv), the funds or other property held in or maintained in such account, (g) any Commercial Tort Claim with a value not in excess of $5.0 million, as determined in good faith by the Borrower, (h) any governmental licenses or State or local franchises, charters or authorizations, to the extent security interests in such licenses, franchises, charters or authorizations are prohibited or restricted thereby, after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code of any applicable jurisdiction notwithstanding such prohibition or restriction, (i) assets if the granting of a security interest therein would result in (i) material adverse tax consequences (including, without limitation, as a result of the operation of Section 956 of the Code or any similar law or regulation in any applicable jurisdiction) or (ii) material adverse regulatory consequences, in each case as reasonably determined by the Borrower and with the consent of the Administrative Agent (which consent will not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), (j) those assets as to which the Administrative Agent and the Borrower reasonably agree in writing that any of the cost, difficulty, burden or consequences of obtaining such a security interest are excessive in relation to the benefit to the Lenders of the security to be afforded thereby, (k) any United States “intent to use” Trademark application or intent-to-use service mark application filed pursuant to Section 1(b) of the Lanham Act to the extent that the grant of a security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of, or render void or voidable or result in the cancellation of the applicable Pledgor’s right, title or interest therein or any Trademark registration that issues as a result of such application under applicable federal law, after which period such application shall be automatically subject to the security interest granted herein and deemed to be included in the Collateral, (l) any assets and proceeds thereof subject to a Finance Lease Obligations or a purchase money Lien permitted by Section 6.02(i) of the Credit Agreement to the extent the documents providing for such Finance Lease Obligation or purchase money Lien do not permit such assets and proceeds thereof to the pledged to the Administrative Agent and (m) any assets acquired after the date hereof subject to a Lien permitted by Section 6.02(c) of the Credit Agreement that existed on such assets at the time of the acquisition thereof and was not incurred in contemplation of such acquisition so long as the documents providing for such Lien do not permit such assets to be pledged to the Administrative Agent (the assets described in clauses (a) through (m) above, collectively, the “Excluded Assets”); provided that such exclusions shall not apply to the proceeds of any of the foregoing property.

 

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(b) Each Pledgor hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent at any time and from time to time to file in any relevant jurisdiction any financing statements (including fixture filings) with respect to the Article 9 Collateral (including all Article 9 Collateral consisting of Pledged Collateral) or any part thereof and amendments thereto that contain the information required by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code of each applicable jurisdiction for the filing of any financing statement or amendment, including (i) whether such Pledgor is an organization, the type of organization and any organizational identification number issued to such Pledgor, (ii) in the case of a financing statement filed as a fixture filing, a sufficient description of the property to which such Article 9 Collateral relates and (iii) a description of collateral that describes such property in any other manner as the Administrative Agent may reasonably determine is necessary to ensure the perfection of the security interest in the Article 9 Collateral granted under this Agreement, including describing such property as “all assets”, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or words of similar effect. Each Pledgor agrees to provide such information to the Administrative Agent promptly upon request. As of the Closing Date, the filing jurisdictions for filing of each applicable Uniform Commercial Code financing statement is as set forth on Schedule IV.

The Administrative Agent is further authorized to file with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or United States Copyright Office (or any successor office) such documents as may be reasonably necessary for the purpose of perfecting, continuing, enforcing or protecting the Security Interest granted by each Pledgor, and naming any Pledgor or the Pledgors as debtors and the Administrative Agent as secured party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Pledgor shall be required to take any action under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions for the purpose of perfecting the Security Interest in any Article 9 Collateral of such Pledgor constituting Patents, Trademarks or Copyrights.

(c) The Security Interest is granted as security only and shall not subject the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to, or in any way alter or modify, any obligation or liability of any Pledgor with respect to or arising out of the Article 9 Collateral.

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or the Credit Agreement, (i) no perfection steps shall be required by any means other than (A) filings pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code in the office of the Secretary of State (or equivalent filing office) of the relevant State(s) of the respective jurisdictions of organization of each Pledgor, (B) filings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office of the short forms of Intellectual Property Security Agreement, (C) delivery of Collateral consisting of instruments, notes and debt securities in a principal amount in excess of $5.0 million; provided that such delivery shall not be required with respect to (1) instruments, notes and debt securities that are promptly deposited into an investment or securities account, (2) checks received in the ordinary course of business and (3) notes and debt securities issued in connection with the extension of trade credit by a grantor of a security interest, (D) delivery of Collateral consisting of certificated Equity Interests included in the Collateral and (E) other actions expressly required by this Agreement or the Credit Agreement; (ii) Control Agreements or similar arrangements shall not be required with respect to any Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts, Commodities Accounts or, except as described in the preceding clause (i), other Collateral that requires perfection by “control”; and (iii) the Pledgors shall not be required to take any actions outside the United States to create or perfect any security interests in any Collateral (it being understood that there shall be no security agreements or pledge agreements governed under the laws of any foreign jurisdiction).

 

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Section 4.02. Representations and Warranties. Each Pledgor represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties that:

(a) Each Pledgor has good and valid rights in and title to the Article 9 Collateral with respect to which it has purported to grant a Security Interest hereunder and has full power and authority to grant to the Administrative Agent the Security Interest in such Article 9 Collateral pursuant hereto and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, without the consent or approval of any other person other than any consent or approval that has been obtained and is in full force and effect or has otherwise been disclosed herein or in the Credit Agreement.

(b) The information set forth in the schedules attached hereto is correct and complete, in all material respects, as of the Closing Date. The Uniform Commercial Code financing statements containing a description of the Article 9 Collateral that have been prepared by the Administrative Agent for filing in the office specified in Schedule IV constitute all the filings, recordings and registrations (except as set forth in the following clause (c)) that are, as of the Closing Date, necessary to publish notice of and protect the validity of and to establish a legal, valid and perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) in respect of all Article 9 Collateral in which the Security Interest may be perfected by filing. Each Pledgor agrees to update the schedules attached hereto in accordance with Section 5.04(f) of the Credit Agreement.

(c) Each Pledgor represents and warrants that a fully executed Intellectual Property Security Agreement containing a description of all Article 9 Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property with respect to United States Patents (and Patents for which United States applications are pending), United States registered Trademarks (and Trademarks for which United States registration applications are pending) and United States registered Copyrights (and Copyrights for which United States registration applications are pending) has been delivered to the Administrative Agent for recording with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 261, 15 U.S.C. § 1060 or 17 U.S.C. § 205 and the regulations thereunder, as applicable, and reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, to protect the validity of and to establish a legal, valid and perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in respect of all Article 9 Collateral consisting of such Intellectual Property in which a security interest may be perfected by recording with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office.

(d) The Security Interest constitutes (i) a legal and valid security interest in all the Article 9 Collateral securing the payment and performance of the Obligations, (ii) subject to the filings described in Section 4.01(b), a perfected security interest in all Article 9 Collateral if and to the extent which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registering a financing statement or analogous document in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law in such jurisdictions and (iii) a security interest in all Intellectual Property Collateral upon the receipt and recording of the Intellectual Property Security Agreement with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, as applicable, if and to the extent which a security interest may be perfected by such recording. The Security Interest

 

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is and shall be prior to any other Lien on any of the Article 9 Collateral other than (i) Permitted Liens having priority either by operation of applicable law or pursuant to the terms of the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement or (ii) Permitted Liens which are permitted to have priority pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement.

(e) The Article 9 Collateral is owned by the Pledgors free and clear of any Lien, other than Permitted Liens. None of the Pledgors has filed or consented to the filing of (i) any financing statement or analogous document under the Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable laws covering any Article 9 Collateral, (ii) any assignment in which any Pledgor assigns any Article 9 Collateral or any security agreement or similar instrument covering any Article 9 Collateral with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office or (iii) any assignment in which any Pledgor assigns any Article 9 Collateral or any security agreement or similar instrument covering any Article 9 Collateral with any foreign governmental, municipal or other office, which financing statement or analogous document, assignment, security agreement or similar instrument is still in effect, except, in each case, for Permitted Liens.

(f) None of the Pledgors holds any Commercial Tort Claim individually in excess of $5.0 million as of the Closing Date except as indicated on Schedule V.

(g) [Reserved].

(h) As to itself and its Article 9 Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property, excluding the Excluded Assets (the “Intellectual Property Collateral”):

(i) The Intellectual Property Collateral set forth on Schedule III includes all of the Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights owned by such Pledgor as of the date hereof that are material to the operation of such Pledgor’s business. To the knowledge of such Pledgor, Pledgor owns all of the Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights on Schedule III, free and clear of all Liens except Permitted Liens.

(ii) The issued Patents, registered Copyrights and registered Trademarks included in the Intellectual Property Collateral are subsisting and unexpired and have not been adjudged invalid or unenforceable in whole or part, and are valid and enforceable, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Such Pledgor is not aware of any uses of any item of Intellectual Property Collateral that would be expected to lead to such item becoming invalid or unenforceable.

(iii) The operation of such Pledgor’s business as currently conducted and the use of the Intellectual Property Collateral in connection therewith do not conflict with, infringe, misappropriate, dilute, misuse or otherwise violate any third party rights in any Intellectual Property.

(iv) To the knowledge of such Pledgor, no third party is infringing, misappropriating, diluting, misusing or otherwise violating such Pledgor’s rights in any Intellectual Property.

 

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(v) Such Pledgor has (A) made or performed in the ordinary course of Pledgor’s business, acts, including without limitation filings, recordings and payment of all required fees and taxes, required to maintain and protect its interest in each and every item of Intellectual Property Collateral in full force and effect in the United States and (B) used proper statutory notice in connection with its use of each Patent, Trademark and Copyright in the Intellectual Property Collateral, except, in the case of each of (A) and (B), to the extent that the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(vi) With respect to each IP Agreement, the absence, termination or violation of which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect: (A) such Pledgor has not received any written notice of termination or cancellation under such IP Agreement; (B) such Pledgor has not received any written notice of a breach or default under such IP Agreement, which breach or default has not been cured or waived; and (C) neither such Pledgor nor, to the knowledge of such Pledgor, any other party to such IP Agreement is in breach or default thereof in any material respect, and to the knowledge of such Pledgor, no event has occurred that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a breach or default or permit termination, modification or acceleration under such IP Agreement.

(i) On the date hereof, such Pledgor’s jurisdiction of organization, identification number from the jurisdiction of organization (if any), and the location of such Pledgor’s chief executive office or sole place of business or principal residence, as the case may be, are specified on Schedule VI. Such Pledgor has furnished to the Administrative Agent a certified charter, certificate of incorporation or other organization document and long-form good standing certificate as of a date which is recent to the date hereof.

(j) No amount payable to such Pledgor under or in connection with any Receivable is evidenced by any Instrument or Chattel Paper which has not been delivered to the Administrative Agent. None of the obligors on any Receivables is a Governmental Authority. The amounts represented by such Pledgor to the Lenders from time to time as owing to such Pledgor in respect of the Receivables will at such times be accurate.

Section 4.03. Covenants.

(a) Each Pledgor agrees to furnish to the Administrative Agent within 30 Business Days thereafter written notice of any change in (i) its corporate or organization name, (ii) its type of organization or organizational structure, (iii) its organizational identification number, where applicable, or (iv) its “location” (determined as provided in UCC Section 9-307). Each Pledgor agrees promptly to provide the Administrative Agent with certified organizational documents reflecting any of the changes described in the immediately preceding sentence. Each Pledgor agrees not to effect or permit any change referred to in the first sentence of this paragraph (a) unless all filings have been made, or will have been made within any applicable statutory period, under the Uniform Commercial Code or otherwise that are required in order for the Administrative Agent to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected security interest in all the Article 9 Collateral, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, that is prior to any other Lien on any of the Article 9 Collateral other than (i) Permitted Liens having priority either by operation of applicable law or pursuant to the terms of the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement and (ii) Permitted Liens which are permitted to have priority pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

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(b) Subject to the rights of such Pledgor under the Loan Documents to dispose of Collateral, each Pledgor shall, at its own expense, use commercially reasonable efforts to defend title to the Article 9 Collateral against all persons and to defend the Security Interest of the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, in the Article 9 Collateral and the priority thereof against any Lien that is not a Permitted Lien.

(c) Each Pledgor agrees, at its own expense, to execute, acknowledge, deliver and cause to be duly filed all such further instruments and documents and take all such actions as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request to preserve, protect and perfect the Security Interest and the rights and remedies created hereby, including the payment of any fees and taxes required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the granting of the Security Interest and the filing of any financing statements (including fixture filings) or other documents in connection herewith or therewith. If any amount payable under or in connection with any of the Article 9 Collateral that is in excess of $5.0 million shall be or become evidenced by any promissory note or other instrument, such note or instrument subject to the ABL/Term Intercreditor Agreement shall be promptly pledged and delivered to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, duly endorsed in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(d) After the occurrence of an Event of Default and during the continuance thereof, the Administrative Agent shall have the right to verify under reasonable procedures the validity, amount, quality, quantity, value, condition and status of, or any other matter relating to, the Article 9 Collateral, including, in the case of Accounts or Article 9 Collateral in the possession of any third person, by contacting Account Debtors or the third person possessing such Article 9 Collateral for the purpose of making such a verification. The Administrative Agent shall have the right to share any information it gains from such inspection or verification with any Secured Party.

(e) None of the Pledgors will, without the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), grant any extension of the time of payment of any Accounts included in the Article 9 Collateral, compromise, compound or settle the same for less than the full amount thereof, release, wholly or partly, any person liable for the payment thereof or allow any credit or discount whatsoever thereon, other than extensions, credits, discounts, compromises or settlements granted or made in the ordinary course of business and consistent with prudent business practices or as otherwise permitted under the Credit Agreement.

(f) At its option after the occurrence of an Event of Default and during the continuance thereof, the Administrative Agent may discharge past due taxes, assessments, charges, fees, Liens, security interests or other encumbrances at any time levied or placed on the Article 9 Collateral and not a Permitted Lien, and may pay for the maintenance and preservation of the Article 9 Collateral to the extent any Pledgor fails to do so as required by the Credit Agreement or this Agreement, and each Pledgor jointly and severally agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent on demand for any reasonable payment made or any reasonable expense incurred by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the foregoing authorization; provided, however, that nothing in

 

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this Section 4.03(e) shall be interpreted as excusing any Pledgor from the performance of, or imposing any obligation on the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party to cure or perform, any covenants or other promises of any Pledgor with respect to taxes, assessments, charges, fees, Liens, security interests or other encumbrances and maintenance as set forth herein or in the other Loan Documents.

(g) Each Pledgor (rather than the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party) shall remain liable for the observance and performance of all the conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it under each contract, agreement or instrument relating to the Article 9 Collateral.

(h) Each Pledgor irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints the Administrative Agent (and all officers, employees or agents designated by the Administrative Agent) as such Pledgor’s true and lawful agent (and attorney-in-fact) for the purpose, during the continuance of an Event of Default, of making, settling and adjusting claims in respect of Article 9 Collateral under policies of insurance, endorsing the name of such Pledgor on any check, draft, instrument or other item of payment for the proceeds of such policies of insurance and for making all determinations and decisions with respect thereto. In the event that any Pledgor at any time or times shall fail to obtain or maintain any of the policies of insurance required hereby or under the Credit Agreement or to pay any premium in whole or part relating thereto, the Administrative Agent may, after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, without waiving or releasing any obligation or liability of the Pledgors hereunder or any Event of Default, in its sole discretion, obtain and maintain such policies of insurance and pay such premium and take any other actions with respect thereto as the Administrative Agent reasonably deems advisable. All sums disbursed by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Section 4.03(h), including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, expenses and other charges relating thereto, shall be payable, upon demand, by the Pledgors to the Administrative Agent and shall be additional Obligations secured hereby.

Section 4.04. Other Actions. In order to further ensure the attachment, perfection and priority of, and the ability of the Administrative Agent to enforce, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Article 9 Collateral, each Pledgor agrees, in each case at such Pledgor’s own expense, to take the following actions with respect to the following Article 9 Collateral:

(a) Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper. If any Pledgor shall at any time hold or acquire any Instruments (other than checks received and processed in the ordinary course of business) or Tangible Chattel Paper evidencing an amount in excess of $5.0 million, such Pledgor shall, within thirty (30) days of such acquisition, endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement), accompanied by such instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

(b) Investment Property. Except to the extent otherwise provided in Article III, if any Pledgor shall at any time hold or acquire any Certificated Security constituting Pledged Collateral or Article 9 Collateral, such Pledgor shall, within thirty (30) days of such acquisition, endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in

 

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accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement), accompanied by such instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably specify. If any security of a domestic issuer now owned or hereafter acquired by any Pledgor is uncertificated and is issued to such Pledgor or its nominee directly by the issuer thereof, such Pledgor shall, within thirty (30) days of such issuance, notify the Administrative Agent of such uncertificated securities and upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, such Pledgor shall pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, either (i) cause the issuer to agree to comply with instructions from the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement) as to such security, without further consent of any Pledgor or such nominee or (ii) cause the issuer to register the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement) as the registered owner of such security.

(c) Commercial Tort Claims. If any Pledgor shall at any time hold or acquire a Commercial Tort Claim in an amount reasonably estimated to exceed $5.0 million at any time after the date hereof, such Pledgor shall, within thirty (30) days of such acquisition, notify the Administrative Agent thereof by updating Schedule V hereof, and grant to the Administrative Agent in writing a security interest therein and in the proceeds thereof, all under the terms and provisions of this Agreement, with such writing to be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Section 4.05. Covenants Regarding Patent, Trademark and Copyright Collateral. Except as permitted by the Credit Agreement: (a) Each Pledgor agrees that it will not knowingly do any act or omit to do any act (and will exercise commercially reasonable efforts to contractually prohibit its licensees from doing any act or omitting to do any act) whereby any Patent that is material to the normal conduct of such Pledgor’s business may become prematurely invalidated, abandoned, lapsed or dedicated to the public, and agrees that it shall take commercially reasonable steps with respect to any material products covered by any such Patent as necessary to establish and preserve its rights under applicable patent laws.

(b) Each Pledgor will, and will use its commercially reasonable efforts to contractually require its licensees and its sublicensees to, for each material Trademark necessary to the normal conduct of such Pledgor’s business, (i) maintain such Trademark in full force free from any adjudication of abandonment or invalidity for non-use, (ii) maintain the quality of products and services offered under such Trademark, (iii) display such Trademark with notice of federal registration or claim of trademark or service mark as required under applicable law and (iv) not knowingly use, or knowingly permit its licensees’ use of, such Trademark in violation of any third-party rights.

(c) Each Pledgor will, and will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause its licensees and its sublicensees to, for each work covered by a material Copyright necessary to the normal conduct of such Pledgor’s business that it publishes, displays and distributes, use a copyright notice as necessary and sufficient to establish and preserve its rights under applicable copyright laws.

 

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(d) Each Pledgor shall notify the Administrative Agent promptly if it knows that any Patent, Trademark or Copyright material to the normal conduct of such Pledgor’s business may imminently become abandoned, lapsed or dedicated to the public, or of any materially adverse determination or development, excluding office actions and similar determinations or developments in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, United States Copyright Office, any court or any similar office of any country, regarding such Pledgor’s ownership of any such material Patent, Trademark or Copyright or its right to register or to maintain the same.

(e) Each Pledgor, either itself or through any agent, employee, licensee or designee, shall (i) inform the Administrative Agent on an annual basis of each application by itself, or through any agent, employee, licensee or designee, for any Patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and each registration of any Trademark or Copyright with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office or any comparable office or agency in any other country filed during the preceding twelve month period and (ii) upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, execute and deliver any and all agreements, instruments, documents and papers as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request to evidence the Administrative Agent’s security interest in such Patent, Trademark or Copyright.

(f) Each Pledgor shall exercise its reasonable business judgment consistent with the practice in any proceeding before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office with respect to maintaining and pursuing each application relating to any Patent, Trademark and/or Copyright (and obtaining the relevant grant or registration) material to the normal conduct of such Pledgor’s business and to maintain (i) each issued Patent and (ii) the registrations of each Trademark and each Copyright that is in each case material to the normal conduct of such Pledgor’s business, including, when applicable and necessary in such Pledgor’s reasonable business judgment, timely filings of applications for renewal, affidavits of use, affidavits of incontestability and payment of maintenance fees, and, if any Pledgor believes necessary in its reasonable business judgment, to initiate opposition, interference and cancellation proceedings against third parties.

(g) In the event that any Pledgor knows or has reason to know that any Article 9 Collateral consisting of a Patent, Trademark or Copyright material to the normal conduct of its business has been materially infringed, misappropriated or diluted by a third party, such Pledgor shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and shall, if such Pledgor deems it necessary in its reasonable business judgment, promptly take actions as are reasonably appropriate under the circumstances.

Section 4.06. ABL/Term Intercreditor Relations. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (a) the Pledgors and the Administrative Agent acknowledge that the exercise of certain of the Administrative Agent’s rights and remedies hereunder are subject to the provisions of the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement and (b) prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims, any obligation hereunder to physically deliver any ABL Priority Collateral to the Administrative Agent shall be deemed satisfied by the delivery to the ABL Administrative Agent, acting as gratuitous bailee for the Administrative Agent in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement. The failure of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to immediately enforce any of its rights and remedies hereunder (as a result of the terms of the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement or otherwise) shall not constitute a waiver of any such

 

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rights and remedies. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement regarding the relative priorities of the liens granted to ABL Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent in the Collateral, the terms of the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.

ARTICLE V

REMEDIES

Section 5.01. Remedies Upon Default. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Pledgor agrees to deliver each item of Collateral to the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement) on demand, and it is agreed that the Administrative Agent shall have the right, subject to applicable law, to take any of or all the following actions at the same or different times: (a) with respect to any Article 9 Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property, on demand, to cause the Security Interest to become an assignment, transfer and conveyance of any of or all such Article 9 Collateral by the applicable Pledgors to the Administrative Agent or to license or sublicense, whether general, special or otherwise, and whether on an exclusive or a non-exclusive basis, any such Article 9 Collateral throughout the world on such terms and conditions and in such manner as the Administrative Agent shall determine (other than in violation of any then-existing licensing arrangements to the extent that waivers thereunder cannot be obtained with the use of commercially reasonable efforts, which each Pledgor hereby agrees to use), (b) to take possession of the Article 9 Collateral and without liability for trespass to the applicable Pledgor to enter any premises where the Article 9 Collateral may be located for the purpose of taking possession of, removing or selling the Article 9 Collateral and (c) generally, to exercise any and all rights afforded to a secured party under the applicable Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing rights and remedies, each Pledgor agrees that the Administrative Agent shall have the right, subject to the mandatory requirements of applicable law (including the Uniform Commercial Code), to sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Collateral at a public or private sale or at any broker’s board or on any securities exchange, for cash, upon credit or for future delivery as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate. The Administrative Agent shall be authorized in connection with any sale of a security (if it deems it advisable to do so) pursuant to the foregoing to restrict the prospective bidders or purchasers to persons who represent and agree that they are purchasing such security for their own account, for investment, and not with a view to the distribution or sale thereof. Upon consummation of any such sale of Collateral pursuant to this Section 5.01, the Administrative Agent shall have the right to assign, transfer and deliver to the purchaser or purchasers thereof the Collateral so sold. Each such purchaser at any such sale shall hold the property sold absolutely, free from any claim or right on the part of any Pledgor, and each Pledgor hereby waives and releases (to the extent permitted by law) all rights of redemption, stay, valuation and appraisal that such Pledgor now has or may at any time in the future have under any rule of law or statute now existing or hereafter enacted.

The Administrative Agent shall give the applicable Pledgors ten Business Days’ written notice (which each Pledgor agrees is reasonable notice within the meaning of Section 9-611 of the New York UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions) of the Administrative Agent’s intention to make any sale of Collateral. Such notice, in the case of a public sale, shall state the time and place for such sale and, in the case of a sale at a broker’s board or on a securities exchange,

 

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shall state the board or exchange at which such sale is to be made and the day on which the Collateral, or portion thereof, will first be offered for sale at such board or exchange. Any such public sale shall be held at such time or times within ordinary business hours and at such place or places as the Administrative Agent may fix and state in the notice (if any) of such sale. The Collateral, or the portion thereof, to be sold at any such sale may be sold in one lot as an entirety or in separate parcels, in the Administrative Agent’s own right or by one or more agents and contractors, upon any premises owned, leased, or occupied by any Pledgor and the Administrative Agent and any such agent or contractor, in conjunction with any such sale, may augment the Inventory to be sold with other goods (all of which other goods shall remain the sole property of the Administrative Agent or such agent or contractor), all as the Administrative Agent may (in its sole and absolute discretion) determine. The Administrative Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of any Collateral if it shall determine not to do so, regardless of the fact that notice of sale of such Collateral shall have been given. The Administrative Agent may, without notice or publication, adjourn any public or private sale or cause the same to be adjourned from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed for sale, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which the same was so adjourned. In the case of any sale of all or any part of the Collateral made on credit or for future delivery, the Collateral so sold may be retained by the Administrative Agent until the sale price is paid by the purchaser or purchasers thereof, but the Administrative Agent shall not incur any liability in the event that any such purchaser or purchasers shall fail to take up and pay for the Collateral so sold and, in the case of any such failure, such Collateral may be sold again upon notice given in accordance with provisions above. At any public (or, to the extent permitted by law, private) sale made pursuant to this Section 5.01, any Secured Party may bid for or purchase, free (to the extent permitted by law) from any right of redemption, stay, valuation or appraisal on the part of any Pledgor (all such rights being also hereby waived and released to the extent permitted by law), the Collateral or any part thereof offered for sale and may make payment on account thereof by using any claim then due and payable to such Secured Party from any Pledgor as a credit against the purchase price, and such Secured Party may, upon compliance with the terms of sale, hold, retain and dispose of such property in accordance with Section 5.02 hereof without further accountability to any Pledgor therefor. For purposes hereof, a written agreement to purchase the Collateral or any portion thereof shall be treated as a sale thereof; the Administrative Agent shall be free to carry out such sale pursuant to such agreement and no Pledgor shall be entitled to the return of the Collateral or any portion thereof subject thereto, notwithstanding the fact that after the Administrative Agent shall have entered into such an agreement all Events of Default shall have been remedied and the Obligations paid in full. As an alternative to exercising the power of sale herein conferred upon it, the Administrative Agent may proceed by a suit or suits at law or in equity to foreclose this Agreement and to sell the Collateral or any portion thereof pursuant to a judgment or decree of a court or courts having competent jurisdiction or pursuant to a proceeding by a court-appointed receiver. Any sale pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.01 shall be deemed to conform to the commercially reasonable standards as provided in Section 9-610(b) of the New York UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions.

For the purpose of enabling the Administrative Agent to exercise rights and remedies under this Agreement at such time as the Administrative Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, each Pledgor hereby grants to the Administrative Agent an irrevocable (subject to the last sentence of this paragraph), nonexclusive license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to the Pledgors), subject, in the case of

 

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Trademarks, to sufficient rights to quality control and inspection in favor of such Pledgor to avoid the risk of invalidation of such Trademarks, to use, license or sublicense any of the Intellectual Property Collateral now owned or hereafter acquired by such Pledgor, and wherever the same may be located, and including in such license access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all computer software and programs used for the compilation or printout thereof. The use of such license by the Administrative Agent may be exercised, at the option of the Administrative Agent, only upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default; provided, however, that any license or sublicense to any Intellectual Property granted by the Administrative Agent in accordance herewith shall be binding upon each Pledgor notwithstanding any subsequent cure of an Event of Default.

With respect to the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall provide the Borrower with seven (7) days’ written notice prior to taking the actions contemplated by this Section 5.01.

Section 5.02. Application of Proceeds.

(a) Subject to the terms of the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor agreement (to the extent then in effect) to be applied to Term Loan Claims (as defined in the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor), the Administrative Agent shall promptly apply the proceeds, moneys or balances of any collection or sale of Collateral, as well as any Collateral consisting of cash, in the following order of priority:

(i) first, to all amounts owing to the Administrative Agent or the Administrative Agent pursuant to any of the Loan Documents in its capacity as such in respect of (x) the preservation of Collateral or its security interest in the Collateral or (y) with respect to enforcing the rights of the Secured Parties under the Loan Documents;

(ii) second, to the extent proceeds remain after the application pursuant to preceding clause (i), to all other amounts owing to the Administrative Agent or Administrative Agent pursuant to any of the Loan Documents in its capacity as such;

(iii) third, to the extent proceeds remain after the application pursuant to preceding clauses (i) through (ii), to an amount equal to the outstanding Obligations shall be paid to the Secured Parties, with each Secured Party receiving an amount equal to its outstanding Obligations or, if the proceeds are insufficient to pay in full all such Obligations, its pro rata share of the amount remaining to be distributed; and

(iv) fourth, to the extent proceeds remain after the application pursuant to preceding clauses (i) through (iii), inclusive, and following the payment in full of the Obligations, to the relevant Loan Party, their successors or assigns, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct or as otherwise required by any applicable intercreditor agreement.

 

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(b) If any payment to any Secured Party pursuant to this Section 5.02 of its pro rata share of any distribution would result in overpayment to such Secured Party, such excess amount shall instead be distributed in respect of the unpaid Obligations of the other Secured Parties, with each Secured Party whose Obligations have not been paid in full to receive an amount equal to such excess amount multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the unpaid Obligations of such Secured Party and the denominator of which is the unpaid Obligations of all Secured Parties entitled to such distribution.

(c) Subject to the terms of any applicable intercreditor agreement, all payments required to be made hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Secured Parties or as the Administrative Agent may otherwise direct in accordance with the Loan Documents.

(d) [Reserved.]

(e) Subject to the other limitations (if any) set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, it is understood that the Loan Parties shall remain liable (as and to the extent set forth herein) to the extent of any deficiency between the amount of the proceeds of the Collateral and the aggregate amount of the Obligations of the Loan Parties.

(f) It is understood and agreed by each Loan Party that the Administrative Agent shall have no liability for any determinations made by it in this Section 5.02 except to the extent that any of the foregoing are found by a final and nonappealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from its gross negligence or willful misconduct. Each Loan Party also agrees that the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be required to), at any time and in its sole discretion, and with no liability resulting therefrom, petition a court of competent jurisdiction regarding any application of Collateral in accordance with the requirements hereof and of the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement, and the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to wait for, and may conclusively rely on, any such determination.

Section 5.03. Securities Act, Etc. In view of the position of the Pledgors in relation to the Pledged Collateral, or because of other current or future circumstances, a question may arise under the Securities Act of 1933, as now or hereafter in effect, or any similar federal statute hereafter enacted analogous in purpose or effect (such Act and any such similar statute as from time to time in effect being called the “Federal Securities Laws”) with respect to any disposition of the Pledged Collateral permitted hereunder. Each Pledgor understands that compliance with the Federal Securities Laws might very strictly limit the course of conduct of the Administrative Agent if the Administrative Agent were to attempt to dispose of all or any part of the Pledged Collateral, and might also limit the extent to which or the manner in which any subsequent transferee of any Pledged Collateral could dispose of the same. Similarly, there may be other legal restrictions or limitations affecting the Administrative Agent in any attempt to dispose of all or part of the Pledged Collateral under applicable Blue Sky or other state securities laws or similar laws analogous in purpose or effect. Each Pledgor acknowledges and agrees that in light of such restrictions and limitations, the Administrative Agent, in its sole and absolute discretion, (a) may proceed to make such a sale whether or not a registration statement for the purpose of registering such Pledged Collateral or part thereof shall have been filed under the Federal Securities Laws or, to the extent applicable, Blue Sky or other state securities laws and (b) may approach and negotiate with a single potential purchaser to effect such sale. Each Pledgor acknowledges and agrees that any such sale might result in prices and other terms less favorable to the seller than if such sale were a public

 

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sale without such restrictions. In the event of any such sale, the Administrative Agent shall incur no responsibility or liability for selling all or any part of the Pledged Collateral at a price that the Administrative Agent, in its sole and absolute discretion, may in good faith deem reasonable under the circumstances, notwithstanding the possibility that a substantially higher price might have been realized if the sale were deferred until after registration as aforesaid or if more than a single purchaser were approached. The provisions of this Section 5.03 will apply notwithstanding the existence of a public or private market upon which the quotations or sales prices may exceed substantially the price at which the Administrative Agent sells.

ARTICLE VI

INDEMNITY, SUBROGATION AND SUBORDINATION

Section 6.01. Indemnity. In addition to all such rights of indemnity and subrogation as the Guarantors may have under applicable law (but subject to Section 6.03 hereof), the Borrower agrees that (a) in the event a payment shall be made by any Guarantor under this Agreement in respect of any Obligation of the Borrower, the Borrower shall indemnify such Guarantor for the full amount of such payment and such Guarantor shall be subrogated to the rights of the person to whom such payment shall have been made to the extent of such payment and (b) in the event any assets of any Guarantor shall be sold pursuant to this Agreement or any other Security Document to satisfy in whole or in part an Obligation of the Borrower, the Borrower shall indemnify such Guarantor in an amount equal to the greater of the book value or the fair market value of the assets so sold.

Section 6.02. Contribution and Subrogation. Subject to Section 2.07, each Guarantor (other than Holdings) (a “Contributing Guarantor”) agrees (subject to Section 6.03 hereof) that, in the event a payment shall be made by any other Guarantor (other than Holdings) hereunder in respect of any Obligation or assets of any other Guarantor (other than Holdings) shall be sold pursuant to any Security Document to satisfy any Obligation owed to any Secured Party and such other Guarantor other than Holdings (the “Claiming Guarantor”) shall not have been fully indemnified by the Borrower as provided in Section 6.01 hereof, the Contributing Guarantor shall indemnify the Claiming Guarantor in an amount equal to the amount of such payment or the greater of the book value or the fair market value of such assets, as applicable, in each case multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the net worth of such Contributing Guarantor on the date hereof and the denominator shall be the aggregate net worth of all the Guarantors on the date hereof (or, in the case of any Guarantor becoming a party hereto pursuant to Section 7.16 hereof, the date of the supplement hereto executed and delivered by such Guarantor). Any Contributing Guarantor making any payment to a Claiming Guarantor pursuant to this Section 6.02 shall be subrogated to the rights of such Claiming Guarantor under Section 6.01 hereof to the extent of such payment.

Section 6.03. Subordination. (a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, all rights of the Guarantors under Sections 6.01 and 6.02 hereof and all other rights of indemnity, contribution or subrogation of the Guarantors under applicable law or otherwise shall be fully subordinated to the payment in full in cash or immediately available funds of the Obligations (other than Obligations in respect of Specified Hedge Agreements, Cash Management Obligations and contingent indemnification and reimbursement obligations that are not yet due

 

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and payable and for which no claim has been asserted) until such time as this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with Section 7.15(a). No failure on the part of the Borrower or any Guarantor to make the payments required by Sections 6.01 and 6.02 hereof (or any other payments required under applicable law or otherwise) shall in any respect limit the obligations and liabilities of the Borrower with respect to the Obligations or any Guarantor with respect to its obligations hereunder, and the Borrower shall remain liable for the full amount of the Obligations and each Guarantor shall remain liable for the full amount of its obligations hereunder.

(b) The Borrower and each Guarantor hereby agree that all Indebtedness and other monetary obligations owed by it to the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any Subsidiary shall be fully subordinated to the payment in full in cash or immediately available funds of the Obligations (other than Obligations in respect of Specified Hedge Agreements, Cash Management Obligations and contingent indemnification and reimbursement obligations that are not yet due and payable and for which no claim has been asserted) to the extent subordination is required pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.01(f) of the Credit Agreement, until such time as this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with Section 7.15(a).

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 7.01. Notices. All communications and notices hereunder shall (except as otherwise permitted herein) be in writing and given as provided in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to any Subsidiary Loan Party shall be given to it in care of the Borrower, with such notice to be given as provided in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 7.02. Security Interest Absolute. All rights of the Administrative Agent hereunder, the Security Interest in the Article 9 Collateral, the security interest in the Pledged Collateral and all obligations of each Pledgor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, any agreement with respect to any of the Obligations or any other agreement or instrument relating to any of the foregoing, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument, (c) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any Lien on other collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent under or departure from any guarantee, securing or guaranteeing all or any of the Obligations or (d) subject only to termination or release of a Guarantor’s obligations hereunder in accordance with the terms of Section 7.15 hereof any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Pledgor in respect of the Obligations or this Agreement (other than a defense of payment or performance).

Section 7.03. Limitation By Law. All rights, remedies and powers provided in this Agreement may be exercised only to the extent that the exercise thereof does not violate any applicable provision of law, and all the provisions of this Agreement are intended to be subject to all applicable mandatory provisions of law that may be controlling and to be limited to the extent necessary so that they shall not render this Agreement invalid, unenforceable, in whole or in part, or not entitled to be recorded, registered or filed under the provisions of any applicable law.

 

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Section 7.04. Binding Effect; Several Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective as to any party to this Agreement when a counterpart hereof executed on behalf of such party shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and a counterpart hereof shall have been executed on behalf of the Administrative Agent, and thereafter shall be binding upon such party and the Administrative Agent and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of such party, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns, except that no party shall have the right to assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein or in the Collateral (and any such assignment or transfer shall be void) except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, the Credit Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed as a separate agreement with respect to each Loan Party and may be amended, modified, supplemented, waived or released with respect to any Loan Party without the approval of any other Loan Party and without affecting the obligations of any other Loan Party hereunder.

Section 7.05. Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the permitted successors and assigns of such party, and all covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of any Pledgor or the Administrative Agent that are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective permitted successors and assigns; provided that no Pledgor may assign, transfer or delegate any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.

Section 7.06. Administrative Agents Fees and Expenses; Indemnification. The parties hereto agree that the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to reimbursement of its expenses incurred hereunder as provided in Section 9.05 of the Credit Agreement and the provisions of Section 9.05 shall be incorporated by reference herein and apply to each Pledgor mutatis mutandis.

Section 7.07. Administrative Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact. Each Pledgor hereby appoints the Administrative Agent the attorney-in-fact of such Pledgor for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Agreement and taking any action and executing any instrument that the Administrative Agent may deem necessary to accomplish the purposes hereof, which appointment is irrevocable and coupled with an interest. The Administrative Agent shall have the right, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, with full power of substitution either in the Administrative Agent’s name or in the name of such Pledgor, (a) to receive, endorse, assign or deliver any and all notes, acceptances, checks, drafts, money orders or other evidences of payment relating to the Collateral or any part thereof, (b) to demand, collect, receive payment of, give receipt for and give discharges and releases of all or any of the Collateral, (c) to ask for, demand, sue for, collect, receive and give acquittance for any and all moneys due or to become due under and by virtue of any Collateral, (d) to sign the name of any Pledgor on any invoice or bill of lading relating to any of the Collateral, (e) to send verifications of Accounts to any Account Debtor, (f) to commence and prosecute any and all suits, actions or proceedings at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to collect or otherwise realize on all or any of the Collateral or to enforce any rights in respect of any Collateral, (g) to settle, compromise, compound, adjust or defend any actions, suits or proceedings relating to all or any of the Collateral, (h) to notify, or

 

31


to require any Pledgor to notify, Account Debtors to make payment directly to the Administrative Agent, and (i) to use, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, make any agreement with respect to or otherwise deal with all or any of the Collateral, and to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, as fully and completely as though the Administrative Agent were the absolute owner of the Collateral for all purposes; provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as requiring or obligating the Administrative Agent to make any commitment or to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by the Administrative Agent, or to present or file any claim or notice, or to take any action with respect to the Collateral or any part thereof or the moneys due or to become due in respect thereof or any property covered thereby. The Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties shall be accountable only for amounts actually received as a result of the exercise of the powers granted to them herein, and neither they nor their officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible to any Pledgor for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Section 7.08. APPLICABLE LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 7.09. Waivers; Amendment. (a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right, power or remedy, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. The rights, powers and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights, powers or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section 7.09, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given.

(b) Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties with respect to which such waiver, amendment or modification is to apply, subject to any consent required in accordance with Section 9.08 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 7.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 7.10.

 

32


Section 7.11. Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 7.12. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute but one contract, and shall become effective as provided in Section 7.04 hereof. Delivery of an executed counterpart to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed original. The words “execution,” “execute”, “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in or related to this Agreement and any document to be signed in connection with this letter agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, deliveries on electronic platforms, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and the parties hereto consent to conduct the transactions contemplated hereunder by electronic means; provided that notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary the Administrative Agent is under no obligation to agree to accept electronic signatures in any form or in any format unless expressly agreed to by the Administrative Agent pursuant to procedures approved by it.

Section 7.13. Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and are not to affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

Section 7.14. Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process. (a) Each party to this Agreement hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State court or federal court of the United States of America sitting in New York County, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding shall be heard and determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement against any Pledgor, or its properties, in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(b) Each party to this Agreement hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any New York State or federal court. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

33


Section 7.15. Termination or Release. (a) This Agreement, the guarantees made herein, the pledges made herein, the Security Interest and all other security interests granted hereby shall terminate when all the Obligations (other than Obligations in respect of Specified Hedge Agreements, Cash Management Obligations and contingent indemnification and reimbursement obligations, in each case, that are not yet due and payable and for which no claim has been asserted) have been paid in full in cash or immediately available funds and the Lenders have no further commitment to lend under the Credit Agreement.

(b) A Subsidiary Loan Party shall automatically be released from its obligations hereunder and the security interests in the Collateral of such Subsidiary Loan Party shall be automatically released upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by the Credit Agreement as a result of which such Subsidiary Loan Party ceases to be a Subsidiary Loan Party, is designated as an Excluded Subsidiary or otherwise ceases to be a Guarantor; provided that such portion of the Lenders as shall be required by the terms of the Credit Agreement to have consented to such transaction (to the extent such consent is required by the Credit Agreement) shall have consented thereto and the terms of such consent did not provide otherwise; provided further to the extent the ABL Security Documents are in effect on such date, such Subsidiary Loan Party (and the security interests in the Collateral in respect thereof) shall be released under the ABL Security Documents concurrently with the release referred to in this clause (b).

(c) Upon any sale or other transfer by any Pledgor of any Collateral that is permitted under the Credit Agreement to any person that is not a Pledgor, upon the effectiveness of any written consent to the release of the security interest granted hereby in any Collateral pursuant to Section 9.08 of the Credit Agreement or pursuant to Section 5.1 of the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement, the security interest in such Collateral shall be automatically released; provided to the extent the ABL Security Documents are in effect on such date, the security interests in such Collateral shall be released under the ABL Security Documents concurrently with the release referred to in this clause (c).

(d) In connection with any termination or release pursuant to paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 7.15, the Administrative Agent shall execute and deliver to any Pledgor, at such Pledgor’s expense, all documents that such Pledgor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release (including, without limitation, UCC termination statements) and will duly assign and transfer to such Pledgor such of the Pledged Collateral that may be in the possession of the Administrative Agent (or a designated bailee, in accordance with the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement) and has not theretofore been sold or otherwise applied or released pursuant to this Agreement; provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action under this Section 7.15(d) unless such Pledgor shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent together with such request, which may be incorporated into such request, (i) a reasonably detailed description of the Collateral, which in any event shall be sufficient to effect the appropriate termination or release without affecting any other Collateral and (ii) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower or such Pledgor certifying that the transaction giving rise to such termination or release is permitted by the Credit Agreement and was consummated in compliance with the Loan Documents. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section 7.15 shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.

 

34


Section 7.16. Additional Guarantors. Upon execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent and any Subsidiary that is required to become a party hereto by Section 5.10 of the Credit Agreement of an instrument in the form of Exhibit I hereto, such Subsidiary shall become a Subsidiary Loan Party hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Subsidiary Loan Party herein. The execution and delivery of any such instrument shall not require the consent of any other party to this Agreement. The rights and obligations of each party to this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new party to this Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

35


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC,

as the Borrower

By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

[Signature page to Term Loan Guarantee and Collateral Agreement]


SCRANTON PRODUCTS INC.,

as Guarantor

By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

VYCOM CORP.,

as Guarantor

By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

WES, LLC,

as Guarantor

By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

ULTRALOX TECHNOLOGY, LLC,

as Guarantor

By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

VERSATEX BUILDINGS PRODUCTS, LLC,

as Guarantor

By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

[Signature page to Term Loan Guarantee and Collateral Agreement]


STRUXURE OUTDOOR, LLC,

as Guarantor

By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

CPG BUILDINGS PRODUCTS, LLC,

as Guarantor

By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

CPG SUB I CORPORATION,

as Guarantor

By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

SANATEC SUB I CORPORATION,

as Guarantor

By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

SANTANA PRODUCTS INC.,

as Guarantor

By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

[Signature page to Term Loan Guarantee and Collateral Agreement]


VERSATEX HOLDINGS, LLC,

as Guarantor

By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

[Signature page to Term Loan Guarantee and Collateral Agreement]


THE AZEK COMPAN INC.,

as Guarantor

By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

[Signature page to Term Loan Guarantee and Collateral Agreement]


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

By:   /s/ Linda Mackey
  Name: Linda Mackey
  Title: Vice President

 

[Signature page to Term Loan Guarantee and Collateral Agreement]


Exhibit I

to Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement1

SUPPLEMENT NO. ____ dated as of ____________________ (this “Supplement”), to the Term Loan Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of April 28, 2022 (the “Guarantee and Collateral Agreement”), among CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), THE AZEK COMPANY, INC. (“Holdings”) and each other Subsidiary of Holdings that, in each case, becomes a party to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement after the Closing Date (each, a “Subsidiary Loan Party”) and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as administrative agent and as collateral agent (in such capacities, the “Administrative Agent”) for the Secured Parties (as defined therein).

A. Reference is made to the Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of April 28, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, Holdings, the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “Lenders”), the Administrative Agent for the Lenders, and the other parties from time to time thereto.

B. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement and the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement referred to therein.

C. The Pledgors have entered into the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement in order to induce the Lenders and the Collateral Agent and Lender and their respective Affiliates to extend financial accommodations pursuant to any Specified Hedge Agreement or any agreement constituting a Cash Management Obligation to make Loans under the Credit Agreement. Section 7.16 of the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement provides that additional Subsidiaries of Holdings may become Subsidiary Loan Parties under the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement. The undersigned Subsidiary (the “New Guarantor”) is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become a Subsidiary Loan Party under the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make additional Loans (if available under the Credit Agreement) and the Collateral Agent and Lender and their respective Affiliates to extend financial accommodations pursuant to any Specified Hedge Agreement or any agreement constituting a Cash Management Obligation and as consideration for any such financial accommodations previously made or issued under the Credit Agreement.

Accordingly, the Administrative Agent and the New Guarantor agree as follows:

SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 7.16 of the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, the New Guarantor by its signature below becomes a Subsidiary Loan Party, a Guarantor and a Pledgor under the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Subsidiary Loan Party, a Guarantor and a Pledgor, and

 

1 

At any time the ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement is outstanding, language to be added to Supplement regarding joinder to such agreement.

 

Exhibit I-1


the New Guarantor hereby (a) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement applicable to it as a Subsidiary Loan Party, a Guarantor and a Pledgor thereunder and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it as a Guarantor and a Pledgor thereunder are true and correct, in all material respects, on and as of the date hereof. In furtherance of the foregoing, the New Guarantor, as security for the payment and performance in full of the Obligations (as defined in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement), does hereby create and grant to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in and Lien on all the New Guarantor’s right, title and interest in and to the Collateral (as defined in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement) of the New Guarantor. Each reference to a “Subsidiary Loan Party,” a “Guarantor,” or a “Pledgor” in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Guarantor. The Guarantee and Collateral Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. The New Guarantor represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and (iii) implied covenants of good faith and fair dealing.

SECTION 3. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute but one contract. This Supplement shall become effective when (a) the Administrative Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Supplement that bears the signature of the New Guarantor and (b) the Agents have executed a counterpart hereof.

SECTION 4. The New Guarantor hereby represents and warrants that (a) set forth on Schedule I attached hereto is a true and correct schedule of all the Pledged Securities of the New Guarantor as of the date hereof, (b) set forth on Schedule II attached hereto is a true and correct schedule of all of the material Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights of the New Guarantor as of the date hereof, (c) set forth on Schedule III attached hereto is a true and correct schedule of all Commercial Tort Claims of the New Guarantor individually in excess of $5.0 million as of the date hereof and (d) set forth under its signature hereto, is the true and correct legal name of the New Guarantor, its jurisdiction of formation and the location of its chief executive office.

SECTION 5. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 6. THIS SUPPLEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES UNDER THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

Exhibit I-2


SECTION 7. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Supplement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

SECTION 8. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 7.01 of the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement.

SECTION 9. The New Guarantor agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Supplement, including the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel for the Administrative Agent.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Guarantor and the Agents have duly executed this Supplement to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

[Name of New Guarantor]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

Legal Name:
Jurisdiction of Formation:
Location of Chief Executive Office:

 

BANK OF AMERICA N.A.,

asAdministrative Agent

By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

Exhibit I-3


Schedule I

to Supplement No. ___ to the

Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

Pledged Securities of the New Guarantor

EQUITY INTERESTS

 

Number of Issuer
Certificate

  

Registered Owner

  

Number and Class of
Equity Interest

  

Percentage of Equity
Interests

DEBT SECURITIES

 

Issuer

  

Principal Amount

  

Date of Note

  

Maturity Date

 

Exhibit I-4


Schedule II

to Supplement No. ___ to the

Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND COPYRIGHTS

 

Exhibit I-5


Schedule III

to Supplement No. ___ to the

Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS

 

Exhibit I-6


Exhibit II

to Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

PERFECTION CERTIFICATE

April 28, 2022

Reference is made to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2022 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, The AZEK Company Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Lenders party thereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and as collateral agent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

The undersigned, a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, hereby certifies, on behalf of the Borrower and each Loan Party, to the Agent and each other Secured Party (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as follows:

 

1.

NAMES, ORGANIZATIONS, JURISDICTIONS, IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS.

(A) THE FULL AND EXACT LEGAL NAME OF EACH OF THE LOAN PARTIES (AS SUCH NAME APPEARS IN ITS RESPECTIVE CERTIFICATE OR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, MEMORANDUM OR ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION, CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION OR SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENT, IN EACH CASE, AS AMENDED TO DATE) IS AS FOLLOWS:

 

Legal Name of Loan Party

 

 

 

 

 

(b) Except as set forth below, no Loan Party has changed its legal name within the past five years, together with the date of the relevant change:

 

Loan Party

  

Other Legal Name in Past 5 Years

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

(c) Except as set forth in Schedule 1 hereto, none of the Loan Parties has changed its identity or corporate structure in any way within the past five years and no Person has liquidated into, or transferred all or substantially all of its assets to, any Loan Party. Changes in identity or corporate

 

Exhibit II-1


structure would include mergers, amalgamations, consolidations and acquisitions, as well as any change in the form, nature or jurisdiction of organization. If any such change has occurred, include in Schedule 1 the information required by Sections 1 and 2 of this certificate as to each acquiree or constituent party to such change.

(d) Set forth below is a list of all other names (including trade names or similar appellations) used by each of the Loan Parties or any of its divisions or other business units in connection with the conduct of its business or the ownership of its properties at any time during the past five years:

 

Loan Party

  

Other Name Used

 

  

 

 

  

 

(e) The jurisdiction of formation or organization (as applicable) of each Loan Party is set forth opposite its name below:

 

Loan Party

  

Jurisdiction

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

(f) Set forth below is the Organizational Identification Number, if any, issued by the jurisdiction of formation or organization (as applicable) of each Loan Party:

 

Loan Party

  

Organizational Identification Number

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

(g) Set forth below is the Federal Taxpayer Identification Number of each Loan Party:

 

Loan Party

  

Federal Taxpayer Identification Number

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

Exhibit II-2


2. LOCATIONS.

(A) THE SOLE PLACE OF BUSINESS (IF THERE IS ONLY ONE) OR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE (IF THERE IS MORE THAN ONE) EACH OF THE LOAN PARTIES IS LOCATED AT THE ADDRESS SET FORTH OPPOSITE ITS NAME BELOW:

 

Loan Party

  

Place of Business/Chief

Executive Office Address

  

County

   State

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(b) Except as set forth below, no Loan Party has changed its chief executive office within the past five (5) years:

 

Loan Party

   Date of
Change
   Description

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

(c) Real Property. Attached hereto as Schedule 2 is a list of all real property held by each Loan Party, whether owned or leased and the name of the Loan Party that owns or leases said property.

3. SCHEDULE OF FILINGS. ATTACHED HERETO AS SCHEDULE 3 IS A SCHEDULE SETTING FORTH EACH UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE FINANCING STATEMENT AND THE FILING OFFICE IN WHICH SUCH FILING IS TO BE MADE.

4. STOCK OWNERSHIP AND OTHER EQUITY INTERESTS. ATTACHED HERETO AS SCHEDULE 4 IS A TRUE AND CORRECT LIST OF ALL THE ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING STOCK, PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS OR OTHER EQUITY INTEREST HELD BY EACH LOAN PARTY, AND THE ISSUER OF SUCH STOCK, PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS, MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS OR OTHER EQUITY INTERESTS. ALSO SET FORTH ON SCHEDULE 4 IS EACH EQUITY INVESTMENT OF EACH LOAN PARTY THAT REPRESENTS 50% OR MORE OF THE EQUITY OF THE ENTITY IN WHICH SUCH INVESTMENT WAS MADE.

 

Exhibit II-3


5. DEBT SECURITIES AND INSTRUMENTS. ATTACHED HERETO AS SCHEDULE 5 IS A TRUE AND CORRECT LIST OF ALL DEBT SECURITIES AND INSTRUMENTS (INCLUDING PROMISSORY NOTES, INTERCOMPANY NOTES BETWEEN HOLDINGS AND ANY SUBSIDIARY OF HOLDINGS AND BETWEEN ANY SUBSIDIARY OF HOLDINGS AND ANY OTHER SUCH SUBSIDIARY, AND OTHER EVIDENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS) HELD BY EACH LOAN PARTY. THERE ARE NO INTERCOMPANY TRANSFERS OF GOODS SOLD AND DELIVERED BY OR TO ANY LOAN PARTY THAT ARE NOT EITHER PAID OR REFLECTED AS ACCOUNTING ENTRIES.

6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. ATTACHED HERETO AS SCHEDULE 6 IN PROPER FORM FOR FILING WITH THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE AND/OR THE UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT OFFICE IS A SCHEDULE SETTING FORTH ALL OF EACH LOAN PARTY’S PATENTS AND PATENT APPLICATIONS, TRADEMARK AND SERVICE MARK REGISTRATIONS AND APPLICATIONS, COPYRIGHT REGISTRATIONS AND THE AGREEMENTS GRANTING ANY EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO THE LOAN PARTY IN OR TO ANY REGISTERED COPYRIGHT SET FORTH THEREIN.

7. COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS. ATTACHED HERETO AS SCHEDULE 7 IS A TRUE AND CORRECT LIST OF COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS IN EXCESS OF $5,000,000 HELD BY ANY LOAN PARTY, INCLUDING A BRIEF DESCRIPTION THEREOF.

8. LETTER-OF-CREDIT RIGHTS. ATTACHED HERETO AS SCHEDULE 8 IS A TRUE AND CORRECT LIST OF ALL LETTERS OF CREDIT INDIVIDUALLY WITH A FACE OR STATED AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF $5,000,000 ISSUED IN FAVOR OF EACH LOAN PARTY AS BENEFICIARY THEREUNDER.

 

Exhibit II-4


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this certificate to be executed by their officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first appearing above.

 

CPG International LLC, as Borrower
By:    
  Name:[•]
  Title:[•]

 

[Signature Page to Perfection Certificate]


SCHEDULE 1

Changes in Identity or Corporate Structure Within Past Five Years

 

I.

Changes in identity:

 

Name

  

Prior Name

  

Date of Change

  

Description of Change

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

II.

Entities no longer in existence: [    ].

 

 

[Signature Page to Perfection Certificate]


SCHEDULE 2

Locations of Books and Records, Collateral, Places of Business and Real Property

 

Address

  

Owned/
Leased

  

County

  

Zip Code

  

Entity

 

 

[Signature Page to Perfection Certificate]


SCHEDULE 3

UCC Filings and Filing Offices

 

Name of Entity

  

Jurisdiction of Filing Office

 

[Signature Page to Perfection Certificate]


SCHEDULE 4

Stock Ownership and Other Equity Interests

 

Loan Party

  

Issuer

  

Class

  

# of Shares
Owned

  

Total Shares
Issued/Outstanding

  

% of Equity
Interest Pledged

  

Certificate No.
(if uncertificated,
please indicate)

 

 

Exhibit II-9


SCHEDULE 5

Debt Securities and Instruments

[    ].

 

Exhibit II-10


SCHEDULE 6

Copyrights:

 

Holder

  

Copyright

  

Registration No.

  

Date

Patents:

 

Holder

  

Title

  

Registration

No.

  

Registration

Date

  

Application

No.

  

Application

Date

              
              
              
              

 

Exhibit II-11


SCHEDULE 7

Commercial Tort Claims

[_].

 

Exhibit II-12


SCHEDULE 8

Letter of Credit Rights

[    ].

 

Exhibit II-13


Exhibit III

to Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

Trademark Security Agreement

Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of _________, 20___, by ________________ (the “Pledgor”), in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent (in such capacities, the “Administrative Agent”) pursuant to the Term Loan Security Agreement (as defined below).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Pledgor is party to a Term Loan Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of April 28, 2022 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Term Loan Security Agreement”) in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to which the Pledgor is required to execute and deliver this Trademark Security Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to enter into the Credit Agreement, the Pledgor hereby agrees with the Administrative Agent as follows:

SECTION 1. Defined Terms. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Term Loan Security Agreement and used herein have the meaning given to them in the Term Loan Security Agreement.

SECTION 2. Grant of Security Interest in Trademark Collateral. As security for the payment or performance when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), as the case may be, in full of the Obligations, the Pledgor hereby pledges and grants to the Administrative Agent, its successors and permitted assigns, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in or to the following Article 9 Collateral of the Pledgor (collectively, the “Trademark Collateral”):

 

  (a)

Trademarks of the Pledgor listed on Schedule I attached hereto, and all renewals thereof;

 

  (b)

all goodwill associated therewith or symbolized thereby; and

 

  (c)

all claims for, and rights to sue for, past or future infringements of any of the foregoing;

 

  (d)

all income, royalties, damages and payments now or hereafter due and payable with respect to any of the foregoing, including damages and payments for past or future infringement thereof; and

 

Exhibit III-1


  (e)

all Proceeds, Supporting Obligations and products of any and all of the foregoing and all collateral security and guarantees given by any person with respect to any of the foregoing (in each case (a) through (e), other than Excluded Assets).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, this Agreement shall not constitute a grant of a security interest in any United States “intent to use” Trademark application filed pursuant to Section 1(b) of the Lanham Act to the extent that the grant of a security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of, or render void or voidable or result in the cancellation of the Pledgor’s right, title or interest therein or any Trademark registration that issues as a result of such application under applicable federal law, after which period such application shall be automatically subject to the security interest granted herein and deemed to be included in the Trademark Collateral.

SECTION 3. Security Agreement. The security interest granted pursuant to this Trademark Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Term Loan Security Agreement and the Pledgor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent with respect to the security interest in the Trademarks made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Term Loan Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein. In the event that any provision of this Trademark Security Agreement is deemed to conflict with the Term Loan Security Agreement, the provisions of the Term Loan Security Agreement shall control.

SECTION 4. Termination. Upon termination of the Security Interest in accordance with Section 7.15 of the Term Loan Security Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Pledgor an instrument in writing in recordable form releasing the security interest pledged and granted in the Trademark Collateral pursuant to this Trademark Security Agreement.

SECTION 5. Counterparts. This Trademark Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Trademark Security Agreement by signing and delivering one or more counterparts. Delivery of an executed counterpart to this Trademark Security Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed original

SECTION 6. Governing Law. This Trademark Security Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

[Signature pages follow]

 

Exhibit III-2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Pledgor has caused this Trademark Security Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.

 

PLEDGOR:
[________________________]
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

[Signature Page to Trademark Security Agreement (Term Loan)]


Accepted and Agreed:

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

[Signature Page to Trademark Security Agreement (Term Loan)]


SCHEDULE I to

Trademark Security Agreement

U.S. Trademark Applications and Registrations

 

Holder

  

Mark

  

Application

No.

  

Application
Date

  

Registration
No.

  

Registration
Date

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Exhibit III-5


Exhibit IV

to Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

Patent Security Agreement

Patent Security Agreement, dated as of ______________, 20___, by ______________ (the “Pledgor”), in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent (in such capacities, the “Administrative Agent”) pursuant to the Term Loan Security Agreement (as defined below).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Pledgor is party to a Term Loan Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of April 28, 2022 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Term Loan Security Agreement”) in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to which the Pledgor is required to execute and deliver this Patent Security Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to enter into the Credit Agreement, the Pledgor hereby agrees with the Administrative Agent as follows:

SECTION 1. Defined Terms. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Term Loan Security Agreement and used herein have the meaning given to them in the Term Loan Security Agreement.

SECTION 2. Grant of Security Interest in Patent Collateral. As security for the payment or performance when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), as the case may be, in full of the Obligations, the Pledgor hereby pledges and grants to the Administrative Agent, its successors and permitted assigns, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in or to the following Article 9 Collateral of the Pledgor (collectively, the “Patent Collateral”):

 

  (a)

the Patents of the Pledgor listed on Schedule I attached hereto;

 

  (b)

all provisionals, reissues, extensions, continuations, divisions, continuations-in-part, reexaminations or revisions thereof, and the inventions disclosed or claimed therein, including the right to make, use, import and/or sell the inventions disclosed or claimed therein; and

 

  (c)

all claims for, and rights to sue for, past or future infringements of any of the foregoing;

 

  (d)

all income, royalties, damages and payments now or hereafter due and payable with respect to any of the foregoing, including damages and payments for past or future infringement thereof; and

 

Exhibit IV-1


  (e)

all Proceeds, Supporting Obligations and products of any and all of the foregoing and all collateral security and guarantees given by any person with respect to any of the foregoing (in each case (a) through (e), other than Excluded Assets).

SECTION 3. Security Agreement. The security interest granted pursuant to this Patent Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Term Loan Security Agreement and the Pledgor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent with respect to the security interest in the Patents made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Term Loan Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein. In the event that any provision of this Patent Security Agreement is deemed to conflict with the Term Loan Security Agreement, the provisions of the Term Loan Security Agreement shall control.

SECTION 4. Termination. Upon termination of the Security Interest in accordance with Section 7.15 of the Term Loan Security Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Pledgor an instrument in writing in recordable form releasing the security interest pledged and granted in the Patent Collateral pursuant to this Patent Security Agreement.

SECTION 5. Counterparts. This Patent Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Patent Security Agreement by signing and delivering one or more counterparts. Delivery of an executed counterpart to this Patent Security Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed original.

SECTION 6. Governing Law. This Patent Security Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

[Signature pages follow]

 

Exhibit IV-2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Pledgor has caused this Patent Security Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.

 

PLEDGOR:

[____________________]

By:

 

______________________________

Name:

 

Title:

 

[Signature Page to Patent Security Agreement (Term Loan)]


Accepted and Agreed:

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

By:    
  Name:
  Title:

[Signature Page to Patent Security Agreement (Term Loan)]


SCHEDULE I to

Patent Security Agreement

United States Patent Applications

 

Holder

 

Title

 

Registration

No.

  

Registration

Date

  

Application

No.

  

Application Date

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Exhibit IV-5


Exhibit V

to Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

Copyright Security Agreement

Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of ____________, 20___, by CPG International LLC (the “Pledgor”), in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent (in such capacities, the “Administrative Agent”) pursuant to the Term Loan Security Agreement (as defined below).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Pledgor is party to a Term Loan Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of April 28, 2022 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Term Loan Security Agreement”) in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to which the Pledgor is required to execute and deliver this Copyright Security Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to enter into the Credit Agreement, the Pledgor hereby agrees with the Administrative Agent as follows:

SECTION 1. Defined Terms. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Term Loan Security Agreement and used herein have the meaning given to them in the Term Loan Security Agreement.

SECTION 2. Grant of Security Interest in Copyright Collateral. As security for the payment or performance when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), as the case may be, in full of the Obligations, the Pledgor hereby pledges and grants to the Administrative Agent, its successors and permitted assigns, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in or to the following Article 9 Collateral of the Pledgor (collectively, the “Copyright Collateral”):

 

  (a)

the Copyrights of the Pledgor listed on Schedule I attached hereto;

 

  (b)

all claims for, and rights to sue for, past or future infringements of any of the foregoing;

 

  (c)

all income, royalties, damages and payments now or hereafter due and payable with respect to any of the foregoing, including damages and payments for past or future infringement thereof; and

 

  (d)

all Proceeds, Supporting Obligations and products of any and all of the foregoing and all collateral security and guarantees given by any person with respect to any of the foregoing (in each case (a) through (d), other than Excluded Assets).

 

Exhibit V-1


SECTION 3. Security Agreement. The security interest granted pursuant to this Copyright Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Term Loan Security Agreement and the Pledgor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent with respect to the security interest in the Copyrights made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Term Loan Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein. In the event that any provision of this Copyright Security Agreement is deemed to conflict with the Term Loan Security Agreement, the provisions of the Term Loan Security Agreement shall control.

SECTION 4. Termination. Upon termination of the Security Interest in accordance with Section 7.15 of the Term Loan Security Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Pledgor an instrument in writing in recordable form releasing the security interest pledged and granted in the Copyright Collateral pursuant to this Copyright Security Agreement.

SECTION 5. Counterparts. This Copyright Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Copyright Security Agreement by signing and delivering one or more counterparts. Delivery of an executed counterpart to this Copyright Security Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed original.

SECTION 6. Governing Law. This Copyright Security Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

[Signature pages follow]

 

Exhibit V-2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Pledgor has caused this Copyright Security Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.

 

[______________________],

as Pledgor

By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

[Signature Page to Copyright Security Agreement (Term Loan)]


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Copyright Security Agreement (Term Loan)]


SCHEDULE I

to

COPYRIGHT SECURITY AGREEMENT

Copyright Registrations

 

Holder

 

Copyright

 

Registration No.

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit V - 5

Exhibit 10.3

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of April 28, 2022 among DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH (“Deutsche Bank”), as ABL Agent, Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”), as a Term Loan Agent, CPG International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), as the borrower under the ABL Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Credit Agreement, The Azek Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”) and each Subsidiary of Holdings that, in each case, becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 9.19 below.

A. The Company is party to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2017 (as amended by that certain first amendment, dated June 5, 2020, that certain second amendment, dated August 12, 2020, and that certain third amendment, dated March 31, 2021, and as otherwise amended, supplemented, restated, extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, refunded or otherwise modified from time to time the “ABL Credit Agreement”), among the Company, the guarantors thereto, the lenders party thereto and Deutsche Bank as administrative agent and collateral agent, in respect of up to $150.0 million of asset-based revolving credit facilities.

B. The Company is party to the Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof (as amended, supplemented, restated, extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, refunded or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”) among the Company, Holdings, the lenders party thereto from time to time, Bank of America, as administrative agent, and the other parties thereto.

Accordingly, in consideration of the foregoing, the mutual covenants and obligations herein set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. Definitions.

1.1. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

ABL Agent” shall mean, Deutsche Bank, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for the ABL Lenders under the ABL Credit Agreement and the other ABL Loan Documents entered into pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement, together with its successors and permitted assigns under the ABL Credit Agreement exercising substantially the same rights and powers.

ABL Claims” shall mean the ABL Priority Claims.

ABL Collateral” shall mean all of the assets of any Grantor, whether real, personal or mixed, upon which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted to the ABL Agent under any of the ABL Collateral Documents.

ABL Collateral Agreement” shall mean the ABL Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of the date hereof, among Holdings, the Company, the other Grantors and Deutsche Bank, as administrative agent and collateral agent for the secured parties referred to therein.

 

1


ABL Collateral Documents” shall mean the ABL Collateral Agreement and any security agreement, mortgage or other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is now or hereafter granted securing any ABL Claims or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are at any time governed.

ABL Credit Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

ABL Lender Cash Management Obligations” shall mean “Cash Management Obligations” as defined in the ABL Collateral Agreement.

ABL Lender Hedging Obligations” shall mean all amounts owing under any Specified Hedge Agreement (as defined in the ABL Collateral Agreement).

ABL Lenders” shall mean the Persons holding ABL Claims, including the ABL Agent.

ABL Loan Documents” shall mean (i) the ABL Credit Agreement, the ABL Collateral Documents and each of the other agreements, documents and instruments providing for, evidencing or securing any Obligation under the ABL Credit Agreement, (ii) each agreement, document or instrument providing for or evidencing an ABL Lender Hedging Obligation or ABL Lender Cash Management Obligation and (iii) any other related document or instrument executed or delivered pursuant to any document in subclause (i) or (ii) at any time or otherwise evidencing or securing any Obligation arising under any such ABL Loan Document.

ABL Loan Parties” shall mean the “Loan Parties” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

“ABL Obligations” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(a).

ABL Priority Claims” shall mean the aggregate of (i) the principal amount of all Indebtedness (other than ABL Lender Cash Management Obligations and ABL Lender Hedging Obligations) and the face amount of all letters of credit incurred under the ABL Credit Agreement to the extent such principal amount is permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 6.01(m) of the Term Loan Credit Agreement as in effect on the date hereof (or, as amended after the date hereof to the extent such amendment increases such maximum permitted principal amount), together with any interest, fees, attorneys fees, costs, expenses and indemnities payable on account of such principal amount or otherwise in respect of, or arising under, the ABL Credit Agreement or the ABL Loan Documents related thereto or any of them, including all fees and expenses of the ABL Agent thereunder and (ii) the maximum amount of all ABL Lender Cash Management Obligations and ABL Lender Hedging Obligations (calculated, in the case of ABL Lender Hedging Obligations at any given date, as the maximum aggregate amount, giving effect to any netting agreements, that would be required to be paid if all Swap Obligations underlying such ABL Lender Hedging Obligations were terminated as of such date), plus, in the case of each of (i) and

 

2


(ii) above, all interest and expenses accrued or accruing (or that would, absent the commencement of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, accrue) after the commencement of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in accordance with and at the rate specified in the relevant ABL Loan Document to the extent that the claim for such interest or expense is allowed or allowable as a claim in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding

ABL Priority Collateral” shall mean all Common Collateral consisting of the following:

(1) all Accounts (other than identifiable proceeds of Term Loan Priority Collateral);

(2) all Chattel Paper (including Tangible Chattel Paper and Electronic Chattel Paper);

(3) (x) all Deposit Accounts and Money and all cash, checks, other negotiable instruments, funds and other evidences of payments held therein (other than identifiable proceeds of Term Loan Priority Collateral) and (y) all Securities, Security Entitlements and Securities Accounts, in each case, to the extent constituting cash or cash equivalents or representing a claim to cash equivalents; provided that the foregoing shall not include the Asset Sale Proceeds Account and all cash, checks and other property held therein or credited thereto;

(4) all Inventory;

(5) to the extent involving or governing any of the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (4), all Documents, General Intangibles (including all Payment Intangibles), Instruments (including, without limitation, promissory notes), Commercial Tort Claims (it being understood that a Commercial Tort Claim does not “involve” or “govern” any of clauses (1) through (4) solely because a claim for money damages is made) and Letter-of-Credit Rights; provided that to the extent any of the foregoing also relates to Term Loan Priority Collateral, only that portion related to the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (4) shall be included in the ABL Priority Collateral;

(6) to the extent evidencing or governing any of the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (5), all Supporting Obligations; provided that to the extent any of the foregoing also relates to Term Loan Priority Collateral, only that portion related to the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (5) shall be included in the ABL Priority Collateral;

(7) all books and Records relating to the foregoing (including, without limitation, all books, databases, customer lists, engineer drawings, and Records, whether tangible or electronic, which contain any information relating to any of the foregoing);

 

3


(8) all collateral security and guarantees with respect to any of the foregoing and all cash, Money, Instruments, Securities, Financial Assets and Deposit Accounts directly received as proceeds of any ABL Priority Collateral (“ABL Priority Proceeds”); provided, however, that no proceeds of ABL Priority Proceeds will constitute ABL Priority Collateral unless such proceeds of ABL Priority Proceeds would otherwise constitute ABL Priority Collateral.

For the avoidance of doubt, except as provided in Section 2.3, under no circumstances shall any assets excluded from the ABL Collateral pursuant to any ABL Collateral Document constitute ABL Priority Collateral.

ABL Recovery” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.

ABL Secured Parties” shall mean the “Secured Parties” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

ABL Standstill Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b).

Accounts” shall have the meaning set forth in the ABL Credit Agreement in effect on the date hereof.

Affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in the applicable Credit Agreement.

Agreement” shall mean this Agreement.

Asset Sale Proceeds Account” shall mean one or more Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts holding only the proceeds of any sale or disposition of any Term Loan Priority Collateral and the proceeds or investment thereof.

Bank of America” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Bankruptcy Law” shall mean Title 11 of the United States Code and any similar Federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors.

“Business Day” shall have the meaning set forth in the applicable Credit Agreement.

Cash Collateral” shall mean any Common Collateral consisting of Money or cash equivalents, any Security Entitlement and any Financial Assets.

Collateral” shall mean any collateral granted under the Collateral Documents.

“Collateral Agreements” shall mean, collectively, the ABL Collateral Agreement and the Term Loan Collateral Agreement.

Collateral Documents” shall mean, collectively, the ABL Collateral Documents and the Term Loan Collateral Documents.

Common Collateral” shall mean, collectively, the ABL Priority Collateral and the Term Loan Priority Collateral.

 

4


Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Credit Agreements” shall mean, collectively, the ABL Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Credit Agreement and any other credit agreement that is entered into by the Company in connection with its incurrence of Future Secured Indebtedness.

Deposit Account Collateral” shall mean that part of the Common Collateral comprised of or contained in Deposit Accounts.

Deutsche Bank” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

DIP Financing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.

“DIP Financing Liens” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.

Discharge of ABL Priority Claims” shall mean, except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 5.7 below, payment in full in cash (except for contingent indemnities and cost and reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim therefor has been made) of all Obligations in respect of all outstanding ABL Priority Claims and, with respect to letters of credit outstanding thereunder, delivery of cash collateral or backstop letters of credit in respect thereof in compliance with the ABL Credit Agreement (or such other arrangements as are reasonably acceptable to the letter of credit issuer), in each case after or concurrently with the termination of all commitments to extend credit thereunder; provided that the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims shall not be deemed to have occurred if such payments are made with the proceeds of other ABL Priority Claims that constitute an exchange or replacement for or a refinancing of such Obligations or ABL Priority Claims. In the event the ABL Priority Claims are modified and the Obligations are paid over time or otherwise modified pursuant to Section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, the ABL Priority Claims shall be deemed to be discharged when the final payment is made, in cash, in respect of such Obligations and any obligations pursuant to such new indebtedness shall have been satisfied.

Discharge of Term Loan Claims” shall mean, except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 5.7 below, payment in full in cash (except for contingent indemnities and cost and reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim therefor has been made) of all Obligations in respect of all outstanding Term Loan Claims; provided that the Discharge of Term Loan Claims shall not be deemed to have occurred if such payments are made with the proceeds of other Term Loan Claims that constitute an exchange or replacement for or a refinancing of such Obligations or Term Loan Claims. In the event the Term Loan Claims are modified and the Obligations are paid over time or otherwise modified pursuant to Section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Term Loan Claims shall be deemed to be discharged when the final payment is made, in cash, in respect of such Obligations and any obligations pursuant to such new indebtedness shall have been satisfied.

Domestic Subsidiary” shall have the meaning set forth in the applicable Credit Agreement.

 

5


“Equity Interest” shall have the meaning set forth in the applicable Credit Agreement.

Exercise Any Secured Creditor Remedies” or “Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies” shall mean, except as otherwise provided in the final sentence of this definition:

(a) the taking by any Lender of any action to enforce or realize upon any Lien, including the institution of any foreclosure proceedings or the noticing of any public or private sale pursuant to Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law;

(b) the exercise by any Lender of any remedy provided to a secured creditor on account of a Lien under any of the ABL Loan Documents or Term Loan Documents, as applicable, under applicable law, in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise, including the election to retain any of the Common Collateral in satisfaction of a Lien;

(c) the taking of any action by any Lender or the exercise of any right or remedy by any Lender in respect of the collection on, set off against, marshaling of, injunction respecting or foreclosure on the Common Collateral or the proceeds thereof;

(d) the appointment, on the application of a Lender, of a receiver, receiver and manager or interim receiver of all or part of the Common Collateral;

(e) the sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or any portion of the Common Collateral by private or public sale conducted by a Lender or by any other means at the direction of a Lender permissible under applicable law;

(f) the exercise of any other right of a secured creditor under Part 6 of Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code or under provisions of similar effect other applicable law; and

(g) the exercise by a Lender of any voting rights relating to any Equity Interests included in the Common Collateral.

For the avoidance of doubt, none of the following shall be deemed to constitute an Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies: (i) the filing of a proof of claim in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or seeking adequate protection, (ii) the exercise of rights pursuant to Section 5.11 of the ABL Credit Agreement by the ABL Lenders during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), including the notification of account debtors, depository institutions or any other Person to deliver proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral to the ABL Agent in accordance with Section 5.11 of the ABL Credit Agreement, (iii) the consent by the ABL Lenders to a store closing sale, going out of business sale or other disposition by any Grantor of any of the ABL Priority Collateral, (iv) the reduction of advance rates or sub-limits by the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders, or (v) the imposition of Reserves (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) by the ABL Agent.

 

6


First Priority Agent” shall mean, with respect to (a) any ABL Priority Collateral, the ABL Agent and (b) any Term Loan Priority Collateral, the Term Loan Agents.

First Priority Claims” shall mean, with respect to (a) any ABL Priority Collateral, the ABL Priority Claims and (b) any Term Loan Priority Collateral, the Term Loan Claims.

First Priority Collateral” shall mean, with respect to (a) the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Lenders, the ABL Priority Collateral and (b) the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders, the Term Loan Priority Collateral.

First Priority Documents” shall mean, with respect to (a) any ABL Priority Collateral, the ABL Loan Documents and (b) any Term Loan Priority Collateral, the Term Loan Documents, as applicable.

First Priority Lenders” shall mean, with respect to (a) any ABL Priority Collateral, the ABL Lenders and (b) any Term Loan Priority Collateral, the Term Loan Lenders, as applicable.

Future Secured Indebtedness” shall mean secured Indebtedness or Obligations (other than Term Loan Claims contemplated by clause (i) of the definition of “Term Loan Claims” or ABL Priority Claims contemplated by clause (i) or (ii) of the definition of “ABL Priority Claims”) of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

Future Senior Term Indebtedness” shall mean Future Secured Indebtedness that is either (a) to be equally and ratably secured with the Term Loan Claims contemplated by clause (i) of the definition of “Term Loan Claims” or (b) is to be secured by the Collateral on a junior basis to the Term Loan Claims contemplated by clause (i) of the definition of “Term Loan Claims” (but, with respect to Term Loan Priority Collateral, on a senior basis to the ABL Priority Claims with respect to such Collateral), and in each case, is so designated by the Company at the time of incurrence thereof as Future Senior Term Indebtedness hereunder; provided that such Indebtedness is incurred in compliance with Section 6.01 of the ABL Credit Agreement and the Liens securing such Future Senior Term Indebtedness are granted in compliance with Sections 6.02(u) or (cc) of the ABL Credit Agreement as in effect on the date hereof (or, as amended after the date hereof to the extent such amendment increases such maximum permitted principal amount) and the Term Loan Agent in respect of such Future Secured Indebtedness has become party hereto in accordance with the terms hereof (including by any amendment contemplated by Section 9.3).

Grantors” shall mean Holdings, the Company and each of Holdings’ other Domestic Subsidiaries that has executed and delivered an ABL Collateral Document and a Term Loan Collateral Document.

Holdings” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

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Indebtedness” shall mean and include all obligations that constitute “Indebtedness” within the meaning of the ABL Credit Agreement or the Term Loan Credit Agreements.

Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding” shall mean (a) any voluntary or involuntary case or proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law with respect to any Grantor, (b) any other voluntary or involuntary insolvency, reorganization or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceeding with respect to any Grantor or with respect to any of its assets, (c) any liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or winding up of any Grantor whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy or (d) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities of any Grantor.

“Intellectual Property” shall have the meaning set forth in the applicable Collateral Agreement.

Lenders” shall mean the collective reference to the ABL Lenders and the Term Loan Lenders.

Lien” shall mean, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, hypothecation, pledge, charge, security interest or similar encumbrance in or on such asset and (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset.

“Loan Parties” shall mean, collectively, the ABL Loan Parties and the Term Loan Parties.

New York Courts” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.7.

Obligations” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any payment, performance or other obligations of such Person of any kind, including any liability of such Person on any claim, whether or not the right of any creditor to payment in respect of such claim is reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured or unsecured, and whether or not such claim is discharged, stayed or otherwise affected by any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Obligations of any Grantor under any ABL Loan Document or Term Loan Document include the obligations to pay principal, reimbursement obligations under letters of credit, interest (including interest accrued on or accruing after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding to the extent that a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceeding) or premium on any Indebtedness, letter of credit commissions (if applicable), charges, expenses, fees, attorneys’ fees and disbursements, indemnities and other amounts payable by such Grantor to reimburse any amount in respect of any of the foregoing that any ABL Lender or Term Loan Lender, in its sole discretion, many elect to pay or advance on behalf of such Grantor.

Payment Collateral” shall mean all Accounts, Instruments, Chattel Paper, Letter-Of-Credit Rights, Deposit Accounts (other than the Asset Sales Proceeds Account), Securities Accounts, and Payment Intangibles, together with all Supporting Obligations, in each case composing a portion of the Common Collateral.

 

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Person” shall mean an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), limited liability company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity, or a government or any political subdivision or agency thereof.

Pledged Collateral” shall mean the Common Collateral in the possession of the ABL Agent (or its agents or bailees) or the Term Loan Agents (or their respective agents or bailees), to the extent that possession thereof perfects a Lien thereon under the Uniform Commercial Code.

“Real Property” shall have the meaning set forth in the applicable Credit Agreement.

Required Lenders” shall mean, with respect to any Credit Agreement, those Lenders the approval of which is required to approve an amendment or modification of, termination or waiver of any provision of or consent to any departure from such Credit Agreement (or would be required to effect such consent under this Agreement if such consent were treated as an amendment of the Credit Agreement).

Second Priority Agent” shall mean, with respect to (a) any ABL Priority Collateral, the Term Loan Agents and (b) any Term Loan Priority Collateral, the ABL Agent.

Second Priority Claims” shall mean, with respect to (a) any ABL Priority Collateral, the Term Loan Claims and (b) any Term Loan Priority Collateral, the ABL Claims.

Second Priority Documents” shall mean, with respect to (a) any ABL Priority Collateral, the Term Loan Documents and (b) any Term Loan Priority Collateral, the ABL Loan Documents.

Second Priority Lenders” shall mean, with respect to (a) any ABL Priority Collateral, the Term Loan Lenders and (b) any Term Loan Priority Collateral, the ABL Lenders.

Subsidiary” shall mean any “Subsidiary” of Holdings under each of the Credit Agreements.

Swap Obligation” shall have the meaning set forth in the ABL Credit Agreement.

Term Loan Agents” shall mean, collectively, (a) Bank of America, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for the Term Loan Lenders under the Term Loan Credit Agreement and the other Term Loan Documents entered into pursuant to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, together with its successors and permitted assigns under the Term Loan Credit Agreement exercising substantially the same rights and powers and (b) the collateral agent for any Future Senior Term Indebtedness.

 

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Term Loan Claims” shall mean (i) the principal amount of all Indebtedness incurred under the Term Loan Credit Agreement to the extent such principal amount is permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 6.01(m) of the ABL Credit Agreement, as in effect on the date hereof (or, as amended after the date hereof to the extent such amendment increases such maximum permitted principal amount), together with any interest, fees, attorneys’ fees, costs, expenses and indemnities payable on account of such principal amount or otherwise in respect of, or arising under, the Term Loan Credit Agreement or the Term Loan Documents related thereto or any of them, including all fees and expenses of the applicable Term Loan Agent thereunder and (ii) the principal amount of all Future Senior Term Indebtedness plus any interest, fees, attorneys’ fees, costs, expenses and indemnities payable on account of such principal amount or otherwise in respect of, or arising under, the Term Loan Documents related to such Future Senior Term Indebtedness, including all fees and expenses of the collateral agent for any Future Senior Term Indebtedness, plus, in each case, all interest and expenses accrued or accruing (or that would, absent the commencement of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, accrue) after the commencement of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in accordance with and at the rate specified in the relevant Term Loan Documents to the extent that the claim for such interest or expense is allowed or allowable as a claim in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.

Term Loan Collateral Agreement” shall mean the Term Loan Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of the date hereof, among the Company, Holdings, the other Grantors, and Bank of America, as administrative agent and collateral agent for the secured parties referred to therein.

Term Loan Collateral Documents” shall mean the Term Loan Collateral Agreement and any security agreement, mortgage or other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is now or hereafter granted securing any Term Loan Claims or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are at any time governed.

Term Loan Credit Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Term Loan Documents” shall mean (i) the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Collateral Documents and each of the other agreements, documents and instruments providing for, evidencing or securing any Obligation under the Term Loan Credit Agreement, (ii) any other document or instrument evidencing or governing any Future Senior Term Indebtedness and (iii) any other related document or instrument executed or delivered pursuant to any document in subclause (i) or (ii) at any time or otherwise evidencing or securing any Obligation arising under any such Term Loan Document.

Term Loan Lenders” shall mean the Persons holding Term Loan Claims, including the Term Loan Agents.

“Term Loan Obligations” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b).

 

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Term Loan Parties” shall mean the “Loan Parties” as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement.

Term Loan Priority Collateral” shall mean all Common Collateral consisting of the following:

(1) the Asset Sale Proceeds Accounts;

(2) all Equipment;

(3) all Fixtures;

(4) all Goods (other than Inventory)

(5) all Real Property;

(6) all Intellectual Property;

(7) all Equity Interests;

(8) to the extent involving or governing any of the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (7), all Documents, General Intangibles (including all Payment Intangibles), Instruments (including, without limitation, promissory notes), Commercial Tort Claims (it being understood that a Commercial Tort Claim does not “involve” or “govern” any of clauses (1) through (7) solely because a claim for money damages is made) and Letter-of-Credit Rights; provided that to the extent any of the foregoing also relates to ABL Priority Collateral, only that portion related to the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (7) shall be included in the Term Loan Priority Collateral;

(9) to the extent evidencing or governing any of the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (8), all Supporting Obligations; provided that to the extent any of the foregoing also relates to ABL Priority Collateral, only that portion related to the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (8) shall be included in the Term Loan Priority Collateral;

(11) all books and Records relating to the foregoing (including, without limitation, all books, databases, customer lists, engineer drawings, and Records, whether tangible or electronic, which contain any information relating to any of the foregoing); and

(12) all collateral security and guarantees with respect to any of the foregoing and all cash, Money, Instruments, Securities, Financial Assets and Deposit Accounts directly received as proceeds of any Term Loan Priority Collateral (“Term Priority Proceeds”); provided, however, that no proceeds of Term Priority Proceeds will constitute Term Loan Priority Collateral unless such proceeds of Term Priority Proceeds would otherwise constitute Term Loan Priority Collateral.

 

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For the avoidance of doubt, except as provided in Section 2.3, under no circumstances shall any assets excluded from the Term Loan Priority Collateral pursuant to any Term Loan Document constitute Term Loan Priority Collateral.

Term Loan Recovery” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4(b).

Term Loan Secured Parties” shall mean the “Secured Parties” as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement or the credit agreement governing any Future Senior Term Indebtedness.

Term Loan Standstill Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a).

Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York.

1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, renewed, restated, extended, supplemented, replaced or otherwise modified in accordance with this Agreement, (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (c) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Sections shall be construed to refer to Sections of this Agreement, (e) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights and (f) the term “or” is not exclusive. All capitalized terms not defined herein or by reference to another agreement shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the UCC. The term “Instrument” shall have the meaning specified in Article 9 of the UCC.

Section 2. Lien Priorities.

2.1. Subordination of Liens. Notwithstanding (i) the date, time, method, manner or order of filing or recordation of any document or instrument or grant, attachment or perfection (including any defect or deficiency or alleged defect or deficiency in any of the foregoing) of any Liens granted to the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders on the Common Collateral or of any Liens granted to the Term Loan Agents or the Term Loan Lenders on the Common Collateral, (ii) any provision of the UCC, the Bankruptcy Code, or any applicable law or the ABL Loan Documents or the Term Loan Documents, (iii) whether the ABL Agent or a Term Loan Agent, either directly or through agents, holds possession of, or has control over, all or any part of the Common Collateral, (iv) the fact that any such Liens may be subordinated, voided, avoided, invalidated or lapsed or (v) any other circumstance of any kind or nature whatsoever, the ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and each ABL Lender, and each Term Loan Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable Term Loan Lender, hereby agrees that:

 

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(a) any Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral securing any ABL Priority Claims now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the ABL Agent or any ABL Lenders or any agent or trustee therefor regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall have priority over and be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral securing any Term Loan Claims,

(b) any Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral securing any Term Loan Claims now or hereafter held by or on behalf of a Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lenders or any agent or trustee therefor regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral securing any ABL Priority Claims,

(c) any Lien on the Term Loan Priority Collateral securing any Term Loan Claims now or hereafter held by or on behalf of a Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lenders or any agent or trustee therefor regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall have priority over and be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Term Loan Priority Collateral securing any ABL Claims, and

(d) any Lien on the Term Loan Priority Collateral securing any ABL Claims now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the ABL Agent or any ABL Lenders or any agent or trustee therefor regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the Term Loan Priority Collateral securing any Term Loan Claims.

All Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral securing any ABL Priority Claims shall be and remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral securing any Term Loan Claims for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing any ABL Priority Claims are subordinated to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Company, any other Grantor or any other Person, and all Liens on the Term Loan Priority Collateral securing any Term Loan Claims shall be and remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the Term Loan Priority Collateral securing any ABL Claims for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing any Term Loan Claims are subordinated to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Company, any other Grantor or any other Person.

2.2. Prohibition on Contesting Liens. The ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of each ABL Lender, and each Term Loan Agent, for itself and on behalf of each applicable Term Loan Lender, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) take any action to challenge, contest or support any other Person in contesting or challenging, directly or indirectly, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, perfection, priority or enforceability of (a) a Lien securing any ABL Claims held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of the ABL Agent or any of the ABL Lenders or any agent or trustee therefor in any Common Collateral or (b) a Lien securing any Term Loan Claims held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any Term Loan Lender in any Common Collateral, as the case may be; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed (x) to prevent or impair the rights of

 

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the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender to enforce this Agreement (including the priority of the Liens securing the ABL Claims as provided in Section 2.1 with respect to any ABL Priority Collateral) or any of the ABL Loan Documents or (y) to prevent or impair the rights of a Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender to enforce this Agreement (including the priority of the Liens securing the Term Loan Claims as provided in Section 2.1 with respect to any Term Loan Priority Collateral) or any of the Term Loan Documents.

2.3. No New Liens.

(a) So long as the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims has not occurred, each Term Loan Agent agrees, for itself and on behalf of each applicable Term Loan Lender, whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, that it shall not acquire or hold any Lien on any assets of the Company or any other Grantor securing any Term Loan Claims that, to the extent permissible under applicable law, are not also subject to the Lien in respect of the ABL Claims under the ABL Loan Documents. If a Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender shall (nonetheless and in breach hereof) acquire or hold any Lien on any collateral of a Grantor (and such Lien is validly granted under the Term Loan Documents) that is not also subject to the Lien in respect of the ABL Claims under the ABL Loan Documents, then the applicable Term Loan Agent shall, to the extent permissible under applicable law, without the need for any further consent of any party and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other document, be deemed to also hold and have held such Lien for the benefit of the ABL Agent as security for the ABL Claims (subject to the Lien priority and other terms hereof) and shall promptly notify the ABL Agent in writing of the existence of such Lien and in any event take such actions as may be requested by the ABL Agent to assign or release such Liens to the ABL Agent (and/or its designee) as security for the ABL Claims.

(b) So long as the Discharge of Term Loan Claims has not occurred, the ABL Agent agrees, for itself and on behalf of each applicable ABL Lender, whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, that it shall not acquire or hold any Lien on any assets of the Company or any other Grantor securing any ABL Claims that, to the extent permissible under applicable law, are not also subject to the Liens in respect of the Term Loan Claims under the Term Loan Documents. If the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender shall (nonetheless and in breach hereof) acquire or hold any Lien on any collateral of a Grantor (and such Lien is validly granted under the ABL Loan Documents) that is not also subject to the Liens in respect of the Term Loan Claims under the Term Loan Documents, then the ABL Agent shall, to the extent permissible under applicable law, without the need for any further consent of any party and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other document, be deemed to also hold and have held such Lien for the benefit of the Term Loan Agent as security for the Term Loan Claims (subject to the Lien priority and other terms hereof) and shall promptly notify each Term Loan Agent in writing of the existence of such Lien and in any event take such actions as may be requested by the Term Loan Agents to assign or release such Liens to the applicable Term Loan Agent (and/or its designees) as security for the applicable Term Loan Claims.

 

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2.4. Perfection of Liens. With respect to any portion of the Common Collateral, except for the limited agreements set forth in Section 5.5 hereof, neither the First Priority Agent nor the First Priority Lenders shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Common Collateral for the benefit of the Second Priority Agent and the Second Priority Lenders. The provisions of this Agreement are intended solely to govern the respective Lien priorities as between the ABL Lenders and the Term Loan Lenders and shall not impose on the ABL Agent, the Term Loan Agents, the ABL Lenders or the Term Loan Lenders or any agent or trustee therefor any obligations in respect of the disposition of proceeds of any Common Collateral which would conflict with prior perfected claims therein in favor of any other Person or any order or decree of any court or governmental authority or any applicable law.

2.5. Waiver of Marshalling.

(a) Until the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims, each Term Loan Agent, on behalf of itself and the applicable Term Loan Lenders, agrees not to assert and hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or otherwise claim the benefit of, any marshalling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may otherwise be available under applicable law with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral or any other similar rights a junior secured creditor may have under applicable law with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral.

(b) Until the Discharge of Term Loan Claims, the ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Lenders, agrees not to assert and hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or otherwise claim the benefit of, any marshalling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may otherwise be available under applicable law with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral or any other similar rights a junior secured creditor may have under applicable law with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral.

Section 3. Enforcement.

3.1. Exercise of Remedies.

(a) So long as the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims has not occurred, whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, subject to Section 5.6, (i) no Term Loan Agent or Term Loan Lender will (x) Exercise Any Secured Creditor Remedies or seek to Exercise Any Secured Creditor Remedies (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any ABL Priority Collateral, or exercise any right under any lockbox agreement, control agreement, landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement, or institute any action or proceeding with respect to such rights or remedies (including any action of foreclosure), (y) contest, protest or object to any foreclosure proceeding or action brought with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral by the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender in respect of the ABL Priority Claims, the exercise of any right by the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender (or any agent or sub-agent on their behalf) in respect of the ABL Priority Claims under any lockbox agreement, control agreement, landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement to which a Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender either is a party or may have rights as a third party beneficiary, or any other exercise by any such party, of any rights and remedies relating to the ABL Priority Collateral under the ABL Loan Documents or otherwise in respect of ABL Priority Claims, or (z) object to the forbearance by the ABL Lenders from bringing or pursuing any foreclosure proceeding or action or any other Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies relating to the ABL Priority Collateral in respect of ABL Priority

 

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Claims and (ii) except as otherwise provided herein, the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders shall have the exclusive right to enforce rights, exercise remedies (including setoff and the right to credit bid their debt) and make determinations regarding the release, disposition or restrictions with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral without any consultation with or the consent of any Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender; provided, however, that (A) in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, a Term Loan Agent may file a proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the applicable Term Loan Claims and (B) a Term Loan Agent may take any action (not adverse to the prior Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral securing the ABL Priority Claims, or the rights of the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders to exercise remedies in respect thereof) in order to create, prove, perfect, preserve or protect (but not enforce) its rights in, and perfection and priority of its Lien on, the ABL Priority Collateral; provided, further, that a Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender may exercise any or all of such rights, powers, or remedies after a period of at least 180 days has elapsed since the later of: (i) the date on which a Term Loan Agent declared the existence of an “Event of Default” under the applicable Term Loan Documents, accelerated (to the extent such amount was not already due and owing) the payment of the principal amount of all Obligations under the applicable Term Loan Documents, and demanded payment thereof and (ii) the date on which the ABL Agent has received notice thereof from such Term Loan Agent; provided, further, however, that neither any Term Loan Agent nor any other Term Loan Lender shall exercise any rights or remedies with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral if, notwithstanding the expiration of such 180-day period, the ABL Agent or the other ABL Lenders (A) shall have commenced, whether before or after the expiration of such 180-day period, and be diligently pursuing the exercise of their rights, powers, or remedies with respect to all or any material portion of the ABL Priority Collateral (prompt written notice of such exercise to be given to the Term Loan Agents), or (B) shall have been stayed by operation of law or any court order from pursuing any such exercise of remedies (the period during which the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Lenders may not pursuant to this Section 3.1(a)(ii) exercise any rights, powers, or remedies with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, the “Term Loan Standstill Period”). In exercising rights and remedies with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders may enforce the provisions of the ABL Loan Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as they may determine in the exercise of their sole discretion. Such exercise and enforcement shall include the rights of an agent appointed by them to sell or otherwise dispose of ABL Priority Collateral or other collateral upon foreclosure, to incur expenses in connection with such sale or disposition, and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured lender under the uniform commercial code of any applicable jurisdiction and of a secured creditor under Bankruptcy Laws of any applicable jurisdiction.

(b) So long as the Discharge of Term Loan Claims has not occurred, whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, subject to Section 5.6, (i) neither the ABL Agent nor ABL Lender will (x) Exercise Any Secured Creditor Remedies or seek to Exercise Any Secured Creditor Remedies (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Term Loan Priority Collateral, or exercise any right under any lockbox agreement, control agreement, landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement, or institute any action or proceeding with respect to such rights or remedies (including any action of foreclosure), (y) contest, protest or object to any foreclosure proceeding or action brought with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral by a Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender in respect of the Term Loan Claims, the exercise of any right by

 

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a Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender (or any agent or sub-agent on their behalf) in respect of the Term Loan Claims under any lockbox agreement, control agreement, landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement to which the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender either is a party or may have rights as a third party beneficiary, or any other exercise by any such party, of any rights and remedies relating to the Term Loan Priority Collateral under the Term Loan Documents or otherwise in respect of Term Loan Claims, or (z) object to the forbearance by the Term Loan Lenders from bringing or pursuing any foreclosure proceeding or action or any other Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies relating to the Term Loan Priority Collateral in respect of Term Loan Claims and (ii) except as otherwise provided herein, the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Lenders shall have the exclusive right to enforce rights, exercise remedies (including setoff and the right to credit bid their debt) and make determinations regarding the release, disposition or restrictions with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral without any consultation with or the consent of the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender; provided, however, that (A) in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, the ABL Agent may file a proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the applicable ABL Priority Claims and (B) the ABL Agent may take any action (not adverse to the prior Liens on the Term Loan Priority Collateral securing the Term Loan Claims, or the rights of the Term Loan Agents or the Term Loan Lenders to exercise remedies in respect thereof) in order to create, prove, perfect, preserve or protect (but not enforce) its rights in, and perfection and priority of its Lien on, the Term Loan Priority Collateral; provided, further, that the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender may exercise any or all of such rights, powers, or remedies after a period of at least 180 days has elapsed since the later of: (i) the date on which the ABL Agent declared the existence of an “Event of Default” under the applicable ABL Loan Documents, accelerated (to the extent such amount was not already due and owing) the payment of the principal amount of all ABL Claims under the ABL Credit Agreement, and demanded payment thereof and (ii) the date on which the Term Loan Agents have received notice thereof from the ABL Agent; provided, further, however, that neither the ABL Agent nor any other ABL Lender shall exercise any rights or remedies with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral if, notwithstanding the expiration of such 180-day period, the Term Loan Agents or the other Term Loan Lenders (A) shall have commenced, whether before or after the expiration of such 180-day period, and be diligently pursuing the exercise of their rights, powers, or remedies with respect to all or any material portion of the Term Loan Priority Collateral (prompt written notice of such exercise to be given to the ABL Agent), or (B) shall have been stayed by operation of law or any court order from pursuing any such exercise of remedies (the period during which the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders may not pursuant to this Section 3.1(b)(ii) exercise any rights, powers, or remedies with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, the “ABL Standstill Period”). In exercising rights and remedies with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral, the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Lenders may enforce the provisions of the Term Loan Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as they may determine in the exercise of their sole discretion consistent with the terms of the Term Loan Documents. Such exercise and enforcement shall include the rights of an agent appointed by them to sell or otherwise dispose of Term Loan Priority Collateral or other collateral upon foreclosure, to incur expenses in connection with such sale or disposition, and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured lender under the uniform commercial code of any applicable jurisdiction and of a secured creditor under Bankruptcy Laws of any applicable jurisdiction.

 

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(c) So long as the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims has not occurred, each Term Loan Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable Term Loan Lender, agrees that it will not take or receive any ABL Priority Collateral or any proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any ABL Priority Collateral. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless and until the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims has occurred, except as expressly provided in the provisos in clause (ii) of Section 3.1(a), the sole right of each Term Loan Agent and the Term Loan Lenders with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral is to hold a Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral pursuant to the Term Loan Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims has occurred. So long as the Discharge of Term Loan Claims has not occurred, the ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable ABL Lender, agrees that it will not take or receive any Term Loan Priority Collateral or any proceeds of Term Loan Priority Collateral in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Term Loan Priority Collateral. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless and until the Discharge of Term Loan Claims has occurred, except as expressly provided in the provisos in clause (ii) of Section 3.1(b), the sole right of the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral is to hold a Lien on the Term Loan Priority Collateral pursuant to the ABL Loan Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of Term Loan Claims has occurred.

(d) Subject to the provisos in clause (ii) of Section 3.1(a) above and Section 5.6, (i) each Term Loan Agent, for itself and on behalf of each applicable Term Loan Lender, agrees that the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Lenders will not take any action that would hinder any Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies undertaken by the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral under the ABL Loan Documents, including any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of the ABL Priority Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise, and (ii) each Term Loan Agent, for itself and on behalf of each applicable Term Loan Lender, hereby waives any and all rights it or any such Term Loan Lender may have as a junior lien creditor or otherwise to object to the manner in which the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders seek to enforce or collect the ABL Priority Claims with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral or the Liens granted in any of the ABL Priority Collateral, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of the ABL Agent or ABL Lenders is adverse to the interests of the Term Loan Lenders. Subject to the provisos in clause (ii) of Section 3.1(b) above and Section 5.6, (i) the ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of each applicable ABL Lender, agrees that the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders will not take any action that would hinder any Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies undertaken by any Term Loan Agent or the Term Loan Lenders with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral under the Term Loan Documents, including any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of the Term Loan Priority Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise, and (ii) the ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of each applicable ABL Lender, hereby waives any and all rights it or any ABL Lender may have as a junior lien creditor or otherwise to object to the manner in which the Term Loan Agents or the Term Loan Lenders seek to enforce or collect the Term Loan Claims with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral or the Liens granted in any of the Term Loan Priority Collateral, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of the Term Loan Agents or Term Loan Lenders is adverse to the interests of the Term Loan Lenders.

 

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(e) Each Term Loan Agent hereby acknowledges and agrees that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in any applicable Term Loan Document shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral as set forth in this Agreement and the ABL Loan Documents. The ABL Agent hereby acknowledges and agrees that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in any applicable ABL Loan Document shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of the Term Loan Agents or the Term Loan Lenders with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral as set forth in this Agreement and the Term Loan Documents.

3.2. Cooperation.

(a) Subject to the provisos in clause (ii) of Section 3.1(a), each Term Loan Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable Term Loan Lender, agrees that, unless and until the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims has occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the ABL Lenders and the ABL Agent upon the request thereof) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Lien held by it in the ABL Priority Collateral under any of the applicable Term Loan Documents or otherwise in respect of the applicable Term Loan Claims relating to the ABL Priority Collateral.

(b) Subject to the provisos in clause (ii) of Section 3.1(b), the ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and each ABL Lender, agrees that, unless and until the Discharge of Term Loan Claims has occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Term Loan Lenders and the Term Loan Agents upon the request thereof) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Lien held by it in the Term Loan Priority Collateral under any of the applicable ABL Loan Documents or otherwise in respect of the applicable ABL Claims relating to the Term Loan Priority Collateral.

3.3. Actions Upon Breach.

(a) If any Term Loan Lender, in contravention of the terms of this Agreement, in any way takes or attempts or threatens to take any action with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral (including any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement except as provided in the provisos to Section 3.1(a)(ii)), this Agreement shall create an irrebuttable presumption and admission by such Term Loan Lender that relief against such Term Loan Lender by injunction, specific performance and/or other appropriate equitable relief is necessary to prevent irreparable harm to the ABL Lenders, it being understood and agreed by each Term Loan Agent on behalf of each applicable Term Loan Lender that (i) the ABL Lenders’ damages from its actions may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable, and (ii) each Term Loan Lender waives any defense that the Grantors and/or the ABL Lenders cannot demonstrate damage and/or be made whole by the awarding of damages.

(b) If any ABL Lender, in contravention of the terms of this Agreement, in any way takes or attempts or threatens to take any action with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral (including any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement except as provided in the provisos to Section 3.1(b)(ii)), this Agreement shall create an irrebuttable presumption and admission by such ABL Lender that relief against such ABL Lender by injunction, specific performance and/or other appropriate equitable relief is necessary

 

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to prevent irreparable harm to the Term Loan Lenders, it being understood and agreed by the ABL Agent on behalf of each applicable ABL Lender that (i) the Term Loan Lenders’ damages from its actions may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable, and (ii) each ABL Lender waives any defense that the Grantors and/or the Term Loan Lenders cannot demonstrate damage and/or be made whole by the awarding of damages.

Section 4. Payments.

4.1. Revolving Nature of ABL Priority Claims. Each Term Loan Agent, for and on behalf of itself and each applicable Term Loan Lender, expressly acknowledges and agrees that (i) the ABL Credit Agreement includes a revolving commitment, that in the ordinary course of business the ABL Agent under the ABL Credit Agreement and the ABL Lenders will apply payments and make advances thereunder, and that no application of any Payment Collateral or Cash Collateral or the release of any Lien by the ABL Agent upon any portion of the Common Collateral in connection with a permitted disposition under the ABL Credit Agreement shall constitute the exercise of remedies prohibited under this Agreement; (ii) subject to the limitations set forth herein, the amount of the ABL Priority Claims that may be outstanding at any time or from time to time may be increased or reduced and subsequently reborrowed, and that the terms of the ABL Priority Claims may be modified, extended or amended from time to time, and that the aggregate amount of the ABL Priority Claims may be increased, replaced or refinanced, in each event, without notice to or consent by the Term Loan Lenders and without affecting the provisions hereof; and (iii) all Payment Collateral or Cash Collateral received by the ABL Agent may be applied, reversed, reapplied, credited, or reborrowed, in whole or in part, to the ABL Priority Claims at any time; provided, however, that from and after the date on which the ABL Agent (or any ABL Lender) commences the Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to any of the Common Collateral, all amounts received by the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender in respect of any ABL Claims shall be applied as specified in this Section 4. The Lien priority set forth in this Agreement shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any such amendment, modification, supplement, extension, repayment, reborrowing, increase, replacement, renewal, restatement or refinancing of the ABL Priority Claims the Term Loan Claims, or any portion thereof.

4.2. Application of Proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral. The ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and each ABL Lender, and each Term Loan Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable Term Loan Lender, hereby agrees that the ABL Priority Collateral or proceeds thereof received in connection with the sale or other disposition of, or collection on, such ABL Priority Collateral upon the Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies, shall be applied:

first, to the payment of the ABL Priority Claims in accordance with the ABL Credit Agreement,

second, to the payment of the Term Loan Claims in accordance with the Term Loan Documents, and

third, the balance, if any, to the Grantors or to whosoever may be lawfully entitled to receive the same or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

 

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4.3. Application of Proceeds of Term Loan Priority Collateral. The ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable ABL Lender, and each Term Loan Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable Term Loan Lender, hereby agrees that the Term Loan Priority Collateral or proceeds thereof received in connection with the sale or other disposition of, or collection on, such Term Loan Priority Collateral upon the Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies, shall be applied:

first, to the payment of the Term Loan Claims in accordance with the Term Loan Documents,

second, to the payment of the ABL Priority Claims, and

third, the balance, if any, to the Grantors or to whosoever may be lawfully entitled to receive the same or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

4.4. Payments Over.

(a) Any ABL Priority Collateral or proceeds thereof received by a Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) relating to the ABL Priority Collateral in contravention of this Agreement shall be segregated and held in trust for the benefit of and forthwith paid over to the ABL Agent (and/or their designees) for the benefit of the ABL Lenders in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The ABL Agent is hereby authorized to make any such endorsements as agent for each Term Loan Agent or any such Term Loan Lender. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.

(b) Any Term Loan Priority Collateral or proceeds thereof received by the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) relating to the Term Loan Priority Collateral in contravention of this Agreement shall be segregated and held in trust for the benefit of and forthwith paid over to the Term Loan Agents (and/or their designees) for the benefit of the Term Loan Lenders in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. Each Term Loan Agent is hereby authorized to make any such endorsements as agent for the ABL Agent or any such ABL Lender. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.

(c) Promptly upon the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims, the ABL Agent shall deliver written notice confirming the same to the Term Loan Agents; provided that the failure to give any such notice shall not result in any liability of the ABL Agent or the other ABL Lenders hereunder or in the modification, alteration, impairment, or waiver of the rights of any party hereunder. Promptly upon the Discharge of Term Loan Claims, the Term Loan Agents shall deliver written notice confirming the same to the ABL Agent; provided that the failure to give any such notice shall not result in any liability of the Term Loan Agents or the other Term Loan Lenders hereunder or in the modification, alteration, impairment, or waiver of the rights of any party hereunder.

 

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Section 5. Other Agreements.

5.1. Releases.

(a) If, at any time any Grantor or the holder of any ABL Priority Claim delivers notice to the Term Loan Agents that any specified ABL Priority Collateral is sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of (including for such purpose, in the case of the sale of equity interests in any Subsidiary, any ABL Priority Collateral held by such Subsidiary or any direct or indirect Subsidiary thereof):

(i) by the owner of such ABL Priority Collateral in a transaction permitted under the ABL Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Credit Agreement and each other ABL Loan Document (if any) and Term Loan Document (if any); or

(ii) during the existence of any Event of Default under (and as defined in) the ABL Credit Agreement by the owner of such ABL Priority Collateral (to the extent the ABL Agent has consented to such sale, transfer or disposition) or by the ABL Agent in connection with the Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies;

then (whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding is pending at the time) the Liens in favor of the Term Loan Lenders upon such ABL Priority Collateral will automatically be released and discharged as and when, but only to the extent, such Liens on such ABL Priority Collateral securing ABL Claims are released and discharged. Upon delivery to each Term Loan Agent of a notice from the ABL Agent stating that any release of Liens by the ABL Agent securing or supporting the ABL Claims on any ABL Priority Collateral has become effective (or shall become effective upon each Term Loan Agent’s release), each Term Loan Agent will promptly execute, file and deliver such instruments, releases, termination statements or other documents (including UCC-3 termination statements, mortgage releases and termination of USPTO and copyright filings) confirming such release on customary terms at the expense of the Company.

Each Term Loan Agent, for itself and on behalf of each applicable Term Loan Lender, hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the ABL Agent and any officer or agent of the ABL Agent, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of such Term Loan Agent or such Term Loan Lender or in the ABL Agent’s own name, from time to time in the ABL Agent’s discretion, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Section 5.1(a), to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments and make any filings that may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Section 5.1(a), including filing any termination statements, endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release; provided that the ABL Agent shall not exercise such power of attorney unless the Term Loan Agents have failed to comply with their obligations under this Section 5.1 within two Business Days after demand by the ABL Agent. In the case of the sale of all or substantially all of the capital stock of a Grantor or any of its Subsidiaries, the guarantee in favor of the Term Loan Lenders, if any, made by such Grantor or Subsidiary will automatically be released and discharged as and when, but only to the extent, the guarantee by such Grantor or Subsidiary of ABL Priority Claims is released and discharged.

 

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(b) Subject to Section 5.6, if, at any time any Grantor or the holder of any Term Loan Claim delivers notice to the ABL Agent that any specified Term Loan Priority Collateral (including all or substantially all of the equity interests of a Grantor or any of its Subsidiaries) (including for such purpose, in the case of the sale of equity interests in any Subsidiary, any Term Loan Priority Collateral held by such Subsidiary or any direct or indirect Subsidiary thereof) is sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of:

(i) by the owner of such Term Loan Priority Collateral in a transaction permitted under the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the ABL Credit Agreement and each other Term Loan Document (if any) and ABL Loan Document (if any); or

(ii) during the existence of any Event of Default under (and as defined in) the Term Loan Credit Agreement (or any other Credit Agreement governing Future Senior Term Indebtedness) by the owner of such Term Loan Priority Collateral (to the extent the applicable Term Loan Agents have consented to such sale, transfer or disposition) or by a Term Loan Agent in connection with the Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies;

then (whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding is pending at the time) the Liens in favor of the ABL Lenders upon such Term Loan Priority Collateral will automatically be released and discharged as and when, but only to the extent, such Liens on such Term Loan Priority Collateral securing Term Loan Claims are released and discharged. Upon delivery to the ABL Agent of a notice from the applicable Term Loan Agent stating that any release of Liens by the Term Loan Agents securing or supporting the Term Loan Claims on any Term Loan Priority Collateral has become effective (or shall become effective upon the ABL Agent’s release), the ABL Agent will promptly execute, file and deliver such instruments, releases, termination statements or other documents (including UCC-3 termination statements, mortgage releases and termination of USPTO and copyright filings) confirming such release on customary terms at the expense of the Company. In the case of the sale of all or substantially all of the capital stock of a Grantor or any of its Subsidiaries, the guarantee in favor of the ABL Lenders, if any, made by such Grantor or Subsidiary will automatically be released and discharged as and when, but only to the extent, the guarantee by such Grantor or Subsidiary of Term Loan Claims is released and discharged.

The ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of each applicable ABL Lender, hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints each Term Loan Agent and any officer or agent of such Term Loan Agent, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of the ABL Agent or such ABL Lender or in the Term Loan Agent’s own name, from time to time in the Term Loan Agent’s discretion, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Section 5.1(b), to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments and make any filings that may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Section 5.1(b), including filing any termination statements, endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release; provided that the applicable Term Loan Agent shall not exercise such power of attorney unless the ABL Agent has failed to comply with their obligations under this Section 5.1 within two Business Days after demand by the applicable Term Loan Agent.

 

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(c) Unless and until the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims has occurred, each Term Loan Agent, for itself and on behalf of each applicable Term Loan Lender, hereby consents to the application, whether prior to or after a default, of proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral to the repayment of ABL Priority Claims pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement; provided that nothing in this Section 5.1(c) shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of the Term Loan Agents or the Term Loan Lenders to receive proceeds in connection with the Term Loan Claims not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement.

(d) Unless and until the Discharge of Term Loan Claims has occurred, the ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of each applicable ABL Lender, hereby consents to the application, whether prior to or after a default, of proceeds of Term Loan Priority Collateral to the repayment of Term Loan Claims pursuant to the Term Loan Credit Agreements; provided that nothing in this Section 5.1(d) shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders to receive proceeds in connection with the ABL Claims not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement.

5.2. Insurance.

(a) Proceeds of Common Collateral include insurance proceeds and, therefore, the Lien priority set forth in this Agreement shall govern the ultimate disposition of casualty insurance proceeds.

(b) Unless and until the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims has occurred, the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders shall have the sole and exclusive right, subject to the rights of the Grantors under the ABL Loan Documents, to adjust settlement for any insurance policy covering the ABL Priority Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding affecting the ABL Priority Collateral. Unless and until the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims has occurred, subject to the rights of the ABL Loan Parties, all proceeds of any such policy and any such award if in respect of the ABL Priority Collateral shall be paid in accordance with the terms of Section 4.2. If a Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award in contravention of this Agreement, subject to the rights of the ABL Loan Parties, it shall pay such proceeds over to the ABL Agent in accordance with the terms of Section 4.4.

(c) Unless and until the Discharge of Term Loan Claims has occurred, the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Lenders shall have the sole and exclusive right, subject to the rights of the Grantors under the Term Loan Documents, to adjust settlement for any insurance policy covering the Term Loan Priority Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding affecting the Term Loan Priority Collateral. Unless and until the Discharge of Term Loan Claims has occurred, subject to the rights of the Term Loan Parties, all proceeds of any such policy and any such award if in respect of the Term Loan Priority Collateral shall be paid in accordance with the terms of Section 4.3. If the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award in contravention of this Agreement, subject to the rights of the Term Loan Parties, it shall pay such proceeds over to the applicable Term Loan Agent in accordance with the terms of Section 4.4.

 

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5.3. Amendments to ABL Loan Documents and Term Loan Documents.

(a) Each Term Loan Agent, on behalf of itself and the applicable Term Loan Lenders, hereby agrees that, without affecting the obligations of the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Lenders hereunder, the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders may, at any time and from time to time, in their sole discretion without the consent of or notice to a Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender (except to the extent such notice or consent is required pursuant to the express provisions of this Agreement), and without incurring any liability to a Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender or impairing or releasing the subordination provided for herein, amend, restate, supplement, replace, refinance, extend, consolidate, restructure, or otherwise modify any of the ABL Loan Documents in any manner whatsoever, including, to:

(i) change the manner, place, time, or terms of payment or renew or alter or increase, all or any of the Obligations under the ABL Loan Documents or otherwise amend, restate, supplement, or otherwise modify in any manner, or grant any waiver or release with respect to, all or any part of the Obligations under the ABL Loan Documents or any of the ABL Loan Documents; provided, that no such change, amendment, restatement, supplement or other modification shall increase the “Applicable Margin” or similar component of the interest rate under the ABL Loan Documents by more than 300 basis points (excluding increases resulting from the accrual of interest at the default rate or from the application of the Pricing Grid (as such term is defined in the ABL Credit Agreement));

(ii) retain or, subject to Section 2.3, obtain a Lien on any property of any Person to secure any of the ABL Claims, and in connection therewith to enter into any additional ABL Loan Documents;

(iii) amend, or grant any waiver, compromise, or release with respect to, or consent to any departure from, any guaranty or other obligations of any Person obligated in any manner under or in respect of the ABL Claims;

(iv) subject to Section 5.1, release its Lien on any Common Collateral or other property;

(v) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Company, any Grantor, or any other Person;

(vi) retain or obtain the primary or secondary obligation of any other Person with respect to any of the ABL Claims; and

(vii) otherwise manage and supervise the ABL Claims as the ABL Agent shall deem appropriate.

(b) The ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Lenders, hereby agrees that, without affecting the obligations of the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders hereunder, each Term Loan Agent and the Term Loan Lenders may, at any time and from time to time, in their sole discretion without the consent of or notice to the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender (except to the extent such notice or consent is required pursuant to the express provisions of this Agreement),

 

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and without incurring any liability to the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender or impairing or releasing the subordination provided for herein, amend, restate, supplement, replace, refinance, extend, consolidate, restructure, or otherwise modify any of the Term Loan Documents in any manner whatsoever, including, to:

(i) change the manner, place, time, or terms of payment or renew, alter or increase, all or any of the Obligations under the Term Loan Documents or otherwise amend, restate, supplement, or otherwise modify in any manner, or grant any waiver or release with respect to, all or any part of the Obligations under the Term Loan Documents; provided, that no such change, amendment, restatement, supplement or other modification shall increase the “Applicable Margin” or similar component of the interest rate under the Term Loan Documents specified in clause (i) of the definition thereof by more than 300 basis points (excluding increases resulting from the accrual of interest at the default rate);

(ii) retain or, subject to Section 2.3, obtain a Lien on any property of any Person to secure any of the Term Loan Claims, and in connection therewith to enter into any additional Term Loan Documents;

(iii) amend, or grant any waiver, compromise, or release with respect to, or consent to any departure from, any guaranty or other obligations of any Person obligated in any manner under or in respect of the Term Loan Claims;

(iv) subject to Section 5.1, release its respective Lien on any Common Collateral or other property;

(v) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Company, any Grantor, or any other Person;

(vi) retain or obtain the primary or secondary obligation of any other Person with respect to any of the Term Loan Claims; and

(vii) otherwise manage and supervise the Term Loan Claims as the applicable Term Loan Agent shall deem appropriate.

(c) The ABL Claims and the Term Loan Claims may be refinanced, in whole or in part, in each case, without notice to, or the consent (except to the extent a consent is required to permit the refinancing transaction under any ABL Loan Document or any Term Loan Document) of the ABL Agent, the ABL Lenders, the Term Loan Agents or the Term Loan Lenders, as the case may be, all without affecting the Lien priorities provided for herein or the other provisions hereof; provided, however, that the holders of such refinancing indebtedness (or an authorized agent or trustee on their behalf) bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement pursuant to such documents or agreements (including amendments, replacements or supplements to this Agreement) as the ABL Agent or the Term Loan Agents, as the case may be, shall reasonably request and in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the ABL Agent or the Term Loan Agents, as the case may be, and any such refinancing transaction shall be in accordance with any applicable provisions of both the ABL Loan Documents and the Term Loan Documents.

 

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(d) In the event that the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders enter into any amendment, waiver or consent in respect of or replace any of the ABL Collateral Documents for the purpose of adding to, or deleting from, or waiving or consenting to any departures from any provisions of, any ABL Collateral Document or changing in any manner the rights of the ABL Agent, the ABL Lenders, the Company or any other Grantor thereunder in respect of the ABL Priority Collateral, then such amendment, waiver or consent shall apply automatically to any comparable provision of each comparable Term Loan Collateral Document (but solely as to ABL Priority Collateral) without the consent of any Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender and without any action by the Term Loan Lenders, the Company or any other Grantor; provided that such amendment, waiver or consent may not materially adversely affect the rights of the applicable Term Loan Lenders or the interests of the applicable Term Loan Lenders in the ABL Priority Collateral unless the rights and interests of all other creditors of the Company or such Grantor, as the case may be, that have a security interest in the affected collateral are affected in a like or similar manner (without regard to the fact that the Lien of such ABL Collateral Document is senior to the Lien of the comparable Term Loan Collateral Document). The ABL Agent shall give written notice of such amendment, waiver or consent to the Term Loan Agents; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver or consent with respect to the provisions of any Term Loan Collateral Document as set forth in this Section 5.3(d).

(e) In the event that a Term Loan Agent or the Term Loan Lenders enter into any amendment, waiver or consent in respect of or replace any of the Term Loan Collateral Documents for the purpose of adding to, or deleting from, or waiving or consenting to any departures from any provisions of, any Term Loan Collateral Document or changing in any manner the rights of the Term Loan Agents, the Term Loan Lenders, the Company or any other Grantor thereunder in respect of the Term Loan Priority Collateral, then such amendment, waiver or consent shall apply automatically to any comparable provision of each comparable ABL Collateral Document (but solely as to Term Loan Priority Collateral) without the consent of the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender and without any action by the ABL Lenders, the Company or any other Grantor; provided that such amendment, waiver or consent may not materially adversely affect the rights of the ABL Lenders or the interests of the ABL Lenders in the Term Loan Priority Collateral unless the rights and interests of all other creditors of the Company or such Grantor, as the case may be, that have a security interest in the affected collateral are affected in a like or similar manner (without regard to the fact that the Lien of such Term Loan Collateral Document is senior to the Lien of the comparable ABL Collateral Document). The applicable Term Loan Agent shall give written notice of such amendment, waiver or consent to the ABL Agent; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver or consent with respect to the provisions of any ABL Collateral Document as set forth in this Section 5.3(e).

5.4. Rights As Unsecured Creditors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Second Priority Agents and the Second Priority Lenders may exercise rights and remedies as an unsecured creditor against Holdings, the Company or any Subsidiary that has guaranteed the Second Priority Claims in accordance with the terms of the applicable Second Priority Documents and applicable law, in each case to the extent not inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by any Second Priority Agent or any Second Priority Lender of the required payments of interest and principal so long as such receipt is not the direct or indirect result of (a) the exercise by any Second Priority Agent or any Second Priority Lender of rights or remedies as a secured creditor in respect of the

 

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applicable portion of the Common Collateral or (b) enforcement in contravention of this Agreement of any Lien in respect of Second Priority Claims held by any of them. In the event any Second Priority Agent or any Second Priority Lender becomes a judgment lien creditor or other secured creditor in respect of Common Collateral as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor in respect of Second Priority Claims or otherwise, such judgment or other lien shall be subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Claims on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Claims are so subordinated to such Liens securing First Priority Claims under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement impairs or otherwise adversely affects any rights or remedies the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders may have with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, or any rights or remedies the Term Loan Agents or the Term Loan Lenders may have with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral.

5.5. First Priority Agent as Gratuitous Bailee for Perfection.

(a) The ABL Agent agrees to hold the Pledged Collateral that is part of the ABL Priority Collateral in its possession or control (or in the possession or control of its agents or bailees) as gratuitous bailee for each Term Loan Agent and any assignee solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Pledged Collateral pursuant to the Term Loan Collateral Documents, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.5 (such bailment being intended, among other things, to satisfy the requirements of Sections 8-106(d)(3), 8-301(a)(2) and 9-313(c) of the UCC). Each Term Loan Agent agrees to hold the Pledged Collateral that is part of the Term Loan Priority Collateral in its possession or control (or in the possession or control of its agents or bailees) as gratuitous bailee for the ABL Agent and any assignee solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Pledged Collateral pursuant to the ABL Collateral Documents, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.5 (such bailment being intended, among other things, to satisfy the requirements of Sections 8-106(d)(3), 8-301(a)(2) and 9-313(c) of the UCC).

(b) The ABL Agent agrees to hold the Deposit Account Collateral that is part of the Collateral and controlled by the ABL Agent as gratuitous bailee and as agent for each Term Loan Agent and any assignee solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Deposit Account Collateral pursuant to the Term Loan Collateral Documents, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.5.

(c) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein (including Sections 3.1, 4 and 7.2), until the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims has occurred, the ABL Agent shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged Collateral constituting ABL Priority Collateral in accordance with the terms of the ABL Loan Documents as if the Liens under the Term Loan Collateral Documents did not exist. The rights of each Term Loan Agent and the Term Loan Lenders with respect to such Pledged Collateral shall at all times be subject to the terms of this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein (including Sections 3.1, 4 and 7.2), until the Discharge of Term Loan Claims has occurred, each Term Loan Agent shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged Collateral constituting Term Loan Priority Collateral in accordance with the terms of the Term Loan Documents as if the Liens under the ABL Collateral Documents did not exist. The rights of the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders with respect to such Pledged Collateral shall at all times be subject to the terms of this Agreement.

 

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(d) The First Priority Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to any Second Priority Agent or any Second Priority Lender to assure that the Pledged Collateral is genuine or owned by the Grantors or to protect or preserve rights or benefits of any Person or any rights pertaining to the applicable portion of the Common Collateral except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.5. The duties or responsibilities of the First Priority Agent under this Section 5.5 shall be limited solely to holding the Pledged Collateral as gratuitous bailee and/or agent for each Second Priority Agent for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Second Priority Lenders.

(e) The First Priority Agent shall not have by reason of the Second Priority Documents or this Agreement or any other document a fiduciary relationship in respect of any Second Priority Agent or any Second Priority Lender and the Second Priority Agent and the Second Priority Lenders hereby waive and release the First Priority Agent from all claims and liabilities arising pursuant to the First Priority Agent’s role under this Section 5.5, as agent and gratuitous bailee with respect to the applicable portion of the Common Collateral.

(f) Upon the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims, the ABL Agent shall deliver to the Term Loan Agents, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, the remaining Pledged Collateral (if any) and Deposit Account Collateral (if any) constituting ABL Priority Collateral in its possession or under its control, together with any necessary endorsements (or otherwise allow the Term Loan Agents to obtain control of such Pledged Collateral and Deposit Account Collateral) or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The Company shall take such further action as is required to effectuate the transfer contemplated hereby and shall indemnify the ABL Agent for loss or damage suffered by the ABL Agent as a result of such transfer except for loss or damage suffered by the ABL Agent as a result of its own willful misconduct, gross negligence or bad faith. The ABL Agent has no obligation to follow instructions from a Term Loan Agent in contravention of this Agreement.

(g) Upon the Discharge of Term Loan Claims, each Term Loan Agent shall deliver to the ABL Agent, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, the remaining Pledged Collateral (if any) constituting Term Loan Priority Collateral in its possession or under its control, together with any necessary endorsements (or otherwise allow the ABL Agent to obtain control of such Pledged Collateral) or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The Company shall take such further action as is required to effectuate the transfer contemplated hereby and shall indemnify each Term Loan Agent for loss or damage suffered by such Term Loan Agent as a result of such transfer except for loss or damage suffered by such Term Loan Agent as a result of its own willful misconduct, gross negligence or bad faith. No Term Loan Agent has any obligation to follow instructions from the ABL Agent in contravention of this Agreement.

5.6. Access to Premises and Cooperation.

(a) If the ABL Agent takes any enforcement action with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, each Term Loan Agent and the Term Loan Lenders (i) shall cooperate with the ABL Agent (at the sole cost and expense of the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders and subject to the condition that the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Lenders shall have no obligation or duty to take any action or refrain from taking any action that could reasonably be expected to result in the incurrence of any liability or damage to a Term Loan Agent or the Term Loan Lenders) in its efforts to enforce its security interest in the ABL Priority Collateral and to allow the ABL Agent

 

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to finish any work-in-process and assemble the ABL Priority Collateral, (ii) shall not take any action designed or intended to hinder or restrict in any respect the ABL Agent from enforcing its security interest in the ABL Priority Collateral or from finishing any work-in-process or assembling the ABL Priority Collateral and (iii) shall permit the ABL Agent, its employees, agents, advisers and representatives, at the sole cost and expense of the ABL Lenders and upon reasonable advance notice, to use the Term Loan Priority Collateral (including (x) equipment, processors, computers and other machinery related to the storage or processing of records, documents or files and (y) intellectual property in each case only to the extent and for so long as required to effect an enforcement action with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral), for a period not to exceed 180 days after the taking of such enforcement action, for purposes of (A) assembling and storing the ABL Priority Collateral and completing the processing of and turning into finished goods of any ABL Priority Collateral consisting of work-in-process, (B) selling any or all of the ABL Priority Collateral, whether in bulk, in lots or to customers in the ordinary course of business or otherwise, (C) removing any or all of the ABL Priority Collateral located in or on such Term Loan Priority Collateral, if any, or (D) taking reasonable actions to protect, secure, and otherwise enforce the rights of the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders in and to the ABL Priority Collateral; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall restrict the rights of the Term Loan Agents or the Term Loan Lenders from selling, assigning or otherwise transferring any Term Loan Priority Collateral prior to the expiration of such 180 day period if the purchaser, assignee or transferee thereof agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 5.6. If any stay or other order prohibiting the exercise of remedies with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral has been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction, such 180 day period shall be tolled during the pendency of any such stay or other order.

(b) During the period of actual use or control by the ABL Agent or its agents or representatives of any Term Loan Priority Collateral, the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders shall (i) be responsible for the ordinary course third party expenses related thereto, and (ii) be obligated to repair at their expense any physical damage to such Term Loan Priority Collateral resulting from such use or control, and to leave such Term Loan Priority Collateral in substantially the same condition as it was at the commencement of such use or control, ordinary wear and tear excepted. The ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders jointly and severally agree to pay, indemnify and hold each Term Loan Agent and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents harmless from and against any liability, cost, expense, loss or damages, including legal fees and expenses, resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the ABL Agent or any of its agents, representatives or invitees in its or their operation of such Term Loan Priority Collateral. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders have any liability to the Term Loan Agents or the Term Loan Lenders pursuant to this Section 5.6 as a result of the condition of any Term Loan Priority Collateral existing prior to the date of the exercise by the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders of their rights under this Section 5.6, and the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders shall have no duty or liability to maintain the Term Loan Priority Collateral in a condition or manner better than that in which it was maintained prior to the use thereof by the ABL Agent, or for any diminution in the value of the Term Loan Priority Collateral that results solely from ordinary wear and tear resulting from the use of the Term Loan Priority Collateral by the ABL Agent in the manner and for the time periods specified under this Section 5.6. Without limiting the rights granted in this paragraph, the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders shall cooperate with the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Lenders in connection with any efforts made by the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Secured Parties to sell the Term Loan Priority Collateral.

 

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(c) If a Term Loan Agent takes any enforcement action with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral, the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders (i) shall cooperate with such Term Loan Agent (at the sole cost and expense of such Term Loan Agent and the applicable Term Loan Lenders and subject to the condition that the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders shall have no obligation or duty to take any action or refrain from taking any action that could reasonably be expected to result in the incurrence of any liability or damage to the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders) in its efforts to enforce its security interest in the Term Loan Priority Collateral and assemble the Term Loan Priority Collateral and (ii) shall not take any action designed or intended to hinder or restrict in any respect such Term Loan Agent from enforcing its security interest in the Term Loan Priority Collateral or from assembling the Term Loan Priority Collateral.

(d) Each Term Loan Agent agrees that if the ABL Agent shall require rights available under any permit or license controlled by such Term Loan Agent in order to realize on any ABL Priority Collateral, such Term Loan Agent shall take all such actions as shall be available to it (at the sole expense of the Grantors), consistent with applicable law and reasonably requested by the ABL Agent to make such rights available to the ABL Agent, subject to the Liens of the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Lenders. The ABL Agent agrees that if a Term Loan Agent shall require rights available under any permit or license controlled by the ABL Agent in order to realize on any Term Loan Priority Collateral, the ABL Agent shall take all such actions as shall be available to it (at the sole expense of the Grantors), consistent with applicable law and reasonably requested by the applicable Term Loan Agent to make such rights available to such Term Loan Agent, subject to the Liens of the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders.

5.7. No Release If Event of Default; Reinstatement.

(a) If, at any time after the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims has occurred, the Company incurs any ABL Priority Claims, then such Discharge of ABL Priority Claims shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement (other than with respect to any actions taken by a Term Loan Agent or otherwise prior to the date of such designation as a result of the occurrence of such prior Discharge of ABL Priority Claims), and the applicable agreement governing such ABL Priority Claims shall automatically be treated as the ABL Credit Agreement for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Common Collateral set forth herein and the granting by the ABL Agent of amendments, waivers and consents hereunder. Upon receipt of notice of such incurrence (including the identity of the new ABL Agent), each Term Loan Agent shall promptly (i) enter into such documents and agreements (at the expense of the Company), including amendments or supplements to this Agreement, as the Company or such new ABL Agent shall reasonably request in writing in order to provide the new ABL Agent the rights of the ABL Agent contemplated hereby and (ii) to the extent then held by a Term Loan Agent, deliver to the ABL Agent the Pledged Collateral that is ABL Priority Collateral together with any necessary endorsements (or otherwise allow the ABL Agent to obtain possession or control of such Pledged Collateral); provided that any costs or other expenses incurred in connection therewith shall be the exclusive responsibility of the Grantors.

 

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(b) If, at any time after the Discharge of Term Loan Claims has occurred, the Company incurs any Term Loan Claims, then such Discharge of Term Loan Claims shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement (other than with respect to any actions taken by the ABL Agent or otherwise prior to the date of such designation as a result of the occurrence of such prior Discharge of Term Loan Claims), and the applicable agreement governing such Term Loan Claims shall automatically be treated as a Term Loan Credit Agreement for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Common Collateral set forth herein and the granting by the applicable Term Loan Agent of amendments, waivers and consents hereunder. Upon receipt of notice of such incurrence (including the identity of the new Term Loan Agent), the ABL Agent shall promptly (i) enter into such documents and agreements (at the expense of the Company), including amendments or supplements to this Agreement, as the Company or such new Term Loan Agent shall reasonably request in writing in order to provide the new Term Loan Agent the rights of the Term Loan Agents contemplated hereby and (ii) to the extent then held by the ABL Agent, deliver to the Term Loan Agents the Pledged Collateral that is Term Loan Priority Collateral together with any necessary endorsements (or otherwise allow the appropriate Term Loan Agent to obtain possession or control of such Pledged Collateral); provided that any costs or other expenses incurred in connection therewith shall be the exclusive responsibility of the Grantors.

5.8. Legends. Each party hereto agrees that each Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Collateral Agreement and the ABL Collateral Agreement shall contain the applicable provisions set forth on Schedule II hereto, or similar provisions approved by the ABL Agent and the Term Loan Agents, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

Section 6. Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings.

6.1. Financing Issues. If the Company or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding and shall move for the approval of the use of cash collateral or of financing (“DIP Financing”) under Section 363 or Section 364 of Title 11 of the United States Code or any similar provision in any Bankruptcy Law, then each Second Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and each Second Priority Lender, agrees that it will raise no objection to, and will not support any objection to, and will not otherwise contest (a) such DIP Financing, the Liens on First Priority Collateral securing such DIP Financing (the “DIP Financing Liens”) or the use of cash collateral that constitutes First Priority Collateral, in each case unless the First Priority Agent or the First Priority Lenders shall then object or support an objection to such DIP Financing, DIP Financing Liens or use of cash collateral, and will not object on the basis of lack of adequate protection or any other relief in connection therewith and, to the extent the Liens securing the First Priority Claims under the applicable Credit Agreement or, if no such Credit Agreement exists, under the other First Priority Documents are subordinated or pari passu with such DIP Financing Liens, will subordinate its Liens in the First Priority Collateral to such DIP Financing Liens on the same basis as the other Liens on First Priority Collateral securing the Second Priority Claims are so subordinated to Liens securing First Priority Claims under this Agreement; provided that (i) where the ABL Agent is such Second Priority Agent, any Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral to secure such DIP Financing is subordinate to the Lien of the ABL Agent with respect thereto and (ii) where any Term Agent is such Second Priority Agent, any Lien on the Term Priority Collateral to secure such DIP Financing is subordinate to the Lien of such Term Agent with respect thereto (b) any motion for relief from the automatic stay or from any injunction against foreclosure or enforcement in respect of First Priority Claims made by the First Priority Agent or any holder of First Priority Claims, (c) any lawful exercise by any holder of First Priority Claims of the right to credit bid First Priority Claims at any sale in foreclosure of First

 

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Priority Collateral, (d) any other request for judicial relief made in any court by any holder of First Priority Claims relating to the lawful enforcement of any Lien on First Priority Collateral or (e) any order relating to a sale of First Priority Collateral for which the First Priority Agent has consented that provides, to the extent the sale is to be free and clear of Liens, that the Liens securing the First Priority Claims and the Second Priority Claims will attach to the proceeds of the sale on the same basis of priority as set forth in this Agreement; provided that all Liens granted to the ABL Agent or the Term Loan Agents in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding are intended by the parties hereto to be and shall be deemed to be subject to the Lien priority and the other terms and conditions of this Agreement.

6.2. Relief from the Automatic Stay. Until the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims has occurred, each Term Loan Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable Term Loan Lender, agrees that none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the ABL Priority Collateral, without the prior written consent of the ABL Agent and the Required Lenders under the ABL Credit Agreement. Until the Discharge of Term Loan Claims has occurred, the ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and each ABL Lender, agrees that none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the Term Loan Priority Collateral, without the prior written consent of the Term Loan Agents and the Required Lenders under the applicable Term Loan Credit Agreement (and any other Credit Agreements governing Future Senior Term Indebtedness, if applicable).

6.3. Adequate Protection.

(a) Each Term Loan Agent, on behalf of itself and the applicable Term Loan Lenders, agrees that none of them shall be entitled to contest and none of them shall contest (or support any other Person contesting) (but instead shall be deemed to have hereby irrevocably, absolutely, and unconditionally waived any right):

(i) any request by the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders for adequate protection with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral (except to the extent any such adequate protection is a payment from Term Loan Priority Collateral); or

(ii) any objection by the ABL Agent or ABL Lender to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on the ABL Agent or the other ABL Lender claiming a lack of adequate protection with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral.

(b) The ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Lenders, agrees that none of them shall be entitled to contest and none of them shall contest (or support any other Person contesting) (but instead shall be deemed to have hereby irrevocably, absolutely, and unconditionally waived any right):

(i) any request by any Term Loan Agent or the other Term Loan Lenders for adequate protection with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral (except to the extent any such adequate protection is a payment from ABL Priority Collateral); or

(ii) any objection by any Term Loan Agent or the Term Loan Lenders to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on such Term Loan Agent or the applicable Term Loan Lenders claiming a lack of adequate protection with respect to the Term Loan Priority Collateral.

 

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(c) Consistent with the foregoing provisions in this Section 6.3, and except as provided in Sections 6.1 and 6.7, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding:

(i) no Term Loan Agent or Term Loan Lender shall be entitled (and each Term Loan Agent and Term Loan Lender shall be deemed to have hereby irrevocably, absolutely, and unconditionally waived any right):

(1) to seek or otherwise be granted any type of adequate protection with respect to its interests in the ABL Priority Collateral; provided, however, subject to Section 6.1, the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Lenders may seek and obtain adequate protection in the form of an additional or replacement Lien on Collateral so long as (i) the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders have been granted adequate protection in the form of a replacement Lien on such Collateral, and (ii) any such Lien on ABL Priority Collateral (and on any Collateral granted as adequate protection for the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders in respect of their interest in such ABL Priority Collateral) is subordinated to the Liens of the ABL Agent in such Collateral on the same basis as the other Liens of the Term Loan Agent on ABL Priority Collateral; and

(2) to seek or otherwise be granted any adequate protection payments with respect to its interests in the Collateral from Proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral;

(ii) no ABL Agent or ABL Lender shall be entitled (and the ABL Agent and each ABL Lender shall be deemed to have hereby irrevocably, absolutely, and unconditionally waived any right):

(1) to seek or otherwise be granted any type of adequate protection in respect of Term Loan Priority Collateral except as may be consented to in writing by each Term Loan Agent in its sole and absolute discretion; provided, however, ABL Agent and ABL Lenders may seek and obtain adequate protection in the form of an additional or replacement Lien on Collateral so long as (i) the Term Loan Agents and Term Loan Lenders have been granted adequate protection in the form of a replacement Lien on such Collateral, and (ii) any such Lien on Term Loan Priority Collateral (and on any Collateral granted as adequate protection for the Term Loan Agents and Term Loan Lenders in respect of their interest in such Term Loan Priority Collateral) is subordinated to the Liens of the Term Loan Agent in such Collateral on the same basis as the other Liens of the ABL Agent on Term Loan Priority Collateral; and

(2) to seek or otherwise be granted any adequate protection payments with respect to its interests in the Collateral from Proceeds of Term Loan Priority Collateral (except as may be consented to in writing by each Term Loan Agent in its sole and absolute discretion).

 

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(d) With respect to (i) the ABL Priority Collateral, nothing herein shall limit the rights of the Term Loan Agents or the Term Loan Lenders from seeking adequate protection with respect to their rights in the Term Loan Priority Collateral in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (including adequate protection in the form of a cash payment, periodic cash payments or otherwise, other than from proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral) so long as such request is not otherwise inconsistent with this Agreement and (ii) the Term Loan Priority Collateral, nothing herein shall limit the rights of the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders from seeking adequate protection with respect to their rights in the ABL Priority Collateral in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (including adequate protection in the form of a cash payment, periodic cash payments or otherwise, other than from proceeds of Term Loan Priority Collateral) so long as such request is not otherwise inconsistent with this Agreement.

6.4. Avoidance Issues.

(a) If any ABL Lender is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to turn over or otherwise pay to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason, any amount (an “ABL Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or otherwise, then as among the parties hereto the ABL Claims shall be deemed to be reinstated to the extent of such ABL Recovery and to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the ABL Lenders shall be entitled, to the extent they are entitled hereunder, to a Discharge of ABL Priority Claims with respect to all such recovered amounts and shall have all rights hereunder until such time. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such ABL Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto.

(b) If any Term Loan Lender is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to turn over or otherwise pay to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason, any amount (an “Term Loan Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or otherwise, then as among the parties hereto the Term Loan Claims shall be deemed to be reinstated to the extent of such Term Loan Recovery and to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the Term Loan Lenders shall be entitled to a Discharge of Term Loan Claims with respect to all such recovered amounts and shall have all rights hereunder until such time. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Term Loan Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto.

6.5. Application. This Agreement, which the parties hereto expressly acknowledge is a “subordination agreement” under Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, shall be applicable prior to and after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. All references herein to any Grantor shall apply to any trustee for such Person and such Person as debtor in possession. The relative rights as to the Common Collateral and proceeds thereof shall continue after the filing thereof on the same basis as prior to the date of the petition, subject to any court order approving the financing of, or use of cash collateral by, any Grantor.

 

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6.6. Waivers. Until the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims has occurred, each Term Loan Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable Term Loan Lender, (a) will not assert or enforce any claim under Section 506(c) of the United States Bankruptcy Code senior to or on a parity with the Liens on ABL Priority Collateral securing the ABL Priority Claims for costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of any ABL Collateral, and (b) waives any claim it may now or hereafter have arising out of the election by any ABL Lender of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to any ABL Priority Collateral. Until the Discharge of Term Loan Claims has occurred, the ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable ABL Lender, (a) will not assert or enforce any claim under Section 506(c) of the United States Bankruptcy Code senior to or on a parity with the Liens on Term Loan Priority Collateral securing the Term Loan Claims for costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of any Term Loan Priority Collateral, and (b) waives any claim it may now or hereafter have arising out of the election by any Term Loan Lender of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to any Term Loan Priority Collateral.

6.7. Separate Grants of Liens. Each Term Loan Lender and each ABL Lender acknowledges and agrees that (i) the grants of Liens pursuant to the ABL Collateral Documents and the Term Loan Collateral Documents constitute two separate and distinct grants of Liens and (ii) because of, among other things, their differing rights in the Common Collateral, the Term Loan Claims are fundamentally different from the ABL Claims and must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization (or other plan of similar effect under any Bankruptcy Laws) proposed or adopted in an Insolvency Proceeding. To further effectuate the intent of the parties as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, if it is held that the claims of the ABL Lenders and the Term Loan Lenders in respect of the Common Collateral constitute only one secured claim (rather than separate classes of senior and junior secured claims), then the ABL Lenders and the Term Loan Lenders hereby acknowledge and agree that all distributions shall be made as if there were separate classes of ABL Claims and Term Loan Claims against the Grantors, with the effect being that, to the extent that the aggregate value of the ABL Priority Collateral or Term Loan Priority Collateral is sufficient, the ABL Lenders or the Term Loan Lenders, respectively, shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest that is available from each pool of ABL Priority Collateral and Term Loan Priority Collateral for each of the ABL Lenders and the Term Loan Lenders, respectively, before any distribution is made in respect of the claims held by the other Lenders from such ABL Priority Collateral or Term Loan Priority Collateral, with the other Lenders hereby acknowledging and agreeing to turn over to the respective other Lenders amounts otherwise received or receivable by them to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the aggregate recoveries.

Section 7. Reliance; Waivers; etc.

7.1. Reliance. The consent by the First Priority Lenders to the execution and delivery of the Second Priority Documents to which the First Priority Lenders have consented and all loans and other extensions of credit made or deemed made on and after the date hereof by the First Priority Lenders to the Company or any Subsidiary shall be deemed to have been given and made in reliance upon this Agreement. The Second Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable Second Priority Lender, acknowledges that it and the applicable Second Priority Lenders are not entitled to rely on any credit decision or other decisions made by the First Priority Agent or any First Priority Lender in taking or not taking any action under the applicable Second Priority Document or this Agreement.

 

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7.2. No Warranties or Liability. Except as set forth in Section 9.14, neither the First Priority Agent nor any First Priority Lender shall have been deemed to have made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectibility or enforceability of any of the First Priority Documents, the ownership of any Common Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. The First Priority Lenders will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under the First Priority Documents in accordance with law and as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, and the First Priority Lenders may manage their loans and extensions of credit without regard to any rights or interests that any Second Priority Agent or any of the Second Priority Lenders have in the Common Collateral or otherwise, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Neither the First Priority Agent nor any First Priority Lender shall have any duty to any Second Priority Agent or any Second Priority Lender to act or refrain from acting in a manner that allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreements with the Company or any Subsidiary thereof (including the Second Priority Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof that they may have or be charged with. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, none of the parties hereto waives any claim that it may have against a Term Loan Agent or the ABL Agent, as applicable, on the grounds that any sale, transfer or other disposition by such Term Loan Agent or ABL Agent, as applicable, was not commercially reasonable to the extent required by the Uniformed Commercial Code. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the First Priority Agent, the First Priority Lenders, the Second Priority Agent and the Second Priority Lenders have not otherwise made to each other, nor do they hereby make to each other, any warranties, express or implied, nor do they assume any liability to each other with respect to (a) the enforceability, validity, value or collectibility of any of the First Priority Claims, the Second Priority Claims or any guarantee or security which may have been granted to any of them in connection therewith, (b) the Company’s title to or right to transfer any of the Common Collateral or (c) any other matter except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.

7.3. Obligations Unconditional. All rights, interests, agreements and obligations of the First Priority Agent and the First Priority Lenders, and the Second Priority Agent and the Second Priority Lenders, respectively, hereunder shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

(a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any First Priority Documents or any Second Priority Documents;

(b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other terms of, all or any of the First Priority Claims or Second Priority Claims, or any amendment or waiver or other modification, including any increase in the amount thereof, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, of the terms of the ABL Credit Agreement or any other ABL Loan Document or of the terms of the Term Loan Credit Agreements or any other Term Loan Document;

 

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(c) any exchange of any security interest in any Common Collateral or any other collateral, or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of all or any of the First Priority Claims or Second Priority Claims or any guarantee thereof;

(d) the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the Company or any other Grantor; or

(e) any other circumstances that otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Company or any other Grantor in respect of the First Priority Claims, or of any Second Priority Agent or any Second Priority Lenders in respect of this Agreement.

Section 8. Purchase Options

8.1. Notice of Exercise. (a) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an “Event of Default” under clauses (b), (c), (h) or (i) of Article VII of the ABL Credit Agreement, if such Event of Default remains uncured or unwaived for at least thirty (30) consecutive days and the requisite ABL Lenders have not agreed to forbear from the exercise of remedies, all or a portion of the Term Loan Lenders, acting as a single group, shall have the option at any time upon five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice to the ABL Agent to purchase all of the Obligations (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) (the “ABL Obligations”) from the ABL Lenders. Such notice from such Term Loan Lenders to the ABL Agent shall be irrevocable.

(b) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an “Event of Default” under clauses (b), (c), (h) or (i) of Article VII of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, if such Event of Default remains uncured or unwaived for at least thirty (30) consecutive days and the requisite Term Loan Lenders have not agreed to forbear from the exercise of remedies, all or a portion of the ABL Lenders, acting as a single group, shall have the option at any time upon five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Term Loan Agent (with a copy to the Term Loan Agent) to purchase all of the Obligations (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) (the “Term Loan Obligations”) from the Term Loan Lenders. Such notice from such ABL Lenders to the Term Loan Agent shall be irrevocable.

8.2. Purchase and Sale. (a) On the date specified by the relevant Term Loan Lenders in the notice contemplated by Section 8.1(a) above (which shall not be less than five (5) Business Days, nor more than twenty (20) calendar days, after the receipt by the ABL Agent of the notice of the relevant Term Loan Lenders’ election to exercise such option), the ABL Lenders shall sell to the relevant Term Loan Lenders, and the relevant Term Loan Lenders shall purchase from the ABL Lenders, the ABL Obligations, provided that, the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties shall retain all rights to be indemnified or held harmless by the ABL Loan Parties in accordance with the terms of the ABL Loan Documents but shall not retain any rights to the security therefor.

(b) On the date specified by the relevant ABL Lenders in the notice contemplated by Section 8.1(b) above (which shall not be less than five (5) Business Days, nor more than twenty (20) calendar days, after the receipt by the Term Loan Agent of the notice of the relevant ABL Lenders’ election to exercise such option), the Term Loan Lenders shall sell to the

 

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relevant ABL Lenders, and the relevant ABL Lenders shall purchase from the Term Loan Lenders, the Term Loan Obligations, provided that, the Term Loan Agent and the Term Loan Secured Parties shall retain all rights to be indemnified or held harmless by the Term Loan Parties, in accordance with the terms of the Term Loan Documents but shall not retain any rights to the security therefor.

8.3. Payment of Purchase Price. Upon the date of such purchase and sale, the relevant Term Loan Lenders or the relevant ABL Lenders, as applicable, shall (a) pay to the ABL Agent for the benefit of the ABL Lenders (with respect to a purchase of the ABL Obligations) or to the Term Loan Agent for the benefit of the Term Loan Lenders (with respect to a purchase of the Term Loan Obligations) as the purchase price therefor the full amount of all the ABL Obligations or Term Loan Obligations, as applicable, then outstanding and unpaid (including principal, interest, fees and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal expenses but specifically excluding any prepayment premium, termination or similar fees), (b) with respect to a purchase of the ABL Obligations, furnish cash collateral to the ABL Agent in a manner and in such amounts as the ABL Agent determines is reasonably necessary to secure the ABL Agent, the ABL Secured Parties, letter of credit issuing banks and applicable Affiliates in connection with any issued and outstanding letters of credit, hedging obligations and cash management obligations secured by the ABL Loan Documents, (c) with respect to a purchase of the ABL Obligations, agree to reimburse the ABL Agent, the ABL Secured Parties and letter of credit issuing banks for any loss, cost, damage or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal expenses) in connection with any commissions, fees, costs or expenses related to any issued and outstanding letters of credit as described above and any checks or other payments provisionally credited to the ABL Obligations, and/or as to which the ABL Agent has not yet received final payment, (d) with respect to a purchase of the Term Loan Obligations, furnish cash collateral to the Term Loan Agent in a manner and in such amounts as the Term Loan Agent determines is reasonably necessary to secure the Term Loan Agent, the Term Loan Secured Parties and applicable Affiliates in connection with any hedging obligations and cash management obligations secured by the Term Loan Documents, (e) agree to reimburse the ABL Secured Parties or the Term Loan Secured Parties, as applicable, and with respect to a purchase of the ABL Obligations letter of credit issuing banks, in respect of indemnification obligations of the Loan Parties under the ABL Documents or the Term Loan Documents, as applicable, as to matters or circumstances known to the ABL Agent, or the Term Loan Agent, as applicable, at the time of the purchase and sale which would reasonably be expected to result in any loss, cost, damage or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal expenses) to the ABL Secured Parties, the Term Loan Secured Parties or letter of credit issuing banks, as applicable, and (f) agree to indemnify and hold harmless the ABL Secured Parties or the Term Loan Secured Parties, as applicable, and with respect to a purchase of the ABL Obligations letter of credit issuing banks, from and against any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (including reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel) arising out of any claim asserted by a third party in respect of the ABL Obligations or the Term Loan Obligations, as applicable, as a direct result of any acts by any ABL Secured Party or Term Loan Secured Party, as applicable, occurring after the date of such purchase. Such purchase price and cash collateral shall be remitted by wire transfer in federal funds to such bank account in New York, New York as the ABL Agent or the Term Loan Agent, as applicable, may designate in writing for such purpose.

 

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8.4. Limitation on Representations and Warranties. Such purchase shall be expressly made without representation or warranty of any kind by any selling party (or the applicable ABL Agent or the Term Loan Agent) and without recourse of any kind, except that the selling party shall represent and warrant: (a) the amount of the ABL Obligations or Obligations (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement), as applicable, being purchased from it, (b) that such ABL Secured Party or Term Loan Secured Party, as applicable, owns the ABL Obligations or Obligations, as applicable, free and clear of any Liens or encumbrances and (c) that such ABL Secured Party or Term Loan Secured Party, as applicable, has the right to assign such ABL Obligations or Obligations, as applicable, and the assignment is duly authorized.

Section 9. Miscellaneous.

9.1. Conflicts. Subject to Section 9.18, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any ABL Loan Document or any Term Loan Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern.

9.2. Term of this Agreement; Severability. Subject to Section 6.4, (i) if no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under any Credit Agreement (as such term is defined in the applicable Credit Agreement), this Agreement shall terminate upon the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims and the Discharge of Term Loan Claims and (ii) if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under any Credit Agreement (as such term is defined in the applicable Credit Agreement), this Agreement shall terminate upon the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims and the Discharge of Term Loan Claims. This is a continuing agreement of lien subordination and the First Priority Lenders may continue, at any time and without notice to the Second Priority Agent or any Second Priority Lender, to extend credit and other financial accommodations and lend monies to or for the benefit of the Company or any other Grantor constituting First Priority Claims in reliance hereon. The terms of this Agreement shall survive, and shall continue in full force and effect, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

9.3. Amendments; Waivers. (a) No amendment, modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement by the ABL Agent or the Term Loan Agents shall be deemed to be made unless the same shall be in writing signed on behalf of the party making the same or its authorized agent and each waiver, if any, shall be a waiver only with respect to the specific instance involved and shall in no way impair the rights of the parties making such waiver or the obligations of the other parties to such party in any other respect or at any other time. The Company and the other Grantors shall not have any right to consent to or approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement except to the extent their rights are affected.

(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 9.3 to the contrary, this Agreement may be amended (including by amendment and restatement) from time to time at the request of the Company, at the Company’s expense, and with the consent of the ABL Agent and the Term Loan Agents (but not any other ABL Secured Party or Term Loan Secured Party) to (i) add other parties holding Future Senior Term Indebtedness to the extent such Indebtedness (and the Liens thereon) are not prohibited by the Term Loan Credit Agreement or the ABL Credit Agreement, (ii) in the case of Future Senior Term Indebtedness, (1) establish that the Lien on the ABL Priority

 

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Collateral securing such Future Senior Term Indebtedness shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral securing any ABL Priority Claims and shall share in the benefits of the ABL Priority Collateral equally and ratably with all Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral securing any Term Loan Claims (provided that such Future Senior Term Indebtedness may be secured by the ABL Priority Collateral on a junior basis to the Term Loan Claims contemplated by clause (i) of the definition of “Term Loan Claims”), and (2) provide to the holders of such Future Senior Term Indebtedness (or any agent or trustee thereof) the comparable rights and benefits (including any improved rights and benefits that have been consented to by the ABL Agent) as are provided to the holders of Term Loan Claims under this Agreement (provided that such Future Senior Term Indebtedness may be secured by the Term Loan Priority Collateral on a junior basis to the Term Loan Claims contemplated by clause (i) of the definition of “Term Loan Claims”).

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions herein related to Future Senior Term Indebtedness, this Agreement does not constitute (i) the intercreditor agreement required by Section 6.02(u) of the Term Loan Credit Agreement with respect to any Future Senior Term Indebtedness that is to be equally and ratably secured with the Term Loan Claims or (ii) the intercreditor agreement required by Section 6.02(u) of the Term Loan Credit Agreement with respect to any Future Senior Term Indebtedness that is to be secured on a junior basis to the Term Loan Claims contemplated by clause (i) of the definition of “Term Loan Claims”.

9.4. Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Company and the Subsidiaries. Neither the ABL Agent nor any ABL Lender shall have any obligation to the any Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender to keep any Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender informed of, and each Term Loan Agent and the Term Loan Lenders shall not be entitled to rely on the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders with respect to, (a) the financial condition of the Company and the Subsidiaries and all endorsers and/or guarantors of the ABL Claims or the Term Loan Claims and (b) all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the ABL Claims or the Term Loan Claims. The ABL Agent, the ABL Lenders, the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Lenders shall have no duty to advise any other party hereunder of information known to it or them regarding such condition or any such circumstances or otherwise. In the event that the ABL Agent, any ABL Lender, any Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender, in its or their sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to any other party (and the Company acknowledges that any such party may do so), it or they shall be under no obligation (w) to make, and the ABL Agent, the ABL Lenders, the Term Loan Agents and the Term Loan Lenders shall not make, any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or validity of any such information so provided, (x) to provide any additional information or to provide any such information on any subsequent occasion, (y) to undertake any investigation or (z) to disclose any information that, pursuant to accepted or reasonable commercial finance practices, such party wishes to maintain confidential or is otherwise required to maintain confidential. The Grantors agree that any information provided to the ABL Agent, the Term Loan Agents, any other ABL Lender or any other Term Loan Lender may be shared by such person with any of the other Lenders notwithstanding a request or demand by such Grantor that such information be kept confidential; provided that such information shall otherwise be subject to the respective confidentiality provisions in the ABL Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Credit Agreements, as applicable.

 

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9.5. Subrogation. Each Term Loan Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the applicable Term Loan Lenders, agrees that no payment to the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall entitle such Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender to exercise any rights of subrogation in respect thereof until the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims shall have occurred. Following the Discharge of ABL Priority Claims, the ABL Agent agrees to execute such documents, agreements, and instruments as any Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender may reasonably request to evidence the transfer by subrogation to any such Person of an interest in the ABL Priority Claims resulting from payments to the ABL Agent by such Person, so long as all costs and expenses (including all reasonable legal fees and disbursements) incurred in connection therewith by the ABL Agent are paid by such Person upon request for payment thereof. The ABL Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the applicable ABL Lenders, agrees that no payment to any Term Loan Agent or any Term Loan Lender pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall entitle the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender to exercise any rights of subrogation in respect thereof until the Discharge of Term Loan Claims shall have occurred. Following the Discharge of Term Loan Claims, each Term Loan Agent agrees to execute such documents, agreements, and instruments as the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender may reasonably request to evidence the transfer by subrogation to any such Person of an interest in the Term Loan Claims resulting from payments to the applicable Term Loan Agent by such Person, so long as all costs and expenses (including all reasonable legal fees and disbursements) incurred in connection therewith by such Term Loan Agent are paid by such Person upon request for payment thereof.

9.6. Application of Payments.

(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, all payments received by the ABL Lenders may be applied, reversed and reapplied, in whole or in part, to such part of the ABL Priority Claims as the ABL Lenders, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the ABL Loan Documents. Except as otherwise provided herein, each Term Loan Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable Term Loan Lender, assents to any such extension or postponement of the time of payment of the ABL Priority Claims or any part thereof and to any other indulgence with respect thereto, to any substitution, exchange or release of any security that may at any time secure any part of the ABL Priority Claims and to the addition or release of any other Person primarily or secondarily liable therefor.

(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, all payments received by the Term Loan Lenders may be applied, reversed and reapplied, in whole or in part, to such part of the Term Loan Claims as the Term Loan Lenders, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the Term Loan Documents. Except as otherwise provided herein, the ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable ABL Lender, assents to any such extension or postponement of the time of payment of the Term Loan Claims or any part thereof and to any other indulgence with respect thereto, to any substitution, exchange or release of any security that may at any time secure any part of the Term Loan Claims and to the addition or release of any other Person primarily or secondarily liable therefor.

 

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9.7. Consent to Jurisdiction; Waivers. The parties hereto consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of any state or federal court located in New York, New York (the “New York Courts”), and consent that all service of process may be made by registered mail directed to such party as provided in Section 9.8 for such party. Service so made shall be deemed to be completed three days after the same shall be posted as aforesaid. The parties hereto waive any objection to any action instituted hereunder in any such court based on forum non conveniens, and any objection to the venue of any action instituted hereunder in any such court. Each of the parties hereto waives any right it may have to trial by jury in respect of any litigation based on, or arising out of, under or in connection with this Agreement, or any course of conduct, course of dealing, verbal or written statement or action of any party hereto in connection with the subject matter hereof.

9.8. Notices. All notices to the ABL Lenders and the Term Loan Lenders permitted or required under this Agreement may be sent to the ABL Agent or the applicable Term Loan Agent as provided in the ABL Credit Agreement or the applicable Term Loan Credit Agreement. Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice or other communication herein required or permitted to be given shall be in writing and may be personally served, telecopied, electronically mailed or sent by courier service or U.S. mail and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person or by courier service, upon receipt of a telecopy or electronic mail or upon receipt via U.S. mail (registered or certified, with postage prepaid and properly addressed). For the purposes hereof, the addresses of the parties hereto shall be as set forth below each party’s name on the signature pages hereto, or, as to each party, at such other address as may be designated by such party in a written notice to all of the other parties. Each First Priority Agent hereby agrees to promptly notify each Second Priority Agent upon payment in full in cash of all Indebtedness under the applicable First Priority Documents (except for contingent indemnities and cost and reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim therefor has been made).

9.9. Further Assurances. The ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable ABL Lender, and each Term Loan Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable Term Loan Lender, agrees that each of them shall take such further action and shall execute and deliver to the ABL Agent, the ABL Lenders, each Term Loan Agent and the Term Loan Lenders such additional documents and instruments (in recordable form, if requested) as the ABL Agent, the ABL Lenders, each Term Loan Agent or the Term Loan Lenders may reasonably request, at the expense of the Company, to effectuate the terms of and the Lien priorities contemplated by this Agreement.

9.10. Governing Law. This Agreement has been delivered and accepted in and shall be deemed to have been made in New York, New York and shall be interpreted, and the rights and liabilities of the parties bound hereby determined, in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

9.11. Specific Performance. Each First Priority Agent may demand specific performance of this Agreement. Each Second Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and each applicable Second Priority Lender, hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense that might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action that may be brought by the First Priority Agent.

9.12. Section Titles. The section titles contained in this Agreement are and shall be without substantive meaning or content of any kind whatsoever and are not a part of this Agreement.

 

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9.13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by means of facsimile or other electronic transmission, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall together constitute one and the same document.

9.14. Authorization. By its signature, each Person executing this Agreement on behalf of a party hereto represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that it is duly authorized to execute this Agreement. The ABL Agent represents and warrants that this Agreement is binding upon the applicable ABL Lenders. Each Term Loan Agent represents and warrants that this Agreement is binding upon the applicable Term Loan Lenders.

9.15. No Third Party Beneficiaries; Successors and Assigns. This Agreement and the rights and benefits hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, each of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of each of, and be binding upon, the holders of ABL Claims and Term Loan Claims. No other Person shall have or be entitled to assert rights or benefits hereunder. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any person to whom a Lender assigns or otherwise transfers all or any portion of the ABL Claims or the Term Loan Claims, as applicable, in accordance with the applicable ABL Loan Documents or Term Loan Documents, as the case may be, shall become vested with all the rights and obligations in respect thereof granted to such Lenders, without any further consent or action of the other Lenders.

9.16. Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective when executed and delivered by the parties hereto. This Agreement shall be effective both before and after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. All references to the Company or any other Grantor shall include the Company or any other Grantor as debtor and debtor-in-possession and any receiver or trustee for the Company or any other Grantor (as the case may be) in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.

9.17. ABL Agent and Term Loan Agents. (a) It is understood and agreed that (i) Deutsche Bank is entering into this Agreement in its capacity as administrative agent under the ABL Credit Agreement and the provisions of Article VIII of the ABL Credit Agreement applicable to Deutsche Bank as administrative agent thereunder shall also apply to Deutsche Bank as the ABL Agent hereunder and (ii) Bank of America is entering in this Agreement in its capacity as administrative agent under the Term Loan Credit Agreement and the provisions of Article VIII of the Term Loan Credit Agreement applicable to Bank of America as administrative agent thereunder shall also apply to Bank of America as a Term Loan Agent hereunder.

9.18. Relative Rights. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary (except to the extent contemplated by Section 5.3(d) or (e)), nothing in this Agreement is intended to or will (a) amend, waive or otherwise modify the provisions of the ABL Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Credit Agreements or any other ABL Loan Document or Term Loan Document entered into in connection with the ABL Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Credit Agreements or any other ABL Loan Document or Term Loan Document or permit Holdings, the Company or any other Subsidiary to take any action, or fail to take any action, to the extent such action or failure would otherwise constitute a breach of, or default under, the ABL Credit Agreement or any other ABL Loan Documents entered into in connection with the ABL Credit Agreement, any Term Loan Credit Agreement or any other Term Loan Document entered into in

 

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connection with the Term Loan Documents, (b) change the relative priorities of the ABL Priority Claims or the Liens granted under the ABL Loan Documents on the Common Collateral (or any other assets) as among the ABL Lenders, or change the relative priorities of the Term Loan Claims or the Liens granted under the Term Loan Documents on the Common Collateral (or any other assets) as among the Term Loan Lenders, (c) otherwise change the relative rights of the ABL Lenders in respect of the Common Collateral as among such ABL Lenders, or the relative rights of the Term Loan Lenders in respect of the Common Collateral as among such Term Loan Lenders or (d) obligate Holdings, the Company or any Subsidiary to take any action, or fail to take any action, that would otherwise constitute a breach of, or default under, the ABL Credit Agreement or any other ABL Loan Document entered into in connection with the ABL Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Credit Agreements or any other Term Loan Document into in connection with the Term Loan Credit Agreements. None of Holdings, the Company or any Subsidiary shall have any rights hereunder except as expressly set forth herein (including as set forth in Section 9.3).

9.19. Supplements. Upon the execution by Holdings or any Subsidiary of the Company of a supplement hereto in form and substance satisfactory to the ABL Agent and the Term Loan Agents, Holdings and such Subsidiary shall be a party to this Agreement and shall be bound by the provisions hereof to the same extent as the Company and each other Grantor are so bound.

[remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

CPG INTERNATIONAL LLC
By:   /s/ Peter Clifford
  Name: Peter Clifford
  Title: Chief Financial Officer
BANK OF AMERICA,
as Term Loan Agent

 

 

 

 

ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement


By:   /s/ Linda Mackey
  Name: Linda Mackey
  Title: Vice President
Address:

Bank of America, N.A.

Agency Management

555 California St. 6th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94104

Telecopy: 415-503-5009

 

ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement


DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, as ABL Agent
By:   /s/ Jessica Lutrario
  Name: Jessica Lutrario
  Title: Associate
By:   /s/ Philip Tancorra
  Name: Philip Tancorra
  Title: Vice President
Address:

Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch

5022 Gate Parkway

Suite 200

Jacksonville, FL 32256

Attention: Alexandra

Costello

 

ABL/Term Loan Intercreditor Agreement

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

THE AZEK COMPANY ANNOUNCES TERM LOAN REFINANCING

CHICAGO, Ill—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 3, 2022 The AZEK Company Inc. (NYSE: AZEK) (“AZEK” or the “Company”), the industry-leading manufacturer of beautiful, low-maintenance and environmentally sustainable outdoor living products, including TimberTech® decking, Versatex® and AZEK Trim®, and StruXure pergolas, today announced the entry into a new first lien term loan credit agreement (the “New Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders and financial institutions party thereto. The New Credit Agreement provided the Company with a $600 million first lien term loan facility (the “Credit Facility”), the proceeds of which were applied, among other uses, to prepay the obligations in full under the Company’s existing first lien term loan credit agreement, which was due in May 2024 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”). In connection with the entry into the New Credit Agreement, the Existing Credit Agreement was terminated.

The Credit Facility will mature in April 2029, subject to acceleration or prepayment. Commencing on December 31, 2022, the Credit Facility will amortize in equal quarterly installments of 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the loans outstanding, subject to reduction for certain prepayments.

The interest rate applicable to loans under the Credit Facility will be based on Term SOFR for the applicable interest period at AZEK’s option, plus an applicable margin of 2.50%.

“We are pleased to announce the closing of this refinancing which provides additional liquidity, strengthens AZEK’s financial position and improves our capital structure to support our future growth ambitions,” said AZEK CFO Peter Clifford. “We believe the successful completion of this transaction on favorable terms reflects the recognition by the credit market of the significant achievements we have made in executing our growth strategy as well as our continued maturation as a public company.”

In connection with the closing of the Credit Facility, the Company also received a corporate credit rating of BB- from S&P Global Ratings, which is an upgrade from its prior rating.

About The AZEK® Company

The AZEK Company Inc. (NYSE: AZEK) is the industry-leading designer and manufacturer of beautiful, low maintenance and environmentally sustainable outdoor living products, including TimberTech® decking and Versatex® AZEK Trim® and StruXure pergolas. Consistently recognized as the market leader in innovation, quality and aesthetics, products across AZEK’s portfolio are made from up to 100% recycled material and primarily replace wood on the outside of homes, providing a long-lasting, eco-friendly, and stylish solution to consumers. Leveraging the talents of its approximately 2,000 employees and the strength of relationships across its value chain, The AZEK Company is committed to accelerating the use of recycled material in the manufacturing of its innovative products, keeping millions of pounds of waste out of landfills each year, and revolutionizing the industry to create a more sustainable future. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company operates manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Minnesota, and recently announced a new facility will open in Boise, Idaho. For additional information, please visit azekco.com.


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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains or refers to certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws and subject to the “safe harbor” protections thereunder. Forward-looking statements are statements about future events and are based on our current expectations. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “believe,” “hope,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “target,” “anticipate,” “goal” and similar expressions. Projected financial information and performance are forward-looking statements. Other forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to our future financial performance, liquidity and our ability to service or repay our existing indebtedness and to secure additional financing in the future. The Company bases its forward-looking statements on information available to it on the date of this release and undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of changed circumstances, new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may otherwise be required by law. Actual future events could also differ materially due to numerous factors that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, among other things, the risks and uncertainties set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in any subsequent reports that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Although we have attempted to identify those material factors that could cause actual results or events to differ from those described in such forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Given these uncertainties, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.

Investor Contact:

Eric Robinson

312-809-1093

ir@azekco.com

Media Contact:

Rachel Mihulka

402-980-9603

AZEKquestions@zenogroup.com

Source: The AZEK Company Inc.