GORMAN RUPP CO false 0000042682 0000042682 2022-05-31 2022-05-31

 

 

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): May 31, 2022

 

 

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

Ohio

(State or other jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

 

1-6747   34-0253990

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employee

Identification No.)

 

600 South Airport Road, Mansfield, Ohio   44903
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(419) 755-1011

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol

 

Name of exchange

on which registered

Common Shares, without par value   GRC   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

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

On May 31, 2022 (the “Closing Date”), The Gorman-Rupp Company (the “Company”) entered into a senior secured credit agreement (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Senior Credit Agreement”) by and among the Company, as borrower, certain direct, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPM”), as administrative agent, and JPM, as sole bookrunner and sole lead arranger.

The Senior Credit Agreement provides for a term loan facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of $350 million (the “Term Loan Facility”), a revolving credit facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of up to $100 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), a letter of credit sub-facility in the initial aggregate available amount of up to $15 million, as a sublimit of such Revolving Credit Facility (the “L/C Facility”) and a swing line sub-facility in the aggregate available amount of up to $20 million, as a sublimit of the Revolving Credit Facility (together with the Term Loan Facility, the Revolving Credit Facility and the L/C Facility, the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”).

On the Closing Date, the Company borrowed a total of $350 million under the Term Loan Facility and $5 million under the Revolving Credit Facility which, along with cash-on-hand and the proceeds of the Subordinated Credit Facility described below, was used to finance the Transaction described below.

The Term Loan Facility must be repaid in quarterly installments commencing on September 30, 2022 and continuing on the last day of each consecutive December, March, June and September thereafter. To the extent not previously paid, all then-outstanding amounts under the Term Loan Facility are due and payable on the maturity date of the Term Loan Facility, which is five years from the Closing Date. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are available beginning on the Closing Date and, to the extent not previously paid, all then-outstanding amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility are due and payable on the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility, which is five years from the Closing Date.

The Senior Credit Agreement includes customary representations, warranties, covenants and events of default.

At the option of the Company, borrowings under the Term Loan Facility and under the Revolving Credit Facility (subject to certain limitations) bear interest at either a base rate (as determined pursuant to the Senior Credit Agreement) or at an Adjusted Term SOFR Rate (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement), plus the applicable margin as set forth therein from time to time, which ranges from 0.75% to 1.75% for base rate loans and 1.75% to 2.75% for Adjusted Term SOFR Rate loans. The applicable margin is based on the Company’s senior leverage ratio (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement). As of the Closing Date, the applicable margin under the Senior Credit Agreement is 1.75% for base rate loans and 2.75% for Adjusted Term SOFR Rate loans.

The Company has agreed to secure all of its obligations under the Senior Credit Agreement by granting a first priority lien on substantially all of its personal property (subject to certain exceptions and limitations), and each of Patterson Pump Company, AMT Pump Company, National Pump Company and Fill-Rite Company (collectively, the “Guarantors”) has agreed to guarantee the obligations of the Company under the Senior Credit Agreement and to secure the obligations thereunder by granting a first priority lien in substantially all of such Guarantor’s personal property (subject to certain exceptions and limitations).

The Senior Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.50 to 1.00 for each of the four consecutive fiscal quarter periods ending June 30, 2022, September 30, 2022, December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, decreasing to 4.00 to 1.00 for each of the four consecutive fiscal quarter periods ending June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023, and decreasing to 3.50 to 1.00 for the four consecutive fiscal quarter period ending December 31, 2023 and each of the four consecutive fiscal quarter periods ending thereafter.


The Senior Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a consolidated total net leverage ratio not to exceed 5.75 to 1.00 for each of the four consecutive fiscal quarter periods ending June 30, 2022, September 30, 2022, December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, decreasing to 5.25 to 1.00 for each of the four consecutive fiscal quarter periods ending June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023, and decreasing to 4.75 to 1.00 for the four consecutive fiscal quarter period ending December 31, 2023 and each of the four consecutive fiscal quarter periods ending thereafter.

The Senior Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2022) of not less than 1.20 to 1.00 for any four consecutive fiscal quarter period.

The Senior Credit Agreement also includes other covenants, including negative covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Company’s and in certain cases, its subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things: (i) incur additional debt, including guarantees; (ii) create liens upon any of their property; (iii) merge or consolidate with any other entity, liquidate, wind up or dissolve, or dispose of all or substantially all of their property or business; (iv) dispose of assets; (v) make certain investments; (vi) enter into sale leaseback transactions; (vii) enter into swap agreements; (viii) make or pay dividends in excess of certain thresholds set forth in the Senior Credit Agreement unless certain conditions are met; (ix) repay certain indebtedness; (x) engage in transactions with affiliates; (xi) enter into certain restrictive agreements; or (xii) modify certain material contractual obligations or organizational documents.

The Senior Credit Agreement also contains customary provisions requiring the following mandatory prepayments (subject to certain exceptions and limitations): (i) annual prepayments (beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023) with a percentage of excess cash flow (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement); (ii) 100% of the net cash proceeds from any non-ordinary course sale of assets and certain casualty or condemnation events above a certain threshold; and (iii) 100% of the net cash proceeds of indebtedness not permitted to be incurred under the Senior Credit Agreement.

Subordinated Credit Agreement

On the Closing Date, the Company entered into a subordinated credit agreement (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Subordinated Credit Agreement”) by and among the Company, as borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, JPM, as administrative agent, and JPM, as sole bookrunner and sole lead arranger.

The Subordinated Credit Agreement provides for a term loan facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of $90 million (the “Subordinated Credit Facility”).

On the Closing Date, the Company borrowed a total of $90 million under the Subordinated Credit Facility, which, along with cash-on-hand and the proceeds of the Senior Secured Credit Facility described above, was used to finance the Transaction described below.

To the extent not previously paid, all then-outstanding amounts under the Term Loan Facility are due and payable on the maturity date of the Subordinated Credit Facility, which is five and one-half years from the Closing Date. If the Subordinated Credit Facility is prepaid on or prior to the second anniversary of the Closing Date, such prepayment must be accompanied by a make-whole amount as described in the Subordinated Credit Agreement. If the Subordinated Credit Facility is prepaid after the second anniversary of the Closing Date but on or prior to the third anniversary of the Closing Date, such prepayment must be accompanied by a prepayment fee of 2% of such prepayment, and if the Subordinated Credit Facility is prepaid after the third anniversary of the Closing Date but on or prior to the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date, such prepayment must be accompanied by a prepayment fee of 1% of such prepayment.

The Subordinated Credit Agreement includes customary representations, warranties, covenants and events of default.


At the option of the Company, borrowings under the Subordinated Credit Facility (subject to certain limitations) bear interest at either a base rate (as determined pursuant to the Subordinated Credit Agreement), plus 8.0%, or at an Adjusted Term SOFR Rate (as defined in the Subordinated Credit Agreement), plus 9.0%.

Each of the Guarantors has agreed to guarantee the obligations of the Company under the Subordinated Credit Agreement. The Subordinated Credit Agreement is unsecured.

The Subordinated Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio not to exceed 5.40 to 1.00 for each of the four consecutive fiscal quarter periods ending June 30, 2022, September 30, 2022, December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, decreasing to 4.80 to 1.00 for each of the four consecutive fiscal quarter periods ending June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023, and decreasing to 4.20 to 1.00 for the four consecutive fiscal quarter period ending December 31, 2023 and each of the four consecutive fiscal quarter periods ending thereafter.

The Subordinated Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a consolidated total net leverage ratio not to exceed 6.90 to 1.00 for each of the four consecutive fiscal quarter periods ending June 30, 2022, September 30, 2022, December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, decreasing to 6.30 to 1.00 for each of the four consecutive fiscal quarter periods ending June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023, and decreasing to 5.70 to 1.00 for the four consecutive fiscal quarter period ending December 31, 2023 and each of the four consecutive fiscal quarter periods ending thereafter.

The Subordinated Credit Agreement also includes other covenants, including negative covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Company’s and in certain cases, its subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things: (i) incur additional debt, including guarantees; (ii) create liens upon any of their property; (iii) merge or consolidate with any other entity, liquidate, wind up or dissolve, or dispose of all or substantially all of their property or business; (iv) dispose of assets; (v) make certain investments; (vi) enter into sale leaseback transactions; (vii) enter into swap agreements; (viii) make or pay dividends in excess of certain thresholds set forth in the Subordinated Credit Agreement unless certain conditions are met; (ix) repay certain indebtedness; (x) engage in transactions with affiliates; (xi) enter into certain restrictive agreements; or (xii) modify certain material contractual obligations or organizational documents.

The Subordinated Credit Agreement also contains customary provisions requiring the following mandatory prepayments (subject to certain exceptions and limitations): (i) annual prepayments (beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023) with a percentage of excess cash flow (as defined in the Subordinated Credit Agreement); (ii) 100% of the net cash proceeds from any non-ordinary course sale of assets and certain casualty or condemnation events above a certain threshold; and (iii) 100% of the net cash proceeds of indebtedness not permitted to be incurred under the Subordinated Credit Agreement.

A copy of the Senior Credit Agreement is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the Subordinated Credit Agreement is attached as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference. In connection with the Senior Credit Agreement, the Company and each Guarantor has also entered into a Pledge and Security Agreement, a form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the Senior Credit Agreement, the Subordinated Credit Agreement and the Pledge and Security Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such agreements.

 

Item 2.01

Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets

As previously disclosed, on April 26, 2022 the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Tuthill Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Tuthill”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire the fuel transfer business, including the Fill-Rite and Sotera brands, of Tuthill for a purchase price of $525 million, subject to certain customary adjustments (the “Transaction”).

On the Closing Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement, the Transaction was completed.


The foregoing description of the Purchase Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Purchase Agreement, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2022 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.03

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

Please see the description in “Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement” of this Current Report on Form 8-K, related to each of the Senior Credit Agreement and the Subordinated Credit Agreement, which description is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01

Other Events

On June 1, 2022, the Company issued a press release announcing the closing of the Transaction. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits

(a)    Financial Statement of Business Acquired

The financial statements required by this Item, with respect to the Transaction described in Item 2.01 herein, will be filed as soon as practicable, and in any event not later than 71 days after the date on which this Current Report on Form 8-K is required to be filed related to Item 2.01.

(b)     Pro-Forma Financial Information

The pro forma financial information required by this Item, with respect to the Transaction described in Item 2.01 herein, will be filed as soon as practicable, and in any event not later than 71 days after the date on which this Current Report on Form 8-K is required to be filed related to Item 2.01

    (d) Exhibits:

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

10.1    Senior Secured Credit Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2022.
10.2    Subordinated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2022.
10.3    Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2022.
99.1    Press Release dated June 1, 2022.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)


SIGNATURES

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

 

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY

By:

 

/s/ Brigette A. Burnell

Name:

  Brigette A. Burnell

Title:

  Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Date: June 1, 2022

Exhibit 10.1

EXECUTION COPY

 

 

 

 

LOGO

SENIOR SECURED CREDIT AGREEMENT

dated as of

May 31, 2022

among

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY,

as the Borrower,

The other Loan Parties Party Hereto,

The Lenders Party Hereto,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

each as a Syndication Agent,

FIFTH THIRD BANK, PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

each as Co-Documentation Agent,

and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

 

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

BOFA SECURITIES, INC. and WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC,

each as a Joint Bookrunner and a Joint Lead Arranger

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I Definitions

     1  

SECTION 1.01.

  Defined Terms      1  

SECTION 1.02.

  Classification of Loans and Borrowings      46  

SECTION 1.03.

  Terms Generally      46  

SECTION 1.04.

  Accounting Terms; GAAP      47  

SECTION 1.05.

  Pro Forma Adjustments      47  

SECTION 1.06.

  Status of Obligations      49  

SECTION 1.07.

  Interest Rates; Benchmark Notification      49  

SECTION 1.08.

  Letter of Credit Amounts      49  

SECTION 1.09.

  Divisions      50  

SECTION 1.10.

  Exchange Rates; Currency Equivalents      50  

ARTICLE II The Credits

     50  

SECTION 2.01.

  Commitments      50  

SECTION 2.02.

  Loans and Borrowings      51  

SECTION 2.03.

  Requests for Borrowings      52  

SECTION 2.04.

  [Intentionally Omitted]      52  

SECTION 2.05.

  Swingline Loans      52  

SECTION 2.06.

  Letters of Credit      54  

SECTION 2.07.

  Funding of Borrowings      59  

SECTION 2.08.

  Interest Elections      60  

SECTION 2.09.

  Termination and Reduction of Commitments; Increase in Revolving Commitments; Incremental Term Loans      62  

SECTION 2.10.

  Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt      65  

SECTION 2.11.

  Prepayment of Loans      66  

SECTION 2.12.

  Fees      68  

SECTION 2.13.

  Interest      69  

SECTION 2.14.

  Alternate Rate of Interest      70  

SECTION 2.15.

  Increased Costs      74  

SECTION 2.16.

  Break Funding Payments      75  

SECTION 2.17.

  Taxes      76  

SECTION 2.18.

  Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Set-offs      79  

SECTION 2.19.

  Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders      82  

SECTION 2.20.

  Defaulting Lenders      83  

SECTION 2.21.

  Returned Payments      85  

SECTION 2.22.

  Banking Services and Swap Agreements      85  

SECTION 2.23.

  Judgment Currency      85  

ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties

     86  

SECTION 3.01.

  Organization; Powers      86  

SECTION 3.02.

  Authorization; Enforceability      86  

SECTION 3.03.

  Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts      86  

SECTION 3.04.

  Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change      86  

SECTION 3.05.

  Properties      87  

SECTION 3.06.

  Litigation and Environmental Matters      87  

SECTION 3.07.

  Compliance with Laws and Agreements; No Default      87  

SECTION 3.08.

  Investment Company Status      87  

 

i


SECTION 3.09.

  Taxes      87  

SECTION 3.10.

  ERISA      88  

SECTION 3.11.

  Disclosure      88  

SECTION 3.12.

  Material Agreements      88  

SECTION 3.13.

  Solvency      88  

SECTION 3.14.

  Insurance      88  

SECTION 3.15.

  Capitalization and Subsidiaries      89  

SECTION 3.16.

  Security Interest in Collateral      89  

SECTION 3.17.

  Employment Matters      89  

SECTION 3.18.

  Margin Regulations      89  

SECTION 3.19.

  Use of Proceeds      90  

SECTION 3.20.

  No Burdensome Restrictions      90  

SECTION 3.21.

  Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions      90  

SECTION 3.22.

  Affected Financial Institutions      90  

SECTION 3.23.

  Plan Assets; Prohibited Transactions      90  

SECTION 3.24.

  Status as Senior Indebtedness      90  

ARTICLE IV Conditions

     90  

SECTION 4.01.

  Effective Date      90  

SECTION 4.02.

  Each Credit Event      94  

ARTICLE V Affirmative Covenants

     95  

SECTION 5.01.

  Financial Statements and Other Information      95  

SECTION 5.02.

  Notices of Material Events      97  

SECTION 5.03.

  Existence; Conduct of Business      98  

SECTION 5.04.

  Payment of Obligations      98  

SECTION 5.05.

  Maintenance of Properties      98  

SECTION 5.06.

  Books and Records; Inspection Rights      98  

SECTION 5.07.

  Compliance with Laws and Material Contractual Obligations      99  

SECTION 5.08.

  Use of Proceeds      99  

SECTION 5.09.

  Accuracy of Information      99  

SECTION 5.10.

  Insurance      100  

SECTION 5.11.

  Casualty and Condemnation      100  

SECTION 5.12.

  [Intentionally Omitted]      100  

SECTION 5.13.

  Subsidiary Guarantors; Additional Collateral; Further Assurances      100  

SECTION 5.14.

  Post-Closing Requirements      101  

ARTICLE VI Negative Covenants

     102  

SECTION 6.01.

  Indebtedness      102  

SECTION 6.02.

  Liens      103  

SECTION 6.03.

  Fundamental Changes      105  

SECTION 6.04.

  Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions      106  

SECTION 6.05.

  Asset Sales      108  

SECTION 6.06.

  Sale and Leaseback Transactions      109  

SECTION 6.07.

  Swap Agreements      109  

SECTION 6.08.

  Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness      110  

SECTION 6.09.

  Transactions with Affiliates      111  

SECTION 6.10.

  Restrictive Agreements; Negative Pledge of Owned Real Property      111  

SECTION 6.11.

  Amendment of Material Documents      112  

SECTION 6.12.

  Financial Covenants      112  

 

ii


ARTICLE VII Events of Default

     113  

ARTICLE VIII The Administrative Agent

     117  

SECTION 8.01.

  Authorization and Action      117  

SECTION 8.02.

  Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, Etc.      119  

SECTION 8.03.

  Posting of Communications      120  

SECTION 8.04.

  The Administrative Agent Individually      121  

SECTION 8.05.

  Successor Administrative Agent      122  

SECTION 8.06.

  Acknowledgments of Lenders and Issuing Banks      123  

SECTION 8.07.

  Collateral Matters      124  

SECTION 8.08.

  Credit Bidding      125  

SECTION 8.09.

  Certain ERISA Matters      126  

SECTION 8.10.

  Intercreditor Arrangements      127  

SECTION 8.11.

  Relationship of Administrative Agents      127  

SECTION 8.12.

  No Reliance      128  

ARTICLE IX Miscellaneous

     128  

SECTION 9.01.

  Notices      128  

SECTION 9.02.

  Waivers; Amendments      130  

SECTION 9.03.

  Expenses; Limitation of Liability; Indemnity; Etc.      133  

SECTION 9.04.

  Successors and Assigns      135  

SECTION 9.05.

  Survival      140  

SECTION 9.06.

  Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution      140  

SECTION 9.07.

  Severability      141  

SECTION 9.08.

  Right of Setoff      141  

SECTION 9.09.

  Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process      142  

SECTION 9.10.

  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL      143  

SECTION 9.11.

  Headings      143  

SECTION 9.12.

  Confidentiality      143  

SECTION 9.13.

  Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law      144  

SECTION 9.14.

  USA PATRIOT Act      145  

SECTION 9.15.

  Disclosure      145  

SECTION 9.16.

  Appointment for Perfection      145  

SECTION 9.17.

  Interest Rate Limitation      145  

SECTION 9.18.

  No Fiduciary Duty, etc.      145  

SECTION 9.19.

  Marketing Consent      146  

SECTION 9.20.

  Acknowledgment and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions      146  

SECTION 9.21.

  Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs      146  

ARTICLE X Loan Guaranty

     147  

SECTION 10.01.

  Guaranty      147  

SECTION 10.02.

  Guaranty of Payment      147  

SECTION 10.03.

  No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty      147  

SECTION 10.04.

  Defenses Waived      148  

SECTION 10.05.

  Rights of Subrogation      148  

SECTION 10.06.

  Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration      149  

SECTION 10.07.

  Information      149  

SECTION 10.08.

  Release of Loan Guarantors      149  

SECTION 10.09.

  Taxes      149  

SECTION 10.10.

  Maximum Liability      150  

SECTION 10.11.

  Contribution      150  

 

iii


SECTION 10.12.

  Liability Cumulative      151  

SECTION 10.13.

  Keepwell      151  

 

iv


SCHEDULES:

Commitment Schedule

Schedule 1.01 – Excluded Subsidiaries

Schedule 1.02 – Existing Letters of Credit

Schedule 3.05 – Properties, etc.

Schedule 3.14 – Insurance

Schedule 3.15 – Capitalization and Subsidiaries

Schedule 5.14 – Post-Closing Requirements

Schedule 6.01 – Existing Indebtedness

Schedule 6.02 – Existing Liens

Schedule 6.04 – Existing Investments

Schedule 6.09 – Affiliate Transactions

Schedule 6.10 – Existing Restrictions

EXHIBITS:

 

Exhibit A

    

Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit B-1

    

Borrowing Request

Exhibit B-2

    

Interest Election Request

Exhibit B-3

    

Notice of Prepayment

Exhibit C-1

    

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit C-2

    

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit C-3

    

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit C-4

    

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit D

    

Compliance Certificate

Exhibit E

    

Joinder Agreement

 

v


SENIOR SECURED CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of May 31, 2022 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), among THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY, as Borrower, the other Loan Parties party hereto, the Lenders party hereto, and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

The parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

Definitions

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

ABR”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate. All ABR Loans shall be denominated in Dollars.

Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

Account Debtor” means any Person obligated on an Account.

Acquisition” means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated on or after the Effective Date, by which any Loan Party or Subsidiary (a) acquires any going business or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise or (b) directly or indirectly acquires (in one transaction or as the most recent transaction in a series of transactions) at least a majority (in number of votes) of the Equity Interests of a Person which has ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other similar management personnel of a Person (other than Equity Interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) or a majority of the outstanding Equity Interests of a Person.

Adjusted CDOR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the CDOR Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate; provided that, if the Adjusted CDOR Rate as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.

Adjusted Daily Simple RFR” means (i) with respect to any RFR Borrowing denominated in Sterling, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the Daily Simple RFR for Sterling, plus (b) 0.0326% and (ii) with respect to any RFR Borrowing denominated in Dollars, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the Daily Simple RFR for Dollars, plus (b) 0.10% (such rate “Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR”); provided that if the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.

Adjusted EURIBOR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Euros for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the EURIBOR Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate; provided that if the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.


Adjusted Term SOFR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars for any Interest Period or for any ABR Borrowing based on the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the Term SOFR Rate for such Interest Period, plus (b) 0.10%; provided that if the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.

Administrative Agent” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (or any of its designated branch offices or affiliates), in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.

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

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

Affiliate” means, 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 specified Person.

Agent-Related Person” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.03(d).

Agreed Currencies” means (i) Dollars and (ii) each Foreign Currency.

Aggregate Credit Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate Credit Exposure of all the Lenders at such time.

Aggregate Revolving Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate Revolving Exposure of all the Lenders at such time.

AHYDO Payment” means any mandatory payment, prepayment or redemption pursuant to the terms of any Indebtedness in an amount that is intended or designed to cause such Indebtedness not to be treated as an “applicable high yield discount obligation” within the meaning of Section 163(i) of the Code.

Alternate Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the NYFRB Rate in effect on such day plus 12 of 1%, and (c) the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate for a one-month Interest Period as published two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day that is also a U.S. Government Securities Business Day) plus 1%; provided that, for the purpose of this definition, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate for any day shall be based on the Term SOFR Reference Rate at approximately 5:00 a.m. Chicago time on such day (or any amended publication time for the Term SOFR Reference Rate, as specified by the CME Term SOFR Administrator in the Term SOFR Reference Rate methodology). Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, respectively. If the Alternate Base Rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to Section 2.14 (for the avoidance of doubt, only until the Benchmark Replacement has been determined pursuant to Section 2.14(b)), then the Alternate Base Rate shall be the greater of clauses (a) and (b) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (c) above. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Alternate Base Rate as determined pursuant to the foregoing would be less than 1.00% per annum, such rate shall be deemed to be 1.00% per annum for purposes of this Agreement.

 

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Ancillary Document” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.06(b).

Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption.

Applicable EBITDA” means, at any time, Consolidated EBITDA for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP for the most recent Test Period.

Applicable Parties” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.03(c).

Applicable Percentage” means, at any time, (a) with respect to any Revolving Lender, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s Revolving Commitment at such time and the denominator of which is the aggregate Revolving Commitments at such time (provided that, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon such Lender’s share of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure at such time); provided that, in accordance with Section 2.20, so long as any Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment shall be disregarded in the calculations under clause (a) above, and (b) with respect to any Term Lender, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans of such Lender at such time and the denominator of which is the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans of all Term Lenders at such time; provided that, in accordance with Section 2.20, so long as any Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Term Loans shall be disregarded in the calculations under clause (b) above.

Applicable Rate” means, for any day, with respect to any ABR Loan, Canadian Prime Loan, Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan, or with respect to the commitment fees payable hereunder, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption “ABR and Canadian Prime Rate Spread”, “Term Benchmark and RFR Spread” or “Commitment Fee Rate”, as the case may be, based upon the Borrower’s Senior Leverage Ratio as of the most recent determination date, provided that, until the delivery to the Administrative Agent of the Financial Statements pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b) for the first full fiscal quarter ending after the Effective Date, the “Applicable Rate” shall be the applicable rates per annum set forth below in Category 5:

 

Senior Leverage

Ratio

   ABR and
Canadian
Prime Rate
Spread
    Term
Benchmark
and RFR
Spread
    Commitment
Fee Rate
 

Category 1

< 0.75 to 1.00

     0.75     1.75     0.30

Category 2

≥ 0.75 to 1.00 but < 1.75 to 1.00

     1.00     2.00     0.35

Category 3

≥ 1.75 to 1.00 but < 2.75 to 1.00

     1.25     2.25     0.40

Category 4

≥ 2.75 to 1.00 but < 3.75 to 1.00

     1.50     2.50     0.45

Category 5

≥ 3.75 to 1.00

     1.75     2.75     0.50

 

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For purposes of the foregoing, (a) the Applicable Rate shall be determined as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower, based upon the Financial Statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b) for such fiscal quarter and (b) each change in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Senior Leverage Ratio shall be effective during the period commencing on and including the date of delivery to the Administrative Agent of such Financial Statements indicating such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change, provided that (A) at any time that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (B) at the option of the Administrative Agent or at the request of the Required Lenders, if the Borrower fails to deliver the annual or quarterly Financial Statements required to be delivered by it pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b), the Senior Leverage Ratio shall be deemed to be in Category 5 for the period commencing three (3) Business Days after the expiration of the time for delivery thereof until such consolidated financial statements are delivered.

If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that the Financial Statements upon which the Applicable Rate was determined were incorrect (whether based on a restatement, fraud or otherwise), or any ratio or compliance information in a Compliance Certificate or other certification was incorrectly calculated, relied on incorrect information or was otherwise not accurate, true or correct, the Borrower shall be required to retroactively pay any additional amount that the Borrower would have been required to pay if such Financial Statements, Compliance Certificate or other information had been accurate and/or computed correctly at the time they were delivered.

Applicable Time” means, with respect to any Borrowings and payments in any Foreign Currency, the local time in the place of settlement for such Foreign Currency as may be determined by the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, to be necessary for timely settlement on the relevant date in accordance with normal banking procedures in the place of payment.

Approved Electronic Platform” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.03(a).

Approved Fund” has the meaning assigned to the term in Section 9.04(b).

Arranger” means each of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., BofA Securities, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC in its capacity as a joint bookrunner and joint lead arranger for the credit facilities evidenced by this Agreement.

Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form (including electronic records generated by the use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent.

Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments.

Available Incremental Amount” means, at any time, an aggregate principal amount of up to the sum of:

(a) an unlimited amount, so long as the Senior Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to the lesser of (x) the then applicable maximum Senior Leverage Ratio level specified in Section 6.12(a) and (y) 2.75 to 1.00, and in each case, after giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis to the incurrence or issuance of the applicable Incremental Facility (assuming that each applicable Incremental Facility is fully drawn) and the application of proceeds therefrom and any other transactions consummated in connection therewith; plus

 

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(b) $70,000,000 (the “Fixed Incremental Amount”), which Fixed Incremental Amount shall be reduced by, without duplication (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Incremental Facilities incurred in reliance on this clause (b) and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of all Mezzanine Loans incurred in reliance on the Fixed Incremental Amount (as defined in the Mezzanine Credit Agreement), but shall not be reduced by the amount of any Incremental Facility incurred or issued in reliance on the immediately preceding clause (a);

provided, (i) for the avoidance of doubt, to the extent the proceeds of any Incremental Facilities are being utilized to repay Indebtedness, such calculations shall give effect on a Pro Forma Basis to such repayments, (ii) the Borrower may elect to use clause (a) above regardless of whether the Borrower has capacity under clause (b) above, and (iii) the Borrower may elect to use clause (a) above prior to using clause (b) above, and if both clause (a) and/or clause (b) are available and the Borrower does not make an election, then the Borrower will be deemed to have elected to use clause (a) above.

Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark for any Agreed Currency, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark (or component thereof) or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark (or component thereof), as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period for any term rate or otherwise, for determining any frequency of making payments of interest calculated pursuant to this Agreement 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 clause (e) of Section 2.14.

Bail-In Action” means 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” means (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).

Banking Services” means each and any of the following bank services provided to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary by any Lender or any of its Affiliates: (a) credit cards for commercial customers (including, without limitation, “commercial credit cards” and purchasing cards), (b) stored value cards, (c) merchant processing services, and (d) treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, any direct debit scheme or arrangement, overdrafts and interstate depository network services and cash pooling services).

Banking Services Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Loan Parties or their Subsidiaries, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor) in connection with Banking Services.

Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy,” as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor thereto, as hereafter amended.

Bankruptcy Event” means, with respect to any Person, when such Person becomes the subject of a voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee,

 

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administrator, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with the reorganization or liquidation of its business, appointed for it, or, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such proceeding or appointment or has had any order for relief in such proceeding entered in respect thereof, provided that a Bankruptcy Event shall not result solely by virtue of any ownership interest, or the acquisition of any ownership interest, in such Person by a Governmental Authority or instrumentality thereof, unless such ownership interest results in or provides such Person with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the U.S. or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permits such Person (or such Governmental Authority or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made by such Person.

Benchmark” means, initially, with respect to any (i) RFR Loan in any Agreed Currency, the applicable Relevant Rate for such Agreed Currency or (ii) Term Benchmark Loan, the Relevant Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event and the related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to the applicable Relevant Rate or the then-current Benchmark for such Agreed Currency, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to clause (b) of Section 2.14.

Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date; provided that, in the case of any Loan denominated in a Foreign Currency, “Benchmark Replacement” shall mean the alternative set forth in (2) below:

(1) in the case of any Loan denominated in Dollars, Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, or

(2) the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for syndicated credit facilities denominated in the applicable Agreed Currency at such time in the United States and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (1) or (2) 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” means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any applicable Interest Period and Available Tenor for any setting of such 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 for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) 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 on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and/or (ii) 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 syndicated credit facilities denominated in the applicable Agreed Currency at such time.

 

6


Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement and/or any Term Benchmark Loan denominated in Dollars, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Alternate Base Rate,” the definition of “Business Day”, the definition of “U.S. Government Securities Business Day”, the definition of “RFR Business Day”, the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark and to permit the 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 such Benchmark 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).

Benchmark Replacement Date” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to such then-current Benchmark:

(1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) 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

(2) in the case of clause (3) 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 no longer representative; provided, that such non-representativeness will be determined by reference to the most recent statement or publication referenced in such clause (3) 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, (i) if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination and (ii) the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (1) or (2) 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” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to such then-current Benchmark:

(1) 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);

 

7


(2) 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 NYFRB, the CME Term SOFR Administrator, the central bank for the Agreed Currency applicable to such Benchmark, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), in each case, or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), in each case 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

(3) 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 no longer, or as of a specified future date will no longer 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” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (1) or (2) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14.

Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership or control as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.

Benefit Plan” means any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in and subject to Section 4975 of the Code to which Section 4975 of the Code applies, and (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulations or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) the assets of any such “employee benefit plan” or “plan”.

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.

Bona Fide Debt Fund” means any debt fund or other Person that is engaged in, or advises funds or other investment vehicles that are engaged in, making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course; provided, however, in no event shall (x) any natural Person or (y) the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof be a “Bona Fide Debt Fund.”

Borrower” means The Gorman-Rupp Company, an Ohio corporation.

 

8


Borrowing” means (a) Revolving Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Term Benchmark Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect, (b) Term Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Term Benchmark Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect, or (c) a Swingline Loan.

Borrowing Request” means a request by the Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03, which shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B-1 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

Burdensome Restrictions” means any consensual encumbrance or restriction of the type described in clause (a) or (b) of Section 6.10.

Business Day” means any day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in New York City or Chicago, provided that, (a) in relation to Loans denominated in Sterling “Business Day” shall also mean any day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in London, (b) in relation to Loans denominated in Canadian Dollars and in relation to the calculation or computation of CDOR, “Business Day” shall also mean any day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in Toronto, Ontario, (c) in relation to Loans denominated in Euros and in relation to the calculation or computation of EURIBOR, “Business Day” shall also mean any day which is a TARGET Day and (d) in relation to RFR Loans and any interest rate settings, fundings, disbursements, settlements or payments of any such RFR Loan, or any other dealings in the applicable Agreed Currency of such RFR Loan, “Business Day” shall also mean any such day that is only an RFR Business Day.

Canadian Dollars” or “C$” or “Cdn $” refers to lawful currency of Canada.

Canadian Prime” when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Canadian Prime Rate.

Canadian Prime Rate” means, on any day, a rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the higher of (a) the rate equal to the PRIMCAN Index rate that appears on the Bloomberg screen at 10:15 a.m. Toronto, Ontario time on such day (or, in the event that the PRIMCAN Index is not published by Bloomberg, any other information service that publishes such index from time to time, as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion), and (b) the CDOR Rate for a one month Interest Period at approximately 10:15 a.m., Toronto, Ontario time on such day (and, if such day is not a Business Day, then on the immediately preceding Business Day (as adjusted by Administrative Agent after 10:15 a.m. Toronto, Ontario time to reflect any error in the posted rate of interest or in the posted average annual rate of interest)), rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1% (with .005% being rounded up), plus 1% per annum; provided, that if any the above rates shall be less than 1% per annum, such rate shall be deemed to be 1% per annum for purposes of this Agreement. Any change in the Canadian Prime Rate due to a change in the PRIMCAN Index or the CDOR Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the PRIMCAN Index or CDOR Rate, respectively. If the Canadian Prime Rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to Section 2.14 (for the avoidance of doubt, only until the applicable Benchmark Replacement has been determined pursuant to Section 2.14(b)), then the Canadian Prime Rate shall be determined solely by reference to clause (a) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (b) above.

Capital Expenditures” means, without duplication, any expenditure or commitment to expend money for any purchase or other acquisition of any asset which would be classified as a fixed or capital

 

9


asset on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Capital Lease Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital lease obligations or finance lease obligations on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.

Captive Insurance Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Borrower established for the purpose of, and to be engaged solely in the business of, insuring the businesses or facilities owned or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or joint ventures or to insure related or unrelated businesses.

CBR Borrowing” means a Borrowing that bears interest at a rate determined by reference to the Central Bank Rate.

CBR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate determined by reference to the Central Bank Rate.

CBR Spread” means the Applicable Rate, applicable to such Loan that is replaced by a CBR Loan.

CDOR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars and for any Interest Period, the CDOR Screen Rate at approximately 10:15 a.m., Toronto, Ontario time, on the first day of such Interest Period (and, if such day is not a Business Day, then on the immediately preceding Business Day (as adjusted by Administrative Agent after 10:15 a.m. Toronto, Ontario time to reflect any error in the posted rate of interest or in the posted average annual rate of interest)), rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1% (with .005% being rounded up).

CDOR Screen Rate” means, for any day and time, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars and for any Interest Period, the annual rate of interest equal to the average rate applicable to Canadian Dollar Canadian bankers’ acceptances for the applicable Interest Period that appears on such day and time on the “Refinitiv Screen CDOR Page” as defined in the International Swap Dealer Association, Inc. definitions, as modified and amended from time to time (or, in the event such rate does not appear on such page or screen, on any successor or substitute page or screen that displays such rate, or on the appropriate page of such other information service that publishes such rate from time to time, as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion); provided that, if the CDOR Screen Rate shall be less than the Floor, the CDOR Screen Rate shall be deemed to be the Floor for purposes of this Agreement.

Central Bank Rate” means, (A) the greater of (i) for any Loan denominated in (a) Sterling, the Bank of England (or any successor thereto)’s “Bank Rate” as published by the Bank of England (or any successor thereto) from time to time, (b) Euro, one of the following three rates as may be selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion: (1) the fixed rate for the main refinancing operations of the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto), or, if that rate is not published, the minimum bid rate for the main refinancing operations of the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto), each as published by the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto) from time to time, (2) the rate for the marginal lending facility of the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto), as published by the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto) from time to time, or (3) the rate for the deposit facility of the central banking system of the Participating Member States, as published by the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto) from time to time and (c) any other Foreign Currency determined after the

 

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Effective Date, a central bank rate as determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion and (ii) the Floor; plus (B) the applicable Central Bank Rate Adjustment.

Central Bank Rate Adjustment” means for any day, for any Loan denominated in (a) Euro, a rate equal to the difference (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) of (i) the average of the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate for the five most recent Business Days preceding such day for which the EURIBOR Screen Rate was available (excluding, from such averaging, the highest and the lowest Adjusted EURIBOR Rate applicable during such period of five Business Days) minus (ii) the Central Bank Rate in respect of Euro in effect on the last Business Day in such period, (b) Sterling, a rate equal to the difference (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) of (i) the average of Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Sterling Borrowings for the five most recent RFR Business Days preceding such day for which SONIA was available (excluding, from such averaging, the highest and the lowest such Adjusted Daily Simple RFR applicable during such period of five RFR Business Days) minus (ii) the Central Bank Rate in respect of Sterling in effect on the last RFR Business Day in such period and (c) any other Foreign Currency determined after the Effective Date, a Central Bank Rate Adjustment as determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion. For purposes of this definition, (x) the term Central Bank Rate shall be determined disregarding clause (B) of the definition of such term and (y) the EURIBOR Rate on any day shall be based on the EURIBOR Screen Rate on such day at approximately the time referred to in the definition of such term for deposits in the applicable Agreed Currency for a maturity of one month.

CFC” means a Foreign Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code.

CFC Holding Company” means a Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower that (a) has no material assets other than (i) the Equity Interests in one or more (x) Foreign Subsidiaries that are CFCs or (y) other CFC Holding Companies, (ii) Indebtedness issued by one or more (x) Foreign Subsidiaries that are CFCs or (y) other CFC Holding Companies and (iii) cash and Permitted Investments and other assets being held on a temporary basis incidental to the holding of assets described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this definition, and (b) does not Guarantee or otherwise provide any credit support for any Material Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, a Subsidiary that would otherwise qualify as a CFC Holding Company will not fail to so qualify due to the temporary receipt of cash payments in respect of equity interests or Indebtedness in a CFC or other CFC Holding Company so long as such Subsidiary promptly distributes such cash.

Change in Control” means (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof), of Equity Interests representing more than 35% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower; (b) occupation at any time of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Borrower by Persons who were not (i) directors of the Borrower on the date of this Agreement, nominated, appointed or approved for consideration by shareholders for election by the board of directors of the Borrower or (ii) appointed by directors so nominated, appointed or approved; (c) the acquisition of direct or indirect Control of the Borrower by any Person or group; or (d) the occurrence of a change in control, or other similar provision, as defined in any agreement or instrument evidencing any Material Indebtedness (triggering a default or mandatory prepayment, which default or mandatory prepayment has not been waived in writing).

Change in Law” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement (or, with respect to any Lender, such later date on which such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement) of any of the following: (a) the adoption of or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any

 

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Governmental Authority or (c) compliance by any Lender or the Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any) with any request, rule, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements and directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the U.S. or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.

Charges” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.

Chase” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its individual capacity, and its successors.

Class”, when used in reference to (a) any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans, Term Loans or Swingline Loans, (b) any Commitment, refers to whether such Commitment is a Revolving Commitment or a Term Loan Commitment and (c) any Lender, refers to whether such Lender is a Revolving Lender or a Term Lender.

CME Term SOFR Administrator” means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited as administrator of the forward-looking term SOFR (or a successor administrator).

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

Collateral” means any and all property owned, leased or operated by a Person covered by the Collateral Documents and any and all other property of any Loan Party, now existing or hereafter acquired, that may at any time be, become or be intended to be, subject to a security interest or Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Secured Parties, to secure the Secured Obligations.

Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreement and all other agreements, instruments and documents executed, delivered or otherwise prepared in connection with this Agreement that are intended to create, perfect or evidence Liens to secure the Secured Obligations, including, without limitation, all other security agreements, pledge agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, loan agreements, notes, guarantees, subordination agreements, pledges, powers of attorney, consents, assignments, contracts, fee letters, notices, leases, financing statements and all other written matter whether heretofore, now or hereafter executed by any Loan Party and delivered to the Administrative Agent.

Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the sum of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and Term Loan Commitment.

Commitment Schedule” means the Schedule attached hereto identified as such.

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

Communications” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.03(c).

 

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

Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period, Consolidated Net Income for such period plus (a) without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period, the sum of (i) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period, (ii) income tax expense for such period net of tax refunds, (iii) all amounts attributable to depreciation and amortization expense for such period, (iv) all LIFO inventory-related non-cash expense adjustments for such period, (v) all non-cash pension settlement charges for such period and (vi) any unusual or non-recurring non-cash charges for such period (but excluding any non-cash charge in respect of an item that was included in Consolidated Net Income in a prior period), minus (b) without duplication and to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income, (i) all LIFO inventory-related non-cash credit for such period, (ii) any unusual or non-recurring gains and any non-cash items of income for such period and (iii) all cash payments made during such period on account of non-cash charges or expenses that were accruals or reserves added to Consolidated Net Income pursuant to clause (a)(iv), (v) or (vi) above in a prior period, all calculated for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Fixed Charges” means, for any period, without duplication, the sum of cash Consolidated Interest Expense, plus scheduled principal payments on Indebtedness actually made, plus expense for taxes paid in cash, plus Restricted Payments paid in cash, plus Restricted Debt Payments paid in cash, plus Capital Lease Obligation payments in each case, for such period, and all calculated for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, total interest expense (including that attributable to Capital Lease Obligations) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period with respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances and net costs under Swap Agreements in respect of interest rates, to the extent such net costs are allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP), calculated for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) determined for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded the income (or deficit) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which the Borrower or any Subsidiary has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income is actually received by the Borrower or such Subsidiary in the form of dividends or similar distributions.

Consolidated Total Assets” means, at any date, total assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries calculated in accordance with GAAP on a consolidated basis as of such date.

Consolidated Total Indebtedness” means, at any date, the aggregate principal amount of total Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, determined for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at such date, in accordance with GAAP.

Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.

 

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Corresponding Tenor” with respect to any Available Tenor means, as applicable, either a tenor (including overnight) or an interest payment period having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as such Available Tenor.

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).

Covered Party” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21.

Credit Event” means a Borrowing, the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit, an LC Disbursement or any of the foregoing.

Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, the sum of (a) such Lender’s Revolving Exposure at such time plus (b) an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of its Term Loans outstanding at such time.

Credit Party” means the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or any other Lender.

Daily Simple RFR means, for any day (an “RFR Interest Day”), an interest rate per annum equal to, for any RFR Loan denominated in (i) Sterling, SONIA for the day that is 5 RFR Business Days prior to (A) if such RFR Interest Day is an RFR Business Day, such RFR Interest Day or (B) if such RFR Interest Day is not an RFR Business Day, the RFR Business Day immediately preceding such RFR Interest Day, and (ii) Dollars, Daily Simple SOFR.

Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day (a “SOFR Rate Day”), a rate per annum equal to SOFR for the day that is five (5) U.S. Government Securities Business Days 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.

Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

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.

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed, within two Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans, (ii) fund any portion of its participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans or (iii) pay over to any Credit Party any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies the Administrative

 

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Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent to funding (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) has not been satisfied, (b) has notified the Borrower or any Credit Party in writing, or has made a public statement to the effect, that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such writing or public statement indicates that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) to funding a Loan under this Agreement cannot be satisfied) or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within three (3) Business Days after request by a Credit Party, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Lender that it will comply with its obligations (and is financially able to meet such obligations as of the date of certification) to fund prospective Loans and participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans under this Agreement, provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon such Credit Party’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent, or (d) has become the subject of (i) a Bankruptcy Event or (ii) a Bail-In Action.

Disqualified Institution” means (a) [reserved], (b) any Person that is reasonably determined by the Borrower after the Effective Date to be a competitor of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries and which is specifically identified in a written supplement to the list of “Disqualified Institutions”, which supplement shall become effective three (3) Business Days after delivery thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in accordance with Section 9.01 and (c) in the case of the foregoing clauses (a) and (b), any of such entities’ Affiliates to the extent such Affiliates (x) are clearly identifiable as Affiliates of such Persons based solely on the similarity of such Affiliates’ and such Persons’ names and (y) are not Bona Fide Debt Funds. It is understood and agreed that (i) any supplement to the list of Persons that are Disqualified Institutions contemplated by the foregoing clause (b) shall not apply retroactively to disqualify any Persons that have previously acquired an assignment or participation interest in the Commitments or Loans (but solely with respect to such Commitments and Loans), (ii) the Borrower’s failure to deliver such list (or supplement thereto) in accordance with Section 9.01 shall render such list (or supplement) not received and not effective and (iii) “Disqualified Institution” shall exclude any Person that the Borrower has designated as no longer being a “Disqualified Institution” by written notice delivered to the Administrative Agent from time to time in accordance with Section 9.01.

Disqualified Stock” means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Stock), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control, initial public offering or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control, initial public offering or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior Payment in Full of the Loans and all other Obligations (other than unasserted contingent indemnification obligations that by their terms survive), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Stock and other than as a result of a change of control, initial public offering or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control, initial public offering or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior Payment in Full of the Loans and all other Obligations (other than unasserted contingent indemnification obligations that by their terms survive)), in whole or in part, or (c) is or becomes automatically or at the option of the holder convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Stock, in the case of each of clauses (a), (b) and (c), prior to the date that is ninety-one (91) days after the latest Maturity Date (as defined in the Mezzanine Credit Agreement) in effect at the time of issuance; provided that if such Equity Interests are issued to any current or former employees, consultants, directors, officers or members of management or pursuant to a plan for the benefit of current or former employees, consultants, directors, officers or members of management of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof), the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan

 

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to such current or former employees, consultants, directors, officers or members of management, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because they may be required to be repurchased by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employees’, consultants’, directors’, officers’ or management members’ termination, death or disability.

Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (in one transaction or in a series of transactions and whether effected pursuant to a division or otherwise) of any property by any Person (including any Sale and Leaseback Transaction and any issuance of Equity Interests by a Subsidiary of such Person), including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.

Dollar Equivalent” means, for any amount, at the time of determination thereof, (a) if such amount is expressed in Dollars, such amount, (b) if such amount is expressed in a Foreign Currency, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars determined by using the rate of exchange for the purchase of Dollars with the Foreign Currency last provided (either by publication or otherwise provided to the Administrative Agent) by Reuters on the Business Day (New York City time) immediately preceding the date of determination or if such service ceases to be available or ceases to provide a rate of exchange for the purchase of Dollars with the Foreign Currency, as provided by such other publicly available information service which provides that rate of exchange at such time in place of Reuters chosen by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion (or if such service ceases to be available or ceases to provide such rate of exchange, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent using any method of determination it deems appropriate in its sole discretion) and (c) if such amount is denominated in any other currency, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent using any method of determination it deems appropriate in its sole discretion.

Dollars”, “dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the U.S.

Domestic Loan Party” means the Borrower and each other Loan Party that is a Domestic Subsidiary.

Domestic Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary organized under the laws of a jurisdiction located in the United States of America.

DQ List” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(e)(iv).

ECP” means an “eligible contract participant” as defined in Section 1(a)(18) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and the applicable rules issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or the SEC.

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 clauses (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.

 

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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.

Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).

Effective Date Acquired Business” means substantially all of the assets and certain related liabilities of the Tuthill Corporation’s business of designing, manufacturing and selling fuel and chemical transfer pumps, meters, and accessories, including fuel management systems.

Effective Date Acquisition” means the Acquisition by the Borrower of the Effective Date Acquired Business on the Effective Date pursuant to the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement.

Effective Date Acquisition Agreement” means the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 26, 2022, between the Borrower and Tuthill Corporation, together with all exhibits, schedules, disclosure letters and attachments and supplements thereto, in each case, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

Effective Date Acquisition Agreement Representations” means such of the representations made by or with respect to the Effective Date Acquired Business and its subsidiaries in the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement as are material to the interests of the Lenders, but only to the extent that the Borrower or any of its Affiliates has the right (determined without regard to any notice requirement) to decline to close under the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement or to terminate its (or their) obligations under the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement or to decline to consummate the Effective Date Acquisition, in each case, as a result of a breach of such representations in the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement.

Effective Date Acquisition Documents” means the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement and all other agreements, documents, instruments and certificates evidencing, or entered into or delivered in connection with, the Effective Date Acquisition, in each case, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

Effective Date Cash Contribution” means a cash contribution, directly or indirectly, from the balance sheet of the Borrower of not less than $105,000,000.

Effective Date Material Adverse Change” means “Material Adverse Effect” (as defined in the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement.

Effective Date Transaction Expenses” means the fees, premiums, expenses and other transaction costs incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Effective Date Acquisition and the other Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, including, without limitation, to fund any original issue discount and upfront fees required to be funded on the Effective Date.

Effective Yield” means, as to any Indebtedness, the effective yield on such Indebtedness in the reasonable determination of the Administrative Agent in consultation with the Borrower and consistent with generally accepted financial practices, taking into account the applicable interest rate margins, any interest rate floors, or similar devices and all fees, including upfront or similar fees or original issue discount (provided that original issue discount and upfront fees shall be amortized over the shorter of (1) the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Indebtedness and (2) the four years following the date of incurrence thereof) payable generally to Lenders or other institutions providing such Indebtedness,

 

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but excluding any arrangement, underwriting, structuring, unused line, consent, amendment, ticking and commitment fees and other fees payable in connection therewith that are not generally paid to all relevant lenders providing such Indebtedness and, if applicable, consent fees for an amendment paid generally to consenting lenders.

Electronic Signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to, or associated with, a contract or other record and adopted by a Person with the intent to sign, authenticate or accept such contract or record.

Electronic System” means any electronic system, including e-mail, e-fax, web portal access for the Borrower and any other Internet or extranet-based site, whether such electronic system is owned, operated or hosted by the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank and any of its respective Related Parties or any other Person, providing for access to data protected by passcodes or other security system.

Environmental Laws” means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to (i) the environment, (ii) preservation or reclamation of natural resources, (iii) the management, Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material or (iv) health and safety matters.

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

Equity Interests” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any of the foregoing, but excluding any debt securities convertible into any of the foregoing.

Equivalent Amount” means, for any amount of any Foreign Currency, at the time of determination thereof, (a) if such amount is expressed in such Foreign Currency, such amount and (b) if such amount is expressed in Dollars, the equivalent of such amount in such Foreign Currency determined by using the rate of exchange for the purchase of such Foreign Currency with Dollars last provided (either by publication or otherwise provided to the Administrative Agent) by the applicable Reuters source on the Business Day (New York City time) immediately preceding the date of determination or if such service ceases to be available or ceases to provide a rate of exchange for the purchase of such Foreign Currency with Dollars, as provided by such other publicly available information service which provides that rate of exchange at such time in place of Reuters chosen by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion (or if such service ceases to be available or ceases to provide such rate of exchange, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent using any method of determination it deems appropriate in its sole discretion).

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or Section 4001(14)

 

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of ERISA or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

ERISA Event” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30 day notice period is waived); (b) the failure to satisfy the “minimum funding standard” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition upon the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in critical status, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.

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.

EURIBOR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Euros and for any Interest Period, the EURIBOR Screen Rate two (2) TARGET Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.

EURIBOR Screen Rate” means the euro interbank offered rate administered by the European Money Markets Institute (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for the relevant period displayed (before any correction, recalculation or republication by the administrator) on page EURIBOR01 of the Thomson Reuters screen (or any replacement Thomson Reuters page which displays that rate) or on the appropriate page of such other information service which publishes that rate from time to time in place of Thomson Reuters as published at approximately 11:00 a.m. Brussels time two (2) TARGET Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period. If such page or service ceases to be available, the Administrative Agent may specify another page or service displaying the relevant rate after consultation with the Borrower.

Euro” and/or “” means the single currency of the Participating Member States.

Event of Default” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.

Excess Cash Flow” means, for any fiscal year of the Borrower, the excess, if any, of (a) the sum, without duplication, of (i) Consolidated Net Income for such fiscal year, (ii) the amount of all non-cash charges (including depreciation and amortization) deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, (iii) decreases in Working Capital for such fiscal year, and (iv) the aggregate net amount of non-cash loss on the disposition of property by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such fiscal year (other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business), to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income minus (b) the sum, without duplication, of (i) the amount of all non-cash credits included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (ii) the aggregate amount actually paid by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in cash during such fiscal year on account of Capital Expenditures (excluding the principal amount of Indebtedness incurred in connection with such expenditures and any such expenditures financed with the proceeds of asset dispositions that have not yet been used to pay down the Loans), (iii) the

 

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aggregate amount of all prepayments of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans during such fiscal year to the extent of accompanying permanent optional reductions of the Revolving Commitments and all optional prepayments of the Term Loans during such fiscal year, (iv) the aggregate amount of all regularly scheduled principal payments of Long-Term Debt (including the Term Loans) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries made during such fiscal year (other than in respect of any revolving credit facility, to the extent that there is not an equivalent permanent reduction in commitments thereunder), (v) increases in Working Capital for such fiscal year and (vi) the aggregate net amount of non-cash gain on the disposition of property by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such fiscal year (other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business), to the extent included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income.

Exchange Rate” means, for any Foreign Currency, the rate of exchange therefor as described in clause (b) of the definition of “Dollar Equivalent”.

Excluded Property” means:

(a) property and assets to the extent that the Administrative Agent may not validly possess a security interest therein under, or such security interest is restricted by, applicable laws or the pledge or creation of a security interest in which would require governmental consent, approval, license or authorization that has not been obtained, in each case, other than proceeds thereof and other than to the extent such prohibition or limitation is rendered ineffective under the UCC or other applicable law notwithstanding such prohibition;

(b) assets of and equity interests in any Person (other than a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary) to the extent a security interest is not permitted to be granted by the terms of such Person’s organizational documents or joint venture documents, in each case, to the extent such prohibition is not rendered unenforceable pursuant to the UCC or other applicable law notwithstanding such prohibition and to the extent such prohibition was not effected solely for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of the Loan Documents;

(c) leases, licenses or permits or agreements to the extent that, and so long as, a grant of a security interest therein, or in the property or assets that secure the underlying obligations with respect thereto (x) is prohibited by applicable law, other than to the extent such prohibition is rendered ineffective under the UCC or other applicable law notwithstanding such prohibition, or (y) would violate or invalidate such lease, license, permit or agreement, or create a right of termination in favor of, or require the consent of, any other party thereto (other than the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any Affiliate thereof) that has not been obtained (in each case, after giving effect to the relevant provisions of the UCC or other applicable laws), in each case, other than the proceeds thereof, and only to the extent that and for so long as such limitation on such pledge or security interest is otherwise permitted under the Loan Documents;

(d) governmental licenses, state or local franchises, charters and authorizations and any other property and assets to the extent that the Administrative Agent may not validly possess a security interest therein under, or such security interest is restricted by, applicable laws (including, without limitation, rules and regulations of any governmental authority or agency) or the pledge or creation of a security interest in which would require governmental consent, approval, license or authorization that has not been obtained, other than to the extent such prohibition or limitation is rendered ineffective under the UCC or other applicable law notwithstanding such prohibition (but excluding proceeds of any such governmental license or other property or asset), or otherwise require consent thereunder (after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the UCC or other applicable law);

(e) Margin Stock;

 

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(f) any intent-to-use trademark application prior to the filing of a “Statement of Use” or “Amendment to Allege Use” with respect thereto, to the extent, if any, that, and solely during the period, if any, in which the grant of a security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of such intent-to-use trademark application under applicable federal law;

(g) any deposit account, securities account or commodities account that (w) has an average daily balance of less than $50,000, (x) is used exclusively for the purpose of funding payroll, employee benefits, withholding taxes, or other fiduciary obligations of a Loan Party, (y) is a zero balance account, or (z) is an escrow account, trust account or otherwise maintained solely for the benefit of third parties as cash collateral for obligations owing to such third parties or to establish or maintain escrow amounts for third-parties pursuant to transactions permitted hereunder;

(h) other than in respect of the Equity Interests of any Loan Party, (x) any percentage in excess of 65% of each class of the Equity Interests of any CFC, any Subsidiary of a CFC, and any CFC Holding Company, in each case, entitled to vote (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Sec. 1.956-2(c)(2)), solely to the extent that pledging more than 65% of the total outstanding voting Equity Interests of such CFC, such Subsidiary of a CFC or such CFC Holding Company would result in material adverse tax consequences to the Loan Parties and (y) any Equity Interests of any CFC, any subsidiary of a CFC, and any CFC Holding Company, in each case, that is an Immaterial Subsidiary;

(i) any fee simple or leasehold interest in any real property;

(j) motor vehicles and other assets subject to a certificate of title;

(k) aircraft; and

(l) other assets if, and for so long as, in each case, reasonably agreed by the Administrative Agent, the cost of creating or perfecting such pledges or security interests in such assets exceed the practical benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Excluded Property” shall not include proceeds, substitutions or replacements of any Excluded Property unless such proceeds, substitutions or replacements would independently constitute Excluded Property.

Excluded Subsidiary” means any: (i) Captive Insurance Subsidiary; (ii) not-for-profit Subsidiary; (iii) Immaterial Subsidiary; (iv) Subsidiary that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary; (v) other Subsidiary to the extent the Administrative Agent reasonably determines that the cost and/or burden of obtaining the Guarantee of such Subsidiary outweigh the benefit to the Lenders, (vi) any Subsidiary with respect to which the provision of a guarantee by it would result in material adverse tax consequences to the Borrower, any direct or indirect parent entity of the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s direct or indirect Subsidiaries, in each case, as reasonably determined by the Borrower in consultation with the Administrative Agent, (vii) Foreign Subsidiaries formed after the Effective Date solely for the purpose of, and having no operations or assets other than, holding employees in a certain jurisdiction outside the United States and maintaining an office lease for such employees, and (viii) those certain Foreign Subsidiaries set forth on Schedule 1.01. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Subsidiary shall constitute an Excluded Subsidiary if (either at the time of designation or thereafter) (x) the primary purpose of such designation is (A) to evade the collateral or guarantee requirements under the Loan Documents for such Subsidiary with no other justifiable business purpose, or (B) to raise (or to facilitate the raising of) capital for (or any parent of) the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or (y) such Subsidiary Guarantees or otherwise provides credit support for any Material Indebtedness or Subordinated Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

 

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Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Loan Guarantor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Loan Guarantor of, or the grant by such Loan Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Loan Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an ECP at the time the Guarantee of such Loan Guarantor or the grant of such security interest becomes or would become 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” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and 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, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 2.19(b)) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.17, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender acquired the applicable interest in a Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(f) and (d) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of February 24, 2022 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, refinanced, replaced, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the Effective Date), by and among, inter alios, the Borrower, as borrower, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as lender.

Existing Letters of Credit” means (i) the letters of credit issued by Chase as issuing bank under the Existing Credit Agreement and (ii) the letters of credit issued by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as issuing bank under (A) that certain Credit Agreement dated May 31, 2018, by and between Patterson Pump Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as amended, and (B) that certain Reimbursement Agreement (Non-US Applicant), dated September 23, 2016, by and between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, London Branch and Patterson Pump Ireland Limited, as amended, in each case, that are outstanding as of the Effective Date and described on Schedule 1.02.

FATCA” means 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 agreement 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.

Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the rate calculated by the NYFRB based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depositary institutions, as determined in such manner as shall be set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time, and published on the next succeeding Business Day

 

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by the NYFRB as the effective federal funds rate; provided that, if the Federal Funds Effective Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement.

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

Financial Officer” means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower.

Financial Statements” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for such period, minus Unfinanced Capital Expenditures for such period, to (b) Consolidated Fixed Charges for such period.

Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to the Adjusted CDOR Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, each Adjusted Daily Simple RFR or the Central Bank Rate, as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt the initial Floor for each of the Adjusted CDOR Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, each Adjusted Daily Simple RFR or the Central Bank Rate shall be 0.00%.

Foreign Currency” means Sterling, Euros, Canadian Dollars and any additional currencies determined after the Effective Date by mutual agreement of the Borrower, Revolving Lenders, Issuing Bank and Administrative Agent; provided that each such currency is a lawful currency that is readily available, freely transferable and not restricted and able to be converted into Dollars.

Foreign Currency Sublimit” means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $5,000,000 and (b) the total amount of the Revolving Commitments. The Foreign Currency Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Revolving Commitments hereunder.

Foreign Lender” means (a) if the Borrower is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if the Borrower is not a U.S. Person, a Lender that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes.

Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary which is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

Funding Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(a)(iii).

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

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

Guarantee” of or by any Person (the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property,

 

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securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof.

Guaranteed Obligations” means (i) with respect to the Borrower, the Specified Ancillary Obligations and (ii) with respect to any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Secured Obligations, and, in each case, all costs and expenses including, without limitation, all court costs and reasonable attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees (including allocated costs of in-house counsel and paralegals) and expenses paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders in endeavoring to collect all or any part of the Secured Obligations from, or in prosecuting any action against, the Borrower, any Loan Guarantor or any other guarantor of all or any part of the Secured Obligations; provided that, in each case, the definition of “Guaranteed Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Loan Guarantor of (or grant of security interest by any Loan Guarantor to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Loan Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Loan Guarantor.

Hazardous Materials” means: (a) any substance, material, or waste that is included within the definitions of “hazardous substances,” “hazardous materials,” “hazardous waste,” “toxic substances,” “toxic materials,” “toxic waste,” or words of similar import in any Environmental Law; (b) those substances listed as hazardous substances by the United States Department of Transportation (or any successor agency) (49 C.F.R. 172.101 and amendments thereto) or by the Environmental Protection Agency (or any successor agency) (40 C.F.R. Part 302 and amendments thereto); and (c) any substance, material, or waste that is petroleum, petroleum-related, or a petroleum by-product, asbestos or asbestos-containing material, polychlorinated biphenyls, flammable, explosive, radioactive, freon gas, radon, or a pesticide, herbicide, or any other agricultural chemical.

Hostile Acquisition” means (a) the acquisition of the Equity Interests of a Person through a tender offer or similar solicitation of the owners of such Equity Interests which has not been approved (prior to such acquisition) by the board of directors (or any other applicable governing body) of such Person or by similar action if such Person is not a corporation and (b) any such acquisition as to which such approval has been withdrawn.

Immaterial Subsidiary” means, at any time of determination, any Subsidiary that is not a Material Subsidiary.

Incremental Facility” means any Incremental Revolving Commitments or tranche of Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Term Loan Commitments incurred in accordance with Section 2.09.

Incremental Facility Amendment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.09.

Incremental Revolving Commitment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.09.

Incremental Term Loan” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.09.

Incremental Term Loan Commitment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.09.

 

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Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding current accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (f) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (g) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (h) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty, (j) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers’ acceptances, (k) obligations under any earn-out (which for all purposes of this Agreement, other than the definition of Consolidated Total Indebtedness, shall be valued at the maximum potential amount payable with respect to each such earn-out, and with respect to the definition of Consolidated Total Indebtedness, shall be valued in accordance with GAAP), (l) any other Off-Balance Sheet Liability and (m) obligations, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (i) any and all Swap Agreements, and (ii) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction. The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor.

Indemnified Taxes” means (a) 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 the foregoing clause (a), Other Taxes.

Indemnitee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(c).

Ineligible Institution” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

Information” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.12.

Interest Election Request” means a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.08, which shall be substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B-2 hereto or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan (other than a Swingline Loan), any CBR Loan or any Canadian Prime Loan, the first day of each calendar quarter and the applicable Maturity Date, (b) with respect to any Term Benchmark Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period, and the applicable Maturity Date, (c) with respect to any RFR Loan, (1) each date that is on the numerically corresponding day in each calendar month that is one month after the Borrowing of such Loan (or, if there is no such numerically corresponding day in such month, then the last day of such month) and (2) the applicable Maturity Date, and (d) with respect to any Swingline Loan, the day that such Loan is required to be repaid and the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

 

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Interest Period” means with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, three or six months thereafter (or, in the case of any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars, one or three months thereafter) (in each case, subject to the availability for the Benchmark applicable to the relevant Loan or Commitment for any Agreed Currency), as the Borrower may elect; provided that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, (ii) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period, and (iii) no tenor that has been removed from this definition pursuant to Section 2.14(e) shall be available for specification in such Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter, in the case of any Borrowing other than a Swingline Loan, shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

Inventory” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Issuing Bank” means, individually and collectively, each of (i) Chase (in each case, through itself or through one of its designated affiliates or branch offices), in its capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, (ii) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, solely in its capacity as the issuer of certain of the Existing Letters of Credit and (iii) any other Revolving Lender from time to time designated by the Borrower as an Issuing Bank, with the consent of such Revolving Lender and the Administrative Agent, and their respective successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.06(i). Any Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by its Affiliates, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate (it being agreed that such Issuing Bank shall, or shall cause such Affiliate to, comply with the requirements of Section 2.06 with respect to such Letters of Credit). At any time there is more than one Issuing Bank, all singular references to the Issuing Bank shall mean any Issuing Bank, either Issuing Bank, each Issuing Bank, the Issuing Bank that has issued the applicable Letter of Credit, or both (or all) Issuing Banks, as the context may require.

Issuing Bank Sublimit” means, as of the Effective Date, (i) $15,000,000, in the case of Chase and (ii) in the case of any other Issuing Bank, such amount as shall be designated to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing by such Issuing Bank; provided that any Issuing Bank shall be permitted at any time to increase or reduce its Issuing Bank Sublimit upon providing five (5) days’ prior written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower.

Joinder Agreement” means a Joinder Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit E.

LC Collateral Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(j).

LC Disbursement” means any payment made by an Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.

LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn Dollar Equivalent of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time, plus (b) the aggregate Dollar Equivalent of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time. The LC Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the LC Exposure at such time.

 

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Lender” means, as of any date of determination, a Person listed on the Commitment Schedule (or, if the Commitments have terminated or expired, a Person holding Credit Exposure) and any other Person that shall have become a Lender hereunder pursuant to Section 2.09 or an Assignment and Assumption or other documentation contemplated hereby, other than any such Person that ceases to be a Lender hereunder pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or other documentation contemplated hereby. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank.

Lender-Related Person” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(b).

Letter of Credit Agreement” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.06(b).

Letters of Credit” means Existing Letters of Credit and the letters of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement, and the term “Letter of Credit” means any one of them or each of them singularly, as the context may require.

Liabilities” means any losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages or liabilities of any kind.

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (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 and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.

Limited Condition Transaction” means any Acquisition or other Investment that the Borrower or one or more of its Subsidiaries is contractually committed to consummate (it being understood that such commitment may be subject to conditions precedent, which conditions precedent may be amended, satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement) and whose consummation is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third party financing; provided that, in the event the consummation of any such Acquisition or Investment shall not have occurred within sixty (60) days following the signing of the applicable contractual commitment, such Acquisition or Investment shall no longer constitute a Limited Condition Transaction for any purpose.

Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, each promissory note issued pursuant to this Agreement, the Subordination Agreement, each Letter of Credit Agreement, each Collateral Document, each Compliance Certificate, the Loan Guaranty and each other agreement, fee letter, instrument, document and certificate executed and delivered to, or in favor of, the Administrative Agent or any Lender and including each other pledge, power of attorney, consent, assignment, contract, notice, letter of credit agreement, letter of credit applications and any agreements between the Borrower and the Issuing Bank regarding the Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit or the respective rights and obligations between the Borrower and the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance of Letters of Credit, and each other written matter whether heretofore, now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any Loan Party, or any employee of any Loan Party, and delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Any reference in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to a Loan Document shall include all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, and all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto, and shall refer to this Agreement or such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.

Loan Guarantor” means each Loan Party.

Loan Guaranty” means Article X of this Agreement.

 

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Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors and their successors and assigns, and the term “Loan Party” shall mean any one of them or all of them individually, as the context may require.

Loans” means the loans and advances made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement, including Swingline Loans.

Local Time” means (i) New York City time in the case of a Loan, Borrowing or LC Disbursement denominated in Dollars and (ii) local time in the case of a Loan, Borrowing or LC Disbursement denominated in a Foreign Currency.

Long-Term Debt” means any Indebtedness that, in accordance with GAAP, constitutes (or, when incurred, constituted) a long-term liability.

Margin Stock” means margin stock within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X, as applicable.

Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations, prospects or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of any Loan Party to perform any of its Obligations, (c) the Collateral, or the Administrative Agent’s Liens (on behalf of itself and the other Secured Parties) on the Collateral or the priority of such Liens, or (d) the rights of or benefits available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Lenders under any of the Loan Documents.

Material Indebtedness” means (a) the Mezzanine Obligations and (b) any other Indebtedness (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $10,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that the Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.

Material Subsidiary” means, as of any date of determination, each Subsidiary (together with its Subsidiaries), which, (i) during the most recent Test Period, contributed greater than ten percent (10%) of Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period or (ii) contributed greater than ten percent (10%) of Consolidated Total Assets as of the last day of the most recent Test Period; provided that, if at any time the aggregate amount of Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Total Assets attributable to all Subsidiaries that are not Material Subsidiaries exceeds twenty percent (20%) of Consolidated EBITDA for any such Test Period or twenty percent (20%) of Consolidated Total Assets as of the last day of any such Test Period, the Borrower (or, in the event the Borrower has failed to do so within ten (10) days, the Administrative Agent) shall designate sufficient Subsidiaries as “Material Subsidiaries” to eliminate such excess, and such designated Subsidiaries shall for all purposes of this Agreement constitute Material Subsidiaries.

Maturity Date” means the Revolving Credit Maturity Date or the Term Loan Maturity Date, as applicable.

Maximum Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.

Mezzanine Agent” means the “Administrative Agent” as defined in the Mezzanine Credit Agreement.

 

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Mezzanine Credit Agreement” means the Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 by and among the Borrower, the other Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Mezzanine Agent, the lenders party thereto in their capacities as lenders thereunder, and as the same may be amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced from time to time in one or more agreements (in each case with the same or new lenders, guarantors, institutional investors, agents or other investors), including any agreement extending the maturity thereof or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness thereunder or increasing the amount loaned or issued thereunder or altering the maturity thereof, in each case as and to the extent not prohibited by this Agreement and the Subordination Agreement.

Mezzanine Lenders” has the meaning assigned to the term “Lenders” in the Mezzanine Credit Agreement.

Mezzanine Loan Documents” means the Mezzanine Credit Agreement, the Subordination Agreement and the other “Loan Documents” (as defined in the Mezzanine Credit Agreement).

Mezzanine Loans” has the meaning assigned to the term “Loans” in the Mezzanine Credit Agreement.

Mezzanine Obligations” has the meaning assigned to the term “Obligations” in the Mezzanine Credit Agreement.

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

Net Proceeds” means, with respect to any Prepayment Event, (a) the cash proceeds received in respect of such event including (i) any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise, but excluding any interest payments), but only as and when received, (ii) in the case of a casualty, insurance proceeds and (iii) in the case of a condemnation or similar event, condemnation awards and similar payments, minus (b) the sum of (i) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses paid to third parties (other than Affiliates) in connection with such event, (ii) in the case of a sale, transfer or other Disposition of an asset (including pursuant to a Sale and Leaseback Transaction or a casualty or a taking by eminent domain, condemnation or similar proceeding), the amount of all payments required to be made as a result of such event to repay Indebtedness (other than Loans) secured by such asset or otherwise subject to mandatory prepayment as a result of such event and (iii) the amount of all taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable) and the amount of any reserves established to fund contingent liabilities reasonably estimated to be payable, in each case during the year that such event occurred or the next succeeding year and that are directly attributable to such event (as determined reasonably and in good faith by a Financial Officer).

Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.02(d).

Non-Loan Party” means, at any time, any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party at such time.

Notice of Prepayment” means a written notice from the Borrower of its intent to prepay a Borrowing or portion thereof in accordance with Section 2.11, which shall be signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and shall be substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B-3 hereto or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

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NYFRB” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

NYFRB Rate” means, for any day, the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate in effect on such day(or for any day that is not a Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day); provided that if none of such rates are published for any day that is a Business Day, the term “NYFRB Rate” means the rate for a federal funds transaction quoted at 11:00 a.m. on such day received by the Administrative Agent from a federal funds broker of recognized standing selected by it; provided, further, that if any of the aforesaid rates as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

NYFRB’s Website” means the website of the NYFRB at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.

Obligated Party” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.02.

Obligations” means all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, all LC Exposure, all accrued and unpaid fees and all expenses, reimbursements, indemnities and other obligations and indebtedness (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), obligations and liabilities of any of the Loan Parties to any of the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Indemnitee, individually or collectively, existing on the Effective Date or arising thereafter, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise, arising or incurred under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or in respect of any of the Loans made or reimbursement or other obligations incurred or any of the Letters of Credit or other instruments at any time evidencing any thereof.

OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.

Off-Balance Sheet Liability” of a Person means (a) any repurchase obligation or liability of such Person with respect to accounts or notes receivable sold by such Person, (b) any indebtedness, liability or obligation under any so-called “synthetic lease” transaction entered into by such Person, or (c) any indebtedness, liability or obligation arising with respect to any other transaction which is the functional equivalent of or takes the place of borrowing but which does not constitute a liability on the balance sheet of such Person (other than operating leases).

Original Indebtedness” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(f).

Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Taxes (other than a connection 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, Letter of Credit, or any Loan Document).

 

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Other Taxes” means 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 2.19).

Overnight Bank Funding Rate” means, for any day, the rate comprised of both overnight federal funds and overnight eurodollar transactions denominated in Dollars by U.S.-managed banking offices of depository institutions (as such composite rate shall be determined by the NYFRB as set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as an overnight bank funding rate.

Overnight Rate” means, for any day, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the NYFRB Rate and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in a Foreign Currency, an overnight rate determined by the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

Paid in Full” or “Payment in Full” means, (i) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all outstanding Loans and LC Disbursements, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (ii) the termination, expiration, or cancellation and return of all outstanding Letters of Credit (or alternatively, with respect to each such Letter of Credit, the furnishing to the Administrative Agent of a cash deposit in Dollars, or at the discretion of the Administrative Agent the Equivalent Amount in such other Agreed Currency or a backup standby letter of credit satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, in an amount equal to 105% of the LC Exposure as of the date of such payment), (iii) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the accrued and unpaid fees, (iv) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all reimbursable expenses and other Secured Obligations (other than Unliquidated Obligations for which no claim has been made and other obligations expressly stated to survive such payment and termination of this Agreement), together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (v) the termination of all Commitments, and (vi) the termination of the Swap Agreement Obligations and the Banking Services Obligations or entering into other arrangements satisfactory to the Secured Parties counterparties thereto.

Parent” means, with respect to any Lender, any Person as to which such Lender is, directly or indirectly, a subsidiary.

Participant” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).

Participant Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).

Participating Member State” means any member state of the European Union that has euro as its lawful currency in accordance with legislation of the European Union relating to Economic and Monetary Union.

Payment” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.06(c).

Payment in Full of the Mezzanine Obligations” means, with respect to the Mezzanine Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing (as defined in the Subordination Agreement applicable thereto) thereof), (i) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all outstanding loans thereunder, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (ii) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the accrued and unpaid fees, including any applicable make-whole amount and/or prepayment fee thereunder, if any, (iii) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all reimbursable expenses and other obligations in respect thereof (other than unliquidated obligations for which no claim has been made and other obligations expressly

 

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stated to survive such payment and termination of the applicable Mezzanine Loan Documents or other documents evidencing such Indebtedness), together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon and (iv) the termination of all commitments thereunder.

Payment Notice” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.06(c).

Payment Office” of the Administrative Agent means, for each Foreign Currency, the office, branch, affiliate or correspondent bank of the Administrative Agent for such currency as specified from time to time by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower and each Lender.

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.

Permitted Acquisition” means any Acquisition by any Loan Party in a transaction that satisfies each of the following requirements:

(a) such Acquisition is not a Hostile Acquisition;

(b) the business acquired in connection with such Acquisition is not engaged, directly or indirectly, in any line of business other than the businesses in which the Loan Parties are engaged on the Effective Date and any business activities that are substantially similar, related, or incidental thereto;

(c) subject to Section 1.05, both before and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis) to such Acquisition and any Indebtedness incurred or assumed in connection therewith, (i) each of the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents is true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) (except any such representation or warranty which relates to a specified prior date, which representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) as of such prior date), (ii) no Default or Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom, (iii) the Senior Leverage Ratio is not greater than 3.25 to 1.00 and (iv) the Borrower is in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with the financial covenants set forth in Sections 6.12(b) and 6.12(c);

(d) as soon as available, but not less than thirty (30) days prior to such Acquisition, the Borrower has provided the Administrative Agent (i) notice of such Acquisition and (ii) a copy of all business and financial information reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent including pro forma financial statements and statements of cash flow;

(e) the aggregate consideration paid or payable in respect of all Permitted Acquisitions of Excluded Subsidiaries that do not become Loan Parties and Excluded Property ((x) including without limitation, all transaction costs, assumed Indebtedness and liabilities incurred, assumed or reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries after giving effect to such Acquisition and the maximum amount (to the extent such maximum amount is stated, and if not stated, then the reasonably anticipated amount) of all earn-out obligations and other deferred payments, but (y) excluding consideration payable in shares constituting Qualified Stock of the Borrower)) shall not exceed $35,000,000 during the term of this Agreement;

(f) other than with respect to Excluded Subsidiaries and Excluded Property (subject to the foregoing clause (e)), as applicable, either (i) such acquired Person becomes a Subsidiary, (ii) such acquired assets become Collateral or (iii) such acquired Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged, consolidated, or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its

 

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assets, or transfers or conveys assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of such Person, to, or is liquidated into, the Borrower or a Subsidiary;

(g) if such Acquisition is an acquisition of Equity Interests, such Acquisition will not result in any violation of Regulation U;

(h) if such Acquisition involves a merger or a consolidation involving any Loan Party, such Loan Party shall be the surviving entity (provided that any such merger or consolidation involving the Borrower shall result in the Borrower as the surviving entity); and

(i) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent the final executed documentation relating to such Acquisition promptly following the consummation thereof.

Permitted Encumbrances” means:

(a) Liens imposed by law for Taxes that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

(b) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than sixty (60) days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

(c) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;

(d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(e) judgment Liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (k) of Article VII;

(f) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(g) leases, licenses, subleases or sublicenses granted to third parties in the ordinary course of business and not interfering in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(h) Liens in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of law or in the ordinary course of business under customary general terms and conditions encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of set-off) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry or arising pursuant to such banking institution’s general terms and conditions;

(i) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods (other than fixed or capital assets) and proceeds thereof of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(j) 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 in the ordinary course of business so long as such Liens only cover the related goods; and

(k) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

provided that the term “Permitted Encumbrances” shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness, except with respect to clauses (d) and (e) above.

Permitted Investments” means:

(a) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the U.S. (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

(b) investments in commercial paper maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, the highest credit rating obtainable from S&P or from Moody’s;

(c) investments in certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the U.S. or any state thereof which has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000;

(d) fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than 30 days for securities described in clause (a) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above; and

(e) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000.

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

Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

Plan Asset Regulations” means 29 CFR § 2510.3-101 et seq., as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA, as amended from time to time.

Prepayment Event” means:

 

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(a) any sale, transfer or other Disposition (including pursuant to a Sale and Leaseback Transaction) of any property or asset of any Loan Party, other than Dispositions described in Section 6.05(a); or

(b) any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of any Loan Party; or

(c) the incurrence by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01.

Prime Rate” means the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the U.S. or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by the Administrative Agent) or any similar release by the Federal Reserve Board (as determined by the Administrative Agent). Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced or quoted as being effective.

Pro Forma”, “Pro Forma Basis”, “Pro Forma Compliance” and “Pro Forma Effect” mean, with respect to compliance with any test or covenant or calculation of any ratio hereunder, the determination or calculation of such test, covenant or ratio in accordance with Section 1.05.

Proceeding” means any claim, litigation, investigation, action, suit, arbitration or administrative, judicial or regulatory action or proceeding in any jurisdiction.

Projections” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01(d).

PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.

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).

QFC Credit Support” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21.

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

Qualified Stock” of any Person means Equity Interests of such Person other than Disqualified Stock of such Person.

Recipient” means, as applicable, (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) any Lender and (c) any Issuing Bank, or any combination thereof (as the context requires).

Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (1) if such Benchmark is the Term SOFR Rate, 5:00 a.m. (Chicago time) on the day that is two Business Days preceding the date of such setting, (2) if such Benchmark is EURIBOR Rate, 11:00 a.m. Brussels time two TARGET Days preceding the date of such setting, (3) if the RFR for such Benchmark is SONIA, then four

 

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Business Days prior to such setting, (4) if the RFR for such Benchmark is Daily Simple SOFR, then four Business Days prior to such setting, (5) if such Benchmark is the CDOR Rate, on or about 10:15 a.m., Toronto, Ontario time, on the date of such setting or (6) if such Benchmark is none of the Term SOFR Rate, the EURIBOR Rate, SONIA, Daily Simple SOFR or the CDOR Rate, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

Refinance Indebtedness” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(f).

Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

Regulation D” means Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Regulation T” means Regulation T of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Regulation U” means Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Regulation X” means Regulation X of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, partners, members, trustees, employees, agents, administrators, managers, representatives and advisors of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.

Release” means any releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, migrating, disposing, or dumping of any substance into the environment.

Relevant Governmental Body” means (i) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in Dollars, the Federal Reserve Board and/or the NYFRB, the CME Term SOFR Administrator, as applicable, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the NYFRB or, in each case, any successor thereto, (ii) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in Sterling, the Bank of England, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Bank of England or, in each case, any successor thereto, (iii) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in Euros, the European Central Bank, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the European Central Bank or, in each case, any successor thereto and (iv) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in any other currency, (a) the central bank for the currency in which such Benchmark Replacement is denominated or any central bank or other supervisor which is responsible for supervising either (1) such Benchmark Replacement or (2) the administrator of such Benchmark Replacement or (b) any working group or committee officially endorsed or convened by (1) the central bank for the currency in which such Benchmark Replacement is denominated, (2) any central bank or other supervisor that is responsible for supervising either (A) such Benchmark Replacement or (B) the administrator of such Benchmark Replacement, (3) a group of those central banks or other supervisors or (4) the Financial Stability Board or any part thereof.

Relevant Rate” means (i) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, (ii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Euros, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, (iii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated

 

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in Canadian Dollars, the Adjusted CDOR Rate or (iv) with respect to any RFR Borrowing denominated in Sterling or Dollars, the applicable Adjusted Daily Simple RFR, as applicable.

Relevant Screen Rate” means (i) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, (ii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Euros, the EURIBOR Screen Rate or (iii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars, the CDOR Screen Rate, as applicable.

Required Lenders” means, subject to Section 2.20: (a) at any time prior to the earlier of the Loans becoming due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Commitments terminating or expiring, Lenders having Credit Exposures and Unfunded Revolving Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the Aggregate Credit Exposure and aggregate Unfunded Revolving Commitments at such time, provided that, solely for purposes of declaring the Loans to be due and payable pursuant to Article VII, the Unfunded Revolving Commitment of each Lender shall be deemed to be zero in determining the Required Lenders; and (b) for all purposes after the Loans become due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Commitments expire or terminate, Lenders having Credit Exposures representing more than 50% of the sum of the Aggregate Credit Exposure at such time; provided that, in the case of clauses (a) and (b) above, the Revolving Exposure of any Lender that is a Swingline Lender shall be deemed to exclude any amount of its Swingline Exposure in excess of its Applicable Percentage of all outstanding Swingline Loans, adjusted to give effect to any reallocation under Section 2.20 of the Swingline Exposures of Defaulting Lenders in effect at such time, and the Unfunded Revolving Commitment of such Lender shall be determined on the basis of its Revolving Exposure excluding such excess amount.

Requirement of Law” means, with respect to any Person, (a) the charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation and bylaws or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents of such Person and (b) any statute, law (including common law), treaty, rule, regulation, code, ordinance, order, decree, writ, judgment, injunction or determination of any arbitrator or court or other Governmental Authority (including Environmental Laws), in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

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

Responsible Officer” means the president, Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower.

Restricted Debt” means any Subordinated Indebtedness, the Mezzanine Obligations, Disqualified Stock or unsecured Indebtedness.

Restricted Debt Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.08(b).

Restricted Payment” means, as the case may be, (i) any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Subsidiary or (ii) the payment of any management, advisory, transaction services, monitoring, bonus or similar fees, howsoever designated, or the payment of any costs, expenses and indemnities under any management, advisory, monitoring or similar agreement.

 

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Reuters” means, as applicable, Thomson Reuters Corp., Refinitiv, or any successor thereto.

Revaluation Date” shall mean (a) with respect to any Loan denominated in any Foreign Currency, each of the following: (i) the date of the Borrowing of such Loan and (ii) (A) with respect to any Term Benchmark Loan, each date of a conversion into or continuation of such Loan pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and (B) with respect to any RFR Loan, each date that is on the numerically corresponding day in each calendar month that is one month after the Borrowing of such Loan (or, if there is no such numerically corresponding day in such month, then the last day of such month); (b) with respect to any Letter of Credit denominated in a Foreign Currency, each of the following: (i) the date on which such Letter of Credit is issued, (ii) the first Business Day of each calendar month and (iii) the date of any amendment of such Letter of Credit that has the effect of increasing the face amount thereof; and (c) any additional date as the Administrative Agent may determine at any time when an Event of Default exists.

Revolving Borrowing” means Revolving Loans of the same Type and Agreed Currency, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Term Benchmark Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

Revolving Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the amount set forth on the Commitment Schedule opposite such Lender’s name as a “Revolving Commitment”, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(70) of the New York UCC) as provided in Section 9.04(b)(ii)(C), pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment pursuant to the terms hereof, as applicable, as such Revolving Commitment may be reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to (a) Section 2.09 and (b) assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04; provided that at no time shall the Revolving Exposure of any Lender exceed its Revolving Commitment. The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Revolving Commitments is $100,000,000.

Revolving Credit Maturity Date” means May 31, 2027 (if the same is a Business Day, or if not then the immediately next succeeding Business Day), or any earlier date on which the Revolving Commitments are reduced to zero or otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.

Revolving Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender, at any time, the sum of the aggregate outstanding principal Dollar Equivalent amount of such Lender’s Revolving Loans, its LC Exposure and its Swingline Exposure at such time.

Revolving Lender” means, as of any date of determination, a Lender with a Revolving Commitment or, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, a Lender with Revolving Exposure.

Revolving Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01(a).

RFR” means, for any RFR Loan denominated in (a) Sterling, SONIA and (b) Dollars, Daily Simple SOFR.

RFR Borrowing” means, as to any Borrowing, the RFR Loans comprising such Borrowing.

RFR Business Day” means, for any Loan denominated in (a) Sterling, any day except for (i) a Saturday, (ii) a Sunday or (iii) a day on which banks are closed for general business in London, and (b) Dollars, a U.S. Government Securities Business Day.

RFR Interest Day” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Daily Simple RFR”.

 

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RFR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR.

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business.

Sale and Leaseback Transaction” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.06.

Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (at the time of this Agreement, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, the so- called Luhansk People’s Republic, the Crimea Region of Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).

Sanctioned Person” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by OFAC, the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state, Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country, (c) any Person owned or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b), or (d) any Person otherwise the subject of any Sanctions.

Sanctions” means all economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State, or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state or Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority.

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission of the U.S.

Secured Obligations” means all Obligations, together with all Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations owing to one or more Lenders or their respective Affiliates; provided that the definition of “Secured Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Loan Guarantor of (or grant of security interest by any Loan Guarantor to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Loan Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Loan Guarantor.

Secured Parties” means (a) the Lenders, (b) the Administrative Agent, (c) each Issuing Bank, (d) each provider of Banking Services, to the extent the Banking Services Obligations in respect thereof constitute Secured Obligations, (e) each counterparty to any Swap Agreement, to the extent the obligations thereunder constitute Secured Obligations, (f) the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (g) the successors and assigns of each of the foregoing.

Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933.

Security Agreement” means that certain Pledge and Security Agreement (including any and all supplements thereto), dated as of the date hereof, among the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, and any other pledge or security agreement entered into, after the date of this Agreement by any other Loan Party (as required by this Agreement or any other Loan Document) or any other Person for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Senior Leverage Ratio” means, on any date, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Indebtedness on such date that is secured by a Lien, minus Unrestricted Cash on such date, to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended on or most recently prior to such date.

 

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SOFR” means a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the SOFR Administrator.

SOFR Administrator” means the NYFRB (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).

SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the NYFRB’s Website, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the SOFR Administrator from time to time.

SOFR Rate Day” has the meaning assigned to it under the definition of Daily Simple SOFR.

SONIA” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the Sterling Overnight Index Average for such Business Day published by the SONIA Administrator on the SONIA Administrator’s Website on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

SONIA Administrator” means the Bank of England (or any successor administrator of the Sterling Overnight Index Average).

SONIA Administrator’s Website” means the Bank of England’s website, currently at http://www.bankofengland.co.uk, or any successor source for the Sterling Overnight Index Average identified as such by the SONIA Administrator from time to time.

Specified Ancillary Obligations” means all obligations and liabilities (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) of any of the Subsidiaries, existing on the Effective Date or arising thereafter, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise, to the Lenders or any of their Affiliates in respect of any Swap Agreement Obligations or any Banking Services Obligations.

Specified Debt Conditions” means, with respect to any Indebtedness or commitments incurred in accordance with Section 2.09, the following conditions:

(a) such Indebtedness shall not mature earlier than the latest Maturity Date in effect at the time of incurrence or issuance of such Indebtedness;

(b) as of the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness, as applicable, shall have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity no shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans funded on the Effective Date;

(c) subject to Section 1.05, such Indebtedness shall be issued or incurred only when no Default or Event of Default exists or would result from the issuance or incurrence of such Indebtedness;

(d) the representations and warranties contained in Article III and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect), except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) as of such earlier date;

 

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(e) the Borrower is in compliance (on a Pro Forma Basis) with the covenants contained in Section 6.12 (which calculations shall assume that such Incremental Revolving Commitments and Incremental Term Loan Commitments are fully drawn or such tranche of Incremental Term Loans is fully funded, as the case may be);

(f) such Indebtedness is not incurred or guaranteed by any Person other than any Loan Party;

(g) such Indebtedness is not secured by any assets other than the Collateral; and

(h) such Indebtedness shall contain terms that are not more restrictive, taken as a whole, than the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (as reasonably determined by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent), except as expressly permitted hereunder.

Specified Default” means a Default or Event of Default under clauses (a), (b), (h) or (i) of Article VII.

Specified Representations” means the representations and warranties in respect of the Loan Parties made pursuant to Sections 3.01, 3.02, 3.03(b) (solely as it relates to the organizational documents of the Loan Parties as it relates to Borrowings hereunder), 3.08, 3.13, 3.16 (provided that any such representation or warranty relating to perfection of Liens shall be limited to the extent provided under Section 4.01(a)(iv)), 3.18, 3.19, the first sentence of 3.21 (as it relates to compliance with the PATRIOT Act), the final sentence of 3.21 (as it relates to use of proceeds from any Borrowing violating Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions) and 3.24.

Statement” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.18(f).

Statutory Reserve Rate” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentage (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Federal Reserve Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject with respect to the Adjusted CDOR Rate and the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency liabilities” in Regulation D) or any other reserve ratio or analogous requirement of any central banking or financial regulatory authority imposed in respect of the maintenance of the Commitments or the funding of the Loans. Such reserve percentage shall include those imposed pursuant to Regulation D. Term Benchmark Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under Regulation D or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.

Sterling” or “£” means the lawful currency of the United Kingdom.

Subordinated Indebtedness” of a Person means any Indebtedness of such Person, the payment of which is subordinated to payment of the Secured Obligations, including, without limitation, the Mezzanine Obligations.

Subordination Agreement” means (a) that certain Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement dated as of the Effective Date, among the Administrative Agent, the Mezzanine Agent and the Loan Parties, as amended from time to time and (b) any other subordination agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, among the Administrative Agent and each additional representative party thereto from time to time.

 

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subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, Controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent and/or one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

Subsidiary” means any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Borrower or of any other Loan Party, as applicable.

Subsidiary Guarantor” means the Borrower’s Subsidiaries party hereto as Subsidiary Guarantors as of the Effective Date and any other Subsidiary that becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to a Joinder Agreement; provided that in no event shall any Excluded Subsidiary constitute a Subsidiary Guarantor.

Supported QFC” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21.

Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, spot, future, credit default 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; 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 the Borrower or the Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.

Swap Agreement Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any Swap Agreement permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, and (b) any cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender.

Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Loan 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 or any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.

Swingline Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be the sum of (a) its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time (excluding, in the case of any Lender that is a Swingline Lender, Swingline Loans made by such Lender in its capacity as a Swingline Lender that are outstanding at such time to the extent that the other Lenders shall not have funded their participations in such Swingline Loans), adjusted to give effect to any reallocation under Section 2.20 of the Swingline Exposure of Defaulting Lenders in effect at such time, and (b) in the case of any Lender that is a Swingline Lender, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans made by such Lender as a Swingline Lender outstanding at such time, less the amount of participations funded by the other Lenders in such Swingline Loans.

 

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Swingline Lender” means Chase (or any of its designated branch offices or affiliates), in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans hereunder. Any consent required of the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank shall be deemed to be required of the Swingline Lender and any consent given by Chase in its capacity as Administrative Agent or Issuing Bank shall be deemed given by Chase in its capacity as Swingline Lender as well.

Swingline Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.05. All Swingline Loans shall be denominated in Dollars.

TARGET Day” means any day on which TARGET2 (or, if such payment system ceases to be operative, such other payment system, if any, determined by the Administrative Agent to be a suitable replacement) is open for the settlement of payments in Euro.

TARGET2” means the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer payment system which utilizes a single shared platform and which was launched on November 19, 2007.

Taxes” means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), value added taxes, or any other goods and services, use or sales taxes, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

Term Benchmark”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, bear interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate or the Adjusted CDOR Rate.

Term Lender” means a Lender having a Term Loan Commitment or holding an outstanding Term Loan.

Term Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01(b).

Term Loan Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make Term Loans, expressed as an amount representing the maximum principal amount of the Term Loans to be made by such Lender, as such commitment may be reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lenders pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of each Lender’s Term Loan Commitment is set forth on the Commitment Schedule or in the most recent Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(70) of the UCC) as provided in Section 9.04, executed by such Term Lender, as applicable. The aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Term Loan Commitments on the Effective Date is $350,000,000. After advancing the Term Loan, each reference to a Term Lender’s Term Loan Commitment shall refer to that Term Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Term Loans.

Term Loan Maturity Date” means May 31, 2027.

Term SOFR Determination Day” has the meaning assigned to it under the definition of Term SOFR Reference Rate.

Term SOFR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars or ABR Borrowing determined by reference to the Term SOFR Rate and for any tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, the Term SOFR Reference Rate at approximately 5:00 a.m., Chicago time, two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the commencement of such tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, as such rate is published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator.

 

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Term SOFR Reference Rate” means, for any day and time (such day, the “Term SOFR Determination Day”), with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars or for any ABR Borrowing determined by reference to the Term SOFR Rate, for any tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent as the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR. If by 5:00 pm (New York City time) on such Term SOFR Determination Day, the “Term SOFR Reference Rate” for the applicable tenor has not been published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Rate has not occurred, then the Term SOFR Reference Rate for such Term SOFR Determination Day will be the Term SOFR Reference Rate as published in respect of the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which such Term SOFR Reference Rate was published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator, so long as such first preceding Business Day is not more than five (5) Business Days prior to such Term SOFR Determination Day.

Test Period” means, at any time, the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended on or most recently prior to such time for which financial statements have been or are required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b) (or, if prior to the date of the delivery of the first financial statements to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b), the most recent financial statements referred to in Section 3.04(a)).

Total Leverage Ratio” means, on any date, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Indebtedness on such date minus Unrestricted Cash on such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended on or most recently prior to such date.

Transactions” means (a) the consummation of the Effective Date Acquisition, (b) [reserved], (c) the payment of the Effective Date Transaction Expenses, (d) the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the borrowing of Loans and other credit extensions, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder and (e) the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of the Mezzanine Credit Agreement and the other Mezzanine Loan Documents and the borrowing of the Mezzanine Loans and the use of the proceeds thereof.

Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, the Adjusted CDOR Rate, the Alternate Base Rate, the Canadian Prime Rate, the Central Bank Rate or the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR.

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York or in any other state, the laws of which are required to be applied in connection with the issue of perfection of security interests.

UK Financial Institutions” means 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” means the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.

Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

 

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Unfinanced Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, Capital Expenditures made during such period which are not financed from the proceeds of any Indebtedness (other than the Revolving Loans; it being understood and agreed that, to the extent any Capital Expenditures are financed with Revolving Loans, such Capital Expenditures shall be deemed Unfinanced Capital Expenditures), calculated for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period in accordance with GAAP.

Unfunded Revolving Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender at any time, the Revolving Commitment of such Lender at such time, less its Revolving Exposure at such time.

Unliquidated Obligations” means, at any time, any Secured Obligations (or portion thereof) that are contingent in nature or unliquidated at such time, including any Secured Obligation that is: (i) an obligation to reimburse a bank for drawings not yet made under a letter of credit issued by it; (ii) any other obligation (including any guarantee) that is contingent in nature at such time; or (iii) an obligation to provide collateral to secure any of the foregoing types of obligations.

Unrestricted Cash” means, as of any date of determination, the amount of the Domestic Loan Parties’ unrestricted cash and Permitted Investments solely to the extent in excess of $10,000,000, but in any event, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000 that is (a) on deposit with one or more financial institutions in the U.S. and (b) not encumbered by or subject to any other Lien, setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right in favor of any Person (other than (i) a Lien securing the Secured Obligations, and (ii) banker’s liens relating to the establishment of depository relations in the ordinary course and not given in connection with the issuance of indebtedness).

U.S.” means the United States of America.

U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day except for (i) a Saturday, (ii) a Sunday or (iii) a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities.

U.S. Person” means a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

U.S. Special Resolution Regime” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21.

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.17(f)(ii)(B)(3).

USA PATRIOT Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, 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 scheduled installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required scheduled payments of principal, including payment at final scheduled maturity, in respect thereof, by (ii) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment by (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock; provided that for purposes of determining the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock that is being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended (the “Applicable Indebtedness”), the effects of any prepayments or amortization made on such Applicable Indebtedness prior

 

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to the date of the applicable modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension shall be disregarded.

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

Wholly-Owned” means, with respect to any Person, a subsidiary of such Person, 100% of the outstanding Equity Interests or other ownership interests of which (other than (x) directors’ qualifying shares or other ownership interests and (y) a nominal number of shares or other ownership interests issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable laws) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

Working Capital” means, at any date, the excess of current assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (other than cash or Permitted Investments) on such date over current liabilities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on such date other than Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans and Letters of Credit, all determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means (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. Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Loan”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Loan” or an “RFR Loan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Revolving Loan” or an “RFR Revolving Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Borrowing”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Borrowing” or an “RFR Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing” or an “RFR Revolving Borrowing”).

SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “law” shall be construed as referring to all statutes, rules, regulations, codes and other laws (including official rulings and interpretations thereunder having the force of law or with which affected Persons customarily comply) and all judgments, orders and decrees of all Governmental Authorities. 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, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any definition of or reference to any statute, rule or regulation shall be construed as referring thereto as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (including by succession of comparable successor laws), (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to any restrictions on

 

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assignments set forth herein) and, in the case of any Governmental Authority, any other Governmental Authority that shall have succeeded to any or all functions thereof, (d) 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, (e) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement, (f) any reference in any definition to the phrase “at any time” or “for any period” shall refer to the same time or period for all calculations or determinations within such definition, and (g) 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.

SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP.

(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if after the date hereof there occurs any change in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of any provision hereof and the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of such change in GAAP or in the application thereof (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made (i) without giving effect to any election under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 825 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Borrower or any Subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein and (ii) without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 or 2015-03 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 1.04(a) or in the definition of “Capital Lease Obligations,” any change in accounting for leases pursuant to GAAP resulting from the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“FAS 842), to the extent such adoption would require treating any lease (or similar arrangement conveying the right to use) 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 December 31, 2015, such lease shall not be considered a capital lease, and all calculations and deliverables under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be made or delivered, as applicable, in accordance therewith.

SECTION 1.05. Pro Forma Adjustments.

(a) To the extent the Borrower or any Subsidiary (x) makes any acquisition permitted pursuant to Section 6.04 or Disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business permitted by Section 6.05 during the period of four fiscal quarters of the Borrower most recently ended or (y) consummates any transaction that requires any pro forma calculation as a condition thereto or in connection therewith under the terms of this Agreement, then, in each case, (i) the Senior Leverage Ratio, the Total Leverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including pro forma adjustments arising out of events which are directly attributable to the acquisition or the Disposition of

 

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assets, are factually supportable and are expected to have a continuing impact, in each case as determined on a basis consistent with Article 11 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as interpreted by the SEC, and as certified by a Financial Officer), as if such acquisition, such Disposition or such other transaction (and any related incurrence, repayment or assumption of Indebtedness) had occurred in the first day of such four-quarter period, (ii) unless otherwise expressly required hereunder, such pro forma calculation shall be determined by reference to the financial statements for the Test Period ended on or most recently prior to such calculation and (iii) any such calculation made by reference to, or requiring pro forma compliance with, any of the financial covenants shall be made by reference to the applicable financial covenant levels required under Section 6.12 for the quarter during which such acquisition, Disposition or other transaction was consummated (or, if there is no financial covenant required to be tested during such fiscal quarter, the financial covenant level for the first testing period scheduled to occur after the date of such calculation). In addition to the foregoing, and notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent any Indebtedness is incurred or assumed in connection with any transaction permitted hereunder, any pro forma determination of the Senior Leverage Ratio, the Total Leverage Ratio or compliance with the financial covenants required to be made under this Agreement in connection with such transaction shall be made without including the proceeds of such incurred or assumed Indebtedness as Unrestricted Cash.

(b) In connection with any action being taken in connection with a Limited Condition Transaction, for purposes of:

(i) determining compliance with any provision of this Agreement which requires the calculation of any financial ratio or test, including the Total Leverage Ratio, the Senior Leverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio;

(ii) testing availability under baskets set forth in this Agreement (including baskets measured as a percentage of Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Total Assets); or

(iii) determining the accuracy of any representation or warranty or the existence of any Default or Event of Default,

in each case, at the option of the Borrower (the Borrower’s election to exercise such option in connection with any Limited Condition Transaction, an “LCT Election”), the date of determination of whether any such action is permitted hereunder shall be deemed to be the date the definitive agreement for such Limited Condition Transaction is entered into (the “LCT Test Date”), and if, after giving pro forma effect to the Limited Condition Transaction, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries would have been permitted to take such action on the relevant LCT Test Date in compliance with such ratio, test or basket or other provision, such ratio, test or basket shall be deemed to have been complied with. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Borrower has made an LCT Election and any of the ratios, tests or baskets or other provision for which compliance was determined or tested as of the LCT Test Date would have failed to have been satisfied as a result of fluctuations in any such ratio, test or basket or other provision, including due to fluctuations in Consolidated EBITDA, Consolidated Interest Expense or Consolidated Total Assets, at or prior to the consummation of the relevant transaction or action, such baskets, tests or ratios will not be deemed to have failed to have been satisfied as a result of such fluctuations. If the Borrower has made an LCT Election for any Limited Condition Transaction, then in connection with any event or transaction occurring after the relevant LCT Test Date and prior to the earlier of the date on which such Limited Condition Transaction is consummated or the date that the definitive agreement or date for redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment specified in an irrevocable notice for such Limited Condition Transaction is terminated, expires or passes, as applicable, without consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction (a “Subsequent Transaction”) in connection with which a ratio, test or basket availability calculation must be made on a pro forma basis or giving pro forma effect to such Subsequent

 

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Transaction, for purposes of determining whether such ratio, test or basket availability has been complied with under this Agreement, any such ratio, test or basket shall be required to be satisfied on a pro forma basis assuming such Limited Condition Transaction and other transactions in connection therewith have been consummated.

SECTION 1.06. Status of Obligations. In the event that the Borrower or any other Loan Party shall at any time issue or have outstanding any Subordinated Indebtedness, the Borrower shall take or cause such other Loan Party to take all such actions as shall be necessary to cause the Secured Obligations to constitute senior indebtedness (however denominated) in respect of such Subordinated Indebtedness and to enable the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness. Without limiting the foregoing, the Secured Obligations are hereby designated as “senior indebtedness” and as “designated senior indebtedness” and words of similar import under and in respect of any indenture or other agreement or instrument under which such Subordinated Indebtedness is outstanding and are further given all such other designations as shall be required under the terms of any such Subordinated Indebtedness in order that the Lenders may have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness.

SECTION 1.07. Interest Rates; Benchmark Notification. The interest rate on a Loan may be derived from an interest rate benchmark that may be discontinued or is, or may in the future become, the subject of regulatory reform. Upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, Section 2.14(b) provides a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest. The Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission, performance or any other matter related to any interest rate used in this Agreement, or with respect to any alternative or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate thereof, including without limitation, whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement reference rate will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, the existing interest rate being replaced or have the same volume or liquidity as did any existing interest rate prior to its discontinuance or unavailability. The Administrative Agent and its affiliates and/or other related entities may engage in transactions that affect the calculation of any interest rate used in this Agreement or any alternative, successor or alternative rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) and/or any relevant adjustments thereto, in each case, in a manner adverse to the Borrower. The Administrative Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain any interest rate used in this Agreement, any component thereof, or rates referenced in the definition thereof, in each case pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other Person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, costs, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise and whether at law or in equity), for any error or calculation of any such rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service.

SECTION 1.08. Letter of Credit Amounts. Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit available to be drawn at such time; provided that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any Letter of Credit Agreement related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the available amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum amount is available to be drawn at such time. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Article 29(a) of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or

 

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Rule 3.13 or Rule 3.14 of the International Standby Practices, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or similar terms of the Letter of Credit itself, or if compliant documents have been presented but not yet honored, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” and “undrawn” in the amount so remaining available to be paid, and the obligations of the Borrower and each Lender shall remain in full force and effect until the Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall have no further obligations to make any payments or disbursements under any circumstances with respect to any Letter of Credit.

SECTION 1.09. Divisions. For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized and acquired on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time.

SECTION 1.10. Exchange Rates; Currency Equivalents. (a) The Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank, as applicable, shall determine the Dollar Equivalent amounts of Term Benchmark Borrowings or Letter of Credit extensions denominated in Foreign Currencies. Such Dollar Equivalent shall become effective as of such Revaluation Date and shall be the Dollar Equivalent of such amounts until the next Revaluation Date to occur. Except for purposes of financial statements delivered by the Borrower hereunder or calculating financial covenants hereunder or except as otherwise provided herein, the applicable amount of any Agreed Currency (other than Dollars) for purposes of the Loan Documents shall be such Dollar Equivalent amount as so determined by the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank, as applicable.

(b) Wherever in this Agreement in connection with a Borrowing, conversion, continuation or prepayment of a Term Benchmark Loan or an RFR Loan or the issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit, an amount, such as a required minimum or multiple amount, is expressed in Dollars, but such Borrowing, Loan or Letter of Credit is denominated in a Foreign Currency, such amount shall be the Dollar Equivalent of such amount (rounded to the nearest unit of such Foreign Currency, with 0.5 of a unit being rounded upward), as determined by the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be.

ARTICLE II

The Credits

SECTION 2.01. Commitments.

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Revolving Lender severally (and not jointly) agrees to make Revolving Loans in Dollars or in one or more Foreign Currencies to the Borrower from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result (after giving effect to any application of proceeds of such Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.10(a)) in (i) the Dollar Equivalent of such Lender’s Revolving Exposure exceeding such Lender’s Revolving Commitment, (ii) the Dollar Equivalent of the total outstanding Revolving Loans and LC Exposure, in each case denominated in Foreign Currencies, exceeding the Foreign Currency Sublimit or (iii) the Dollar Equivalent of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure exceeding the aggregate Revolving Commitments. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans.

 

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(b) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Term Lender severally (and not jointly) agrees to make a Term Loan in Dollars to the Borrower, on the Effective Date, in a principal amount not to exceed such Lender’s Term Loan Commitment, by making immediately available funds available to the Administrative Agent’s designated account not later than the time specified by the Administrative Agent. Amounts prepaid or repaid in respect of Term Loans may not be reborrowed.

SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings.

(a) Each Loan (other than a Swingline Loan) shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class, Agreed Currency and Type made by the applicable Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the applicable Class. The failure of any Lender to make any 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 Loans as required. Any Swingline Loan shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.05. The Term Loans shall amortize as set forth in Section 2.10.

(b) Subject to Section 2.14, each Revolving Borrowing and Term Loan Borrowing shall be comprised (A) in the case of Borrowings in Dollars, entirely of ABR Loans or Term Benchmark Loans and (B) in the case of Borrowings in any other Agreed Currency, entirely of Term Benchmark Loans or RFR Loans, as applicable, in each case of the same Agreed Currency, as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith; provided that each ABR Loan shall only be made in Dollars. Each Swingline Loan shall be an ABR Loan denominated in Dollars. Each Lender at its option may make any Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan (and in the case of an Affiliate, the provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 shall apply to such Affiliate to the same extent as to such Lender); provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Term Benchmark Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 (or, if such Borrowing is denominated in a Foreign Currency, 100,000 units of such currency) and not less than $500,000 (or, if such Borrowing is denominated in a Foreign Currency, 500,000 units of such currency). At the time that each ABR Borrowing and/or RFR Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 (or, if such Borrowing is denominated in a Foreign Currency, 100,000 units of such currency) and not less than $500,000 (or, if such Borrowing is denominated in a Foreign Currency, 500,000 units of such currency); provided that an ABR Revolving Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the total Revolving Commitments or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e). Each Swingline Loan shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000. Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of twelve (12) Term Benchmark Borrowings or RFR Borrowings outstanding.

(d) 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 applicable to such Class of Borrowings.

(e) To the extent the Borrower directs the Administrative Agent or the Lenders to remit the proceeds of any Loans hereunder to a Person other than the Borrower, in each such case, the Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that (i) all Loans constitute direct obligations of the Borrower, (ii) all Loans are made for the account of the Borrower and (iii) the deposit of the proceeds of the Loans as so provided directly benefits the Borrower.

 

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SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings. To request a Borrowing, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by submitting a Borrowing Request (a) (i) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing, (ii) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Euros or Canadian Dollars, not later than 12:00 p.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing, and (iii) in the case of an RFR Borrowing denominated in Sterling, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, five RFR Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, one (1) Business Day before the date of the proposed Borrowing; provided that any such notice of an ABR Revolving Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e) may be given not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Each such Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

(i) the Agreed Currency and aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;

(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;

(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Term Benchmark Borrowing or an RFR Borrowing and whether such Borrowing is a Revolving Borrowing or a Term Loan Borrowing;

(iv) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”; and

(v) the location and number of the Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.07.

If no election as to the currency of a Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be made in Dollars. If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing made in Dollars. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Term Benchmark Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Borrower be permitted to request an Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR Loan, Canadian Prime Loan or a CBR Loan (it being understood and agreed that any such rate shall only apply to the extent provided in Sections 2.08(e), 2.14(a) and 2.14(f), as applicable).

SECTION 2.04. [Intentionally Omitted].

SECTION 2.05. Swingline Loans.

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, from time to time during the Availability Period, the Swingline Lender may agree, but shall have no obligation, to make Swingline Loans in Dollars to the Borrower, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that will not result in (i) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans exceeding $20,000,000, (ii) the Swingline Lender’s Revolving Exposure exceeding its Revolving Commitment, or (iii) the Aggregate

 

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Revolving Exposure exceeding the aggregate Revolving Commitments; provided that the Swingline Lender shall not be required to make a Swingline Loan to refinance an outstanding Swingline Loan. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Swingline Loans. To request a Swingline Loan, the Borrower shall submit a written notice to the Administrative Agent of such request by fax or through any Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the day of a proposed Swingline Loan. Each such notice shall be in a form approved by the Administrative Agent, shall be irrevocable and shall specify the requested date (which shall be a Business Day) and amount of the requested Swingline Loan. The Administrative Agent will promptly advise the Swingline Lender of any such notice received from the Borrower. The Swingline Lender shall make each Swingline Loan available to the Borrower, to the extent the Swingline Lender elects to make such Swingline Loan, by means of a credit to the Funding Account(s) (or, in the case of a Swingline Loan made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e), by remittance to the Issuing Bank, and in the case of repayment of another Loan or fees or expenses as provided by Section 2.18(c), by remittance to the Administrative Agent to be distributed to the applicable Lenders) by 2:00 p.m., New York City time, on the requested date of such Swingline Loan.

(b) The Swingline Lender may by written notice given to the Administrative Agent require the Revolving Lenders to acquire participations on such Business Day in all or a portion of the Swingline Loans outstanding. Such notice shall specify the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans in which the Revolving Lenders will participate. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent will give notice thereof to each Revolving Lender, specifying in such notice such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, promptly upon receipt of such notice from the Administrative Agent (and in any event, if such notice is received by 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on a Business Day no later than 4:00 p.m., New York City time on such Business Day and if received after 11:00 a.m., New York City time, “on a Business Day” shall mean no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time on the immediately succeeding Business Day), to pay to the Administrative Agent in dollars, for the account of the Swingline Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in Swingline Loans pursuant to this paragraph is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Revolving Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Revolving Lender shall comply with its obligation under this paragraph by wire transfer in dollars of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Revolving Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Revolving Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Swingline Lender the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower of any participations in any Swingline Loan acquired pursuant to this paragraph, and thereafter payments in respect of such Swingline Loan shall be made to the Administrative Agent and not to the Swingline Lender. Any amounts received by the Swingline Lender from the Borrower (or other party on behalf of the Borrower) in respect of a Swingline Loan after receipt by the Swingline Lender of the proceeds of a sale of participations therein shall be promptly remitted to the Administrative Agent; any such amounts received by the Administrative Agent shall be promptly remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Revolving Lenders that shall have made their payments pursuant to this paragraph and to the Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear; provided that any such payment so remitted shall be repaid to the Swingline Lender or to the Administrative Agent, as applicable, if and to the extent such payment is required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason. The purchase of participations in a Swingline Loan pursuant to this paragraph shall not relieve the Borrower of any default in the payment thereof.

 

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(c) The Swingline Lender may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Swingline Lender and the successor Swingline Lender. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Revolving Lenders of any such replacement of the Swingline Lender. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid interest accrued for the account of the replaced Swingline Lender pursuant to Section 2.13(a). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (x) the successor Swingline Lender shall have all the rights and obligations of the replaced Swingline Lender under this Agreement with respect to Swingline Loans made thereafter and (y) references herein to the term “Swingline Lender” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Swingline Lender, or to such successor and all previous Swingline Lenders, as the context shall require. After the replacement of the Swingline Lender hereunder, the replaced Swingline Lender shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of a Swingline Lender under this Agreement with respect to Swingline Loans made by it prior to its replacement, but shall not be required to make additional Swingline Loans.

(d) Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Swingline Lender, the Swingline Lender may resign as Swingline Lender at any time upon thirty days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Revolving Lenders, in which case, the Swingline Lender shall be replaced in accordance with Section 2.05(c) above.

SECTION 2.06. Letters of Credit.

(a) General. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may request the Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit denominated in Agreed Currencies as the applicant thereof for the support of its or its Subsidiaries’ obligations, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period.

(b) Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Extension; Certain Conditions. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Borrower shall hand deliver or fax (or transmit through any Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Issuing Bank) to the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment or extension, but in any event no less than three Business Days) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the Agreed Currency applicable thereto, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof, and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend or extend such Letter of Credit. In addition, as a condition to any such Letter of Credit issuance, the Borrower shall have entered into a continuing agreement (or other letter of credit agreement) for the issuance of letters of credit and/or shall submit a letter of credit application, in each case, as required by the Issuing Bank and using such Issuing Bank’s standard form (each, a “Letter of Credit Agreement”). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any Letter of Credit Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment or extension of each Letter of Credit the Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment or extension (i) (x) the Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit issued by any Issuing Bank at such time plus (y) the aggregate Dollar Equivalent of all LC Disbursements made by such Issuing Bank that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time shall not exceed its Issuing Bank Sublimit, (ii) the Dollar Equivalent of the LC Exposure shall not exceed $15,000,000, (iii) no Lender’s Dollar Equivalent of Revolving Exposure shall exceed its Revolving Commitment and (iv) the Dollar Equivalent of the total outstanding Revolving Loans and LC Exposure, in each case denominated in Foreign Currencies, shall not exceed the Foreign Currency

 

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Sublimit. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary contained herein, no Issuing Bank shall be obligated to issue or modify any Letter of Credit if, immediately after giving effect thereto, the outstanding LC Exposure in respect of all Letters of Credit issued by such Person and its Affiliates would exceed such Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit. Without limiting the foregoing and without affecting the limitations contained herein, it is understood and agreed that the Borrower may from time to time request that an Issuing Bank issue Letters of Credit in excess of its individual Issuing Bank Sublimit in effect at the time of such request, and each Issuing Bank agrees to consider any such request in good faith. Any Letter of Credit so issued by an Issuing Bank in excess of its individual Issuing Bank Sublimit then in effect shall nonetheless constitute a Letter of Credit for all purposes of this Agreement, and shall not affect the Issuing Bank Sublimit of any other Issuing Bank, subject to the limitations set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) of this Section 2.06(b).

The Issuing Bank shall not be under any obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if:

(i) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the Issuing Bank from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Requirement of Law relating to the Issuing Bank or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the Issuing Bank shall prohibit, request or require that the Issuing Bank refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the Issuing Bank with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which the Issuing Bank is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Effective Date, or shall impose upon the Issuing Bank any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense that was not applicable on the Effective Date and that the Issuing Bank in good faith deems material to it; or

(ii) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of the Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally.

(c) Expiration Date. Each Letter of Credit shall expire (or be subject to termination or non-extension by notice from the Issuing Bank to the beneficiary thereof) at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any extension of the expiration thereof, including, without limitation, any automatic extension provision, one year after such extension) and (ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Revolving Credit Maturity Date; provided that any Letter of Credit with a one-year tenor may provide for the extension thereof for additional one-year periods (which shall in no event extend beyond the date referred to in clause (ii) above); provided further that any Letter of Credit may expire after the Revolving Credit Maturity Date so long as the Borrower cash collateralizes an amount equal to 105% of the face amount of such Letter of Credit, by no later than thirty (30) days prior to the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, in the manner described in Section 2.06(j) and otherwise on terms and conditions reasonably acceptable to the applicable Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent.

(d) Participations. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the Issuing Bank or the Revolving Lenders, the Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Revolving Lender, and each Revolving Lender hereby acquires from the Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Issuing Bank, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by the Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Borrower on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason, including after the Revolving Credit

 

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Maturity Date. Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Revolving Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. On the Effective Date, the Existing Letters of Credit shall automatically, and without any action on the part of any Person, be deemed to be Letters of Credit issued hereunder.

(e) Reimbursement. If the Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on (i) the Business Day that the Borrower receives notice of such LC Disbursement, if such notice is received prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is received after 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the day of receipt; provided that (x) if such LC Disbursement is greater than or equal to $1,000,000, the Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 or 2.05 that such payment be financed with an ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan in an equivalent amount or (y) if such LC Disbursement is denominated in a Foreign Currency and the Dollar Equivalent thereof is not less than $1,000,000, the Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowings set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 that such payment be converted into an equivalent amount of an ABR Revolving Borrowing denominated in Dollars in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent of such Foreign Currency and, in each case, to the extent so financed, the Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan, as applicable and, to the extent so financed, the Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan. If the Borrower fails to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Revolving Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrower in respect thereof, and such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Revolving Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from the Borrower, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Revolving Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrower pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Revolving Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and the Issuing Bank, as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Revolving Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of ABR Revolving Loans or a Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement. If the Borrower’s reimbursement of, or obligation to reimburse, any amounts in any Foreign Currency would subject the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to any stamp duty, ad valorem charge or similar tax that would not be payable if such reimbursement were made or required to be made in Dollars, the Borrower shall, at its option, either (x) pay the amount of any such tax requested by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the relevant Lender or (y) reimburse each LC Disbursement made in such Foreign Currency in Dollars, in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent thereof, calculated using the applicable Exchange Rates, on the date such LC Disbursement is made, of such LC Disbursement.

(f) Obligations Absolute. The Borrower’s obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances

 

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whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit, any Letter of Credit Agreement or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein or herein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) any payment by the Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, or (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrower’s obligations hereunder or (v) any adverse change in the relevant exchange rates or in the availability of the relevant Foreign Currency to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or in the relevant currency markets generally. None of the Administrative Agent, the Revolving Lenders or the Issuing Bank, or any of their respective Related Parties, shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit, or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms, any error in translation or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse the Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by the Issuing Bank’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Issuing Bank (as finally determined by a nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction), the Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.

(g) Disbursement Procedures. The Issuing Bank for any Letter of Credit shall, within the time allowed by applicable law or the specific terms of such Letter of Credit following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit. The Issuing Bank shall promptly after such examination notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower by telephone (confirmed by fax or through Electronic Systems) of such demand for payment and whether the Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse the Issuing Bank and the Revolving Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement.

(h) Interim Interest. If the Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full in the applicable currency on the date such LC Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the Borrower reimburses such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Revolving Loans and such interest shall be due and payable on the date when such reimbursement is due; provided that, if the Borrower fails to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section, then Section 2.13(d) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of the Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Revolving Lender pursuant to paragraph (e)

 

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of this Section to reimburse the Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.

(i) Replacement and Resignation of the Issuing Bank.

(i) The Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Revolving Lenders of any such replacement of the Issuing Bank. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.12(b). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (x) the successor Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of the replaced Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued thereafter and (y) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks, as the context shall require. After the replacement of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit then outstanding and issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit or extend or otherwise amend any existing Letter of Credit.

(ii) Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Issuing Bank, the Issuing Bank may resign as an Issuing Bank at any time upon thirty days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Revolving Lenders, in which case, such resigning Issuing Bank shall be replaced in accordance with Section 2.06(i)(i) above.

(j) Cash Collateralization. If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day that the Borrower receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the aggregate LC Exposure) demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrower shall deposit in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Revolving Lenders (the “LC Collateral Account”), an amount in cash in dollars equal to 105% of the amount of the LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of Article VII. The Borrower also shall deposit cash collateral in accordance with this paragraph as and to the extent required by Section 2.11(c) or 2.20. Each such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations. In addition, and without limiting the foregoing or paragraph (c) of this Section, if any LC Exposure remains outstanding after the expiration date specified in said paragraph (c), the Borrower shall immediately deposit into the LC Collateral Account an amount in cash equal to 105% of such LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon. The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over the LC Collateral Account and the Borrower hereby grants the Administrative Agent a security interest in the LC Collateral Account and all moneys or other assets on deposit therein or credited thereto. Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and at the Borrower’s risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed, together with related fees, costs, and customary processing charges, and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of

 

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Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the aggregate LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other Secured Obligations. If the Borrower is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrower within three (3) Business Days after all such Events of Default have been cured or waived as confirmed in writing by the Administrative Agent.

(k) Issuing Bank Reports to the Administrative Agent. In the event Chase is not the only Issuing Bank, and unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank other than Chase shall, in addition to its notification obligations set forth elsewhere in this Section, report in writing to the Administrative Agent (i) periodic activity (for such period or recurrent periods as shall be requested by the Administrative Agent) in respect of Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, including all issuances, extensions and amendments, all expirations and cancelations and all disbursements and reimbursements, (ii) reasonably prior to the time that such Issuing Bank issues, amends or extends any Letter of Credit, the date of such issuance, amendment or extension, and the stated amount of the Letters of Credit issued, amended or extended by it and outstanding after giving effect to such issuance, amendment or extension (and whether the amounts thereof shall have changed), (iii) on each Business Day on which such Issuing Bank makes any LC Disbursement, the date and amount of such LC Disbursement, (iv) on any Business Day on which the Borrower fails to reimburse an LC Disbursement required to be reimbursed to such Issuing Bank on such day, the date of such failure and the amount of such LC Disbursement, and (v) on any other Business Day, such other information as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request as to the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank.

(l) Letters of Credit Issued for Account of Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder supports any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary, or states that a Subsidiary is the “account party,” “applicant,” “customer,” “instructing party,” or the like of or for such Letter of Credit, and without derogating from any rights of the applicable Issuing Bank (whether arising by contract, at law, in equity or otherwise) against such Subsidiary in respect of such Letter of Credit, the Borrower (i) shall reimburse, indemnify and compensate the applicable Issuing Bank hereunder for such Letter of Credit (including to reimburse any and all drawings thereunder) as if such Letter of Credit had been issued solely for the account of the Borrower and (ii) irrevocably waives any and all defenses that might otherwise be available to it as a guarantor or surety of any or all of the obligations of such Subsidiary in respect of such Letter of Credit. The Borrower hereby acknowledges that the issuance of such Letters of Credit for its Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of the Borrower, and that the Borrower’s business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries.

SECTION 2.07. Funding of Borrowings.

(a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof solely by wire transfer of immediately available funds (i) in the case of Loans denominated in Dollars, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders and (ii) in the case of each Loan denominated in a Foreign Currency, by 12:00 noon, Local Time, in the city of the Administrative Agent’s Payment Office for such currency and at such Payment Office for such currency; provided that (i) Term Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.01(b) and (ii) Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.05. Except in respect of the provisions of this Agreement covering the reimbursement of Letters of Credit, the Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower by promptly crediting the funds so received in the aforesaid account of the Administrative Agent to (x) an account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent in New York City or Chicago and designated by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request, in the case of Loans Denominated in Dollars and (y) an account of the Borrower in the relevant jurisdiction and designated by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request, in the case of Loans denominated in a Foreign Currency; provided that ABR Revolving Loans made to

 

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finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Issuing Bank.

(b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance 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 each severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand 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 the applicable Overnight Rate and a rate 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 to ABR Loans, or in the case of Foreign Currencies, in accordance with such market practice, in each case, as applicable. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing; provided, that any interest received from the Borrower by the Administrative Agent during the period beginning when Administrative Agent funded the Borrowing until such Lender pays such amount shall be solely for the account of the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 2.08. Interest Elections.

(a) Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type and Agreed Currency specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Term Benchmark 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 Term Benchmark Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. 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 Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. This Section shall not apply to Swingline Borrowings, which may not be converted or continued.

(b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election either in writing (delivered by hand or fax) by delivering an Interest Election Request signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower or through any Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrower were requesting a Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable. Notwithstanding any contrary provision herein, this Section shall not be construed to permit the Borrower to (i) change the currency of any Borrowing, (ii) elect an Interest Period for Term Benchmark Loans that does not comply with Section 2.02(d), (iii) convert any Borrowing to a Borrowing of a Type not available under the Class of Commitments pursuant to which such Borrowing was made, or (iv) elect Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, Canadian Prime or a Central Bank Rate (it being understood and agreed that any such rate shall only apply to the extent provided in Sections 2.08(e), 2.14(a) and 2.14(f), as applicable).

(c) Each Interest Election Request (including requests submitted through any Electronic System) shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

(i) the Agreed Currency and principal amount of the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof,

 

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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 (in the case of Borrowings denominated in Dollars), or a Term Benchmark Borrowing or an RFR Borrowing; and

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

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

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

(e) If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Term Benchmark Borrowing in Dollars 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 deemed to have an Interest Period that is one month. If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely and complete Interest Election Request with respect to a Term Benchmark Borrowing in a Foreign Currency prior to the end of the Interest Period therefor, then, unless such Term Benchmark Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected that such Term Benchmark Borrowing shall automatically be continued as a Term Benchmark Borrowing in its original Agreed Currency with an Interest Period of one month at the end of such Interest Period.

Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing:

(i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Term Benchmark Borrowing;

(ii) unless repaid, each Term Benchmark Borrowing and each RFR Borrowing, in each case denominated in Dollars, shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto (or immediately in the case of an RFR Borrowing);

(iii) unless repaid, each Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars shall be converted to a Canadian Prime Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto; and

(iv) unless repaid, each Term Benchmark Borrowing and each RFR Borrowing, in each case denominated in a Foreign Currency (other than Canadian Dollars) shall bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency plus the CBR Spread; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected Term Benchmark Loans denominated in any Agreed Currency other than Dollars shall either be (1) converted to an ABR Borrowing denominated in Dollars (in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent of

 

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such Foreign Currency) at the end of the Interest Period therefor (or immediately in the case of an RFR Borrowing) or (2) prepaid at the end of the applicable Interest Period (or immediately in the case of an RFR Borrowing) in full; provided that, in the case of a Term Benchmark Loan, if no election is made by the Borrower by the earlier of (A) the date that is three Business Days after receipt by the Borrower of such notice and (B) the last day of the current Interest Period for the applicable Term Benchmark Loan, the Borrower shall be deemed to have elected clause (1) above.

SECTION 2.09. Termination and Reduction of Commitments; Increase in Revolving Commitments; Incremental Term Loans.

(a) Unless previously terminated, (i) the Term Loan Commitments shall terminate at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Effective Date and (ii) all the Revolving Commitments shall terminate on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

(b) The Borrower may at any time terminate the Revolving Commitments upon the Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations.

(c) The Borrower may at any time and from time to time reduce the Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $2,500,000 and not less than $5,000,000 and (ii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Revolving Loans in accordance with Section 2.11, the Dollar Equivalent amount of any Lender’s Revolving Exposure would exceed its Revolving Commitment.

(d) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments under paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Revolving Commitments delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or other transactions specified therein, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitments.

(e) The Borrower shall have the right to obtain one or more (x) additional Revolving Commitments (each, an “Incremental Revolving Commitment”), which shall be in the form of an increase to (and constitute the same Class as) the then-existing Revolving Commitments and/or (y) increases to the size of the existing Term Loans and/or tranches of additional term loans, which may be of the same Class as any then-existing Term Loans (each an “Incremental Term Loan”), in each case by obtaining Incremental Revolving Commitments or commitments to make Incremental Term Loans (each, an “Incremental Term Loan Commitment”), either from one or more of the Lenders or another Person (other than any Ineligible Institution) in the Borrower’s sole discretion; provided that (i) any such Incremental Revolving Commitments, Incremental Term Loan Commitments or Incremental Term Loans shall be in a minimum amount of $10,000,000 (or such lesser amount as may be approved by the Administrative Agent), (ii) after giving effect thereto (and assuming that all Incremental Revolving Commitments and Incremental Term Loan Commitments included in the applicable Incremental Facility are fully drawn), the sum of the total of the Incremental Revolving Commitments, Incremental Term Loan Commitments and Incremental Term Loans incurred during the term of this Agreement does not exceed the Available Incremental Amount, (iii) the Administrative Agent and, only in the case of any Incremental Revolving Commitments, the Swingline

 

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Lender and the Issuing Bank, in each case, have approved the identity of any such new Lender, such approvals not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, (iv) any such new Lender assumes all of the rights and obligations of a “Lender” hereunder, (v) each such Incremental Facility satisfies the Specified Debt Conditions and the conditions set forth in Sections 2.09(g) and (h), in each case, to the extent applicable and (vi) the procedures described in Section 2.09(f) have been satisfied. Nothing contained in this Section 2.09 shall constitute, or otherwise be deemed to be, a commitment on the part of any Lender to increase its Revolving Commitment or participate in any tranche of Incremental Term Loans hereunder at any time. The Borrower shall have no obligation to approach or offer any existing Lender to provide any Incremental Term Loan Commitment, Incremental Term Loan or Incremental Revolving Commitment.

(f) As a condition precedent to such an increase of the Revolving Commitments or tranche of Incremental Term Loans, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent (i) a certificate of each Loan Party signed by an authorized officer of such Loan Party (A) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase or tranche, and (B) subject to Section 1.05, in the case of the Borrower, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase or tranche, the Specified Debt Conditions have been satisfied and (ii) legal opinions and documents consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent.

(g) In the case of any Incremental Revolving Commitments:

(i) the terms of such Incremental Revolving Commitments shall be identical to the terms of the then existing Revolving Commitments (and, for the avoidance of doubt, evidenced by this Agreement) and shall be combined as a single ratable tranche with the then existing Revolving Commitments; provided that any Incremental Facility Amendment implementing any Incremental Revolving Commitments in accordance with this Section 2.09 may increase the interest rate margins, floor and fees (including unused line fees) payable in respect of the Revolving Commitments and Revolving Loans so long as any such increase is applied to all existing and newly established Revolving Commitments; provided further, that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, underwriting, arrangement, structuring, ticking, commitment, upfront or similar fees, and other fees payable in connection therewith that are not shared with all relevant lenders providing such Incremental Revolving Commitments, that may be agreed to among the Borrower and the lender(s) providing and/or arranging such Incremental Revolving Commitments may be paid in connection with such Incremental Revolving Commitments; and

(ii) on the effective date of any such increase, (x) any Lender providing an Incremental Revolving Commitment shall make available to the Administrative Agent such amounts in immediately available funds as the Administrative Agent shall determine, for the benefit of the other Lenders, as being required in order to cause, after giving effect to such increase or addition and the use of such amounts to make payments to such other Lenders, each Lender’s portion of the outstanding Revolving Loans of all the Lenders to equal its revised Applicable Percentage of such outstanding Revolving Loans, and the Administrative Agent shall make such other adjustments among the Lenders with respect to the Revolving Loans then outstanding and amounts of principal, interest, commitment fees and other amounts paid or payable with respect thereto as shall be necessary, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, in order to effect such reallocation and (y) the Borrower shall be deemed to have repaid and reborrowed all outstanding Revolving Loans as of the date of any incurrence of Incremental Revolving Commitments (with such reborrowing to consist of the Types of Revolving Loans, with related Interest Periods if applicable, specified by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent). The deemed payments made pursuant to clause (y) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be accompanied by payment of all accrued interest on the amount prepaid and, in respect of each Term Benchmark Loan, shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 if the deemed payment occurs other than on the last day of the related Interest Periods.

 

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(h) In the case of any Incremental Term Loans:

(i) such Incremental Term Loans shall be evidenced by this Agreement, as amended in accordance with the terms hereof;

(ii) such Incremental Term Loans (A) shall rank pari passu in right of payment with the Revolving Loans and the Term Loans, (B) may provide for the ability to participate on a pro rata basis or less than a pro rata basis in any voluntary repayments or prepayments of principal of other Term Loans hereunder and on a pro rata basis or less than a pro rata basis (but, except as otherwise permitted by this Agreement, not on a greater than pro rata basis) in any mandatory repayments or prepayments of principal of other Term Loans hereunder and (C) shall be subject in all respects to Section 2.09(e); provided that (x) subject to Section 2.09(h)(iii) below, the terms and conditions applicable to any tranche of such Incremental Term Loans maturing after the latest Maturity Date in effect at such time may provide for material additional or different financial or other covenants or prepayment requirements applicable only during periods after such Maturity Date and (y) subject to the immediately following proviso, such Incremental Term Loans may be priced differently than the Revolving Loans and the initial Term Loans (including, without limitation, interest margin, interest rate floors, original issue discount, underwriting, arrangement, unused line, structuring, ticking, commitment, upfront or similar fees, and other fees payable in connection therewith that may be agreed to among the Borrower and the lender(s) providing and/or arranging such Incremental Term Loans) ; provided further that (I) if the Effective Yield in respect of such Incremental Term Loans as of the date of funding thereof exceeds the Effective Yield in respect of any initial Term Loans by more than 0.50%, the Applicable Rate in respect of such initial Term Loans shall be increased so that the Effective Yield in respect of such initial Term Loans is equal to the Effective Yield in respect of such Incremental Term Loans minus 0.50%, and (II) to the extent any change in the Effective Yield of the initial Term Loans is necessitated by the foregoing clause (I) on the basis of an effective interest rate floor in respect of such Incremental Term Loans, the increased Effective Yield in the initial Term Loans shall (unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Borrower) have such increase in the Effective Yield effected solely by increases in the interest rate floor(s) applicable to the initial Term Loans, but only to the extent an increase in the interest rate floor in the initial Term Loans would cause an increase in the Benchmark then in effect for such initial Term Loans;

(iii) subject to the consent of the Administrative Agent, such Incremental Term Loans may have the benefit of terms and conditions (including financial covenants) that are more restrictive than those applicable to the initial Term Loans so long as such more restrictive terms are also provided for the benefit of all other Commitments and Loans then outstanding; and

(iv) such Incremental Term Loans shall constitute “Senior Obligations” under the Subordination Agreement.

(i) Subject to the foregoing conditions, any Incremental Term Loan Commitments, Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Revolving Commitments shall be made hereunder pursuant to an amendment or restatement (an “Incremental Facility Amendment”) of this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by the Borrower, each Lender participating in such tranche and the Administrative Agent. The Incremental Facility Amendment may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.09 and reflect the applicable Incremental Term Loans and/or Incremental Revolving Commitments, as applicable. Within a reasonable time after the effective date of any increase or addition, the Administrative Agent shall, and is hereby authorized and directed to, revise the Commitment Schedule to reflect such increase or addition and shall distribute such revised Commitment Schedule to each of the

 

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Lenders and the Borrower, whereupon such revised Commitment Schedule shall replace the old Commitment Schedule and become part of this Agreement.

(j) In connection with any Incremental Revolving Commitments, Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Term Loan Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.09, any new lending institution becoming a party hereto shall (i) execute such documents and agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and (ii) provide to the Administrative Agent, its name, address, tax identification number and/or such other information as shall be necessary for the Administrative Agent to comply with “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation, the USA PATRIOT Act.

SECTION 2.10. Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt.

(a) The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date in the currency of such Loan, and (ii) to the Swingline Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan on the earlier of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and the fifth Business Day after such Swingline Loan is made; provided that on each date that a Revolving Loan is made, the Borrower shall repay all Swingline Loans then outstanding and the proceeds of any such Revolving Loan shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to repay any Swingline Loans outstanding.

(b) The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay in dollars to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Term Lender on each date set forth below the aggregate principal amount set forth opposite such date (as adjusted from time to time pursuant to Section 2.11(e) or 2.18(b)):

 

Date

   Amount  

September 30, 2022

   $ 4,375,000  

December 31, 2022

   $ 4,375,000  

March 31, 2023

   $ 4,375,000  

June 30, 2023

   $ 4,375,000  

September 30, 2023

   $ 4,375,000  

December 31, 2023

   $ 4,375,000  

March 31, 2024

   $ 4,375,000  

June 30, 2024

   $ 4,375,000  

September 30, 2024

   $ 6,562,500  

December 31, 2024

   $ 6,562,500  

March 31, 2025

   $ 6,562,500  

June 30, 2025

   $ 6,562,500  

September 30, 2025

   $ 8,750,000  

December 31, 2025

   $ 8,750,000  

March 31, 2026

   $ 8,750,000  

June 30, 2026

   $ 8,750,000  

September 30, 2026

   $ 8,750,000  

December 31, 2026

   $ 8,750,000  

March 31, 2027

   $ 8,750,000  

Term Loan Maturity Date

    


The entire unpaid
principal amount
of all Term
Loans
 
 
 
 

 

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; provided that, if any date set forth above is not a Business Day, then payment shall be due and payable on the Business Day immediately preceding such date. To the extent not previously paid, all unpaid Term Loans shall be paid in full in cash in dollars by the Borrower on the Term Loan Maturity Date.

(c) 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 Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

(d) Prior to any repayment of any Term Loan Borrowings under this Section, the Borrower shall select the Borrowing or Borrowings of the Term Loans to be repaid and shall notify the Administrative Agent by fax or through any Electronic System of such selection not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three (3) Business Days before the scheduled date of such repayment. Each repayment of a Term Loan Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the repaid Term Loan Borrowing. Repayments of Term Loan Borrowings shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the amounts repaid.

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

(f) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (c) or (e) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the Obligations.

(g) Any Lender may request that Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in a form approved by the Administrative Agent. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form.

SECTION 2.11. Prepayment of Loans. (a) The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (b) of this Section.

(b) The Borrower shall deliver a Notice of Prepayment to the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of prepayment of Swingline Loans, the Swingline Lender) or notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by a Notice of Prepayment) of any prepayment hereunder (i) (w) in the case of prepayment of a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment, (x) in the case of prepayment of a Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing denominated in Euros or Canadian Dollars, not later than 12:00 p.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment and (y) in the case of prepayment of an RFR Revolving Borrowing denominated in Sterling, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, five (5) RFR Business Days before the date of prepayment, (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, one Business Day before the date of prepayment, or (iii) in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a Notice of

 

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Prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.09, then such Notice of Prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.09. Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02. Each prepayment of a Revolving Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Revolving Loans included in the prepaid Revolving Borrowing, each voluntary prepayment of a Term Loan Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Term Loans included in the prepaid Term Loan Borrowing in such order of application as directed by the Borrower, and each mandatory prepayment of a Term Loan Borrowing shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.11(g). Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.13 and any break funding payments required by Section 2.16.

(c) If the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower at any time that, (i) other than as a result of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, (A) the sum of the aggregate principal Dollar Equivalent of all of the Revolving Exposures (calculated, with respect to those Credit Events denominated in Foreign Currencies, as of the most recent Revaluation Date with respect to each such Credit Event) exceeds the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (B) the sum of the aggregate principal Dollar Equivalent of all of the outstanding Revolving Exposures denominated in Foreign Currencies (the “Foreign Currency Exposure”) (so calculated), as of the most recent Revaluation Date with respect to each such Credit Event, exceeds the Foreign Currency Sublimit or (ii) solely as a result of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, (A) the sum of the aggregate principal Dollar Equivalent of all of the Revolving Exposures (so calculated) exceeds 105% of the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (B) the Foreign Currency Exposure, as of the most recent Revaluation Date with respect to each such Credit Event, exceeds 105% of the Foreign Currency Sublimit, the Borrower shall in each case immediately repay Revolving Borrowings or cash collateralize LC Exposure in an account with the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.06(j), as applicable, in an aggregate principal amount sufficient to cause (x) the aggregate Dollar Equivalent of all Revolving Exposures (so calculated) to be less than or equal to the aggregate Revolving Commitments and (y) the Foreign Currency Exposure to be less than or equal to the Foreign Currency Sublimit, as applicable.

(d) In the event and on each occasion that any Net Proceeds are received by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in respect of any Prepayment Event, the Borrower shall, immediately after such Net Proceeds are received, prepay the Obligations as set forth in Section 2.11(g) below in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of such Net Proceeds; provided that, in the case of any event described in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event”, (x) a prepayment under this Section 2.11(d) shall only be required to the extent the aggregate Net Proceeds relating to all such Prepayment Events exceeds $1,000,000 in any fiscal year (and thereafter only Net Proceeds relating to such Prepayment Events in excess of such amount) and (y) if the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer to the effect that the Borrower or its relevant Subsidiaries intend to apply the Net Proceeds from such event (or a portion thereof specified in such certificate), within 180 days after receipt of such Net Proceeds, to acquire (or replace or rebuild) real property, equipment or other tangible assets (excluding inventory) to be used in the business of the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries, and certifying that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, then no prepayment shall be required pursuant to this paragraph in respect of the Net Proceeds specified in such certificate; provided further that to the extent of any such Net Proceeds therefrom that have not been so applied by the end of such 180-day period, at which time a prepayment shall be required in an amount equal to such Net Proceeds that have not been so applied.

(e) The Borrower shall prepay the Obligations on the date that is ten days after the earlier of (i) the date on which Borrower’s annual audited financial statements for the immediately preceding fiscal year are delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 (commencing with the delivery of annual

 

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audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023) or (ii) the date on which such annual audited financial statements were required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 (commencing with the annual audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023), in an amount equal to the ECF Percentage of the Borrower’s Excess Cash Flow for such immediately preceding fiscal year. As used herein, “ECF Percentage” means (x) fifty percent (50%) if the Senior Leverage Ratio as of the last day of such period was greater than 3.25 to 1.00, (y) twenty-five percent (25%) if the Senior Leverage Ratio as of the last day of such period was greater than 2.75 to 1.00 but less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00 and (z) zero percent (0%) if the Senior Leverage Ratio as of the last day of such period was less than or equal to 2.75 to 1.00. Each Excess Cash Flow prepayment shall be accompanied by a certificate signed by a Financial Officer certifying the manner in which Excess Cash Flow and the resulting prepayment were calculated, which certificate shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

(f) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 2.11, to the extent that any or all of the Net Proceeds of any Prepayment Event by a Foreign Subsidiary or CFC Holding Company giving rise to a prepayment pursuant to Section 2.11(d) above (a “Foreign Prepayment Event”) are prohibited or delayed by any law (including financial assistance, corporate benefit, restrictions on upstreaming of cash, and the fiduciary and statutory duties of directors) applicable to such Foreign Subsidiary or CFC Holding Company from being repatriated to any Loan Party, an amount equal to the portion of such Net Proceeds so affected will not be required to be applied to repay the Obligations at the times provided in Section 2.11(d) above, but only so long as the applicable law will not permit repatriation to any Loan Party (the Loan Parties hereby agreeing to cause the applicable Foreign Subsidiary or CFC Holding Company to promptly take all commercially reasonable actions (as determined in the Borrower’s reasonable business judgment) for a period of no longer than one (1) year that are reasonably required by the applicable law to permit such repatriation to a Loan Party), and once a repatriation of any of such affected Net Proceeds is permitted in such year under the applicable law, an amount equal to such Net Proceeds will be promptly (and in any event not later than five (5) Business Days after such repatriation is permitted) applied (net of any taxes (including withholding taxes), costs or expenses that would be payable or reserved against if such amounts were actually repatriated whether or not they are repatriated) pursuant to Section 2.11(d) above. For the avoidance of doubt, so long as an amount equal to the amount of the Net Proceeds required to be applied in accordance with Section 2.11(d) above is applied by the Borrower, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require any Foreign Subsidiary or any CFC Holding Company to repatriate cash. The non-application of any prepayment amounts as a consequence of this clause (f) will not, for the avoidance of doubt, constitute a Default or Event of Default, and such amounts shall be available for working capital purposes or other general corporate purposes of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as long as not required to be prepaid in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this clause (f).

(g) All such amounts pursuant to Sections 2.11(d) and (e) shall be applied to prepay the Term Loans in the inverse order of maturity.

SECTION 2.12. Fees.

(a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent a commitment fee for the account of each Revolving Lender, which shall accrue at the Applicable Rate on the daily amount of the undrawn portion of the Revolving Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which the Lenders’ Revolving Commitments terminate; it being understood that the LC Exposure of a Lender shall be included and the Swingline Exposure of a Lender shall be excluded in the drawn portion of the Revolving Commitment of such Lender for purposes of calculating the commitment fee; provided that, if such Lender continues to have any Revolving Exposure after its Revolving Commitment terminates, then such commitment fee shall continue to accrue on the daily amount of such Lender’s Revolving Exposure from and including the date on which its Revolving

 

68


Commitment terminates to but excluding the date on which such Lender ceases to have any Revolving Exposure. Commitment fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable in arrears on the fifteenth (15th) day following such last day and on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof; provided that any commitment fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day and last day of each period but excluding the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate).

(b) The Borrower agrees to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in each outstanding Letter of Credit, which shall accrue on the daily maximum stated amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit at the same Applicable Rate used to determine the interest rate applicable to Term Benchmark Revolving Loans, during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lender’s Revolving Commitment terminates and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure, and (ii) to the Issuing Bank for its own account a fronting fee, which shall accrue at a rate per annum equal to 0.125% on the daily maximum stated amount then available to be drawn under each outstanding Letter of Credit, during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure, as well as the Issuing Bank’s standard fees and commissions with respect to the issuance, amendment, cancellation, negotiation, transfer, presentment or extension of any Letter of Credit and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of the Issuing Bank relating to Letters of Credit as from time to time in effect. Participation fees and fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable on the fifteenth (15th) day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to the Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within ten (10) days after demand. All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

(c) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

(d) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid in Dollars on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to the Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the Lenders entitled thereto. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

SECTION 2.13. Interest.

(a) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing (including each Swingline Loan) shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate. Each Canadian Prime Loan shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Canadian Prime Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

(b) The Loans comprising each Term Benchmark Borrowing shall bear interest at the Term Benchmark for the applicable Agreed Currency and Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate.

 

69


(c) Each RFR Loan shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR plus the Applicable Rate.

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may, at their option, by notice to the Borrower (which notice may be revoked at the option of the Required Lenders notwithstanding any provision of Section 9.02 requiring the consent of “each Lender directly affected thereby” for reductions in interest rates), declare that (i) all Loans shall bear interest at 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loans as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount outstanding hereunder, such amount shall accrue at 2% plus the rate applicable to such fee or other obligation as provided hereunder.

(e) Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears, in the same Agreed Currency as the applicable Loan, on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and, in the case of Revolving Loans, upon termination of the Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Revolving Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Term Benchmark Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.

(f) Interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate (except when based on the Prime Rate), the Term SOFR Rate, the EURIBOR Rate or Daily Simple RFR with respect to Dollars hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days. Interest computed by reference to the Daily Simple RFR with respect to Sterling, the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate, the Canadian Prime Rate and the CDOR Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year). In each case interest shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). All interest hereunder on any Loan shall be computed on a daily basis based upon the outstanding principal amount of such Loan as of the applicable date of determination. The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, Term SOFR Rate, Adjusted CDOR Rate, CDOR Rate, Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, EURIBOR Rate, Adjusted Daily Simple RFR, Daily Simple RFR, the Canadian Prime Rate or Central Bank Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

SECTION 2.14. Alternate Rate of Interest.

(a) Subject to clauses (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of this Section 2.14, if:

(i) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, the EURIBOR Rate, the Adjusted CDOR Rate or the CDOR Rate, as applicable (including because the Relevant Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis), for the applicable Agreed Currency and such Interest Period or (B) at any time, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable Adjusted Daily Simple RFR, Daily Simple RFR or RFR for the applicable Agreed Currency; or

(ii) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Adjusted

 

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Term SOFR Rate, the Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, the EURIBOR Rate, the Adjusted CDOR Rate or the CDOR Rate, as applicable, for the applicable Agreed Currency and such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Loans included in such Borrowing for the applicable Agreed Currency and such Interest Period or (B) at any time, the applicable Adjusted Daily Simple RFR or RFR for the applicable Agreed Currency will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Loans included in such Borrowing for the applicable Agreed Currency;

then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by telephone, telecopy or electronic mail as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until (x) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist with respect to the relevant Benchmark and (y) the Borrower delivers a new Interest Election Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.08 or a new Borrowing Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.03, (A) for Loans denominated in Dollars, any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Term Benchmark Borrowing and any Borrowing Request that requests a Term Benchmark Borrowing shall instead be deemed to be an Interest Election Request or a Borrowing Request, as applicable, for (x) an RFR Borrowing denominated in Dollars so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings is not also the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above or (y) an ABR Borrowing if the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings also is the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above, (B) for Loans denominated in Canadian Dollars, any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Term Benchmark Borrowing and any Borrowing Request that requests a Term Benchmark Borrowing shall instead be deemed to be an Interest Election Request or a Borrowing Request, as applicable, for a Canadian Prime Borrowing and (C) for Loans denominated in a Foreign Currency (other than Canadian Dollars), any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Term Benchmark Borrowing and any Borrowing Request that requests a Term Benchmark Borrowing or an RFR Borrowing, in each case, for the relevant Benchmark shall be ineffective; provided that if the circumstances giving rise to such notice affect only one Type of Borrowings, then all other Types of Borrowings shall be permitted.

Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan in any Agreed Currency is outstanding on the date of the Borrower’s receipt of the notice from the Administrative Agent referred to in this Section 2.14(a) with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan, then until (x) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, with respect to the relevant Benchmark and (y) the Borrower delivers a new Interest Election Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.08 or a new Borrowing Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.03:

(A) for Loans denominated in Dollars, (1) any Term Benchmark Loan shall on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, (x) an RFR Borrowing denominated in Dollars so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings is not also the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above or (y) an ABR Loan if the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings also is the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above, on such day, and (2) any RFR Loan shall on and from such day be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute an ABR Loan;

(B) for Loans denominated in Canadian Dollars, any Term Benchmark Loan shall on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, a Canadian Prime Loan; and

 

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(C) for Loans denominated in a Foreign Currency (other than Canadian Dollars), (1) any Term Benchmark Loan shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day) bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency plus the CBR Spread; provided, that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected Term Benchmark Loans denominated in any Foreign Currency shall, at the Borrower’s election prior to such day: (A) be prepaid by the Borrower on such day or (B) solely for the purpose of calculating the interest rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan, such Term Benchmark Loan denominated in any Foreign Currency shall be deemed to be a Term Benchmark Loan denominated in Dollars and shall accrue interest at the same interest rate applicable to Term Benchmark Loans denominated in Dollars at such time, and (2) any RFR Loan shall bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency plus the CBR Spread; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected RFR Loans denominated in any Foreign Currency, at the Borrower’s election, shall either (A) be converted into ABR Loans denominated in Dollars (in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent of such Foreign Currency) immediately or (B) be prepaid in full immediately.

(b) 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 the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (1) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” with respect to Dollars 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 (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” with respect to any Agreed Currency for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will 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.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

(d) The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (iv) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to clause (f) below and (v) the commencement or conclusion 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 2.14, 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

 

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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 2.14.

(e) 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 the Term SOFR Rate, EURIBOR Rate or CDOR 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 or will be no longer representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative 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 or will no longer be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.

(f) Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke any request for a Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Term Benchmark Loans or RFR Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, either (x) the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request for (1) a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars into a request for a Borrowing of or conversion to (A) an RFR Borrowing denominated in Dollars so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings is not the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event or (B) an ABR Borrowing if the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings is the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event or (y) any request relating to a Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing denominated in a Foreign Currency shall be ineffective. During any 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 ABR.

Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan in any Agreed Currency is outstanding on the date of the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan, then until such time as a Benchmark Replacement for such Agreed Currency is implemented pursuant to this Section 2.14:

(A) for Loans denominated in Dollars, (1) any Term Benchmark Loan shall on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, (x) an RFR Borrowing denominated in Dollars so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings is not the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event or (y) an ABR Loan if the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings is the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event, on such day and (2) any RFR Loan shall on and from such day, be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute an ABR Loan;

(B) for Loans denominated in Canadian Dollars, any Term Benchmark Loan shall on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, a Canadian Prime Borrowing; and

 

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(C) for Loans denominated in any Foreign Currency (other than Canadian Dollars), (1) any Term Benchmark Loan shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day) bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency plus the CBR Spread; provided that if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected Term Benchmark Loans denominated in any Foreign Currency shall, at the Borrower’s election prior to such day: (A) be prepaid by the Borrower on such day or (B) solely for the purpose of calculating the interest rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan, such Term Benchmark Loan denominated in any Foreign Currency shall be deemed to be a Term Benchmark Loan denominated in Dollars and shall accrue interest at the same interest rate applicable to Term Benchmark Loans denominated in Dollars at such time and (2) any RFR Loan shall bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency plus the CBR Spread; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected RFR Loans denominated in any Foreign Currency, at the Borrower’s election, shall either (A) be converted into ABR Loans denominated in Dollars (in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent of such Foreign Currency) immediately or (B) be prepaid in full immediately.

(g) If the Lender determines that any Requirement of Law described in clause (b) of such definition has made it unlawful, or if any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for the Lender or its applicable lending office to make, maintain, fund or continue any Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing denominated in any Agreed Currency, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of the Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, any Agreed Currency in the applicable interbank offering market, then, on notice thereof by the Lender to the Borrower, any obligations of the Lender to make, maintain, fund or continue Term Benchmark Loans or RFR Loans denominated in such Agreed Currency, or to continue or convert any Borrowings to Term Benchmark Borrowings or RFR Borrowings denominated in such Agreed Currency, as the case may be, will be suspended until the Lender notifies the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower will upon, demand from the Lender, either prepay or convert all Term Benchmark Borrowings or RFR Borrowings denominated in such Agreed Currency of the Lender to ABR Borrowings (in the case of any such Borrowing denominated in Dollars) or CBR Borrowings (in the case of any such Borrowing denominated in a Foreign Currency), either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor (in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing) or immediately (in the case of an RFR Borrowing), if the Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Borrowings to such day, or immediately, if the Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower will also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

SECTION 2.15. Increased Costs.

(a) If any Change in Law shall:

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, liquidity or similar requirement (including any compulsory loan requirement, insurance charge or other assessment) against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate or the Adjusted CDOR Rate, as applicable) or Issuing Bank;

(ii) impose on any Lender or the Issuing Bank or the applicable offshore interbank market for the applicable Agreed Currency any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein; or

 

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(iii) subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, continuing, converting into or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to increase the cost to such Lender, the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrower will pay to such Lender, the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

(b) If any Lender or the Issuing Bank 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 or the Issuing Bank’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

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

(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 270 days prior to the date that such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 270-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

SECTION 2.16. Break Funding Payments.

(a) With respect to Loans that are not RFR Loans, in the event of (i) the payment of any principal of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or as a result of any optional or mandatory prepayment of Loans), (ii) the conversion of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (iii) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Term Benchmark Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked

 

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under Section 2.09(d) and is revoked in accordance therewith), (iv) the assignment of any Term Benchmark 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 2.19 or 9.02(d) or (v) the failure by the Borrower to make any payment of any Loan or drawing under any Letter of Credit (or interest due thereon) denominated in a Foreign Currency on its scheduled due date or any payment thereof in a different currency, then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error, then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event.

(b) With respect to RFR Loans, in the event of (i) the payment of any principal of any RFR Loan other than on the Interest Payment Date applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or an optional or mandatory prepayment of Loans), (ii) the failure to borrow or prepay any RFR Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.09(d) and is revoked in accordance therewith), (iii) the assignment of any RFR Loan other than on the Interest Payment Date applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.19 or 9.02(d) or (iv) the failure by the Borrower to make any payment of any Loan or drawing under any Letter of Credit (or interest due thereof) denominated in a Foreign Currency on its scheduled due date or any payment thereof in a different currency, then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event.

(c) A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 2.16 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 ten (10) days after receipt thereof.

SECTION 2.17. Taxes.

(a) Withholding of Taxes; Gross-Up; Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document (including, without limitation, the Secured Obligations and Guaranteed Obligations of each Loan Party) shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law. If any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable withholding agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a withholding agent, then the applicable withholding agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.17), the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

(b) Payment of Other Taxes by Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for, Other Taxes.

(c) Evidence of Payment. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Loan Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 2.17, 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.

 

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(d) Indemnification by the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, within ten (10) days after 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) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient 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 any 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.

(e) Indemnification by the Lenders. Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within ten (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(c) 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 such Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph (e).

(f) Status of Lenders.

(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, 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 2.17(f)(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), an executed copy of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

 

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(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 U.S. is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form 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 IRS Form 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) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming that its extension of credit will generate U.S. effectively connected income, an executed copy 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 substantially in the form of Exhibit C-1 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) an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable; or

(4) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C-2 or Exhibit C-3, 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 substantially in the form of Exhibit C-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

(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

 

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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.

(g) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 2.17 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.17), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 2.17 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (g) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (g), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (g) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party 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 giving rise to such refund had never been paid. This paragraph (g) shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

(h) Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 2.17 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document (including the Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations).

(i) Defined Terms. For purposes of this Section 2.17, the term “applicable law” includes FATCA.

SECTION 2.18. Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Set-offs.

(a) Except with respect to principal of and interest on Loans denominated in a Foreign Currency, the Borrower shall make each payment or prepayment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Sections 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17, or otherwise) prior to 2:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date when due or the date fixed for any prepayment hereunder, and all payments with respect to principal and interest on Loans denominated in a Foreign Currency shall be made in such Foreign Currency not later than the Applicable Time specified by the Administrative Agent on the dates specified herein, in each case, in immediately available funds, without setoff, recoupment 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

 

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the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at its offices at 10 S. Dearborn St., Chicago IL 60603, except payments to be made directly to the Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. 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. Unless otherwise provided for herein, 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. If, for any reason, the Borrower is prohibited by any law from making any required payment hereunder in a Foreign Currency, the Borrower shall make such payment in Dollars in the Dollar Equivalent of the Foreign Currency payment amount.

(b) All payments and any proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent (i) not constituting either (A) a specific payment of principal, interest, fees or other sum payable under the Loan Documents (which shall be applied as specified by the Borrower) or (B) a mandatory prepayment (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.11) or (ii) after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent so elects or the Required Lenders so direct, in each case, shall be applied first, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements including amounts then due to the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank from the Borrower (other than in connection with Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations), second, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements then due to the Lenders from the Loan Parties (other than in connection with Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations), third, to pay interest then due and payable on the Loans ratably, fourth, to prepay principal on the Loans and unreimbursed LC Disbursements, to pay an amount to the Administrative Agent equal to one hundred five percent (105%) of the aggregate LC Exposure, to be held as cash collateral for such Obligations, and to pay any amounts owing in respect of Swap Agreement Obligations and Banking Services Obligations up to and including the amount most recently provided to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.22, ratably (with amounts allocated to the Term Loans applied to reduce the subsequent scheduled repayments of the Term Loans to be made pursuant to Section 2.10 in inverse order of maturity) and fifth, to the payment of any other Secured Obligation due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender from the Borrower or any other Loan Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, amounts received from any Loan Party shall not be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligation of such Loan Party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, unless so directed by the Borrower, or unless a Default is in existence, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall apply any payment which it receives to any Term Benchmark Loan of any Class, except (i) on the expiration date of the Interest Period applicable thereto, or (ii) in the event, and only to the extent, that there are no outstanding ABR Loans of such Class and, in any such event, the Borrower shall pay the break funding payment required in accordance with Section 2.16. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have the continuing and exclusive right to apply and reverse and reapply any and all such proceeds and payments to any portion of the Secured Obligations.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Secured Obligations arising under Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations shall be excluded from the application described above and paid in clause fifth if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may have reasonably requested from the applicable provider of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements.

(c) At the election of the Administrative Agent, all payments of principal, interest, LC Disbursements, fees, premiums, reimbursable expenses (including, without limitation, all reimbursement for fees, costs and expenses pursuant to Section 9.03), and other sums payable under the Loan Documents, may be paid from the proceeds of Borrowings made hereunder, whether made following a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.03 or 2.05 or a deemed request as provided in this Section or may be

 

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deducted from any deposit account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent. The Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes (i) the Administrative Agent to make a Revolving Borrowing for the purpose of paying each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents and agrees that all such amounts charged shall constitute Revolving Loans (including Swingline Loans), and that all such Borrowings shall be deemed to have been requested pursuant to Sections 2.03 or 2.05, as applicable, and (ii) the Administrative Agent to charge any deposit account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent for each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents.

(d) If, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or Swingline Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other similarly situated Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by all such Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to 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 or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or Swingline Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph 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 setoff 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.

(e) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received, prior to any date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant Lenders or the Issuing Bank pursuant to the terms hereof or any other Loan Document (including any date that is fixed for prepayment by notice from the Borrower to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.11(b)), notice from the Borrower that the Borrower will not make such payment or prepayment, 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 relevant Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the relevant Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or Issuing Bank with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

(f) The Administrative Agent may from time to time provide the Borrower with account statements or invoices with respect to any of the Secured Obligations (the “Statements”). The Administrative Agent is under no duty or obligation to provide Statements, which, if provided, will be solely for the Borrower’s convenience. Statements may contain estimates of the amounts owed during the relevant billing period, whether of principal, interest, fees or other Secured Obligations. If the Borrower pays the full amount indicated on a Statement on or before the due date indicated on such Statement, the

 

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Borrower shall not be in default of payment with respect to the billing period indicated on such Statement; provided, that acceptance by the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, of any payment that is less than the total amount actually due at that time (including but not limited to any past due amounts) shall not constitute a waiver of the Administrative Agent’s or the Lenders’ right to receive payment in full at another time.

SECTION 2.19. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

(a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17, as the case may be, 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 2.15, or if the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, or if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17) and obligations under this Agreement and other Loan Documents to an assignee (other than any Ineligible Institution) that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and in circumstances where its consent would be required under Section 9.04, the Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender), which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the 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 2.15 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Each party hereto agrees that (x) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (y) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

 

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SECTION 2.20. Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:

(a) fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Revolving Commitment of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(a);

(b) any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Section 2.18(b) or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 9.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender hereunder; third, to cash collateralize the LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with this Section; fourth, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement and (y) cash collateralize the future LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement, in accordance with this Section; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, the Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or LC Disbursements in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and LC Disbursements owed to, all non-Defaulting Lenders of the applicable Class or Classes on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or LC Disbursements owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in the Borrower’s obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure and Swingline Loans are held by the Lenders of the applicable Class or Classes pro rata in accordance with the applicable Commitments without giving effect to clause (d) below. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto;

(c) such Defaulting Lender shall not have the right to vote on any issue on which voting is required (other than to the extent expressly provided in Section 9.02(b)) and the Revolving Commitment and Revolving Exposure and, if applicable, Term Loan Commitment and Term Loans of such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether the Required Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document; provided that, except as otherwise provided in Section 9.02, this clause (c) shall not apply to the vote of a Defaulting Lender in the case of an amendment, waiver or other modification requiring the consent of such Lender or each Lender directly affected thereby;

 

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(d) if any Swingline Exposure or LC Exposure exists at the time such Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender then:

(i) all or any part of the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of such Defaulting Lender (other than, in the case of a Defaulting Lender that is a Swingline Lender, the portion of such Swingline Exposure referred to in clause (b) of the definition of such term) shall be reallocated among the non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages but only to the extent that such reallocation does not, as to any non-Defaulting Lender, cause the Dollar Equivalent of such non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Exposure to exceed its Revolving Commitment;

(ii) if the reallocation described in clause (i) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall within one (1) Business Day following notice by the Administrative Agent (x) first, prepay such Swingline Exposure and (y) second, cash collateralize, for the benefit of the Issuing Bank, the Borrower’s obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (i) above) in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.06(j) for so long as such LC Exposure is outstanding;

(iii) if the Borrower cash collateralizes any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure pursuant to clause (ii) above, the Borrower shall not be required to pay any fees to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure during the period such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is cash collateralized;

(iv) if the LC Exposure of the non-Defaulting Lenders is reallocated pursuant to clause (i) above, then the fees payable to the Lenders pursuant to Sections 2.12(a) and 2.12(b) shall be adjusted in accordance with such non-Defaulting Lenders’ Applicable Percentages; and

(v) if all or any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is neither reallocated nor cash collateralized pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above, then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of the Issuing Bank or any other Lender hereunder, all letter of credit fees payable under Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure shall be payable to the Issuing Bank until and to the extent that such LC Exposure is reallocated and/or cash collateralized; and

(e) so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender, the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan and the Issuing Bank shall not be required to issue, amend, renew, extend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless it is satisfied that the related exposure and such Defaulting Lender’s then outstanding LC Exposure will be 100% covered by the Revolving Commitments of the non-Defaulting Lenders and/or cash collateral will be provided by the Borrower in accordance with Section 2.20(d), and Swingline Exposure related to any such newly made Swingline Loan or LC Exposure related to any newly issued or increased Letter of Credit shall be allocated among non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.20(d)(i) (and such Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein).

If (i) a Bankruptcy Event or a Bail-In Action with respect to the Parent of any Lender shall occur following the date hereof and for so long as such event shall continue or (ii) the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank has a good faith belief that any Lender has defaulted in fulfilling its obligations under one or more other agreements in which such Lender commits to extend credit, the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan and the Issuing Bank shall not be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, shall have entered into arrangements with the Borrower or such Lender, satisfactory to the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, to defease any risk to it in respect of such Lender hereunder.

 

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In the event that each of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower, the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank agrees that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of the Lenders shall be readjusted to reflect the inclusion of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and on the date of such readjustment such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Loans of the other Lenders (other than Swingline Loans) as the Administrative Agent shall determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.

SECTION 2.21. Returned Payments. If, after receipt of any payment which is applied to the payment of all or any part of the Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), the Administrative Agent or any Lender is for any reason compelled to surrender such payment or proceeds to any Person because such payment or application of proceeds is invalidated, declared fraudulent, set aside, determined to be void or voidable as a preference, impermissible setoff, or a diversion of trust funds, or for any other reason (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion), then the Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued and this Agreement shall continue in full force as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Administrative Agent or such Lender. The provisions of this Section 2.21 shall be and remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may have been taken by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in reliance upon such payment or application of proceeds. The provisions of this Section 2.21 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 2.22. Banking Services and Swap Agreements. Each Lender or Affiliate thereof providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, promptly after entering into such Banking Services or Swap Agreements, written notice setting forth the aggregate amount of all Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations of such Loan Party or Subsidiary to such Lender or Affiliate (whether matured or unmatured, absolute or contingent). In furtherance of that requirement, each such Lender or Affiliate thereof shall furnish the Administrative Agent, from time to time after a significant change therein or upon a request therefor, a summary of the amounts due or to become due in respect of such Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations. The most recent information provided to the Administrative Agent shall be used in determining which tier of the waterfall, contained in Section 2.18(b), such Banking Services Obligations and/or Swap Agreement Obligations will be placed. For the avoidance of doubt, so long as Chase or its Affiliate is the Administrative Agent, neither Chase nor any of its Affiliates providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party shall be required to provide any notice described in this Section 2.22 in respect of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements.

SECTION 2.23. Judgment Currency. If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert a sum due hereunder or any other Loan Document in one currency into another currency, the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Administrative Agent could purchase the first currency with such other currency on the Business Day preceding that on which final judgment is given. The obligation of the Borrower in respect of any such sum due from it to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder or under the other Loan Documents shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency (the “Judgment Currency”) other than that in which such sum is denominated in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement (the “Agreement Currency”), be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, of any sum adjudged to be so due in the Judgment Currency, the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase the Agreement Currency with the Judgment Currency. If the amount of the Agreement Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender from the Borrower in the Agreement Currency, the Borrower agrees, as a separate obligation and

 

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notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, against such loss. If the amount of the Agreement Currency so purchased is greater than the sum originally due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in such Agreement Currency, the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, agrees to return the amount of any excess to the Borrower (or to any other Person who may be entitled thereto under applicable law).

ARTICLE III

Representations and Warranties

Each Loan Party represents and warrants to the Lenders that (and where applicable, agrees):

SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary is duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required.

SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability. The Transactions are within each Loan Party’s corporate or other organizational powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational actions and, if required, actions by equity holders. Each Loan Document to which each Loan Party is a party has been duly executed and delivered by such Loan Party and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts. The execution of the Loan Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except (i) such as have been obtained or made and are in full force, (ii) for filings necessary to perfect Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents, and (iii) as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (b) will not violate any organizational documents of any Loan Party, (c) will not (i) violate any other Requirement of Law applicable to any Loan Party or (ii) violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon any Loan Party or the assets of any Loan Party, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by any Loan Party, in each case for this clause (c), except to the extent any such violation or default could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of, or other requirement to create, any Lien on any assets material to the operation of the business of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents.

SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change.

(a) The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders (a) the Borrower’s consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows (i) as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, reported on by Ernst & Young LLP, independent public accountants and (ii) as of and for the fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, certified by its Financial Officer and (b) the Effective Date Acquired Business’ balance sheet and statements of income (i) as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and (ii) as of and for the fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries

 

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and the Effective Date Acquired Business, as applicable, as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP, subject to normal year end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes in the case of the statements referred to in clauses (a)(ii) and (b)(ii) above.

(b) No event, change or condition has occurred that has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, since December 31, 2021.

SECTION 3.05. Properties.

(a) As of the date of this Agreement, Schedule 3.05 sets forth the address of each parcel of real property that is owned or leased by any Loan Party. Each of such leases and subleases is valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms and is in full force and effect, and no default by any party to any such lease or sublease exists. Each of the Loan Parties has good and indefeasible title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all of its real and personal property, free of all Liens other than those permitted by Section 6.02.

(b) Each Loan Party owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property necessary to its business as currently conducted, a correct and complete list of which, as of the date of this Agreement, is set forth on Schedule 3.05, and the use thereof by each Loan Party does not infringe in any material respect upon the rights of any other Person, and each Loan Party’s rights thereto are not subject to any licensing agreement or similar arrangement.

SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters.

(a) There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened in writing against or affecting any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) that involve any Loan Document or the Transactions.

(b) Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, no Loan Party or any Subsidiary (i) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability, (ii) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (iii) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iv) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (v) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.

SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements; No Default. Except where the failure to do so, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Loan Party is in compliance with (i) all Requirements of Law applicable to it or its property and (ii) all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property. No Default has occurred and is continuing.

SECTION 3.08. Investment Company Status. No Loan Party or any Subsidiary is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.

SECTION 3.09. Taxes. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which such Loan Party or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books

 

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adequate reserves and (b) to the extent the failure to file such return or make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.10. ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of FASB Accounting Standards Codification 715) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $10,000,000 the fair market value of the assets of such Plan, and the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations of all underfunded Plans (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of FASB Accounting Standards Codification 715 or subsequent recodification thereof, as applicable) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $10,000,000 the fair market value of the assets of all such underfunded Plans.

SECTION 3.11. Disclosure.

(a) None of the reports, financial statements, certificates or other written information (taken as a whole) furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading (after giving effect to all supplements and updates provided from time to time); provided that, with respect to projected financial information, estimates, forecasts and other forward-looking information, the Loan Parties represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time delivered and, if such projected financial information was delivered prior to the Effective Date, as of the Effective Date.

(b) As of the Effective Date, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, the information included in the most recent Beneficial Ownership Certification provided on or prior to the Effective Date to any Lender in connection with this Agreement is true and correct in all respects.

SECTION 3.12. Material Agreements. No Loan Party is in default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions contained in (i) any agreement material to the operations of the Loan Parties taken as a whole to which it is a party or (ii) any agreement or instrument evidencing or governing Indebtedness.

SECTION 3.13. Solvency. Immediately after the consummation of the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date (including after giving Pro Forma Effect to thereto), and immediately after the making of each Loan and each issuance of a Letter of Credit hereunder: (i) the fair value of the assets of the Loan Parties taken as a whole, at a fair valuation, will exceed its debts and liabilities (including without limitation the Obligations), subordinated, contingent or otherwise; (ii) the present fair saleable value of the property of the Loan Parties taken as a whole will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of its debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured; (iii) the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, will be able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; and (iv) the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which they are engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted after the Effective Date.

SECTION 3.14. Insurance. Schedule 3.14 sets forth a description of all insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties as of the Effective Date. As of the Effective Date, all premiums in

 

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respect of such insurance that are due and owing have been paid. The Loan Parties believe that the insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries is adequate and is customary for companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations and of the same or similar size.

SECTION 3.15. Capitalization and Subsidiaries. As of the Effective Date, Schedule 3.15 sets forth (a) a correct and complete list of the name and relationship to the Borrower of each Subsidiary, (b) a true and complete listing of each class of each of the Borrower’s authorized Equity Interests, of which all of such issued Equity Interests are validly issued, outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, and owned beneficially and of record by the Persons identified on Schedule 3.15, (c) the type of entity of the Borrower and each Subsidiary, and (d) whether such Subsidiary is a Loan Party, Material Subsidiary or Excluded Subsidiary. All of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party have been (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such ownership interests) duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.

SECTION 3.16. Security Interest in Collateral. The provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents create legal and valid Liens on all the Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and such Liens constitute perfected and continuing Liens on the Collateral (provided that, with respect to the creation and perfection of security interests with respect to Indebtedness, if any, only to the extent the creation and perfection of such obligations is governed by the UCC), and, upon the making of such filings and taking of such other actions required to be taken hereby or by the applicable Loan Documents (including the filing of appropriate UCC financing statements with the office of the Secretary of State of the state of organization of each Loan Party, the filing of appropriate notices with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Copyright Office, in each case in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties and the delivery to the Administrative Agent of any stock or equivalent certificates or promissory notes required to be delivered pursuant to the applicable Loan Documents) securing the Secured Obligations, enforceable against the applicable Loan Party and all third parties, and having priority over all other Liens on the Collateral except in the case of (a) Permitted Encumbrances, to the extent any such Permitted Encumbrances would have priority over the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to any applicable law and (b) Liens perfected only by possession (including possession of any certificate of title), to the extent the Administrative Agent has not obtained or does not maintain possession of such Collateral.

SECTION 3.17. Employment Matters. Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (a) there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened in writing, (b) the hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters and (c) all payments due from any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or for which any claim may be made against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary.

SECTION 3.18. Margin Regulations. No Loan Party is engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no part of the proceeds of any Borrowing or Letter of Credit hereunder will be used to buy or carry any Margin Stock. Following the application of the proceeds of each Borrowing or drawing under each Letter of Credit, not more than 25% of the value of the assets (either of any Loan Party only or of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) will be Margin Stock. Neither the making of any Loan hereunder nor the use of proceeds thereof will violate the provisions of Regulation U or X of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

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SECTION 3.19. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans have been used and will be used, whether directly or indirectly as set forth in Section 5.08.

SECTION 3.20. No Burdensome Restrictions. No Loan Party is subject to any Burdensome Restrictions except Burdensome Restrictions permitted under Section 6.10.

SECTION 3.21. Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. Each Loan Party has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and directors, and, to the knowledge of such Loan Party, its employees and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects and are not knowingly engaged in any activity that could reasonably be expected to result in any Loan Party being designated as a Sanctioned Person. None of (a) any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or (b) to the knowledge of any such Loan Party or Subsidiary, any agent of such Loan Party or any Subsidiary that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No Borrowing or Letter of Credit, use of proceeds, the Transactions or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions.

SECTION 3.22. Affected Financial Institutions. No Loan Party is an Affected Financial Institution.

SECTION 3.23. Plan Assets; Prohibited Transactions. None of the Loan Parties or their Subsidiaries is a “benefit plan investor” within the meaning of Section 3(42) of ERISA, and neither the execution, delivery nor performance of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, including the making of any Loan and the issuance of any Letter of Credit hereunder, will give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

SECTION 3.24. Status as Senior Indebtedness. The Obligations are “Senior Debt,” “Senior Indebtedness,” “Guarantor Senior Debt” or “Senior Secured Financing” (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in, the Mezzanine Credit Agreement, the Subordination Agreement, any other Mezzanine Loan Agreement and any other agreement in respect of any other Subordinated Indebtedness.

ARTICLE IV

Conditions

SECTION 4.01. Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02) (it being understood and agreed that any reference to the Loan Parties in this Section 4.01 includes any Person that will become a Loan Party immediately following the consummation of the Effective Date Acquisition):

(a) Credit Agreement and Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received counterparts to each of the following, each duly executed (as applicable) by the applicable parties thereto, which, subject to Section 9.06(b), may include any Electronic Signatures transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page:

(i) this Agreement;

 

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(ii) to the extent requested at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Effective Date, promissory notes requested by the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.10(g);

(iii) a notice (which notice may be in the form of a Borrowing Request or such other form or method as approved by the Administrative Agent) setting forth the deposit account of the Borrower (as may be updated from time to time by written notice from the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, the “Funding Account”) to which the Administrative Agent is authorized by the Borrower to transfer the proceeds of the initial Loans to be funded hereunder on the Effective Date, which shall be delivered in accordance with Section 2.03, together with a customary funding indemnification letter to the extent any such Loan will be a Term Benchmark Loan;

(iv) the Security Agreement and the other Collateral Documents required to be executed on the Effective Date, together with:

(A) certificates, if any, representing the Equity Interests of the Borrower and any Domestic Subsidiaries of the Borrower, in each case, to the extent required by the Loan Documents, each accompanied by undated stock powers executed in blank;

(B) short-form filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or United States Copyright Office (or any similar public registration office in the applicable jurisdiction) in respect of any intellectual property of the Loan Parties constituting Collateral;

(C) evidence that all UCC financing statements in the jurisdiction of organization of each Loan Party that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary to satisfy the Collateral requirements under the Loan Documents shall have been provided for, and arrangements for the filing thereof in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent shall have been made; and

(D) subject to Section 5.14, certificates of insurance listing the Administrative Agent as (x) lender loss payee for the property casualty insurance policies of the Loan Parties, together with separate lender loss payee endorsements, and (y) additional insured with respect to the liability insurance of the Loan Parties, together with separate additional insured endorsements;

(v) certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of each Loan Party certifying, upon giving effect to the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, (A) that there have been no changes in the Certificate of Incorporation or other charter document of such Loan Party, as attached thereto and as certified as of a recent date by the Secretary of State (or analogous governmental entity) of the jurisdiction of its organization, since the date of the certification thereof by such governmental entity, (B) the By-Laws or other applicable organizational document, as attached thereto, of such Loan Party as in effect on the date of such certification, (C) resolutions of the Board of Directors or other governing body of such Loan Party authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of each Loan Document to which it is a party, and (D) the names and true signatures of the incumbent officers of each Loan Party authorized to sign the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (in the case of the Borrower) authorized to request a Borrowing or the issuance of a Letter of Credit hereunder;

(vi) a good standing certificate (or analogous documentation if applicable) for each Loan Party from the Secretary of State (or analogous governmental entity) of the jurisdiction of its organization, to the extent generally available in such jurisdiction;

(vii) a customary legal opinion from Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties;

 

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(viii) a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower certifying that, as of the Effective Date and after giving Pro Forma Effect to the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, will be solvent (as described in Section 3.13); and

(ix) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Sections 4.01(b)(ii), (iii) and (iv);

provided that each of the requirements set forth in Section 4.01(a)(iv) above (except for the execution and delivery of the Security Agreement and to the extent that a Lien on the Collateral may be perfected (x) by the filing of a financing statement under the UCC and (y) in the case of certificated Equity Interests, by the delivery of stock and other equity certificates and powers of the Borrower and its Domestic Subsidiaries), shall not constitute conditions precedent to funding any Loans on the Effective Date after the Borrower’s use of commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy such requirement on or prior to the Effective Date without undue burden or unreasonable expense, and the Borrower hereby agrees to deliver, or cause to be delivered, such documents, instruments and other deliveries, or take or cause to be taken such other actions as may be required to deliver such documents, instruments and other deliveries or to perfect such security interests, within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date (or five (5) days with respect to certificated Equity Interests required to be pledged pursuant to the Loan Documents), in each case, subject to extensions approved by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

(b) Effective Date Acquisition

(i) the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Chase (it being understood that the execution version of the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement dated as of April 26, 2022 and most recently provided to Chase prior to April 26, 2022 is acceptable);

(ii) the Effective Date Acquisition shall be consummated in all material respects in accordance with the terms of the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement substantially concurrently with effectiveness of this Agreement and the initial funding of the applicable Loans hereunder, without giving effect to any amendments, consents, waivers or other modifications thereto that are materially adverse to the Lenders or the Arrangers without the prior written consent of Chase (it being understood that (A) any change in the cash consideration payable or the price set forth in the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement on the date of execution and delivery thereof by the parties thereto (other than any price decrease of 10% or less), (B) any material change to the structure of the Effective Date Acquisition and (C) any change in the definition of “Material Adverse Effect” or the lender protective provisions set forth in the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement as in effect on the date of execution and delivery thereof by the parties thereto, in each case, will be deemed to be materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders and will require the prior written consent of Chase);

(iii) since April 26, 2022, there shall not have been an Effective Date Material Adverse Change;

(iv) (A) the Specified Representations shall be true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or material adverse effect) and (B) the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement Representations shall be true and correct to the extent required by the definition thereof, in each case, as of the Effective Date and after giving Pro Forma Effect to the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date (except to the extent any such representation expressly relates to an earlier date, in which case such representation shall be true and correct to such extent as of such earlier date);

 

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(v) there shall be no injunction, temporary restraining order, or other legal action in effect which would prohibit the closing of the Effective Date Acquisition or the closing of this Agreement and funding of the initial Loans hereunder; and

(vi) the Lenders shall have received:

(A) U.S. GAAP audited consolidated balance sheets and related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and Effective Date Acquired Business for the three most recently completed fiscal years ended at least 90 days prior to the Effective Date;

(B) U.S. GAAP unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and Effective Date Acquired Business for each subsequent fiscal quarter ended at least 45 days before the Effective Date (and comparable periods for the prior fiscal year);

(C) the Borrower’s projected income statement, balance sheet and cash flows through 2026 (inclusive of the Effective Date Acquisition and assumed synergies, and including a detailed description of the assumptions used in preparing such projections);

(D) a Quality of Earnings Report for the Effective Date Acquired Business; and

(E) a pro forma consolidated balance sheet and related pro forma consolidated statement of income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including the Effective Date Acquired Business) as of and for the 12-month period ending on the last day of the most recently completed four-fiscal quarter period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(vi)(B) above.

(c) Mezzanine Credit Agreement. The Borrower shall have entered into, or substantially simultaneously herewith enter into, (i) the Mezzanine Credit Agreement with aggregate commitments of up to $90,000,000 and the Borrower shall have received the proceeds thereof substantially simultaneously herewith and (ii) that certain Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement dated as of the Effective Date, among the Administrative Agent, the Mezzanine Agent and the Loan Parties, as amended from time to time.

(d) Effective Date Cash Contribution. The Administrative Agent shall have received evidenced reasonably satisfactory to it that the Borrower has applied the Effective Date Cash Contribution for the purposes of financing the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date.

(e) Repayment of Certain Indebtedness. The Administrative Agent shall have received satisfactory pay-off and release letters for all existing Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries required to be repaid (including, without limitation, (i) the credit facility evidenced by the Existing Credit Agreement, (ii) that certain Credit Agreement dated May 31, 2018, by and between Patterson Pump Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as amended, and (iii) that certain Reimbursement Agreement (Non-US Applicant), dated September 23, 2016, by and between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, London Branch and Patterson Pump Ireland Limited, as amended) and, in each case, which confirm that all Liens securing such Indebtedness and all Guarantees in respect thereof will be terminated and released concurrently with such payment.

(f) Fees. The Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall have received all fees required to be paid, and all expenses required to be reimbursed for which invoices have been presented (including the

 

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reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel), on or before the Effective Date; provided that, to the extent agreed by the Borrower and Chase, such amounts will be paid with proceeds of Loans made on the Effective Date and reflected in the funding instructions given by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent on or before the Effective Date.

(g) USA PATRIOT Act, Etc. At least five (5) Business Days prior to the Effective Date, (i) the Administrative Agent and Lenders shall have received (x) all documentation and other information regarding the Loan Parties requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act, to the extent requested in writing of the Borrower at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date and (y) a properly completed and signed IRS Form W-8 or W-9, as applicable, for each Loan Party and (ii) to the extent the Borrower qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, any Lender that has requested, in a written notice to the Borrower at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to the Borrower shall have received such Beneficial Ownership Certification (provided that, upon the execution and delivery by such Lender of its signature page to this Agreement, the condition set forth in this clause (ii) shall be deemed to be satisfied).

The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower, the Lenders and the Issuing Bank of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding.

Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 9.02, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01 on the Effective Date, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Effective Date specifying its objection thereto.

SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event. After the Effective Date, the obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, and of the Issuing Bank to issue, amend or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

(a) The representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) with the same effect as though made on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) only as of such specified date).

(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

Each Borrowing and each issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section.

Each Borrowing and each issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section; provided that, in the case of any Incremental Term Loan the proceeds

 

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of which are, substantially concurrently with the receipt thereof, solely to be used by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to finance, in whole or in part, a Limited Condition Transaction, then (1) the Borrower shall only be required to satisfy the requirements of the above clauses (a) and (b) as of the date on which the binding agreement for such Limited Condition Transaction is entered into, (2) on the date of consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, the foregoing clause (b) shall be limited to no Specified Default having occurred, being continuing or resulting therefrom, and (3) the representations and warranties so given in respect of the funding of such Loan or Borrowing shall be limited to the Specified Representations.

ARTICLE V

Affirmative Covenants

Until all of the Secured Obligations shall have been Paid in Full, each Loan Party executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Loan Parties, with the Lenders that:

SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements and Other Information. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender:

(a) within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower (or, if earlier, by the date that the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Borrower for such fiscal year would be required to be filed under the rules and regulations of the SEC, giving effect to any automatic extension available thereunder for the filing of such form) (commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022), its audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like qualification, commentary or exception, and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;

(b) within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower (or, if earlier, by the date that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Borrower for such fiscal quarter would be required to be filed under the rules and regulations of the SEC, giving effect to any automatic extension available thereunder for the filing of such form) (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2022), its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by a Financial Officer as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

(c) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) above (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2022) (collectively or individually, as the context requires, the “Financial Statements”), a Compliance Certificate (i) certifying, in the case of the Financial Statements delivered under clause (a) or (b) above, as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes, (ii) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and, if a Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (iii) setting

 

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forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 6.12 and (iv) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the Financial Statements accompanying such certificate;

(d) as soon as available, but in any event no later than forty-five (45) days after the end of, and no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the end of, each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of the plan and forecast (including a projected consolidated balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement) of the Borrower for each month of the upcoming fiscal year (the “Projections”) in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(e) promptly following any request therefor, (x) such other information regarding the operations, changes in ownership of Equity Interests, business affairs and financial condition of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request and (y) information and documentation reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation;

(f) promptly after any request therefor by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, copies of (i) any documents described in Section 101(k)(1) of ERISA that the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate may request with respect to any Multiemployer Plan and (ii) any notices described in Section 101(l)(1) of ERISA that the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate may request with respect to any Multiemployer Plan; provided that if the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has not requested such documents or notices from the administrator or sponsor of the applicable Multiemployer Plan, the Borrower or the applicable ERISA Affiliate shall promptly make a request for such documents and notices from such administrator or sponsor and shall provide copies of such documents and notices promptly after receipt thereof; and

(g) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary with the SEC, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of the SEC, or with any national securities exchange, or distributed by the Borrower to its shareholders generally, as the case may be.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to clauses (a), (b) or (g) of this Section 5.01 (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which such materials are publicly available as posted on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR) 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 made available by the Administrative Agent); provided that (A) upon written request by the Administrative Agent (or any Lender through the Administrative Agent) to the Borrower, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or such Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (B) the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by facsimile or through Electronic System) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent through Electronic System electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery of paper copies of such document to it and maintaining its copies of such documents.

 

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SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender prompt (but in any event within any time period that may be specified below) written notice of the following:

(a) (i) the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default or (ii) the occurrence of any Event of Default as defined in the Mezzanine Credit Agreement;

(b) receipt of any notice of any investigation by a Governmental Authority or any Proceeding commenced or threatened against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary that (i) seeks damages in excess of $3,000,000 (to the extent not paid or covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, has been notified of the potential claim and does not dispute coverage), (ii) seeks injunctive relief, (iii) is asserted or instituted against any Plan, its fiduciaries or its assets, (iv) alleges criminal misconduct by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, (v) alleges the violation of, or seeks to impose remedies under, any Environmental Law or related Requirement of Law, or seeks to impose Environmental Liability, (vi) asserts liability on the part of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary in excess of $3,000,000 in respect of any tax, fee, assessment, or other governmental charge (to the extent not paid or covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, has been notified of the potential claim and does not dispute coverage), or (vii) involves any product recall;

(c) any material change in accounting or financial reporting practices by the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(d) the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $3,000,000;

(e) within two (2) Business Days after the occurrence thereof, any Loan Party entering into a Swap Agreement or an amendment to a Swap Agreement, together with copies of all agreements evidencing such Swap Agreement or amendment;

(f) any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect;

(g) concurrently with the furnishing thereof, any material notice, statement or report furnished to any holder of any of the Mezzanine Obligations or to the Mezzanine Lenders, which is not otherwise required to be delivered hereto;

(h) concurrently with the execution (or effectiveness, whichever is earliest) thereof, copies of all amendments, waivers, consents, supplements or other agreements relating to the Mezzanine Loan Documents, and any forbearance agreements relating to the Mezzanine Loan Documents; and

(i) any change in the information provided in the Beneficial Ownership Certification delivered to such Lender that would result in a change to the list of beneficial owners identified in such certification.

Each notice delivered under this Section (i) shall be in writing, (ii) shall contain a heading or a reference line that reads “Notice under Section 5.02 of The Gorman-Rupp Company Senior Secured Credit Agreement dated May 31, 2022” and (iii) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

 

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SECTION 5.03. Existence; Conduct of Business. Each Loan Party will (a) do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, qualifications, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, governmental authorizations and intellectual property rights material to the conduct of its business, and maintain all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03 and (b) carry on and conduct its business in substantially the same manner and in substantially the same fields of enterprise as it is presently conducted.

SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations. Each Loan Party will pay or discharge all Material Indebtedness and all other material liabilities and obligations, including Taxes, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) such Loan Party has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (c) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that each Loan Party will remit withholding taxes and other payroll taxes to appropriate Governmental Authorities as and when claimed to be due, notwithstanding the foregoing exceptions.

SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Properties. Each Loan Party will keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, except to the extent any failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; provided, that the foregoing shall not prohibit any transaction otherwise permitted hereunder, including any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03.

SECTION 5.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights. Each Loan Party will (a) keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities and (b) permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender (including employees of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any consultants, accountants, lawyers, agents and appraisers retained by the Administrative Agent), upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, conduct at the Loan Party’s premises field examinations of the Loan Party’s assets, liabilities, books and records, including examining and making extracts from its books and records, environmental assessment reports and Phase I or Phase II studies, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants (and hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent and each Lender to contact its independent accountants directly), all at such reasonable times and with reasonable advance notice; provided that, absent the existence of an Event of Default, (i) any inspection under this Section 5.06 shall be limited to one (1) per calendar year and the Borrower shall only be required to reimburse the Administrative Agent and the Lenders for one (1) such inspection per calendar year and (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.06, none of the Borrower or any of the Loan Parties will be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies or abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter that (x) constitutes non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information, (y) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by applicable law or any binding agreement (or would otherwise cause a breach or default thereunder) or (z) is subject to attorney-client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work product; provided further that, if the Borrower relies on the immediately foregoing clause (ii) for any reason, the Borrower shall advise the Lenders thereof. The Administrative Agent shall give the Borrower and its advisors the opportunity to participate in any discussions with the Borrower’s independent accountants. The Loan Parties acknowledge that the Administrative Agent, after exercising its rights of inspection, may prepare and distribute to the Lenders certain reports pertaining to the Loan Parties’ assets for internal use by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

 

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SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws and Material Contractual Obligations. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, (i) comply with its organizational documents, (ii) comply with each other Requirement of Law applicable to it or its property (including without limitation Environmental Laws) and (iii) perform in all material respects its obligations under material agreements to which it is a party, except, in the case of the foregoing clauses (ii) and (iii), to the extent that any such failure to so comply or perform that could not reasonably be expected result in a Material Adverse Effect. Each Loan Party will maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

SECTION 5.08. Use of Proceeds.

(a) The proceeds of the Term Loans funded on the Effective Date will be used to finance the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, with any remaining proceeds being used for working capital needs and for general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. The proceeds of any Revolving Loans funded on the Effective Date will be used to finance the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, with any remaining proceeds being used for working capital needs and for general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided that (i) the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Loans funded on the Effective Date shall not exceed $5,000,000 and (ii) no Swingline Loans shall be made hereunder on the Effective Date. Following the Effective Date, the proceeds of the Loans and the Letters of Credit will be used only to finance the working capital needs and general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, Permitted Acquisitions). No part of the proceeds of any Loan and no Letter of Credit will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, including Regulations T, U and X. The proceeds of any Incremental Facilities will be used by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including the financing of Permitted Acquisitions and other permitted Investments.

(b) The Borrower will not request any Borrowing or Letter of Credit, and the Borrower shall not use, and shall procure that its Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of any Borrowing or Letter of Credit (i) 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 any Anti-Corruption Laws, (ii) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, except to the extent permitted for a Person required to comply with Sanctions, or (iii) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.

SECTION 5.09. Accuracy of Information. The Loan Parties will ensure that any information, including financial statements or other documents (taken as a whole), furnished by or on behalf of such Loan Party to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder contains no material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading in any material respect (in each case, after giving effect to all supplements and updates from time to time), and the furnishing of such information shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in this Section 5.09; provided that, with respect to the Projections, the Loan Parties will cause the Projections to be prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time, it being recognized and understood by the Lenders that all forward-looking information as to future events are not to be viewed as facts or a guarantee of performance, are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, that no assurance can be given that any particular forward-looking information will be realized

 

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and that actual results during the period or periods covered by any such forward-looking information may differ from the projected results and such differences may be material..

SECTION 5.10. Insurance. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, maintain with financially sound and reputable carriers having a financial strength rating of at least A- by A.M. Best Company (a) insurance in such amounts (with no greater risk retention) and against such risks (including loss or damage by fire and loss in transit; theft, burglary, pilferage, larceny, embezzlement, and other criminal activities; business interruption; and general liability) and such other hazards, as is customarily maintained by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations and (b) all insurance required pursuant to the Collateral Documents. The Borrower will furnish to the Lenders, upon request of the Administrative Agent, but no less frequently than annually, information in reasonable detail as to the insurance so maintained.

SECTION 5.11. Casualty and Condemnation. The Borrower (a) will furnish to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders prompt written notice of any casualty or other insured damage to any material portion of the Collateral or the commencement of any action or proceeding for the taking of any material portion of the Collateral or interest therein under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding and (b) will ensure that the Net Proceeds of any such event (whether in the form of insurance proceeds, condemnation awards or otherwise) are collected and applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents.

SECTION 5.12. [Intentionally Omitted].

SECTION 5.13. Subsidiary Guarantors; Additional Collateral; Further Assurances.

(a) As promptly as possible but in any event within thirty (30) days (or such later date as may be agreed upon by the Administrative Agent) after any Person becomes a Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) or any Subsidiary ceases to be an Excluded Subsidiary, the Borrower shall cause each such Subsidiary to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a Joinder Agreement and a joinder to the Security Agreement (in the form contemplated thereby) pursuant to which such Subsidiary agrees to be bound by the terms and provisions thereof, which shall be accompanied by appropriate organizational resolutions, other organizational documentation and legal opinions in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel. In connection therewith, the Administrative Agent shall have received all documentation and other information regarding such newly formed or acquired Subsidiaries as may be required to comply with the applicable “know your customer” rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act. Each such Person delivering a Joinder Agreement (x) shall automatically become a Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder and thereupon shall have all of the rights, benefits, duties, and obligations in such capacity under the Loan Documents and (y) will grant Liens to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, in any property of such Loan Party which constitutes Collateral, including any parcel of real property located in the U.S. owned by any Loan Party.

(b) Each Loan Party will cause, and will cause each other Loan Party to cause, all of its owned property (other than Excluded Property) to be subject at all times to first priority, perfected Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties to secure the Secured Obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Collateral Documents, subject in any case to Liens permitted by Section 6.02 to the extent any such Permitted Encumbrances would have priority over the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to any applicable law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Party will cause 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of each of its Subsidiaries directly owned by any Loan Party (other than any Excluded Property), in each case, to be subject at all times to a first priority, perfected Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit

 

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of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties to secure the Secured Obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Collateral Documents or other pledge or security documents as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no such mortgages and mortgage instruments in respect of owned or leasehold real properties are required to be delivered hereunder and (ii) no such pledge agreement in respect of the Equity Interests of a Foreign Subsidiary shall be required hereunder (A) until the date that is sixty (60) days after the Effective Date or such later date as the Administrative Agent may agree in the exercise of its reasonable discretion with respect thereto, and (B) to the extent the Administrative Agent or its counsel determines that such pledge would not provide material credit support for the benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to legally valid, binding and enforceable pledge agreements.

(c) Without limiting the foregoing, each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to the Administrative Agent such documents, agreements and instruments, and will take or cause to be taken such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, fixture filings, mortgages, mortgage instruments, deeds of trust and other documents and such other actions or deliveries of the type required by Section 4.01, as applicable), which may be required by any Requirement of Law or which the Administrative Agent may, from time to time, reasonably request to carry out the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to ensure perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Collateral Documents, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and all at the expense of the Loan Parties.

(d) If any material assets (other than Excluded Property) are acquired by any Loan Party after the Effective Date (other than assets constituting Collateral under the Security Agreement that become subject to the Lien under the Security Agreement upon acquisition thereof), the Borrower will (i) notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders thereof, and, if requested by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, cause such assets to be subjected to a Lien securing the Secured Obligations and (ii) take, and cause each applicable Loan Party to take, such actions as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to grant and perfect such Liens, including actions described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Section, all at the expense of the Loan Parties.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents to the contrary, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) determine in its sole and reasonable discretion that the cost to the Loan Parties of granting and perfecting any Lien is disproportionate to the benefit to be realized by the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the other Secured Parties by perfecting a Lien in a given asset or group of assets included in the Collateral and, in such case, the Administrative Agent shall be permitted to, without the consent of the Lenders or Required Lenders, waive any requirement of perfection of any such Lien required under the Loan Documents.

(f) Without limitation of (and subject to) any provision in the Subordination Agreement, if the Mezzanine Agent or any lender (or representative thereof) with respect to any Mezzanine Obligations receives any additional guaranty or any additional collateral agreement in connection with, or after the date of, the incurrence thereof, without limitation of any Event of Default that may arise as a result thereof, the Loans Parties shall, concurrently therewith, cause the same to be granted to the Administrative Agent, for its own benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties.

SECTION 5.14. Post-Closing Requirements. Not later than the dates set forth in Schedule 5.14 (or such later dates as the Administrative Agent shall agree in its sole discretion) or as otherwise required thereunder, the Loan Parties shall take the actions set forth on Schedule 5.14.

 

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ARTICLE VI

Negative Covenants

Until all of the Secured Obligations shall have been Paid in Full, each Loan Party executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Loan Parties, with the Lenders that:

SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:

(a) the Secured Obligations and any other Indebtedness arising under the Loan Documents (including any Incremental Facilities);

(b) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.01 and any Refinance Indebtedness in respect thereof;

(c) Indebtedness of any Loan Party or Subsidiary owing to any Loan Party or Subsidiary, provided that (i) Indebtedness owing by any Non-Loan Party to any Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (ii) Indebtedness owing by any Loan Party to any Non-Loan Party shall be subordinated to the Secured Obligations on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(d) Guarantees by any Loan Party or Subsidiary of Indebtedness of any Loan Party or Subsidiary, provided that (i) the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is permitted by this Section 6.01, (ii) Guarantees by any Loan Party of Indebtedness of any Non-Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (iii) Guarantees permitted under this clause (d) shall be subordinated to the Secured Obligations on the same terms as the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is subordinated to the Secured Obligations;

(e) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of any fixed or capital assets (whether or not constituting purchase money Indebtedness), including Capital Lease Obligations and any Indebtedness assumed in connection with the acquisition of any such assets or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness in accordance with clause (f) below; provided that (i) such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within 180 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (e), together with any Refinance Indebtedness in respect thereof permitted by clause (f) below, shall not exceed $20,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(f) Indebtedness which represents extensions, renewals, refinancing or replacements (such Indebtedness being so extended, renewed, refinanced or replaced being referred to herein as the “Refinance Indebtedness”) of any of the Indebtedness described in clauses (b), (e), (i) and (j) hereof (such Indebtedness being referred to herein as the “Original Indebtedness”); provided that (i) such Refinance Indebtedness does not increase the principal amount thereof (other than by the amount of any unused commitments thereunder, accrued interest, fees, defeasance costs and premium (including call and tender premiums), if any, underwriting discounts, fees, commissions and expenses (including original issue discount, upfront fees and similar items), in each case, in connection with the refinancing of such Original Indebtedness and the incurrence or issuance of such Refinance Indebtedness), (ii) any Liens securing such Refinance Indebtedness are not extended to any additional property of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (other than any accessions, improvements or additions to the property securing the Original Indebtedness and after acquired property to the extent applicable), (iii) no Loan Party or any Subsidiary that is not originally obligated with respect to repayment of such Original Indebtedness is required to become obligated with

 

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respect to such Refinance Indebtedness, (iv) such Refinance Indebtedness does not have a shorter Weighted Average Life to Maturity than such Original Indebtedness, (v) the terms of such Refinance Indebtedness are not less favorable to the obligor thereunder than the original terms of such Original Indebtedness and (vi) if such Original Indebtedness was subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations or any of the other Secured Obligations, then the terms and conditions of such Refinance Indebtedness must include subordination terms and conditions that are at least as favorable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as those that were applicable to such Original Indebtedness;

(g) Indebtedness owed to any Person providing workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance, pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such Person, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(h) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to, or similar arrangements with, employees and independent contractors of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the extent incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

(i) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (including letter of credit obligations and reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business), in respect of workers’ compensation claims, bid, appeal, performance or surety bonds, performance or completion guarantees, trade contracts, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance and similar obligations in the ordinary course of business or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement or indemnification type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims, bid, appeal, performance or surety bonds, performance or completion guarantees, trade contracts, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance and similar obligations, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

(j) to the extent constituting Indebtedness, customer deposits and advance payments (including progress payments) received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods and services purchased in the ordinary course of business;

(k) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business;

(l) Mezzanine Obligations in an amount not to exceed the Subordinated Debt Limit (as defined in the Subordination Agreement applicable thereto);

(m) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof; provided that (i) such Indebtedness exists at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary and is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such Person becoming a Subsidiary and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (m), together with any Refinance Indebtedness in respect thereof permitted by clause (f) above, shall not exceed $20,000,000 at any time outstanding; and

(n) other Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $5,000,000 at any time outstanding.

SECTION 6.02. Liens. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including Accounts) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:

(a) Liens created pursuant to any Loan Document;

 

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(b) Permitted Encumbrances;

(c) any Lien on any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.02; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than any accessions, improvements or additions to the property securing the Original Indebtedness and after acquired property to the extent applicable) and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date hereof and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (other than by the amount of any unused commitments thereunder, accrued interest, fees, defeasance costs and premium (including call and tender premiums), if any, underwriting discounts, fees, commissions and expenses (including original issue discount, upfront fees and similar items), in each case, in connection with the refinancing of such obligations);

(d) Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Liens secure Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(e), (ii) such Liens and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 180 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iv) such Liens shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(e) any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or existing on any property or asset of any Person that becomes a Loan Party after the date hereof prior to the time such Person becomes a Loan Party; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Loan Party, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of any Loan Party or Subsidiary and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Loan Party, as the case may be, and extensions, renewals, refinancings and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (except by the amount of accrued and unpaid interest, fees, defeasance costs and premium (including call and tender premiums), if any, plus underwriting discounts, fees, commissions and expenses (including original issue discount, upfront fees and similar items) in connection with the refinancing of such Indebtedness and the incurrence or issuance of such refinancing Indebtedness);

(f) Liens of a collecting bank arising in the ordinary course of business under Section 4-210 of the UCC in effect in the relevant jurisdiction covering only the items being collected upon;

(g) Liens arising out of Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted by Section 6.06;

(h) Liens granted by a Non-Loan Party in favor of the Borrower or another Loan Party in respect of Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary;

(i) (i) Liens granted by such Person under workmen’s compensation laws, health, disability or unemployment insurance laws, other employee benefit legislation, unemployment insurance legislation and similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness), leases or other obligations of a like nature to which such Person is a party, or Liens granted to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or U.S. government bonds to secure surety, stay, customs, performance or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for the payment of rent or deposits made to secure obligations arising from contractual or warranty refunds or requirements, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) Liens securing letters of credit or bankers acceptances issued, and letters of credit or bank guaranties provided to support payment of the items in the foregoing clause (i)(i);

 

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(j) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances, bank guarantees or letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person, in each case, to facilitate the purchase, shipment, or storage of such inventory or other goods in the ordinary course of business;

(k) leases, franchises, grants, subleases, licenses, sublicenses, covenants not to sue, releases, consents and other forms of license (in each case, on a non-exclusive basis to the extent applicable to any intellectual property) granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and do not secure any Indebtedness;

(l) Liens arising from UCC or any similar financing statement filings regarding operating leases or consignments entered into by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

(m) Liens in favor of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor;

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

(o) (i) Liens on Equity Interests in joint ventures; provided that any such Lien is in favor of a creditor of such joint venture and such creditor is not an Affiliate of any partner to such joint venture; and (ii) purchase options, call, customary rights of first refusal and tag, drag and similar rights of, and restrictions for the benefit of, a third party that is not an Affiliate of the Borrower (including in joint venture agreements) with respect to Equity Interests held by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in joint ventures;

(p) purported Liens (other than Liens securing Indebtedness for borrowed money) incurred in the ordinary course of business and evidenced by the filing of precautionary UCC (or equivalent statute) financing statements or similar public filings; and

(q) Liens securing other outstanding obligations which do not in the aggregate exceed $5,000,000 at any time outstanding.

SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes.

(a) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or otherwise Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, or all or substantially all of the stock of any of its Subsidiaries (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing:

(i) any Subsidiary of the Borrower may merge into the Borrower in a transaction in which the Borrower is the surviving entity;

(ii) any Loan Party (other than the Borrower) may merge into any other Loan Party in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Loan Party;

(iii) any Person (other than a Loan Party) may merge or consolidate with or into any Non-Loan Party, so long as the continuing or surviving entity is a Subsidiary (or will become a Subsidiary in connection therewith); provided that any such transaction involving a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary shall result in a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary as the continuing or surviving entity; and

 

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(iv) any Non-Loan Party may liquidate or dissolve if the Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders (as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent); provided that any such merger or consolidation involving a Person that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger shall not be permitted unless also permitted by Section 6.04.

(b) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the date hereof and businesses reasonably related thereto.

(c) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to change its fiscal year or any fiscal quarter from the basis in effect on the Effective Date.

(d) No Loan Party will change the accounting basis upon which its financial statements are prepared.

(e) No Loan Party will change the tax filing elections it has made under the Code.

SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger or consolidation with any Person that was not a Loan Party and a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary prior to such merger or consolidation) any Equity Interests, evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any Person or any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit (whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise)(each, an “Investment”), except:

(a) Permitted Investments;

(b) Investments in existence on the date hereof and described in Schedule 6.04, and Investments consisting of any modification, replacement, renewal, refinancing, reinvestment, or extension of any such Investment; provided that the amount of any such Investment is not increased from the amount of such Investment on the Effective Date except pursuant to the terms of such Investment (including in respect of any unused commitment), plus any accrued but unpaid interest (including any portion thereof which is payable in kind in accordance with the terms of such modified, extended, renewed, refinanced or replaced Investment) and premium payable by the terms of such Investment thereon and fees and expenses associated therewith, in each case, as in existence on the Effective Date;

(c) Investments made by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in Equity Interests in their respective Subsidiaries, provided that (i) any such Equity Interests held by a Loan Party shall be pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement and (ii) the aggregate outstanding amount of Investments by Loan Parties in Non-Loan Parties (together with outstanding intercompany loans permitted under clause (ii) of the proviso to Section 6.04(d) and outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness subject to Guarantees permitted under the proviso to Section 6.04(e)) shall not exceed $25,000,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

(d) loans or advances made by any Loan Party to any Subsidiary and made by any Subsidiary to a Loan Party or any other Subsidiary, provided that (i) any such loans and advances made by a Loan Party shall be evidenced by a promissory note pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement and (ii) the outstanding amount of such loans and advances made by Loan Parties to Non-Loan Parties (together with

 

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outstanding Investments permitted under clause (ii) of the proviso to Section 6.04(c) and the outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness subject to Guarantees permitted under the proviso to Section 6.04(e)) shall not exceed $25,000,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

(e) Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01, provided that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness of Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties that is Guaranteed by any Loan Party (together with outstanding investments permitted under clause (ii) of the proviso to Section 6.04(c) and outstanding intercompany loans permitted under clause (ii) of the proviso to Section 6.04(d)) shall not exceed $25,000,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

(f) loans or advances made by a Loan Party to its employees on an arms-length basis in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices for travel and entertainment expenses, relocation costs and similar purposes up to a maximum of $2,500,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

(g) notes payable, or stock or other securities issued by Account Debtors to a Loan Party pursuant to negotiated agreements with respect to settlement of such Account Debtor’s Accounts in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practices;

(h) Investments in the form of Swap Agreements permitted by Section 6.07;

(i) Investments of any Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower or consolidates or merges with the Borrower or any Subsidiary (including in connection with a Permitted Acquisition), so long as such investments were not made in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary or of such merger;

(j) Investments received in connection with the Disposition of assets permitted by Section 6.05;

(k) Investments constituting deposits described in clauses (c) and (d) of the definition of the term “Permitted Encumbrances”;

(l) Permitted Acquisitions;

(m) the Effective Date Acquisition;

(n) subject to the limitations on Investments in Non-Loan Parties set forth in Sections 6.04(c), (d) and (e), any Investment acquired by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (i) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Borrower or any such Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization, or recapitalization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts or disputes with or judgments against, the issuer, obligor or borrower of such original Investment or accounts receivable, (ii) as a result of a foreclosure by the Borrower or any Subsidiary with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default or (iii) as a result of the settlement, compromise or resolution of litigation, arbitration or other disputes with Persons who are not Affiliates;

(o) Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, material, equipment, or other similar assets, or of services, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(p) the non-exclusive licensing of intellectual property (i) in the ordinary course of business or (ii) which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and do not secure any Indebtedness;

(q) deposits required by any Governmental Authority or public utility, including with respect to Taxes and other similar charges to the extent the applicable obligations would not otherwise constitute an Event of Default; and

(r) other Investments in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs) $35,000,000.

Investments in prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and lease, utility and workers compensation, performance and similar deposits entered into as a result of the operations of the business, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

SECTION 6.05. Asset Sales. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, Dispose of any asset, including any Equity Interest owned by it, nor will the Borrower permit any Subsidiary to issue any additional Equity Interest in such Subsidiary (other than to the Borrower or another Subsidiary in compliance with Section 6.04), except:

(a) Dispositions of (i) Inventory, goods or other assets in the ordinary course of business, (ii) obsolete, negligible, uneconomical, worn out or surplus property, and (iii) other property (including any leasehold property interest) that is no longer economically practical in its business;

(b) Dispositions of assets to the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that (i) any such Dispositions involving a Non-Loan Party shall be made in compliance with Section 6.09 and (ii) the aggregate fair market value of all assets Disposed by Loan Parties to Non-Loan Parties during the term of this Agreement shall not exceed $10,000,000;

(c) Dispositions of Accounts (excluding Dispositions in a factoring arrangement) in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof;

(d) Dispositions of cash, Permitted Investments and other investments permitted by clauses (i) and (k) of Section 6.04;

(e) Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted by Section 6.06;

(f) Dispositions resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(g) transactions permitted by Section 6.03(a);

(h) Dispositions constituting Liens permitted under Section 6.02, Investments permitted under Section 6.04 (other than Section 6.04(j)), or Restricted Payments permitted under Section 6.08(a);

(i) foreclosures, condemnation, expropriation or any similar action on assets or other Dispositions required by a Governmental Authority or casualty or insured damage to assets;

 

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(j) the disposition or discount of inventory, accounts receivable, or notes receivable in the ordinary course of business or the conversion of accounts receivable to notes receivable in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

(k) the issuance of directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to foreign nationals as required by applicable law;

(l) other than in respect of any intellectual property, leases, assignments, subleases, licenses, sublicenses, covenants not to sue, releases, consents and other forms of license (and terminations thereof), in each case, in the ordinary course of business and which do not materially interfere with the business of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

(m) any sale, transfer and other disposition of accounts receivable (including write-offs, discounts and compromises) in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

(n) other Dispositions of assets (other than Equity Interests in a Subsidiary unless all Equity Interests in such Subsidiary are sold) that are not permitted by any other clause of this Section; provided that the aggregate fair market value of all assets Disposed of in reliance upon this paragraph (h) shall not exceed $10,000,000 during any fiscal year of the Borrower; and

(o) other Dispositions by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries so long as (i) the Borrower or applicable Subsidiary shall receive consideration at least equal to the fair market value (as determined by the Borrower at the time of contractually agreeing to such Disposition) of the assets sold or otherwise Disposed of, (ii) not less than 75% of the consideration for such Disposition consists of cash or Permitted Investments and (iii) at the time of such Disposition and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis thereto), no Event of Default shall exists or would result therefrom.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall consummate any transaction that results in the Disposition (whether by way of any Restricted Payment, Investment, Lien, sale, conveyance, transfer or other Disposition, and whether in a single transaction or a series of transactions) of intellectual property that is material to the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to any Non-Loan Party; provided that the Borrower and the other Loan Parties may grant non-exclusive licenses of any intellectual property to any Non-Loan Party in the ordinary course of business so long as the Borrower and the other Loan Parties retain the beneficial ownership and the same rights to use such intellectual property as held prior to such license.

SECTION 6.06. Sale and Leaseback Transactions. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, whereby it shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property that it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property sold or transferred (a “Sale and Leaseback Transaction”), except for any such sale of any fixed or capital assets by the Borrower or any Subsidiary that is made for cash consideration in an amount not less than the fair value of such fixed or capital asset and is consummated within 90 days after the Borrower or such Subsidiary acquires or completes the construction of such fixed or capital asset.

SECTION 6.07. Swap Agreements. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any Swap Agreement, except (a) Swap Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary has actual exposure (other than those in respect of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any Subsidiary), and (b) Swap Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar

 

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or exchange interest rates (from floating to fixed rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

SECTION 6.08. Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness.

(a) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, declare or make, or agree to declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, except:

(i) the Borrower may declare and pay dividends payable solely in Qualified Stock, and, with respect to its Disqualified Stock, payable solely in additional shares of such Disqualified Stock to the extent permitted to be issued hereunder;

(ii) Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends ratably with respect to their Equity Interests;

(iii) other Restricted Payments in an amount not to exceed the greater of (x) $18,000,000 and (y) 17.5% of Applicable EBITDA in any fiscal year, so long as at the time of making such Restricted Payment and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis) thereto, (x) no Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom, and (y) the Borrower is in compliance with the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio covenant set forth in Section 6.12(c); and

(iv) other Restricted Payments so long as at the time of making such Restricted Payment and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis) thereto (x) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, (y) the Borrower is in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 6.12 and (z) the Total Leverage Ratio is not greater than 3.00 to 1.00.

(b) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, make or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) of or in respect of principal of or interest on any Restricted Debt, or any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any Restricted Debt (any of the foregoing, a “Restricted Debt Payment”), except:

(i) payment of regularly scheduled interest and principal payments as and when due in respect of any Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01, other than payments in respect of Subordinated Indebtedness prohibited by the subordination provisions thereof, provided that any prepayment of the principal under the Mezzanine Loans shall be subject to Section 6.08(b)(v);

(ii) AHYDO Payments with respect to Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01;

(iii) refinancings of Indebtedness to the extent permitted by Section 6.01;

(iv) payment of secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness to the extent such sale or transfer is permitted by the terms of Section 6.05; and

(v) other Restricted Debt Payments in an aggregate amount during the term of this Agreement not to exceed an unlimited amount, so long as at the time of making such Restricted Debt

 

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Payment and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis) thereto (x) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, (y) the Borrower is in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 6.12 and (z) the Total Leverage Ratio is not greater than 3.00 to 1.00.

SECTION 6.09. Transactions with Affiliates. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, its Affiliates, except:

(a) transactions that (i) are in the ordinary course of business and (ii) are at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to such Loan Party or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties;

(b) transactions between or among the Loan Parties not involving any other Affiliate;

(c) any Investment permitted by Sections 6.04(c) or 6.04(d);

(d) any Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(c);

(e) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.08;

(f) loans or advances to employees permitted under Section 6.04(f);

(g) the payment of reasonable fees to directors of the Borrower or any Subsidiary who are not employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, and compensation and employee benefit arrangements paid to, and indemnities provided for the benefit of, directors, officers or employees of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(h) any issuances of securities or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment agreements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the Borrower’s board of directors; and

(i) as set forth on Schedule 6.09.

SECTION 6.10. Restrictive Agreements; Negative Pledge of Owned Real Property.

(a) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (i) the ability of such Loan Party or any Subsidiary to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets, or (ii) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any Equity Interests or to make or repay loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that (1) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by any applicable law or by any Loan Document, (2) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions existing on the date hereof identified on Schedule 6.10 (but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment or modification expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition), (3) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of assets or a Subsidiary pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to such assets or the Subsidiary that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (4) clause (i) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement if

 

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such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness and (5) clause (i) of the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in leases and other contracts restricting the assignment thereof.

(b) The Borrower shall not permit any Loan Party to sell, transfer, assign, mortgage, pledge, lease, grant a security interest in or otherwise encumber (other than Permitted Encumbrances and Liens permitted pursuant to Section 6.02(e)) any real property owned by any Loan Party to an unaffiliated third party without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent; provided, however, that the Loan Parties may sell that certain warehouse located in Toccoa, Georgia for fair market value.

SECTION 6.11. Amendment of Material Documents. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, amend, modify or waive any of its rights under (a) any Mezzanine Loan Document (other than in connection with (i) a refinancing or replacement of such Indebtedness permitted hereunder or (ii) in a manner expressly permitted by, or not prohibited under, the Subordination Agreement) or (b) (i) any agreement relating to any Restricted Debt (other than in connection with (A) a refinancing or replacement of such Indebtedness permitted hereunder or (B) in a manner expressly permitted by, or not prohibited under, the applicable Intercreditor Agreement), (ii) any Effective Date Acquisition Document or (iii) its charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation and bylaws or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents, in each case of this clause (b), to the extent any such amendment, modification or waiver would be materially adverse to the Lenders (as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent).

SECTION 6.12. Financial Covenants.

(a) Senior Leverage Ratio. The Borrower will not permit the Senior Leverage Ratio as of the last day of any Test Period to be greater than the ratio set forth below in respect of the last day of each Test Period ending on the day set forth below:

 

Date

   Maximum Senior
Leverage Ratio
 

June 30, 2022

     4.50 to 1.00  

September 30, 2022

     4.50 to 1.00  

December 31, 2022

     4.50 to 1.00  

March 31, 2023

     4.50 to 1.00  

June 30, 2023

     4.00 to 1.00  

September 30, 2023

     4.00 to 1.00  

December 31, 2023 and as of the last day of each Test Period ending thereafter

     3.50 to 1.00  

(b) Total Leverage Ratio. Prior to the Payment in Full of the Mezzanine Obligations, the Borrower will not permit the Total Leverage Ratio as of the last day of any Test Period to be greater than the ratio set forth below in respect of the last day of each Test Period ending on the day set forth below:

 

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Date

   Maximum Total
Leverage Ratio
 

June 30, 2022

     5.75 to 1.00  

September 30, 2022

     5.75 to 1.00  

December 31, 2022

     5.75 to 1.00  

March 31, 2023

     5.75 to 1.00  

June 30, 2023

     5.25 to 1.00  

September 30, 2023

     5.25 to 1.00  

December 31, 2023 and as of the last day of each Test Period ending thereafter

     4.75 to 1.00  

(c) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. The Borrower will not permit the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, as of the last day of any Test Period (beginning with the Test Period ending June 30, 2022), to be less than 1.20 to 1.00.

ARTICLE VII

Events of Default

If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:

(a) the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable and in the Agreed Currency required hereunder, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;

(b) the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable and in the Agreed Currency required hereunder, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of three (3) Business Days;

(c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary in, or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been materially incorrect when made or deemed made;

(d) any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.02(a), 5.03 (with respect to a Loan Party’s existence), 5.08, 5.13 or 5.14, or in Article VI or in Article X;

 

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(e) any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of this Article) or any other Loan Document, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of (i) five (5) days after the earlier of any Loan Party’s knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender) if such breach relates to terms or provisions of Section 5.01, 5.02 (other than Section 5.02(a)), 5.03 (other than with respect to a Loan Party’s existence) or 5.04 through 5.07 of this Agreement or (ii) thirty (30) days after the earlier of any Loan Party’s knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender) if such breach relates to terms or provisions of any other Section of this Agreement or any other Loan Document;

(f) any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable (giving effect to any applicable period of grace and requirements for notice);

(g) (i) any event or condition occurs (after giving effect to any applicable period of grace and requirements for notice) that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) 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) an “Event of Default” occurs under the Mezzanine Loan Documents; provided that this clause (g) 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 to the extent such sale or transfer is permitted by the terms of Section 6.05;

(h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of a Loan Party or Subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for sixty (60) days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

(i) any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for such Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

(j) any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability, or publicly declare its intention not to, or fail generally, to pay its debts as they become due;

(k) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $10,000,000 (to the extent not paid or covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, has been notified of the potential claim and does not dispute coverage) shall be rendered against any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days during which execution shall

 

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not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment or any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall fail within thirty (30) days to discharge one or more non-monetary judgments or orders which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, which judgments or orders, in any such case, are not stayed on appeal or otherwise being appropriately contested in good faith by proper proceedings diligently pursued;

(l) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

(m) a Change in Control shall occur;

(n) the Loan Guaranty shall fail to remain in full force or effect (other than pursuant to the terms hereof or thereof) or any action shall be taken by any Loan Party to terminate or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of the Loan Guaranty or any Loan Guarantor shall fail to comply with any of the terms or provisions of the Loan Guaranty, or any Loan Guarantor shall deny in writing that it has any further liability under the Loan Guaranty, or shall give written notice to such effect, including, but not limited to notice of termination delivered pursuant to Section 10.08;

(o) except as permitted by the terms of any Collateral Document, (i) any Collateral Document shall for any reason fail to create a valid security interest in any Collateral purported to be covered thereby, or (ii) any Lien securing any Secured Obligation shall cease to be a perfected, first priority Lien;

(p) any Collateral Document shall fail to remain in full force or effect (other than pursuant to the terms hereof or thereof) or any action shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of any Collateral Document; or

(q) (i) any material provision of any Loan Document for any reason ceases to be valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms (or any Loan Party shall challenge the enforceability of any Loan Document or shall assert in writing, or engage in any action or inaction that evidences its assertion, that any provision of any of the Loan Documents has ceased to be or otherwise is not valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms) or (ii) the subordination provisions of the Subordination Agreement or any other agreement or instrument governing any Subordinated Indebtedness shall for any reason be revoked or invalidated, or otherwise cease to be in full force and effect (other than pursuant to the terms thereof or with the written consent of the Required Lenders), or any Person shall contest in any manner the validity or enforceability thereof or deny that it has any further liability or obligation thereunder, or the Obligations, for any reason shall not have the priority contemplated by this Agreement or such subordination provisions;

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrower, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Revolving Commitments, whereupon the Revolving Commitments shall terminate immediately, (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, but ratably as among the Loans at the time outstanding, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), whereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Secured Obligations (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any break funding payment) accrued hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, shall become due and payable immediately, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which

 

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are hereby waived by the Loan Parties, (iii) require cash collateral for the LC Exposure in accordance with Section 2.06(j) hereof and (iv) exercise all other rights and remedies of the Secured Parties under the Loan Documents and applicable law; and in the case of any event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article, the Revolving Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding and cash collateral for the LC Exposure, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Secured Obligations (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any break funding payment) accrued hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, shall automatically become due and payable, and the obligation of the Borrower to cash collateralize the LC Exposure as provided in clause (iii) above shall automatically become effective, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Loan Parties. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, increase the rate of interest applicable to the Loans and other Obligations as set forth in this Agreement and exercise any rights and remedies provided to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents or at law or equity, including all remedies provided under the UCC.

In addition to any other rights and remedies granted to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties may exercise all rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC or any other applicable law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent, without demand of performance or other demand, presentment, protest, advertisement or notice of any kind (except any notice required by law referred to below) to or upon any Loan Party or any other Person (all and each of which demands, defenses, advertisements and notices are hereby waived by the Borrower on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries), may in such circumstances forthwith collect, receive, appropriate and realize upon the Collateral, or any part thereof, or consent to the use by any Loan Party of any cash collateral arising in respect of the Collateral on such terms as the Administrative Agent deems reasonable, and/or may forthwith sell, lease, assign give an option or options to purchase or otherwise dispose of and deliver, or acquire by credit bid on behalf of the Lenders, the Collateral or any part thereof (or contract to do any of the foregoing), in one or more parcels at public or private sale or sales, at any exchange, broker’s board or office of the Administrative Agent or any Lender or elsewhere, upon such terms and conditions as it may deem advisable and at such prices as it may deem best, for cash or on credit or for future delivery, all without assumption of any credit risk. The Administrative Agent or any Lender shall have the right upon any such public sale or sales, and, to the extent permitted by law, upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase the whole or any part of the Collateral so sold, free of any right or equity of redemption in any Loan Party, which right or equity is hereby waived and released by the Borrower on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries. The Borrower further agrees on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, at the Administrative Agent’s request, to assemble the Collateral and make it available to the Administrative Agent at places which the Administrative Agent shall reasonably select, whether at the premises of the Borrower, another Loan Party or elsewhere. The Administrative Agent shall apply the net proceeds of any action taken by it pursuant to this Article VII, after deducting all reasonable costs and expenses of every kind incurred in connection therewith or incidental to the care or safekeeping of any of the Collateral or in any other way relating to the Collateral or the rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, to the payment in whole or in part of the obligations of the Loan Parties under the Loan Documents, in such order as the Administrative Agent may elect, and only after such application and after the payment by the Administrative Agent of any other amount required by any provision of law, including Section 9-615(a)(3) of the UCC, need the Administrative Agent account for the surplus, if any, to any Loan Party. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries waives all Liabilities it may acquire against the Administrative Agent or any Lender arising out of the exercise by them of any rights hereunder. If any notice of a proposed sale or other disposition of Collateral shall be required by law, such notice shall be deemed reasonable and proper if given at least 10 days before such sale or other disposition.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

The Administrative Agent

SECTION 8.01. Authorization and Action.

(a) Each Lender, on behalf of itself and any of its Affiliates that are Secured Parties and each Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably appoints the entity named as Administrative Agent in the heading of this Agreement and its successors and assigns to serve as the administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and each Lender and each Issuing Bank authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Administrative Agent under such agreements and to exercise such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. In addition, to the extent required under the laws of any jurisdiction other than within the United States, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby grants to the Administrative Agent any required powers of attorney to execute and enforce any Collateral Document governed by the laws of such jurisdiction on such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s behalf. Without limiting the foregoing, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, each of the Loan Documents to which the Administrative Agent is a party, and to exercise all rights, powers and remedies that the Administrative Agent may have under such Loan Documents.

(b) As to any matters not expressly provided for herein and in the other Loan Documents (including enforcement or collection), the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the written instructions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, pursuant to the terms in the Loan Documents), and, unless and until revoked in writing, such instructions shall be binding upon each Lender and each Issuing Bank; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that (i) the Administrative Agent in good faith believes exposes it to liability unless the Administrative Agent receives an indemnification and is exculpated in a manner satisfactory to it from the Lenders and the Issuing Banks with respect to such action or (ii) is contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or applicable law, including any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors; provided, further, that the Administrative Agent may seek clarification or direction from the Required Lenders prior to the exercise of any such instructed action and may refrain from acting until such clarification or direction has been provided. Except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower, any other Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Administrative Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

(c) In performing its functions and duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent is acting solely on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks (except in limited circumstances expressly provided for herein relating to the maintenance of the Register), and its duties are entirely mechanical and administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

 

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(i) the Administrative Agent does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation or duty or any other relationship as the agent, fiduciary or trustee of or for any Lender, Issuing Bank, any other Secured Party or holder of any other Secured Obligation other than as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, regardless of whether a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (and it is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” (or any similar term) herein or in any other Loan Document with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary duty or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law, and that such term is used as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties); additionally, each Lender agrees that it will not assert any claim against the Administrative Agent based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; and

(ii) nothing in this Agreement or any Loan Document shall require the Administrative Agent to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by the Administrative Agent for its own account.

(d) The Administrative Agent may perform any of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any of their respective duties and exercise their respective rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities pursuant to this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agent except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and nonappealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agent.

(e) No Arranger, Syndication Agent or Co-Documentation Agent identified on the cover of this Agreement shall have any obligations or duties whatsoever in such capacity under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and shall incur no liability hereunder or thereunder in such capacity, but all such persons shall have the benefit of the indemnities provided for hereunder.

(f) In case of the pendency of any proceeding with respect to any Loan Party under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement 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 (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, LC Disbursements and all other Secured Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent (including any claim under Sections 2.12, 2.13, 2.15, 2.17 and 9.03) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

(ii) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

 

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and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each other Secured Party to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the other Secured Parties, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due to it, in its capacity as the Administrative Agent, under the Loan Documents (including under Section 9.03). 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 or Issuing Bank any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Secured Obligations or the rights of any Lender or Issuing Bank or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or Issuing Bank in any such proceeding.

(g) The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, and, except solely to the extent of the Borrower’s rights to consent pursuant to and subject to the conditions set forth in this Article, none of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any of their respective Affiliates, shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary under any such provisions. Each Secured Party, whether or not a party hereto, will be deemed, by its acceptance of the benefits of the Collateral and of the Guarantees of the Secured Obligations provided under the Loan Documents, to have agreed to the provisions of this Article.

SECTION 8.02. Administrative Agents Reliance, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, Etc.

(a) Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties shall be (i) liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by such party, the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties under or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (x) with the consent of or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in the Loan Documents) or (y) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct (such absence to be presumed unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment) or (ii) 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 (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the Administrative Agent’s reliance on any Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page) or for any failure of any Loan Party to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

(b) The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any (x) notice of any of the events or circumstances set forth or described in Section 5.02 unless and until written notice thereof stating that it is a “notice under Section 5.02” in respect of this Agreement and identifying the specific clause under said Section is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, or (y) notice of any Default or Event of Default unless and until written notice thereof (stating that it is a “notice of Default” or a “notice of an Event of Default”) is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, a Lender or an Issuing Bank. Further, 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 any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, (iv) the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document,

 

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other than to confirm receipt of items (which on their face purport to be such items) expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or satisfaction of any condition that expressly refers to the matters described therein being acceptable or satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, or (vi) the creation, perfection or priority of Liens on the Collateral. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be liable for, or be responsible for any Liability, cost or expense suffered by the Borrower, any other Loan Party, any Subsidiary, any Lender or the Issuing Bank as a result of, any determination of any Credit Exposure, any of the component amounts thereof or any portion thereof attributable to each Lender or the Issuing Bank, or any Exchange Rate or calculation of any Dollar Equivalent.

(c) Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrative Agent (i) may treat the payee of any promissory note as its holder until such promissory note has been assigned in accordance with Section 9.04, (ii) may rely on the Register to the extent set forth in Section 9.04(b), (iii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel to the Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts, (iv) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender or Issuing Bank and shall not be responsible to any Lender or Issuing Bank for any statements, warranties or representations made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (v) in determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or Issuing Bank unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or Issuing Bank sufficiently in advance of the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit and (vi) shall be entitled to rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon, any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which writing may be any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) or any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper party or parties (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the maker thereof).

SECTION 8.03. Posting of Communications.

(a) The Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make any Communications available to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks by posting the Communications on IntraLinks, DebtDomain, SyndTrak, ClearPar or any other electronic system chosen by the Administrative Agent to be its electronic transmission system (the “Approved Electronic Platform”).

(b) Although the Approved Electronic Platform and its primary web portal are secured with generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time (including, as of the Effective Date, a user ID/password authorization system) and the Approved Electronic Platform is secured through a per-deal authorization method whereby each user may access the Approved Electronic Platform only on a deal-by-deal basis, each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and the Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure, that the Administrative Agent is not responsible for approving or vetting the representatives or contacts of any Lender that are added to the Approved Electronic Platform, and that there may be confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution. Each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and the Borrower hereby approves distribution of the Communications through the Approved Electronic Platform and understands and assumes the risks of such distribution.

(c) THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. THE APPLICABLE PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW)

 

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DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS. 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 THE APPLICABLE PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY ARRANGER OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, “APPLICABLE PARTIES”) HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY LOAN PARTY, ANY LENDER, ANY ISSUING BANK OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF ANY LOAN PARTY’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET OR THROUGH AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM.

Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Loan Party pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank by means of electronic communications pursuant to this Section, including through an Approved Electronic Platform.

(d) Each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that Communications have been posted to the Approved Electronic Platform shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Loan Documents. Each Lender and Issuing Bank agrees (i) to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (which could be in the form of electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s (as applicable) email address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and (ii) that the foregoing notice may be sent to such email address.

(e) Each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and the Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but (except as may be required by applicable law) shall not be obligated to, store the Communications on the Approved Electronic Platform in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s generally applicable document retention procedures and policies.

(f) Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank to give any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Document in any other manner specified in such Loan Document.

SECTION 8.04. The Administrative Agent Individually. With respect to its Commitment, Loans (including Swingline Loans) and Letters of Credit, the Person serving as the Administrative Agent shall have and may exercise the same rights and powers hereunder and is subject to the same obligations and liabilities as and to the extent set forth herein for any other Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be. The terms “Issuing Banks”, “Lenders”, “Required Lenders” and any similar terms shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity as a Lender, Issuing Bank or as one of the Required Lenders, as applicable. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust or other business with,

 

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any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing as if such Person was not acting as the Administrative Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks.

SECTION 8.05. Successor Administrative Agent.

(a) The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving 30 days’ prior written notice thereof to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower, whether or not a successor Administrative Agent has been appointed. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York or an Affiliate of any such bank. In either case, such appointment shall be subject to the prior written approval of the Borrower (which approval may not be unreasonably withheld and shall not be required while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing). Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall succeed to, and become vested with, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent. Upon the acceptance of appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Prior to any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall take such action as may be reasonably necessary to assign to the successor Administrative Agent its rights as Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section, in the event no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its intent to resign, the retiring Administrative Agent may give notice of the effectiveness of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower, whereupon, on the date of effectiveness of such resignation stated in such notice, (i) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents; provided that, solely for purposes of maintaining any security interest granted to the Administrative Agent under any Collateral Document for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to be vested with such security interest as collateral agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and continue to be entitled to the rights set forth in such Collateral Document and Loan Document, and, in the case of any Collateral in the possession of the Administrative Agent, shall continue to hold such Collateral, in each case until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed and accepts such appointment in accordance with this Section (it being understood and agreed that the retiring Administrative Agent shall have no duty or obligation to take any further action under any Collateral Document, including any action required to maintain the perfection of any such security interest), and (ii) the Required Lenders shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent; provided that (A) all payments required to be made hereunder or under any other Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of any Person other than the Administrative Agent shall be made directly to such Person and (B) all notices and other communications required or contemplated to be given or made to the Administrative Agent shall directly be given or made to each Lender and each Issuing Bank. Following the effectiveness of the Administrative Agent’s resignation from its capacity as such, the provisions of this Article, Section 2.17(d) and Section 9.03, as well as any exculpatory, reimbursement and indemnification provisions set forth in any other Loan Document, shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent and in respect of the matters referred to in the proviso under clause (a) above.

 

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SECTION 8.06. Acknowledgments of Lenders and Issuing Banks.

(a) Each Lender represents and warrants that (i) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility, (ii) it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans and in providing other facilities set forth herein as may be applicable to such Lender or Issuing Bank, in each case, in the ordinary course of business, and not for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring or holding any other type of financial instrument (and each Lender agrees not to assert a claim in contravention of the foregoing), (iii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger or any other Lender, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement as a Lender, and to make, acquire or hold Loans hereunder and (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to make, acquire and/or hold commercial loans and to provide other facilities set forth herein, as may be applicable to such Lender, and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to make, acquire and/or hold such commercial loans or to provide such other facilities, is experienced in making, acquiring or holding such commercial loans or providing such other facilities. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger or any other Lender, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information (which may contain material, non-public information within the meaning of the United States securities laws concerning the Borrower and its Affiliates) as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

(b) Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement on the Effective Date, or delivering its signature page to an Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall become a Lender hereunder, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved, each Loan Document and each other document required to be delivered to, or be approved by or satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders on the Effective Date or the effective date of any such Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall have become a Lender hereunder.

(c) (i) Each Lender hereby agrees that (x) if the Administrative Agent notifies such Lender that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion that any funds received by such Lender from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (whether as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees or otherwise; individually and collectively, a “Payment”) were erroneously transmitted to such Lender (whether or not known to such Lender), and demands the return of such Payment (or a portion thereof), such Lender shall promptly, but in no event later than one Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect, and (y) to the extent permitted by applicable law, such Lender shall not assert, and hereby waives, as to the Administrative Agent, any claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-off or recoupment with respect to any demand, claim or counterclaim by the Administrative Agent for the return of any Payments received, including without limitation any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar doctrine. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender under this Section 8.06(c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

(ii) Each Lender hereby further agrees that if it receives a Payment from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (x) that is in a different amount than, or on a different date

 

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from, that specified in a notice of payment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such Payment (a “Payment Notice”) or (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a Payment Notice, it shall be on notice, in each such case, that an error has been made with respect to such Payment. Each Lender agrees that, in each such case, or if it otherwise becomes aware a Payment (or portion thereof) may have been sent in error, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such occurrence and, upon demand from the Administrative Agent, it shall promptly, but in no event later than one (1) Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect.

(iii) The Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that (x) in the event an erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) are not recovered from any Lender that has received such Payment (or portion thereof) for any reason, the Administrative Agent shall be subrogated to all the rights of such Lender with respect to such amount and (y) an erroneous Payment shall not pay, prepay, repay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any Obligations owed by the Borrower or any other Loan Party.

(iv) Each party’s obligations under this Section 8.06(c) shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations under any Loan Document.

(d) Each Lender hereby agrees that (i) it has requested a copy of each report prepared by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent; (ii) the Administrative Agent (A) makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the completeness or accuracy of any report or any of the information contained therein or any inaccuracy or omission contained in or relating to a report and (B) shall not be liable for any information contained in any report; (iii) the reports are not comprehensive audits or examinations, and that any Person performing any field examination will inspect only specific information regarding the Loan Parties and will rely significantly upon the Loan Parties’ books and records, as well as on representations of the Loan Parties’ personnel and that the Administrative Agent undertakes no obligation to update, correct or supplement the reports; (iv) it will keep all reports confidential and strictly for its internal use, not share the report with any Loan Party or any other Person except as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Agreement; and (v) without limiting the generality of any other indemnification provision contained in this Agreement, (A) it will hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Person preparing a report harmless from any action the indemnifying Lender may take or conclusion the indemnifying Lender may reach or draw from any report in connection with any extension of credit that the indemnifying Lender has made or may make to the Borrower, or the indemnifying Lender’s participation in, or the indemnifying Lender’s purchase of, a Loan or Loans; and (B) it will pay and protect, and indemnify, defend, and hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Person preparing a report harmless from and against, the claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and other amounts (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Administrative Agent or any such other Person as the direct or indirect result of any third parties who might obtain all or part of any report through the indemnifying Lender.

SECTION 8.07. Collateral Matters.

(a) Except with respect to the exercise of setoff rights in accordance with Section 9.08 or with respect to a Secured Party’s right to file a proof of claim in an insolvency proceeding, no Secured Party shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce any Guarantee of the Secured Obligations, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies under the Loan

 

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Documents may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms thereof. In its capacity, the Administrative Agent is a “representative” of the Secured Parties within the meaning of the term “secured party” as defined in the UCC. In the event that any Collateral is hereafter pledged by any Person as collateral security for the Secured Obligations, the Administrative Agent is hereby authorized, and hereby granted a power of attorney, to execute and deliver on behalf of the Secured Parties any Loan Documents necessary or appropriate to grant and perfect a Lien on such Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties.

(b) In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation thereof, no arrangements in respect of Banking Services the obligations under which constitute Secured Obligations and no Swap Agreement the obligations under which constitute Secured Obligations, will create (or be deemed to create) in favor of any Secured Party that is a party thereto any rights in connection with the management or release of any Collateral or of the obligations of any Loan Party under any Loan Document. By accepting the benefits of the Collateral, each Secured Party that is a party to any such arrangement in respect of Banking Services or Swap Agreement, as applicable, shall be deemed to have appointed the Administrative Agent to serve as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and agreed to be bound by the Loan Documents as a Secured Party thereunder, subject to the limitations set forth in this paragraph.

SECTION 8.08. Credit Bidding. The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Required Lenders, to credit bid all or any portion of the Secured Obligations (including by accepting some or all of the Collateral in satisfaction of some or all of the Secured Obligations pursuant to a deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise) and in such manner purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral (a) at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including under Sections 363, 1123 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any similar laws in any other jurisdictions to which a Loan Party is subject, or (b) at any other sale, foreclosure or acceptance of collateral in lieu of debt conducted by (or with the consent or at the direction of) the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with any applicable law. In connection with any such credit bid and purchase, the Secured Obligations owed to the Secured Parties shall be entitled to be, and shall be, credit bid by the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders on a ratable basis (with Secured Obligations with respect to contingent or unliquidated claims receiving contingent interests in the acquired assets on a ratable basis that shall vest upon the liquidation of such claims in an amount proportional to the liquidated portion of the contingent claim amount used in allocating the contingent interests) for the asset or assets so purchased (or for the equity interests or debt instruments of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles that are issued in connection with such purchase). In connection with any such bid (i) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to form one or more acquisition vehicles and to assign any successful credit bid to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles (ii) each of the Secured Parties’ ratable interests in the Secured Obligations which were credit bid shall be deemed without any further action under this Agreement to be assigned to such vehicle or vehicles for the purpose of closing such sale, (iii) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to adopt documents providing for the governance of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles (provided that any actions by the Administrative Agent with respect to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, including any Disposition of the assets or equity interests thereof, shall be governed, directly or indirectly, by, and the governing documents shall provide for, control by the vote of the Required Lenders or their permitted assignees under the terms of this Agreement or the governing documents of the applicable acquisition vehicle or vehicles, as the case may be, irrespective of the termination of this Agreement and without giving effect to the limitations on actions by the Required Lenders contained in Section 9.02 of this Agreement), (iv) the Administrative Agent on behalf of such acquisition vehicle or vehicles shall be authorized to issue to each of the Secured Parties, ratably on account of the relevant Secured Obligations which were credit bid, interests, whether as equity, partnership interests, limited partnership interests or membership interests, in any such acquisition vehicle and/or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle, all without the need for any Secured Party or acquisition vehicle to take any further action, and (v) to the extent that Secured Obligations that

 

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are assigned to an acquisition vehicle are not used to acquire Collateral for any reason (as a result of another bid being higher or better, because the amount of Secured Obligations assigned to the acquisition vehicle exceeds the amount of Secured Obligations credit bid by the acquisition vehicle or otherwise), such Secured Obligations shall automatically be reassigned to the Secured Parties pro rata with their original interest in such Secured Obligations and the equity interests and/or debt instruments issued by any acquisition vehicle on account of such Secured Obligations shall automatically be cancelled, without the need for any Secured Party or any acquisition vehicle to take any further action. Notwithstanding that the ratable portion of the Secured Obligations of each Secured Party are deemed assigned to the acquisition vehicle or vehicles as set forth in clause (ii) above, each Secured Party shall execute such documents and provide such information regarding the Secured Party (and/or any designee of the Secured Party which will receive interests in or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection with the formation of any acquisition vehicle, the formulation or submission of any credit bid or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such credit bid.

SECTION 8.09. 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 the Arrangers and their respective Affiliates, 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:

(i) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments or this Agreement,

(ii) 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 Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement,

(iii) (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 Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, 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 Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, or

(iv) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.

(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 as provided in sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and

 

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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 the Arrangers and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that none of the Administrative Agent or any Arranger or any of their respective Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments or 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).

(c) Each of the Administrative Agent and each Arranger hereby informs the Lenders that each such Person is not undertaking to provide investment advice or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that such Person has a financial interest in the transactions contemplated hereby in that such Person or an Affiliate thereof (i) may receive interest or other payments with respect to the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments, this Agreement and any other Loan Documents, (ii) may recognize a gain if it extended the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments for an amount less than the amount being paid for an interest in the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments by such Lender or (iii) may receive fees or other payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Loan Documents or otherwise, including structuring fees, commitment fees, arrangement fees, facility fees, upfront fees, underwriting fees, ticking fees, agency fees, administrative agent or collateral agent fees, utilization fees, minimum usage fees, letter of credit fees, fronting fees, deal-away or alternate transaction fees, amendment fees, processing fees, term out premiums, banker’s acceptance fees, breakage or other early termination fees or fees similar to the foregoing.

SECTION 8.10. Intercreditor Arrangements. Each Lender, on behalf of itself and any of its Affiliates that are Secured Parties, and the Issuing Bank hereby (a) irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent to enter into any intercreditor agreement or subordination agreement (including the Subordination Agreement) contemplated hereby (and any amendments, amendments and restatements, restatements or waivers of or supplements to or other modifications to, such agreements or arrangements in connection with the incurrence by any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness to the extent permitted hereby) and to subject the Liens on the Collateral securing the Secured Obligations to the provisions thereof, and (b) acknowledges and agrees that it will be bound by and will take no actions contrary to the provisions of any intercreditor agreement or subordination agreement (including the Subordination Agreement) entered into in connection herewith or contemplated hereby.

SECTION 8.11. Relationship of Administrative Agents. Each of the Borrower and each Lender: (i) acknowledges that JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (in its capacity as Administrative Agent and/or Lender hereunder or otherwise, “JPMC Bank”) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (in its capacity as Mezzanine Agent) are separate business units of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and that the rights and obligations of JPMC Bank and the Mezzanine Agent and their respective Affiliates hereunder and under the Mezzanine Credit Agreement are separate and distinct, are exercisable in the sole discretion of each such party and shall not be merged in law or in equity; (ii) acknowledges that the consent, approval, waiver or other action by JPMC Bank does not constitute a consent, approval, waiver or other action by the Mezzanine Agent, and that any such action by the Mezzanine Agent similarly does not bind JPMC Bank; (iii) acknowledges that it will communicate separately with each of JPMC Bank and the Mezzanine Agent, and distribute information separately to each of JPMC Bank and the Mezzanine Agent as required and permitted under the Loan Documents; and (iv) consents to JPMC Bank and the Mezzanine Agent and their respective officers, employees, advisors and Affiliates working together and sharing information about the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and each Lender to the extent permitted under this Agreement or the applicable Mezzanine Loan Documents, as the case may be. Notwithstanding any consent to share information, neither the Borrower nor any Lender should assume that JPMC Bank and the Mezzanine Agent have shared information between them.

 

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SECTION 8.12. No Reliance. Each Lender acknowledges that such Lender (a) has independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as such Lender has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analyses and decisions to enter into the transactions contemplated hereby and the Loan Documents to which such Lender is a party, and (b) will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as they shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which such Lender is a party. Each Lender acknowledges that JPMC Bank and/or J.P. Morgan Securities LLC may be an agent, arranger and/or lender under the Loan Documents and/or the Mezzanine Loan Documents (as well as other loans or other securities), and each Lender hereby waives any existing or future conflicts of interest associated with such roles. If, in the administration of this facility or any other debt instrument, JPMC Bank determines (or is given written notice by any Lender that a conflict may exist), then JPMC Bank shall have the option to eliminate such conflict within ninety (90) days or resign as Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms hereof and, accordingly, JPMC Bank shall have no liability for any action taken or not taken while such conflict existed.

ARTICLE IX

Miscellaneous

SECTION 9.01. Notices.

(a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by fax or Electronic Systems (and subject in each case to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by fax or Electronic Systems, as follows:

(i) if to any Loan Party, to it in care of the Borrower at:

 

The Gorman-Rupp Company

600 South Airport Road

Mansfield, Ohio 44903

Attention: James C. Kerr, Chief Financial Officer

Email: jim.kerr@gormanrupp.com

 

and

 

The Gorman-Rupp Company

600 South Airport Road

Mansfield, Ohio 44903

Attention: Brigette A. Burnell, General Counsel

Email: brigette.burnell@gormanrupp.com

(ii) if to the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender, or Chase in its capacity as an Issuing Bank, in the case of Borrowings denominated in Dollars, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. at:

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Middle Market Servicing

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

 

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Suite IL1-1145

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: Michael Wilson

Phone No: 312-325-3893

Email: michael.w.wilson@chase.com

With a copy to:

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Middle Market Servicing

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-0480

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: Commercial Banking Group

Fax No: (844) 490-5663

Email: jpm.agency.cri@jpmorgan.com

jpm.agency.servicing.1@jpmorgan.com

Agency Withholding Tax Inquiries:

Email: agency.tax.reporting@jpmorgan.com

Agency Compliance/Financials/Intralinks:

Email: covenant.compliance@jpmchase.com

 

and, in the case of a notification of the DQ List, to:

JPMDQ_Contact@jpmorgan.com

(iii) if to the Administrative Agent in the case of Borrowings denominated in Foreign Currencies, to J.P. Morgan Europe Limited at:

 

J.P. Morgan Europe Limited

25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf

London E14 5JP

Attention of The Manager, Loan & Agency Services

Fax No: 44 207 777 2360)

 

and in each case, with a copy to:

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Middle Market Servicing

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-0480

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: Commercial Banking Group

Fax No: (844) 490-5663

Email: jpm.agency.cri@jpmorgan.com

jpm.agency.servicing.1@jpmorgan.com

 

and

 

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(iv) if to any other Lender or Issuing Bank, to it at its address or fax number set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

All such notices and other communications (i) sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail shall be deemed to have been given when received, (ii) sent by fax shall be deemed to have been given when sent, provided that if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient, or (iii) delivered through any Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, to the extent provided in paragraph (b) below shall be effective as provided in such paragraph (b).

(b) Notices and other communications to any Loan Party or any Lender hereunder may be delivered or furnished by using Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, or pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II or to compliance and no Default certificates delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(c) unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (on behalf of the Loan Parties) may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by using Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise proscribes, all such notices and other communications (i) sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if not given during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient, and (ii) posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient, at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i), of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, e-mail or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient.

(c) 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.

SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments.

(a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders hereunder and under any other Loan Document are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.

 

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(b) Except as provided in Section 2.09 with respect to any Incremental Facility Amendment or modification of the Commitment Schedule, and subject to Sections 2.14(b) and (c) and Sections 9.02(c) and (e), neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except (i) in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the Required Lenders or (ii) in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties that are parties thereto; provided that no such agreement shall (A) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender), (B) reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce or forgive any interest or fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby (except that (x) any amendment or modification of the financial covenants in this Agreement (or defined terms used in the financial covenants in this Agreement) shall not constitute a reduction in the rate of interest or fees for purposes of this clause (B) and (y) only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay increased interest pursuant to Section 2.13(d) or to amend Section 2.13(d)), (C) postpone any scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement, or any date for the payment of any interest, fees or other Secured Obligations payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby (other than, in each case, any prepayment required to be made pursuant to Section 2.11(d) or 2.11(e)), (D) change Section 2.09(d) or Section 2.18(b) or (d) in a manner that would alter the ratable reduction of Commitments or the manner in which payments are shared, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (E) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) (it being understood that, solely with the consent of the parties prescribed by Section 2.09 to be parties to an Incremental Facility Amendment, Incremental Term Loans and additional Revolving Commitments may be included in the determination of Required Lenders on substantially the same basis as the initial Commitments and Loans are included on the Effective Date), (F) release the Borrower or release any Loan Guarantor from its obligation under its Loan Guaranty (except as otherwise permitted herein or in the other Loan Documents), without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (G) except as provided in clause (c) of this Section or in any Collateral Document, release all or substantially all of the Collateral without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (H) change Section 2.20, without the consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) or (I) subordinate the Liens on the Collateral or subordinate the right of payment of the Secured Obligations without the written consent of each Lender, except, in each case, to the extent each Lender is offered the opportunity to provide its pro rata share of the priming Indebtedness on the same terms (other than bona fide backstop fees, any arrangement or restructuring fees and reimbursement of expenses) ; provided further that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be (it being understood that any amendment to Section 2.20 shall require the consent of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank); provided further that no such agreement shall amend or modify the provisions of Section 2.06 or any Letter of Credit Agreement or any letter of credit application and any bilateral agreement between the Borrower and the Issuing Bank regarding the Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit or the respective rights and obligations between the Borrower and the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance of Letters of Credit without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, respectively. The Administrative Agent may also amend the Commitment Schedule to reflect assignments entered into pursuant to Section 9.04. Any amendment, waiver or other modification of this Agreement or any other

 

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Loan Document that by its terms affects the rights or duties under this Agreement of the Lenders of one or more Classes (but not the Lenders of any other Class), may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the requisite number or percentage in interest of each affected Class of Lenders that would be required to consent thereto under this Section if such Class of Lenders were the only Class of Lenders hereunder at the time.

(c) The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent (or its designee), at its option and in its sole discretion, to release any Liens granted to the Administrative Agent by the Loan Parties on any Collateral (i) upon the Payment in Full of all Secured Obligations, and the cash collateralization of all Unliquidated Obligations in a manner satisfactory to each affected Lender, (ii) constituting property being Disposed of if the Loan Party Disposing of such property certifies to the Administrative Agent that the Disposition is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement (and the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry), and to the extent that the property being Disposed of constitutes 100% of the Equity Interests of a Subsidiary, the Administrative Agent is authorized to release the Loan Guaranty provided by such Subsidiary, (iii) constituting property leased to a Loan Party under a lease which has expired or been terminated in a transaction permitted under this Agreement, or (iv) as required to effect any Disposition of such Collateral in connection with any exercise of remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Article VII. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent will not release any Liens on Collateral without the prior written authorization of the Required Lenders or, to the extent required by Section 9.02(b), all of the Lenders. Any such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect, or impair the Secured Obligations or any Liens (other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of the Loan Parties in respect of) all interests retained by the Loan Parties, including the proceeds of any sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral. Any execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent of documents in connection with any such release shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent. In addition, each of the Secured Parties, on behalf of itself and any of its Affiliates that are Secured Parties, irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent (or its designee), at its option and in its discretion, (x) to subordinate any Lien on any assets 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(b) or 6.02(d) (as in effect on the date hereof), or (y) in the event that the Borrower shall have advised the Administrative Agent that, notwithstanding the use by the Borrower of commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the consent of such holder (but without the requirement to pay any sums to obtain such consent) to permit the Administrative Agent to retain its liens (on a subordinated basis as contemplated by clause (x) above), the holder of such other Indebtedness requires, as a condition to the extension of such credit, that the Liens on such assets granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document be released, to release the Administrative Agent’s Liens on such assets. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon or any certificate prepared by any Loan Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders or any other Secured Party for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.

(d) If, in connection with any proposed amendment, waiver or consent requiring the consent of “each Lender” or “each Lender directly affected thereby,” the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained, but the consent of other necessary Lenders is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is necessary but has not been obtained being referred to herein as a “Non-Consenting Lender”), then the Borrower may elect to replace a Non-Consenting Lender as a Lender party to this Agreement, provided that, concurrently with such replacement, (i) another bank or other entity (other than any Ineligible Institution) which is reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and, to the extent involving the assignment or transfer of any Revolving Commitment, the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank shall agree, as of such date, to purchase for cash the Loans and other Obligations due to the Non-

 

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Consenting Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption and to become a Lender for all purposes under this Agreement and to assume all obligations of the Non-Consenting Lender to be terminated as of such date and to comply with the requirements of clause (b) of Section 9.04, and (ii) the Borrower shall pay to such Non-Consenting Lender in same day funds on the day of such replacement (1) all interest, fees and other amounts then accrued but unpaid to such Non-Consenting Lender by the Borrower hereunder to and including the date of termination, including without limitation payments due to such Non-Consenting Lender under Sections 2.15 and 2.17, and (2) an amount, if any, equal to the payment which would have been due to such Lender on the day of such replacement under Section 2.16 had the Loans of such Non-Consenting Lender been prepaid on such date rather than sold to the replacement Lender. Each party hereto agrees that (a) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (b) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (i) this Agreement and any other Loan Document may be amended (or amended and restated) with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (x) to add one or more credit facilities (in addition to the Incremental Facilities pursuant to an Incremental Facility Amendment) to this Agreement and to permit 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 Revolving Loans, the initial Term Loans, Incremental Facilities and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof and (y) to include appropriately the Lenders holding such credit facilities in any determination of the Required Lenders and Lenders and (ii) the Administrative Agent may, with the consent of the Borrower only, amend, modify or supplement this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency.

SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Limitation of Liability; Indemnity; Etc.

(a) Expenses. The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, shall pay all (i) reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent (which counsel expenses shall be limited to the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of one primary counsel to the Administrative Agent and, if reasonably necessary, of one regulatory counsel and one local counsel in any relevant material jurisdiction), in connection with the syndication and distribution (including, without limitation, via the internet or through an Electronic System or Approved Electronic Platform) of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents and any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions of the Loan Documents (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement, collection or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit (but limited,

 

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in the case of legal fees and expenses, to the fees, disbursements and other charges of one primary counsel, selected by the Administrative Agent, to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, taken as a whole, and, if reasonably necessary, of one regulatory counsel and one local counsel in any relevant material jurisdiction (and, in the case of an actual or potential conflict of interest, one additional counsel to the affected Lenders to the extent they are similarly situated)).

(b) Limitation of Liability. To the extent permitted by applicable law (i) neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall assert, and the Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby waives, any claim against the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, the Issuing Bank and any Lender, and any Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called a “Lender-Related Person”) for any Liabilities arising from the use by others of information or other materials (including, without limitation, any personal data) obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), except to the extent they are found by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to result from the willful misconduct or gross negligence of such Lender-Related Person and (ii) no party hereto shall assert, and each such party hereby waives, any Liabilities against any other party hereto, 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 or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof; provided that, nothing in this Section 9.03(b) shall relieve the Borrower or any other Loan Party of any obligation it may have to indemnify an Indemnitee, as provided in Section 9.03(c), against any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages asserted against such Indemnitee by a third party.

(c) Indemnity. The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Arranger, the Issuing Bank and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all Liabilities and related expenses (but limited, in the case of legal fees and expenses, to the fees, disbursements and other charges of one primary counsel, selected by the Administrative Agent, to the Indemnitees, taken as a whole, and, if reasonably necessary, of one regulatory counsel and one local counsel in any relevant material jurisdiction (and in the case of an actual or potential conflict of interest, one additional counsel to the affected Indemnitees to the extent they are similarly situated)) incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of the Loan Documents or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or Release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, (iv) the failure of a Loan Party to deliver to the Administrative Agent the required receipts or other required documentary evidence with respect to a payment made by such Loan Party for Taxes pursuant to Section 2.17, or (v) any actual or prospective Proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not such Proceeding is brought by any Loan Party or their respective equity holders, Affiliates, creditors or any other third Person and whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such Liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted primarily from (x) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) any disputes solely among Indemnitees (other than any claims against an Indemnitee in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as an Arranger, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender, the Administrative Agent, or any other agent or any other similar role under this Agreement) and not arising out of any act or omission of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates.

 

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This Section 9.03(c) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims or damages arising from any non-Tax claim.

(d) Lender Reimbursement. Each Lender severally agrees to pay any amount required to be paid by any Loan Party under paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 9.03 to the Administrative Agent and each Revolving Lender severally agrees to pay to the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each, an “Agent-Related Person”) (to the extent not reimbursed by the Loan Parties and without limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so), ratably according to their respective Applicable Percentage in effect on the date on which such payment is sought under this Section (or, if such payment is sought after the date upon which the Commitments shall have terminated and the Loans shall have been paid in full, ratably in accordance with such Applicable Percentage immediately prior to such date), and agrees to indemnify and hold each Agent-Related Person harmless from and against any and all Liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any kind whatsoever that may at any time (whether before or after the payment of the Loans) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person 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 such Agent-Related Person under or in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that the unreimbursed expense or Liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person in its capacity as such; provided, further, that no Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion of such Liabilities, costs, expenses or disbursements that are found by a final and non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from such Agent-Related Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The agreements in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations.

(e) Payments. All amounts due under this Section 9.03 shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor.

SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns.

(a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) no Loan Party may 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 any Loan Party without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more Persons (other than an Ineligible Institution) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitments, participations in Letters of Credit and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) of:

(A) the Borrower, provided that, (x) the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to an assignment of all or a portion of the Term Loans and Term Loan Commitments unless it shall object

 

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thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof and (y) the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to an assignment of all or a portion of the Revolving Loans and Revolving Commitments unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof, and provided further that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for an assignment (I) during the primary syndication of the facilities hereunder or (II) to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee;

(B) the Administrative Agent; provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment of (x) a Revolving Commitment or Revolving Loan to an assignee that is a Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender) with a Revolving Commitment immediately prior to giving effect to such assignment and (y) all or any portion of a Term Loan or Term Loan Commitment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund;

(C) the Issuing Bank; provided that no consent of the Issuing Bank shall be required for an assignment of all or any portion of a Term Loan or Term Loan Commitment; and

(D) the Swingline Lender; provided that no consent of the Swingline Lender shall be required for an assignment of all or any portion of a Term Loan or Term Loan Commitment.

(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

(A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $5,000,000 (in the case of a Revolving Commitment or Revolving Loans) or $1,000,000 (in the case of a Term Loan Commitment or Term Loans) unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(B) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement; provided that this clause shall not be construed to prohibit the assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of one Class of Commitments or Loans;

(C) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) an Assignment and Assumption or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; and

(D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Borrower, the other Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws.

For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms “Approved Fund” and “Ineligible Institution” have the following meanings:

 

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Approved Fund” means 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 of its business 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.

Ineligible Institution” means a (a) natural person, (b) Defaulting Lender or its Parent, (c) company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person or relative(s) thereof; provided that, with respect to clause (c), such company, investment vehicle or trust shall not constitute an Ineligible Institution if it (x) has not been established for the primary purpose of acquiring any Loans or Commitments, (y) is managed by a professional advisor, who is not such natural person or a relative thereof, having significant experience in the business of making or purchasing commercial loans, and (z) has assets greater than $25,000,000 and a significant part of its activities consist of making or purchasing commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business, (d) a Loan Party or a Subsidiary or other Affiliate of a Loan Party or (e) any Disqualified Institution.

(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03). 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.

(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amount (and stated interest) of the Loans and LC Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, the Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(v) Upon its receipt of (x) a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.05, 2.06(d) or (e), 2.07(b), 2.18(d) or 9.03(d), the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No

 

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assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.

(c) Any Lender may, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “Participant”) other than an Ineligible Institution in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitments and the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged; (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations; and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Sections 2.17(f) and (g) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 2.17(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 2.18 and 2.19 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.15 or 2.17 with respect to any participation than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation.

Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower’s request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.19(b) with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.18(d) as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (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) 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.

(d) 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 without limitation any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest

 

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shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

(e) Disqualified Institutions.

(i) No assignment or participation shall be made to any Person that was a Disqualified Institution as of the date (the “Trade Date”) on which the assigning Lender entered into a binding agreement to sell and assign or grant a participation in all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to such Person (unless the Borrower has consented to such assignment or participation in writing in its sole and absolute discretion, in which case such Person will not be considered a Disqualified Institution for the purpose of such assignment or participation). For the avoidance of doubt, with respect to any assignee or Participant that becomes a Disqualified Institution after the applicable Trade Date (including as a result of the delivery of a written supplement to the list of “Disqualified Institutions” referred to in, the definition of “Disqualified Institution”), (x) such assignee or Participant shall not retroactively be disqualified from becoming a Lender or Participant and (y) the execution by the Borrower of an Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignee will not by itself result in such assignee no longer being considered a Disqualified Institution. Any assignment or participation in violation of this clause (e)(i) shall not be void, but the other provisions of this clause (e) shall apply.

(ii) If any assignment or participation is made to any Disqualified Institution without the Borrower’s prior written consent in violation of clause (i) above, or if any Person becomes a Disqualified Institution after the applicable Trade Date, the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to the applicable Disqualified Institution and the Administrative Agent, require such Disqualified Institution to assign, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in this Section 9.04), all of its interest, rights and obligations under this Agreement to one or more Persons (other than an Ineligible Institution) at the lesser of (x) the principal amount thereof and (y) the amount that such Disqualified Institution paid to acquire such interests, rights and obligations, in each case, plus accrued interest, accrued fees and all other amounts (other than principal amounts) payable to it hereunder.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Disqualified Institutions to whom an assignment or participation is made in violation of clause (i) above (A) will not have the right to (x) receive information, reports or other materials provided to Lenders by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, (y) attend or participate in meetings attended by the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, or (z) access any electronic site established for the Lenders or confidential communications from counsel to or financial advisors of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders and (B) (x) for purposes of any consent to any amendment, waiver or modification of, or any action under, and for the purpose of any direction to the Administrative Agent or any Lender to undertake any action (or refrain from taking any action) under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, each Disqualified Institution will be deemed to have consented in the same proportion as the Lenders that are not Disqualified Institutions consented to such matter and (y) for purposes of voting on any plan of reorganization, each Disqualified Institution party hereto hereby agrees (1) not to vote on such plan of reorganization, (2) if such Disqualified Institution does vote on such plan of reorganization notwithstanding the restriction in the foregoing clause (1), such vote will be deemed not to be in good faith and shall be “designated” pursuant to Section 1126(e) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision in any other applicable laws), and such vote shall not be counted in determining whether the applicable class has accepted or rejected such plan of reorganization in accordance with Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision in any other applicable laws) and (3) not to contest any request by any party for a determination by the Bankruptcy Court (or other applicable court of competent jurisdiction) effectuating the foregoing clause (2).

(iv) The Administrative Agent shall have the right, and the Borrower hereby expressly authorizes the Administrative Agent, to (A) post the list of Disqualified Institutions provided by the

 

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Borrower and any updates thereto from time to time (collectively, the “DQ List”) on an Approved Electronic Platform, including that portion of such Approved Electronic Platform that is designated for “public side” Lenders and/or (B) provide the DQ List to each Lender or potential Lender requesting the same.

The Administrative Agent and the Lenders 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, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall (x) be obligated to ascertain, monitor or inquire as to whether any other 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 disclosure of confidential information, by any other Person to any Disqualified Institution.

SECTION 9.05. Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect until Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations. The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any provision hereof or thereof.

SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution.

(a) This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to (i) fees payable to the Administrative Agent and (ii) increases or reductions of the Issuing Bank Sublimit of the Issuing Bank constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof 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 the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

(b) Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of (x) this Agreement, (y) any other Loan Document and/or (z) any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any notice delivered pursuant to Section 9.01), certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or the transactions contemplated hereby and/or thereby (each an “Ancillary Document”) that is an Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement, such other Loan Document or such Ancillary Document, as applicable. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in any electronic form (including deliveries by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic

 

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means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page), 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; provided that nothing herein shall require the Administrative Agent to accept Electronic Signatures in any form or format without its prior written consent and pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (i) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept any Electronic Signature, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders shall be entitled to rely on such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Loan Party without further verification thereof and without any obligation to review the appearance or form of any such Electronic Signature and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed counterpart. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Borrower and each Loan Party hereby (A) agrees that, for all purposes, including without limitation, in connection with any workout, restructuring, enforcement of remedies, bankruptcy proceedings or litigation among the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Borrower and the Loan Parties, Electronic Signatures transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page and/or any electronic images of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as any paper original, (B) the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders may, at its option, create one or more copies of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document in the form of an imaged electronic record in any format, which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document (and all such electronic records shall be considered an original for all purposes and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record), (C) waives any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document based solely on the lack of paper original copies of this Agreement, such other Loan Document and/or such Ancillary Document, respectively, including with respect to any signature pages thereto and (D) waives any claim against any Lender-Related Person for any Liabilities arising solely from the Administrative Agent’s and/or any Lender’s reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures and/or transmissions by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page, including any Liabilities arising as a result of the failure of the Borrower and/or any Loan Party to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature.

SECTION 9.07. Severability. Any provision of any Loan Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, the Issuing Bank, and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final and in whatever currency denominated) at any time held, and other obligations at any time owing, by such Lender, the Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of any Loan Party against any and all of the Secured Obligations now or hereafter existing and owing to such Lender or the Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender, the Issuing Bank or such Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Loan Parties may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch office or Affiliate of such Lender or the Issuing Bank different from the branch office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that, in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of

 

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Section 2.20 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Secured Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The applicable Lender, the Issuing Bank or such Affiliate shall notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of such setoff or application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff or application under this Section. The rights of each Lender, the Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, the Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates may have.

SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.

(a) The Loan Documents (other than those containing a contrary express choice of law provision) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

(b) Each of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, notwithstanding the governing law provisions of any applicable Loan Document, any claims brought against the Administrative Agent by any Secured Party relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, the Collateral or the consummation or administration of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

(c) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan (or if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan), and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Documents, the transactions relating hereto or thereto, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may (and any such claims, cross-claims or third party claims brought against the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties may only) be heard and determined in such Federal (to the extent permitted by law) or New York State 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 or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Loan Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(d) Each Loan Party 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 any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (c) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

(e) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Each Foreign Subsidiary that is a party hereto irrevocably designates and appoints the Borrower, as its authorized agent, to accept and acknowledge on its behalf, service of any and all process which may be served in any suit, action or proceeding of the nature referred to in Section 9.09(c) in any federal or New York State court sitting in New York City. The Borrower hereby represents,

 

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warrants and confirms that the Borrower has agreed to accept such appointment. Said designation and appointment shall be irrevocable by each such Foreign Subsidiary until Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations. Each Foreign Subsidiary party thereto hereby consents to process being served in any suit, action or proceeding of the nature referred to in Section 9.09(c) in any federal or New York State court sitting in New York City by service of process upon the Borrower as provided in this Section 9.09(e); provided that, to the extent lawful and possible, notice of said service upon such agent shall be mailed by registered or certified air mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the Borrower and (if applicable to) such Foreign Subsidiary at its address set forth herein or in the Joinder Agreement pursuant to which such Foreign Subsidiary became a party hereto, as applicable, or to any other address of which such Foreign Subsidiary shall have given written notice to the Administrative Agent (with a copy thereof to the Borrower). Each Foreign Subsidiary party hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all claim of error by reason of any such service in such manner and agrees that such service shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon such Foreign Subsidiary in any such suit, action or proceeding and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be taken and held to be valid and personal service upon and personal delivery to such Foreign Subsidiary. To the extent any Foreign Subsidiary party hereto has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether from service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of a judgment, execution or otherwise), each Foreign Subsidiary hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligations under the Loan Documents. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER AGENT (INCLUDING ANY ATTORNEY) OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

SECTION 9.11. Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by any Requirement of Law or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement and any party to any Mezzanine Loan Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (x) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under

 

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this Agreement (it being understood that the DQ List may be disclosed to any assignee or Participant, or prospective assignee or Participant, in reliance on this clause (f)) or (y) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Loan Parties and their obligations, (g) on a confidential basis to (1) any rating agency in connection with rating the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided for herein or (2) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers with respect to the credit facilities provided for herein, (h) with the consent of the Borrower, (i) to any Person providing a Guarantee of all or any portion of the Secured Obligations, or (j) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Borrower. For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Borrower relating to the Borrower or its business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower and other than information pertaining to this Agreement provided by arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry; provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrower after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

EACH LENDER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT INFORMATION AS DEFINED IN SECTION 9.12 FURNISHED TO IT PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY INCLUDE MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BORROWER, THE OTHER LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES, AND CONFIRMS THAT IT HAS DEVELOPED COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES REGARDING THE USE OF MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION AND THAT IT WILL HANDLE SUCH MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THOSE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

ALL INFORMATION, INCLUDING REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS, FURNISHED BY THE BORROWER OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PURSUANT TO, OR IN THE COURSE OF ADMINISTERING, THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE SYNDICATE-LEVEL INFORMATION, WHICH MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE BORROWER, THE OTHER LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES. ACCORDINGLY, EACH LENDER REPRESENTS TO THE BORROWER AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT THAT IT HAS IDENTIFIED IN ITS ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE A CREDIT CONTACT WHO MAY RECEIVE INFORMATION THAT MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

SECTION 9.13. Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law. The respective obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint and the failure of any Lender to make any Loan or perform any of its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender from any of its obligations hereunder. Each Lender hereby represents that it is not relying on or looking to any margin stock (as defined in Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board) for the repayment of the Borrowings provided for herein. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither the Issuing Bank nor any Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to the Borrower in violation of any Requirement of Law.

 

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SECTION 9.14. USA PATRIOT Act. Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act hereby notifies each Loan Party that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of such Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act.

SECTION 9.15. Disclosure. Each Loan Party, each Lender and the Issuing Bank hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent and/or its Affiliates from time to time may hold investments in, make other loans to or have other relationships with, any of the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates.

SECTION 9.16. Appointment for Perfection. Each Lender hereby appoints each other Lender as its agent for the purpose of perfecting Liens, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties, in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC or any other applicable law can be perfected only by possession or control. Should any Lender (other than the Administrative Agent) obtain possession or control of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the Administrative Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s instructions.

SECTION 9.17. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the “Charges”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “Maximum Rate”) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the NYFRB Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.

SECTION 9.18. No Fiduciary Duty, etc. (a) Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that no Credit Party will have any obligations except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents and each Credit Party is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to the Loan Parties with respect to the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated therein and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, any Loan Party or any other person. Each Loan Party agrees that it will not assert any claim against any Credit Party based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by such Credit Party in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents. Additionally, each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that no Credit Party is advising the Loan Parties as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting, regulatory or any other matters in any jurisdiction. Each Loan Party shall consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, and the Credit Parties shall have no responsibility or liability to any Loan Party with respect thereto.

(b) Each Loan Party further acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party, together with its Affiliates, is a full service securities or banking firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities as well as providing investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, any Credit Party may provide investment banking and other financial services to, and/or acquire, hold or sell, for its own accounts and the accounts of

 

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customers, equity, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of, any Loan Party or its Affiliates and other companies with which any Loan Party may have commercial or other relationships. With respect to any securities and/or financial instruments so held by any Credit Party or any of its customers, all rights in respect of such securities and financial instruments, including any voting rights, will be exercised by the holder of the rights, in its sole discretion.

(c) In addition, each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party and its affiliates may be providing debt financing, equity capital or other services (including financial advisory services) to other companies in respect of which a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries may have conflicting interests regarding the transactions described herein and otherwise. No Credit Party will use confidential information obtained from the Borrower by virtue of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or its other relationships with the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in connection with the performance by such Credit Party of services for other companies, and no Credit Party will furnish any such information to other companies. Each Loan Party also acknowledges that no Credit Party has any obligation to use in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or to furnish to any Loan Party, confidential information obtained from other companies.

SECTION 9.19. Marketing Consent. The Borrower hereby authorizes Chase and its affiliates (collectively, the “Chase Parties”), at their respective sole expense, and without any prior approval by the Borrower, to include the Borrower’s name and logo in advertising, marketing, tombstones, case studies and training materials, and to give such other publicity to this Agreement as Chase Parties may from time to time determine in their sole discretion. The foregoing authorization shall remain in effect unless the Borrower notifies Chase in writing that such authorization is revoked.

SECTION 9.20. Acknowledgment 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 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 entity, 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

(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 9.21. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Swap Agreements or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support “QFC Credit Support” and each such QFC a

 

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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):

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. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.

ARTICLE X

Loan Guaranty

SECTION 10.01. Guaranty. Each Loan Guarantor hereby agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and, as a primary obligor and not merely as surety, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to the Secured Parties, the prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of the Guaranteed Obligations of such Loan Guarantor. Each Loan Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed in whole or in part without notice to or further assent from it, and that it remains bound upon its guarantee notwithstanding any such extension or renewal. All terms of this Loan Guaranty apply to and may be enforced by or on behalf of any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of any Lender that extended any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations.

SECTION 10.02. Guaranty of Payment. This Loan Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and not of collection. Each Loan Guarantor waives any right to require the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to sue the Borrower, any Loan Guarantor, any other guarantor of, or any other Person obligated for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations (each, an “Obligated Party”), or otherwise to enforce its payment against any collateral securing all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations.

SECTION 10.03. No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty.

(a) Except as otherwise provided for herein, the obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are unconditional and absolute and not subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations), including: (i) any claim of waiver, release, extension, renewal, settlement, surrender, alteration, or compromise of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, by operation of law or otherwise; (ii) any change in the existence, structure or

 

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ownership of the Borrower or any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting any Obligated Party, or their assets or any resulting release or discharge of any obligation of any Obligated Party; or (iv) the existence of any claim, setoff or other rights which any Loan Guarantor may have at any time against any Obligated Party, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, any Lender, or any other Person, whether in connection herewith or in any unrelated transactions.

(b) The obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are not subject to any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise, or any provision of applicable law or regulation purporting to prohibit payment by any Obligated Party, of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof.

(c) Further, the obligations of any Loan Guarantor hereunder are not discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by: (i) the failure of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy with respect to all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) any waiver or modification of or supplement to any provision of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any release, non-perfection, or invalidity of any indirect or direct security for the obligations of the Borrower for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or any obligations of any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iv) any action or failure to act by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender with respect to any collateral securing any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (v) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the payment or performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any other circumstance, act, omission or delay that might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Loan Guarantor or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Loan Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations).

SECTION 10.04. Defenses Waived. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor hereby waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of the Borrower or any Loan Guarantor or the unenforceability of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of the Borrower, any Loan Guarantor or any other Obligated Party, other than the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Guarantor irrevocably waives acceptance hereof, presentment, demand, protest and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any notice not provided for herein, as well as any requirement that at any time any action be taken by any Person against any Obligated Party, or any other Person. Each Loan Guarantor confirms that it is not a surety under any state law and shall not raise any such law as a defense to its obligations hereunder. The Administrative Agent may, at its election, foreclose on any Collateral held by it by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such Collateral in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise act or fail to act with respect to any collateral securing all or a part of the Guaranteed Obligations, compromise or adjust any part of the Guaranteed Obligations, make any other accommodation with any Obligated Party or exercise any other right or remedy available to it against any Obligated Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of such Loan Guarantor under this Loan Guaranty, except to the extent the Guaranteed Obligations have been Paid in Full. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though that election may operate, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of any Loan Guarantor against any Obligated Party or any security.

SECTION 10.05. Rights of Subrogation. No Loan Guarantor will assert any right, claim or cause of action, including, without limitation, a claim of subrogation, contribution or indemnification that it has

 

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against any Obligated Party, or any collateral, until the Loan Parties and the Loan Guarantors have fully performed all their obligations to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders.

SECTION 10.06. Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration. If at any time any payment of any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff) is rescinded, or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower or otherwise (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by a Secured Party in its discretion), each Loan Guarantor’s obligations under this Loan Guaranty with respect to that payment shall be reinstated at such time as though the payment had not been made and whether or not the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders are in possession of this Loan Guaranty. If acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations shall nonetheless be payable by the Loan Guarantors forthwith on demand by the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 10.07. Information. Each Loan Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrower’s financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that each Loan Guarantor assumes and incurs under this Loan Guaranty, and agrees that none of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender shall have any duty to advise any Loan Guarantor of information known to it regarding those circumstances or risks.

SECTION 10.08. Release of Loan Guarantors.

(a) A Subsidiary Guarantor shall automatically be released from its obligations under the Loan Guaranty upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by this Agreement as a result of which such Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be a Subsidiary; provided that, if so required by this Agreement, the Required Lenders shall have consented to such transaction and the terms of such consent shall not have provided otherwise. Furthermore, the Administrative Agent may (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender to), upon the request of the Borrower, release any Subsidiary Guarantor from its obligations under the Loan Guaranty if such Subsidiary Guarantor constitutes an Excluded Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary of the type described in clause (iv) of the definition thereof, unless such Subsidiary either (x) becomes non-Wholly-Owned pursuant to a bona fide equity investment by a non-Affiliate third-party or (y) becomes a bona fide joint venture with a non-Affiliated third party as determined in good faith by the Borrower in consultation with the Administrative Agent); provided that no such release shall occur if such Subsidiary Guarantor continues (after giving effect to the consummation of such transaction or designation) to be a guarantor or provide any credit support in respect of any Material Indebtedness or Restricted Debt of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

(b) Upon Payment in Full of all Secured Obligations, the Loan Guaranty and all obligations (other than those expressly stated to survive such termination) of each Loan Guarantor thereunder shall automatically terminate, all without delivery of any instrument or performance of any act by any Person.

(c) In connection with any termination or release pursuant to this Section, the Administrative Agent shall (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender to) execute and deliver to any Loan Party, at such Loan Party’s expense, all documents that such Loan Party shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 10.09. Taxes. Each payment of the Guaranteed Obligations will be made by each Loan Guarantor without withholding for any Taxes, unless such withholding is required by law. If any Loan

 

149


Guarantor determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it is so required to withhold Taxes, then such Loan Guarantor may so withhold and shall timely pay the full amount of withheld Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law. If such Taxes are Indemnified Taxes, then the amount payable by such Loan Guarantor shall be increased as necessary so that, net of such withholding (including such withholding applicable to additional amounts payable under this Section), the Administrative Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank (as the case may be) receives the amount it would have received had no such withholding been made.

SECTION 10.10. Maximum Liability. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Loan Guaranty, the amount guaranteed by each Loan Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to the extent, if any, required so that its obligations hereunder shall not be subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, Uniform Voidable Transactions Act or similar statute or common law. In determining the limitations, if any, on the amount of any Loan Guarantor’s obligations hereunder pursuant to the preceding sentence, it is the intention of the parties hereto that any rights of subrogation, indemnification or contribution which such Loan Guarantor may have under this Loan Guaranty, any other agreement or applicable law shall be taken into account.

SECTION 10.11. Contribution.

(a) To the extent that any Loan Guarantor shall make a payment under this Loan Guaranty (a “Guarantor Payment”) which, taking into account all other Guarantor Payments then previously or concurrently made by any other Loan Guarantor, exceeds the amount which otherwise would have been paid by or attributable to such Loan Guarantor if each Loan Guarantor had paid the aggregate Guaranteed Obligations satisfied by such Guarantor Payment in the same proportion as such Loan Guarantor’s “Allocable Amount” (as defined below) (as determined immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment) bore to the aggregate Allocable Amounts of each of the Loan Guarantors as determined immediately prior to the making of such Guarantor Payment, then, following indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guarantor Payment, the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations and the termination of this Agreement, such Loan Guarantor shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and be reimbursed by, each other Loan Guarantor for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment.

(b) As of any date of determination, the “Allocable Amount” of any Loan Guarantor shall be equal to the excess of the fair saleable value of the property of such Loan Guarantor over the total liabilities of such Loan Guarantor (including the maximum amount reasonably expected to become due in respect of contingent liabilities, calculated, without duplication, assuming each other Loan Guarantor that is also liable for such contingent liability pays its ratable share thereof), giving effect to all payments made by other Loan Guarantors as of such date in a manner to maximize the amount of such contributions.

(c) This Section 10.11 is intended only to define the relative rights of the Loan Guarantors, and nothing set forth in this Section 10.11 is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Loan Guarantors, jointly and severally, to pay any amounts as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Loan Guaranty.

(d) The parties hereto acknowledge that the rights of contribution and indemnification hereunder shall constitute assets of the Loan Guarantor or Loan Guarantors to which such contribution and indemnification is owing.

 

150


(e) The rights of the indemnifying Loan Guarantors against other Loan Guarantors under this Section 10.11 shall be exercisable upon the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 10.12. Liability Cumulative. The liability of each Loan Party as a Loan Guarantor under this Article X is in addition to and shall be cumulative with all liabilities of each Loan Party to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or in respect of any obligations or liabilities of the other Loan Parties, without any limitation as to amount, unless the instrument or agreement evidencing or creating such other liability specifically provides to the contrary.

SECTION 10.13. 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 a Swap Obligation (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 10.13 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 10.13 or otherwise under this Loan Guaranty voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). Except as otherwise provided herein, the obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section 10.13 shall remain in full force and effect until the termination of all Swap Obligations. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 10.13 constitute, and this Section 10.13 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.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

151


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

 

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY, as the Borrower
By:    
Name:    
Title:    
PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY, as a Subsidiary Guarantor
By:    
Name:    
Title:    
AMT PUMP COMPANY, as a Subsidiary Guarantor
By:    
Name:    
Title:    
NATIONAL PUMP COMPANY, as a Subsidiary Guarantor
By:    
Name:    
Title:    
FILL-RITE COMPANY, as a Subsidiary Guarantor
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., individually as a Lender, and as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and Issuing Bank
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


FIFTH THIRD BANK, as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK, as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


BMO HARRIS BANK, as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


CAPITAL ONE, N.A., as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


CITIBANK, N.A., as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


CITY NATIONAL BANK, as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


FIRST NATIONAL BANK, as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


TRISTATE CAPITAL BANK, as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


COMMITMENT SCHEDULE

 

Lender

   Revolving
Commitment
     Term Loan
Commitment
 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 17,777,777.80      $ 62,222,222.20  

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 14,444,444.44      $ 50,555,555.56  

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

   $ 14,444,444.44      $ 50,555,555.56  

Fifth Third Bank

   $ 6,666,666.67      $ 23,333,333.33  

PNC Bank, National Association

   $ 6,666,666.67      $ 23,333,333.33  

Huntington National Bank

   $ 6,666,666.67      $ 23,333,333.33  

U.S. Bank National Association

   $ 6,666,666.67      $ 23,333,333.33  

BMO Harris Bank

   $ 4,444,444.44      $ 15,555,555.56  

Capital One, N.A.

   $ 4,444,444.44      $ 15,555,555.56  

Citibank, N.A.

   $ 4,444,444.44      $ 15,555,555.56  

City National Bank

   $ 4,444,444.44      $ 15,555,555.56  

First National Bank

   $ 4,444,444.44      $ 15,555,555.56  

TriState Capital Bank

   $ 4,444,444.44      $ 15,555,555.56  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 100,000,000.00      $ 350,000,000.00  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitment Schedule


Schedule 1.02

Existing Letters of Credit

 

Account

Party

  

Issuing

Bank

  

LC Number

  

Beneficiary

   Amount      Issuance
date:
     Expiry
date:
 

The Gorman-Rupp Company

  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

  

NUSCGS038648

  

BNP Paribas, S.A.

   $ 29,597        07/26/2021        12/26/2024  

The Gorman-Rupp Company

  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

  

NUSCGS038649

  

BNP Paribas, S.A.

   $ 43,896        07/26/2021        12/26/2024  

 

Account

Party

  

Issuing Bank

   LC Number      Beneficiary    Amount      Issue
Date
     Maturity
Date
     Outstanding
Balance
 

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     IS000244869U      ATTIJARIWAFA
BANK
EGYPT S.A.E.
   $ 71,837.55        09-Dec-2021        28-Feb-2023      $ 71,837.55  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     SC7006141W      BANCA
NAZIONALE
DEL LAVORO
S.P.A.
   $ 140,000.00        12-Nov-2019        15-Aug-2022      $ 140,000.00  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     SC7006377W      FIRST ABU
DHABI BANK
PJSC
   $ 97,500.00        27-Feb-2020        15-Jul-2022      $ 97,500.00  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     IS000246019U      HSBC BANK
MIDDLE EAST
LIMITED
   $ 137,481.60        27-Dec-2021        15-Jul-2023      $ 137,481.60  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     SC7006811W      KIEWIT
LOUISIANA CO.
   $ 401,711.86        02-Oct-2020        25-Aug-2022      $ 401,711.86  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     SC7006340W      NATIONAL
BANK OF
EGYPT
   $ 415,464.00        24-Jan-2020        01-Nov-2022      $ 415,464.00  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     SC7006434W      NATIONAL
BANK OF
EGYPT
   $ 89,329.50        14-May-2020        07-Aug-2022      $ 89,329.50  


PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     SC7006727W      SIEMENS
ENERGY, INC.
   $ 33,574.30        08-Sep-2020        30-Nov-2022      $ 33,574.30  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     SC7006575W      TECNIMONT
USA INC.
   $ 53,940.00        18-Jun-2020        30-Mar-2023      $ 53,940.00  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     IS000258389U      WELLS
FARGO BANK,
N.A.
   $ 550,000.00        01-Mar-2022        15-Oct-2022      $ 550,000.00  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     IS000266610U      WELLS
FARGO BANK,
N.A.
   $ 33,004.60        30-Mar-2022        24-Jul-2024      $ 33,004.60  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     IS000277549U      WELLS
FARGO BANK,
N.A.
   $ 70,895.40        12-Apr-2022        30-May-2024      $ 70,895.40  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     SC7003938W      WELLS
FARGO BANK,
N.A.
   $ 41,400.00        25-May-2016        12-Aug-2022      $ 41,400.00  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     SC7005446W      WELLS
FARGO BANK,
N.A.
   $ 163,000.00        18-Jul-2018        22-Sep-2022      $ 163,000.00  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     SC7006199W      WELLS
FARGO BANK,
N.A.
   $ 183,418.90        18-Nov-2019        30-Jan-2024      $ 183,418.90  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     SC7006408W      WELLS
FARGO BANK,
N.A.
   $ 82,215.00        23-Mar-2020        10-Feb-2024      $ 82,215.00  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     LC870-054938      GEORGIA
SELF-
INSURERS
   $ 820,000.00        03-Jun-2002        29-Jun-2023      $ 820,000.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     IS000141221B      ABU DHABI
COMMERCIAL
BANK
   $ 130,000.00        25-Aug-2020        30-Jul-2023      $ 130,000.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
     IS000265072B      MCB BANK
LIMITED
   $ 17,683.50        25-Feb-2022        25-Feb-2024      $ 17,683.50  


PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IS000140855B    NATIONAL
BANK OF EGYPT
   $ 5,043.85        24-Aug-2020        30-Jun-2023      $ 5,043.85  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IS000123054B    STATE BANK OF
INDIA
   $ 38,551.00        16-Apr-2020        05-Feb-2026      $ 38,551.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IS000123055B    STATE BANK OF
INDIA
   $ 35,976.00        16-Apr-2020        05-Feb-2026      $ 35,976.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IS000123056B    STATE BANK OF
INDIA
   $ 35,473.00        16-Apr-2020        05-Feb-2026      $ 35,473.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000097873B    ALGHANIM
COBRA
TEDAGUA
SOJITZ POWER
   $ 20,170.00        11-Sep-2019        31-Jul-2025      $ 20,170.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   S282553    ALGHANIM
INTERNATIONAL
GENERAL
   $ 117,923.90        17-Sep-2018        31-Aug-2022      $ 117,923.90  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000111260B    ARAB BANK PLC    $ 50,373.80        13-Dec-2019        25-Nov-2022      $ 50,373.80  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000195298B    CHINA STATE
CONSTRUCTION
   $ 11,200.00        14-Jun-2021        25-Aug-2023      $ 11,200.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000240921B    CHINA STATE
CONSTRUCTION
   $ 77,856.75        29-Nov-2021        20-Dec-2023      $ 77,856.75  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000097852B    DL E AND C CO.,
LTD.
   $ 33,000.00        11-Sep-2019        30-Sep-2022      $ 33,000.00  

PATTERSON PUMP

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000182666B    EXTERRAN
ENERGY FZE
   $ 65,000.00        14-Apr-2021        10-Aug-2023      $ 65,000.00  


IRELAND LIMITED

                   

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000106690B    HYUNDAI
ENGINEERING AND
  $ 23,000.00        14-Nov-2019        09-Mar-2024      $ 23,000.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000059773B    HYUNDAI
ENGINEERING CO
LTD
  $ 22,588.00        24-Oct-2018        02-Mar-2023      $ 22,588.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000181753B    HYUNDAI
ENGINEERING CO
LTD
  $ 181,500.00        01-Apr-2021        30-Jan-2025      $ 181,500.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   S282539    HYUNDAI
ENGINEERING CO
LTD
  $ 56,722.75        17-Sep-2018        30-Apr-2023      $ 56,722.75  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

  

Wells Fargo Bank,

National Association

   IG000183372B    MITSUBISHI HEAVY
INDUSTRIES LTD
  $ 58,500.00        19-Apr-2021        30-Oct-2025      $ 58,500.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   S282570    MITSUBISHI HEAVY
INDUSTRIES LTD
  $ 108,000.00        17-Sep-2018        27-Oct-2022      $ 108,000.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000173836B    OGCC
KAZSTROYSERVICE
JOINT STOCK
  $ 13,105.64        15-Apr-2021        02-Dec-2023      $ 13,105.64  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000101766B    PETROFAC
INTERNATIONAL
(UAE) LLC
  $ 52,750.00        10-Oct-2019        28-Feb-2024      $ 52,750.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000119015B    PETROFAC
INTERNATIONAL
(UAE) LLC
  $ 96,500.00        10-Mar-2020        31-Jan-2025      $ 96,500.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000119015B    PETROFAC
INTERNATIONAL
(UAE) LLC
  $ 0.00        10-Mar-2020        31-Jan-2025      $ 0.00  


PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000224972B    PETROFAC
KAZAKHSTAN
B.V.
KASAKHSTAN
   $ 44,471.00        18-Oct-2021        22-Jan-2025      $ 44,471.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000173490B    POSCO E N C CO
LTD
   $ 99,855.00        23-Feb-2021        21-Jul-2026      $ 99,855.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000207539B    SAMSUNG
ENGINEERING
CO., LTD
   $ 59,990.00        16-Jul-2021        30-Jul-2024      $ 59,990.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000116151B    SK
ENGINEERING
AND
CONSTRUCTION
   $ 41,244.00        22-Jan-2020        20-Mar-2023      $ 41,244.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000130063B    SPCC JOINT
VENTURE
   $ 59,900.00        27-May-2020        31-May-2023      $ 59,900.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   IG000199523B    TECNIMONT
SPA
   $ 17,000.00        17-Jun-2021        30-Jun-2024      $ 17,000.00  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   UEA000409584    PATTERSON
PUMP
COMPANY
   $ 0.00        30-Nov-2021        31-Aug-2022      $ 72,860.00  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   UEA000416692    PATTERSON
PUMP
COMPANY
   $ 0.00        05-Jan-2022        15-Aug-2022      $ 36,000.00  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   UEA000439826    PATTERSON
PUMP
COMPANY
   $ 0.00        28-Apr-2022        30-Nov-2022      $ 58,176.00  

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   UEA000440232    PATTERSON
PUMP
COMPANY
   $ 0.00        26-Apr-2022        30-Jun-2022      $ 137,000.00  

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

   Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
   BEA000411468    PATTERSON
PUMP IRELAND
LIMITED
   $ 0.00        08-Dec-2021        30-Jun-2022      $ 425,133.00  


Schedule 5.14

Post-Closing Obligations

 

  1.

Not later than the date that is five (5) days after the Effective Date (or such later date as agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), deliver to the Administrative Agent such certificated Equity Interests (together with customary stock powers executed in blank) required to be pledged in accordance with the Loan Documents, in each case, to the extent not delivered on the Effective Date pursuant to Section 4.01(a).

 

  2.

Not later than the date that is thirty (30) days after the Effective Date (or such later date as agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), deliver, or cause to be delivered, such documents, instruments and other deliveries, or take or cause to be taken such other actions as may be required to deliver such documents, instruments and other deliveries or to perfect the Liens granted by the Loan Parties pursuant to the Loan Documents, in each case, to the extent not delivered or taken on the Effective Date pursuant to Section 4.01(a).

 

  3.

No later than the date that is sixty (60) days after the Effective Date (or such later date as agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), deliver, or cause to be delivered, a notice of recordation with the USPTO evidencing the release of the Patent, Copyright and Trademark Collateral Assignment and Security Agreement filed at reel 002859 and frame 0034.

 

  4.

No later than the date that is ninety (90) days after the Effective Date (or such later date as agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver, or cause to be delivered, Collateral Access Agreements (as defined in the Security Agreement), as applicable, required pursuant to Section 4.13 of the Security Agreement, for each of the following locations:

 

  a.

14850 W. 101st Terrace, Lenexa, Kansas 66215 (Johnson County);

 

  b.

195 East Third Street Zolfo Springs, FL 33890 (Hardee County);

 

  c.

2830 San Antonio Drive Fowler, CA 93625 (Fresno County); and

 

  d.

1198 Hayden St Fort Wayne, IN 46803.

 

  5.

No later than the date that is ninety (90) days after the Effective Date (or such later date as agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), deliver, or cause to be delivered, Account Control Agreements (as defined in the Security Agreement), required pursuant to Section 4.14 of the Security Agreement, with respect to certain accounts maintained at the following financial institutions:

 

  a.

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association; and

 

  b.

First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. (GA, NC, SC).

 

  6.

Not later than the date that is forty-five (45) days after the Effective Date (or such later date as agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver customary endorsements naming the Administrative Agent as (a) lender loss payee for the


 

property casualty insurance policies of the Loan Parties and (b) additional insured with respect to the liability insurance of the Loan Parties.


EXHIBIT A

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

This Assignment and Assumption (this “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [Insert name of Assignor] (the “Assignor”) and [Insert name of Assignee] (the “Assignee”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, 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 Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, 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 rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below (including any letters of credit and guarantees and swingline loans included in such facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and other rights of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including 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 pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as the “Assigned Interest”). Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

 

1.

  

Assignor:

  

                                                                                              

2.

  

Assignee:

  

                                                                                              

     

[and is an Affiliate/Approved Fund of [identify Lender]1]

3.

  

Borrower:

  

The Gorman-Rupp Company

4.

  

Administrative Agent:

  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement

5.

  

Credit Agreement:

  

The Senior Secured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 among The Gorman-Rupp Company, the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent

 

1 

Select as applicable

 

A-1


6.

Assigned Interest:

 

Facility Assigned2

   Aggregate Amount of
Commitment/Loans for
all Lenders
     Amount of
Commitment/Loans
Assigned
     Percentage Assigned of
Commitment/Loans3
 
   $        $          %  
   $        $          %  
   $        $          %  

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 Assignee agrees to deliver to the Administrative Agent a completed Administrative Questionnaire in which the Assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Borrower, the Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the Assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws.

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

ASSIGNOR

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

ASSIGNEE

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

2 

Fill in the appropriate terminology for the types of facilities under the Credit Agreement that are being assigned under this Assignment (e.g., “Revolving Commitment”, “Term Loan Commitment”, etc.).

3 

Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

 

A-2


[Consented to and]4 Accepted:

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as
Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    
[Consented to:]5
THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

  

 

4 

To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and/or Swingline Lender, as applicable, is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

5 

To be added only if the consent of the Borrower is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

A-3


ANNEX 1 to

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

1. Representations and Warranties.

1.1 Assignor. The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the 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 Assumption 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 Borrower, any Subsidiary or Affiliate or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document, (iv) any requirements under applicable law for the Assignee to become a lender under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or to charge interest at the rate set forth therein from time to time or (v) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any Subsidiary or Affiliate, or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

1.2 Assignee. The 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 Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it satisfies the requirements, if any, specified in the Credit Agreement and under applicable law that are required to be satisfied by it in order to acquire the Assigned Interest and become a Lender, (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 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 Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of this type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Sections 5.01(a) and 5.01(b) thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, the Assignor or any other Lender or their respective Related Parties, and (vi) attached to the Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by the Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, the Assignor or any other Lender or their respective Related Parties, 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.

2. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

3. General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and

 

Annex1-1


Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Acceptance and adoption of the terms of this Assignment and Assumption by the Assignee and the Assignor by Electronic Signature (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by any Approved Electronic Platform (as defined in the Credit Agreement) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

Annex1-2


EXHIBIT B-1

[FORM OF] BORROWING REQUEST

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-1145

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: ___________________

Fax No: (312) ___________

Date:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Borrowing Request is furnished pursuant to Section 2.03 of that certain Senior Secured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) among The Gorman-Rupp Company (the “Borrower”), the other Loan Parties, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Borrowing Request have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement. [The Borrower represents that, as of this date, the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02 are satisfied.]6

The Borrower hereby notifies Chase of its request for the following Borrowing:

 

  (A)

Aggregate principal amount of Borrowing:7 $_________________

 

  (B)

Currency of Borrowing: ________

 

  (C)

Date of Borrowing (which is a Business Day):________________

 

  (D)

Type of Borrowing:8 ____________________________________

 

  (E)

Interest Period:9 _____________________

 

  (F)

Location and number of the Borrower’s account to which proceeds of the requested Borrowing are to be disbursed: [NAME OF BANK] (Account No.: ______________)]

 

6 

To be included with borrowing requests following the Effective Date.

7 

Must comply with Section 2.02(c) of the Credit Agreement.

8 

Specify ABR Borrowing or Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing. If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing.

9 

Applicable to Term Benchmark Borrowings only. Shall be subject to the definition of “Interest Period” and can be a period of one, three or six months (or, in the case of any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars, one or three months). Cannot extend beyond the Maturity Date. If an Interest Period is not specified, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

 

C-1-1


THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY, as the Borrower
By:    
Name:
Title:

 

C-1-2


EXHIBIT B-2

[FORM OF] INTEREST ELECTION REQUEST

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-1145

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: ___________________

Fax No: (312) ___________

Date:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Interest Election Request is furnished pursuant to Section 2.08(c) of that certain Senior Secured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) among The Gorman-Rupp Company (the “Borrower”), the other Loan Parties, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Interest Election Request have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement. This notice constitutes an Interest Election Request and the Borrower hereby gives you notice, pursuant to Section 2.08 of the Credit Agreement, that it requests to convert an existing Borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection the Borrower specifies the following information with respect to such conversion requested hereby:

 

  (A)

List date, Type, Class, principal amount, currency and Interest Period (if applicable) of existing Borrowing: ___________

 

  (B)

Aggregate principal amount of resulting Borrowing:10 $_________________

 

  (C)

Effective date of interest election (which is a Business Day):________________

 

  (D)

Type of Borrowing:11 ____________________________________

 

  (E)

Interest Period and last day thereof (if a Term Benchmark Borrowing):12 _____________________

 

10 

Must comply with Section 2.02(c) of the Credit Agreement.

11 

Specify ABR Borrowing or Term Benchmark Borrowing.

12 

Applicable to Term Benchmark Borrowings only. Shall be subject to the definition of “Interest Period” and can be a period of one, three or six months (or, in the case of any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars, one or three months). Cannot extend beyond the Maturity Date. If an Interest Period is not specified, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

 

C-2-1


THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY, as the Borrower
By:    
Name:
Title:

 

C-2-2


EXHIBIT B-3

[FORM OF] NOTICE OF PREPAYMENT

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-1145

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: ___________________

Fax No: (312) ___________

Date:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Notice of Prepayment is furnished pursuant to Section 2.11(b) of that certain Senior Secured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) among The Gorman-Rupp Company (the “Borrower”), the other Loan Parties, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Notice of Prepayment have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement.

The Borrower hereby notifies Chase of its request to prepay the following Borrowing:

 

  (A)

Aggregate principal amount of Borrowing or portion of Borrowing to be prepaid: _________________13

 

  (B)

Currency of Borrowing to be prepaid: ________

 

  (C)

Date of prepayment14 (which is a Business Day):________________

 

  (D)

Borrowing to be prepaid is a (check one):

______ Revolving Loan

______ Term Loan

______ Swingline Loan

 

  (E)

Type of Borrowing to be prepaid (check one):

______ ABR Borrowing

 

13 

Amount of Borrowing or portion of Borrowing to be repaid to be in the same currency as the Loan.

14 

For Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, notice must be delivered not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment. For Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing denominated in Euros or Canadian Dollars, notice must be delivered not later than 12:00 p.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment. For RFR Revolving Borrowing denominated in Sterling, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, five (5) RFR Business Days before the date of prepayment. For ABR Borrowing, notice must be delivered not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, one Business Day before the date of prepayment. For Swingline Loan, notice must be delivered not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the date of prepayment.

 

D-1-1


______ Term Benchmark Borrowing

______ RFR Borrowing

 

  (F)

If such Borrowing to be prepaid is a Term Loan, such prepayment is a (check one):

______ Voluntary prepayment under Section 2.11(a)

______ Mandatory prepayment under Section 2.11(d) from the Net Proceeds of a Prepayment Event

______ Mandatory prepayment under Section 2.11(e) from Excess Cash Flow

 

  (G)

If such prepayment is from Excess Cash Flow, calculations of Excess Cash Flow and the resulting prepayment for the fiscal year ending [___] are attached hereto.

 

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY, as the Borrower

By:

   

Name:

Title:

 

D-1-2


EXHIBIT C-1

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to the Senior Secured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among The Gorman-Rupp Company, as Borrower, the other Loan Parties party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate prior to the first payment to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]
By:    
Name:    
Title:    
Date: ________ __, 20[    ]

 

D-1-1


EXHIBIT C-2

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to the Senior Secured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among The Gorman-Rupp Company, as Borrower, the other Loan Parties party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate prior to the first payment to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

Date: ________ __, 20[    ]

 

D-2-1


EXHIBIT C-3

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to the Senior Secured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among The Gorman-Rupp Company, as Borrower, the other Loan Parties party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (iii) with respect to such participation, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by a withholding statement together with an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate prior to the first payment to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

Date: ________ __, 20[    ]

 

D-3-1


EXHIBIT C-4

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to the Senior Secured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among The Gorman-Rupp Company, as Borrower, the other Loan Parties party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (iii) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by a withholding statement together with an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate prior to the first payment to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

Date: ________ __, 20[    ]

 

D-4-1


EXHIBIT D

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

To:

The Lenders party to the

Credit Agreement described below

This Compliance Certificate (this “Certificate”), for the period ended [____], is furnished pursuant to that certain Senior Secured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, modified, renewed or extended from time to time, the “Agreement”) among The Gorman-Rupp Company (the “Borrower”), the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders and as the Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Certificate have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement.

THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT:

 

1.

I am the [____] of the Borrower and I am authorized to deliver this Certificate on behalf of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;

 

2.

I have reviewed the terms of the Agreement and I have made, or have caused to be made under my supervision, a detailed review of the compliance of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with the Agreement during the accounting period covered by the attached financial statements (the “Relevant Period”);

 

3.

The attached financial statements of the Borrower and, as applicable, its Subsidiaries and/or Affiliates for the Relevant Period: (a) have been prepared on an accounting basis (the “Accounting Method”) consistent with the requirements of the Agreement and, except as may have been otherwise expressly agreed to in the Agreement, in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, and (b) to the extent that the attached are not the Borrower’s annual fiscal year end statements, are subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

4.

The examinations described in paragraph 2 did not disclose and I have no knowledge of, except as set forth below, (a) the existence of any condition or event which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default under the Agreement or any other Loan Document during or at the end of the Relevant Period or as of the date of this Certificate or (b) any change in the Accounting Method or in the application thereof that has occurred since the date of the annual financial statements delivered to the Administrative Agent in connection with the closing of the Agreement or subsequently delivered as required in the Agreement;

 

5.

I hereby certify that, except as set forth below, no Loan Party has changed (i) its name, (ii) its chief executive office, (iii) its principal place of business, (iv) the type of entity it is or (v) its state of incorporation or organization without having given the Administrative Agent the notice required by the Security Agreement;

 

6.

The representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) as of the date hereof, except to the extent that any such representation or warranty specifically refers to an earlier date, in which case it is true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) only as of such earlier date;

 

E-1


7.

Schedule I attached hereto sets forth financial data and computations evidencing the Borrower’s compliance with certain covenants of the Agreement, all of which data and computations are true, complete and correct; and

 

8.

Schedule II hereto sets forth the computations necessary to determine the Applicable Rate commencing on the Business Day this Certificate is delivered.

Described below are the exceptions, if any, referred to in paragraph 4 hereof by listing, in detail, the (i) nature of the condition or event, the period during which it has existed and the action which the Borrower has taken, is taking, or proposes to take with respect to each such condition or event or (ii) change in the Accounting Method or the application thereof and the effect of such change on the attached financial statements:

 

        

    
    
    

The foregoing certifications, together with the computations set forth in Schedule I and Schedule II hereto and the financial statements delivered with this Certificate in support hereof, are made and delivered this    day of             ,        .

 

By:

   
 

Name:

   
 

Title:

   

 

E-2


Schedule I to Compliance Certificate

Compliance as of [____] with

Provisions of Section 6.12 of the Agreement

The computations set forth in this Schedule I are designed to facilitate the calculation of financial covenants and certain other provisions in the Agreement relating to the information set forth in the Borrower’s consolidated financial statements delivered with this Certificate. The computations set forth in this Schedule I have been made in accordance with GAAP. The use of abbreviated terminology and/or descriptions in the computations below are not in any way intended to override or eliminate the more detailed descriptions for such computations set forth in the relevant provisions of the Agreement, all of which shall be deemed to control. In addition, the failure to identify any specific provisions or terms of the Agreement in this Schedule I does not in any way affect their applicability during the periods covered by such financial statements or otherwise, which shall in all cases be governed by the Agreement.

A. Consolidated EBITDA for the most

recently ended 4 fiscal quarters

 

With reference to any period:

  

(i) Consolidated Net Income for such period

     $____________  

plus, without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income,

  

(ii) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period

     + $____________  

(iii) income tax expense for such period net of tax refunds for such period

     + $____________  

(iv) depreciation for such period

     + $____________  

(v) amortization for such period

     + $____________  

(vi) all LIFO inventory-related non-cash expense adjustments for such period

     + $____________  

(vii) all non-cash pension settlement charges for such period

     + $____________  


(viii) any unusual or non-recurring non-cash charges for such period (but excluding any non-cash charge in respect of an item that was included in Consolidated Net Income in a prior period)

     + $____________  

minus, without duplication and to the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period,

  

(ix) all LIFO inventory-related non-cash credit for such period

     – $____________  

(x) any unusual or non-recurring gains and any non-cash items of income for such period

     – $____________  

(xi) all cash payments made during such period on account of non-cash charges or expenses that were accruals or reserves added to Consolidated Net Income pursuant to clause A.(vi), (vii) or (viii) above in a prior period

     $____________  

(xii) Consolidated EBITDA (aggregate of A.(i) through A.(xi))

     = $____________  

B. Maximum Senior Leverage Ratio

(Section 6.12(a))

 

(i) Consolidated Total Indebtedness secured by a Lien

     $____________  

(ii) Unrestricted Cash

     $____________  

(iii) Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended 4 fiscal quarters (from A.(xii) above)

     $____________  

(iv) Senior Leverage Ratio (ratio of (B.(i) minus B.1(ii)) to B.(iii))

     ___ to 1.00  

Maximum Senior Leverage Ratio permitted under Section 6.12(a)

     [___] to 1.00  

In compliance?

     Yes/No (select one)  


C. Maximum Total Leverage Ratio (Section 6.12(b))

 

(i) Consolidated Total Indebtedness as of such date

     $____________  

(ii) Unrestricted Cash

     $____________  

(iii) Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended 4 fiscal quarters (from A.(xii) above)

     $____________  

(iv) Total Leverage Ratio (ratio of (B.(i) minus B.(ii)) to B.(iii))

     ___ to 1.00  

Maximum Total Leverage Ratio permitted under Section 6.12(b)

     [___] to 1.00  

In compliance?

     Yes/No (select one)  

D. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Section 6.12(c))

 

(i) Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended 4 fiscal quarters (from A.(xii) above)

     $____________  

(ii) Unfinanced Capital Expenditures for such period

     $____________  

(iii) cash Consolidated Interest Expense for such period

     $____________  

(iv) scheduled principal payments on Indebtedness actually made for such period

     $____________  

(v) expense for taxes paid in cash for such period

     $____________  

(vi) Restricted Payments and Restricted Debt Payments paid in cash for such period

     $____________  

(viii) Capital Lease Obligation payments for such period

     $____________  


(ix) Consolidated Fixed Charges for such period (aggregate of C.(iii) through C.(viii))

     $____________  

(x) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (ratio of (C.(i), minus C.(ii)) to C.(ix))

     ___ to 1.00  

Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio permitted under Section 6.12(b)

     1.20 to 1.00  

In compliance?

     Yes/No (select one)  


Schedule II to Compliance Certificate

Borrower’s Applicable Rate Calculation


EXHIBIT E

JOINDER AGREEMENT

THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [____], is entered into between [_______], a [______] (the “New Subsidiary”) and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) under that certain Senior Secured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY (the “Borrower”), the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent for the Lenders. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

The New Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, hereby agree as follows:

1. The New Subsidiary hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Agreement, the New Subsidiary will be deemed to be a Loan Party under the Credit Agreement and a “Loan Guarantor” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement and shall have all of the obligations of a Loan Party and a Loan Guarantor thereunder as if it had executed the Credit Agreement. The New Subsidiary hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Credit Agreement, including without limitation (a) all of the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in Article III of the Credit Agreement, (b) all of the covenants set forth in Articles V and VI of the Credit Agreement and (c) all of the guaranty obligations set forth in Article X of the Credit Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing terms of this paragraph 1, the New Subsidiary, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 10.10 and 10.13 of the Credit Agreement, hereby guarantees, jointly and severally with the other Loan Guarantors, to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, as provided in Article X of the Credit Agreement, the prompt payment and performance of the Guaranteed Obligations in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) strictly in accordance with the terms thereof and agrees that if any of the Guaranteed Obligations are not paid or performed in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise), the New Subsidiary will, jointly and severally together with the other Loan Guarantors, promptly pay and perform the same, without any demand or notice whatsoever, and that in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether at extended maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or renewal.

2. If required, the New Subsidiary is, simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, executing and delivering such Collateral Documents (and such other documents and instruments) as requested by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

3. The address of the New Subsidiary for purposes of Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement is as follows:

 

            

       
       
       

4. The New Subsidiary hereby waives acceptance by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of the guaranty by the New Subsidiary upon the execution of this Agreement by the New Subsidiary.

 

F-1


5. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

6. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary has caused this Agreement to be duly executed by its authorized officer, and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, has caused the same to be accepted by its authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NEW SUBSIDIARY]
By:    
Name:    
Title:    
Acknowledged and accepted:
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

F-2

Exhibit 10.2

THIS INSTRUMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS EVIDENCED HEREBY ARE SUBORDINATE IN THE MANNER AND TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH IN THAT CERTAIN SUBORDINATION AND INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT (AS AMENDED, RESTATED, SUPPLEMENTED OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME, THE “SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT”) DATED AS OF MAY 31, 2022 BY AND AMONG JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS SUBORDINATED AGENT (AS DEFINED THEREIN), JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS SENIOR AGENT (AS DEFINED THEREIN) AND THE COMPANIES (AS DEFINED THEREIN) PARTY THERETO, TO THE INDEBTEDNESS OWED BY THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY AND EACH OTHER COMPANY PURSUANT TO THE SENIOR DEBT DOCUMENTS (AS DEFINED THEREIN), AS SUCH SENIOR DEBT DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN AND HEREAFTER MAY BE AMENDED, SUPPLEMENTED OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME AS PERMITTED UNDER THE SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT AND TO INDEBTEDNESS REFINANCING THE INDEBTEDNESS UNDER THE SENIOR DEBT DOCUMENTS AS CONTEMPLATED BY THE SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT; AND EACH HOLDER OF THIS INSTRUMENT, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT.

EXECUTION COPY

 

 

 

 

LOGO

SENIOR SUBORDINATED UNSECURED CREDIT AGREEMENT

dated as of

May 31, 2022

among

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY,

The other Loan Parties Party Hereto,

The Lenders Party Hereto

and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

 

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger

 

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

Article I Definitions

     1  

SECTION 1.01

  Defined Terms      1  

SECTION 1.02

  Classification of Loans and Borrowings      34  

SECTION 1.03

  Terms Generally      34  

SECTION 1.04

  Accounting Terms; GAAP      35  

SECTION 1.05

  Pro Forma Adjustments      35  

SECTION 1.06

  Status of Obligations      37  

SECTION 1.07

  Interest Rates; Benchmark Notification      37  

SECTION 1.08

  [Intentionally Omitted]      37  

SECTION 1.09

  Divisions      37  

Article II The Credits

     38  

SECTION 2.01

  Commitments      38  

SECTION 2.02

  Loans and Borrowings      38  

SECTION 2.03

  Requests for Borrowings      38  

SECTION 2.04

  [Intentionally Omitted]      39  

SECTION 2.05

  [Intentionally Omitted]      39  

SECTION 2.06

  [Intentionally Omitted]      39  

SECTION 2.07

  Funding of Borrowings      39  

SECTION 2.08

  Interest Elections      40  

SECTION 2.09

  Termination of Commitments; Incremental Term Loans      41  

SECTION 2.10

  Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt      43  

SECTION 2.11

  Prepayment of Loans      44  

SECTION 2.12

  Fees      45  

SECTION 2.13

  Interest      46  

SECTION 2.14

  Alternate Rate of Interest      46  

SECTION 2.15

  Increased Costs      49  

SECTION 2.16

  Break Funding Payments      50  

SECTION 2.17

  Taxes      50  

SECTION 2.18

  Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Set-offs      54  

SECTION 2.19

  Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders      55  

SECTION 2.20

  Defaulting Lenders      56  

SECTION 2.21

  Returned Payments      57  

Article III Representations and Warranties

     57  

SECTION 3.01

  Organization; Powers      57  

SECTION 3.02

  Authorization; Enforceability      57  

SECTION 3.03

  Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts      58  

SECTION 3.04

  Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change      58  

SECTION 3.05

  Properties      58  

SECTION 3.06

  Litigation and Environmental Matters      58  

SECTION 3.07

  Compliance with Laws and Agreements; No Default      59  

SECTION 3.08

  Investment Company Status      59  

SECTION 3.09

  Taxes      59  

SECTION 3.10

  ERISA      59  

SECTION 3.11

  Disclosure      59  

SECTION 3.12

  Material Agreements      60  

 

i


SECTION 3.13

  Solvency      60  

SECTION 3.14

  Insurance      60  

SECTION 3.15

  Capitalization and Subsidiaries      60  

SECTION 3.16

  [Intentionally Omitted]      60  

SECTION 3.17

  Employment Matters      60  

SECTION 3.18

  Margin Regulations      61  

SECTION 3.19

  Use of Proceeds      61  

SECTION 3.20

  No Burdensome Restrictions      61  

SECTION 3.21

  Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions      61  

SECTION 3.22

  Affected Financial Institutions      61  

SECTION 3.23

  Plan Assets; Prohibited Transactions      61  

SECTION 3.24

  Status as Subordinated Indebtedness      61  

Article IV Conditions

     61  

SECTION 4.01

  Effective Date      61  

SECTION 4.02

  Each Credit Event      65  

Article V Affirmative Covenants

     65  

SECTION 5.01

  Financial Statements and Other Information      65  

SECTION 5.02

  Notices of Material Events      67  

SECTION 5.03

  Existence; Conduct of Business      68  

SECTION 5.04

  Payment of Obligations      68  

SECTION 5.05

  Maintenance of Properties      68  

SECTION 5.06

  Books and Records; Inspection Rights      68  

SECTION 5.07

  Compliance with Laws and Material Contractual Obligations      69  

SECTION 5.08

  Use of Proceeds      69  

SECTION 5.09

  Accuracy of Information      70  

SECTION 5.10

  Insurance      70  

SECTION 5.11

  [Intentionally Omitted]      70  

SECTION 5.12

  [Intentionally Omitted]      70  

SECTION 5.13

  Subsidiary Guarantors; Further Assurances      70  

SECTION 5.14

  Post-Closing Requirements      71  

Article VI Negative Covenants

     71  

SECTION 6.01

  Indebtedness      71  

SECTION 6.02

  Liens      73  

SECTION 6.03

  Fundamental Changes      75  

SECTION 6.04

  Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions      75  

SECTION 6.05

  Asset Sales      77  

SECTION 6.06

  Sale and Leaseback Transactions      79  

SECTION 6.07

  Swap Agreements      79  

SECTION 6.08

  Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness      79  

SECTION 6.09

  Transactions with Affiliates      80  

SECTION 6.10

  Restrictive Agreements      80  

SECTION 6.11

  Amendment of Material Documents      81  

SECTION 6.12

  Financial Covenants      81  

Article VII Events of Default

     82  

Article VIII The Administrative Agent

     85  

SECTION 8.01

  Authorization and Action      85  

SECTION 8.02

  Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, Etc.      87  

 

ii


SECTION 8.03

  Posting of Communications      88  

SECTION 8.04

  The Administrative Agent Individually      90  

SECTION 8.05

  Successor Administrative Agent      90  

SECTION 8.06

  Acknowledgments of Lenders      91  

SECTION 8.07

  [Intentionally Omitted]      93  

SECTION 8.08

  [Intentionally Omitted]      93  

SECTION 8.09

  Certain ERISA Matters      93  

SECTION 8.10

  Intercreditor Arrangements      94  

SECTION 8.11

  Relationship of Administrative Agents      94  

SECTION 8.12

  No Reliance      94  

Article IX Miscellaneous

     95  

SECTION 9.01

  Notices      95  

SECTION 9.02

  Waivers; Amendments      97  

SECTION 9.03

  Expenses; Limitation of Liability; Indemnity; Etc.      98  

SECTION 9.04

  Successors and Assigns      100  

SECTION 9.05

  Survival      105  

SECTION 9.06

  Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution      105  

SECTION 9.07

  Severability      106  

SECTION 9.08

  Right of Setoff      106  

SECTION 9.09

  Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process      107  

SECTION 9.10

  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL      108  

SECTION 9.11

  Headings      108  

SECTION 9.12

  Confidentiality      108  

SECTION 9.13

  Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law      109  

SECTION 9.14

  USA PATRIOT Act      109  

SECTION 9.15

  Disclosure      110  

SECTION 9.16

  [Intentionally Omitted]      110  

SECTION 9.17

  Interest Rate Limitation      110  

SECTION 9.18

  No Fiduciary Duty, etc.   

SECTION 9.19

  Marketing Consent      111  

SECTION 9.20

  Acknowledgment and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions      111  

SECTION 9.21

  Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs      111  

Article X Loan Guaranty

     111  

SECTION 10.01

  Guaranty      111  

SECTION 10.02

  Guaranty of Payment      111  

SECTION 10.03

  No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty.      112  

SECTION 10.04

  Defenses Waived      112  

SECTION 10.05

  Rights of Subrogation      113  

SECTION 10.06

  Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration      113  

SECTION 10.07

  Information      113  

SECTION 10.08

  Release of Loan Guarantors      113  

SECTION 10.09

  Taxes      114  

SECTION 10.10

  Maximum Liability      114  

SECTION 10.11

  Contribution      114  

SECTION 10.12

  Liability Cumulative      115  

 

iii


SCHEDULES:

Commitment Schedule

Schedule 1.01 – Excluded Subsidiaries

Schedule 3.05 – Properties, etc.

Schedule 3.14 – Insurance

Schedule 3.15 – Capitalization and Subsidiaries

Schedule 5.14 – Post-Closing Requirements

Schedule 6.01 – Existing Indebtedness

Schedule 6.02 – Existing Liens

Schedule 6.04 – Existing Investments

Schedule 6.09 – Affiliate Transactions

Schedule 6.10 – Existing Restrictions

EXHIBITS:

 

Exhibit A

  

   Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit B-1

  

  

Borrowing Request

Exhibit B-2

  

  

Interest Election Request

Exhibit B-3

  

  

Notice of Prepayment

Exhibit C-1

  

  

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit C-2

  

  

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit C-3

  

  

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit C-4

  

  

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit D

  

  

Compliance Certificate

Exhibit E

  

  

Joinder Agreement

 

iv


SENIOR SUBORDINATED UNSECURED CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of May 31, 2022 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), among THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY, as Borrower, the other Loan Parties party hereto, the Lenders party hereto, and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

The parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

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

ABR”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.

Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in the UCC.

Account Debtor” means any Person obligated on an Account.

Acquisition” means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated on or after the Effective Date, by which any Loan Party or Subsidiary (a) acquires any going business or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise or (b) directly or indirectly acquires (in one transaction or as the most recent transaction in a series of transactions) at least a majority (in number of votes) of the Equity Interests of a Person which has ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other similar management personnel of a Person (other than Equity Interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) or a majority of the outstanding Equity Interests of a Person.

Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR” means an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the Daily Simple SOFR, plus, plus (b) 0.10%; provided that if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.

Adjusted Term SOFR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing for any Interest Period or for any ABR Borrowing based on the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the Term SOFR Rate for such Interest Period, plus (b) 0.10%; provided that if the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.

Administrative Agent” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (or any of its designated branch offices or affiliates), in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.

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

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

 

1


Affiliate” means, 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 specified Person.

Agent-Related Person” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.03(d).

Aggregate Credit Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate Credit Exposure of all the Lenders at such time.

AHYDO Payment” means any mandatory payment, prepayment or redemption pursuant to the terms of any Indebtedness in an amount that is intended or designed to cause such Indebtedness not to be treated as an “applicable high yield discount obligation” within the meaning of Section 163(i) of the Code.

Alternate Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the NYFRB Rate in effect on such day plus 12 of 1%, and (c) the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate for a one-month Interest Period as published two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day that is also a U.S. Government Securities Business Day) plus 1%; provided that, for the purpose of this definition, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate for any day shall be based on the Term SOFR Reference Rate at approximately 5:00 a.m. Chicago time on such day (or any amended publication time for the Term SOFR Reference Rate, as specified by the CME Term SOFR Administrator in the Term SOFR Reference Rate methodology). Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, respectively. If the Alternate Base Rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to Section 2.14 (for the avoidance of doubt, only until the Benchmark Replacement has been determined pursuant to Section 2.14(b)), then the Alternate Base Rate shall be the greater of clauses (a) and (b) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (c) above. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Alternate Base Rate as determined pursuant to the foregoing would be less than 2.00% per annum, such rate shall be deemed to be 2.00% per annum for purposes of this Agreement.

Ancillary Document” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.06(b).

Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption.

Applicable EBITDA” means, at any time, Consolidated EBITDA for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP for the most recent Test Period.

Applicable Parties” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.03(c).

Applicable Percentage” means, at any time, with respect to any Term Lender, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans of such Lender at such time and the denominator of which is the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans of all Term Lenders at such time; provided that, in accordance with Section 2.20, so long as any Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Term Loans shall be disregarded in the calculations of Applicable Percentage.

Applicable Rate” means, for any day, (a) with respect to any ABR Loan, a rate per annum equal to 8.00% and (b) with respect to any Term Benchmark Loan, a rate per annum equal to 9.00%.

 

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Approved Electronic Platform” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.03(a).

Approved Fund” has the meaning assigned to the term in Section 9.04(b).

Arranger” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as sole bookrunner and sole lead arranger for the credit facilities evidenced by this Agreement.

Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form (including electronic records generated by the use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent.

Available Incremental Amount” means, at any time, an aggregate principal amount of up to the sum of:

(a) an unlimited amount, so long as the Total Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to the lesser of (x) the then applicable maximum Total Leverage Ratio level specified in Section 6.12(b) and (y) 3.75 to 1.00, and in each case, after giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis to the incurrence or issuance of the applicable Incremental Facility (assuming that each applicable Incremental Facility is fully drawn) and the application of proceeds therefrom and any other transactions consummated in connection therewith; plus

(b) $70,000,000 (the “Fixed Incremental Amount”), which Fixed Incremental Amount shall be reduced by, without duplication (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Incremental Facilities incurred in reliance on this clause (b) and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of all Senior Loans incurred in reliance on the Fixed Incremental Amount (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement), but shall not be reduced by the amount of any Incremental Facility incurred or issued in reliance on the immediately preceding clause (a);

provided, (i) for the avoidance of doubt, to the extent the proceeds of any Incremental Facilities are being utilized to repay Indebtedness, such calculations shall give effect on a Pro Forma Basis to such repayments, (ii) the Borrower may elect to use clause (a) above regardless of whether the Borrower has capacity under clause (b) above, and (iii) the Borrower may elect to use clause (a) above prior to using clause (b) above, and if both clause (a) and/or clause (b) are available and the Borrower does not make an election, then the Borrower will be deemed to have elected to use clause (a) above.

Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark (or component thereof) or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark (or component thereof), as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period for any term rate or otherwise, for determining any frequency of making payments of interest calculated pursuant to this Agreement 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 clause (e) of Section 2.14.

Bail-In Action” means 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” means (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

 

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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).

Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy,” as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor thereto, as hereafter amended.

Bankruptcy Event” means, with respect to any Person, when such Person becomes the subject of a voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with the reorganization or liquidation of its business, appointed for it, or, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such proceeding or appointment or has had any order for relief in such proceeding entered in respect thereof, provided that a Bankruptcy Event shall not result solely by virtue of any ownership interest, or the acquisition of any ownership interest, in such Person by a Governmental Authority or instrumentality thereof, unless such ownership interest results in or provides such Person with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the U.S. or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permits such Person (or such Governmental Authority or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made by such Person.

Benchmark” means, initially, with respect to any Term Benchmark Loan, the Term SOFR Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event and the related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to the Daily Simple SOFR or Term SOFR Rate, as applicable, or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to clause (b) of Section 2.14.

Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:

(1) the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, or

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

If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (1) or (2) 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” means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any applicable Interest Period and Available Tenor for any setting of such 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 for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for

 

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calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and/or (ii) 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 Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement and/or any Term Benchmark Loan, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Alternate Base Rate,” the definition of “Business Day”, the definition of “U.S. Government Securities Business Day”, the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the 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 such Benchmark Replacement 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).

Benchmark Replacement Date” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to such then-current Benchmark:

(1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) 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

(2) in the case of clause (3) 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 no longer representative; provided, that such non-representativeness will be determined by reference to the most recent statement or publication referenced in such clause (3) 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, (i) if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination and (ii) the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (1) or (2) 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” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to such then-current Benchmark:

 

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(1) 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);

(2) 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 NYFRB, the CME Term SOFR Administrator, , an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the 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), in each case 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

(3) 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 no longer, or as of a specified future date will no longer 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” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (1) or (2) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14.

Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership or control as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.

Benefit Plan” means any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in and subject to Section 4975 of the Code to which Section 4975 of the Code applies, and (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulations or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) the assets of any such “employee benefit plan” or “plan”.

Bona Fide Debt Fund” means any debt fund or other Person that is engaged in, or advises funds or other investment vehicles that are engaged in, making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course; provided, however, in no

 

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event shall (x) any natural Person or (y) the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof be a “Bona Fide Debt Fund.”

Borrower” means The Gorman-Rupp Company, an Ohio corporation.

Borrowing” means Term Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Term Benchmark Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

Borrowing Request” means a request by the Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03, which shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B-1 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

Burdensome Restrictions” means any consensual encumbrance or restriction of the type described in clause (a) or (b) of Section 6.10.

Business Day” means any day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in New York City or Chicago; provided that, in relation to RFR Loans and any interest rate settings, fundings, disbursements, settlements or payments of any such RFR Loan, or any other dealings of such RFR Loan, any such day that is only an U.S. Government Securities Business Day.

Capital Expenditures” means, without duplication, any expenditure or commitment to expend money for any purchase or other acquisition of any asset which would be classified as a fixed or capital asset on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Capital Lease Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital lease obligations or finance lease obligations on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.

Captive Insurance Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Borrower established for the purpose of, and to be engaged solely in the business of, insuring the businesses or facilities owned or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or joint ventures or to insure related or unrelated businesses.

CFC” means a Foreign Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code.

CFC Holding Company” means a Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower that (a) has no material assets other than (i) the Equity Interests in one or more (x) Foreign Subsidiaries that are CFCs or (y) other CFC Holding Companies, (ii) Indebtedness issued by one or more (x) Foreign Subsidiaries that are CFCs or (y) other CFC Holding Companies and (iii) cash and Permitted Investments and other assets being held on a temporary basis incidental to the holding of assets described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this definition, and (b) does not Guarantee or otherwise provide any credit support for the Senior Obligations or any Material Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, a Subsidiary that would otherwise qualify as a CFC Holding Company will not fail to so qualify due to the temporary receipt of cash payments in respect of equity interests or Indebtedness in a CFC or other CFC Holding Company so long as such Subsidiary promptly distributes such cash.

Change in Control” means (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules

 

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of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof), of Equity Interests representing more than 35% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower; (b) occupation at any time of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Borrower by Persons who were not (i) directors of the Borrower on the date of this Agreement, nominated, appointed or approved for consideration by shareholders for election by the board of directors of the Borrower or (ii) appointed by directors so nominated, appointed or approved; (c) the acquisition of direct or indirect Control of the Borrower by any Person or group; or (d) the occurrence of a change in control, or other similar provision, as defined in the Senior Loan Documents or any agreement or instrument evidencing any Material Indebtedness (triggering a default or mandatory prepayment, which default or mandatory prepayment has not been waived in writing).

Change in Law” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement (or, with respect to any Lender, such later date on which such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement) of any of the following: (a) the adoption of or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) compliance by any Lender (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s holding company, if any) with any request, rule, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements and directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the U.S. or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.

Charges” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.

Chase” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its individual capacity, and its successors.

Class”, when used in reference to (a) any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Term Loans, (b) any Commitment, refers to whether such Commitment is a Term Loan Commitment and (c) any Lender, refers to whether such Lender is a Term Lender.

CME Term SOFR Administrator” means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited as administrator of the forward-looking term SOFR (or a successor administrator).

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

Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the such Lender’s Term Loan Commitment.

Commitment Schedule” means the Schedule attached hereto identified as such.

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

Communications” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.03(c).

 

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

Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period, Consolidated Net Income for such period plus (a) without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period, the sum of (i) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period, (ii) income tax expense for such period net of tax refunds, (iii) all amounts attributable to depreciation and amortization expense for such period, (iv) all LIFO inventory-related non-cash expense adjustments for such period, (v) all non-cash pension settlement charges for such period and (vi) any unusual or non-recurring non-cash charges for such period (but excluding any non-cash charge in respect of an item that was included in Consolidated Net Income in a prior period), minus (b) without duplication and to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income, (i) all LIFO inventory-related non-cash credit for such period, (ii) any unusual or non-recurring gains and any non-cash items of income for such period, and (iii) all cash payments made during such period on account of non-cash charges or expenses that were accruals or reserves added to Consolidated Net Income pursuant to clause (a)(iv), (v) or (vi) above in a prior period, all calculated for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Fixed Charges” means, for any period, without duplication, the sum of cash Consolidated Interest Expense, plus scheduled principal payments on Indebtedness actually made, plus expense for taxes paid in cash, plus Restricted Payments paid in cash, plus prepayments of the Obligations and Restricted Debt Payments paid in cash, plus Capital Lease Obligation payments in each case, for such period, and all calculated for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, total interest expense (including that attributable to Capital Lease Obligations) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period with respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances and net costs under Swap Agreements in respect of interest rates, to the extent such net costs are allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP), calculated for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) determined for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded the income (or deficit) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which the Borrower or any Subsidiary has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income is actually received by the Borrower or such Subsidiary in the form of dividends or similar distributions.

Consolidated Total Assets” means, at any date, total assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries calculated in accordance with GAAP on a consolidated basis as of such date.

Consolidated Total Indebtedness” means, at any date, the aggregate principal amount of total Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, determined for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at such date, in accordance with GAAP.

Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.

 

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Corresponding Tenor” with respect to any Available Tenor means, as applicable, either a tenor (including overnight) or an interest payment period having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as such Available Tenor.

Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of its unfunded Commitment (if any) and Term Loans outstanding at such time.

Credit Party” means the Administrative Agent or any other Lender.

Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day (a “SOFR Rate Day”), a rate per annum equal to SOFR for the day (the such day the “SOFR Determination Date”) that is five (5) U.S. Government Securities Business Days 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.

Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed, within two Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans or (ii) pay over to any Credit Party any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent to funding (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) has not been satisfied, (b) has notified the Borrower or any Credit Party in writing, or has made a public statement to the effect, that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such writing or public statement indicates that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) to funding a Loan under this Agreement cannot be satisfied) or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within three (3) Business Days after request by a Credit Party, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Lender that it will comply with its obligations (and is financially able to meet such obligations as of the date of certification) to fund prospective Loans under this Agreement, provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon such Credit Party’s receipt of such

 

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certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent, or (d) has become the subject of (i) a Bankruptcy Event or (ii) a Bail-In Action.

Disqualified Institution” means (a) [reserved], (b) any Person that is reasonably determined by the Borrower after the Effective Date to be a competitor of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries and which is specifically identified in a written supplement to the list of “Disqualified Institutions”, which supplement shall become effective three (3) Business Days after delivery thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in accordance with Section 9.01 and (c) in the case of the foregoing clauses (a) and (b), any of such entities’ Affiliates to the extent such Affiliates (x) are clearly identifiable as Affiliates of such Persons based solely on the similarity of such Affiliates’ and such Persons’ names and (y) are not Bona Fide Debt Funds. It is understood and agreed that (i) any supplement to the list of Persons that are Disqualified Institutions contemplated by the foregoing clause (b) shall not apply retroactively to disqualify any Persons that have previously acquired an assignment or participation interest in the Commitments or Loans (but solely with respect to such Commitments and Loans), (ii) the Borrower’s failure to deliver such list (or supplement thereto) in accordance with Section 9.01 shall render such list (or supplement) not received and not effective and (iii) “Disqualified Institution” shall exclude any Person that the Borrower has designated as no longer being a “Disqualified Institution” by written notice delivered to the Administrative Agent from time to time in accordance with Section 9.01.

Disqualified Stock” means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Stock), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control, initial public offering or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control, initial public offering or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior Payment in Full of the Loans and all other Obligations (other than unasserted contingent indemnification obligations that by their terms survive), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Stock and other than as a result of a change of control, initial public offering or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control, initial public offering or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior Payment in Full of the Loans and all other Obligations (other than unasserted contingent indemnification obligations that by their terms survive)), in whole or in part, or (c) is or becomes automatically or at the option of the holder convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Stock, in the case of each of clauses (a), (b) and (c), prior to the date that is ninety-one (91) days after the latest Maturity Date in effect at the time of issuance; provided that if such Equity Interests are issued to any current or former employees, consultants, directors, officers or members of management or pursuant to a plan for the benefit of current or former employees, consultants, directors, officers or members of management of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof), the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such current or former employees, consultants, directors, officers or members of management, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because they may be required to be repurchased by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employees’, consultants’, directors’, officers’ or management members’ termination, death or disability.

Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (in one transaction or in a series of transactions and whether effected pursuant to a division or otherwise) of any property by any Person (including any Sale and Leaseback Transaction and any issuance of Equity Interests by a Subsidiary of such Person), including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.

Dollars”, “dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the U.S.

 

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Domestic Loan Party” means the Borrower and each other Loan Party that is a Domestic Subsidiary.

Domestic Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary organized under the laws of a jurisdiction located in the United States of America.

DQ List” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(e)(iv).

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 clauses (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.

Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).

Effective Date Acquired Business” means substantially all of the assets and certain related liabilities of the Tuthill Corporation’s business of designing, manufacturing and selling fuel and chemical transfer pumps, meters, and accessories, including fuel management systems.

Effective Date Acquisition” means the Acquisition by the Borrower of the Effective Date Acquired Business on the Effective Date pursuant to the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement.

Effective Date Acquisition Agreement” means the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 26, 2022, between the Borrower and Tuthill Corporation, together with all exhibits, schedules, disclosure letters and attachments and supplements thereto, in each case, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

Effective Date Acquisition Agreement Representations” means such of the representations made by or with respect to the Effective Date Acquired Business and its subsidiaries in the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement as are material to the interests of the Lenders, but only to the extent that the Borrower or any of its Affiliates has the right (determined without regard to any notice requirement) to decline to close under the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement or to terminate its (or their) obligations under the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement or to decline to consummate the Effective Date Acquisition, in each case, as a result of a breach of such representations in the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement.

 

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Effective Date Acquisition Documents” means the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement and all other agreements, documents, instruments and certificates evidencing, or entered into or delivered in connection with, the Effective Date Acquisition, in each case, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

Effective Date Cash Contribution” means a cash contribution, directly or indirectly, from the balance sheet of the Borrower of not less than $105,000,000.

Effective Date Material Adverse Change” means “Material Adverse Effect” (as defined in the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement.

Effective Date Transaction Expenses” means the fees, premiums, expenses and other transaction costs incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Effective Date Acquisition and the other Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, including, without limitation, to fund any original issue discount and upfront fees required to be funded on the Effective Date.

Effective Yield” means, as to any Indebtedness, the effective yield on such Indebtedness in the reasonable determination of the Administrative Agent in consultation with the Borrower and consistent with generally accepted financial practices, taking into account the applicable interest rate margins, any interest rate floors, or similar devices and all fees, including upfront or similar fees or original issue discount (provided that original issue discount and upfront fees shall be amortized over the shorter of (1) the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Indebtedness and (2) the four years following the date of incurrence thereof) payable generally to Lenders or other institutions providing such Indebtedness, but excluding any arrangement, underwriting, structuring, unused line, consent, amendment, ticking and commitment fees and other fees payable in connection therewith that are not generally paid to all relevant lenders providing such Indebtedness and, if applicable, consent fees for an amendment paid generally to consenting lenders.

Electronic Signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to, or associated with, a contract or other record and adopted by a Person with the intent to sign, authenticate or accept such contract or record.

Electronic System” means any electronic system, including e-mail, e-fax, web portal access for the Borrower and any other Internet or extranet-based site, whether such electronic system is owned, operated or hosted by the Administrative Agent and any of its Related Parties or any other Person, providing for access to data protected by passcodes or other security system.

Environmental Laws” means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to (i) the environment, (ii) preservation or reclamation of natural resources, (iii) the management, Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material or (iv) health and safety matters.

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

 

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Equity Interests” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any of the foregoing, but excluding any debt securities convertible into any of the foregoing.

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or Section 4001(14) of ERISA or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

ERISA Event” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30 day notice period is waived); (b) the failure to satisfy the “minimum funding standard” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition upon the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in critical status, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.

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” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.

Excess Cash Flow” means, for any fiscal year of the Borrower, the excess, if any, of (a) the sum, without duplication, of (i) Consolidated Net Income for such fiscal year, (ii) the amount of all non-cash charges (including depreciation and amortization) deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, (iii) decreases in Working Capital for such fiscal year, and (iv) the aggregate net amount of non-cash loss on the disposition of property by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such fiscal year (other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business), to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income minus (b) the sum, without duplication, of (i) the amount of all non-cash credits included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (ii) the aggregate amount actually paid by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in cash during such fiscal year on account of Capital Expenditures (excluding the principal amount of Indebtedness incurred in connection with such expenditures and any such expenditures financed with the proceeds of asset dispositions that have not yet been used to pay down the Loans), (iii) the aggregate amount of all prepayments of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans (in each case, under and defined in the Senior Credit Agreement) during such fiscal year to the extent of accompanying permanent optional reductions of the Revolving Commitments (under and defined in the Senior Credit Agreement) and all optional prepayments of the Term Loans during such fiscal year, (iv) the aggregate amount of all regularly scheduled principal payments of Long-Term Debt (including the Term Loans and the “Term Loans” under and as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries made

 

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during such fiscal year (other than in respect of any revolving credit facility, to the extent that there is not an equivalent permanent reduction in commitments thereunder), (v) increases in Working Capital for such fiscal year and (vi) the aggregate net amount of non-cash gain on the disposition of property by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such fiscal year (other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business), to the extent included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income.

Excluded Subsidiary” means any: (i) Captive Insurance Subsidiary; (ii) not-for-profit Subsidiary; (iii) Immaterial Subsidiary; (iv) Subsidiary that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary; (v) other Subsidiary to the extent the Administrative Agent reasonably determines that the cost and/or burden of obtaining the Guarantee of such Subsidiary outweigh the benefit to the Lenders, (vi) any Subsidiary with respect to which the provision of a guarantee by it would result in material adverse tax consequences to the Borrower, any direct or indirect parent entity of the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s direct or indirect Subsidiaries, in each case, as reasonably determined by the Borrower in consultation with the Administrative Agent, (vii) Foreign Subsidiaries formed after the Effective Date solely for the purpose of, and having no operations or assets other than, holding employees in a certain jurisdiction outside the United States and maintaining an office lease for such employees, and (viii) those certain Foreign Subsidiaries set forth on Schedule 1.01. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Subsidiary shall constitute an Excluded Subsidiary if (either at the time of designation or thereafter) (x) the primary purpose of such designation is (A) to evade the guarantee requirements under the Loan Documents for such Subsidiary with no other justifiable business purpose, or (B) to raise (or to facilitate the raising of) capital for (or any parent of) the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or (y) such Subsidiary Guarantees or otherwise provides credit support for the Senior Obligations or any Material Indebtedness or Subordinated Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and 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, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 2.19(b)) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.17, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender acquired the applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(f) and (d) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of February 24, 2022 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, refinanced, replaced, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the Effective Date), by and among, inter alios, the Borrower, as borrower, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as lender.

FATCA” means 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 agreement 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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Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the rate calculated by the NYFRB based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depositary institutions, as determined in such manner as shall be set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time, and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as the effective federal funds rate; provided that, if the Federal Funds Effective Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement.

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

Financial Officer” means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower.

Financial Statements” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for such period, minus Unfinanced Capital Expenditures for such period, to (b) Consolidated Fixed Charges for such period.

Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt the initial Floor for each of the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR shall be 1.00% per annum.

Foreign Lender” means (a) if the Borrower is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if the Borrower is not a U.S. Person, a Lender that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes.

Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary which is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

Funding Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(a)(iii).

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

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

Guarantee” of or by any Person (the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to

 

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be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof.

Guaranteed Obligations” means with respect to any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Obligations, and, in each case, all costs and expenses including, without limitation, all court costs and reasonable attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees (including allocated costs of in-house counsel and paralegals) and expenses paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in endeavoring to collect all or any part of the Obligations from, or in prosecuting any action against, the Borrower, any Loan Guarantor or any other guarantor of all or any part of the Obligations.

Hazardous Materials” means: (a) any substance, material, or waste that is included within the definitions of “hazardous substances,” “hazardous materials,” “hazardous waste,” “toxic substances,” “toxic materials,” “toxic waste,” or words of similar import in any Environmental Law; (b) those substances listed as hazardous substances by the United States Department of Transportation (or any successor agency) (49 C.F.R. 172.101 and amendments thereto) or by the Environmental Protection Agency (or any successor agency) (40 C.F.R. Part 302 and amendments thereto); and (c) any substance, material, or waste that is petroleum, petroleum-related, or a petroleum by-product, asbestos or asbestos-containing material, polychlorinated biphenyls, flammable, explosive, radioactive, freon gas, radon, or a pesticide, herbicide, or any other agricultural chemical.

Hostile Acquisition” means (a) the acquisition of the Equity Interests of a Person through a tender offer or similar solicitation of the owners of such Equity Interests which has not been approved (prior to such acquisition) by the board of directors (or any other applicable governing body) of such Person or by similar action if such Person is not a corporation and (b) any such acquisition as to which such approval has been withdrawn.

Immaterial Subsidiary” means, at any time of determination, any Subsidiary that is not a Material Subsidiary.

Incremental Facility” means any tranche of Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Term Loan Commitments incurred in accordance with Section 2.09.

Incremental Facility Amendment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.09.

Incremental Term Loan” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.09.

Incremental Term Loan Commitment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.09.

Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding current accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (f) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (g) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (h) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty, (j) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of

 

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bankers’ acceptances, (k) obligations under any earn-out (which for all purposes of this Agreement, other than the definition of Consolidated Total Indebtedness, shall be valued at the maximum potential amount payable with respect to each such earn-out, and with respect to the definition of Consolidated Total Indebtedness, shall be valued in accordance with GAAP), (l) any other Off-Balance Sheet Liability and (m) obligations, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (i) any and all Swap Agreements, and (ii) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction. The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor.

Indemnified Taxes” means (a) 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 the foregoing clause (a), Other Taxes.

Indemnitee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(c).

Ineligible Institution” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

Information” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.12.

Interest Election Request” means a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.08, which shall be substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B-2 hereto or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan, , the first day of each calendar quarter and the applicable Maturity Date, (b) with respect to any Term Benchmark Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period, and the applicable Maturity Date, and (c) with respect to any RFR Loan, (1) each date that is on the numerically corresponding day in each calendar month that is one month after the Borrowing of such Loan (or, if there is no such numerically corresponding day in such month, then the last day of such month) and (2) the applicable Maturity Date.

Interest Period” means with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, three or six months thereafter , as the Borrower may elect; provided that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, (ii) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period, and (iii) no tenor that has been removed from this definition pursuant to Section 2.14(e) shall be available for specification in such Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter, in the case of any Borrowing, shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

 

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Inventory” has the meaning assigned to such term in the UCC.

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Joinder Agreement” means a Joinder Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit E.

Lender” means, as of any date of determination, a Person listed on the Commitment Schedule (or, if the Commitments have terminated or expired, a Person holding Credit Exposure) and any other Person that shall have become a Lender hereunder pursuant to Section 2.09 or an Assignment and Assumption or other documentation contemplated hereby, other than any such Person that ceases to be a Lender hereunder pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or other documentation contemplated hereby.

Lender-Related Person” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(b).

Liabilities” means any losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages or liabilities of any kind.

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (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 and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.

Limited Condition Transaction” means any Acquisition or other Investment that the Borrower or one or more of its Subsidiaries is contractually committed to consummate (it being understood that such commitment may be subject to conditions precedent, which conditions precedent may be amended, satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement) and whose consummation is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third party financing; provided that, in the event the consummation of any such Acquisition or Investment shall not have occurred within sixty (60) days following the signing of the applicable contractual commitment, such Acquisition or Investment shall no longer constitute a Limited Condition Transaction for any purpose.

Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, each promissory note issued pursuant to this Agreement, the Subordination Agreement, each Compliance Certificate, the Loan Guaranty and each other agreement, fee letter, instrument, document and certificate executed and delivered to, or in favor of, the Administrative Agent or any Lender and including each other pledge, power of attorney, consent, assignment, contract, notice , and each other written matter whether heretofore, now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any Loan Party, or any employee of any Loan Party, and delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Any reference in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to a Loan Document shall include all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, and all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto, and shall refer to this Agreement or such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.

Loan Guarantor” means each Loan Party.

Loan Guaranty” means Article X of this Agreement.

Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors and their successors and assigns, and the term “Loan Party” shall mean any one of them or all of them individually, as the context may require.

 

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Loans” means the loans and advances made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.

Long-Term Debt” means any Indebtedness that, in accordance with GAAP, constitutes (or, when incurred, constituted) a long-term liability.

Make-Whole Amount” means a fee payable to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders upon the occurrence of a Prepayment Fee Event after the Effective Date but on or prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date, in an amount (but not less than zero) equal to the sum of (a) all interest on the portion of the Term Loans prepaid, deemed to be prepaid, or required to be prepaid that would otherwise have accrued during the twenty-four (24) month period following the date of such prepayment, deemed prepayment or required prepayment (calculated based on the per annum interest rate applicable to the Loans on the date of such prepayment, deemed prepayment or required prepayment), minus (b) the sum of the actual cash payments of interest on such portion of the Term Loans paid by the Borrower from the Effective Date through the date of such prepayment, deemed prepayment or required prepayment.

Margin Stock” means margin stock within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X, as applicable.

Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations, prospects or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of any Loan Party to perform any of its Obligations or (c) the rights of or benefits available to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders under any of the Loan Documents.

Material Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness (other than the Obligations or the Senior Obligations), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $12,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that the Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.

Material Subsidiary” means, as of any date of determination, each Subsidiary (together with its Subsidiaries), which, (i) during the most recent Test Period, contributed greater than ten percent (10%) of Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period or (ii) contributed greater than ten percent (10%) of Consolidated Total Assets as of the last day of the most recent Test Period; provided that, if at any time the aggregate amount of Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Total Assets attributable to all Subsidiaries that are not Material Subsidiaries exceeds twenty percent (20%) of Consolidated EBITDA for any such Test Period or twenty percent (20%) of Consolidated Total Assets as of the last day of any such Test Period, the Borrower (or, in the event the Borrower has failed to do so within ten (10) days, the Administrative Agent) shall designate sufficient Subsidiaries as “Material Subsidiaries” to eliminate such excess, and such designated Subsidiaries shall for all purposes of this Agreement constitute Material Subsidiaries.

Maturity Date” means December 1, 2027.

Maximum Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

 

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Net Proceeds” means, with respect to any Prepayment Event, (a) the cash proceeds received in respect of such event including (i) any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise, but excluding any interest payments), but only as and when received, (ii) in the case of a casualty, insurance proceeds and (iii) in the case of a condemnation or similar event, condemnation awards and similar payments, minus (b) the sum of (i) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses paid to third parties (other than Affiliates) in connection with such event, (ii) in the case of a sale, transfer or other Disposition of an asset (including pursuant to a Sale and Leaseback Transaction or a casualty or a taking by eminent domain, condemnation or similar proceeding), the amount of all payments required to be made as a result of such event to repay Indebtedness (other than Loans) secured by such asset or otherwise subject to mandatory prepayment as a result of such event and (iii) the amount of all taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable) and the amount of any reserves established to fund contingent liabilities reasonably estimated to be payable, in each case during the year that such event occurred or the next succeeding year and that are directly attributable to such event (as determined reasonably and in good faith by a Financial Officer).

Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.02(d).

Non-Loan Party” means, at any time, any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party at such time.

Notice of Prepayment” means a written notice from the Borrower of its intent to prepay a Borrowing or portion thereof in accordance with Section 2.11, which shall be signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and shall be substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B-3 hereto or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

NYFRB” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

NYFRB Rate” means, for any day, the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate in effect on such day(or for any day that is not a Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day); provided that if none of such rates are published for any day that is a Business Day, the term “NYFRB Rate” means the rate for a federal funds transaction quoted at 11:00 a.m. on such day received by the Administrative Agent from a federal funds broker of recognized standing selected by it; provided, further, that if any of the aforesaid rates as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

NYFRB’s Website” means the website of the NYFRB at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.

Obligated Party” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.02.

Obligations” means all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, all accrued and unpaid fees (including, without limitation, any Make-Whole Amount and Prepayment Fees) and all expenses, reimbursements, indemnities and other obligations and indebtedness (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), obligations and liabilities of

 

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any of the Loan Parties to any of the Lenders, the Administrative Agent or any Indemnitee, individually or collectively, existing on the Effective Date or arising thereafter, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise, arising or incurred under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or in respect of any of the Loans made or reimbursement or other instruments at any time evidencing any thereof.

OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.

Off-Balance Sheet Liability” of a Person means (a) any repurchase obligation or liability of such Person with respect to accounts or notes receivable sold by such Person, (b) any indebtedness, liability or obligation under any so-called “synthetic lease” transaction entered into by such Person, or (c) any indebtedness, liability or obligation arising with respect to any other transaction which is the functional equivalent of or takes the place of borrowing but which does not constitute a liability on the balance sheet of such Person (other than operating leases).

Original Indebtedness” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(f).

Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Taxes (other than a connection 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 any Loan Document).

Other Taxes” means 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 2.19).

Overnight Bank Funding Rate” means, for any day, the rate comprised of both overnight federal funds and overnight eurodollar transactions denominated in Dollars by U.S.-managed banking offices of depository institutions (as such composite rate shall be determined by the NYFRB as set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as an overnight bank funding rate.

Paid in Full” or “Payment in Full” means, (i) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all outstanding Loans, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (ii) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the accrued and unpaid fees, including the applicable Make-Whole Amount and/or Prepayment Fee, if any, (iii) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all reimbursable expenses and other Obligations (other than Unliquidated Obligations for which no claim has been made and other obligations expressly stated to survive such payment and termination of this Agreement), together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon and (iv) the termination of all Commitments.

Parent” means, with respect to any Lender, any Person as to which such Lender is, directly or indirectly, a subsidiary.

Participant” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).

 

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Participant Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).

Payment” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.06(c).

Payment Notice” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.06(c).

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.

Permitted Acquisition” means any Acquisition by any Loan Party in a transaction that satisfies each of the following requirements:

(a) such Acquisition is not a Hostile Acquisition;

(b) the business acquired in connection with such Acquisition is not engaged, directly or indirectly, in any line of business other than the businesses in which the Loan Parties are engaged on the Effective Date and any business activities that are substantially similar, related, or incidental thereto;

(c) subject to Section 1.05, both before and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis) to such Acquisition and any Indebtedness incurred or assumed in connection therewith, (i) each of the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents is true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) (except any such representation or warranty which relates to a specified prior date, which representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) as of such prior date), (ii) no Default or Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom, (iii) the Senior Leverage Ratio is not greater than 3.45 to 1.00 and (iv) the Borrower is in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with the financial covenant set forth in Sections 6.12(b);

(d) as soon as available, but not less than thirty (30) days prior to such Acquisition, the Borrower has provided the Administrative Agent (i) notice of such Acquisition and (ii) a copy of all business and financial information reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent including pro forma financial statements and statements of cash flow;

(e) the aggregate consideration paid or payable in respect of all Permitted Acquisitions of Excluded Subsidiaries that do not become Loan Parties ((x) including without limitation, all transaction costs, assumed Indebtedness and liabilities incurred, assumed or reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries after giving effect to such Acquisition and the maximum amount (to the extent such maximum amount is stated, and if not stated, then the reasonably anticipated amount) of all earn-out obligations and other deferred payments, but (y) excluding consideration payable in shares constituting Qualified Stock of the Borrower)) shall not exceed $42,000,000 during the term of this Agreement;

(f) other than with respect to Excluded Subsidiaries (subject to the foregoing clause (e)), as applicable, either (i) such acquired Person becomes a Subsidiary, (ii) such assets are acquired by a Loan Party or (iii) such acquired Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged, consolidated, or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets, or transfers or conveys assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of such Person, to, or is liquidated into, the Borrower or a Subsidiary;

 

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(g) if such Acquisition is an acquisition of Equity Interests, such Acquisition will not result in any violation of Regulation U;

(h) if such Acquisition involves a merger or a consolidation involving any Loan Party, such Loan Party shall be the surviving entity (provided that any such merger or consolidation involving the Borrower shall result in the Borrower as the surviving entity); and

(i) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent the final executed documentation relating to such Acquisition promptly following the consummation thereof.

Permitted Encumbrances” means:

(a) Liens imposed by law for Taxes that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

(b) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than sixty (60) days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

(c) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;

(d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(e) judgment Liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (k) of Article VII;

(f) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(g) leases, licenses, subleases or sublicenses granted to third parties in the ordinary course of business and not interfering in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(h) Liens in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of law or in the ordinary course of business under customary general terms and conditions encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of set-off) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry or arising pursuant to such banking institution’s general terms and conditions;

(i) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods (other than fixed or capital assets) and proceeds thereof of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(j) 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 in the ordinary course of business so long as such Liens only cover the related goods; and

(k) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

provided that the term “Permitted Encumbrances” shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness, except with respect to clauses (d) and (e) above.

Permitted Investments” means:

(a) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the U.S. (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

(b) investments in commercial paper maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, the highest credit rating obtainable from S&P or from Moody’s;

(c) investments in certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the U.S. or any state thereof which has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000;

(d) fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than 30 days for securities described in clause (a) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above; and

(e) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000.

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

Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

Plan Asset Regulations” means 29 CFR § 2510.3-101 et seq., as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA, as amended from time to time.

Prepayment Event” means:

 

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(a) any sale, transfer or other Disposition (including pursuant to a Sale and Leaseback Transaction) of any property or asset of any Loan Party, other than Dispositions described in Section 6.05(a); or

(b) any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of any Loan Party; or

(c) the incurrence by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01.

Prepayment Fee” means a fee payable to the Administrative Agent upon the occurrence of a Prepayment Fee Event, for the benefit of the Lenders, in an amount equal to the sum of the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans being repaid, multiplied by (i) 2.00% if such Prepayment Fee Event occurs after the second anniversary of the Effective Date but on or prior to the third anniversary of the Effective Date, or (ii) 1.00% if such Prepayment Fee Event occurs after the third anniversary of the Effective Date but on or prior to the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date,

Prepayment Fee Event” means any repayment or prepayment in whole or in part or acceleration of the Term Loans of any Class for any reason and at any time, including, without limitation, whether such reduction or termination or repayment, prepayment or acceleration is (i) voluntary or mandatory, (ii) made when a Default or Event of Default is then outstanding, (iii) made in connection with the sale during any Event of Default, (iv) the result of or subsequent to the acceleration of the Term Loans for any reason at any time, including, without limitation, as a result of the occurrence of any Event of Default and, in the case of insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding, whether or not a claim for any Make-Whole Amount or Prepayment Fee is allowed in such proceeding, (v) made pursuant to, or as the consequence of, any regulatory or judicial enforcement or other actions from any Governmental Authority or (vi) made pursuant to, or as the consequence of, any Bankruptcy Event, whether or not a claim for and Make-Whole Amount or Prepayment Fee is allowed in such proceeding; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall a Prepayment Fee Event arise solely as a result of a prepayment from (x) Excess Cash Flow under Section 2.11(e) or (y) proceeds of any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of any Loan Party under Section 2.11(d).

Prime Rate” means the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the U.S. or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by the Administrative Agent) or any similar release by the Federal Reserve Board (as determined by the Administrative Agent). Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced or quoted as being effective.

Pro Forma”, “Pro Forma Basis”, “Pro Forma Compliance” and “Pro Forma Effect” mean, with respect to compliance with any test or covenant or calculation of any ratio hereunder, the determination or calculation of such test, covenant or ratio in accordance with Section 1.05.

Proceeding” means any claim, litigation, investigation, action, suit, arbitration or administrative, judicial or regulatory action or proceeding in any jurisdiction.

Projections” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01(d).

 

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PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.

Qualified Stock” of any Person means Equity Interests of such Person other than Disqualified Stock of such Person.

Recipient” means, as applicable, (a) the Administrative Agent and (b) any Lender or any combination thereof (as the context requires).

Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (1) if such Benchmark is the Term SOFR Rate, 5:00 a.m. (Chicago time) on the day that is two Business Days preceding the date of such setting or (2) if such Benchmark is Daily Simple SOFR, then four Business Days prior to such setting.

Refinance Indebtedness” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(f).

Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

Regulation D” means Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Regulation T” means Regulation T of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Regulation U” means Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Regulation X” means Regulation X of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, partners, members, trustees, employees, agents, administrators, managers, representatives and advisors of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.

Release” means any releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, migrating, disposing, or dumping of any substance into the environment.

Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the NYFRB, the CME Term SOFR Administrator, as applicable, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the NYFRB or, in each case, any successor thereto.

Relevant Rate” means (i) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or (ii) with respect to any RFR Borrowing, the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, as applicable.

Required Lenders” means, subject to Section 2.20: (a) at any time prior to the earlier of the Loans becoming due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Commitments terminating or expiring, Lenders having Credit Exposures representing more than 50% of the sum of the Aggregate Credit Exposure at such time; and (b) for all purposes after the Loans become due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Commitments expire or terminate, Lenders having Credit Exposures representing more than 50% of the sum of the Aggregate Credit Exposure at such time.

 

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Requirement of Law” means, with respect to any Person, (a) the charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation and bylaws or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents of such Person and (b) any statute, law (including common law), treaty, rule, regulation, code, ordinance, order, decree, writ, judgment, injunction or determination of any arbitrator or court or other Governmental Authority (including Environmental Laws), in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

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

Responsible Officer” means the president, Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower.

Restricted Debt” means any Subordinated Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or unsecured Indebtedness.

Restricted Debt Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.08(b).

Restricted Payment” means, as the case may be, (i) any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Subsidiary or (ii) the payment of any management, advisory, transaction services, monitoring, bonus or similar fees, howsoever designated, or the payment of any costs, expenses and indemnities under any management, advisory, monitoring or similar agreement.

RFR Borrowing” means, as to any Borrowing, the RFR Loans comprising such Borrowing.

RFR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR.

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business.

Sale and Leaseback Transaction” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.06.

Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (at the time of this Agreement, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, the so- called Luhansk People’s Republic, the Crimea Region of Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).

Sanctioned Person” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by OFAC, the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state, Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country, (c) any Person owned or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b), or (d) any Person otherwise the subject of any Sanctions.

 

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Sanctions” means all economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State, or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state or Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority.

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission of the U.S.

Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933.

Senior Agent” means the “Administrative Agent” as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement.

Senior Credit Agreement” means the Senior Secured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 by and among the Borrower, the other Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Senior Agent, the lenders party thereto in their capacities as lenders thereunder, and as the same may be amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced from time to time in one or more agreements (in each case with the same or new lenders, guarantors, institutional investors, agents or other investors), including any agreement extending the maturity thereof or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness thereunder or increasing the amount loaned or issued thereunder or altering the maturity thereof, in each case as and to the extent not prohibited by the Subordination Agreement.

Senior Lenders” has the meaning assigned to the term “Lenders” in the Senior Credit Agreement.

Senior Leverage Ratio” means, on any date, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Indebtedness on such date that is secured by a Lien, minus Unrestricted Cash on such date, to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended on or most recently prior to such date.

Senior Loan Documents” means the Senior Credit Agreement, the Subordination Agreement and the other “Loan Documents” (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement).

Senior Loans” has the meaning assigned to the term “Loans” in the Senior Credit Agreement.

Senior Obligations” has the meaning assigned to the term “Secured Obligations” in the Senior Credit Agreement.

SOFR” means a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the SOFR Administrator.

SOFR Administrator” means the NYFRB (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).

SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the NYFRB’s Website, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the SOFR Administrator from time to time.

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

SOFR Rate Day” has the meaning assigned to it under the definition of Daily Simple SOFR.

Specified Debt Conditions” means, with respect to any Indebtedness or commitments incurred in accordance with Section 2.09, the following conditions:

 

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(a) such Indebtedness shall not mature earlier than the latest Maturity Date in effect at the time of incurrence or issuance of such Indebtedness;

(b) as of the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness, as applicable, shall have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity no shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans funded on the Effective Date;

(c) subject to Section 1.05, such Indebtedness shall be issued or incurred only when no Default or Event of Default exists or would result from the issuance or incurrence of such Indebtedness;

(d) the representations and warranties contained in Article III and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect), except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) as of such earlier date;

(e) the Borrower is in compliance (on a Pro Forma Basis) with the covenants contained in Section 6.12 (which calculations shall assume that such Incremental Term Loan Commitments are fully drawn or such tranche of Incremental Term Loans is fully funded, as the case may be);

(f) such Indebtedness is not incurred or guaranteed by any Person other than any Loan Party;

(g) such Indebtedness is not secured; and

(h) such Indebtedness shall contain terms that are not more restrictive, taken as a whole, than the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (as reasonably determined by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent), except as expressly permitted hereunder.

Specified Default” means a Default or Event of Default under clauses (a), (b), (h) or (i) of Article VII.

Specified Representations” means the representations and warranties in respect of the Loan Parties made pursuant to Sections 3.01, 3.02, 3.03(b) (solely as it relates to the organizational documents of the Loan Parties as it relates to Borrowings hereunder), 3.08, 3.13, 3.18, 3.19, the first sentence of 3.21 (as it relates to compliance with the PATRIOT Act), and the final sentence of 3.21 (as it relates to use of proceeds from any Borrowing violating Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions).

Statement” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.18(f).

Subordinated Indebtedness” of a Person means any Indebtedness of such Person, the payment of which is subordinated to payment of the Obligations.

Subordination Agreement” means (a) that certain Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement dated as of the Effective Date, among the Administrative Agent, the Senior Agent and the Loan Parties, as amended from time to time and (b) any other subordination agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, among the Administrative Agent and each additional representative party thereto from time to time.

subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with

 

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those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, Controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent and/or one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

Subsidiary” means any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Borrower or of any other Loan Party, as applicable.

Subsidiary Guarantor” means the Borrower’s Subsidiaries party hereto as Subsidiary Guarantors as of the Effective Date and any other Subsidiary that becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to a Joinder Agreement; provided that in no event shall any Excluded Subsidiary constitute a Subsidiary Guarantor.

Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, spot, future, credit default 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; 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 the Borrower or the Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.

Taxes” means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), value added taxes, or any other goods and services, use or sales taxes, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

Term Benchmark”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, bear interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate.

Term Lender” means a Lender having a Term Loan Commitment or holding an outstanding Term Loan.

Term Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01.

Term Loan Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make Term Loans, expressed as an amount representing the maximum principal amount of the Term Loans to be made by such Lender, as such commitment may be reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lenders pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of each Lender’s Term Loan Commitment is set forth on the Commitment Schedule or in the most recent Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(70) of the UCC) as provided in Section 9.04, executed by such Term Lender, as applicable. The aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Term Loan Commitments on the Effective Date is $90,000,000. After advancing the Term Loan, each reference to a Term Lender’s Term Loan Commitment shall refer to that Term Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Term Loans.

Term SOFR Determination Day” has the meaning assigned to it under the definition of Term SOFR Reference Rate.

 

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Term SOFR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing or ABR Borrowing determined by reference to the Term SOFR Rate and for any tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, the Term SOFR Reference Rate at approximately 5:00 a.m., Chicago time, two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the commencement of such tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, as such rate is published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator.

Term SOFR Reference Rate” means, for any day and time (such day, the “Term SOFR Determination Day”), with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing or for any ABR Borrowing determined by reference to the Term SOFR Rate, for any tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent as the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR. If by 5:00 pm (New York City time) on such Term SOFR Determination Day, the “Term SOFR Reference Rate” for the applicable tenor has not been published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Rate has not occurred, then the Term SOFR Reference Rate for such Term SOFR Determination Day will be the Term SOFR Reference Rate as published in respect of the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which such Term SOFR Reference Rate was published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator, so long as such first preceding Business Day is not more than five (5) Business Days prior to such Term SOFR Determination Day.

Test Period” means, at any time, the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended on or most recently prior to such time for which financial statements have been or are required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b) (or, if prior to the date of the delivery of the first financial statements to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b), the most recent financial statements referred to in Section 3.04(a)).

Total Leverage Ratio” means, on any date, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Indebtedness on such date minus Unrestricted Cash on such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended on or most recently prior to such date.

Transactions” means (a) the consummation of the Effective Date Acquisition, (b) [reserved], (c) the payment of the Effective Date Transaction Expenses, (d) the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the borrowing of Loans and other credit extensions and the use of the proceeds thereof and (e) the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of the Senior Credit Agreement and the other Senior Loan Documents and the borrowing of the Senior Loans and the use of the proceeds thereof.

Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Alternate Base Rate, or the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR.

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York or in any other state, the laws of which are required to be applied in connection with the issue of perfection of security interests.

UK Financial Institutions” means 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.

 

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

Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

Unfinanced Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, Capital Expenditures made during such period which are not financed from the proceeds of any Indebtedness (other than the Revolving Loans (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement); it being understood and agreed that, to the extent any Capital Expenditures are financed with Revolving Loans (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement), such Capital Expenditures shall be deemed Unfinanced Capital Expenditures), calculated for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period in accordance with GAAP.

Unliquidated Obligations” means, at any time, any Obligations (or portion thereof) that are contingent in nature or unliquidated at such time, including any Obligation that is: (i) any other obligation (including any guarantee) that is contingent in nature at such time; or (ii) an obligation to provide collateral to secure any of the foregoing types of obligations.

Unrestricted Cash” means, as of any date of determination, the amount of the Domestic Loan Parties’ unrestricted cash and Permitted Investments solely to the extent in excess of $10,000,000, but in any event, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000 that is (a) on deposit with one or more financial institutions in the U.S. and (b) not encumbered by or subject to any other Lien, setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right in favor of any Person (other than (i) a Lien securing the Senior Obligations, and (ii) banker’s liens relating to the establishment of depository relations in the ordinary course and not given in connection with the issuance of indebtedness).

U.S.” means the United States of America.

U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day except for (i) a Saturday, (ii) a Sunday or (iii) a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities.

U.S. Person” means a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.17(f)(ii)(B)(3).

USA PATRIOT Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, 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 scheduled installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required scheduled payments of principal, including payment at final scheduled maturity, in respect thereof, by (ii) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment by (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock; provided that for purposes of determining the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock that is being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended (the “Applicable

 

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Indebtedness”), the effects of any prepayments or amortization made on such Applicable Indebtedness prior to the date of the applicable modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension shall be disregarded.

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

Wholly-Owned” means, with respect to any Person, a subsidiary of such Person, 100% of the outstanding Equity Interests or other ownership interests of which (other than (x) directors’ qualifying shares or other ownership interests and (y) a nominal number of shares or other ownership interests issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable laws) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

Working Capital” means, at any date, the excess of current assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (other than cash or Permitted Investments) on such date over current liabilities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on such date other than Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans and Letters of Credit, in each case, under and as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement, all determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means (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 Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Term Loan”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Loan” or an “RFR Loan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Term Loan” or an “RFR Term Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Term Loan Borrowing”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Borrowing” or an “RFR Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Term Loan Borrowing” or an “RFR Term Loan Borrowing”).

SECTION 1.03 Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “law” shall be construed as referring to all statutes, rules, regulations, codes and other laws (including official rulings and interpretations thereunder having the force of law or with which affected Persons customarily comply) and all judgments, orders and decrees of all Governmental Authorities. 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, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any definition of or reference to any statute, rule or regulation shall be construed as referring thereto as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise

 

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modified (including by succession of comparable successor laws), (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to any restrictions on assignments set forth herein) and, in the case of any Governmental Authority, any other Governmental Authority that shall have succeeded to any or all functions thereof, (d) 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, (e) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement, (f) any reference in any definition to the phrase “at any time” or “for any period” shall refer to the same time or period for all calculations or determinations within such definition, and (g) 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.

SECTION 1.04 Accounting Terms; GAAP.

(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if after the date hereof there occurs any change in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of any provision hereof and the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of such change in GAAP or in the application thereof (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made (i) without giving effect to any election under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 825 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Borrower or any Subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein and (ii) without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 or 2015-03 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 1.04(a) or in the definition of “Capital Lease Obligations,” any change in accounting for leases pursuant to GAAP resulting from the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“FAS 842), to the extent such adoption would require treating any lease (or similar arrangement conveying the right to use) 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 December 31, 2015, such lease shall not be considered a capital lease, and all calculations and deliverables under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be made or delivered, as applicable, in accordance therewith.

SECTION 1.05 Pro Forma Adjustments.

(a) To the extent the Borrower or any Subsidiary (x) makes any acquisition permitted pursuant to Section 6.04 or Disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business permitted by Section 6.05 during the period of four fiscal quarters of the Borrower most recently ended or (y) consummates any transaction that requires any pro forma calculation as a condition thereto or in connection therewith under the terms of this Agreement, then, in each case, (i) the Senior Leverage Ratio, the Total Leverage Ratio and

 

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Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including pro forma adjustments arising out of events which are directly attributable to the acquisition or the Disposition of assets, are factually supportable and are expected to have a continuing impact, in each case as determined on a basis consistent with Article 11 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as interpreted by the SEC, and as certified by a Financial Officer), as if such acquisition, such Disposition or such other transaction (and any related incurrence, repayment or assumption of Indebtedness) had occurred in the first day of such four-quarter period, (ii) unless otherwise expressly required hereunder, such pro forma calculation shall be determined by reference to the financial statements for the Test Period ended on or most recently prior to such calculation and (iii) any such calculation made by reference to, or requiring pro forma compliance with, any of the financial covenants shall be made by reference to the applicable financial covenant levels required under Section 6.12 for the quarter during which such acquisition, Disposition or other transaction was consummated (or, if there is no financial covenant required to be tested during such fiscal quarter, the financial covenant level for the first testing period scheduled to occur after the date of such calculation). In addition to the foregoing, and notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent any Indebtedness is incurred or assumed in connection with any transaction permitted hereunder, any pro forma determination of the Senior Leverage Ratio, the Total Leverage Ratio or compliance with the financial covenants required to be made under this Agreement in connection with such transaction shall be made without including the proceeds of such incurred or assumed Indebtedness as Unrestricted Cash.

(b) In connection with any action being taken in connection with a Limited Condition Transaction, for purposes of:

(i) determining compliance with any provision of this Agreement which requires the calculation of any financial ratio or test, including the Total Leverage Ratio, the Senior Leverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio;

(ii) testing availability under baskets set forth in this Agreement (including baskets measured as a percentage of Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Total Assets); or

(iii) determining the accuracy of any representation or warranty or the existence of any Default or Event of Default,

in each case, at the option of the Borrower (the Borrower’s election to exercise such option in connection with any Limited Condition Transaction, an “LCT Election”), the date of determination of whether any such action is permitted hereunder shall be deemed to be the date the definitive agreement for such Limited Condition Transaction is entered into (the “LCT Test Date”), and if, after giving pro forma effect to the Limited Condition Transaction, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries would have been permitted to take such action on the relevant LCT Test Date in compliance with such ratio, test or basket or other provision, such ratio, test or basket shall be deemed to have been complied with. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Borrower has made an LCT Election and any of the ratios, tests or baskets or other provision for which compliance was determined or tested as of the LCT Test Date would have failed to have been satisfied as a result of fluctuations in any such ratio, test or basket or other provision, including due to fluctuations in Consolidated EBITDA, Consolidated Interest Expense or Consolidated Total Assets, at or prior to the consummation of the relevant transaction or action, such baskets, tests or ratios will not be deemed to have failed to have been satisfied as a result of such fluctuations. If the Borrower has made an LCT Election for any Limited Condition Transaction, then in connection with any event or transaction occurring after the relevant LCT Test Date and prior to the earlier of the date on which such Limited Condition Transaction is consummated or the date that the definitive agreement or date for redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment specified in an irrevocable notice for such Limited Condition Transaction is terminated, expires or passes, as applicable, without consummation of such Limited

 

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Condition Transaction (a “Subsequent Transaction”) in connection with which a ratio, test or basket availability calculation must be made on a pro forma basis or giving pro forma effect to such Subsequent Transaction, for purposes of determining whether such ratio, test or basket availability has been complied with under this Agreement, any such ratio, test or basket shall be required to be satisfied on a pro forma basis assuming such Limited Condition Transaction and other transactions in connection therewith have been consummated.

SECTION 1.06 Status of Obligations. In the event that the Borrower or any other Loan Party shall at any time issue or have outstanding any Subordinated Indebtedness, the Borrower shall take or cause such other Loan Party to take all such actions as shall be necessary to cause the Obligations to constitute senior indebtedness (however denominated) in respect of such Subordinated Indebtedness and to enable the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness. Without limiting the foregoing, the Obligations are hereby designated as “senior indebtedness” and as “designated senior indebtedness” and words of similar import under and in respect of any indenture or other agreement or instrument under which such Subordinated Indebtedness is outstanding and are further given all such other designations as shall be required under the terms of any such Subordinated Indebtedness in order that the Lenders may have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness.

SECTION 1.07 Interest Rates; Benchmark Notification. The interest rate on a Loan may be derived from an interest rate benchmark that may be discontinued or is, or may in the future become, the subject of regulatory reform. Upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, Section 2.14(b) provides a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest. The Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission, performance or any other matter related to any interest rate used in this Agreement, or with respect to any alternative or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate thereof, including without limitation, whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement reference rate will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, the existing interest rate being replaced or have the same volume or liquidity as did any existing interest rate prior to its discontinuance or unavailability. The Administrative Agent and its affiliates and/or other related entities may engage in transactions that affect the calculation of any interest rate used in this Agreement or any alternative, successor or alternative rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) and/or any relevant adjustments thereto, in each case, in a manner adverse to the Borrower. The Administrative Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain any interest rate used in this Agreement, any component thereof, or rates referenced in the definition thereof, in each case pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other Person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, costs, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise and whether at law or in equity), for any error or calculation of any such rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service.

SECTION 1.08 [Intentionally Omitted].

SECTION 1.09 Divisions. For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed

 

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to have been organized and acquired on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time.

ARTICLE II

THE CREDITS

SECTION 2.01 Commitments.

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Term Lender severally (and not jointly) agrees to make a Term Loan in Dollars to the Borrower, on the Effective Date, in a principal amount not to exceed such Lender’s Term Loan Commitment, by making immediately available funds available to the Administrative Agent’s designated account not later than the time specified by the Administrative Agent. Amounts prepaid or repaid in respect of Term Loans may not be reborrowed.

SECTION 2.02 Loans and Borrowings.

(a) Each Loan shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the applicable Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the applicable Class. The failure of any Lender to make any 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 Loans as required.

(b) Subject to Section 2.14, each Term Loan Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Term Benchmark Loans, as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith. Each Lender at its option may make any Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan (and in the case of an Affiliate, the provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 shall apply to such Affiliate to the same extent as to such Lender); provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Term Benchmark Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $500,000. At the time that each ABR Borrowing and/or RFR Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $500,000. Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of twelve (12) Term Benchmark Borrowings outstanding.

(d) 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 applicable to such Class of Borrowings.

(e) To the extent the Borrower directs the Administrative Agent or the Lenders to remit the proceeds of any Loans hereunder to a Person other than the Borrower, in each such case, the Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that (i) all Loans constitute direct obligations of the Borrower, (ii) all Loans are made for the account of the Borrower and (iii) the deposit of the proceeds of the Loans as so provided directly benefits the Borrower.

SECTION 2.03 Requests for Borrowings. To request a Borrowing, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by submitting a Borrowing Request (a) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing, or (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, one (1) Business Day before the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such Borrowing Request

 

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shall be irrevocable and shall be signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Each such Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

(i) the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;

(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;

(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Term Benchmark Borrowing and whether such Borrowing is a Term Loan Borrowing or Incremental Term Loan Borrowing;

(iv) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”; and

(v) the location and number of the Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.07.

If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Term Benchmark Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Borrower be permitted to request an Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR Loan (it being understood and agreed that such rate shall only apply to the extent provided in Sections 2.08(e), 2.14(a) and 2.14(f), as applicable).

SECTION 2.04 [Intentionally Omitted].

SECTION 2.05 [Intentionally Omitted].

SECTION 2.06 [Intentionally Omitted].

SECTION 2.07 Funding of Borrowings.

(a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the Effective Date solely by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 12:00 noon, New York City time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders; provided that (i) Term Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.01. The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower by promptly crediting the funds so received in the aforesaid account of the Administrative Agent to an account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent in New York City or Chicago and designated by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request.

(b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the Effective Date that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance 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

 

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the Borrower each severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand 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 the NYFRB Rate and a rate 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 to ABR Loans. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing; provided, that any interest received from the Borrower by the Administrative Agent during the period beginning when Administrative Agent funded the Borrowing until such Lender pays such amount shall be solely for the account of the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 2.08 Interest Elections.

(a) Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Term Benchmark 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 Term Benchmark Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. 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 Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing.

(b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election either in writing (delivered by hand or fax) by delivering an Interest Election Request signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower or through any Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrower were requesting a Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable. Notwithstanding any contrary provision herein, this Section shall not be construed to permit the Borrower to (i) elect an Interest Period for Term Benchmark Loans that does not comply with Section 2.02(d), (ii) convert any Borrowing to a Borrowing of a Type not available under the Class of Commitments pursuant to which such Borrowing was made, or (iii) elect Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR (it being understood and agreed that any such rate shall only apply to the extent provided in Sections 2.08(e), 2.14(a) and 2.14(f), as applicable).

(c) Each Interest Election Request (including requests submitted through any Electronic System) shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

(i) the and principal amount of 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 Term Benchmark Borrowing; and

 

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

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

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

(e) If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Term Benchmark Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be deemed to have an Interest Period that is one month.

Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing:

(i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Term Benchmark Borrowing; and

(ii) unless repaid, each Term Benchmark Borrowing and each RFR Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto (or immediately in the case of an RFR Borrowing).

SECTION 2.09 Termination of Commitments; Incremental Term Loans.

(a) Unless previously terminated, the Term Loan Commitments shall terminate at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Effective Date.

(b) The Borrower shall have the right to obtain one or more increases to the size of the existing Term Loans and/or tranches of additional term loans, which may be of the same Class as any then-existing Term Loans (each an “Incremental Term Loan”), in each case by obtaining commitments to make Incremental Term Loans (each, an “Incremental Term Loan Commitment”), either from one or more of the Lenders or another Person (other than any Ineligible Institution) in the Borrower’s sole discretion; provided that (i) any such Incremental Term Loan Commitments or Incremental Term Loans shall be in a minimum amount of $10,000,000 (or such lesser amount as may be approved by the Administrative Agent), (ii) after giving effect thereto (and assuming that all Incremental Term Loan Commitments included in the applicable Incremental Facility are fully drawn), the sum of the total of the Incremental Term Loan Commitments and Incremental Term Loans incurred during the term of this Agreement does not exceed the Available Incremental Amount, (iii) to the extent Chase is the Administrative Agent at such time, the Administrative Agent has approved the identity of any such new Lender, such approvals not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, (iv) any such new Lender assumes all of the rights and obligations of a “Lender” hereunder, (v) each such Incremental Facility satisfies the Specified Debt Conditions and the conditions set forth in Section 2.09(e), in each case, to the extent applicable and (vi) the procedures described in Section 2.09(c) have been satisfied. Nothing contained in this Section 2.09 shall constitute, or otherwise be deemed to be, a commitment on the part of any Lender to participate in any tranche of Incremental Term Loans hereunder at any time. The Borrower shall have no obligation to approach or offer any existing Lender to provide any Incremental Term Loan Commitment or Incremental Term Loan.

 

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(c) As a condition precedent to such tranche of Incremental Term Loans, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent (i) a certificate of each Loan Party signed by an authorized officer of such Loan Party (A) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase or tranche, and (B) subject to Section 1.05, in the case of the Borrower, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase or tranche, the Specified Debt Conditions have been satisfied and (ii) legal opinions and documents consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent.

(d) [reserved]

(e) For any Incremental Term Loans:

(i) such Incremental Term Loans shall be evidenced by this Agreement, as amended in accordance with the terms hereof;

(ii) such Incremental Term Loans (A) shall rank pari passu in right of payment with the Term Loans and(B) may provide for the ability to participate on a pro rata basis or less than a pro rata basis in any voluntary repayments or prepayments of principal of other Term Loans hereunder and on a pro rata basis or less than a pro rata basis (but, except as otherwise permitted by this Agreement, not on a greater than pro rata basis) in any mandatory repayments or prepayments of principal of other Term Loans hereunder; provided that (x) subject to Section 2.09(e)(iii) below, the terms and conditions applicable to any tranche of such Incremental Term Loans maturing after the latest Maturity Date in effect at such time may provide for material additional or different financial or other covenants or prepayment requirements applicable only during periods after such Maturity Date and (y) subject to the immediately following proviso, such Incremental Term Loans may be priced differently than the initial Term Loans (including, without limitation, interest margin, interest rate floors, original issue discount, underwriting, arrangement, unused line, structuring, ticking, commitment, upfront or similar fees, and other fees payable in connection therewith that may be agreed to among the Borrower and the lender(s) providing and/or arranging such Incremental Term Loans) ; provided further that (I) if the Effective Yield in respect of such Incremental Term Loans as of the date of funding thereof exceeds the Effective Yield in respect of any initial Term Loans by more than 0.50%, the Applicable Rate in respect of such initial Term Loans shall be increased so that the Effective Yield in respect of such initial Term Loans is equal to the Effective Yield in respect of such Incremental Term Loans minus 0.50%, and (II) to the extent any change in the Effective Yield of the initial Term Loans is necessitated by the foregoing clause (I) on the basis of an effective interest rate floor in respect of such Incremental Term Loans, the increased Effective Yield in the initial Term Loans shall (unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Borrower) have such increase in the Effective Yield effected solely by increases in the interest rate floor(s) applicable to the initial Term Loans, but only to the extent an increase in the interest rate floor in the initial Term Loans would cause an increase in the Benchmark then in effect for such initial Term Loans;

(iii) subject to the consent of the Administrative Agent, such Incremental Term Loans may have the benefit of terms and conditions (including financial covenants) that are more restrictive than those applicable to the initial Term Loans so long as such more restrictive terms are also provided for the benefit of all other Commitments and Loans then outstanding; and

(iv) such Incremental Term Loans shall constitute “Mezzanine Obligations” under the Subordination Agreement.

 

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(f) Subject to the foregoing conditions, any Incremental Term Loan Commitments or Incremental Term Loans shall be made hereunder pursuant to an amendment or restatement (an “Incremental Facility Amendment”) of this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by the Borrower, each Lender participating in such tranche and the Administrative Agent. The Incremental Facility Amendment may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.09 and reflect the applicable Incremental Term Loans. Within a reasonable time after the effective date of any increase or addition, the Administrative Agent shall, and is hereby authorized and directed to, revise the Commitment Schedule to reflect such increase or addition and shall distribute such revised Commitment Schedule to each of the Lenders and the Borrower, whereupon such revised Commitment Schedule shall replace the old Commitment Schedule and become part of this Agreement.

(g) In connection with any Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Term Loan Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.09, any new lending institution becoming a party hereto shall (i) execute such documents and agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and (ii) provide to the Administrative Agent, its name, address, tax identification number and/or such other information as shall be necessary for the Administrative Agent to comply with “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation, the USA PATRIOT Act.

SECTION 2.10 Repayment of Loans; 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 on the Maturity Date.

(b) [Reserved].

(c) 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 Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

(d) [Reserved].

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

(f) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (c) or (e) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the Obligations.

(g) Any Lender may request that Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in a form approved by the Administrative Agent. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form.

 

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SECTION 2.11 Prepayment of Loans. (a) After the second anniversary of the Effective Date, the Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to voluntarily prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (b) of this Section.

(b) The Borrower shall deliver a Notice of Prepayment to the Administrative Agent or notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by a Notice of Prepayment) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment, and (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, one Business Day before the date of prepayment,. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a Notice of Prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.09, then such Notice of Prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.09. Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02. Each voluntary prepayment of a Term Loan Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Term Loans included in the prepaid Term Loan Borrowing in such order of application as directed by the Borrower, and each mandatory prepayment of a Term Loan Borrowing shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.11(g). Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.13, any break funding payments required by Section 2.16 and any Make-Whole Amount or Prepayment Fee under Section 2.12.

(c) [Reserved].

(d) In the event and on each occasion that any Net Proceeds are received by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in respect of any Prepayment Event, the Borrower shall, immediately after such Net Proceeds are received, prepay the Obligations as set forth in Section 2.11(g) below in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of such Net Proceeds; provided that, in the case of any event described in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event”, (x) a prepayment under this Section 2.11(d) shall only be required to the extent the aggregate Net Proceeds relating to all such Prepayment Events exceeds $1,000,000 in any fiscal year (and thereafter only Net Proceeds relating to such Prepayment Events in excess of such amount) and (y) if the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer to the effect that the Borrower or its relevant Subsidiaries intend to apply the Net Proceeds from such event (or a portion thereof specified in such certificate), within 180 days after receipt of such Net Proceeds, to acquire (or replace or rebuild) real property, equipment or other tangible assets (excluding inventory) to be used in the business of the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries, and certifying that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, then no prepayment shall be required pursuant to this paragraph in respect of the Net Proceeds specified in such certificate; provided further that to the extent of any such Net Proceeds therefrom that have not been so applied by the end of such 180-day period, at which time a prepayment shall be required in an amount equal to such Net Proceeds that have not been so applied.

(e) The Borrower shall prepay the Obligations on the date that is ten days after the earlier of (i) the date on which Borrower’s annual audited financial statements for the immediately preceding fiscal year are delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 (commencing with the delivery of annual audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023) or (ii) the date on which such annual audited financial statements were required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 (commencing with the annual audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023), in an amount equal to the ECF Percentage of the Borrower’s Excess Cash Flow for such immediately preceding fiscal year. As used herein, “ECF Percentage” means (x) fifty percent (50%) if the Senior Leverage Ratio as of the last day of

 

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such period was greater than 3.25 to 1.00, (y) twenty-five percent (25%) if the Senior Leverage Ratio as of the last day of such period was greater than 2.75 to 1.00 but less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00 and (z) zero percent (0%) if the Senior Leverage Ratio as of the last day of such period was less than or equal to 2.75 to 1.00. Each Excess Cash Flow prepayment shall be accompanied by a certificate signed by a Financial Officer certifying the manner in which Excess Cash Flow and the resulting prepayment were calculated, which certificate shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

(f) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 2.11, to the extent that any or all of the Net Proceeds of any Prepayment Event by a Foreign Subsidiary or CFC Holding Company giving rise to a prepayment pursuant to Section 2.11(d) above (a “Foreign Prepayment Event”) are prohibited or delayed by any law (including financial assistance, corporate benefit, restrictions on upstreaming of cash, and the fiduciary and statutory duties of directors) applicable to such Foreign Subsidiary or CFC Holding Company from being repatriated to any Loan Party, an amount equal to the portion of such Net Proceeds so affected will not be required to be applied to repay the Obligations at the times provided in Section 2.11(d) above, but only so long as the applicable law will not permit repatriation to any Loan Party (the Loan Parties hereby agreeing to cause the applicable Foreign Subsidiary or CFC Holding Company to promptly take all commercially reasonable actions (as determined in the Borrower’s reasonable business judgment) for a period of no longer than one (1) year that are reasonably required by the applicable law to permit such repatriation to a Loan Party), and once a repatriation of any of such affected Net Proceeds is permitted in such year under the applicable law, an amount equal to such Net Proceeds will be promptly (and in any event not later than five (5) Business Days after such repatriation is permitted) applied (net of any taxes (including withholding taxes), costs or expenses that would be payable or reserved against if such amounts were actually repatriated whether or not they are repatriated) pursuant to Section 2.11(d) above. For the avoidance of doubt, so long as an amount equal to the amount of the Net Proceeds required to be applied in accordance with Section 2.11(d) above is applied by the Borrower, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require any Foreign Subsidiary or any CFC Holding Company to repatriate cash. The non-application of any prepayment amounts as a consequence of this clause (f) will not, for the avoidance of doubt, constitute a Default or Event of Default, and such amounts shall be available for working capital purposes or other general corporate purposes of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as long as not required to be prepaid in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this clause (f).

(g) All such amounts pursuant to Sections 2.11(d) and (e) shall be applied to prepay the Term Loans in the inverse order of maturity.

(h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.11, no prepayments of Term Loans shall be required pursuant to Section 2.11(d) or (e) until the Senior Debt (as defined in the Subordination Agreement applicable thereto) has been Paid in Full (as defined in the Subordination Agreement applicable thereto).

SECTION 2.12 Fees.

(a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

(b) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid in Dollars on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the Lenders entitled thereto. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

(c) Except as set forth in the immediately following sentence, upon the occurrence of a Prepayment Fee Event, the Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the

 

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applicable Lenders an amount equal to the Make-Whole Amount or Prepayment Fee, as applicable. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the Make-Whole Amount and the Prepayment Fee referred to in the first sentence of this Section 2.12(c) (i) is additional consideration for providing the Term Loans, (ii) constitutes reasonable liquidated damages to compensate the applicable Lenders for (and is a proportionate quantification of) the actual loss of the anticipated stream of interest payments upon an early prepayment of the Term Loans (such damages being otherwise impossible to ascertain or even estimate for various reasons, including, without limitation, because such damages would depend on, among other things, (x) when such Term Loans might otherwise be repaid and (y) future changes in interest rates which are not readily ascertainable on the Effective Date), and (iii) is not a penalty to punish the Borrowers for their early prepayment of the Term Loans or for the occurrence of any Event of Default or the occurrence of any other Prepayment Fee Event, as the case may be.

SECTION 2.13 Interest.

(a) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

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

(c) Each RFR Loan shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR plus the Applicable Rate.

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may, at their option, by notice to the Borrower (which notice may be revoked at the option of the Required Lenders notwithstanding any provision of Section 9.02 requiring the consent of “each Lender directly affected thereby” for reductions in interest rates), declare that (i) all Loans shall bear interest at 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loans as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount outstanding hereunder, such amount shall accrue at 2% plus the rate applicable to such fee or other obligation as provided hereunder.

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

(f) Interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate (except when based on the Prime Rate), the Term SOFR Rate or Daily Simple SOFR shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days. Interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year). In each case interest shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). All interest hereunder on any Loan shall be computed on a daily basis based upon the outstanding principal amount of such Loan as of the applicable date of determination. The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, Term SOFR Rate, Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR or Daily Simple SOFR, shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

SECTION 2.14 Alternate Rate of Interest.

 

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(a) Subject to clauses (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of this Section 2.14, if:

(i) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or the Term SOFR Rate, , as applicable (including because the Term SOFR Reference Rate is not available or published on a current basis), for such Interest Period or (B) at any time, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, Daily Simple SOFR; or

(ii) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Loans included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period or (B) at any time, the applicable Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Loans included in such Borrowing;

then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by telephone, telecopy or electronic mail as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until (x) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist with respect to the relevant Benchmark and (y) the Borrower delivers a new Interest Election Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.08 or a new Borrowing Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.03, any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Term Benchmark Borrowing and any Borrowing Request that requests a Term Benchmark Borrowing shall instead be deemed to be an Interest Election Request or a Borrowing Request, as applicable, for (x) an RFR Borrowing so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is not also the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above or (y) an ABR Borrowing if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR also is the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above, ; provided that if the circumstances giving rise to such notice affect only one Type of Borrowings, then all other Types of Borrowings shall be permitted.

Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan is outstanding on the date of the Borrower’s receipt of the notice from the Administrative Agent referred to in this Section 2.14(a) with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan, then until (x) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, with respect to the relevant Benchmark and (y) the Borrower delivers a new Interest Election Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.08 or a new Borrowing Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.03, (A) any Term Benchmark Loan shall on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, (x) an RFR Borrowing so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is not also the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above or (y) an ABR Loan if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR also is the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above, on such day, and (B) any RFR Loan shall on and from such day be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute an ABR Loan.

(b) 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 the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (1) 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

 

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with clause (2) 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 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.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

(d) The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (iv) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to clause (f) below and (v) the commencement or conclusion 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 2.14, 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 2.14.

(e) 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 the Term SOFR 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 or will be no longer representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative 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 or will no longer be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.

(f) Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke any request for a Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Term Benchmark 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 for a Term Benchmark Borrowing into a request for a Borrowing of or conversion to (A) an RFR Borrowing so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR for Dollar Borrowings is not the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event or (B) an ABR Borrowing if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event. During any Benchmark Unavailability Period or at any time that a tenor for the then-current Benchmark is not an Available Tenor, the component of ABR

 

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based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of ABR.

Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan is outstanding on the date of the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan, then until such time as a Benchmark Replacement is implemented pursuant to this Section 2.14 (A) any Term Benchmark Loan shall on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, (x) an RFR Borrowing so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is not the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event or (y) an ABR Loan if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event, on such day and (B) any RFR Loan shall on and from such day, be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute an ABR Loan.

SECTION 2.15 Increased Costs.

(a) If any Change in Law shall:

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, liquidity or similar requirement (including any compulsory loan requirement, insurance charge or other assessment) against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender ;

(ii) impose on any Lender or the applicable offshore interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or participation therein; or

(iii) subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, continuing, converting into or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to increase the cost to such Lender or other Recipient or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrower will pay to such Lender or such other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such other Recipient, as the case may be, 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, the Commitments of or the 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 and liquidity), then from time to time the Borrower will 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.

(c) A certificate of a Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such

 

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Lender, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.

(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 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 for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 270 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 270-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

SECTION 2.16 Break Funding Payments.

(a) With respect to Loans that are not RFR Loans, in the event of (i) the payment of any principal of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or as a result of any optional or mandatory prepayment of Loans), (ii) the conversion of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (iii) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Term Benchmark Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto or (iv) the assignment of any Term Benchmark 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 2.19 or 9.02(d), then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error, then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event.

(b) With respect to RFR Loans, in the event of (i) the payment of any principal of any RFR Loan other than on the Interest Payment Date applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or an optional or mandatory prepayment of Loans), (ii) the failure to borrow or prepay any RFR Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto or (iii) the assignment of any RFR Loan other than on the Interest Payment Date applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.19 or 9.02(d), then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event.

(c) A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 2.16 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 ten (10) days after receipt thereof.

SECTION 2.17 Taxes.

(a) Withholding of Taxes; Gross-Up; Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document (including, without limitation, the Obligations and Guaranteed Obligations of each Loan Party) shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law. If any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable withholding agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a withholding agent, then the applicable withholding agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such

 

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deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.17), the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

(b) Payment of Other Taxes by Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for, Other Taxes.

(c) Evidence of Payment. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Loan Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 2.17, 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.

(d) Indemnification by the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, within ten (10) days after 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) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient 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 any 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.

(e) Indemnification by the Lenders. Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within ten (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(c) 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 such Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph (e).

(f) Status of Lenders.

(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, 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

 

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contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 2.17(f)(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), an executed copy 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 U.S. is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form 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 IRS Form 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) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming that its extension of credit will generate U.S. effectively connected income, an executed copy 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 substantially in the form of Exhibit C-1 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) an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable; or

(4) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C-2 or Exhibit C-3, 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

 

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Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

(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.

(g) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 2.17 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.17), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 2.17 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (g) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (g), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (g) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party 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 giving rise to such refund had never been paid. This paragraph (g) shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

(h) Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 2.17 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender,

 

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the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document (including the Payment in Full of the Obligations).

(i) Defined Terms. For purposes of this Section 2.17, the term “applicable law” includes FATCA.

SECTION 2.18 Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Set-offs.

(a) The Borrower shall make each payment or prepayment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest or fees, or of amounts payable under Sections 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17, or otherwise) prior to 2:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date when due or the date fixed for any prepayment hereunder , in immediately available funds, without setoff, recoupment or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at its offices at 10 S. Dearborn St., Chicago IL 60603, except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. 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. Unless otherwise provided for herein, 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.

(b) All payments received by the Administrative Agent (i) not constituting either (A) a specific payment of principal, interest, fees or other sum payable under the Loan Documents (which shall be applied as specified by the Borrower) or (B) a mandatory prepayment (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.11) or (ii) after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent so elects or the Required Lenders so direct, in each case, shall be applied first, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements including amounts then due to the Administrative Agent, from the Borrower, second, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements then due to the Lenders from the Loan Parties, third, to pay interest then due and payable on the Loans ratably, fourth, to prepay principal on the Loans ratably, and fifth, to the payment of any other Obligation due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender from the Borrower or any other Loan Party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, unless so directed by the Borrower, or unless a Default is in existence, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall apply any payment which it receives to any Term Benchmark Loan of any Class, except (i) on the expiration date of the Interest Period applicable thereto, or (ii) in the event, and only to the extent, that there are no outstanding ABR Loans of such Class and, in any such event, the Borrower shall pay the break funding payment required in accordance with Section 2.16. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have the continuing and exclusive right to apply and reverse and reapply any and all such proceeds and payments to any portion of the Obligations.

(c) At the election of the Administrative Agent, all payments of principal, interest, fees, premiums, reimbursable expenses (including, without limitation, all reimbursement for fees, costs and expenses pursuant to Section 9.03), and other sums payable under the Loan Documents, may be paid from the proceeds of Borrowings made hereunder, whether made following a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.03 or a deemed request as provided in this Section or may be deducted from any deposit account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent.

(d) If, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other similarly situated Lender, then

 

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the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by all such Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to 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 or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph 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 setoff 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.

(e) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received, prior to any date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant Lenders pursuant to the terms hereof or any other Loan Document (including any date that is fixed for prepayment by notice from the Borrower to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.11(b)), notice from the Borrower that the Borrower will not make such payment or prepayment, 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 relevant Lenders the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the relevant 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 NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

(f) The Administrative Agent may from time to time provide the Borrower with account statements or invoices with respect to any of the Obligations (the “Statements”). The Administrative Agent is under no duty or obligation to provide Statements, which, if provided, will be solely for the Borrower’s convenience. Statements may contain estimates of the amounts owed during the relevant billing period, whether of principal, interest, fees or other Obligations. If the Borrower pays the full amount indicated on a Statement on or before the due date indicated on such Statement, the Borrower shall not be in default of payment with respect to the billing period indicated on such Statement; provided, that acceptance by the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, of any payment that is less than the total amount actually due at that time (including but not limited to any past due amounts) shall not constitute a waiver of the Administrative Agent’s or the Lenders’ right to receive payment in full at another time.

SECTION 2.19 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

(a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17, as the case may be, 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.

 

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(b) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, or if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17) and obligations under this Agreement and other Loan Documents to an assignee (other than any Ineligible Institution) that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent , which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its 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 2.15 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Each party hereto agrees that (x) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (y) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

SECTION 2.20 Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:

(a) [reserved];

(b) any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Section 2.18(b) or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 9.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; third, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement; fourth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; fifth, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement

 

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or under any other Loan Document; and sixth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.01 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, all non-Defaulting Lenders of the applicable Class or Classes on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans are held by the Lenders of the applicable Class or Classes pro rata in accordance with the applicable Commitments. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto; and

(c) such Defaulting Lender shall not have the right to vote on any issue on which voting is required (other than to the extent expressly provided in Section 9.02(b)) and the Term Loan Commitment and Term Loans of such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether the Required Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document; provided that, except as otherwise provided in Section 9.02, this clause (c) shall not apply to the vote of a Defaulting Lender in the case of an amendment, waiver or other modification requiring the consent of such Lender or each Lender directly affected thereby.

SECTION 2.21 Returned Payments. If, after receipt of any payment which is applied to the payment of all or any part of the Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), the Administrative Agent or any Lender is for any reason compelled to surrender such payment or proceeds to any Person because such payment or application of proceeds is invalidated, declared fraudulent, set aside, determined to be void or voidable as a preference, impermissible setoff, or a diversion of trust funds, or for any other reason (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion), then the Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued and this Agreement shall continue in full force as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Administrative Agent or such Lender. The provisions of this Section 2.21 shall be and remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may have been taken by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in reliance upon such payment or application of proceeds. The provisions of this Section 2.21 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Each Loan Party represents and warrants to the Lenders that (and where applicable, agrees):

SECTION 3.01 Organization; Powers. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary is duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required.

SECTION 3.02 Authorization; Enforceability. The Transactions are within each Loan Party’s corporate or other organizational powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational actions and, if required, actions by equity holders. Each Loan Document to which each Loan Party is a party has been duly executed and delivered by such Loan Party and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable

 

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bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

SECTION 3.03 Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts. The execution of the Loan Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except (i) such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and (ii) as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (b) will not violate any organizational documents of any Loan Party, (c) will not (i) violate any other Requirement of Law applicable to any Loan Party or (ii) violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon any Loan Party or the assets of any Loan Party, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by any Loan Party, in each case for this clause (c), except to the extent any such violation or default could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of, or other requirement to create, any Lien on any assets material to the operation of the business of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except Liens created pursuant to the Senior Loan Documents.

SECTION 3.04 Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change.

(a) The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders (a) the Borrower’s consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows (i) as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, reported on by Ernst & Young LLP, independent public accountants and (ii) as of and for the fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, certified by its Financial Officer and (b) the Effective Date Acquired Business’ balance sheet and statements of income (i) as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and (ii) as of and for the fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries and the Effective Date Acquired Business, as applicable, as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP, subject to normal year end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes in the case of the statements referred to in clauses (a)(ii) and (b)(ii) above.

(b) No event, change or condition has occurred that has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, since December 31, 2021.

SECTION 3.05 Properties.

(a) As of the date of this Agreement, Schedule 3.05 sets forth the address of each parcel of real property that is owned or leased by any Loan Party. Each of such leases and subleases is valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms and is in full force and effect, and no default by any party to any such lease or sublease exists. Each of the Loan Parties has good and indefeasible title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all of its real and personal property, free of all Liens other than those permitted by Section 6.02.

(b) Each Loan Party owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property necessary to its business as currently conducted, a correct and complete list of which, as of the date of this Agreement, is set forth on Schedule 3.05, and the use thereof by each Loan Party does not infringe in any material respect upon the rights of any other Person, and each Loan Party’s rights thereto are not subject to any licensing agreement or similar arrangement.

SECTION 3.06 Litigation and Environmental Matters.

(a) There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened in writing against or affecting

 

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any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) that involve any Loan Document or the Transactions.

(b) Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, no Loan Party or any Subsidiary (i) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability, (ii) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (iii) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iv) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (v) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.

SECTION 3.07 Compliance with Laws and Agreements; No Default. Except where the failure to do so, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Loan Party is in compliance with (i) all Requirements of Law applicable to it or its property and (ii) all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property. No Default has occurred and is continuing.

SECTION 3.08 Investment Company Status. No Loan Party or any Subsidiary is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.

SECTION 3.09 Taxes. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which such Loan Party or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves and (b) to the extent the failure to file such return or make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.10 ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of FASB Accounting Standards Codification 715) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $10,000,000 the fair market value of the assets of such Plan, and the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations of all underfunded Plans (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of FASB Accounting Standards Codification 715 or subsequent recodification thereof, as applicable) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $10,000,000 the fair market value of the assets of all such underfunded Plans.

SECTION 3.11 Disclosure.

(a) None of the reports, financial statements, certificates or other written information (taken as a whole) furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading (after giving effect to all supplements and updates provided from time to time); provided that, with respect to projected financial information, estimates, forecasts and other forward-looking information, the Loan Parties represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time delivered and, if such projected financial information was delivered prior to the Effective Date, as of the Effective Date.

 

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(b) As of the Effective Date, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, the information included in the most recent Beneficial Ownership Certification provided on or prior to the Effective Date to any Lender in connection with this Agreement is true and correct in all respects.

SECTION 3.12 Material Agreements. No Loan Party is in default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions contained in (i) any agreement material to the operations of the Loan Parties taken as a whole to which it is a party or (ii) any agreement or instrument evidencing or governing Indebtedness.

SECTION 3.13 Solvency. Immediately after the consummation of the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date (including after giving Pro Forma Effect to thereto), and immediately after the making of each Loan: (i) the fair value of the assets of the Loan Parties taken as a whole, at a fair valuation, will exceed its debts and liabilities (including without limitation the Obligations), subordinated, contingent or otherwise; (ii) the present fair saleable value of the property of the Loan Parties taken as a whole will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of its debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured; (iii) the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, will be able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; and (iv) the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which they are engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted after the Effective Date.

SECTION 3.14 Insurance. Schedule 3.14 sets forth a description of all insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties as of the Effective Date. As of the Effective Date, all premiums in respect of such insurance that are due and owing have been paid. The Loan Parties believe that the insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries is adequate and is customary for companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations and of the same or similar size.

SECTION 3.15 Capitalization and Subsidiaries. As of the Effective Date, Schedule 3.15 sets forth (a) a correct and complete list of the name and relationship to the Borrower of each Subsidiary, (b) a true and complete listing of each class of each of the Borrower’s authorized Equity Interests, of which all of such issued Equity Interests are validly issued, outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, and owned beneficially and of record by the Persons identified on Schedule 3.15, (c) the type of entity of the Borrower and each Subsidiary, and (d) whether such Subsidiary is a Loan Party, Material Subsidiary or Excluded Subsidiary. All of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party have been (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such ownership interests) duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.

SECTION 3.16 [Intentionally Omitted].

SECTION 3.17 Employment Matters. Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (a) there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened in writing, (b) the hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters and (c) all payments due from any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or for which any claim may be made against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary.

 

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SECTION 3.18 Margin Regulations. No Loan Party is engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no part of the proceeds of any Borrowing hereunder will be used to buy or carry any Margin Stock. Following the application of the proceeds of each Borrowing, not more than 25% of the value of the assets (either of any Loan Party only or of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) will be Margin Stock. Neither the making of any Loan hereunder nor the use of proceeds thereof will violate the provisions of Regulation U or X of the Federal Reserve Board.

SECTION 3.19 Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans have been used and will be used, whether directly or indirectly as set forth in Section 5.08.

SECTION 3.20 No Burdensome Restrictions. No Loan Party is subject to any Burdensome Restrictions except Burdensome Restrictions permitted under Section 6.10.

SECTION 3.21 Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. Each Loan Party has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and directors, and, to the knowledge of such Loan Party, its employees and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects and are not knowingly engaged in any activity that could reasonably be expected to result in any Loan Party being designated as a Sanctioned Person. None of (a) any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or (b) to the knowledge of any such Loan Party or Subsidiary, any agent of such Loan Party or any Subsidiary that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No Borrowing, use of proceeds, the Transactions or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions.

SECTION 3.22 Affected Financial Institutions. No Loan Party is an Affected Financial Institution.

SECTION 3.23 Plan Assets; Prohibited Transactions. None of the Loan Parties or their Subsidiaries is a “benefit plan investor” within the meaning of Section 3(42) of ERISA, and neither the execution, delivery nor performance of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, including the making of any Loan hereunder, will give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

SECTION 3.24 Status as Subordinated Indebtedness. Solely with respect to the Senior Obligations, the Obligations are “Mezzanine Obligations,” “Subordinated Indebtedness,” and “Subordinated Debt” (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in, the Senior Credit Agreement, the Subordination Agreement and the other Senior Loan Agreements.

ARTICLE IV

CONDITIONS

SECTION 4.01 Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02) (it being understood and agreed that any reference to the Loan Parties in this Section 4.01 includes any Person that will become a Loan Party immediately following the consummation of the Effective Date Acquisition):

 

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(a) Credit Agreement and Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received counterparts to each of the following, each duly executed (as applicable) by the applicable parties thereto, which, subject to Section 9.06(b), may include any Electronic Signatures transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page:

(i) this Agreement;

(ii) to the extent requested at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Effective Date, promissory notes requested by the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.10(g);

(iii) a notice (which notice may be in the form of a Borrowing Request or such other form or method as approved by the Administrative Agent) setting forth the deposit account of the Borrower (as may be updated from time to time by written notice from the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, the “Funding Account”) to which the Administrative Agent is authorized by the Borrower to transfer the proceeds of the initial Loans to be funded hereunder on the Effective Date, which shall be delivered in accordance with Section 2.03, together with a customary funding indemnification letter to the extent any such Loan will be a Term Benchmark Loan;

(iv) certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of each Loan Party certifying, upon giving effect to the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, (A) that there have been no changes in the Certificate of Incorporation or other charter document of such Loan Party, as attached thereto and as certified as of a recent date by the Secretary of State (or analogous governmental entity) of the jurisdiction of its organization, since the date of the certification thereof by such governmental entity, (B) the By-Laws or other applicable organizational document, as attached thereto, of such Loan Party as in effect on the date of such certification, (C) resolutions of the Board of Directors or other governing body of such Loan Party authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of each Loan Document to which it is a party, and (D) the names and true signatures of the incumbent officers of each Loan Party authorized to sign the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (in the case of the Borrower) authorized to request a Borrowing hereunder;

(v) a good standing certificate (or analogous documentation if applicable) for each Loan Party from the Secretary of State (or analogous governmental entity) of the jurisdiction of its organization, to the extent generally available in such jurisdiction;

(vi) a customary legal opinion from Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties;

(vii) a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower certifying that, as of the Effective Date and after giving Pro Forma Effect to the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, will be solvent (as described in Section 3.13); and

(viii) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Sections 4.01(b)(ii), (iii) and (iv);

(b) Effective Date Acquisition

(i) the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Arranger (it being understood that the execution version of the

 

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Effective Date Acquisition Agreement dated as of April 26, 2022 and most recently provided to the Arranger prior to April 26, 2022 is acceptable);

(ii) the Effective Date Acquisition shall be consummated in all material respects in accordance with the terms of the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement substantially concurrently with effectiveness of this Agreement and the initial funding of the applicable Loans hereunder, without giving effect to any amendments, consents, waivers or other modifications thereto that are materially adverse to the Lenders or the Arranger without the prior written consent of the Arranger (it being understood that (A) any change in the cash consideration payable or the price set forth in the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement on the date of execution and delivery thereof by the parties thereto (other than any price decrease of 10% or less), (B) any material change to the structure of the Effective Date Acquisition and (C) any change in the definition of “Material Adverse Effect” or the lender protective provisions set forth in the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement as in effect on the date of execution and delivery thereof by the parties thereto, in each case, will be deemed to be materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders and will require the prior written consent of the Arranger);

(iii) since April 26, 2022, there shall not have been an Effective Date Material Adverse Change;

(iv) (A) the Specified Representations shall be true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or material adverse effect) and (B) the Effective Date Acquisition Agreement Representations shall be true and correct to the extent required by the definition thereof, in each case, as of the Effective Date and after giving Pro Forma Effect to the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date (except to the extent any such representation expressly relates to an earlier date, in which case such representation shall be true and correct to such extent as of such earlier date);

(v) there shall be no injunction, temporary restraining order, or other legal action in effect which would prohibit the closing of the Effective Date Acquisition or the closing of this Agreement and funding of the initial Loans hereunder; and

(vi) the Lenders shall have received:

(A) U.S. GAAP audited consolidated balance sheets and related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and Effective Date Acquired Business for the three most recently completed fiscal years ended at least 90 days prior to the Effective Date;

(B) U.S. GAAP unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and Effective Date Acquired Business for each subsequent fiscal quarter ended at least 45 days before the Effective Date (and comparable periods for the prior fiscal year);

(C) the Borrower’s projected income statement, balance sheet and cash flows through 2026 (inclusive of the Effective Date Acquisition and assumed synergies, and including a detailed description of the assumptions used in preparing such projections);

(D) a Quality of Earnings Report for the Effective Date Acquired Business; and

 

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(E) a pro forma consolidated balance sheet and related pro forma consolidated statement of income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including the Effective Date Acquired Business) as of and for the 12-month period ending on the last day of the most recently completed four-fiscal quarter period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(vi)(B) above.

(c) Senior Credit Agreement. The Borrower shall have entered into, or substantially simultaneously herewith enter into, (i) the Senior Credit Agreement consisting of a term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $350,000,000 and a revolving facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100,000,000 and the Borrower shall have received the proceeds thereof substantially simultaneously herewith and (ii) that certain Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement dated as of the Effective Date, among the Administrative Agent, the Senior Agent and the Loan Parties, as amended from time to time.

(d) Effective Date Cash Contribution. The Administrative Agent shall have received evidenced reasonably satisfactory to it that the Borrower has applied the Effective Date Cash Contribution for the purposes of financing the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date.

(e) Repayment of Certain Indebtedness. The Administrative Agent shall have received satisfactory pay-off and release letters for all existing Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries required to be repaid (including, without limitation, (i) the credit facility evidenced by the Existing Credit Agreement, (ii) that certain Credit Agreement dated May 31, 2018, by and between Patterson Pump Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as amended, and (iii) that certain Reimbursement Agreement (Non-US Applicant), dated September 23, 2016, by and between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, London Branch and Patterson Pump Ireland Limited, as amended) and, in each case, which confirm that all Liens securing such Indebtedness and all Guarantees in respect thereof will be terminated and released concurrently with such payment.

(f) Fees. The Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall have received all fees required to be paid, and all expenses required to be reimbursed for which invoices have been presented (including the reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel), on or before the Effective Date; provided that, to the extent agreed by the Borrower and the Arranger, such amounts will be paid with proceeds of Loans made on the Effective Date and reflected in the funding instructions given by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent on or before the Effective Date.

(g) USA PATRIOT Act, Etc. At least five (5) Business Days prior to the Effective Date, (i) the Administrative Agent and Lenders shall have received (x) all documentation and other information regarding the Loan Parties requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act, to the extent requested in writing of the Borrower at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date and (y) a properly completed and signed IRS Form W-8 or W-9, as applicable, for each Loan Party and (ii) to the extent the Borrower qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, any Lender that has requested, in a written notice to the Borrower at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to the Borrower shall have received such Beneficial Ownership Certification (provided that, upon the execution and delivery by such Lender of its signature page to this Agreement, the condition set forth in this clause (ii) shall be deemed to be satisfied).

The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding.

Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 9.02, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01 on the Effective Date, each Lender that has

 

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signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Effective Date specifying its objection thereto.

SECTION 4.02 Each Credit Event. After the Effective Date, the obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

(a) The representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) with the same effect as though made on and as of the date of such Borrowing (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) only as of such specified date).

(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

Each Borrowing shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section.

Each Borrowing shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section; provided that, in the case of any Incremental Term Loan the proceeds of which are, substantially concurrently with the receipt thereof, solely to be used by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to finance, in whole or in part, a Limited Condition Transaction, then (1) the Borrower shall only be required to satisfy the requirements of the above clauses (a) and (b) as of the date on which the binding agreement for such Limited Condition Transaction is entered into, (2) on the date of consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, the foregoing clause (b) shall be limited to no Specified Default having occurred, being continuing or resulting therefrom, and (3) the representations and warranties so given in respect of the funding of such Loan or Borrowing shall be limited to the Specified Representations.

ARTICLE V

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

Until all of the Obligations shall have been Paid in Full, each Loan Party executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Loan Parties, with the Lenders that:

SECTION 5.01 Financial Statements and Other Information. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender:

(a) within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower (or, if earlier, by the date that the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Borrower for such fiscal year would be required to be filed under the rules and regulations of the SEC, giving effect to any automatic extension available thereunder for the filing of such form) (commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022), its audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like qualification, commentary or exception, and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all

 

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material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;

(b) within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower (or, if earlier, by the date that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Borrower for such fiscal quarter would be required to be filed under the rules and regulations of the SEC, giving effect to any automatic extension available thereunder for the filing of such form) (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2022), its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by a Financial Officer as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

(c) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) above (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2022) (collectively or individually, as the context requires, the “Financial Statements”), a Compliance Certificate (i) certifying, in the case of the Financial Statements delivered under clause (a) or (b) above, as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes, (ii) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and, if a Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (iii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 6.12 and (iv) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the Financial Statements accompanying such certificate;

(d) as soon as available, but in any event no later than forty-five (45) days after the end of, and no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the end of, each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of the plan and forecast (including a projected consolidated balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement) of the Borrower for each month of the upcoming fiscal year (the “Projections”) in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(e) promptly following any request therefor, (x) such other information regarding the operations, changes in ownership of Equity Interests, business affairs and financial condition of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request and (y) information and documentation reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation;

(f) promptly after any request therefor by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, copies of (i) any documents described in Section 101(k)(1) of ERISA that the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate may request with respect to any Multiemployer Plan and (ii) any notices described in Section 101(l)(1) of ERISA that the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate may request with respect to any Multiemployer Plan; provided that if the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has not requested such documents or notices from the administrator or sponsor of the applicable Multiemployer Plan, the Borrower or the applicable ERISA Affiliate shall promptly make a request for such documents and notices from such administrator or sponsor and shall provide copies of such documents and notices promptly after receipt thereof; and

 

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(g) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary with the SEC, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of the SEC, or with any national securities exchange, or distributed by the Borrower to its shareholders generally, as the case may be.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to clauses (a), (b) or (g) of this Section 5.01 (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which such materials are publicly available as posted on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR) 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 made available by the Administrative Agent); provided that (A) upon written request by the Administrative Agent (or any Lender through the Administrative Agent) to the Borrower, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or such Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (B) the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by facsimile or through Electronic System) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent through Electronic System electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery of paper copies of such document to it and maintaining its copies of such documents.

SECTION 5.02 Notices of Material Events. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender prompt (but in any event within any time period that may be specified below) written notice of the following:

(a) (i) the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default or (ii) the occurrence of any Event of Default as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement;

(b) receipt of any notice of any investigation by a Governmental Authority or any Proceeding commenced or threatened against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary that (i) seeks damages in excess of $3,600,000 (to the extent not paid or covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, has been notified of the potential claim and does not dispute coverage), (ii) seeks injunctive relief, (iii) is asserted or instituted against any Plan, its fiduciaries or its assets, (iv) alleges criminal misconduct by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, (v) alleges the violation of, or seeks to impose remedies under, any Environmental Law or related Requirement of Law, or seeks to impose Environmental Liability, (vi) asserts liability on the part of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary in excess of $3,600,000 in respect of any tax, fee, assessment, or other governmental charge (to the extent not paid or covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, has been notified of the potential claim and does not dispute coverage), or (vii) involves any product recall;

(c) any material change in accounting or financial reporting practices by the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(d) the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $3,600,000;

 

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(e) within two (2) Business Days after the occurrence thereof, any Loan Party entering into a Swap Agreement or an amendment to a Swap Agreement, together with copies of all agreements evidencing such Swap Agreement or amendment;

(f) any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect;

(g) concurrently with the furnishing thereof, any material notice, statement or report furnished to any holder of any of the Senior Obligations or to the Senior Lenders, which is not otherwise required to be delivered hereto;

(h) concurrently with the execution (or effectiveness, whichever is earliest) thereof, copies of all amendments, waivers, consents, supplements or other agreements relating to the Senior Loan Documents, and any forbearance agreements relating to the Senior Loan Documents; and

(i) any change in the information provided in the Beneficial Ownership Certification delivered to such Lender that would result in a change to the list of beneficial owners identified in such certification.

Each notice delivered under this Section (i) shall be in writing, (ii) shall contain a heading or a reference line that reads “Notice under Section 5.02 of The Gorman-Rupp Company Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement dated May 31, 2022” and (iii) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

SECTION 5.03 Existence; Conduct of Business. Each Loan Party will (a) do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, qualifications, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, governmental authorizations and intellectual property rights material to the conduct of its business, and maintain all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03 and (b) carry on and conduct its business in substantially the same manner and in substantially the same fields of enterprise as it is presently conducted.

SECTION 5.04 Payment of Obligations. Each Loan Party will pay or discharge all Material Indebtedness and all other material liabilities and obligations, including Taxes, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) such Loan Party has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (c) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that each Loan Party will remit withholding taxes and other payroll taxes to appropriate Governmental Authorities as and when claimed to be due, notwithstanding the foregoing exceptions.

SECTION 5.05 Maintenance of Properties. Each Loan Party will keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, except to the extent any failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; provided, that the foregoing shall not prohibit any transaction otherwise permitted hereunder, including any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03.

SECTION 5.06 Books and Records; Inspection Rights. Each Loan Party will (a) keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities and (b) permit any representatives designated by the Administrative

 

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Agent or any Lender (including employees of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any consultants, accountants, lawyers, agents and appraisers retained by the Administrative Agent), upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, conduct at the Loan Party’s premises field examinations of the Loan Party’s assets, liabilities, books and records, including examining and making extracts from its books and records, environmental assessment reports and Phase I or Phase II studies, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants (and hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent and each Lender to contact its independent accountants directly), all at such reasonable times and with reasonable advance notice; provided that, absent the existence of an Event of Default, (i) any inspection under this Section 5.06 shall be limited to one (1) per calendar year and the Borrower shall only be required to reimburse the Administrative Agent and the Lenders for one (1) such inspection per calendar year and (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.06, none of the Borrower or any of the Loan Parties will be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies or abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter that (x) constitutes non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information, (y) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by applicable law or any binding agreement (or would otherwise cause a breach or default thereunder) or (z) is subject to attorney-client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work product; provided further that, if the Borrower relies on the immediately foregoing clause (ii) for any reason, the Borrower shall advise the Lenders thereof. The Administrative Agent shall give the Borrower and its advisors the opportunity to participate in any discussions with the Borrower’s independent accountants. The Loan Parties acknowledge that the Administrative Agent, after exercising its rights of inspection, may prepare and distribute to the Lenders certain reports pertaining to the Loan Parties’ assets for internal use by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

SECTION 5.07 Compliance with Laws and Material Contractual Obligations. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, (i) comply with its organizational documents, (ii) comply with each other Requirement of Law applicable to it or its property (including without limitation Environmental Laws) and (iii) perform in all material respects its obligations under material agreements to which it is a party, except, in the case of the foregoing clauses (ii) and (iii), to the extent that any such failure to so comply or perform that could not reasonably be expected result in a Material Adverse Effect. Each Loan Party will maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

SECTION 5.08 Use of Proceeds.

(a) The proceeds of the Term Loans funded on the Effective Date will be used to finance the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, with any remaining proceeds being used for working capital needs and for general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, including Regulations T, U and X. The proceeds of any Incremental Facilities will be used by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including the financing of Permitted Acquisitions and other permitted Investments.

(b) The Borrower will not request any Borrowing, and the Borrower shall not use, and shall procure that its Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of any Borrowing (i) 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 any Anti-Corruption Laws, (ii) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, except to the extent permitted

 

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for a Person required to comply with Sanctions, or (iii) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.

SECTION 5.09 Accuracy of Information. The Loan Parties will ensure that any information, including financial statements or other documents (taken as a whole), furnished by or on behalf of such Loan Party to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder contains no material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading in any material respect (in each case, after giving effect to all supplements and updates from time to time), and the furnishing of such information shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in this Section 5.09; provided that, with respect to the Projections, the Loan Parties will cause the Projections to be prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time, it being recognized and understood by the Lenders that all forward-looking information as to future events are not to be viewed as facts or a guarantee of performance, are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, that no assurance can be given that any particular forward-looking information will be realized and that actual results during the period or periods covered by any such forward-looking information may differ from the projected results and such differences may be material.

SECTION 5.10 Insurance. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, maintain with financially sound and reputable carriers having a financial strength rating of at least A- by A.M. Best Company insurance in such amounts (with no greater risk retention) and against such risks (including loss or damage by fire and loss in transit; theft, burglary, pilferage, larceny, embezzlement, and other criminal activities; business interruption; and general liability) and such other hazards, as is customarily maintained by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations. The Borrower will furnish to the Lenders, upon request of the Administrative Agent, but no less frequently than annually, information in reasonable detail as to the insurance so maintained.

SECTION 5.11 [Intentionally Omitted].

SECTION 5.12 [Intentionally Omitted].

SECTION 5.13 Subsidiary Guarantors; Further Assurances.

(a) As promptly as possible but in any event within thirty (30) days (or such later date as may be agreed upon by the Administrative Agent) after any Person becomes a Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) or any Subsidiary ceases to be an Excluded Subsidiary, the Borrower shall cause each such Subsidiary to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a Joinder Agreement (in the form contemplated thereby) pursuant to which such Subsidiary agrees to be bound by the terms and provisions thereof, which shall be accompanied by appropriate organizational resolutions, other organizational documentation and legal opinions in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel. In connection therewith, the Administrative Agent shall have received all documentation and other information regarding such newly formed or acquired Subsidiaries as may be required to comply with the applicable “know your customer” rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act. Each such Person delivering a Joinder Agreement shall automatically become a Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder and thereupon shall have all of the rights, benefits, duties, and obligations in such capacity under the Loan Documents.

(b) [Intentionally Omitted].

 

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(c) Without limiting the foregoing, each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to the Administrative Agent such documents, agreements and instruments, and will take or cause to be taken such further actions (including all documents and such other actions or deliveries of the type required by Section 4.01), which may be required by any Requirement of Law or which the Administrative Agent may, from time to time, reasonably request to carry out the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and all at the expense of the Loan Parties.

(d) [Intentionally Omitted].

(e) [Intentionally Omitted].

(f) Without limitation of (and subject to) any provision in the Subordination Agreement, if the Senior Agent or any lender (or representative thereof) with respect to any Senior Obligations receives any additional guaranty in connection with, or after the date of, the incurrence thereof, without limitation of any Event of Default that may arise as a result thereof, the Loans Parties shall, concurrently therewith, cause the same to be granted to the Administrative Agent, for its own benefit and the benefit of the Lenders.

SECTION 5.14 Post-Closing Requirements. Not later than the dates set forth in Schedule 5.14 (or such later dates as the Administrative Agent shall agree in its sole discretion) or as otherwise required thereunder, the Loan Parties shall take the actions set forth on Schedule 5.14.

ARTICLE VI

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

Until all of the Obligations shall have been Paid in Full, each Loan Party executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Loan Parties, with the Lenders that:

SECTION 6.01 Indebtedness. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:

(a) the Obligations and any other Indebtedness arising under the Loan Documents (including any Incremental Facilities);

(b) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.01 and any Refinance Indebtedness in respect thereof;

(c) Indebtedness of any Loan Party or Subsidiary owing to any Loan Party or Subsidiary, provided that (i) Indebtedness owing by any Non-Loan Party to any Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (ii) Indebtedness owing by any Loan Party to any Non-Loan Party shall be subordinated to the Obligations on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(d) Guarantees by any Loan Party or Subsidiary of Indebtedness of any Loan Party or Subsidiary, provided that (i) the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is permitted by this Section 6.01, (ii) Guarantees by any Loan Party of Indebtedness of any Non-Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (iii) Guarantees permitted under this clause (d) shall be subordinated to the Obligations on the same terms as the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is subordinated to the Obligations;

(e) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of any fixed or capital assets (whether or not constituting purchase money Indebtedness), including Capital Lease Obligations and any Indebtedness assumed in connection with the

 

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acquisition of any such assets or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness in accordance with clause (f) below; provided that (i) such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within 180 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (e), together with any Refinance Indebtedness in respect thereof permitted by clause (f) below, shall not exceed $24,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(f) Indebtedness which represents extensions, renewals, refinancing or replacements (such Indebtedness being so extended, renewed, refinanced or replaced being referred to herein as the “Refinance Indebtedness”) of any of the Indebtedness described in clauses (b), (e), (i) and (j) hereof (such Indebtedness being referred to herein as the “Original Indebtedness”); provided that (i) such Refinance Indebtedness does not increase the principal amount thereof (other than by the amount of any unused commitments thereunder, accrued interest, fees, defeasance costs and premium (including call and tender premiums), if any, underwriting discounts, fees, commissions and expenses (including original issue discount, upfront fees and similar items), in each case, in connection with the refinancing of such Original Indebtedness and the incurrence or issuance of such Refinance Indebtedness), (ii) any Liens securing such Refinance Indebtedness are not extended to any additional property of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (other than any accessions, improvements or additions to the property securing the Original Indebtedness and after acquired property to the extent applicable), (iii) no Loan Party or any Subsidiary that is not originally obligated with respect to repayment of such Original Indebtedness is required to become obligated with respect to such Refinance Indebtedness, (iv) such Refinance Indebtedness does not have a shorter Weighted Average Life to Maturity than such Original Indebtedness, (v) the terms of such Refinance Indebtedness are not less favorable to the obligor thereunder than the original terms of such Original Indebtedness and (vi) if such Original Indebtedness was subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, then the terms and conditions of such Refinance Indebtedness must include subordination terms and conditions that are at least as favorable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as those that were applicable to such Original Indebtedness;

(g) Indebtedness owed to any Person providing workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance, pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such Person, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(h) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to, or similar arrangements with, employees and independent contractors of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the extent incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

(i) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (including letter of credit obligations and reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business), in respect of workers’ compensation claims, bid, appeal, performance or surety bonds, performance or completion guarantees, trade contracts, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance and similar obligations in the ordinary course of business or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement or indemnification type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims, bid, appeal, performance or surety bonds, performance or completion guarantees, trade contracts, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance and similar obligations, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

(j) to the extent constituting Indebtedness, customer deposits and advance payments (including progress payments) received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods and services purchased in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(k) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business;

(l) Senior Obligations in an amount not to exceed the Senior Debt Limit (as defined in the Subordination Agreement applicable thereto);

(m) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof; provided that (i) such Indebtedness exists at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary and is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such Person becoming a Subsidiary and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (m), together with any Refinance Indebtedness in respect thereof permitted by clause (f) above, shall not exceed $24,000,000 at any time outstanding; and

(n) other Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $6,000,000 at any time outstanding.

SECTION 6.02 Liens. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including Accounts) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:

(a) Liens created pursuant to any Senior Loan Document;

(b) Permitted Encumbrances;

(c) any Lien on any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.02; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than any accessions, improvements or additions to the property securing the Original Indebtedness and after acquired property to the extent applicable) and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date hereof and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (other than by the amount of any unused commitments thereunder, accrued interest, fees, defeasance costs and premium (including call and tender premiums), if any, underwriting discounts, fees, commissions and expenses (including original issue discount, upfront fees and similar items), in each case, in connection with the refinancing of such obligations);

(d) Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Liens secure Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(e), (ii) such Liens and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 180 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iv) such Liens shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(e) any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or existing on any property or asset of any Person that becomes a Loan Party after the date hereof prior to the time such Person becomes a Loan Party; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Loan Party, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of any Loan Party or Subsidiary and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Loan Party, as the case may be, and extensions, renewals, refinancings and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (except by the amount of accrued and unpaid interest, fees, defeasance costs and premium (including call and tender premiums), if any, plus underwriting discounts, fees, commissions and expenses (including original issue discount,

 

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upfront fees and similar items) in connection with the refinancing of such Indebtedness and the incurrence or issuance of such refinancing Indebtedness);

(f) Liens of a collecting bank arising in the ordinary course of business under Section 4-210 of the UCC in effect in the relevant jurisdiction covering only the items being collected upon;

(g) Liens arising out of Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted by Section 6.06;

(h) Liens granted by a Non-Loan Party in favor of the Borrower or another Loan Party in respect of Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary;

(i) (i) Liens granted by such Person under workmen’s compensation laws, health, disability or unemployment insurance laws, other employee benefit legislation, unemployment insurance legislation and similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness), leases or other obligations of a like nature to which such Person is a party, or Liens granted to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or U.S. government bonds to secure surety, stay, customs, performance or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for the payment of rent or deposits made to secure obligations arising from contractual or warranty refunds or requirements, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) Liens securing letters of credit or bankers acceptances issued, and letters of credit or bank guaranties provided to support payment of the items in the foregoing clause (i)(i);

(j) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances, bank guarantees or letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person, in each case, to facilitate the purchase, shipment, or storage of such inventory or other goods in the ordinary course of business;

(k) leases, franchises, grants, subleases, licenses, sublicenses, covenants not to sue, releases, consents and other forms of license (in each case, on a non-exclusive basis to the extent applicable to any intellectual property) granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and do not secure any Indebtedness;

(l) Liens arising from UCC or any similar financing statement filings regarding operating leases or consignments entered into by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

(m) Liens in favor of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor;

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

(o) (i) Liens on Equity Interests in joint ventures; provided that any such Lien is in favor of a creditor of such joint venture and such creditor is not an Affiliate of any partner to such joint venture; and (ii) purchase options, call, customary rights of first refusal and tag, drag and similar rights of, and restrictions for the benefit of, a third party that is not an Affiliate of the Borrower (including in joint venture agreements) with respect to Equity Interests held by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in joint ventures;

(p) purported Liens (other than Liens securing Indebtedness for borrowed money) incurred in the ordinary course of business and evidenced by the filing of precautionary UCC (or equivalent statute) financing statements or similar public filings; and

 

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(q) Liens securing other outstanding obligations which do not in the aggregate exceed $6,000,000 at any time outstanding.

SECTION 6.03 Fundamental Changes.

(a) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or otherwise Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, or all or substantially all of the stock of any of its Subsidiaries (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing:

(i) any Subsidiary of the Borrower may merge into the Borrower in a transaction in which the Borrower is the surviving entity;

(ii) any Loan Party (other than the Borrower) may merge into any other Loan Party in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Loan Party;

(iii) any Person (other than a Loan Party) may merge or consolidate with or into any Non-Loan Party, so long as the continuing or surviving entity is a Subsidiary (or will become a Subsidiary in connection therewith); provided that any such transaction involving a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary shall result in a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary as the continuing or surviving entity; and

(iv) any Non-Loan Party may liquidate or dissolve if the Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders (as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent); provided that any such merger or consolidation involving a Person that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger shall not be permitted unless also permitted by Section 6.04.

(b) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the date hereof and businesses reasonably related thereto.

(c) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to change its fiscal year or any fiscal quarter from the basis in effect on the Effective Date.

(d) No Loan Party will change the accounting basis upon which its financial statements are prepared.

(e) No Loan Party will change the tax filing elections it has made under the Code.

SECTION 6.04 Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger or consolidation with any Person that was not a Loan Party and a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary prior to such merger or consolidation) any Equity Interests, evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any Person or any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit (whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise)(each, an “Investment”), except:

(a) Permitted Investments;

 

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(b) Investments in existence on the date hereof and described in Schedule 6.04, and Investments consisting of any modification, replacement, renewal, refinancing, reinvestment, or extension of any such Investment; provided that the amount of any such Investment is not increased from the amount of such Investment on the Effective Date except pursuant to the terms of such Investment (including in respect of any unused commitment), plus any accrued but unpaid interest (including any portion thereof which is payable in kind in accordance with the terms of such modified, extended, renewed, refinanced or replaced Investment) and premium payable by the terms of such Investment thereon and fees and expenses associated therewith, in each case, as in existence on the Effective Date;

(c) Investments made by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in Equity Interests in their respective Subsidiaries, provided that the aggregate outstanding amount of Investments by Loan Parties in Non-Loan Parties (together with outstanding intercompany loans permitted under the proviso to Section 6.04(d) and outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness subject to Guarantees permitted under the proviso to Section 6.04(e)) shall not exceed $30,000,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

(d) loans or advances made by any Loan Party to any Subsidiary and made by any Subsidiary to a Loan Party or any other Subsidiary, provided that the outstanding amount of such loans and advances made by Loan Parties to Non-Loan Parties (together with outstanding Investments permitted under the proviso to Section 6.04(c) and the outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness subject to Guarantees permitted under the proviso to Section 6.04(e)) shall not exceed $30,000,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

(e) Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01, provided that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness of Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties that is Guaranteed by any Loan Party (together with outstanding investments permitted under the proviso to Section 6.04(c) and outstanding intercompany loans permitted under the proviso to Section 6.04(d)) shall not exceed $30,000,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

(f) loans or advances made by a Loan Party to its employees on an arms-length basis in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices for travel and entertainment expenses, relocation costs and similar purposes up to a maximum of $3,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

(g) notes payable, or stock or other securities issued by Account Debtors to a Loan Party pursuant to negotiated agreements with respect to settlement of such Account Debtor’s Accounts in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practices;

(h) Investments in the form of Swap Agreements permitted by Section 6.07;

(i) Investments of any Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower or consolidates or merges with the Borrower or any Subsidiary (including in connection with a Permitted Acquisition), so long as such investments were not made in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary or of such merger;

(j) Investments received in connection with the Disposition of assets permitted by Section 6.05;

(k) Investments constituting deposits described in clauses (c) and (d) of the definition of the term “Permitted Encumbrances”;

 

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(l) Permitted Acquisitions;

(m) the Effective Date Acquisition;

(n) subject to the limitations on Investments in Non-Loan Parties set forth in Sections 6.04(c), (d) and (e), any Investment acquired by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (i) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Borrower or any such Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization, or recapitalization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts or disputes with or judgments against, the issuer, obligor or borrower of such original Investment or accounts receivable, (ii) as a result of a foreclosure by the Borrower or any Subsidiary with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default or (iii) as a result of the settlement, compromise or resolution of litigation, arbitration or other disputes with Persons who are not Affiliates;

(o) Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, material, equipment, or other similar assets, or of services, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

(p) the non-exclusive licensing of intellectual property (i) in the ordinary course of business or (ii) which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and do not secure any Indebtedness;

(q) deposits required by any Governmental Authority or public utility, including with respect to Taxes and other similar charges to the extent the applicable obligations would not otherwise constitute an Event of Default; and

(r) other Investments in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs) $42,000,000.

Investments in prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and lease, utility and workers compensation, performance and similar deposits entered into as a result of the operations of the business, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

SECTION 6.05 Asset Sales. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, Dispose of any asset, including any Equity Interest owned by it, nor will the Borrower permit any Subsidiary to issue any additional Equity Interest in such Subsidiary (other than to the Borrower or another Subsidiary in compliance with Section 6.04), except:

(a) Dispositions of (i) Inventory, goods or other assets in the ordinary course of business, (ii) obsolete, negligible, uneconomical, worn out or surplus property, and (iii) other property (including any leasehold property interest) that is no longer economically practical in its business;

(b) Dispositions of assets to the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that (i) any such Dispositions involving a Non-Loan Party shall be made in compliance with Section 6.09 and (ii) the aggregate fair market value of all assets Disposed by Loan Parties to Non-Loan Parties during the term of this Agreement shall not exceed $12,000,000;

(c) Dispositions of Accounts (excluding Dispositions in a factoring arrangement) in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof;

(d) Dispositions of cash, Permitted Investments and other investments permitted by clauses (i) and (k) of Section 6.04;

 

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(e) Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted by Section 6.06;

(f) Dispositions resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(g) transactions permitted by Section 6.03(a);

(h) Dispositions constituting Liens permitted under Section 6.02, Investments permitted under Section 6.04 (other than Section 6.04(j)), or Restricted Payments permitted under Section 6.08(a);

(i) foreclosures, condemnation, expropriation or any similar action on assets or other Dispositions required by a Governmental Authority or casualty or insured damage to assets;

(j) the disposition or discount of inventory, accounts receivable, or notes receivable in the ordinary course of business or the conversion of accounts receivable to notes receivable in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

(k) the issuance of directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to foreign nationals as required by applicable law;

(l) other than in respect of any intellectual property, leases, assignments, subleases, licenses, sublicenses, covenants not to sue, releases, consents and other forms of license (and terminations thereof), in each case, in the ordinary course of business and which do not materially interfere with the business of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

(m) any sale, transfer and other disposition of accounts receivable (including write-offs, discounts and compromises) in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

(n) other Dispositions of assets (other than Equity Interests in a Subsidiary unless all Equity Interests in such Subsidiary are sold) that are not permitted by any other clause of this Section; provided that the aggregate fair market value of all assets Disposed of in reliance upon this paragraph (h) shall not exceed $12,000,000 during any fiscal year of the Borrower; and

(o) other Dispositions by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries so long as (i) the Borrower or applicable Subsidiary shall receive consideration at least equal to the fair market value (as determined by the Borrower at the time of contractually agreeing to such Disposition) of the assets sold or otherwise Disposed of, (ii) not less than 75% of the consideration for such Disposition consists of cash or Permitted Investments and (iii) at the time of such Disposition and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis thereto), no Event of Default shall exists or would result therefrom.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall consummate any transaction that results in the Disposition (whether by way of any Restricted Payment, Investment, Lien, sale, conveyance, transfer or other Disposition, and whether in a single transaction or a series of transactions) of intellectual property that is material to the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to any Non-Loan Party; provided that the Borrower and the other Loan Parties may grant non-exclusive licenses of any intellectual property to any Non-Loan Party in the ordinary course of business so long as the Borrower and the other Loan Parties retain the beneficial ownership and the same rights to use such intellectual property as held prior to such license.

 

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SECTION 6.06 Sale and Leaseback Transactions. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, whereby it shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property that it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property sold or transferred (a “Sale and Leaseback Transaction”), except for any such sale of any fixed or capital assets by the Borrower or any Subsidiary that is made for cash consideration in an amount not less than the fair value of such fixed or capital asset and is consummated within 90 days after the Borrower or such Subsidiary acquires or completes the construction of such fixed or capital asset.

SECTION 6.07 Swap Agreements. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any Swap Agreement, except (a) Swap Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary has actual exposure (other than those in respect of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any Subsidiary), and (b) Swap Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from floating to fixed rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

SECTION 6.08 Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness.

(a) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, declare or make, or agree to declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, except:

(i) the Borrower may declare and pay dividends payable solely in Qualified Stock, and, with respect to its Disqualified Stock, payable solely in additional shares of such Disqualified Stock to the extent permitted to be issued hereunder;

(ii) Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends ratably with respect to their Equity Interests;

(iii) other Restricted Payments in an amount not to exceed the greater of (x) $18,000,000 and (y) 17.5% of Applicable EBITDA in any fiscal year, so long as at the time of making such Restricted Payment and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis) thereto, (A) no Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom, and (B) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall not be less than 1.20 to 1.00; and

(iv) other Restricted Payments so long as at the time of making such Restricted Payment and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis) thereto (x) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, (y) the Borrower is in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 6.12 and (z) the Total Leverage Ratio is not greater than 3.75 to 1.00.

(b) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, make or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) of or in respect of principal of or interest on any Restricted Debt, or any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any Restricted Debt (any of the foregoing, a “Restricted Debt Payment”), except:

 

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(i) payment of regularly scheduled interest and principal payments as and when due in respect of any Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01, other than payments in respect of Subordinated Indebtedness prohibited by the subordination provisions thereof;

(ii) AHYDO Payments with respect to Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01;

(iii) refinancings of Indebtedness to the extent permitted by Section 6.01;

(iv) payment of secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness to the extent such sale or transfer is permitted by the terms of Section 6.05; and

(v) other Restricted Debt Payments in an aggregate amount during the term of this Agreement not to exceed an unlimited amount, so long as at the time of making such Restricted Debt Payment and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis) thereto (x) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, (y) the Borrower is in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 6.12 and (z) the Total Leverage Ratio is not greater than 3.75 to 1.00.

SECTION 6.09 Transactions with Affiliates. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, its Affiliates, except:

(a) transactions that (i) are in the ordinary course of business and (ii) are at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to such Loan Party or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties;

(b) transactions between or among the Loan Parties not involving any other Affiliate;

(c) any Investment permitted by Sections 6.04(c) or 6.04(d);

(d) any Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(c);

(e) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.08;

(f) loans or advances to employees permitted under Section 6.04(f);

(g) the payment of reasonable fees to directors of the Borrower or any Subsidiary who are not employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, and compensation and employee benefit arrangements paid to, and indemnities provided for the benefit of, directors, officers or employees of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(h) any issuances of securities or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment agreements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the Borrower’s board of directors; and

(i) as set forth on Schedule 6.09.

SECTION 6.10 Restrictive Agreements. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits,

 

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restricts or imposes any condition upon (i) the ability of such Loan Party or any Subsidiary to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets, or (ii) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any Equity Interests or to make or repay loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that (1) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by any applicable law or by any Loan Document, (2) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions existing on the date hereof identified on Schedule 6.10 (but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment or modification expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition), (3) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of assets or a Subsidiary pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to such assets or the Subsidiary that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (4) clause (i) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness and (5) clause (i) of the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in leases and other contracts restricting the assignment thereof.

SECTION 6.11 Amendment of Material Documents. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, amend, modify or waive any of its rights under (a) any Senior Loan Document (other than in connection with (i) a refinancing or replacement of such Indebtedness permitted hereunder or (ii) in a manner expressly permitted by, or not prohibited under, the Subordination Agreement) or (b) (i) any agreement relating to any Restricted Debt (other than in connection with (A) a refinancing or replacement of such Indebtedness permitted hereunder or (B) in a manner expressly permitted by, or not prohibited under, the applicable Intercreditor Agreement), (ii) any Effective Date Acquisition Document or (iii) its charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation and bylaws or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents, in each case of this clause (b), to the extent any such amendment, modification or waiver would be materially adverse to the Lenders (as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent).

SECTION 6.12 Financial Covenants.

(a) Senior Leverage Ratio. The Borrower will not permit the Senior Leverage Ratio as of the last day of any Test Period to be greater than the ratio set forth below in respect of the last day of each Test Period ending on the day set forth below:

 

Date

   Maximum Senior
Leverage Ratio
June 30, 2022    5.40 to 1.00
September 30, 2022    5.40 to 1.00
December 31, 2022    5.40 to 1.00
March 31, 2023    5.40 to 1.00
June 30, 2023    4.80 to 1.00
September 30, 2023    4.80 to 1.00

 

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December 31, 2023 and as of the last day of each Test Period ending thereafter    4.20 to 1.00

(b) Total Leverage Ratio. The Borrower will not permit the Total Leverage Ratio as of the last day of any Test Period to be greater than the ratio set forth below in respect of the last day of each Test Period ending on the day set forth below:

 

Date

   Maximum Total
Leverage Ratio
June 30, 2022    6.90 to 1.00
September 30, 2022    6.90 to 1.00
December 31, 2022    6.90 to 1.00
March 31, 2023    6.90 to 1.00
June 30, 2023    6.30 to 1.00
September 30, 2023    6.30 to 1.00
December 31, 2023 and as of the last day of each Test Period ending thereafter    5.70 to 1.00

SECTION 6.13 Anti-Layering. No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume, permit to exist, guarantee, or in any other manner become liable with respect to any funded Indebtedness, other than the Loans, that is contractually subordinate in right of payment to any Senior Obligations and senior in right of payment to the Obligations; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, (i) unsecured Indebtedness shall not be considered contractually subordinated to any Senior Obligations merely because it is unsecured and (ii) this Section 6.13 shall not prohibit any modifications of the “waterfall” provisions in the Senior Loan Documents.

ARTICLE VII

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:

(a) the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan when and as the same shall become due and payable hereunder, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;

(b) the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of three (3) Business Days;

 

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(c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary in, or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been materially incorrect when made or deemed made;

(d) any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.02(a), 5.03 (with respect to a Loan Party’s existence), 5.08, 5.13 or 5.14, or in Article VI or in Article X;

(e) any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of this Article) or any other Loan Document, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of (i) five (5) days after the earlier of any Loan Party’s knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender) if such breach relates to terms or provisions of Section 5.01, 5.02 (other than Section 5.02(a)), 5.03 (other than with respect to a Loan Party’s existence) or 5.04 through 5.07 of this Agreement or (ii) thirty (30) days after the earlier of any Loan Party’s knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender) if such breach relates to terms or provisions of any other Section of this Agreement or any other Loan Document;

(f) any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) (i) under the Senior Loan Documents at the maturity thereof or (ii) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable (giving effect to any applicable period of grace and requirements for notice);

(g) any event or condition occurs (after giving effect to any applicable period of grace and requirements for notice) that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (g) 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 to the extent such sale or transfer is permitted by the terms of Section 6.05;

(h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of a Loan Party or Subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for sixty (60) days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

(i) any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for such Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such

 

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proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

(j) any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability, or publicly declare its intention not to, or fail generally, to pay its debts as they become due;

(k) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $12,000,000 (to the extent not paid or covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, has been notified of the potential claim and does not dispute coverage) shall be rendered against any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment or any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall fail within thirty (30) days to discharge one or more non-monetary judgments or orders which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, which judgments or orders, in any such case, are not stayed on appeal or otherwise being appropriately contested in good faith by proper proceedings diligently pursued;

(l) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

(m) a Change in Control shall occur;

(n) the Loan Guaranty shall fail to remain in full force or effect (other than pursuant to the terms hereof or thereof) or any action shall be taken by any Loan Party to terminate or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of the Loan Guaranty or any Loan Guarantor shall fail to comply with any of the terms or provisions of the Loan Guaranty, or any Loan Guarantor shall deny in writing that it has any further liability under the Loan Guaranty, or shall give written notice to such effect, including, but not limited to notice of termination delivered pursuant to Section 10.08;

(o) the Senior Obligations shall be declared to be due and payable or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required payment or mandatory prepayment) prior to the stated maturity thereof;

(p) [reserved]; or

(q) (i) any material provision of any Loan Document for any reason ceases to be valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms (or any Loan Party shall challenge the enforceability of any Loan Document or shall assert in writing, or engage in any action or inaction that evidences its assertion, that any provision of any of the Loan Documents has ceased to be or otherwise is not valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms) or (ii) the subordination provisions of the Subordination Agreement or any other agreement or instrument governing any Subordinated Indebtedness shall for any reason be revoked or invalidated, or otherwise cease to be in full force and effect (other than pursuant to the terms thereof or with the written consent of the Required Lenders), or any Person shall contest in any manner the validity or enforceability thereof or deny that it has any further liability or obligation thereunder, or the Obligations, for any reason shall not have the priority contemplated by this Agreement or such subordination provisions;

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent

 

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may, and 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: (i) [reserved] (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, but ratably as among the Loans at the time outstanding, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), whereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Obligations (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any break funding payment, Make-Whole Amount and Prepayment Fees) accrued hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, shall become due and payable immediately, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Loan Parties, (iii) [reserved] and (iv) exercise all other rights and remedies of the Lenders under the Loan Documents and applicable law; and in the case of any event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article, the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Obligations (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any break funding payment, Make-Whole Amount and Prepayment Fees) accrued hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Loan Parties. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the Make-Whole Amount and the Prepayment Fee referred to in this Article VII (i) is additional consideration for providing the applicable Class of Term Loans, (ii) constitutes reasonable liquidated damages to compensate the applicable Lenders for (and is a proportionate quantification of) the actual loss of the anticipated stream of interest payments upon an acceleration of the Term Loans of the applicable Class (such damages being otherwise impossible to ascertain or even estimate for various reasons, including, without limitation, because such damages would depend on, among other things, (x) when such Term Loans might otherwise be repaid and (y) future changes in interest rates which are not readily ascertainable on the Effective Date), and (iii) is not a penalty to punish the Borrowers for their early prepayment of the Term Loans of any Class or for the occurrence of any Event of Default or the occurrence of any other Prepayment Fee Event, as the case may be. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, increase the rate of interest applicable to the Loans and other Obligations as set forth in this Agreement and exercise any rights and remedies provided to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents or at law or equity.

ARTICLE VIII

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

SECTION 8.01 Authorization and Action.

(a) Each Lender, on behalf of itself and any of its Affiliates hereby irrevocably appoints the entity named as Administrative Agent in the heading of this Agreement and its successors and assigns to serve as the administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and each Lender authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Administrative Agent under such agreements and to exercise such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Without limiting the foregoing, each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, each of the Loan Documents to which the Administrative Agent is a party, and to exercise all rights, powers and remedies that the Administrative Agent may have under such Loan Documents.

(b) As to any matters not expressly provided for herein and in the other Loan Documents (including enforcement or collection), the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the written instructions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, pursuant to the terms in the Loan

 

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Documents), and, unless and until revoked in writing, such instructions shall be binding upon each Lender; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that (i) the Administrative Agent in good faith believes exposes it to liability unless the Administrative Agent receives an indemnification and is exculpated in a manner satisfactory to it from the Lenders with respect to such action or (ii) is contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or applicable law, including any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors; provided, further, that the Administrative Agent may seek clarification or direction from the Required Lenders prior to the exercise of any such instructed action and may refrain from acting until such clarification or direction has been provided. Except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower, any other Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Administrative Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

(c) In performing its functions and duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent is acting solely on behalf of the Lenders (except in limited circumstances expressly provided for herein relating to the maintenance of the Register), and its duties are entirely mechanical and administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

(i) the Administrative Agent does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation or duty or any other relationship as the agent, fiduciary or trustee of or for any Lender, other than as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, regardless of whether a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (and it is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” (or any similar term) herein or in any other Loan Document with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary duty or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law, and that such term is used as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties); additionally, each Lender agrees that it will not assert any claim against the Administrative Agent based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; and

(ii) nothing in this Agreement or any Loan Document shall require the Administrative Agent to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by the Administrative Agent for its own account.

(d) The Administrative Agent may perform any of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any of their respective duties and exercise their respective rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities pursuant to this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agent except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and nonappealable

 

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judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agent.

(e) The Arranger shall not have obligations or duties whatsoever in such capacity under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and shall incur no liability hereunder or thereunder in such capacity, but all such persons shall have the benefit of the indemnities provided for hereunder.

(f) In case of the pendency of any proceeding with respect to any Loan Party under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan 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 (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim under Sections 2.12, 2.13, 2.15, 2.17 and 9.03) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

(ii) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due to it, in its capacity as the Administrative Agent, under the Loan Documents (including under Section 9.03). 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.

(g) The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and, except solely to the extent of the Borrower’s rights to consent pursuant to and subject to the conditions set forth in this Article, none of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any of their respective Affiliates, shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary under any such provisions.

SECTION 8.02 Administrative Agents Reliance, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, Etc.

(a) Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties shall be (i) liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by such party, the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties under or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (x) with the consent of or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in the Loan Documents) or (y) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct (such absence to be presumed unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment) or (ii) 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

 

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or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the Administrative Agent’s reliance on any Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page) or for any failure of any Loan Party to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

(b) The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any (x) notice of any of the events or circumstances set forth or described in Section 5.02 unless and until written notice thereof stating that it is a “notice under Section 5.02” in respect of this Agreement and identifying the specific clause under said Section is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, or (y) notice of any Default or Event of Default unless and until written notice thereof (stating that it is a “notice of Default” or a “notice of an Event of Default”) is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or a Lender. Further, 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 any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, (iv) the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items (which on their face purport to be such items) expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or satisfaction of any condition that expressly refers to the matters described therein being acceptable or satisfactory to the Administrative Agent,. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be liable for, or be responsible for any Liability, cost or expense suffered by the Borrower, any other Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Lender as a result of, any determination of any Credit Exposure, any of the component amounts thereof or any portion thereof attributable to each Lender.

(c) Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrative Agent (i) may treat the payee of any promissory note as its holder until such promissory note has been assigned in accordance with Section 9.04, (ii) may rely on the Register to the extent set forth in Section 9.04(b), (iii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel to the Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts, (iv) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender and shall not be responsible to any Lender for any statements, warranties or representations made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (v) in determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender sufficiently in advance of the making of such Loan and (vi) shall be entitled to rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon, any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which writing may be any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) or any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper party or parties (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the maker thereof).

SECTION 8.03 Posting of Communications.

(a) The Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make any Communications available to the Lenders by posting the Communications on IntraLinks, DebtDomain, SyndTrak, ClearPar or any other electronic system chosen by the Administrative Agent to be its electronic transmission system (the “Approved Electronic Platform”).

 

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(b) Although the Approved Electronic Platform and its primary web portal are secured with generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time (including, as of the Effective Date, a user ID/password authorization system) and the Approved Electronic Platform is secured through a per-deal authorization method whereby each user may access the Approved Electronic Platform only on a deal-by-deal basis, each of the Lenders and the Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure, that the Administrative Agent is not responsible for approving or vetting the representatives or contacts of any Lender that are added to the Approved Electronic Platform, and that there may be confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution. Each of the Lenders and the Borrower hereby approves distribution of the Communications through the Approved Electronic Platform and understands and assumes the risks of such distribution.

(c) THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. THE APPLICABLE PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS. 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 THE APPLICABLE PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE ARRANGER OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, “APPLICABLE PARTIES”) HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY LOAN PARTY, ANY LENDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF ANY LOAN PARTY’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET OR THROUGH AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM.

Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Loan Party pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed by the Administrative Agent or any Lender by means of electronic communications pursuant to this Section, including through an Approved Electronic Platform.

(d) Each Lender agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that Communications have been posted to the Approved Electronic Platform shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Loan Documents. Each Lender agrees (i) to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (which could be in the form of electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s (as applicable) email address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and (ii) that the foregoing notice may be sent to such email address.

(e) Each of the Lenders and the Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but (except as may be required by applicable law) shall not be obligated to, store the Communications on the Approved Electronic Platform in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s generally applicable document retention procedures and policies.

(f) Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent, any Lender to give any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Document in any other manner specified in such Loan Document.

 

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SECTION 8.04 The Administrative Agent Individually. With respect to its Commitment and Loans, the Person serving as the Administrative Agent shall have and may exercise the same rights and powers hereunder and is subject to the same obligations and liabilities as and to the extent set forth herein for any other Lender. The terms “Lenders”, “Required Lenders” and any similar terms shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity as a Lender or as one of the Required Lenders, as applicable. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust or other business with, any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing as if such Person was not acting as the Administrative Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

SECTION 8.05 Successor Administrative Agent.

(a) The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving 30 days’ prior written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower, whether or not a successor Administrative Agent has been appointed. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York or an Affiliate of any such bank. In either case, such appointment shall be subject to the prior written approval of the Borrower (which approval may not be unreasonably withheld and shall not be required while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing). Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall succeed to, and become vested with, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent. Upon the acceptance of appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Prior to any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall take such action as may be reasonably necessary to assign to the successor Administrative Agent its rights as Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section, in the event no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its intent to resign, the retiring Administrative Agent may give notice of the effectiveness of its resignation to the Lenders and the Borrower, whereupon, on the date of effectiveness of such resignation stated in such notice, (i) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents , and (ii) the Required Lenders shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent; provided that (A) all payments required to be made hereunder or under any other Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of any Person other than the Administrative Agent shall be made directly to such Person and (B) all notices and other communications required or contemplated to be given or made to the Administrative Agent shall directly be given or made to each Lender. Following the effectiveness of the Administrative Agent’s resignation from its capacity as such, the provisions of this Article, Section 2.17(d) and Section 9.03, as well as any exculpatory, reimbursement and indemnification provisions set forth in any other Loan Document, shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent and in respect of the matters referred to in the proviso under clause (a) above.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that Chase, in its capacity as Administrative Agent, may at any time resign as Administrative Agent hereunder without delivery of any prior written notice to the Lenders and without the consent of any Lender, so long as, in such case, Delaware Trust Company (or its Affiliate) is appointed as successor Administrative Agent.

SECTION 8.06 Acknowledgments of Lenders.

(a) Each Lender represents and warrants that (i) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility, (ii) it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans and in providing other facilities set forth herein as may be applicable to such Lender, in the ordinary course of business, and not for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring or holding any other type of financial instrument (and each Lender agrees not to assert a claim in contravention of the foregoing), (iii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Arranger or any other Lender, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement as a Lender, and to make, acquire or hold Loans hereunder and (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to make, acquire and/or hold commercial loans and to provide other facilities set forth herein, as may be applicable to such Lender, and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to make, acquire and/or hold such commercial loans or to provide such other facilities, is experienced in making, acquiring or holding such commercial loans or providing such other facilities. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Arranger or any other Lender, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information (which may contain material, non-public information within the meaning of the United States securities laws concerning the Borrower and its Affiliates) as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

(b) Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement on the Effective Date, or delivering its signature page to an Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall become a Lender hereunder, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved, each Loan Document and each other document required to be delivered to, or be approved by or satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders on the Effective Date or the effective date of any such Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall have become a Lender hereunder.

(c) (i) Each Lender hereby agrees that (x) if the Administrative Agent notifies such Lender that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion that any funds received by such Lender from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (whether as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees or otherwise; individually and collectively, a “Payment”) were erroneously transmitted to such Lender (whether or not known to such Lender), and demands the return of such Payment (or a portion thereof), such Lender shall promptly, but in no event later than one Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect, and (y) to the extent permitted by applicable law, such Lender shall not assert, and hereby waives, as to the Administrative Agent, any claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-off or recoupment with respect to any demand, claim or counterclaim by the Administrative Agent for the return of any Payments received, including without limitation any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar

 

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doctrine. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender under this Section 8.06(c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

(ii) Each Lender hereby further agrees that if it receives a Payment from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (x) that is in a different amount than, or on a different date from, that specified in a notice of payment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such Payment (a “Payment Notice”) or (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a Payment Notice, it shall be on notice, in each such case, that an error has been made with respect to such Payment. Each Lender agrees that, in each such case, or if it otherwise becomes aware a Payment (or portion thereof) may have been sent in error, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such occurrence and, upon demand from the Administrative Agent, it shall promptly, but in no event later than one (1) Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect.

(iii) The Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that (x) in the event an erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) are not recovered from any Lender that has received such Payment (or portion thereof) for any reason, the Administrative Agent shall be subrogated to all the rights of such Lender with respect to such amount and (y) an erroneous Payment shall not pay, prepay, repay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any Obligations owed by the Borrower or any other Loan Party.

(iv) Each party’s obligations under this Section 8.06(c) shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations under any Loan Document.

(d) Each Lender hereby agrees that (i) it has requested a copy of each report prepared by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent; (ii) the Administrative Agent (A) makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the completeness or accuracy of any report or any of the information contained therein or any inaccuracy or omission contained in or relating to a report and (B) shall not be liable for any information contained in any report; (iii) the reports are not comprehensive audits or examinations, and that any Person performing any field examination will inspect only specific information regarding the Loan Parties and will rely significantly upon the Loan Parties’ books and records, as well as on representations of the Loan Parties’ personnel and that the Administrative Agent undertakes no obligation to update, correct or supplement the reports; (iv) it will keep all reports confidential and strictly for its internal use, not share the report with any Loan Party or any other Person except as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Agreement; and (v) without limiting the generality of any other indemnification provision contained in this Agreement, (A) it will hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Person preparing a report harmless from any action the indemnifying Lender may take or conclusion the indemnifying Lender may reach or draw from any report in connection with any extension of credit that the indemnifying Lender has made or may make to the Borrower, or the indemnifying Lender’s participation in, or the indemnifying Lender’s purchase of, a Loan or Loans; and (B) it will pay and protect, and indemnify, defend, and hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Person preparing a report harmless from and against, the claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and other amounts (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Administrative Agent or any such other Person as the direct or indirect result of any third parties who might obtain all or part of any report through the indemnifying Lender.

 

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SECTION 8.07 [Intentionally Omitted].

SECTION 8.08 [Intentionally Omitted].

SECTION 8.09 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 the Arranger and their respective Affiliates, 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:

(i) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans, the Commitments or this Agreement,

(ii) 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,

(iii) (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

(iv) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.

(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 as provided in 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 the Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that none of the Administrative Agent or the Arranger or any of their respective Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender in connection with the Loans, the Commitments or 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).

 

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(c) The Administrative Agent and the Arranger hereby informs the Lenders that each such Person is not undertaking to provide investment advice or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that such Person has a financial interest in the transactions contemplated hereby in that such Person or an Affiliate thereof (i) may receive interest or other payments with respect to the Loans, the Commitments, this Agreement and any other Loan Documents, (ii) may recognize a gain if it extended the Loans or the Commitments for an amount less than the amount being paid for an interest in the Loans or the Commitments by such Lender or (iii) may receive fees or other payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Loan Documents or otherwise, including structuring fees, commitment fees, arrangement fees, facility fees, upfront fees, underwriting fees, ticking fees, agency fees, administrative agent or collateral agent fees, utilization fees, minimum usage fees, letter of credit fees, fronting fees, deal-away or alternate transaction fees, amendment fees, processing fees, term out premiums, banker’s acceptance fees, breakage or other early termination fees or fees similar to the foregoing.

SECTION 8.10 Intercreditor Arrangements. Each Lender, on behalf of itself and any of its Affiliates hereby (a) irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent to enter into any intercreditor agreement or subordination agreement (including the Subordination Agreement) contemplated hereby (and any amendments, amendments and restatements, restatements or waivers of or supplements to or other modifications to, such agreements or arrangements in connection with the incurrence by any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness to the extent permitted hereby), and (b) acknowledges and agrees that it will be bound by and will take no actions contrary to the provisions of any intercreditor agreement or subordination agreement (including the Subordination Agreement) entered into in connection herewith or contemplated hereby.

SECTION 8.11 Relationship of Administrative Agents. Each of the Borrower and each Lender: (i) acknowledges that JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (in its capacity as Administrative Agent and/or Lender hereunder or otherwise, “JPMC Bank”) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (in its capacity as Senior Agent) are separate business units of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and that the rights and obligations of JPMC Bank and the Senior Agent and their respective Affiliates hereunder and under the Senior Credit Agreement are separate and distinct, are exercisable in the sole discretion of each such party and shall not be merged in law or in equity; (ii) acknowledges that the consent, approval, waiver or other action by JPMC Bank does not constitute a consent, approval, waiver or other action by the Senior Agent, and that any such action by the Senior Agent similarly does not bind JPMC Bank; (iii) acknowledges that it will communicate separately with each of JPMC Bank and the Senior Agent, and distribute information separately to each of JPMC Bank and the Senior Agent as required and permitted under the Loan Documents; and (iv) consents to JPMC Bank and the Senior Agent and their respective officers, employees, advisors and Affiliates working together and sharing information about the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and each Lender to the extent permitted under this Agreement or the applicable Senior Loan Documents, as the case may be. Notwithstanding any consent to share information, neither the Borrower nor any Lender should assume that JPMC Bank and the Senior Agent have shared information between them.

SECTION 8.12 No Reliance. Each Lender acknowledges that such Lender (a) has independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as such Lender has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analyses and decisions to enter into the transactions contemplated hereby and the Loan Documents to which such Lender is a party, and (b) will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as they shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which such Lender is a party. Each Lender acknowledges that JPMC Bank and/or J.P. Morgan Securities LLC may be an agent, arranger and/or lender under the Loan Documents and/or the Senior Loan Documents (as well as other loans or other securities), and each Lender hereby waives any existing or future conflicts

 

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of interest associated with such roles. If, in the administration of this facility or any other debt instrument, JPMC Bank determines (or is given written notice by any Lender that a conflict may exist), then JPMC Bank shall have the option to eliminate such conflict within ninety (90) days or resign as Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms hereof and, accordingly, JPMC Bank shall have no liability for any action taken or not taken while such conflict existed.

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 9.01 Notices.

(a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by fax or Electronic Systems (and subject in each case to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by fax or Electronic Systems, as follows:

 

  (i)

if to any Loan Party, to it in care of the Borrower at:

The Gorman-Rupp Company

600 South Airport Road

Mansfield, Ohio 44903

Attention: James C. Kerr, Chief Financial Officer

Email: jim.kerr@gormanrupp.com

and

The Gorman-Rupp Company

600 South Airport Road

Mansfield, Ohio 44903

Attention: Brigette A. Burnell, General Counsel

Email: brigette.burnell@gormanrupp.com

 

  (ii)

if to the Administrative Agent, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. at:

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Middle Market Servicing

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-1145

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: Michael Wilson

Phone No: 312-325-3893

Email: michael.w.wilson@chase.com

With a copy to:

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Middle Market Servicing

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-0480

 

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Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: Commercial Banking Group

Fax No: (844) 490-5663

Email: jpm.agency.cri@jpmorgan.com

jpm.agency.servicing.1@jpmorgan.com

Agency Withholding Tax Inquiries:

Email: agency.tax.reporting@jpmorgan.com

Agency Compliance/Financials/Intralinks:

Email: covenant.compliance@jpmchase.com

and, in the case of a notification of the DQ List, to:

JPMDQ_Contact@jpmorgan.com

and

(iii) if to any other Lender, to it at its address or fax number set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

All such notices and other communications (i) sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail shall be deemed to have been given when received, (ii) sent by fax shall be deemed to have been given when sent, provided that if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient, or (iii) delivered through any Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, to the extent provided in paragraph (b) below shall be effective as provided in such paragraph (b).

(b) Notices and other communications to any Loan Party or any Lender hereunder may be delivered or furnished by using Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, or pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II or to compliance and no Default certificates delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(c) unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (on behalf of the Loan Parties) may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by using Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise proscribes, all such notices and other communications (i) sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if not given during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient, and (ii) posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient, at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i), of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, e-mail or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient.

(c) 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.

 

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SECTION 9.02 Waivers; Amendments.

(a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder and under any other Loan Document are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.

(b) Except as provided in Section 2.09 with respect to any Incremental Facility Amendment or modification of the Commitment Schedule, and subject to Sections 2.14(b) and (c) and Section 9.02(e), neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except (i) in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the Required Lenders or (ii) in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties that are parties thereto; provided that no such agreement shall (A) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender), (B) reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce or forgive any interest or fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby (except that (x) any amendment or modification of the financial covenants in this Agreement (or defined terms used in the financial covenants in this Agreement) shall not constitute a reduction in the rate of interest or fees for purposes of this clause (B) and (y) only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay increased interest pursuant to Section 2.13(d) or to amend Section 2.13(d)), (C) postpone any scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan, or any date for the payment of any interest, fees or other Obligations payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby (other than, in each case, any prepayment required to be made pursuant to Section 2.11(d) or 2.11(e)), (D) change Section 2.18(b) or (d) in a manner that would alter the ratable reduction of Commitments or the manner in which payments are shared, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (E) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) (it being understood that, solely with the consent of the parties prescribed by Section 2.09 to be parties to an Incremental Facility Amendment and Incremental Term Loans may be included in the determination of Required Lenders on substantially the same basis as the initial Commitments and Loans are included on the Effective Date), (F) release the Borrower or release any Loan Guarantor from its obligation under its Loan Guaranty (except as otherwise permitted herein or in the other Loan Documents), without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (G) [reserved], (H) change Section 2.20, without the consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) or (I) except as set forth in the Subordination Agreement, subordinate the right of payment of the Obligations without the written consent of each Lender; provided further 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

 

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Agent (it being understood that any amendment to Section 2.20 shall require the consent of the Administrative Agent). The Administrative Agent may also amend the Commitment Schedule to reflect assignments entered into pursuant to Section 9.04. Any amendment, waiver or other modification of this Agreement or any other Loan Document that by its terms affects the rights or duties under this Agreement of the Lenders of one or more Classes (but not the Lenders of any other Class), may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the requisite number or percentage in interest of each affected Class of Lenders that would be required to consent thereto under this Section if such Class of Lenders were the only Class of Lenders hereunder at the time.

(c) [Intentionally Omitted].

(d) If, in connection with any proposed amendment, waiver or consent requiring the consent of “each Lender” or “each Lender directly affected thereby,” the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained, but the consent of other necessary Lenders is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is necessary but has not been obtained being referred to herein as a “Non-Consenting Lender”), then the Borrower may elect to replace a Non-Consenting Lender as a Lender party to this Agreement, provided that, concurrently with such replacement, (i) another bank or other entity (other than any Ineligible Institution) which is reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall agree, as of such date, to purchase for cash the Loans and other Obligations due to the Non-Consenting Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption and to become a Lender for all purposes under this Agreement and to assume all obligations of the Non-Consenting Lender to be terminated as of such date and to comply with the requirements of clause (b) of Section 9.04, and (ii) the Borrower shall pay to such Non-Consenting Lender in same day funds on the day of such replacement (1) all interest, fees and other amounts then accrued but unpaid to such Non-Consenting Lender by the Borrower hereunder to and including the date of termination, including without limitation payments due to such Non-Consenting Lender under Sections 2.15 and 2.17, and (2) an amount, if any, equal to the payment which would have been due to such Lender on the day of such replacement under Section 2.16 had the Loans of such Non-Consenting Lender been prepaid on such date rather than sold to the replacement Lender. Each party hereto agrees that (a) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (b) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (i) this Agreement and any other Loan Document may be amended (or amended and restated) with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (x) to add one or more credit facilities (in addition to the Incremental Facilities pursuant to an Incremental Facility Amendment) to this Agreement and to permit 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 initial Term Loans, Incremental Facilities and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof and (y) to include appropriately the Lenders holding such credit facilities in any determination of the Required Lenders and Lenders and (ii) the Administrative Agent may, with the consent of the Borrower only, amend, modify or supplement this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency.

SECTION 9.03 Expenses; Limitation of Liability; Indemnity; Etc.

 

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(a) Expenses. The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, shall pay all (i) reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent (which counsel expenses shall be limited to the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of one primary counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Arranger, taken as a whole, and, if reasonably necessary, of one regulatory counsel and one local counsel in any relevant material jurisdiction), in connection with the syndication and distribution (including, without limitation, via the internet or through an Electronic System or Approved Electronic Platform) of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents and any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions of the Loan Documents (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) [reserved] and (iii) out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement, collection or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans (but limited, in the case of legal fees and expenses, to the fees, disbursements and other charges of one primary counsel, selected by the Administrative Agent, to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, taken as a whole, and, if reasonably necessary, of one regulatory counsel and one local counsel in any relevant material jurisdiction (and, in the case of an actual or potential conflict of interest, one additional counsel to the affected Lenders to the extent they are similarly situated)).

(b) Limitation of Liability. To the extent permitted by applicable law (i) neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall assert, and the Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby waives, any claim against the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and any Lender, and any Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called a “Lender-Related Person”) for any Liabilities arising from the use by others of information or other materials (including, without limitation, any personal data) obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), except to the extent they are found by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to result from the willful misconduct or gross negligence of such Lender-Related Person and (ii) no party hereto shall assert, and each such party hereby waives, any Liabilities against any other party hereto, 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 or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof; provided that, nothing in this Section 9.03(b) shall relieve the Borrower or any other Loan Party of any obligation it may have to indemnify an Indemnitee, as provided in Section 9.03(c), against any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages asserted against such Indemnitee by a third party.

(c) Indemnity. The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all Liabilities and related expenses (but limited, in the case of legal fees and expenses, to the fees, disbursements and other charges of one primary counsel, selected by the Administrative Agent, to the Indemnitees, taken as a whole, and, if reasonably necessary, of one regulatory counsel and one local counsel in any relevant material jurisdiction (and in the case of an actual or potential conflict of interest, one additional counsel to the affected Indemnitees to the extent they are similarly situated)) incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of the Loan Documents or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Loan or the use of the proceeds therefrom, (iii) any actual or alleged presence or Release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by a

 

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Loan Party or a Subsidiary, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, (iv) the failure of a Loan Party to deliver to the Administrative Agent the required receipts or other required documentary evidence with respect to a payment made by such Loan Party for Taxes pursuant to Section 2.17, or (v) any actual or prospective Proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not such Proceeding is brought by any Loan Party or their respective equity holders, Affiliates, creditors or any other third Person and whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such Liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted primarily from (x) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) any disputes solely among Indemnitees (other than any claims against an Indemnitee in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as the Arranger, the Administrative Agent, or any other agent or any other similar role under this Agreement) and not arising out of any act or omission of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates. This Section 9.03(c) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims or damages arising from any non-Tax claim.

(d) Lender Reimbursement. Each Lender severally agrees to pay any amount required to be paid by any Loan Party under paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 9.03 to the Administrative Agent and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each, an “Agent-Related Person”) (to the extent not reimbursed by the Loan Parties and without limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so), ratably according to their respective Applicable Percentage in effect on the date on which such payment is sought under this Section (or, if such payment is sought after the date upon which the Commitments shall have terminated and the Loans shall have been paid in full, ratably in accordance with such Applicable Percentage immediately prior to such date), and agrees to indemnify and hold each Agent-Related Person harmless from and against any and all Liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any kind whatsoever that may at any time (whether before or after the payment of the Loans) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person 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 such Agent-Related Person under or in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that the unreimbursed expense or Liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person in its capacity as such; provided, further, that no Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion of such Liabilities, costs, expenses or disbursements that are found by a final and non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from such Agent-Related Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The agreements in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and Payment in Full of the Obligations.

(e) Payments. All amounts due under this Section 9.03 shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor.

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) no Loan Party may 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 any Loan Party without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

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(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more Persons (other than an Ineligible Institution) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitments and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) of:

(A) the Borrower, provided that, the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to an assignment of all or a portion of the Term Loans and Term Loan Commitments unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof, and provided further that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for an assignment (I) during the primary syndication of the facilities hereunder or (II) to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee; and

(B) the Administrative Agent (to the extent Chase is acting as 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 or Term Loan Commitment 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 or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $1,000,000 unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(B) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement; provided that this clause shall not be construed to prohibit the assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of one Class of Commitments or Loans;

(C) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) an Assignment and Assumption or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; and

(D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Borrower, the other Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws.

For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms “Approved Fund” and “Ineligible Institution” have the following meanings:

Approved Fund” means 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 of its

 

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business 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.

Ineligible Institution” means a (a) natural person, (b) Defaulting Lender or its Parent, (c) company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person or relative(s) thereof; provided that, with respect to clause (c), such company, investment vehicle or trust shall not constitute an Ineligible Institution if it (x) has not been established for the primary purpose of acquiring any Loans or Commitments, (y) is managed by a professional advisor, who is not such natural person or a relative thereof, having significant experience in the business of making or purchasing commercial loans, and (z) has assets greater than $25,000,000 and a significant part of its activities consist of making or purchasing commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business, (d) a Loan Party or a Subsidiary or other Affiliate of a Loan Party or (e) any Disqualified Institution.

(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03). 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.

(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amount (and stated interest) of the 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 shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(v) Upon its receipt of (x) a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.07(b), 2.18(d) or 9.03(d), the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.

 

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(c) Any Lender may, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, , sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “Participant”) other than an Ineligible Institution in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitments and the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged; (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations; and (iii) the Borrower, the 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 or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Sections 2.17(f) and (g) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 2.17(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 2.18 and 2.19 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.15 or 2.17 with respect to any participation than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation.

Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower’s request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.19(b) with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.18(d) as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (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 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, or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) 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.

(d) 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 without limitation any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

(e) Disqualified Institutions.

 

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(i) No assignment or participation shall be made to any Person that was a Disqualified Institution as of the date (the “Trade Date”) on which the assigning Lender entered into a binding agreement to sell and assign or grant a participation in all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to such Person (unless the Borrower has consented to such assignment or participation in writing in its sole and absolute discretion, in which case such Person will not be considered a Disqualified Institution for the purpose of such assignment or participation). For the avoidance of doubt, with respect to any assignee or Participant that becomes a Disqualified Institution after the applicable Trade Date (including as a result of the delivery of a written supplement to the list of “Disqualified Institutions” referred to in, the definition of “Disqualified Institution”), (x) such assignee or Participant shall not retroactively be disqualified from becoming a Lender or Participant and (y) the execution by the Borrower of an Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignee will not by itself result in such assignee no longer being considered a Disqualified Institution. Any assignment or participation in violation of this clause (e)(i) shall not be void, but the other provisions of this clause (e) shall apply.

(ii) If any assignment or participation is made to any Disqualified Institution without the Borrower’s prior written consent in violation of clause (i) above, or if any Person becomes a Disqualified Institution after the applicable Trade Date, the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to the applicable Disqualified Institution and the Administrative Agent, require such Disqualified Institution to assign, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in this Section 9.04), all of its interest, rights and obligations under this Agreement to one or more Persons (other than an Ineligible Institution) at the lesser of (x) the principal amount thereof and (y) the amount that such Disqualified Institution paid to acquire such interests, rights and obligations, in each case, plus accrued interest, accrued fees and all other amounts (other than principal amounts) payable to it hereunder.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Disqualified Institutions to whom an assignment or participation is made in violation of clause (i) above (A) will not have the right to (x) receive information, reports or other materials provided to Lenders by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, (y) attend or participate in meetings attended by the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, or (z) access any electronic site established for the Lenders or confidential communications from counsel to or financial advisors of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders and (B) (x) for purposes of any consent to any amendment, waiver or modification of, or any action under, and for the purpose of any direction to the Administrative Agent or any Lender to undertake any action (or refrain from taking any action) under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, each Disqualified Institution will be deemed to have consented in the same proportion as the Lenders that are not Disqualified Institutions consented to such matter and (y) for purposes of voting on any plan of reorganization, each Disqualified Institution party hereto hereby agrees (1) not to vote on such plan of reorganization, (2) if such Disqualified Institution does vote on such plan of reorganization notwithstanding the restriction in the foregoing clause (1), such vote will be deemed not to be in good faith and shall be “designated” pursuant to Section 1126(e) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision in any other applicable laws), and such vote shall not be counted in determining whether the applicable class has accepted or rejected such plan of reorganization in accordance with Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision in any other applicable laws) and (3) not to contest any request by any party for a determination by the Bankruptcy Court (or other applicable court of competent jurisdiction) effectuating the foregoing clause (2).

(iv) The Administrative Agent shall have the right, and the Borrower hereby expressly authorizes the Administrative Agent, to (A) post the list of Disqualified Institutions provided by the Borrower and any updates thereto from time to time (collectively, the “DQ List”) on an

 

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Approved Electronic Platform, including that portion of such Approved Electronic Platform that is designated for “public side” Lenders and/or (B) provide the DQ List to each Lender or potential Lender requesting the same.

The Administrative Agent and the Lenders 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, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall (x) be obligated to ascertain, monitor or inquire as to whether any other 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 disclosure of confidential information, by any other Person to any Disqualified Institution.

SECTION 9.05 Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect until Payment in Full of the Obligations. The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any provision hereof or thereof.

SECTION 9.06 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution.

(a) This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof 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 the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

(b) Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of (x) this Agreement, (y) any other Loan Document and/or (z) any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any notice delivered pursuant to Section 9.01), certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or the transactions contemplated hereby and/or thereby (each an “Ancillary Document”) that is an Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement, such other Loan Document or such Ancillary Document, as applicable. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in any electronic form (including deliveries by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use

 

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of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be; provided that nothing herein shall require the Administrative Agent to accept Electronic Signatures in any form or format without its prior written consent and pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (i) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept any Electronic Signature, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders shall be entitled to rely on such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Loan Party without further verification thereof and without any obligation to review the appearance or form of any such Electronic Signature and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed counterpart. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Borrower and each Loan Party hereby (A) agrees that, for all purposes, including without limitation, in connection with any workout, restructuring, enforcement of remedies, bankruptcy proceedings or litigation among the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Borrower and the Loan Parties, Electronic Signatures transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page and/or any electronic images of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as any paper original, (B) the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders may, at its option, create one or more copies of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document in the form of an imaged electronic record in any format, which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document (and all such electronic records shall be considered an original for all purposes and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record), (C) waives any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document based solely on the lack of paper original copies of this Agreement, such other Loan Document and/or such Ancillary Document, respectively, including with respect to any signature pages thereto and (D) waives any claim against any Lender-Related Person for any Liabilities arising solely from the Administrative Agent’s and/or any Lender’s reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures and/or transmissions by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page, including any Liabilities arising as a result of the failure of the Borrower and/or any Loan Party to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature.

SECTION 9.07 Severability. Any provision of any Loan Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

SECTION 9.08 Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final and in whatever currency denominated) at any time held, and other obligations at any time owing, by such Lender or any such Affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of any Loan Party against any and all of the Obligations now or hereafter existing and owing to such Lender or its Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or such Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Loan Parties may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch office or Affiliate of such Lender different from the branch office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that, in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.20 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable

 

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detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The applicable Lender or such Affiliate shall notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of such setoff or application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff or application under this Section. The rights of each Lender and its Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender or its Affiliates may have.

SECTION 9.09 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.

(a) The Loan Documents (other than those containing a contrary express choice of law provision) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

(b) Each of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, notwithstanding the governing law provisions of any applicable Loan Document, any claims brought against the Administrative Agent by any Lender relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document or the consummation or administration of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

(c) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan (or if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan), and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Documents, the transactions relating hereto or thereto, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may (and any such claims, cross-claims or third party claims brought against the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties may only) be heard and determined in such Federal (to the extent permitted by law) or New York State 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 or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Loan Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(d) Each Loan Party 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 any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (c) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

(e) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Each Foreign Subsidiary that is a party hereto irrevocably designates and appoints the Borrower, as its authorized agent, to accept and acknowledge on its behalf, service of any and all process which may be served in any suit, action or proceeding of the nature referred to in Section 9.09(c) in any federal or New York State court sitting in New York City. The Borrower hereby represents, warrants and confirms that the Borrower has agreed to accept such appointment. Said designation and appointment shall be irrevocable by each such Foreign Subsidiary until Payment in Full of the Obligations. Each Foreign Subsidiary party thereto hereby consents to process being served in any suit, action or proceeding of the nature referred to in Section 9.09(c) in any federal or New York State court sitting in New York City by service of process upon the Borrower as provided in this Section 9.09(e); provided that,

 

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to the extent lawful and possible, notice of said service upon such agent shall be mailed by registered or certified air mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the Borrower and (if applicable to) such Foreign Subsidiary at its address set forth herein or in the Joinder Agreement pursuant to which such Foreign Subsidiary became a party hereto, as applicable, or to any other address of which such Foreign Subsidiary shall have given written notice to the Administrative Agent (with a copy thereof to the Borrower). Each Foreign Subsidiary party hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all claim of error by reason of any such service in such manner and agrees that such service shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon such Foreign Subsidiary in any such suit, action or proceeding and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be taken and held to be valid and personal service upon and personal delivery to such Foreign Subsidiary. To the extent any Foreign Subsidiary party hereto has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether from service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of a judgment, execution or otherwise), each Foreign Subsidiary hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligations under the Loan Documents. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

SECTION 9.10 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER AGENT (INCLUDING ANY ATTORNEY) OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

SECTION 9.11 Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

SECTION 9.12 Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by any Requirement of Law or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement and any party to any Senior Loan Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (x) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement (it being understood that the DQ List may be disclosed to any assignee or Participant, or prospective assignee or Participant, in reliance on this clause (f)) or (y) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Loan Parties and their obligations, (g) on a confidential basis to (1) any rating agency in connection with rating the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided for herein or (2) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and

 

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monitoring of CUSIP numbers with respect to the credit facilities provided for herein, (h) with the consent of the Borrower, (i) to any Person providing a Guarantee of all or any portion of the Obligations, or (j) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Borrower. For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Borrower relating to the Borrower or its business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower and other than information pertaining to this Agreement provided by arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry; provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrower after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

EACH LENDER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT INFORMATION AS DEFINED IN SECTION 9.12 FURNISHED TO IT PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY INCLUDE MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BORROWER, THE OTHER LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES, AND CONFIRMS THAT IT HAS DEVELOPED COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES REGARDING THE USE OF MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION AND THAT IT WILL HANDLE SUCH MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THOSE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

ALL INFORMATION, INCLUDING REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS, FURNISHED BY THE BORROWER OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PURSUANT TO, OR IN THE COURSE OF ADMINISTERING, THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE SYNDICATE-LEVEL INFORMATION, WHICH MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE BORROWER, THE OTHER LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES. ACCORDINGLY, EACH LENDER REPRESENTS TO THE BORROWER AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT THAT IT HAS IDENTIFIED IN ITS ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE A CREDIT CONTACT WHO MAY RECEIVE INFORMATION THAT MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

SECTION 9.13 Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law. The respective obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint and the failure of any Lender to make any Loan or perform any of its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender from any of its obligations hereunder. Each Lender hereby represents that it is not relying on or looking to any margin stock (as defined in Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board) for the repayment of the Borrowings provided for herein. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, no Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to the Borrower in violation of any Requirement of Law.

SECTION 9.14 USA PATRIOT Act. Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act hereby notifies each Loan Party that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of such Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act.

 

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SECTION 9.15 Disclosure. Each Loan Party and each Lender hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent and/or its Affiliates from time to time may hold investments in, make other loans to or have other relationships with, any of the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates.

SECTION 9.16 [Intentionally Omitted].

SECTION 9.17 Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the “Charges”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “Maximum Rate”) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the NYFRB Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.

SECTION 9.18 No Fiduciary Duty, etc. (a) Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that no Credit Party will have any obligations except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents and each Credit Party is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to the Loan Parties with respect to the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated therein and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, any Loan Party or any other person. Each Loan Party agrees that it will not assert any claim against any Credit Party based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by such Credit Party in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents. Additionally, each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that no Credit Party is advising the Loan Parties as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting, regulatory or any other matters in any jurisdiction. Each Loan Party shall consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, and the Credit Parties shall have no responsibility or liability to any Loan Party with respect thereto.

(b) Each Loan Party further acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party, together with its Affiliates, is a full service securities or banking firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities as well as providing investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, any Credit Party may provide investment banking and other financial services to, and/or acquire, hold or sell, for its own accounts and the accounts of customers, equity, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of, any Loan Party or its Affiliates and other companies with which any Loan Party may have commercial or other relationships. With respect to any securities and/or financial instruments so held by any Credit Party or any of its customers, all rights in respect of such securities and financial instruments, including any voting rights, will be exercised by the holder of the rights, in its sole discretion.

(c) In addition, each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party and its affiliates may be providing debt financing, equity capital or other services (including financial advisory services) to other companies in respect of which a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries may have conflicting interests regarding the transactions described herein and otherwise. No Credit Party will use confidential information obtained from the Borrower by virtue of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or its other relationships with the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in connection with the performance by such Credit Party of services for other companies, and no Credit Party will furnish any such information to other companies. Each Loan Party also acknowledges that no Credit

 

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Party has any obligation to use in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or to furnish to any Loan Party, confidential information obtained from other companies.

SECTION 9.19 Marketing Consent. The Borrower hereby authorizes Chase and its affiliates (collectively, the “Chase Parties”), at their respective sole expense, and without any prior approval by the Borrower, to include the Borrower’s name and logo in advertising, marketing, tombstones, case studies and training materials, and to give such other publicity to this Agreement as Chase Parties may from time to time determine in their sole discretion. The foregoing authorization shall remain in effect unless the Borrower notifies Chase in writing that such authorization is revoked.

SECTION 9.20 Acknowledgment 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 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 entity, 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

(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.

ARTICLE X

LOAN GUARANTY

SECTION 10.01 Guaranty. Each Loan Guarantor hereby agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and, as a primary obligor and not merely as surety, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to the Lenders, the prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of the Guaranteed Obligations of such Loan Guarantor. Each Loan Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed in whole or in part without notice to or further assent from it, and that it remains bound upon its guarantee notwithstanding any such extension or renewal. All terms of this Loan Guaranty apply to and may be enforced by or on behalf of any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of any Lender that extended any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations.

SECTION 10.02 Guaranty of Payment. This Loan Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and not of collection. Each Loan Guarantor waives any right to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to sue the Borrower, any Loan Guarantor, any other guarantor of, or any other Person obligated for all or any part

 

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of the Guaranteed Obligations (each, an “Obligated Party”), or otherwise to enforce its payment against any collateral securing all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations.

SECTION 10.03 No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty.

(a) Except as otherwise provided for herein, the obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are unconditional and absolute and not subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations), including: (i) any claim of waiver, release, extension, renewal, settlement, surrender, alteration, or compromise of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, by operation of law or otherwise; (ii) any change in the existence, structure or ownership of the Borrower or any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting any Obligated Party, or their assets or any resulting release or discharge of any obligation of any Obligated Party; or (iv) the existence of any claim, setoff or other rights which any Loan Guarantor may have at any time against any Obligated Party, the Administrative Agent, any Lender, or any other Person, whether in connection herewith or in any unrelated transactions.

(b) The obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are not subject to any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise, or any provision of applicable law or regulation purporting to prohibit payment by any Obligated Party, of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof.

(c) Further, the obligations of any Loan Guarantor hereunder are not discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by: (i) the failure of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy with respect to all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) any waiver or modification of or supplement to any provision of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any release, non-perfection, or invalidity of any indirect or direct security for the obligations of the Borrower for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or any obligations of any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iv) any action or failure to act by the Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect to any collateral securing any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (v) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the payment or performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any other circumstance, act, omission or delay that might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Loan Guarantor or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Loan Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations).

SECTION 10.04 Defenses Waived. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor hereby waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of the Borrower or any Loan Guarantor or the unenforceability of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of the Borrower, any Loan Guarantor or any other Obligated Party, other than the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Guarantor irrevocably waives acceptance hereof, presentment, demand, protest and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any notice not provided for herein, as well as any requirement that at any time any action be taken by any Person against any Obligated Party, or any other Person. Each Loan Guarantor confirms that it is not a surety under any state law and shall not raise any such law as a defense to its obligations hereunder. The Administrative Agent may, at its election, foreclose on any collateral held by it by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such collateral in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise act or fail to act with respect to any collateral securing all or a part of the Guaranteed Obligations, compromise or adjust any part of the Guaranteed Obligations, make any other accommodation with any Obligated Party or exercise any other right or remedy available to it against any Obligated Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of such Loan Guarantor under this

 

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Loan Guaranty, except to the extent the Guaranteed Obligations have been Paid in Full. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though that election may operate, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of any Loan Guarantor against any Obligated Party or any security.

SECTION 10.05 Rights of Subrogation. No Loan Guarantor will assert any right, claim or cause of action, including, without limitation, a claim of subrogation, contribution or indemnification that it has against any Obligated Party, or any collateral, until the Loan Parties and the Loan Guarantors have fully performed all their obligations to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

SECTION 10.06 Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration. If at any time any payment of any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff) is rescinded, or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower or otherwise (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by a Lender in its discretion), each Loan Guarantor’s obligations under this Loan Guaranty with respect to that payment shall be reinstated at such time as though the payment had not been made and whether or not the Administrative Agent and the Lenders are in possession of this Loan Guaranty. If acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations shall nonetheless be payable by the Loan Guarantors forthwith on demand by the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 10.07 Information. Each Loan Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrower’s financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that each Loan Guarantor assumes and incurs under this Loan Guaranty, and agrees that none of the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall have any duty to advise any Loan Guarantor of information known to it regarding those circumstances or risks.

SECTION 10.08 Release of Loan Guarantors.

(a) A Subsidiary Guarantor shall automatically be released from its obligations under the Loan Guaranty upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by this Agreement as a result of which such Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be a Subsidiary; provided that, if so required by this Agreement, the Required Lenders shall have consented to such transaction and the terms of such consent shall not have provided otherwise. Furthermore, the Administrative Agent may (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender to), upon the request of the Borrower, release any Subsidiary Guarantor from its obligations under the Loan Guaranty if such Subsidiary Guarantor constitutes an Excluded Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary of the type described in clause (iv) of the definition thereof, unless such Subsidiary either (x) becomes non-Wholly-Owned pursuant to a bona fide equity investment by a non-Affiliate third-party or (y) becomes a bona fide joint venture with a non-Affiliated third party as determined in good faith by the Borrower in consultation with the Administrative Agent); provided that no such release shall occur if such Subsidiary Guarantor continues (after giving effect to the consummation of such transaction or designation) to be a guarantor or provide any credit support in respect of the Senior Obligations or any Material Indebtedness or Restricted Debt of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

(b) Upon Payment in Full of all Obligations, the Loan Guaranty and all obligations (other than those expressly stated to survive such termination) of each Loan Guarantor thereunder shall automatically terminate, all without delivery of any instrument or performance of any act by any Person.

 

113


(c) In connection with any termination or release pursuant to this Section, the Administrative Agent shall (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender to) execute and deliver to any Loan Party, at such Loan Party’s expense, all documents that such Loan Party shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 10.09 Taxes. Each payment of the Guaranteed Obligations will be made by each Loan Guarantor without withholding for any Taxes, unless such withholding is required by law. If any Loan Guarantor determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it is so required to withhold Taxes, then such Loan Guarantor may so withhold and shall timely pay the full amount of withheld Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law. If such Taxes are Indemnified Taxes, then the amount payable by such Loan Guarantor shall be increased as necessary so that, net of such withholding (including such withholding applicable to additional amounts payable under this Section), the Administrative Agent or Lender (as the case may be) receives the amount it would have received had no such withholding been made.

SECTION 10.10 Maximum Liability. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Loan Guaranty, the amount guaranteed by each Loan Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to the extent, if any, required so that its obligations hereunder shall not be subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, Uniform Voidable Transactions Act or similar statute or common law. In determining the limitations, if any, on the amount of any Loan Guarantor’s obligations hereunder pursuant to the preceding sentence, it is the intention of the parties hereto that any rights of subrogation, indemnification or contribution which such Loan Guarantor may have under this Loan Guaranty, any other agreement or applicable law shall be taken into account.

SECTION 10.11 Contribution.

(a) To the extent that any Loan Guarantor shall make a payment under this Loan Guaranty (a “Guarantor Payment”) which, taking into account all other Guarantor Payments then previously or concurrently made by any other Loan Guarantor, exceeds the amount which otherwise would have been paid by or attributable to such Loan Guarantor if each Loan Guarantor had paid the aggregate Guaranteed Obligations satisfied by such Guarantor Payment in the same proportion as such Loan Guarantor’s “Allocable Amount” (as defined below) (as determined immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment) bore to the aggregate Allocable Amounts of each of the Loan Guarantors as determined immediately prior to the making of such Guarantor Payment, then, following indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guarantor Payment, the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations and the termination of this Agreement, such Loan Guarantor shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and be reimbursed by, each other Loan Guarantor for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment.

(b) As of any date of determination, the “Allocable Amount” of any Loan Guarantor shall be equal to the excess of the fair saleable value of the property of such Loan Guarantor over the total liabilities of such Loan Guarantor (including the maximum amount reasonably expected to become due in respect of contingent liabilities, calculated, without duplication, assuming each other Loan Guarantor that is also liable for such contingent liability pays its ratable share thereof), giving effect to all payments made by other Loan Guarantors as of such date in a manner to maximize the amount of such contributions.

(c) This Section 10.11 is intended only to define the relative rights of the Loan Guarantors, and nothing set forth in this Section 10.11 is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Loan

 

114


Guarantors, jointly and severally, to pay any amounts as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Loan Guaranty.

(d) The parties hereto acknowledge that the rights of contribution and indemnification hereunder shall constitute assets of the Loan Guarantor or Loan Guarantors to which such contribution and indemnification is owing.

(e) The rights of the indemnifying Loan Guarantors against other Loan Guarantors under this Section 10.11 shall be exercisable upon the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 10.12 Liability Cumulative. The liability of each Loan Party as a Loan Guarantor under this Article X is in addition to and shall be cumulative with all liabilities of each Loan Party to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or in respect of any obligations or liabilities of the other Loan Parties, without any limitation as to amount, unless the instrument or agreement evidencing or creating such other liability specifically provides to the contrary.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

115


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

 

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY,

as the Borrower

By:    
Name:    
Title:    

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY,

as a Subsidiary Guarantor

By:    
Name:    
Title:    

AMT PUMP COMPANY,

as a Subsidiary Guarantor

By:    
Name:    
Title:    

NATIONAL PUMP COMPANY,

as a Subsidiary Guarantor

By:    
Name:    
Title:    

FILL-RITE COMPANY,

as a Subsidiary Guarantor

By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., individually as a Lender, and as Administrative Agent

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

Signature Page to Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement

The Gorman-Rupp Company


COMMITMENT SCHEDULE

 

Lender

   Term Loan
Commitment
 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 90,000,000  

Total

   $ 90,000,000  


Schedule 5.14

Post-Closing Obligations

None.


EXHIBIT A

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

This Assignment and Assumption (this “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [Insert name of Assignor] (the “Assignor”) and [Insert name of Assignee] (the “Assignee”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, 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 Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, 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 rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and other rights of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including 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 pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as the “Assigned Interest”). Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

 

1.

  

Assignor:

  

                                                             

2.

  

Assignee:

  

                                                             

     

[and is an Affiliate/Approved Fund of [identify Lender]1]

3.

  

Borrower:

  

The Gorman-Rupp Company

4.

  

Administrative Agent:

  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement

5.

  

Credit Agreement:

  

The Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 among The Gorman-Rupp Company, the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent

 

 

1 

Select as applicable.

 

A-1


6.

Assigned Interest:

 

Facility Assigned2

   Aggregate Amount of
Commitment/Loans for
all Lenders
   Amount of
Commitment/Loans
Assigned
   Percentage Assigned of
Commitment/Loans3
     $    $    %
     $    $    %
     $    $    %

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 Assignee agrees to deliver to the Administrative Agent a completed Administrative Questionnaire in which the Assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Borrower, the Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the Assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws.

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

ASSIGNOR

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

ASSIGNEE

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

2 

Fill in the appropriate terminology for the types of facilities under the Credit Agreement that are being assigned under this Assignment (e.g., “Term Loan Commitment”, etc.).

3 

Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

 

A-2


[Consented to and]4 Accepted:
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent
By:    
Name:    
Title:    
[Consented to:]5
THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

4 

To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent,, is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

5 

To be added only if the consent of the Borrower is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

A-3


ANNEX 1 to

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

1. Representations and Warranties.

1.1 Assignor. The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the 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 Assumption 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 Borrower, any Subsidiary or Affiliate or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document, (iv) any requirements under applicable law for the Assignee to become a lender under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or to charge interest at the rate set forth therein from time to time or (v) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any Subsidiary or Affiliate, or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

1.2 Assignee. The 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 Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it satisfies the requirements, if any, specified in the Credit Agreement and under applicable law that are required to be satisfied by it in order to acquire the Assigned Interest and become a Lender, (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 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 Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of this type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Sections 5.01(a) and 5.01(b) thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Arranger, the Assignor or any other Lender or their respective Related Parties, and (vi) attached to the Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by the Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Arranger, the Assignor or any other Lender or their respective Related Parties, 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.

2. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

3. General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and

 

Annex 1-1


Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Acceptance and adoption of the terms of this Assignment and Assumption by the Assignee and the Assignor by Electronic Signature (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by any Approved Electronic Platform (as defined in the Credit Agreement) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

Annex 1-2


EXHIBIT B-1

[FORM OF] BORROWING REQUEST

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-1145

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: ___________________

Fax No: (312) ___________

Date:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Borrowing Request is furnished pursuant to Section 2.03 of that certain Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) among The Gorman-Rupp Company (the “Borrower”), the other Loan Parties, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Borrowing Request have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement. [The Borrower represents that, as of this date, the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02 are satisfied.]6

The Borrower hereby notifies Chase of its request for the following Borrowing:

 

  (A)

Aggregate principal amount of Borrowing:7 $_________________

 

  (B)

Date of Borrowing8 (which is a Business Day):________________

 

  (C)

Type of Borrowing:9 ____________________________________

 

  (D)

Interest Period:10 _____________________

 

  (E)

Location and number of the Borrower’s account to which proceeds of the requested Borrowing are to be disbursed: [NAME OF BANK] (Account No.: ______________)]

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY, as the Borrower

 

6 

To be included with borrowing requests following the Effective Date.

7 

Must comply with Section 2.02(c) of the Credit Agreement.

8 

For Daily Simple RFR Loans, the date should be 5 Business Days after the date of the Borrowing Request.

9 

Specify ABR Borrowing or Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing. If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing.

10 

Applicable to Term Benchmark Borrowings only. Shall be subject to the definition of “Interest Period” and can be a period of one, three or six months (. Cannot extend beyond the Maturity Date. If an Interest Period is not specified, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

 

C-1-1


By:    

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

C-1-2


EXHIBIT B-2

[FORM OF] INTEREST ELECTION REQUEST

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-1145

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: ___________________

Fax No: (312) ___________

Date:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Interest Election Request is furnished pursuant to Section 2.08(c) of that certain Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) among The Gorman-Rupp Company (the “Borrower”), the other Loan Parties, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Interest Election Request have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement. This notice constitutes an Interest Election Request and the Borrower hereby gives you notice, pursuant to Section 2.08 of the Credit Agreement, that it requests to convert an existing Borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection the Borrower specifies the following information with respect to such conversion requested hereby:

 

  (A)

List date, Type, Class, principal amount and Interest Period (if applicable) of existing Borrowing: ___________

 

  (B)

Aggregate principal amount of resulting Borrowing:11 $_________________

 

  (C)

Effective date of interest election (which is a Business Day):________________

 

  (D)

Type of Borrowing:12 ____________________________________

 

  (E)

Interest Period and last day thereof (if a Term Benchmark Borrowing):13 _____________________

 

11 

Must comply with Section 2.02(c) of the Credit Agreement.

12 

Specify ABR Borrowing or Term Benchmark Borrowing.

13 

Applicable to Term Benchmark Borrowings only. Shall be subject to the definition of “Interest Period” and can be a period of one, three or six months. Cannot extend beyond the Maturity Date. If an Interest Period is not specified, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

 

C-2-1


THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY, as the Borrower
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

C-2-2


EXHIBIT B-3

[FORM OF] NOTICE OF PREPAYMENT

THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-1145

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: ___________________

Fax No: (312) ___________

Date:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Notice of Prepayment is furnished pursuant to Section 2.11(b) of that certain Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) among The Gorman-Rupp Company (the “Borrower”), the other Loan Parties, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Notice of Prepayment have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement.

The Borrower hereby notifies Chase of its request to prepay the following Borrowing:

 

  (A)

Aggregate principal amount of Borrowing or portion of Borrowing to be prepaid: $_________________

 

  (B)

Date of prepayment14 (which is a Business Day):________________

 

  (C)

Type of Borrowing to be prepaid (check one):

______ ABR Borrowing

______ Term Benchmark Borrowing

______ RFR Borrowing

 

  (E)

If such Borrowing to be prepaid is a Term Loan, such prepayment is a (check one):

______ Voluntary prepayment under Section 2.11(a)

______ Mandatory prepayment under Section 2.11(d) from the Net Proceeds of a Prepayment Event

______ Mandatory prepayment under Section 2.11(e) from Excess Cash Flow

 

  (F)

If such prepayment is from Excess Cash Flow, calculations of Excess Cash Flow and the resulting prepayment for the fiscal year ending [___] are attached hereto.

 

14 

For Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, notice must be delivered not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment.

 

D-1-1


THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY, as the Borrower
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

D-1-2


EXHIBIT C-1

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to the Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among The Gorman-Rupp Company, as Borrower, the other Loan Parties party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate prior to the first payment to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]
By:                                                     
Name:                                                
Title:                                                  
Date: ________ __, 20[    ]

 

D-1-1


EXHIBIT C-2

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to the Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among The Gorman-Rupp Company, as Borrower, the other Loan Parties party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate prior to the first payment to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]
By:                                                     
Name:                                                
Title:                                                  
Date: ________ __, 20[    ]

 

D-2-1


EXHIBIT C-3

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to the Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among The Gorman-Rupp Company, as Borrower, the other Loan Parties party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (iii) with respect to such participation, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by a withholding statement together with an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate prior to the first payment to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]
By:                                                     
Name:                                                
Title:                                                  
Date: ________ __, 20[    ]

 

D-3-1


EXHIBIT C-4

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to the Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among The Gorman-Rupp Company, as Borrower, the other Loan Parties party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (iii) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by a withholding statement together with an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate prior to the first payment to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]
By:                                                     
Name:                                                
Title:                                                  
Date: ________ __, 20[    ]

 

D-4-1


EXHIBIT D

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

To:

The Lenders party to the

Credit Agreement described below

This Compliance Certificate (this “Certificate”), for the period ended [____], is furnished pursuant to that certain Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as amended, modified, renewed or extended from time to time, the “Agreement”) among The Gorman-Rupp Company (the “Borrower”), the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Certificate have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement.

THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT:

 

1.

I am the [____] of the Borrower and I am authorized to deliver this Certificate on behalf of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;

 

2.

I have reviewed the terms of the Agreement and I have made, or have caused to be made under my supervision, a detailed review of the compliance of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with the Agreement during the accounting period covered by the attached financial statements (the “Relevant Period”);

 

3.

The attached financial statements of the Borrower and, as applicable, its Subsidiaries and/or Affiliates for the Relevant Period: (a) have been prepared on an accounting basis (the “Accounting Method”) consistent with the requirements of the Agreement and, except as may have been otherwise expressly agreed to in the Agreement, in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, and (b) to the extent that the attached are not the Borrower’s annual fiscal year end statements, are subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

4.

The examinations described in paragraph 2 did not disclose and I have no knowledge of, except as set forth below, (a) the existence of any condition or event which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default under the Agreement or any other Loan Document during or at the end of the Relevant Period or as of the date of this Certificate or (b) any change in the Accounting Method or in the application thereof that has occurred since the date of the annual financial statements delivered to the Administrative Agent in connection with the closing of the Agreement or subsequently delivered as required in the Agreement;

 

5.

The representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) as of the date hereof, except to the extent that any such representation or warranty specifically refers to an earlier date, in which case it is true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) only as of such earlier date;

 

6.

Schedule I attached hereto sets forth financial data and computations evidencing the Borrower’s compliance with certain covenants of the Agreement, all of which data and computations are true, complete and correct; and

 

E-1


Described below are the exceptions, if any, referred to in paragraph 4 hereof by listing, in detail, the (i) nature of the condition or event, the period during which it has existed and the action which the Borrower has taken, is taking, or proposes to take with respect to each such condition or event or (ii) change in the Accounting Method or the application thereof and the effect of such change on the attached financial statements:

 

        

    
    
    

The foregoing certifications, together with the computations set forth in Schedule I hereto and the financial statements delivered with this Certificate in support hereof, are made and delivered this          day of                  ,        .

 

By:

   
 

Name:

   
 

Title:

   

 

E-2


Schedule I to Compliance Certificate

Compliance as of [____] with

Provisions of Section 6.12 of the Agreement

The computations set forth in this Schedule I are designed to facilitate the calculation of financial covenants and certain other provisions in the Agreement relating to the information set forth in the Borrower’s consolidated financial statements delivered with this Certificate. The computations set forth in this Schedule I have been made in accordance with GAAP. The use of abbreviated terminology and/or descriptions in the computations below are not in any way intended to override or eliminate the more detailed descriptions for such computations set forth in the relevant provisions of the Agreement, all of which shall be deemed to control. In addition, the failure to identify any specific provisions or terms of the Agreement in this Schedule I does not in any way affect their applicability during the periods covered by such financial statements or otherwise, which shall in all cases be governed by the Agreement.

A. Consolidated EBITDA for the most

recently ended 4 fiscal quarters

 

With reference to any period:       

(i) Consolidated Net Income for such period

     $____________  

plus, without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income,

  

(ii) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period

     + $____________  

(iii) income tax expense for such period net of tax refunds for such period

     + $____________  

(iv) depreciation for such period

     + $____________  

(v) amortization for such period

     + $____________  

(vi) all LIFO inventory-related non-cash expense adjustments for such period

     + $____________  

(vii) all non-cash pension settlement charges for such period

     + $____________  


(viii) any unusual or non-recurring non-cash charges for such period (but excluding any non-cash charge in respect of an item that was included in Consolidated Net Income in a prior period)

     + $____________  

minus, without duplication and to the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period,

  

(ix) all LIFO inventory-related non-cash credit for such period

     – $____________  

(x) any unusual or non-recurring gains and any non-cash items of income for such period

     – $____________  

(xi) all cash payments made during such period on account of non-cash charges or expenses that were accruals or reserves added to Consolidated Net Income pursuant to clause A.(vi), (vii) or (viii) above in a prior period

     $____________  

(xii) Consolidated EBITDA (aggregate of A.(i) through A.(xi))

     = $____________  

B. Maximum Senior Leverage Ratio

(Section 6.12(a))

 

(i) Consolidated Total Indebtedness secured by a Lien

     $____________  

(ii) Unrestricted Cash

     $____________  

(iii) Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended 4 fiscal quarters (from A.(xii) above)

     $____________  

(iv) Senior Leverage Ratio (ratio of (B.(i) minus B.1(ii)) to B.(iii))

     ___ to 1.00  

Maximum Senior Leverage Ratio permitted under Section 6.12(a)

     [___] to 1.00  

In compliance?

     Yes/No (select one)  


C. Maximum Total Leverage Ratio (Section 6.12(b))

 

(i) Consolidated Total Indebtedness as of such date

     $____________  

(ii) Unrestricted Cash

     $____________  

(iii) Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended 4 fiscal quarters (from A.(xii) above)

     $____________  

(iv) Total Leverage Ratio (ratio of (B.(i) minus B.(ii)) to B.(iii))

     ___ to 1.00  

Maximum Total Leverage Ratio permitted under Section 6.12(b)

     [___] to 1.00  

In compliance?

     Yes/No (select one)  


EXHIBIT E

JOINDER AGREEMENT

THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [____], is entered into between [_______], a [______] (the “New Subsidiary”) and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) under that certain Senior Subordinated Unsecured Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY (the “Borrower”), the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent for the Lenders. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

The New Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, hereby agree as follows:

1. The New Subsidiary hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Agreement, the New Subsidiary will be deemed to be a Loan Party under the Credit Agreement and a “Loan Guarantor” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement and shall have all of the obligations of a Loan Party and a Loan Guarantor thereunder as if it had executed the Credit Agreement. The New Subsidiary hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Credit Agreement, including without limitation (a) all of the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in Article III of the Credit Agreement, (b) all of the covenants set forth in Articles V and VI of the Credit Agreement and (c) all of the guaranty obligations set forth in Article X of the Credit Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing terms of this paragraph 1, the New Subsidiary, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 10.10 of the Credit Agreement, hereby guarantees, jointly and severally with the other Loan Guarantors, to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, as provided in Article X of the Credit Agreement, the prompt payment and performance of the Guaranteed Obligations in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) strictly in accordance with the terms thereof and agrees that if any of the Guaranteed Obligations are not paid or performed in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise), the New Subsidiary will, jointly and severally together with the other Loan Guarantors, promptly pay and perform the same, without any demand or notice whatsoever, and that in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether at extended maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or renewal.

2. [Reserved].

3. The address of the New Subsidiary for purposes of Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement is as follows:

 

            

       
       
       

4. The New Subsidiary hereby waives acceptance by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of the guaranty by the New Subsidiary upon the execution of this Agreement by the New Subsidiary.

 

F-1


5. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

6. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary has caused this Agreement to be duly executed by its authorized officer, and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, has caused the same to be accepted by its authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NEW SUBSIDIARY]

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

Acknowledged and accepted:

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

F-2

Exhibit 10.3

Execution Version

PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

THIS PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Security Agreement”) is entered into as of May 31, 2022 by and among THE GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY, an Ohio corporation (the “Borrower”), the Subsidiaries of the Borrower listed on the signature pages hereto (together with the Borrower, the “Initial Grantors,” and together with any additional Subsidiaries, whether now existing or hereafter formed or acquired which become parties to this Security Agreement from time to time, in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement (as defined below), by executing a Supplement hereto in substantially the form of Annex I, the “Grantors”), and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., a national banking association, in its capacity as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) for itself and for the Secured Parties (as defined in the Credit Agreement identified below).

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

The Borrower, certain of the other Grantors, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders from time to time party thereto are entering into a Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2022 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”). Each Grantor is entering into this Security Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to enter into and extend credit to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement and to secure the Secured Obligations that it has agreed to guarantee pursuant to Article X of the Credit Agreement.

ACCORDINGLY, the Grantors and the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

1.1. Terms Defined in the Credit Agreement. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

1.2. Terms Defined in UCC. Terms defined in the UCC which are not otherwise defined in this Security Agreement are used herein as defined in the UCC.

1.3. Definitions of Certain Terms Used Herein. As used in this Security Agreement, in addition to the terms defined in the first paragraph hereof and in the Preliminary Statement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Account Control Agreement” means an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, among any Grantor, a banking institution, securities intermediary or other Person holding such Grantor’s funds or securities, and the Administrative Agent with respect to collection and control of all deposits, securities, balances and other assets held in a deposit account or securities account maintained by such Grantor with such banking institution, securities intermediary or other Person.

Accounts” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Applicable IP Office” means the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office or any similar office or agency within or, solely in the case of Section 4.7, outside the United States.

Article” means a numbered article of this Security Agreement, unless another document is specifically referenced.


Chattel Paper” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Collateral” shall have the meaning set forth in Article II.

Collateral Access Agreement” means any landlord waiver or other agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, between the Administrative Agent and any third party (including any bailee, consignee, customs broker, or other similar Person) in possession of any Collateral or any landlord of any real property where any Collateral is located, as such landlord waiver or other agreement may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Commercial Tort Claims” means the commercial tort claims as defined in Article 9 of the UCC, including each commercial tort claim specifically described on Exhibit I.

Confirmatory Grant” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.11(e).

Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 8 or, if applicable, in Section 9-104, 9-105, 9-106 or 9-107 of Article 9 of the UCC.

Copyrights” means all rights, title and interests (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to copyrights and all mask works, database and design rights, whether or not registered or published, all registrations and recordations thereof and all applications in connection therewith.

Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

Deposit Accounts” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Equipment” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Event of Default” means an event described in Section 5.1.

Exhibit” refers to a specific exhibit to this Security Agreement, unless another document is specifically referenced.

Farm Products” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Fixtures” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

General Intangibles” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Goods” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Industrial Designs” means all right, title and interest (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to registered industrial designs and industrial design applications.

Insolvency Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.22.

Instruments” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Intellectual Property” means all rights, title and interests in or relating to intellectual property and industrial property arising under any Requirement of Law and all IP Ancillary Rights relating thereto, including

 

2


all Copyrights, Patents, Industrial Designs, Software, Trademarks, Internet Domain Names, Trade Secrets and IP Licenses.

Intercompany Indebtedness” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.22.

Internet Domain Name” means all right, title and interest (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to internet domain names.

Inventory” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Investment Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

IP Ancillary Rights” means, with respect to any Intellectual Property, as applicable, all foreign counterparts to, and all divisionals, reversions, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, reexaminations, renewals and extensions of, such Intellectual Property and all income, royalties, proceeds and Liabilities at any time due or payable or asserted under or with respect to any of the foregoing or otherwise with respect to such Intellectual Property throughout the world, including all rights to sue or recover at law or in equity for any past, present or future infringement, misappropriation, dilution, violation or other impairment thereof, and, in each case, all rights to obtain any other IP Ancillary Right throughout the world.

IP License” means all contractual obligations (and all related IP Ancillary Rights), whether written or oral, granting any right, title and interest in or relating to any Intellectual Property.

Letter-of-Credit Rights” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Liabilities” means all claims, actions, suits, judgments, damages, losses, liability, obligations, responsibilities, fines, penalties, sanctions, costs, fees, Taxes, commissions, charges, disbursements and expenses (including those incurred upon any appeal or in connection with the preparation for and/or response to any subpoena or request for document production relating thereto), in each case of any kind or nature (including interest accrued thereon or as a result thereto and fees, charges and disbursements of financial, legal and other advisors and consultants), whether joint or several, whether or not indirect, contingent, consequential, actual, punitive, treble or otherwise.

Material Intellectual Property” means Intellectual Property that is owned by or licensed to a Grantor and material to the conduct of such Grantor’s business.

Obligor” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.22.

Patents” means all rights, title and interests (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to letters patent and applications therefor.

Pledged Collateral” means all Instruments, Securities and other Investment Property of the Grantors, whether or not physically delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Security Agreement.

Receivables” means the Accounts, Chattel Paper, Documents, Investment Property, Instruments and any other rights or claims to receive money which are General Intangibles or which are otherwise included as Collateral.

Section” means a numbered section of this Security Agreement, unless another document is specifically referenced.

Securities Account” has the meaning set forth in Article 8 of the UCC.

 

3


Security” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 8 of the UCC.

Security Agreement Supplement” means any Security Agreement Supplement to this Security Agreement in substantially the form of Annex I hereto executed by an entity that becomes a Grantor under this Security Agreement after the date hereof.

Software” means (a) all computer programs, including source code and object code versions, (b) all data, databases and compilations of data, whether machine readable or otherwise, and (c) all documentation, training materials and configurations related to any of the foregoing.

Stock Rights” means (a) all dividends, instruments or other distributions and any other right or property which the Grantors shall receive or shall become entitled to receive for any reason whatsoever with respect to, in substitution for or in exchange for any Equity Interest constituting Collateral, any right to receive an Equity Interest and any right to receive earnings, in which the Grantors now have or hereafter acquire any right, issued by an issuer of such Equity Interest, and (b) in connection with the pledge of Equity Interests of a Person consisting of membership interests in a limited liability company or partnership interests, (i) all rights of the applicable Grantor (whether as a member, a manager, a partner, in its individual capacity or otherwise) under any operating agreement, any partnership agreement or any similar document of such Person (in any such case, as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), including, without limitation, the right to vote, obtain information or participate in the management of such Person’s business, (ii) all options and warrants or other rights entitling the applicable Grantor to purchase Equity Interests in such Person, (iii) all capital of the applicable Grantor in such Person, including without limitation its capital account and its interest in (or allocation of) the profits, losses, income, gains, deductions, credits or similar items of such Person, (iv) all distributions, dividends, cash, instruments, Investment Property, General Intangibles and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed to the applicable Grantor in respect of, or in exchange for, any or all of the foregoing, and (v) all other proceeds of the foregoing.

Supporting Obligations” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Trade Secrets” means all right, title and interest (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to proprietary, confidential and/or non-public information, however documented, including but not limited to confidential ideas, know-how, concepts, methods, processes, formulae, reports, data, customer lists, mailing lists, business plans and all other trade secrets.

Trademarks” means all rights, title and interests (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to trademarks, trade names, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, service marks, logos and other source or business identifiers and, in each case, all goodwill associated therewith, all registrations and recordations thereof and all applications in connection therewith.

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time, of the State of New York or of any other state the laws of which are required as a result thereof to be applied in connection with the attachment, perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, Administrative Agent’s or any other Secured Party’s Lien on any Collateral.

The foregoing definitions shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

ARTICLE II

GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST

Each Grantor hereby pledges, assigns and grants to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of and for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the following

 

4


assets of such Grantor, whether now owned by or owing to, or hereafter acquired by or arising in favor of, such Grantor (including under any trade name or derivations thereof), and whether owned or consigned by or to, or leased from or to, such Grantor, and regardless of where located (all of which will be collectively referred to as the “Collateral”), which Collateral is intended to constitute all personal property and other assets of such Grantor:

 

  (i)

all Accounts;

 

  (ii)

all Chattel Paper;

 

  (iii)

all Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks;

 

  (iv)

all Documents;

 

  (v)

all Equipment;

 

  (vi)

all Fixtures;

 

  (vii)

all General Intangibles;

 

  (viii)

all Goods;

 

  (ix)

all Instruments;

 

  (x)

all Inventory;

 

  (xi)

all Investment Property;

 

  (xii)

all cash or cash equivalents;

 

  (xiii)

all letters of credit, Letter-of-Credit Rights and Supporting Obligations;

 

  (xiv)

all Deposit Accounts with any bank or other financial institution;

 

  (xv)

all Commercial Tort Claims;

 

  (xvi)

all Farm Products;

 

  (xvii)

all Stock Rights; and

 

  (xviii)

all accessions to, substitutions for and replacements, proceeds (including Stock Rights), insurance proceeds and products of the foregoing, together with all books and records, customer lists, credit files, computer files, programs, printouts and other computer materials and records related thereto and any General Intangibles at any time evidencing or relating to any of the foregoing;

to secure the prompt and complete payment and performance of the Secured Obligations. Notwithstanding the

foregoing or anything herein or in any Loan Document to the contrary, in no event will the Collateral include

any Excluded Property at any time.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Each of the Initial Grantors represents and warrants, and each Grantor that becomes a party to this Security Agreement pursuant to the execution of a Security Agreement Supplement represents and warrants (after giving effect to supplements, if any, to each of the Exhibits hereto with respect to such subsequent Grantor as attached to such Security Agreement Supplement), to the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties that:

3.1. Title, Authorization, Validity, Enforceability, Perfection and Priority. Such Grantor has good and valid rights in or the power to transfer the Collateral owned by it and title to the Collateral with respect to which it has purported to grant a security interest hereunder, free and clear of all Liens except for Liens permitted under Section 4.1(e), and has full power and authority to grant to the Administrative Agent the security interest in such

 

5


Collateral pursuant hereto. The execution and delivery by such Grantor of this Security Agreement has been duly authorized by proper organizational proceedings of such Grantor, and this Security Agreement constitutes a legal valid and binding obligation of such Grantor and creates a security interest which is enforceable against such Grantor in all Collateral it now owns or hereafter acquires, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law. When financing statements have been filed in the appropriate offices against such Grantor in the locations listed on Exhibit H, the Administrative Agent will have a fully perfected first priority security interest in the Collateral owned by such Grantor in which a security interest may be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the UCC, subject only to Liens permitted under Section 4.1(e).

3.2. Type and Jurisdiction of Organization, Organizational and Identification Numbers. The type of entity of such Grantor, its state of organization, the organizational number issued to it by its state of organization and its federal employer identification number are set forth on Exhibit A.

3.3. Principal Location. Such Grantor’s mailing address and the location of its place of business (if it has only one) or its chief executive office (if it has more than one place of business), is disclosed in Exhibit A; such Grantor has no other places of business except those set forth in Exhibit A.

3.4. Collateral Locations. All of such Grantor’s locations where Collateral is located are listed on Exhibit A except with respect to castings, which are located at various foundries where Inventory is manufactured. All of said locations are owned by such Grantor except for locations (i) which are leased by such Grantor as lessee and designated in Part VII(b) of Exhibit A and (ii) at which Inventory is held in a public warehouse or is otherwise held by a bailee or on consignment by such Grantor as designated in Part VII(c) of Exhibit A.

3.5. Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts. All of such Grantor’s Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts, other than Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts that constitute Excluded Property, are listed on Exhibit B.

3.6. Exact Names. Such Grantor’s name in which it has executed this Security Agreement is the exact name as it appears in such Grantor’s organizational documents, as amended, as filed with such Grantor’s jurisdiction of organization. Such Grantor has not, during the past five years, been known by or used any other corporate or fictitious name, or been a party to any merger or consolidation, or been a party to any acquisition.

3.7. Letter-of-Credit Rights and Chattel Paper. Exhibit C lists all Letter-of-Credit Rights and Chattel Paper of such Grantor with a face amount in excess of $100,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate for all such Letter-of-Credit Rights and Chattel Paper. All action by such Grantor necessary or desirable to protect and perfect the Administrative Agent’s Lien on each item listed on Exhibit C (including the delivery of all originals and the placement of a legend on all Chattel Paper as required hereunder) has been duly taken. The Administrative Agent will have a fully perfected first priority security interest in the Collateral listed on Exhibit C, subject only to Liens permitted under Section 4.1(e).

3.8. Accounts and Chattel Paper.

(a) The names of the obligors, amounts owing, due dates and other information with respect to the Accounts and Chattel Paper owned by such Grantor are and will be correctly stated in all records of such Grantor relating thereto and in all invoices with respect thereto furnished to the Administrative Agent by such Grantor from time to time. As of the time when each Account or each item of Chattel Paper arises, such Grantor shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that such Account or Chattel Paper, as the case may be, and all records relating thereto, are genuine and in all respects what they purport to be.

(b) With respect to its Accounts, (i) all Accounts represent bona fide sales of Inventory or rendering of services to Account Debtors in the ordinary course of such Grantor’s business and are not evidenced

 

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by a judgment, Instrument or Chattel Paper; (ii) there are no setoffs, claims or disputes existing or asserted with respect thereto and such Grantor has not made any agreement with any Account Debtor for any extension of time for the payment thereof, any compromise or settlement for less than the full amount thereof, any release of any Account Debtor from liability therefor, or any deduction therefrom except a discount or allowance allowed by such Grantor in the ordinary course of its business for prompt payment and disclosed to the Administrative Agent; (iii) to such Grantor’s knowledge, there are no facts, events or occurrences which in any way impair the validity or enforceability thereof or could reasonably be expected to reduce the amount payable thereunder as shown on such Grantor’s books and records and any invoices and statements with respect thereto; (iv) such Grantor has not received any notice of proceedings or actions which are threatened or pending against any Account Debtor which might result in any adverse change in such Account Debtor’s financial condition; and (v) such Grantor has no knowledge that any Account Debtor has become insolvent or is generally unable to pay its debts as they become due.

(c) In addition, with respect to all of its Accounts, (i) the amounts shown on all, invoices and statements with respect thereto are actually and absolutely owing to such Grantor as indicated thereon and are not in any way contingent, and (ii) to such Grantor’s knowledge, all Account Debtors have the capacity to contract.

3.9. Inventory. With respect to any of its Inventory, (a) such Inventory (other than Inventory in transit) is located at one of such Grantor’s locations set forth on Exhibit A, except with respect to castings, which are located at various foundries where Inventory is manufactured, (b) no Inventory (other than Inventory in transit) is now, or shall at any time or times hereafter be stored at any other location except as permitted by Section 4.1(g), (c) such Grantor has good, indefeasible and merchantable title to such Inventory and such Inventory is not subject to any Lien or security interest or document whatsoever except for the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent hereunder, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and Secured Parties, and Permitted Encumbrances, (d) such Inventory is of good and merchantable quality, free from any defects, (e) such Inventory is not subject to any licensing, patent, royalty, trademark, trade name or copyright agreements with any third parties which would require any consent of any third party upon Disposition of that Inventory or the payment of any monies to any third party upon such Disposition, (f) such Inventory has been produced in accordance with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, and all rules, regulations and orders thereunder, and (g) the completion of manufacture or Disposition of such Inventory by the Administrative Agent following an Event of Default shall not require the consent of any Person and shall not constitute a breach or default under any contract or agreement to which such Grantor is a party or to which such property is subject.

3.10. Intellectual Property.

(a) Exhibit D contains a complete and accurate listing of the following Intellectual Property such Grantor owns, licenses or otherwise has the right to use: (i) Intellectual Property that is registered or subject to applications for registration, (ii) Internet Domain Names and (iii) Material Intellectual Property and material Software, separately identifying that owned and licensed to such Grantor and including for each of the foregoing items (1) the owner, (2) the title, (3) the jurisdiction in which such item has been registered or otherwise arises or in which an application for registration has been filed, (4) as applicable, the registration or application number and registration or application date and (5) any IP Licenses or other rights (including franchises) granted by such Grantor with respect thereto. Such Grantor owns directly or is entitled to use, by license or otherwise, all Intellectual Property necessary for the conduct of such Grantor’s business as currently conducted. All of the U.S. registrations, applications for registration or applications for issuance of the Intellectual Property are in good standing and are recorded or in the process of being recorded in the name of such Grantor.

(b) On the Effective Date, all Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor is valid, in full force and effect, subsisting, unexpired and enforceable, and no Material Intellectual Property has been abandoned. None of the following shall limit or impair the ownership, use, validity or enforceability of, or any rights of such Grantor in, any Material Intellectual Property: (i) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by any Loan Documents or (ii) any holding, decision, judgment or order rendered by any Governmental Authority. There are no pending (or, to the knowledge of such Grantor, threatened) actions,

 

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investigations, suits, proceedings, audits, claims, demands, orders or disputes challenging the ownership, use, validity, enforceability of, or such Grantor’s rights in, any Material Intellectual Property of such Grantor. To such Grantor’s knowledge, no Person has been or is infringing, misappropriating, diluting, violating or otherwise impairing any Intellectual Property of such Grantor.

(c) Such Grantor has taken or caused to be taken steps so that none of its Intellectual Property, the value of which to such Grantor is contingent upon maintenance of the confidentiality thereof, has been disclosed by such Grantor to any Person other than employees, contractors, customers, representatives and agents of such Grantor who are parties to customary confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements with such Grantor. Each employee and contractor of such Grantor involved in development or creation of any Material Intellectual Property has assigned any and all inventions and ideas of such Person in and to such Intellectual Property to such Grantor.

(d) No settlement or consents, covenants not to sue, nonassertion assurances, or releases have been entered into by such Grantor or exist to which such Grantor is bound that adversely affect its rights to own or use any Intellectual Property except as could not be reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, in each case individually or in the aggregate.

(e) This Security Agreement is effective to create a valid and continuing Lien on such Copyrights, IP Licenses, Patents and Trademarks and, upon filing with the Applicable IP Office of the Confirmatory Grant of Security Interest in Copyrights, the Confirmatory Grant of Security Interest in Patents and the Confirmatory Grant of Security Interest in Trademarks (each, a “Confirmatory Grant”), and the filing of appropriate financing statements in the jurisdictions listed in Exhibit H hereto, all action necessary or desirable to protect and perfect the security interest in, to and on such Grantor’s Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, or IP Licenses have been taken and such perfected security interest is enforceable as such as against any and all creditors of and purchasers from such Grantor. Such Grantor has no interest in any Copyright that is necessary in connection with the operation of such Grantor’s business, except for those Copyrights identified in Exhibit D attached hereto which have been registered with the United States Copyright Office.

3.11. Filing Requirements. None of the Equipment owned by such Grantor is covered by any certificate of title. None of the Collateral owned by such Grantor is of a type for which security interests or liens may be perfected by filing under any federal statute except for Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights held by such Grantor and described in Exhibit D. The legal description, county and street address of each property on which any Fixtures owned by such Grantor are located is set forth in Exhibit F together with the name and address of the record owner of each such property.

3.12. No Financing Statements, Security Agreements. No financing statement or security agreement describing all or any portion of the Collateral which has not lapsed or been terminated (by a filing authorized by the secured party in respect thereof) naming such Grantor as debtor has been filed or is of record in any jurisdiction except for financing statements or security agreements (a) naming the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties as the secured party and (b) in respect of other Liens permitted under Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement; provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to constitute an agreement to subordinate any of the Liens of the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents to any Liens otherwise permitted under Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement.

3.13. Pledged Collateral.

(a) Exhibit G sets forth a complete and accurate list of all of the Pledged Collateral owned by such Grantor. Such Grantor is the direct, sole beneficial owner and sole holder of record of the Pledged Collateral listed on Exhibit G as being owned by it, free and clear of any Liens, except for the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties hereunder and Permitted Encumbrances. Such Grantor further represents and warrants that (i) all Pledged Collateral owned by it constituting an Equity Interest has been (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such Pledged Collateral) duly authorized,

 

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validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, (ii) with respect to any certificates delivered to the Administrative Agent representing an Equity Interest, either such certificates are Securities as defined in Article 8 of the UCC as a result of actions by the issuer or otherwise, or, if such certificates are not Securities, such Grantor has so informed the Administrative Agent so that the Administrative Agent may take steps to perfect its security interest therein as a General Intangible, (iii) to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, all such Pledged Collateral held by a securities intermediary is covered by an Account Control Agreement pursuant to which the Administrative Agent has Control and (iv) all Pledged Collateral which represents Indebtedness owed to such Grantor has been duly authorized, authenticated or issued and delivered by the issuer of such Indebtedness, is the legal, valid and binding obligation of such issuer and such issuer is not in default thereunder.

(b) In addition, (i) none of the Pledged Collateral owned by it has been issued or transferred in violation of the securities registration, securities disclosure or similar laws of any jurisdiction to which such issuance or transfer may be subject, (ii) no options, warrants, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever (A) exist relating to such Pledged Collateral or (B) obligate the issuer of any Equity Interest included in the Pledged Collateral to issue additional Equity Interests, and (iii) no consent, approval, authorization, or other action by, and no giving of notice, filing with, any governmental authority or any other Person is required for the pledge by such Grantor of such Pledged Collateral pursuant to this Security Agreement or for the execution, delivery and performance of this Security Agreement by such Grantor, or for the exercise by the Administrative Agent of the voting or other rights provided for in this Security Agreement or for the remedies in respect of the Pledged Collateral pursuant to this Security Agreement, except as may be required in connection with such Disposition by laws affecting the offering and sale of securities generally.

(c) Except as set forth in Exhibit G, such Grantor owns 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests which constitute Pledged Collateral owned by it and none of the Pledged Collateral which represents Indebtedness owed to such Grantor is subordinated in right of payment to other Indebtedness or subject to the terms of an indenture.

ARTICLE IV

COVENANTS

From the date of this Security Agreement and thereafter until this Security Agreement is terminated pursuant to the terms hereof, each Initial Grantor party hereto as of the date hereof agrees, and from and after the effective date of any Security Agreement Supplement applicable to any Grantor (and after giving effect to supplements, if any, to each of the Exhibits hereto with respect to such subsequent Grantor as attached to such Security Agreement Supplement) and thereafter until this Security Agreement is terminated pursuant to the terms hereof, each such additional Grantor agrees that:

4.1. General.

(a) Collateral Records. Each Grantor will maintain complete and accurate books and records with respect to the Collateral owned by it, and furnish to the Administrative Agent with sufficient copies for each of the Lenders, such reports relating to such Collateral as the Administrative Agent shall from time to time request.

(b) Authorization to File Financing Statements and Other Actions; Defense of Title. Each Grantor hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to file, and if requested will deliver to the Administrative Agent, all financing statements describing the Collateral owned by such Grantor and other documents and take such other actions as may from time to time be requested by the Administrative Agent in order to maintain a first priority perfected security interest in and, if applicable, Control of, the Collateral owned by such Grantor. Any financing statement filed by the Administrative Agent may be filed in any filing office in any UCC jurisdiction and may (i) indicate such Grantor’s Collateral (1) as all assets of the Grantor or words of similar effect, including, without limitation, describing such property as “all assets of the debtor, whether now owned by or owing to, or

 

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hereafter acquired by or arising in favor of, debtor (including under any trade name or derivations thereof), and whether owned or consigned by or to, or leased from or to, debtor, and regardless of where located, including all accessions to, substitutions for and replacements, proceeds, insurance proceeds and products thereof,” regardless of whether any particular asset comprised in the Collateral falls within the scope of Article 9 of the UCC of such jurisdiction, or (2) by any other description which reasonably approximates the description contained in this Security Agreement, and (ii) contain any other information required by part 5 of Article 9 of the UCC for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance of any financing statement or amendment, including (A) whether such Grantor is an organization, the type of organization and any organization identification number issued to such Grantor, and (B) in the case of a financing statement filed as a fixture filing or indicating such Grantor’s Collateral as as-extracted collateral or timber to be cut, a sufficient description of real property to which the Collateral relates. Such Grantor also agrees to furnish any such information described in the foregoing sentence to the Administrative Agent promptly upon request. Such Grantor also ratifies its authorization for the Administrative Agent to have filed in any UCC jurisdiction any initial financing statements or amendments thereto if filed prior to the date hereof.

(c) Further Assurances. Such Grantor will, if so requested by the Administrative Agent, furnish to the Administrative Agent, as often as the Administrative Agent requests, statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Collateral owned by it and such other reports and information in connection with its Collateral as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, all in such detail as the Administrative Agent may specify. Such Grantor also agrees to take any and all actions necessary to defend title to the Collateral against all persons and to defend the security interest of the Administrative Agent in its Collateral and the priority thereof against any Lien not expressly permitted hereunder.

(d) Disposition of Collateral. Such Grantor will not Dispose of the Collateral owned by such Grantor except for Dispositions specifically permitted pursuant to Section 6.05 of the Credit Agreement.

(e) Liens. Such Grantor will not create, incur, or suffer to exist any Lien on the Collateral except (i) the security interest created by this Security Agreement, and (ii) other Liens permitted under Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement.

(f) Other Financing Statements. Such Grantor will not authorize the filing of any financing statement naming it as debtor covering all or any portion of the Collateral owned by it, except for financing statements (i) naming the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties as the secured party, and (ii) in respect of other Liens permitted under Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement. Such Grantor acknowledges that it is not authorized to file any financing statement or amendment or termination statement with respect to any financing statement filed by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, subject to such Grantor’s rights under Section 9-509(d)(2) of the UCC.

(g) Locations. Such Grantor will not (i) maintain any Collateral owned by it at any location other than those locations listed on Exhibit A or disclosed to Administrative Agent pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section 4.1(g), except with respect to castings, which are located at various foundries where Inventory is manufactured (ii) otherwise change, or add to, such locations without the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent as required by the Credit Agreement (and if the Administrative Agent gives such consent, such Grantor will concurrently therewith obtain a Collateral Access Agreement for each such location to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent or otherwise required by the Credit Agreement), or (iii) change its principal place of business or chief executive office from the location identified on Exhibit A, other than as permitted by the Credit Agreement.

(h) Compliance with Terms. Such Grantor will perform and comply with all obligations in respect of the Collateral owned by it and all agreements to which it is a party or by which it is bound relating to such Collateral.

 

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4.2. Receivables.

(a) Certain Agreements on Receivables. Such Grantor will not make or agree to make any discount, credit, rebate or other reduction in the original amount owing on a Receivable or accept in satisfaction of a Receivable less than the original amount thereof, except that, prior to the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, such Grantor may reduce the amount of Accounts arising from the sale of Inventory in accordance with its present policies and in the ordinary course of business and as otherwise permitted under the Credit Agreement.

(b) Collection of Receivables. Except as otherwise provided in this Security Agreement, such Grantor will collect and enforce, at such Grantor’s sole expense, all amounts due or hereafter due to such Grantor under the Receivables owned by it.

(c) Delivery of Invoices. Such Grantor will deliver to the Administrative Agent promptly upon its request after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default duplicate invoices with respect to each Account owned by it bearing such language of assignment as the Administrative Agent shall specify.

(d) Disclosure of Counterclaims on Receivables. If (i) any material discount, credit or agreement to make a rebate or to otherwise reduce the amount owing on any Receivable owned by such Grantor exists or (ii) if, to the knowledge of such Grantor, any material dispute, setoff, claim, counterclaim or defense exists or has been asserted or threatened with respect to any such Receivable, such Grantor will promptly disclose such fact to the Administrative Agent in writing.

(e) Electronic Chattel Paper. Upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such Grantor shall take all steps necessary to grant the Administrative Agent Control of all electronic chattel paper in accordance with the UCC and all “transferable records” as defined in each of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.

4.3. Inventory and Equipment.

(a) Maintenance of Goods. Such Grantor will do all things necessary to maintain, preserve, protect and keep its Inventory and the Equipment in good repair and working order and saleable condition (except for damaged or defective goods arising in the ordinary course of such Grantor’s business and except for ordinary wear and tear in respect of the Equipment).

(b) [Reserved].

(d) Equipment. Such Grantor shall not permit any Equipment to become a fixture with respect to real property or to become an accession with respect to other personal property with respect to which real or personal property the Administrative Agent does not have a Lien. Such Grantor will not, without the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent, alter or remove any identifying symbol or number on any of such Grantor’s Equipment constituting Collateral.

(e) [Reserved].

4.4. Delivery of Instruments, Securities, Chattel Paper and Documents. Such Grantor will (a) deliver to the Administrative Agent promptly upon execution of this Security Agreement the originals of all Chattel Paper with a face amount in excess of $100,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate for all such Chattel Paper, Securities (to the extent certificated) and Instruments, in each case, with a face amount in excess of $100,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate for all such Securities or Instruments, constituting Collateral owned by it (if any then exist), (b) hold in trust for the Administrative Agent upon receipt and promptly thereafter deliver to the Administrative Agent any Chattel Paper with a face amount in excess of $100,000 individually or $500,000

 

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in the aggregate for all such Chattel Paper, Securities and Instruments, in each case, with a face amount in excess of $100,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate for all such Securities or Instruments, constituting Collateral and (c) upon the Administrative Agent’s request, deliver to the Administrative Agent (and thereafter hold in trust for the Administrative Agent upon receipt and immediately deliver to the Administrative Agent) any Document evidencing or constituting Collateral, in each case, together with endorsements, allonges, acknowledgements and other customary instruments of transfer executed in blank.

4.5. Uncertificated Pledged Collateral. Such Grantor will permit the Administrative Agent from time to time to cause the appropriate issuers (and, if held with a securities intermediary, such securities intermediary) of uncertificated securities or other types of Pledged Collateral owned by it not represented by certificates to mark their books and records with the numbers and face amounts of all such uncertificated securities or other types of Pledged Collateral not represented by certificates and all rollovers and replacements therefor to reflect the Lien of the Administrative Agent granted pursuant to this Security Agreement. With respect to any Pledged Collateral owned by it, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such Grantor will take any actions necessary to cause (a) the issuers of uncertificated securities which are Pledged Collateral and (b) any securities intermediary which is the holder of any such Pledged Collateral, to cause the Administrative Agent to have and retain Control over such Pledged Collateral. Without limiting the foregoing, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such Grantor will, with respect to any such Pledged Collateral held with a securities intermediary, cause such securities intermediary to enter into an Account Control Agreement with the Administrative Agent giving the Administrative Agent Control.

4.6. Pledged Collateral.

(a) Changes in Capital Structure of Issuers. Such Grantor will not (i) permit or suffer any issuer of an Equity Interest constituting Pledged Collateral owned by it to dissolve, merge, liquidate, retire any of its Equity Interests or other Instruments or Securities evidencing ownership, reduce its capital, sell or encumber all or substantially all of its assets or merge or consolidate with any other entity or (ii) vote any such Pledged Collateral in favor of any of the foregoing, in each case, except as otherwise permitted under the Credit Agreement.

(b) Issuance of Additional Securities. Such Grantor will not permit or suffer the issuer of an Equity Interest constituting Pledged Collateral owned by it to issue additional Equity Interests, any right to receive the same or any right to receive earnings, except to such Grantor or as otherwise permitted under the Credit Agreement.

(c) Registration of Pledged Collateral. Such Grantor will permit any registerable Pledged Collateral to be registered in the name of the Administrative Agent or its nominee at any time at the option of the Required Lenders.

(d) Exercise of Rights in Pledged Collateral.

(i) Without in any way limiting the foregoing and subject to clause (ii) below, such Grantor shall have the right to exercise all voting rights or other rights relating to the Pledged Collateral owned by it for all purposes not inconsistent with this Security Agreement, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided however, that no vote or other right shall be exercised or action taken which would have the effect of impairing the rights of the Administrative Agent in respect of such Pledged Collateral.

(ii) Such Grantor will permit the Administrative Agent or its nominee at any time during the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, without notice, to exercise or refrain from exercising any and all voting and other consensual rights or other rights relating to the Pledged Collateral owned by it, including, without limitation, exchange, subscription or any other rights, privileges, or options pertaining to any Equity Interest or Investment Property constituting Pledged Collateral and to

 

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receive all dividends and interest in respect of such Pledged Collateral as if it were the absolute owner thereof.

(iii) Such Grantor shall, at any time other than during the existence and continuation of an Event of Default, be entitled to collect and receive for its own use all cash dividends and interest paid in respect of the Pledged Collateral owned by it to the extent not in violation of the Credit Agreement other than any of the following distributions and payments (collectively referred to as the “Excluded Payments”): (A) dividends and interest paid or payable other than in cash in respect of such Pledged Collateral, and instruments and other property received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Collateral; (B) dividends and other distributions paid or payable in cash in respect of such Pledged Collateral in connection with a partial or total liquidation or dissolution or in connection with a reduction of capital, capital surplus or paid-in capital of an issuer; and (C) cash paid, payable or otherwise distributed, in respect of principal of, or in redemption of, or in exchange for, such Pledged Collateral; provided however, that until actually paid, all rights to such distributions shall remain subject to the Lien created by this Security Agreement; and

(iv) All Excluded Payments and all other distributions in respect of any of the Pledged Collateral owned by such Grantor, whenever paid or made, shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent to hold as Pledged Collateral and shall, if received by such Grantor, be received in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, be segregated from the other property or funds of such Grantor, and be forthwith delivered to the Administrative Agent as Pledged Collateral in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement).

(e) Interests in Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships. Each Grantor agrees that no ownership interests in a limited liability company or a limited partnership which are included within the Collateral owned by such Grantor shall at any time constitute a Security under Article 8 of the UCC of the applicable jurisdiction.

4.7. Intellectual Property.

(a) After any change to Exhibit D (or the information required to be disclosed thereon), the applicable Grantor shall provide the Administrative Agent notification thereof in the next Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the respective Confirmatory Grant as described in this Section 4.7 and any other documents that the Administrative Agent reasonably requests with respect thereto.

(b) Such Grantor shall (and shall cause all of its licensees to) (i) (1) continue to use each Trademark included in the Material Intellectual Property owned by it in order to maintain such Trademark in full force and effect with respect to each class of goods for which such Trademark is currently used, free from any claim of abandonment for non-use, (2) maintain at least the same standards of quality of products and services offered under such Trademark as are currently maintained, (3) use such Trademark with the appropriate notice of registration and all other notices and legends required by applicable Requirements of Law and (4) not adopt or use any other Trademark that is confusingly similar or a colorable imitation of such Trademark unless the Administrative Agent shall obtain a perfected security interest in such other Trademark pursuant to this Security Agreement and (ii) not do any act or omit to do any act whereby (w) such Trademark (or any goodwill associated therewith) may become destroyed, invalidated, impaired or harmed in any way, (x) any Patent included in the Material Intellectual Property may become forfeited, misused, unenforceable, abandoned or dedicated to the public, (y) any portion of the Copyrights included in the Material Intellectual Property may become invalidated, otherwise impaired or fall into the public domain or (z) any Trade Secret that is Material Intellectual Property may become publicly available or otherwise unprotectable.

(c) Such Grantor shall notify the Administrative Agent immediately if it knows, or has reason to know, that any application or registration relating to any Patent, Trademark, Copyright included in Material Intellectual Property or other Material Intellectual Property owned by it may become forfeited, misused,

 

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unenforceable, abandoned or dedicated to the public, or of any adverse determination or development regarding the validity or enforceability or such Grantor’s ownership of, interest in, right to use, register, own or maintain any Patent, Trademark, Copyright included in Material Intellectual Property or other Material Intellectual Property (including the institution of, or any such determination or development in, any proceeding relating to the foregoing in any Applicable IP Office). Such Grantor shall take all actions that are necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to maintain and pursue each application (and to obtain the relevant registration or recordation) and to maintain each registration and recordation included in the Material Intellectual Property owned by it. .

(d) Such Grantor shall not knowingly do any act or omit to do any act to infringe, misappropriate, dilute, violate or otherwise impair the Intellectual Property of any other Person. In the event that any Material Intellectual Property of such Grantor is or has been infringed, misappropriated, violated, diluted or otherwise impaired by a third party, such Grantor shall promptly sue for infringement, misappropriation or dilution and to recover any and all damages for such infringement, misappropriation or dilution, and shall take such other actions as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate under the circumstances to protect such Material Intellectual Property.

(e) Such Grantor shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and suitable for filing in the Applicable IP Office the respective Confirmatory Grant in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent for all Copyrights, Trademarks and Patents of such Grantor.

(f) Such Grantor shall take all actions necessary or requested by the Administrative Agent to maintain and pursue each application, to obtain the relevant registration and to maintain the registration of all Material Intellectual Property owned by it (now or hereafter existing), including the filing of applications for renewal, affidavits of use, affidavits of noncontestability and opposition and interference and cancellation proceedings.

4.8 Commercial Tort Claims. Such Grantor shall promptly, and in any event within two (2) Business Days after the same is acquired by it, notify the Administrative Agent of any commercial tort claim (as defined in the UCC) in an amount in excess of $100,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate for all such commercial tort claims acquired by it, and, unless the Administrative Agent otherwise consents, such Grantor shall enter into an amendment to this Security Agreement, in the form of Exhibit J hereto, granting to the Administrative Agent a first priority security interest in such commercial tort claim.

4.9. Letter-of-Credit Rights. If such Grantor is or becomes the beneficiary of a letter of credit , with a face amount in excess of $100,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate for all such letters of credit, it shall promptly, and in any event within two (2) Business Days after becoming a beneficiary, notify the Administrative Agent thereof and cause the issuer and/or confirmation bank to (i) consent to the assignment of any Letter-of-Credit Rights, with a face amount in excess of $100,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate for all such Letter-of-Credit Rights, to the Administrative Agent and (ii) agree to direct all payments thereunder to a Deposit Account at the Administrative Agent or subject to an Account Control Agreement for application to the Secured Obligations, in accordance with Section 2.18 of the Credit Agreement, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

4.10. Federal, State or Municipal Claims. Such Grantor will promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any Collateral which constitutes a claim against the United States government or any state or local government or any instrumentality or agency thereof, the assignment of which claim is restricted by federal, state or municipal law. Furthermore, each Grantor will execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent such documents, agreements and instruments, and will take such further actions (including, without limitation, the taking of necessary actions under the Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended (31 U.S.C. § 3727 et seq. and 41 U.S.C. § 15 et seq.)), which the Administrative Agent may, from time to time, reasonably request, to ensure perfection and

 

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priority of the Liens hereunder in respect of Accounts and General Intangibles owing by any government or instrumentality or agency thereof, all at the expense of the Borrower.

4.11. No Interference. Such Grantor agrees that it will not interfere with any right, power and remedy of the Administrative Agent provided for in this Security Agreement or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise, or the exercise or beginning of the exercise by the Administrative Agent of any one or more of such rights, powers or remedies.

4.12. Insurance. (a) In the event any Collateral is located in any area that has been designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a “Special Flood Hazard Area”, such Grantor shall purchase and maintain flood insurance on such Collateral (including any personal property which is located on any real property leased by such Grantor within a “Special Flood Hazard Area”). The amount of flood insurance required by this Section shall be in an amount equal to the lesser of the total Commitment or the total replacement cost value of the improvements.

(b) All insurance policies required hereunder and under Section 5.10 of the Credit Agreement shall name the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties) as an additional insured or as lender’s loss payee, as applicable, and shall contain lender loss payable clauses or mortgagee clauses, through endorsements in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, which provide that: (i) all proceeds thereunder with respect to any Collateral shall be payable to the Administrative Agent; (ii) no such insurance shall be affected by any act or neglect of the insured or owner of the property described in such policy; and (iii) such policy and lender loss payable or mortgagee clauses may be canceled, amended, or terminated only upon at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice given to the Administrative Agent.

(c) All premiums on any such insurance shall be paid when due by such Grantor, and copies of the policies delivered to the Administrative Agent upon the Administrative Agent’s request. If such Grantor fails to obtain or maintain any insurance as required by this Section, the Administrative Agent may obtain such insurance at the Borrower’s expense. By purchasing such insurance, the Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have waived or released any Default arising from a Grantor’s failure to maintain such insurance or pay any premiums therefor. All sums so disbursed by the Administrative Agent shall constitute part of the Secured Obligations, payable as provided in the Loan Documents.

4.13. Collateral Access Agreements. Upon request by the Administrative Agent, such Grantor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a Collateral Access Agreement from the lessor of each leased property, mortgagee of owned property or bailee or consignee with respect to any warehouse, processor or converter facility or other location where Collateral, with a value of $1,000,000 at each individual location or $5,000,000 at all such locations in the aggregate, is stored or located, which agreement or letter shall provide access rights, contain a waiver or subordination of all Liens or claims that the landlord, mortgagee, bailee or consignee may assert against the Collateral at that location, and shall otherwise be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent.

4.14. Account Control Agreements. Such Grantor will upon the Administrative Agent’s request, provide to the Administrative Agent an Account Control Agreement duly executed on behalf of each financial institution, securities intermediary or other Person holding a deposit account or securities account of such Grantor that does not constitute Excluded Property as set forth in this Security Agreement.

4.15. Change of Name or Location of Grantor; Change of Fiscal Year. Such Grantor shall not (a) change its legal name as it appears in official filings in the state of its incorporation or organization, (b) change its mailing address, principal place of business, chief executive office, corporate offices or warehouses or locations at which Collateral is held or stored, or the location of its records concerning the Collateral from the location identified on Exhibit A or as otherwise set forth in this Security Agreement, (c) change the type of entity that it is, (d) change its organization identification number, if any, issued by its state of incorporation or other organization, or (e) change its state of incorporation or organization, in each case, unless the Administrative Agent

 

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shall have received at least twenty (20) days’ prior written notice of such change and the Administrative Agent shall have acknowledged in writing that either (i) such change will not adversely affect the validity, perfection or priority of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, or (ii) any reasonable action requested by the Administrative Agent in connection therewith has been completed or taken (including any action to continue the perfection of any Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, in any Collateral), provided that, any new location shall be in the continental U.S. and provided further that, if the Administrative Agent fails to provide any response to such prior written notice by the applicable Grantor within fifteen (15) days of receipt of such notice from such Grantor, then the Administrative Agent shall be deemed to have consented to such change. Such Grantor shall not change its fiscal year which currently ends on December 31.

4.16. Updating of Exhibits to the Security Agreement. The Borrower will provide to the Administrative Agent, concurrently with the delivery of each Compliance Certificate pursuant to the Credit Agreement, updated versions of the Exhibits to this Security Agreement (provided that if there have been no changes to any such Exhibits since the previous updating thereof required hereby, the Borrower shall indicate that there has been “no change” to the applicable Exhibit(s)).

ARTICLE V

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

5.1. Events of Default. The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder:

(a) Any representation or warranty made by or on behalf of any Grantor under or in connection with this Security Agreement shall be materially false as of the date on which made.

(b) Any Grantor shall fail to observe or perform any of the terms or provisions of Article IV.

(c) Any Grantor shall fail to observe or perform any of the terms or provisions of this Security Agreement (other than a breach which constitutes an Event of Default under any other Section of this Article V), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after the earlier of knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent.

(d) The occurrence of any “Event of Default” under, and as defined in, the Credit Agreement.

(e) Any Equity Interest which is included within the Collateral shall at any time constitute a Security or the issuer of any such Equity Interest shall take any action to have such interests treated as a Security unless (i) all certificates or other documents constituting such Security have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and such Security is properly defined as such under Article 8 of the UCC of the applicable jurisdiction, whether as a result of actions by the issuer thereof or otherwise, or (ii) the Administrative Agent has entered into an Account Control Agreement with the issuer of such Security or with a securities intermediary relating to such Security and such Security is defined as such under Article 8 of the UCC of the applicable jurisdiction, whether as a result of actions by the issuer thereof or otherwise.

5.2. Remedies.

(a) Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may (or, at the direction of the Required Lenders, shall) exercise any or all of the following rights and remedies:

(i) those rights and remedies provided in this Security Agreement, the Credit Agreement, or any other Loan Document; provided that, this Section 5.2(a) shall not be understood to

 

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limit any rights or remedies available to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties prior to an Event of Default;

(ii) those rights and remedies available to a secured party under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the affected Collateral) or under any other applicable law (including, without limitation, any law governing the exercise of a bank’s right of setoff or bankers’ lien) when a debtor is in default under a security agreement;

(iii) give notice of sole control or any other instruction under any Account Control Agreement or other control agreement with any securities intermediary and take any action therein with respect to such Collateral;

(iv) without notice (except as specifically provided in Section 7.1 or elsewhere herein), demand or advertisement of any kind to any Grantor or any other Person, enter the premises of any Grantor where any Collateral is located (through self-help and without judicial process) to collect, receive, assemble, process, appropriate, sell, lease, assign, grant an option or options to purchase or otherwise Dispose of, deliver, or realize upon, the Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale or sales (which sales may be adjourned or continued from time to time with or without notice and may take place at any Grantor’s premises or elsewhere), for cash, on credit or for future delivery without assumption of any credit risk, and upon such other terms as the Administrative Agent may deem commercially reasonable; and

(v) concurrently with written notice to the applicable Grantor, transfer and register in its name or in the name of its nominee the whole or any part of the Pledged Collateral, exchange certificates or instruments representing or evidencing Pledged Collateral for certificates or instruments of smaller or larger denominations, exercise the voting and all other rights as a holder with respect thereto, to collect and receive all cash dividends, interest, principal and other distributions made thereon and to otherwise act with respect to the Pledged Collateral as though the Administrative Agent was the outright owner thereof.

(b) The Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, may comply with any applicable state or federal law requirements in connection with a Disposition of the Collateral and compliance will not be considered to adversely affect the commercial reasonableness of any sale of the Collateral.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall have the right upon any such public sale or sales and, to the extent permitted by law, upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, the whole or any part of the Collateral so sold, free of any right of equity redemption, which equity redemption the Grantor hereby expressly releases.

(d) Until the Administrative Agent is able to effect a Disposition of Collateral, the Administrative Agent shall have the right to hold or use Collateral, or any part thereof, to the extent that it deems appropriate for the purpose of preserving Collateral or its value or for any other purpose deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may, if it so elects, seek the appointment of a receiver or keeper to take possession of Collateral and to enforce any of the Administrative Agent’s remedies (for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties), with respect to such appointment without prior notice or hearing as to such appointment.

(e) If, after the Credit Agreement has terminated by its terms and all of the Secured Obligations have been Paid in Full, there remain Swap Agreement Obligations or Banking Services Obligations outstanding, the Required Lenders may exercise the remedies provided in this Section 5.2 upon the occurrence of any event which would allow or require the termination or acceleration of any Swap Agreement Obligations or Banking Services Obligations.

 

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(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Secured Party shall be required to (i) make any demand upon, or pursue or exhaust any of its rights or remedies against, any Grantor, any other obligor, guarantor, pledgor or any other Person with respect to the payment of the Secured Obligations or to pursue or exhaust any of its rights or remedies with respect to any Collateral therefor or any direct or indirect guarantee thereof, (ii) marshal the Collateral or any guarantee of the Secured Obligations or to resort to the Collateral or any such guarantee in any particular order, or (iii) effect a public sale of any Collateral.

(g) Each Grantor recognizes that the Administrative Agent may be unable to effect a public sale of any or all the Pledged Collateral and may be compelled to resort to one or more private sales thereof in accordance with clause (a) above. Each Grantor also acknowledges that any private sale may result in prices and other terms less favorable to the seller than if such sale were a public sale and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees that any such private sale shall not be deemed to have been made in a commercially unreasonable manner solely by virtue of such sale being private. The Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to delay a sale of any of the Pledged Collateral for the period of time necessary to permit any Grantor or the issuer of the Pledged Collateral to register such securities for public sale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under applicable state securities laws, even if the applicable Grantor and the issuer would agree to do so.

5.3. Grantor’s Obligations Upon Default. Upon the request of the Administrative Agent after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, each Grantor will:

(a) assemble and make available to the Administrative Agent the Collateral and all books and records relating thereto at any place or places specified by the Administrative Agent, whether at a Grantor’s premises or elsewhere;

(b) permit the Administrative Agent, by the Administrative Agent’s representatives and agents, to enter, occupy and use any premises where all or any part of the Collateral, or the books and records relating thereto, or both, are located, to take possession of all or any part of the Collateral or the books and records relating thereto, or both, to remove all or any part of the Collateral or the books and records relating thereto, or both, and to conduct sales of the Collateral, without any obligation to pay the Grantor for such use and occupancy;

(c) prepare and file, or cause an issuer of Pledged Collateral to prepare and file, with the SEC or any other applicable government agency, registration statements, a prospectus and such other documentation in connection with the Pledged Collateral as the Administrative Agent may request, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and furnish to the Administrative Agent, or cause an issuer of Pledged Collateral to furnish to the Administrative Agent, any information regarding the Pledged Collateral in such detail as the Administrative Agent may specify;

(d) take, or cause an issuer of Pledged Collateral to take, any and all actions necessary to register or qualify the Pledged Collateral to enable the Administrative Agent to consummate a public sale or other Disposition of the Pledged Collateral; and

(e) at its own expense, cause the independent certified public accountants then engaged by each Grantor to prepare and deliver to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, at any time, and from time to time, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request, the following reports with respect to the applicable Grantor: (i) a reconciliation of all Accounts; (ii) an aging of all Accounts; (iii) trial balances; and (iv) a test verification of such Accounts.

5.4. Grant of Intellectual Property License. For the purpose of enabling the Administrative Agent to exercise the rights and remedies under this Article V at such time as the Administrative Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies (including in order to take possession of, collect, receive, assemble, process, appropriate, remove, realize upon, sell, assign, convey, transfer or grant options to purchase any Collateral), each Grantor hereby (a) grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent

 

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and the other Secured Parties, an irrevocable, nonexclusive worldwide license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to any Grantor), including in such license the right to use, license, sublicense or practice any Intellectual Property now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor, 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 and (b) irrevocably agrees that the Administrative Agent may sell any of such Grantor’s Inventory directly to any person, including without limitation persons who have previously purchased the Grantor’s Inventory from such Grantor and in connection with any such sale or other enforcement of the Administrative Agent’s rights under this Security Agreement, may sell Inventory which bears any Trademark owned by or licensed to such Grantor and any Inventory that is covered by any Copyright owned by or licensed to such Grantor and the Administrative Agent may (but shall have no obligation to) finish any work in process and affix any Trademark owned by or licensed to such Grantor and sell such Inventory as provided herein.

ARTICLE VI

ACCOUNT VERIFICATION; ATTORNEY IN FACT; PROXY

6.1. Account Verification. The Administrative Agent may at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, in the Administrative Agent’s own name, in the name of a nominee of the Administrative Agent, or in the name of any Grantor communicate (by mail, telephone, facsimile or otherwise) with the Account Debtors of any such Grantor, parties to contracts with any such Grantor and obligors in respect of Instruments of any such Grantor to verify with such Persons, to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction, the existence, amount, terms of, and any other matter relating to, Accounts, Instruments, Chattel Paper, payment intangibles and/or other Receivables.

6.2. Authorization for Administrative Agent to Take Certain Action.

(a) Each Grantor irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent at any time and from time to time in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and appoints the Administrative Agent as its attorney-in-fact (i) to endorse and collect any cash proceeds of the Collateral, (ii) to file any financing statement with respect to the Collateral and to file any other financing statement or amendment of a financing statement (which does not add new collateral or add a debtor) in such offices as the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion deems necessary or desirable to perfect and to maintain the perfection and priority of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, (iii) in the case of any Intellectual Property owned by or licensed to a Grantor, execute, deliver and have recorded any document that the Administrative Agent may request to evidence, effect, publicize or record the Administrative Agent’s security interest in such Intellectual Property and the goodwill and General Intangibles of such Grantor relating thereto or represented thereby, (iv) to contact and enter into one or more agreements with the issuers of uncertificated securities which are Pledged Collateral or with securities intermediaries holding Pledged Collateral as may be necessary or advisable to give the Administrative Agent Control over such Pledged Collateral, (v) to discharge past due taxes, assessments, charges, fees or Liens on the Collateral (except for such Liens that are permitted under Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement), (vi) to contact Account Debtors for any reason, (vii) to demand payment or enforce payment of the Receivables in the name of the Administrative Agent or such Grantor and to endorse any and all checks, drafts, and other instruments for the payment of money relating to the Receivables, (viii) to sign such Grantor’s name on any invoice or bill of lading relating to the Receivables, drafts against any Account Debtor of the Grantor, assignments and verifications of Receivables, (ix) to exercise all of such Grantor’s rights and remedies with respect to the collection of the Receivables and any other Collateral, (x) to settle, adjust, compromise, extend or renew the Receivables, (xi) to settle, adjust or compromise any legal proceedings brought to collect Receivables, (xii) to prepare, file and sign such Grantor’s name on a proof of claim in bankruptcy or similar document against any Account Debtor of such Grantor, (xiii) to prepare, file and sign such Grantor’s name on any notice of Lien, assignment or satisfaction of Lien or similar document in connection with the Receivables, (xiv) to change the address for delivery of mail addressed to such Grantor to such address as the Administrative Agent may designate and to receive, open and dispose of all mail addressed to such Grantor, and (xv) to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out this Security Agreement; and such Grantor agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent on demand for any payment

 

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made or any expense incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that, this authorization shall not relieve such Grantor of any of its obligations under this Security Agreement or under the Credit Agreement.

(b) All acts of said attorney or designee are hereby ratified and approved. The powers conferred on the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and Secured Parties, under this Section 6.2 are solely to protect the Administrative Agent’s interests in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to exercise any such powers. The Administrative Agent agrees that, except for the powers granted in Section 6.2(a)(i)-(v) and Section 6.2(a)(xv), it shall not exercise any power or authority granted to it unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

6.3. Proxy. EACH GRANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSTITUTES AND APPOINTS THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AS ITS PROXY AND ATTORNEY-IN-FACT (AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 6.2 ABOVE) OF THE GRANTOR WITH RESPECT TO ITS PLEDGED COLLATERAL, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO VOTE SUCH PLEDGED COLLATERAL, WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION TO DO SO. IN ADDITION TO THE RIGHT TO VOTE ANY SUCH PLEDGED COLLATERAL, THE APPOINTMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AS PROXY AND ATTORNEY-IN-FACT SHALL INCLUDE THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS, POWERS, PRIVILEGES AND REMEDIES TO WHICH A HOLDER OF SUCH PLEDGED COLLATERAL WOULD BE ENTITLED (INCLUDING GIVING OR WITHHOLDING WRITTEN CONSENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS, CALLING SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS AND VOTING AT SUCH MEETINGS). SUCH PROXY SHALL BE EFFECTIVE, AUTOMATICALLY AND WITHOUT THE NECESSITY OF ANY ACTION (INCLUDING ANY TRANSFER OF ANY SUCH PLEDGED COLLATERAL ON THE RECORD BOOKS OF THE ISSUER THEREOF) BY ANY PERSON (INCLUDING THE ISSUER OF SUCH PLEDGED COLLATERAL OR ANY OFFICER OR AGENT THEREOF), UPON THE OCCURRENCE AND DURING THE CONTINUATION OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT.

6.4. Nature of Appointment; Limitation of Duty. THE APPOINTMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AS PROXY AND ATTORNEY-IN-FACT IN THIS ARTICLE VI IS COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST AND SHALL BE IRREVOCABLE UNTIL THE DATE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT IS TERMINATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 7.15. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING CONTAINED HEREIN, NONE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER, ANY OTHER SECURED PARTY, ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES, OR ANY OF THEIR OR THEIR AFFILIATES’ RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES SHALL HAVE ANY DUTY TO EXERCISE ANY RIGHT OR POWER GRANTED HEREUNDER OR OTHERWISE OR TO PRESERVE THE SAME AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY FAILURE TO DO SO OR FOR ANY DELAY IN DOING SO, EXCEPT IN RESPECT OF DAMAGES ATTRIBUTABLE SOLELY TO SUCH PARTY’S OWN GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT AS FINALLY DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION; PROVIDED THAT, IN NO EVENT SHALL THEY BE LIABLE FOR ANY PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

ARTICLE VII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

7.1 Waivers. Each Grantor hereby waives notice of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale or other Disposition of all or any part of the Collateral may be made. To the extent such notice may not be waived under applicable law, any notice made shall be deemed reasonable if sent to Grantors, addressed as set forth in Article IX, at least ten (10) days prior to (i) the date of any such public sale or (ii) the time after which any such private sale or other Disposition may be made. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, each Grantor waives all claims, damages, and demands against the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party arising out of the repossession, retention or sale of the Collateral, except such as arise solely out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent or such Secured Party as finally

 

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determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. To the extent it may lawfully do so, each Grantor absolutely and irrevocably waives and relinquishes the benefit and advantage of, and covenants not to assert against the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party, any valuation, stay, appraisal, extension, moratorium, redemption or similar laws and any and all rights or defenses it may have as a surety now or hereafter existing which, but for this provision, might be applicable to the sale of any Collateral made under the judgment, order or decree of any court, or privately under the power of sale conferred by this Security Agreement, or otherwise. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each Grantor hereby waives presentment, demand, protest or any notice (to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law) of any kind in connection with this Security Agreement or any Collateral.

7.2. Limitation on Administrative Agent’s and Secured Parties’ Duty with Respect to the Collateral. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to clean-up or otherwise prepare the Collateral for sale. The Administrative Agent and each other Secured Party shall use reasonable care with respect to the Collateral in its possession or under its control. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Secured Party shall have any other duty as to any Collateral in its possession or control or in the possession or control of any agent or nominee of the Administrative Agent or such other Secured Party, or any income thereon or as to the preservation of rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining thereto. To the extent that applicable law imposes duties on the Administrative Agent to exercise remedies in a commercially reasonable manner, each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that it is commercially reasonable for the Administrative Agent (i) to fail to incur expenses deemed significant by the Administrative Agent to prepare Collateral for Disposition or otherwise to transform raw material or work in process into finished goods or other finished products for Disposition, (ii) to fail to obtain third party consents for access to Collateral to be Disposed of, or to obtain or, if not required by other law, to fail to obtain governmental or third party consents for the collection or Disposition of Collateral to be collected or Disposed of, (iii) to fail to exercise collection remedies against Account Debtors or other Persons obligated on Collateral or to remove Liens on or any adverse claims against Collateral, (iv) to exercise collection remedies against Account Debtors and other Persons obligated on Collateral directly or through the use of collection agencies and other collection specialists, (v) to advertise Dispositions of Collateral through publications or media of general circulation, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature, (vi) to contact other Persons, whether or not in the same business as such Grantor, for expressions of interest in acquiring all or any portion of such Collateral, (vii) to hire one or more professional auctioneers to assist in the Disposition of Collateral, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature, (viii) to Dispose of Collateral by utilizing internet sites that provide for the auction of assets of the types included in the Collateral or that have the reasonable capacity of doing so, or that match buyers and sellers of assets, (ix) to Dispose of assets in wholesale rather than retail markets, (x) to disclaim Disposition warranties, such as title, possession or quiet enjoyment, (xi) to purchase insurance or credit enhancements to insure the Administrative Agent against risks of loss, collection or Disposition of Collateral or to provide to the Administrative Agent a guaranteed return from the collection or Disposition of Collateral, or (xii) to the extent deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent, to obtain the services of other brokers, investment bankers, consultants and other professionals to assist the Administrative Agent in the collection or Disposition of any of the Collateral. The Grantor acknowledges that the purpose of this Section 7.2 is to provide non-exhaustive indications of what actions or omissions by the Administrative Agent would be commercially reasonable in the Administrative Agent’s exercise of remedies against the Collateral and that other actions or omissions by the Administrative Agent shall not be deemed commercially unreasonable solely on account of not being indicated in this Section 7.2. Without limitation upon the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 7.2 shall be construed to grant any rights to the Grantor or to impose any duties on the Administrative Agent that would not have been granted or imposed by this Security Agreement or by applicable law in the absence of this Section 7.2.

7.3. Compromises and Collection of Collateral. The Grantors and the Administrative Agent recognize that setoffs, counterclaims, defenses and other claims may be asserted by obligors with respect to certain of the Receivables, that certain of the Receivables may be or become uncollectible in whole or in part and that the expense and probability of success in litigating a disputed Receivable may exceed the amount that reasonably may be expected to be recovered with respect to a Receivable. In view of the foregoing, each Grantor agrees that the Administrative Agent may at any time and from time to time, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,

 

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compromise with the obligor on any Receivable, accept in full payment of any Receivable such amount as the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion shall determine or abandon any Receivable, and any such action by the Administrative Agent shall be commercially reasonable so long as the Administrative Agent acts in good faith based on information known to it at the time it takes any such action.

7.4. Secured Party Performance of Debtor Obligations. Without having any obligation to do so, the Administrative Agent may perform or pay any obligation which any Grantor has agreed to perform or pay in this Security Agreement and the Grantors shall reimburse the Administrative Agent for any amounts paid by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 7.4. The Grantors’ obligation to reimburse the Administrative Agent pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be a Secured Obligation payable on demand.

7.5 Specific Performance of Certain Covenants. Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that a breach of any of the covenants contained in Sections 4.1(d), 4.1(e), 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15, 5.3, or 7.7 will cause irreparable injury to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, that the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties have no adequate remedy at law in respect of such breaches and therefore agrees, without limiting the right of the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties to seek and obtain specific performance of other obligations of the Grantors contained in this Security Agreement, that the covenants of the Grantors contained in the Sections referred to in this Section 7.5 shall be specifically enforceable against the Grantors.

7.6 Use and Possession of Certain Premises. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to occupy and use any premises owned or leased by the Grantors where any of the Collateral or any records relating to the Collateral are located until the Secured Obligations are paid or the Collateral is removed therefrom, whichever first occurs, without any obligation to pay any Grantor for such use and occupancy.

7.7. Dispositions Not Authorized. No Grantor is authorized to Dispose of the Collateral except as set forth in Section 4.1(d) and notwithstanding any course of dealing between any Grantor and the Administrative Agent or other conduct of the Administrative Agent, no authorization to Dispose of the Collateral (except as set forth in Section 4.1(d)) shall be binding upon the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties unless such authorization is in writing signed by the Administrative Agent with the consent or at the direction of the Required Lenders.

7.8. No Waiver; Amendments; Cumulative Remedies. No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party in exercising any right or power under this Security Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Security Agreement or consent to any departure by the Grantor therefrom shall in any event be effective unless in writing signed by the Administrative Agent and the Grantors and then only to the extent in such writing specifically set forth.

7.9. Limitation by Law; Severability of Provisions. All rights, remedies and powers provided in this Security 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 Security 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 Security Agreement invalid, unenforceable or not entitled to be recorded or registered, in whole or in part. Any provision in this Security Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of this Security Agreement are declared to be severable.

 

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7.10 Reinstatement. This Security Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against any Grantor for liquidation or reorganization, should any Grantor become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of any creditor or creditors or should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of any Grantor’s assets, and shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, or any part thereof (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), is, pursuant to applicable law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee of the Secured Obligations, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent conveyance,” or otherwise (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by a Secured Party in its discretion), all as though such payment or performance had not been made. In the event that any payment, or any part thereof (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Secured Obligations shall be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

7.11. Benefit of Agreement. The terms and provisions of this Security Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Grantors, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns (including all persons who become bound as a debtor to this Security Agreement), except that no Grantor shall have the right to assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Security Agreement or any interest herein, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. No sales of participations, assignments, transfers, or other Dispositions of any agreement governing the Secured Obligations or any portion thereof or interest therein shall in any manner impair the Lien granted to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, hereunder.

7.12. Survival of Representations. All representations and warranties of the Grantors contained in this Security Agreement shall survive the execution and delivery of this Security Agreement.

7.13. Taxes and Expenses. Any taxes (including income taxes) payable or ruled payable by a Federal or State authority in respect of this Security Agreement shall be paid by the Grantors in accordance with Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, mutatis mutandis. The Grantors shall, in accordance with Section 8.03(a) of the Credit Agreement, mutatis mutandis, reimburse the Administrative Agent for any and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and internal charges (including reasonable attorneys’, auditors’ and accountants’ fees and reasonable time charges of attorneys, paralegals, auditors and accountants who may be employees of the Administrative Agent) paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, collection and enforcement of this Security Agreement and, to the extent provided in the Credit Agreement in the audit, analysis, administration, collection, preservation or sale of the Collateral (including the expenses and charges associated with any periodic or special audit of the Collateral). Any and all costs and expenses incurred by the Grantors in the performance of actions required pursuant to the terms hereof shall be borne solely by the Grantors.

7.14. Headings. The title of and section headings in this Security Agreement are for convenience of reference only, and shall not govern the interpretation of any of the terms and provisions of this Security Agreement.

7.15. Termination. This Security Agreement shall continue in effect (notwithstanding the fact that from time to time there may be no Secured Obligations outstanding) until (i) the Credit Agreement has terminated pursuant to its express terms and (ii) all of the Secured Obligations have been Paid in Full.

7.16. Entire Agreement. This Security Agreement and the other Loan Documents embody the entire agreement and understanding between the Grantors and the Administrative Agent relating to the Collateral and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings among the Grantors and the Administrative Agent relating to the Collateral.

 

23


7.17. CHOICE OF LAW. THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

7.18. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN (OR IF SUCH COURT LACKS SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN), AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS RELATING HERETO OR THERETO, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY (AND ANY SUCH CLAIMS, CROSS-CLAIMS OR THIRD PARTY CLAIMS BROUGHT AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY OF ITS RELATED PARTIES MAY ONLY) BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH FEDERAL (TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW) OR NEW YORK STATE 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 SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY SECURED PARTY MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST ANY GRANTOR OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION. EACH GRANTOR 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 SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN THIS PARAGRAPH. 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. EACH PARTY TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 9.01 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT. NOTHING IN THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW.

7.19. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER AGENT (INCLUDING ANY 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 SECURITY AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

7.20. Indemnity. Each Grantor hereby agrees, jointly with the other Grantors and severally, to indemnify the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, and their respective successors, assigns, agents

 

24


and employees (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”), from and against any and all Liabilities, damages, penalties, suits, fees, costs, and expenses of any kind and nature (including, without limitation, all expenses of litigation or preparation therefor whether or not the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party is a party thereto) imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties, or their respective successors, assigns, agents and employees, in any way relating to or arising out of this Security Agreement or any other Loan Documents, or the manufacture, purchase, acceptance, rejection, ownership, delivery, lease, possession, use, operation, condition, sale, return or other Disposition of any Collateral (including, without limitation, latent and other defects, whether or not discoverable by the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties or any Grantor, and any claim for Patent, Trademark or Copyright infringement); provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such Liabilities, damages, penalties, suits, fees, costs and expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee.

7.21. Counterparts. This Security Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Security Agreement that is an Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Security Agreement. The parties hereto agree that Section 9.06(b) of the Credit Agreement shall apply to this Security Agreement, mutatis mutandis.

7.22 Subordination of Intercompany Indebtedness. Each Grantor agrees that any and all claims of such Grantor against any other Grantor (each an “Obligor”) with respect to any “Intercompany Indebtedness” (as hereinafter defined), any endorser, obligor or any other guarantor of all or any part of the Secured Obligations, or against any of its properties shall be subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior payment, in full and in cash, of all Secured Obligations, provided that, and not in contravention of the foregoing, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, such Grantor may make loans to and receive payments in the ordinary course of business with respect to such Intercompany Indebtedness from each such Obligor to the extent not prohibited by the terms of this Security Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Notwithstanding any right of any Grantor to ask, demand, sue for, take or receive any payment from any Obligor, all rights, liens and security interests of such Grantor, whether now or hereafter arising and howsoever existing, in any assets of any other Obligor shall be and are subordinated to the rights of the Secured Parties and the Administrative Agent in those assets. No Grantor shall have any right to possession of any such asset or to foreclose upon any such asset, whether by judicial action or otherwise, unless and until this Security Agreement has terminated in accordance with Section 7.15. If all or any part of the assets of any Obligor, or the proceeds thereof, are subject to any distribution, division or application to the creditors of such Obligor, whether partial or complete, voluntary or involuntary, and whether by reason of liquidation, bankruptcy, arrangement, receivership, assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other action or proceeding, or if the business of any such Obligor is dissolved or if substantially all of the assets of any such Obligor are sold, then, and in any such event (such events being herein referred to as an “Insolvency Event”), any payment or distribution of any kind or character, either in cash, securities or other property, which shall be payable or deliverable upon or with respect to any indebtedness of any Obligor to any Grantor (“Intercompany Indebtedness”) shall be paid or delivered directly to the Administrative Agent for application on any of the Secured Obligations, due or to become due, until such Secured Obligations (other than contingent indemnity obligations) shall have first been fully paid and satisfied (in cash). Should any payment, distribution, security or instrument or proceeds thereof be received by the applicable Grantor upon or with respect to the Intercompany Indebtedness after any Insolvency Event and prior to the termination of this Security Agreement in accordance with Section 7.15, such Grantor shall receive and hold the same in trust, as trustee, for the benefit of the Secured Parties and shall forthwith deliver the same to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in precisely the form received (except for the endorsement or assignment of the Grantor where necessary), for application to any of the Secured Obligations, due or not due, and, until so delivered, the same shall be held in trust by the Grantor as the property of the Secured Parties. If any such Grantor fails to make any such endorsement or assignment to the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent or any of its officers or employees is irrevocably authorized to make the same. Each Grantor agrees that until the termination of this Security

 

25


Agreement in accordance with Section 7.15, no Grantor will assign or transfer to any Person (other than the Administrative Agent or the Borrower or another Grantor) any claim any such Grantor has or may have against any Obligor.

7.23 Conflict with Credit Agreement. To the extent any of the provisions contained herein conflict with the terms set forth in the Credit Agreement, the provisions of the Credit Agreement shall control.

ARTICLE VIII

NOTICES

8.1. Sending Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Security Agreement shall be sent (and deemed received) in the manner and to the addresses set forth in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement. Any notice delivered to the Borrower shall be deemed to have been delivered to all of the Grantors.

8.2. Change in Address for Notices. Each of the Grantors, the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties may change the address for service of notice upon it by a notice in writing to the other parties.

ARTICLE IX

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. has been appointed Administrative Agent for the Secured Parties hereunder pursuant to Article VIII of the Credit Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties to this Security Agreement that any authority conferred upon the Administrative Agent hereunder is subject to the terms of the delegation of authority made by the Secured Parties to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Article VIII of the Credit Agreement, and that the Administrative Agent has agreed to act (and any successor Administrative Agent shall act) as such hereunder only on the express conditions contained in such Article VIII. Any successor Administrative Agent appointed pursuant to Article VIII of the Credit Agreement shall be entitled to all the rights, interests and benefits of the Administrative Agent hereunder.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

26


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantors and the Administrative Agent have executed this Security Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

The GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY, as a Grantor

By:

   

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY, as a Grantor

By:

   

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

AMT PUMP COMPANY, as a Grantor

By:

   

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

NATIONAL PUMP COMPANY, as a Grantor

By:

   

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

FILL-RITE COMPANY, as a Grantor

By:

   

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Pledge and Security Agreement


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

Signature Page to Pledge and Security Agreement


EXHIBIT A

(See Sections 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 of Security Agreement)

 

 

NOTICE ADDRESS FOR ALL GRANTORS

 
 

                                                                              

 
 

c/o                                                                          

 
 

                                                                              

 
 

Attention:                                                              

 
 

Facsimile:                                                              

 

INFORMATION AND COLLATERAL LOCATIONS OF {Insert name of applicable Grantor}

 

I.

Name of Grantor: _____________________________________

 

II.

State of Incorporation or Organization: _______________________________

 

III.

Type of Entity: _______________________________________

 

IV.

Organizational Number assigned by State of Incorporation or Organization: _________________

 

V.

Federal Identification Number: ________________________________

 

VI.

Place of Business (if it has only one) or Chief Executive Office (if more than one place of business) and Mailing Address:

 

     
     
     
     
 

Attention:                                                                                                       

 

 

VII.

Locations of Collateral:

 

  (a)

Properties Owned by the Grantor:

 

  (b)

Properties Leased by the Grantor (Include Landlord’s Name):

 

  (c)

Public Warehouses or other Locations pursuant to Bailment or Consignment Arrangements (include name of Warehouse Operator or other Bailee or Consignee):


INFORMATION AND COLLATERAL LOCATIONS OF {Insert name of applicable Grantor}

 

I.

Name of Grantor: _____________________________________

 

II.

State of Incorporation or Organization: _______________________________

 

III.

Type of Entity: _______________________________________

 

IV.

Organizational Number assigned by State of Incorporation or Organization: _________________

 

V.

Federal Identification Number: ________________________________

 

VI.

Place of Business (if it has only one) or Chief Executive Office (if more than one place of business) and Mailing Address:

 

     
     
     
     
 

Attention:                                                                                                       

 

 

VII.

Locations of Collateral:

 

  (a)

Properties Owned by the Grantor:

 

  (b)

Properties Leased by the Grantor (Include Landlord’s Name):

 

  (c)

Public Warehouses or other Locations pursuant to Bailment or Consignment Arrangements (include name of Warehouse Operator or other Bailee or Consignee):

[NOTE: ADD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PAGE FOR EACH GRANTOR]


EXHIBIT B

(See Section 3.5 of Security Agreement)

DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS

 

Name of Grantor

 

Name of Institution

 

Account Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECURITIES ACCOUNTS

 

Name of Grantor

 

Name of Institution

 

Account Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


EXHIBIT C

(See Section 3.7 of Security Agreement)

LETTER-OF-CREDIT RIGHTS

CHATTEL PAPER


EXHIBIT D

(See Section 3.10 and 3.11 of Security Agreement)

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS1

 

1 

Describe all (i) Intellectual Property that is registered or subject to applications for registration, (ii) Internet Domain Names and (iii) Material Intellectual Property and material Software, separately identifying that owned and licensed to the Grantor and including for each of the foregoing items (1) the owner, (2) the title, (3) the jurisdiction in which such item has been registered or otherwise arises or in which an application for registration has been filed, (4) as applicable, the registration or application number and registration or application date and (5) any IP Licenses or other rights (including franchises) granted by the Grantor with respect thereto.


EXHIBIT E

[RESERVED]


EXHIBIT F

(See Section 3.11 of Security Agreement)

FIXTURES

I. Legal description, county and street address of property on which Fixtures are located (by Grantor):

 

II. Name and Address of Record Owner:

 

     
     
     
     


EXHIBIT G

(See Section 3.13 of Security Agreement and Definition of “Pledged Collateral”)

LIST OF PLEDGED COLLATERAL, SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENT PROPERTY

STOCKS

 

Name of Grantor

  

Issuer

  

Certificate Number(s)

  

Number of Shares

  

Class of Stock

  

Percentage of
Outstanding Shares

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

BONDS

 

Name of Grantor

  

Issuer

  

Number

  

Face Amount

  

Coupon Rate

  

Maturity

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

GOVERNMENT SECURITIES

 

Name of Grantor

  

Issuer

  

Number

  

Type

  

Face Amount

  

Coupon Rate

  

Maturity

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

OTHER SECURITIES OR OTHER INVESTMENT PROPERTY

(CERTIFICATED AND UNCERTIFICATED)

 

Name of Grantor

  

Issuer

  

Description of Collateral

  

Percentage Ownership Interest

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

[Add description of custody accounts or arrangements with securities intermediary, if applicable]


EXHIBIT H

(See Section 3.1 of Security Agreement)

OFFICES IN WHICH FINANCING STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN FILED


EXHIBIT I

(See Definition of “Commercial Tort Claim”)

COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS

{NOTE: SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBE THE CLAIM (I.E. PARTIES, DESCRIPTION OF THE

DISPUTE, CASE NUMBER – IF AVAILABLE)—SEE OFFICIAL COMMENT 5 TO SECTION 9-108

OF THE UCC}.

 

Name of Grantor

  

Description of Claim

  

Parties

  

Case Number; Name of Court
where Case was Filed

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 


EXHIBIT J

(See Section 4.8 of Security Agreement)

AMENDMENT

This Amendment, dated [_____] is delivered pursuant to Section 4.8 of the Security Agreement referred to below. All defined terms herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto or incorporated by reference in the Security Agreement. The undersigned hereby certifies that the representations and warranties in Article III of the Security Agreement are and continue to be true and correct. The undersigned further agrees that this Amendment may be attached to that certain Pledge and Security Agreement, dated May 31, 2021 among the undersigned, as the Grantors, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the Administrative Agent, (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Security Agreement”) and that the Collateral listed on Schedule I to this Amendment shall be and become a part of the Collateral referred to in said Security Agreement and shall secure all Secured Obligations referred to in the Security Agreement.

 

By:    
Name:    
Title:    


Schedule I to Amendment to Security Agreement

COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS

{NOTE: SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBE THE CLAIM (I.E. PARTIES, DESCRIPTION OF THE

DISPUTE, CASE NUMBER – IF AVAILABLE)—SEE OFFICIAL COMMENT 5 TO SECTION 9-108

OF THE UCC}.

 

Name of Grantor

  

Description of Claim

  

Parties

  

Case Number; Name of Court
where Case was Filed

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 


ANNEX I TO PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

Reference is hereby made to the Pledge and Security Agreement (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Security Agreement”), dated as of May 31, 2022 by and among [Borrower], the Initial Grantors (as defined in the Security Agreement), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and certain other entities which become parties to the Security Agreement from time to time, including, without limitation, those that become party thereto by executing a Security Agreement Supplement in substantially the form hereof (such parties, including the undersigned, together with the other Grantors party thereto, the “Grantors”), in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the “Administrative Agent”), for the benefit of the Secured Parties under the Credit Agreement. Each capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings given to it in the Security Agreement.

By its execution below, the undersigned, [NAME OF NEW GRANTOR], a [__________________________] [corporation] [partnership] [limited liability company] (the “New Grantor”) agrees to become, and does hereby become, a Grantor under the Security Agreement and agrees to be bound by such Security Agreement as if originally a party thereto. The New Grantor hereby pledges, assigns and grants to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of and for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in all of the New Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to secure the prompt and complete payment and performance of the Secured Obligations.

By its execution below, the New Grantor represents and warrants as to itself that all of the representations and warranties contained in the Security Agreement are true and correct in all respects as of the date hereof. The New Grantor represents and warrants that the supplements to the Exhibits to the Security Agreement attached hereto are true and correct in all respects and such supplements set forth all information required to be scheduled under the Security Agreement. The New Grantor shall take all steps necessary to perfect, in favor of the Administrative Agent, a first-priority security interest in and lien against the New Grantor’s Collateral, including, without limitation, delivering all certificated Pledged Collateral to the Administrative Agent (and other Collateral required to be delivered under the Security Agreement), and taking all steps necessary to properly perfect the Administrative Agent’s interest in any uncertificated Pledged Collateral.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, [NAME OF NEW GRANTOR], a [__________________] [corporation] [partnership] [limited liability company] has executed and delivered this Annex I counterpart to the Security Agreement as of this [__] day of [________].

 

[NAME OF NEW GRANTOR]
By:  
Name:    
Title:    

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

Gorman-Rupp Completes Acquisition of Fill-Rite,

Market-Leading Manufacturer of Pumps and Meters

MANSFIELD, Ohio— June 1, 2022 — The Gorman-Rupp Company (NYSE: GRC) (the “Company”), a leading designer, manufacturer, and international marketer of pumps and pump systems, announced today that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Fill-Rite and Sotera (“Fill-Rite”), a division of the Tuthill Corporation, for $525 million. When adjusted for approximately $80 million in expected tax benefits, the net transaction value is approximately $445 million. Gorman-Rupp funded the transaction with cash-on-hand and new debt. The new debt includes a $350 million term loan and an unsecured subordinated term loan of $90 million. In addition, the Company also entered into a $100 million revolving credit facility.

With facilities in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Lenexa, Kansas, the Fill-Rite and Sotera brands carry strong legacies associated with superior products and hold leadership positions in attractive niche pump markets. Fill-Rite provides rugged, high-performance liquid transfer pumps as well as a comprehensive line of mechanical and digital meters, precision weights and measures certified meters, hand pumps, hoses, nozzles, and accessories.

Scott King, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gorman-Rupp said “We are excited to welcome Fill-Rite and its outstanding team of employees to the Gorman-Rupp family. The closing of this transaction is the first step to realizing the great benefits of bringing together two pioneering flow control businesses with over 150 years of combined industry experience. I want to thank the teams at Gorman-Rupp, Fill-Rite, and Tuthill, for their incredible efforts to get us to closing today and helping to ensure a smooth, effective transition as we integrate Fill-Rite with Gorman-Rupp.”

About The Gorman-Rupp Company

Founded in 1933, The Gorman-Rupp Company is a leading designer, manufacturer and international marketer of pumps and pump systems for use in diverse water, wastewater, construction, dewatering, industrial, petroleum, original equipment, agriculture, fire protection, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), military and other liquid-handling applications.

Forward-Looking Statements

In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, The Gorman-Rupp Company provides the following cautionary statement: This news release contains various forward-looking statements based on assumptions concerning The Gorman-Rupp Company’s operations, future results and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations about important economic, political, and technological factors, among others, and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions. These include statements regarding estimates of future earnings and cash flows. Other uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, supply chain conditions and any related impact on costs and availability of materials, integration of the acquired business in a timely and cost effective manner, retention of supplier and customer relationships and key employees, and the ability to achieve synergies and cost savings in the amounts and within the time frames currently anticipated.    Other risks and uncertainties that may materially affect Gorman-Rupp are described from time to time in its reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K. Except to the extent required by law, Gorman-Rupp does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to review or update any forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of such statements to reflect future events or developments or otherwise.

Brigette A. Burnell

Corporate Secretary

The Gorman-Rupp Company

Telephone (419) 755-1246

NYSE: GRC

For additional information, contact James C. Kerr, Chief Financial Officer, Telephone (419) 755-1548.

 

LOGO