Sylvamo Corp false 0001856485 0001856485 2022-09-30 2022-09-30 0001856485 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2022-09-30 2022-09-30 0001856485 slvm:PreferredStockPurchaseRightsMember 2022-09-30 2022-09-30

 

 

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): September 30, 2022

 

 

SYLVAMO CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Commission file number 001-40718

 

Delaware   86-2596371

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee   38197
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (901) 519-8000

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, $1.00 per share par value   SLVM   New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights     New York Stock Exchange

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

Emerging growth company  ☐

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

 

 

 


Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On September 30, 2022, Sylvamo North America, LLC (“Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sylvamo Corporation (the “Company”), established a $120 million accounts receivable finance facility (the “Securitization Program”) pursuant to (i) a Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2022 (the “Purchase and Sale Agreement”), among Subsidiary, as originator and servicer, the other originators party from time to time thereto (collectively with Subsidiary in its capacity as an originator, the “Originators”), and Sylvamo Receivables, LLC, a wholly-owned, “bankruptcy remote” special purpose subsidiary of Subsidiary (the “Borrower”), as buyer thereunder, and (ii) a Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2022 (the “Receivables Financing Agreement”), among the Borrower, Subsidiary, as initial servicer, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent (“Agent”) and lender, the other lenders from time to time party thereto (collectively with the Agent in its capacity as a lender, the “Lenders”), and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as structuring agent. In addition, on that date, the Company entered into a Performance Guaranty (the “Performance Guaranty”) in favor of the Agent for the benefit of the secured parties under the Receivables Financing Agreement (the “Secured Parties”). Together, the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Receivables Financing Agreement and the Performance Guaranty establish the material terms and conditions of the Securitization Program.

Under the Securitization Program, Subsidiary will sell, on a continuous revolving basis and without recourse, all domestically originated trade accounts receivable (the “Receivables”) together with the rights to collections thereof, related security and certain related rights (including proceeds from qualified insurance providers) to the Borrower, unless such Receivables and related obligors are specifically excluded under the Securitization Program.

The Borrower was formed for the sole purpose of buying, owning and borrowing against the Receivables, and the Receivables will comprise substantially all of the assets of the Borrower. The Borrower will borrow funds from the Lenders secured by a perfected, first priority security interest in the Receivables and all other assets of the Borrower in favor of the Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties. The Borrower will pay Subsidiary and any other Originators the purchase price of the Receivables with funds borrowed from the Lenders, collections and other proceeds of such Receivables it owns and/or, solely in the case of Subsidiary, by recording contributions thereof to the capital account of Subsidiary, in the form of an equity contribution. Any amount not paid in cash or as a capital contribution will be recorded as an intercompany loan under a subordinated note issued by the Borrower in favor of the respective Originator, which loan will be repaid at a later date when the Borrower has cash available therefor.

Cash paid over to the Originators as payment for the Receivables will be available to such entities for general corporate purposes.

The Company will guarantee certain performance, undertakings and indemnity obligations of Subsidiary and the other Originators, in their capacity as originators and sub-servicers under the Securitization Program, but will not guarantee the payment of the debt under the Receivables Financing Agreement, obligations of customers of Subsidiary and the other Originators who are the obligors under the contracts that give rise to the Receivables, or collectibility of the Receivables on account of bankruptcy, insolvency or lack of credit worthiness or other financial inability of the obligor to pay or any form of uncollectibility of such Receivables that would constitute credit recourse.

The maximum aggregate principal amount that the Borrower may borrow under the Securitization Program at any time is $120 million, subject to borrowing base availability and certain excess concentration amounts and required reserves. The Borrower has the option to reduce the commitments of the Lenders under the Receivables Financing Agreement subject to certain notice periods. Borrowings under the Receivables Financing Agreement bear interest, at the Borrower’s election, based on the Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield (BSBY) Index rate or a base rate (determined in accordance with the Receivables Financing Agreement), in each case subject to an interest rate floor of zero percent. Each rate selection by the Borrower will be deemed to be a borrowing tranche, with the Borrower being permitted to have up to three borrowing tranches outstanding at any time. Different interest rates will apply if the Borrower is in default, or if certain of the interest rate options cannot be determined or are unavailable. The Borrower will also be required to pay certain fees to the structuring agent, the Lenders and the Agent on each monthly settlement date. Such fees include both drawn fees, calculated based on the aggregate outstanding principal amount of each Lender’s commitment and undrawn fees, calculated based on the excess of each Lender’s commitment over the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such commitment, and in each case are solely the obligations of the Borrower.

The Receivables Financing Agreement contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants, and it also contains customary default and termination provisions which provide for acceleration of amounts owed under the Receivables Financing Agreement upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including, but not limited to, the failure to pay interest and other amounts due, cross defaults to the Company’s senior secured credit agreement, defaults on certain indebtedness, certain judgments, insolvency events, a change in control of Subsidiary or the Borrower, as well as the breach of certain performance triggers designed to measure the performance of the pool of Receivables securing borrowings under the Securitization Program. The Securitization Program has a scheduled termination date of September 30, 2025, subject to renewal by the parties or earlier termination at the option of the Borrower. The Agent and/or the requisite Lenders are also permitted to terminate the Securitization Program due to an event of default.

Subsidiary will continue to service the Receivables for a servicing fee, and as such administer, collect and otherwise enforce the Receivables on behalf of the Borrower and the Secured Parties. Subsidiary, as servicer and an Originator, and the Borrower are required to instruct the obligors on the Receivables to make payments to, and remit any payments received from such obligors into, the collection accounts over which the Agent will be assigned control under the terms of the Receivables Financing Agreement.


The Company will account for the Securitization Program as a secured borrowing for accounting purposes and will treat the Securitization Program as indebtedness for federal income tax purposes. Once sold to the Borrower, the Receivables, together with the related security, assets and rights to collection described above, will be separate and distinct from Subsidiary’s and the other Originators’ own assets, and Subsidiary and such other Originators are required to represent to their creditors that such assets belong solely to Borrower and will not be available to such creditors.

The foregoing summary of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Receivables Financing Agreement and the Performance Guaranty is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of such agreements, which are filed as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 hereto, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.


Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Company.

The information set forth above under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

10.1*    Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2022, among Sylvamo North America, LLC, as servicer and originator, the other originators from time to time party thereto, and Sylvamo Receivables, LLC, as buyer
10.2*    Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2022, among Sylvamo Receivables, LLC, as borrower, Sylvamo North America, LLC, as initial servicer, the lenders party thereto from time to time, PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and a lender, and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as structuring agent
10.3    Performance Guaranty, dated as of September 30, 2022, by Sylvamo Corporation, as performance guarantor, in favor of PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the benefit of the secured parties
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

*

Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K. Sylvamo hereby undertakes to furnish any of the omitted schedules or exhibits supplementally upon request by the Securities and Exchange Commission.


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.

 

    Sylvamo Corporation
Date: October 3, 2022      

/s/ Matthew L. Barron

    Name:   Matthew L. Barron
    Title:   Senior Vice President and General Counsel

EXHIBIT 10.1

PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

Dated as of September 30, 2022

among

VARIOUS ENTITIES LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO,

as Originators,

SYLVAMO NORTH AMERICA, LLC,

as Servicer,

and

SYLVAMO RECEIVABLES, LLC,

as Buyer


CONTENTS

 

Clause   Subject Matter    Page  

ARTICLE I AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE AND SELL

     2  

SECTION 1.1

 

Agreement To Purchase and Sell

     2  

SECTION 1.2

 

Timing of Purchases

     3  

SECTION 1.3

 

Consideration for Purchases

     3  

SECTION 1.4

 

Contributions

     3  

SECTION 1.5

 

Purchase and Sale Termination Date

     4  

SECTION 1.6

 

Intention of the Parties

     4  

ARTICLE II PURCHASE REPORT; CALCULATION OF PURCHASE PRICE

     4  

SECTION 2.1

 

Purchase Report

     4  

SECTION 2.2

 

Calculation of Purchase Price

     5  

ARTICLE III PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE

     5  

SECTION 3.1

 

Initial Purchase Price Payment

     5  

SECTION 3.2

 

Subsequent Purchase Price Payments

     6  

SECTION 3.3

 

Settlement as to Specific Receivables and Dilution

     7  

SECTION 3.4

 

Reconveyance of Receivables

     8  

ARTICLE IV CONDITIONS OF PURCHASES; ADDITIONAL ORIGINATORS; TERMINATION OF ORIGINATORS

     8  

SECTION 4.1

 

Conditions Precedent to Initial Purchase

     8  

SECTION 4.2

 

Certification as to Representations and Warranties

     9  

SECTION 4.3

 

Additional Originators

     10  

SECTION 4.4

 

Termination of Originators

     10  

SECTION 4.5

 

Addition or Removal of Excluded Obligors

     11  

ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE ORIGINATORS

     12  

SECTION 5.1

 

Organization and Good Standing

     12  

SECTION 5.2

 

Due Qualification

     12  

SECTION 5.3

 

Power and Authority; Due Authorization

     12  

SECTION 5.4

 

Binding Obligations

     13  

SECTION 5.5

 

No Conflict or Violation

     13  

SECTION 5.6

 

Litigation and Other Proceedings

     13  

SECTION 5.7

 

Governmental Approvals

     13  

SECTION 5.8

 

Margin Regulations

     14  

SECTION 5.9

 

Solvency

     14  

 

i


CONTENTS

 

Clause   Subject Matter    Page  

SECTION 5.10

 

Names and Location

     14  

SECTION 5.11

 

Investment Company Act

     14  

SECTION 5.12

 

No Material Adverse Effect

     14  

SECTION 5.13

 

Accuracy of Information

     14  

SECTION 5.14

 

Sanctions and other Anti-Terrorism Laws

     15  

SECTION 5.15

 

Anti-Corruption Laws

     15  

SECTION 5.16

 

Perfection Representations

     15  

SECTION 5.17

 

Ordinary Course of Business

     16  

SECTION 5.18

 

Compliance with Law

     16  

SECTION 5.19

 

Bulk Sales Act

     16  

SECTION 5.20

 

Eligible Receivables

     16  

SECTION 5.21

 

Taxes

     16  

SECTION 5.22

 

Opinions

     16  

SECTION 5.23

 

Other Transaction Documents

     16  

SECTION 5.24

 

No Linked Accounts

     17  

SECTION 5.25

 

Credit and Collection Policy

     17  

SECTION 5.26

 

Servicing Programs

     17  

SECTION 5.27

 

Servicing of Pool Receivables

     17  

SECTION 5.28

 

Financial Condition

     17  

SECTION 5.29

 

Valid Sale

     17  

SECTION 5.30

 

Good Title

     17  

SECTION 5.31

 

Reliance on Separate Legal Identity

     18  

SECTION 5.32

 

Adverse Change in Receivables

     18  

SECTION 5.33

 

No Fraudulent Conveyance

     18  

SECTION 5.34

 

Nature of Pool Receivables

     18  

SECTION 5.35

 

Enforceability of Contracts

     18  

SECTION 5.36

 

Reaffirmation of Representations and Warranties by each Originator

     18  

ARTICLE VI COVENANTS OF THE ORIGINATORS

     19  

SECTION 6.1

 

Covenants

     19  

SECTION 6.2

 

Separateness Covenants

     26  

 

ii


CONTENTS

 

Clause   Subject Matter    Page  

ARTICLE VII ADDITIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS IN RESPECT OF RECEIVABLES

     27  

SECTION 7.1

 

Rights of the Buyer

     27  

SECTION 7.2

 

Responsibilities of the Originators

     28  

SECTION 7.3

 

Further Action Evidencing Purchases

     28  

SECTION 7.4

 

Application of Collections

     29  

SECTION 7.5

 

Performance of Obligations

     29  

ARTICLE VIII PURCHASE AND SALE TERMINATION EVENTS

     29  

SECTION 8.1

 

Purchase and Sale Termination Events

     29  

SECTION 8.2

 

Remedies

     31  

ARTICLE IX INDEMNIFICATION

     31  

SECTION 9.1

 

Indemnities by the Originators

     31  

ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS

     34  

SECTION 10.1

 

Amendments, etc

     34  

SECTION 10.2

 

Notices, etc

     34  

SECTION 10.3

 

No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies

     35  

SECTION 10.4

 

Binding Effect; Assignability

     35  

SECTION 10.5

 

GOVERNING LAW

     35  

SECTION 10.6

 

Costs, Expenses and Taxes

     35  

SECTION 10.7

 

CONSENT TO JURISDICTION

     36  

SECTION 10.8

 

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

     36  

SECTION 10.9

 

Captions and Cross References; Incorporation by Reference

     37  

SECTION 10.10

 

Execution in Counterparts

     37  

SECTION 10.11

 

Acknowledgment and Agreement

     37  

SECTION 10.12

 

No Proceeding

     37  

SECTION 10.13

 

Mutual Negotiations

     38  

SECTION 10.14

 

Severability

     38  

SECTION 10.15

 

Limited Recourse

     38  

SCHEDULES

 

Schedule I

 

List and Location of each Originator

Schedule II

 

Location of Books and Records of Originators

 

iii


CONTENTS

 

Clause   Subject Matter    Page

Schedule III

 

Trade Names

  

Schedule IV

 

Notice Addresses

  

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A

 

Form of Purchase Report

Exhibit B

 

Form of Subordinated Note

Exhibit C

 

Form of Joinder Agreement

 

iv


This PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), dated as of September 30, 2022 is entered into among the VARIOUS ENTITIES LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO or that become parties hereto from time to time pursuant to Section 4.3 hereof (the “Originators” and each, an “Originator”), SYLVAMO NORTH AMERICA, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sylvamo North America”), as initial Servicer (as defined below), and SYLVAMO RECEIVABLES, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Buyer”).

BACKGROUND

1.    The Buyer is a special purpose limited liability company, all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of which are owned by Sylvamo North America.

2.    The Originators generate Receivables in the ordinary course of their businesses.

3.    The Originators, in order to finance their respective businesses, wish to sell (and/or, in the case of Sylvamo North America, contribute from time to time) Receivables and the Related Rights to the Buyer, and the Buyer is willing to purchase and/or accept such Receivables and the Related Rights from the Originators, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

4.    The Originators and the Buyer intend each such transaction to be a true sale or absolute contribution and conveyance of Receivables and the Related Rights by each Originator to the Buyer, providing the Buyer with the full benefits of ownership of the Receivables, and the Originators and the Buyer do not intend the transactions hereunder to be characterized as a loan from the Buyer to any Originator.

5.    The Buyer intends to pledge the Receivables and the Related Rights to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Receivables Financing Agreement.

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

DEFINITIONS

Unless otherwise indicated herein, capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Agreement are defined in Article I of the Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Receivables Financing Agreement”), among the Buyer, as borrower, Sylvamo North America, as initial Servicer (in such capacity, the “Servicer”), the Persons from time to time party thereto as Lenders, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as Structuring Agent. All references hereto to months are to Fiscal Months unless otherwise expressly indicated. All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP. All terms used in Article 9 of the UCC in the State of New York, and not specifically defined herein, are used herein as defined in such Article 9. Unless the context otherwise requires, “or” means “and/or,” and “including” (and with correlative meaning “include” and “includes”) means including without limiting the generality of any description preceding such term.


ARTICLE I

AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE AND SELL

SECTION 1.1    Agreement To Purchase and Sell. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each Originator, severally and for itself, agrees to sell (and/or, in the case of Sylvamo North America, contribute from time to time) to the Buyer, and the Buyer agrees to purchase (and, in the case of a contribution, accept) from such Originator, from time to time on or after the Closing Date, but before the Purchase and Sale Termination Date (as defined in Section 1.5), all of such Originator’s right, title and interest in and to:

(a)    each Receivable of such Originator (other than the Receivables contributed by Sylvamo North America to the capital of the Buyer pursuant to Section 3.1(a)) that existed and was owing to such Originator at the closing of such Originator’s business on the Cut-Off Date (as defined below);

(b)    each Receivable generated by such Originator from and including the Cut-Off Date to but excluding the Purchase and Sale Termination Date;

(c)    all of such Originator’s interest in any goods (including Returned Goods), and documentation of title evidencing the shipment or storage of any goods (including Returned Goods), the sale of which gave rise to such Receivable;

(d)    all instruments and chattel paper that may evidence such Receivable;

(e)    all security interests or liens and property subject thereto from time to time purporting to secure payment of such Receivable, whether pursuant to the Contract related to such Receivable or otherwise, together with all UCC financing statements or similar filings relating thereto;

(f)    solely to the extent applicable to such Receivable, all of such Originator’s rights, interests and claims under the related Contracts and all guaranties, indemnities, insurance and other agreements (including the related Contract) or arrangements of whatever character from time to time supporting or securing payment of such Receivable or otherwise relating to such Receivable, whether pursuant to the Contract related to such Receivable or otherwise, including, without limitation, any Credit Insurance Policy covering all or any portion of such Receivable;

(g)    all books and records of such Originator to the extent related to any of the foregoing, and all rights, remedies, powers, privileges, title and interest (but not obligations) in and to each Lock-Box and all Collection Accounts, into which any Collections or other proceeds (as such term is defined in the applicable UCC) with respect to such Receivables may be deposited, and any related investment property acquired with any such Collections or other proceeds (as such term is defined in the applicable UCC); and

(h)    all Collections and other proceeds (as such term is defined in the applicable UCC) of any of the foregoing that are or were received by such Originator on or after the Cut-Off Date, including, without limitation, all funds which either are received by such Originator, the Buyer, any Sub-Servicer or the Servicer from or on behalf of the Obligors in payment of any amounts owed (including, without limitation, invoice price, finance charges, interest and all other

 

2


charges) in respect of any of the above Receivables or are applied to such amounts owed by the Obligors (including, without limitation, any insurance payments that such Originator, the Buyer, any Sub-Servicer or the Servicer applies in the ordinary course of its business to amounts owed in respect of any of the above Receivables, and net proceeds of sale or other disposition of repossessed goods or other collateral or property of the Obligors in respect of any of the above Receivables or any other parties directly or indirectly liable for payment of such Receivables).

All purchases and contributions hereunder shall be made without recourse, but shall be made pursuant to, and in reliance upon, the representations, warranties and covenants of the Originators set forth in this Agreement. No obligation or liability to any Obligor on any Receivable is intended to be assumed by the Buyer hereunder, and any such assumption is expressly disclaimed. The property, proceeds and rights described in clauses (c) through (h) above are herein referred to as the “Related Rights”, and the Buyer’s foregoing commitment to purchase Receivables and Related Rights is herein called the “Purchase Facility.”

As used herein, “Cut-Off Date” means (a) with respect to each Originator party hereto on the date hereof, August 31, 2022, and (b) with respect to any Originator that first becomes a party hereto after the date hereof, the Business Day prior to the date on which such Originator becomes a party hereto or such other date as the Buyer and such Originator agree to in writing.

SECTION 1.2    Timing of Purchases.

(a)    Closing Date Purchases. Effective on the Closing Date, each Originator hereby sells to the Buyer, and the Buyer hereby purchases, such Originator’s entire right, title and interest in, to and under (i) each Receivable (other than the Receivables contributed by Sylvamo North America to the capital of the Buyer pursuant to Section 3.1) that existed and was owing to such Originator on the Cut-Off Date, (ii) each Receivable (other than the Receivables contributed by Sylvamo North America to the capital of the Buyer pursuant to Section 3.1) generated by such Originator from and including the Cut-Off Date, to and including the Closing Date, and (iii) all Related Rights with respect thereto.

(b)    Subsequent Purchases. After the Closing Date, until the Purchase and Sale Termination Date, each Receivable (other than the Receivables contributed by Sylvamo North America to the capital of the Buyer pursuant to Section 3.2) and the Related Rights generated by each Originator shall be, and shall be deemed to have been, sold by such Originator to the Buyer immediately (and without further action) upon the creation of such Receivable.

SECTION 1.3    Consideration for Purchases. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Buyer agrees to make Purchase Price payments to the Originators and to reflect all capital contributions in accordance with Article III.

SECTION 1.4    Contributions. Sylvamo North America, as an Originator, may from time to time at its option, by notice to the Buyer on or prior to the date of the proposed contribution, identify Receivables that it proposes to contribute to the Buyer as a capital contribution. On the date of and after giving effect to each contribution, the Buyer shall own the Receivables so identified and contributed and all Related Rights.

 

3


SECTION 1.5    Purchase and Sale Termination Date. The “Purchase and Sale Termination Date” shall be the earlier to occur of (a) the date the Purchase Facility is terminated pursuant to Section 8.2(a) and (b) the Payment Date immediately following the day on which the Originators shall have given written notice to the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Lender at or prior to 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) that the Originators desire to terminate this Agreement.

SECTION 1.6    Intention of the Parties. It is the express intent of each Originator and the Buyer that each conveyance by such Originator to the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement of the Receivables, including without limitation, all Receivables, if any, constituting accounts or general intangibles each as defined in the UCC, and all Related Rights be construed as a valid and perfected sale or contribution and absolute assignment (without recourse except as provided herein) of such Receivables and Related Rights by such Originator to the Buyer (rather than the grant of a security interest to secure a debt or other obligation of such Originator) and that the right, title and interest in and to such Receivables and Related Rights conveyed to the Buyer be prior to the rights of and enforceable against all other Persons at any time, including, without limitation, lien creditors, secured lenders, purchasers and any Person claiming through such Originator. However, if, contrary to the mutual intent of the parties, any conveyance of Receivables, including without limitation any Receivables constituting accounts or general intangibles each as defined in the UCC, and all Related Rights is not construed to be both a valid and perfected sale or contribution and absolute assignment of such Receivables and Related Rights, and a conveyance of such Receivables and Related Rights that is prior to the rights of and enforceable against all other Persons at any time, including without limitation lien creditors, secured lenders, purchasers and any Person claiming through such Originator, then, it is the intent of such Originator and the Buyer that (i) this Agreement also shall be deemed to be, and hereby is, a security agreement within the meaning of the UCC and (ii) such Originator shall be deemed to have granted to the Buyer as of the date of this Agreement, and such Originator hereby grants to the Buyer a security interest in, to and under all of such Originator’s right, title and interest in and to: (A) the Receivables and the Related Rights now existing and hereafter created by such Originator transferred or purported to be transferred hereunder, (B) all monies due or to become due and all amounts received with respect thereto and (C) all books and records of such Originator to the extent related to any of the foregoing.

ARTICLE II

PURCHASE REPORT; CALCULATION OF PURCHASE PRICE

SECTION 2.1    Purchase Report. On the Closing Date and on each date when a Pool Report is due to be delivered under the Receivables Financing Agreement (each such date, a “Purchase Report Date”), the Servicer shall deliver to the Buyer and each Originator a report in substantially the form of Exhibit A (each such report being herein called a “Purchase Report”) setting forth, among other things:

(a)    Receivables purchased by the Buyer from each Originator on the Closing Date (in the case of the Purchase Report to be delivered on the Closing Date);

 

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(b)    Receivables purchased or accepted as a contribution by the Buyer from each Originator during the Fiscal Month immediately preceding such Purchase Report Date (in the case of each subsequent Purchase Report); and

(c)    the calculations of reductions of the Purchase Price for any Receivables as provided in Section 3.3 (a) and (b).

SECTION 2.2    Calculation of Purchase Price. The “Purchase Price” to be paid to each Originator in accordance with the terms of Article III for the Receivables and the Related Rights that are purchased hereunder from such Originator shall be determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

PP    =    OB x (1-FMVD)
where:      
PP    =    Purchase Price for each Receivable as calculated on the relevant Payment Date.
OB    =    The Outstanding Balance of such Receivable on the relevant Payment Date.
FMVD            =            Fair Market Value Discount, which is equal to one and one half percent (1.50%) or as reasonably determined by the Servicer.

Payment Date” means (i) the Closing Date and (ii) each Business Day thereafter that the Originators are open for business.

The Buyer may elect to pay accrued Servicing Fees to Sylvamo North America in its capacity as Servicer on any Payment Date when the conditions to a Release are satisfied, which amounts can be incorporated into the aggregate Purchase Price owing.

ARTICLE III

PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE

SECTION 3.1    Initial Purchase Price Payment.

(a)    On the Closing Date, Sylvamo North America, as Originator, shall and hereby does contribute, to the capital of the Buyer, the Receivables having an aggregate Outstanding Balance of at least the Required Capital Amount.

(b)    On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Buyer agrees to pay to each Originator the Purchase Price for the purchase to be made from such Originator on the Closing Date (i) to the extent the Buyer has cash available therefor (and such payment is not prohibited by the Receivables Financing Agreement), partially, in cash (in an amount to be agreed between the Buyer and such Originator and set forth in the initial Purchase Report), (ii) the remainder by issuing a promissory note in the form of Exhibit B to such Originator

 

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(each such promissory note, as it may be amended, supplemented, endorsed or otherwise modified from time to time, together with all promissory notes issued from time to time in substitution therefor or renewal thereof in accordance with the Transaction Documents, each being herein called a “Subordinated Note”) with an initial principal amount equal to the remaining Purchase Price payable to such Originator not paid in cash or contributed to the Buyer’s capital, and (iii) at the Originator’s election, by accepting a contribution to the Buyer’s capital.

SECTION 3.2    Subsequent Purchase Price Payments. On each Payment Date subsequent to the Closing Date, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Buyer shall pay to each Originator the Purchase Price for the Receivables and the Related Rights generated by such Originator since the immediately preceding Payment Date in accordance with Section 1.2(b):

(a)    First, in cash to the extent the Buyer has cash available therefor (and such payment is not prohibited under the Receivables Financing Agreement); and

(b)    Second, (i) to the extent any portion of the Purchase Price remains unpaid, the principal amount outstanding under the applicable Subordinated Note shall, subject to subclause (ii) below, be automatically increased by an amount equal to the lesser of (x) such remaining unpaid portion of such Purchase Price and (y) the maximum increase in the principal balance of the applicable Subordinated Note that could be made without rendering the Buyer’s Net Worth less than the Required Capital Amount and (ii) to the extent any portion of the Purchase Price remains unpaid after the allocations in clause (a) above, solely in the case of Sylvamo North America, at Sylvamo North America’s election (in its sole discretion), by accepting a contribution to the Borrower’s capital in an amount equal to the remaining unpaid balance of such Purchase Price;

provided, however, that if more than one Originator is selling Receivables to the Buyer on the date of such purchase, the Buyer shall make cash payments among the Originators in such a way as to minimize to the greatest extent practicable the aggregate principal amounts outstanding under the Subordinated Notes.

Net Worth” has the meaning set forth under “Borrower’s Net Worth” in the Receivables Financing Agreement.

All amounts paid by the Buyer to any Originator in respect of the Subordinated Note of such Originator shall be allocated first to the payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the Subordinated Note of such Originator and second to the repayment of the principal outstanding on the Subordinated Note of such Originator to the extent of such outstanding principal thereof as of the date of such payment before such amounts may be allocated for any other purpose. The Servicer shall make all appropriate record keeping entries with respect to each of the Subordinated Notes to reflect the foregoing payments and payments and reductions made pursuant to Section 3.3, and the Servicer’s books and records shall constitute rebuttable presumptive evidence of the principal amount of, and accrued interest on, each of the Subordinated Notes at any time. Each Originator hereby irrevocably authorizes the Servicer to mark the Subordinated Notes “CANCELED” and to return such Subordinated Notes to the Buyer upon the final payment thereof after the occurrence of the Purchase and Sale Termination Date.

 

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SECTION 3.3    Settlement as to Specific Receivables and Dilution.

(a)    If, (i) on the day of purchase or contribution of any Receivable from an Originator hereunder, any of the representations or warranties set forth in Sections 5.16, 5.20, 5.29, 5.30, 5.33, 5.34 or 5.35 are not true with respect to such Receivable or (ii) as a result of any action or inaction (other than solely as a result of the failure to collect such Receivable due to a discharge in bankruptcy or similar insolvency proceeding or other credit related reasons with respect to the relevant Obligor) of such Originator, on any subsequent day, any of such representations or warranties set forth in Sections 5.16, 5.20, 5.29, 5.30, 5.33, 5.34 or 5.35 is no longer true with respect to such Receivable, then the Purchase Price for such Receivable shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Outstanding Balance of such Receivable and shall be accounted to the Buyer as provided in clause (c) below; provided, that if the Buyer thereafter receives payment on account of the Outstanding Balance of such Receivable, the Buyer promptly shall deliver such funds to such Originator.

(b)    If, on any day, the Outstanding Balance of any Receivable purchased hereunder is either (i) reduced, adjusted or canceled as a result of (A) any defective, rejected or returned goods or services, any cash or other discount, or any failure by an Originator to deliver any goods or perform any services or otherwise perform under the underlying Contract or invoice, (B) any change in or cancellation of any of the terms of such Contract or invoice or any other adjustment by an Originator, any Sub-Servicer, the Servicer or the Buyer which reduces the amount payable by the Obligor on the related Receivable, (C) any rebates, warranties, allowances or charge-backs or (D) any setoff or credit in respect of any claim by the Obligor thereof (whether such claim arises out of the same or a related transaction or an unrelated transaction), or (ii) subject to any specific dispute, offset, counterclaim or defense whatsoever (except the discharge in bankruptcy of the Obligor thereof), then the Purchase Price with respect to such Receivable shall be reduced by the amount of such net reduction, adjustment, cancellation or dispute and shall be accounted to the Buyer as provided in clause (c) below.

(c)    Any reduction in the Purchase Price of any Receivable pursuant to clause (a) or (b) above shall be applied as a credit for the account of the Buyer against the Purchase Price of Receivables subsequently purchased by the Buyer from such Originator hereunder; provided, however if there have been no purchases of Receivables from such Originator (or insufficiently large purchases of Receivables) to create a Purchase Price sufficient to so apply such credit against, the amount of such credit:

(i)    to the extent of any accrued and unpaid interest under the Subordinated Note payable to such Originator, shall be deemed to be a payment under, and shall be deducted from the accrued and unpaid interest outstanding under, the Subordinated Note payable to such Originator;

(ii)    to the extent of any outstanding principal balance under the Subordinated Note payable to such Originator, shall be deemed to be a payment under, and shall be deducted from the principal amount outstanding under, the Subordinated Note payable to such Originator; and

 

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(iii)    after making any deduction pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above, shall be paid in cash to the Buyer by such Originator in the manner and for application as described in the following proviso;

provided, further, that at any time (x) when an Event of Default exists under the Receivables Financing Agreement, (y) when a Purchase and Sale Termination Event exists under this Agreement or (z) on or after the Purchase and Sale Termination Date, the amount of any such credit shall be paid by such Originator to the Buyer in cash by deposit of immediately available funds into a Collection Account no later than one (1) Business Day after the events described in clauses (x), (y) and (z) above for application by the Servicer to the same extent as if Collections of the applicable Receivable in such amount had actually been received on such date.

SECTION 3.4    Reconveyance of Receivables. In the event that the Purchase Price of a Receivable has been reduced to zero, and the credit for such reduction has been applied pursuant to Section 3.3, the Buyer shall reconvey such Receivable to such Originator, without representation, warranty or recourse, but free and clear of all liens, security interests, charges, and encumbrances created by the Buyer.

ARTICLE IV

CONDITIONS OF PURCHASES; ADDITIONAL ORIGINATORS; TERMINATION OF ORIGINATORS

SECTION 4.1    Conditions Precedent to Initial Purchase. The initial purchase hereunder is subject to the condition precedent that the Buyer, the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) and each Lender shall have received, on or before the Closing Date, the following, each (unless otherwise indicated) dated the Closing Date, and each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Buyer and the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee):

(a)    a copy of the resolutions or unanimous written consent of the board of directors or other governing body of each Originator approving this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered by it and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of such Originator;

(b)    good standing certificates for each Originator issued as of a recent date acceptable to the Buyer and the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) by the Secretary of State (or similar official) of the jurisdiction of such Originator’s organization or formation and each other jurisdiction where such Originator is required to be qualified to transact business, except where the failure to be so qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(c)    a certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of each Originator certifying the names and true signatures of the officers authorized on such Person’s behalf to sign this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered by it (on which certificate the Servicer, the Buyer, the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) and each Lender may conclusively rely until such time as the Servicer, the Buyer, the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) and each Lender shall receive from such Person a revised certificate meeting the requirements of this clause (c));

 

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(d)    the certificate or articles of incorporation, certificate of formation or other organizational document of each Originator (including all amendments and modifications thereto) duly certified by the Secretary of State of the jurisdiction of such Originator’s organization as of a recent date, together with a copy of the by-laws, limited liability company agreement or other governing documents of such Originator (including all amendments and modifications thereto), as applicable, each duly certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such Originator;

(e)    forms of financing statements (Form UCC-1) that name each Originator as the debtor/seller and the Buyer as the buyer/assignor (and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, as secured party/assignee) of the Receivables generated by such Originator as may be necessary or, in the Buyer’s or the Administrative Agent’s reasonable opinion, desirable under the UCC of all appropriate jurisdictions to perfect the Buyer’s ownership or security interest in such Receivables and the Related Rights in which an ownership or security interest has been assigned to it hereunder;

(f)    a written search report listing all effective financing statements that name the Originators as debtors or sellers and that are filed in all jurisdictions in which filings may be made against such Person pursuant to the applicable UCC, together with copies of such financing statements (none of which, except for those described in the foregoing clause (e) (and/or released or terminated, as the case may be, prior to the date hereof), shall cover any Receivable or any Related Rights which are to be sold or contributed to the Buyer hereunder), and tax and judgment lien search reports (including, without limitation, liens of the PBGC) showing no evidence of such liens filed against any Originator;

(g)    favorable opinions of counsel to the Originators, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Buyer, the Administrative Agent;

(h)    a Subordinated Note in favor of each Originator, duly executed by the Buyer;

(i)    [reserved]; and

(j)    evidence (i) of the execution and delivery by each of the parties thereto of each of the other Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered by it in connection herewith and (ii) that each of the conditions precedent to the execution, delivery and effectiveness of such other Transaction Documents has been satisfied to the Buyer’s and the Administrative Agent’s (as the Buyer’s assignee) satisfaction.

SECTION 4.2    Certification as to Representations and Warranties. Each Originator, by accepting the Purchase Price related to each purchase of Receivables generated by such Originator, shall be deemed to have certified that (a) the representations and warranties of such Originator contained in Article V, as from time to time amended in accordance with the terms hereof, are true and correct in all material respects (unless such representation or warranty contains a materiality qualification and, in such case, such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as made) on and as of such day, with the same effect as though made on and as of such day (except for representations and warranties which apply to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (unless such representation or

 

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warranty contains a materiality qualification and, in such case, such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as made) as of such earlier date) and (b) no Purchase and Sale Termination Event, Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event, Event of Default or an Unmatured Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or will result from the sale or contribution of such Receivable.

SECTION 4.3    Additional Originators. Additional Persons may be added as Originators hereunder, with the prior written consent of the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Lender (which consents may be granted or withheld in their sole discretion); provided that the following conditions are satisfied or waived in writing by the Administrative Agent and each Lender on or before the date of such addition:

(a)    the Servicer shall have given the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Lender at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of such proposed addition and the identity of the proposed additional Originator and shall have provided such other information with respect to such proposed additional Originator as the Buyer, the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request;

(b)    such proposed additional Originator shall have executed and delivered to the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Lender an agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (a “Joinder Agreement”);

(c)    such proposed additional Originator shall have delivered to the Buyer, the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) and each Lender each of the documents with respect to such Originator described in Section 4.1, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Buyer, the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) and each Lender;

(d)    no Purchase and Sale Termination Event or Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(e)    no Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

SECTION 4.4    Termination of Originators. An Originator may be removed as an Originator hereunder, with the prior written consent of the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Lender (which consents may be granted or withheld in their sole discretion); provided that the following conditions are satisfied or waived in writing by the Administrative Agent and each Lender on or before the date of such addition:

(a)    such Originator shall have submitted a written notice (an “Originator Termination Notice”) to the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Lender notifying them of its request to terminate its status as an Originator and specifying the date on which such termination is to take effect (an “Originator Termination Effective Date”);

(b)    the related Originator Termination Effective Date is at least thirty (30) calendar days after the date of such Originator Termination Notice (or such earlier date as consented to by the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Lender);

 

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(c)    the Servicer shall have delivered a pro forma Interim Report showing that no Borrowing Base Deficit shall exist after giving effect to the requested termination and excluding all Receivables originated by such Originator to be terminated;

(d)    the Servicer shall have provided such other information with respect to such Originator to be terminated as the Buyer, the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request;

(e)    no Purchase and Sale Termination Event or Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(f)    no Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(g)    Schedules I, II, III and IV shall be amended to reflect the termination of such Originator, in each case, upon delivery by the Buyer of an updated schedule (as agreed to by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders; and

(h)    if such Originator to be removed is the Servicer, the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall have approved the successor Servicer.

SECTION 4.5    Addition or Removal of Excluded Obligors. An Obligor may be added as an Excluded Obligor or an existing Excluded Obligor may be removed as an Excluded Obligor, in each case, with the prior written consent of the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders (which consents may be granted or withheld in their sole discretion); provided that the following conditions are satisfied or waived in writing by the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders on or before the date of such addition:

(a)    the related Originator shall have submitted a written notice (an “Addition or Removal of Excluded Obligor Notice”) to the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders notifying them of its request to add or remove an Obligor as an Excluded Obligor and specifying the date on which such addition or removal is to take effect (an “Addition or Removal of Excluded Obligor Effective Date”);

(b)    the related Addition or Removal of Excluded Obligor Effective Date is at least thirty (30) calendar days after the date of such Addition or Removal of Excluded Obligor Notice (or such earlier date as consented to by the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders);

(c)    the Servicer shall have delivered a pro forma Interim Report showing that no Borrowing Base Deficit shall exist after giving effect to such addition or removal and the related excluding or adding, as the case may be, of all Receivables from such Obligor to be added or removed as an Excluded Obligor;

(d)    the Servicer shall have provided such other information with respect to such Obligor to be added or removed as an Excluded Obligor as the Buyer, the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request;

 

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(e)    no Purchase and Sale Termination Event or Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(f)    no Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(g)    Schedule IV to the Receivables Financing Agreement shall be amended to reflect the addition or removal of such Obligor pursuant to the Receivables Financing Agreement; and

(h)    with respect to any proposed removal of such Obligor as an Excluded Obligor, the Administrative Agent and each Lender have been reasonably satisfied that all other action to perfect and protect the security interests of the Buyer and the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, in and to the Receivables of such Obligor to be removed and to be sold or contributed by the related Originator hereunder and other Related Rights, as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall have been taken by the Servicer, including the filing of any UCC financing statements, the preparation and delivery of certificates and other requested documents from any public official and all such other actions required pursuant to Section 7.3 and, if requested by the Administrative Agent, the delivery of executed copies of bring-down or reaffirmation opinions relating to UCC matters (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), in each case, at the expense of the Servicer.

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE ORIGINATORS

In order to induce the Buyer to enter into this Agreement and to make purchases hereunder, each Originator hereby represents and warrants with respect to itself that each representation and warranty concerning it or the Receivables sold or contributed by it hereunder that is contained in the Receivables Financing Agreement is true and correct, and hereby makes the representations and warranties set forth in this Article V:

SECTION 5.1    Organization and Good Standing. Such Originator is duly organized and validly existing, in good standing under the laws of its state of organization and has the limited liability company or corporate, as applicable, power and authority under its organizational documents and under the laws of its state of organization to own its properties and to conduct its business as such properties are currently owned and such business is presently conducted.

SECTION 5.2    Due Qualification. Such Originator is duly qualified to do business, is in good standing as a foreign entity and has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in all jurisdictions in which the conduct of its business requires such qualification, licenses or approvals, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.3    Power and Authority; Due Authorization. Such Originator (i) has all necessary power and authority to (A) execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, (B) perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and (C) grant a security interest in the Receivables and the Related Rights to the Buyer on the terms and subject to the conditions herein provided and

 

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(ii) has duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company or corporate, as applicable, action such grant and the execution, delivery and performance of, and the consummation of the transactions provided for in, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.

SECTION 5.4    Binding Obligations. This Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which such Originator is a party constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations of such Originator, enforceable against such Originator in accordance with their respective terms, except (i) as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

SECTION 5.5    No Conflict or Violation. The execution, delivery and performance of, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which such Originator is a party, and the fulfillment of the terms hereof and thereof, will not (i) conflict with, result in any breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under its organizational documents or any indenture, sale agreement, credit agreement (including the Credit Agreement), loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement or instrument to which such Originator is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound, (ii) result in the creation or imposition of any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) upon any of the Receivables or the Related Rights pursuant to the terms of any such indenture, credit agreement, loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement or instrument, other than this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents or (iii) conflict with or violate any Applicable Law, except to the extent that any such conflict, breach, default, Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) or violation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.6    Litigation and Other Proceedings. (i) There is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation pending or, to such Originator’s knowledge, threatened, in writing, against such Originator before any Governmental Authority and (ii) such Originator is not subject to any order, judgment, decree, injunction, stipulation or consent order of or with any Governmental Authority that, in the case of either of the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), (A) asserts the invalidity of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (B) seeks to prevent the sale or contribution of any Receivable or Related Right by such Originator to the Buyer (or the grant of the related security interest thereof), the ownership or acquisition by the Buyer of any Pool Receivables or Related Right or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (C) seeks any determination or ruling that could materially and adversely affect the performance by such Originator of its obligations under, or the validity or enforceability of, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or (D) individually or in the aggregate for all such actions, suits, proceedings and investigations could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.7    Governmental Approvals. Except where the failure to obtain or make such authorization, consent, order, approval or action could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and except any filings required under applicable securities laws, all

 

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authorizations, consents, orders and approvals of, or other actions by, any Governmental Authority that are required to be obtained by such Originator in connection with the sale or contribution of the Receivables and Related Rights to the Buyer (or the grant of the related security interest thereof) hereunder or the due execution, delivery and performance by such Originator of this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the consummation by such Originator of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect.

SECTION 5.8    Margin Regulations. Such Originator is not engaged, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System).

SECTION 5.9    Solvency. After giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, such Originator is Solvent.

SECTION 5.10    Names and Location. Except as described in Schedule III, such Originator has not used any corporate names, trade names or assumed names since the date occurring five (5) calendar years prior to the Closing Date other than its name set forth on the signature pages hereto. Such Originator is “located” (as such term is defined in the applicable UCC) in the jurisdiction specified in Schedule I and since the date occurring five (5) calendar years prior to the Closing Date, has not been “located” (as such term is defined in the applicable UCC) in any other jurisdiction (except as specified in Schedule I). The office(s) where such Originator keeps its records concerning the Receivables is at the address(es) set forth on Schedule II as such address(es) may be updated with fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice to the Buyer and the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 5.11    Investment Company Act. Such Originator is not registered or required to be registered as, and is not controlled by, an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act.

SECTION 5.12    No Material Adverse Effect. Since June 30, 2022, there has been no Material Adverse Effect with respect to such Originator.

SECTION 5.13    Accuracy of Information. All certificates, reports, Purchase Reports, statements, documents and other written information (other than projections, other forward looking information and information of a general economic nature) furnished to the Buyer, Administrative Agent or any other Credit Party by or on behalf of such Originator pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or in connection with or pursuant to any amendment or modification of, or waiver under, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, is, at the time the same are so furnished, when taken as a whole, complete and correct in all material respects on the date the same are furnished to the Buyer, Administrative Agent or such other Credit Party, and, does not contain any material misstatement of fact or omit to state a material fact or any fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

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SECTION 5.14    Sanctions and other Anti-Terrorism Laws. No (a) Originator, officers or directors acting on such Originator’s behalf in connection with this Agreement and, to such Originator’s knowledge, employees, affiliates, consultants, brokers, or agents acting on such Originator’s behalf in connection with this Agreement: (i) is a Sanctioned Person; (ii) directly or, to such Originator’s knowledge, indirectly through any third party, is engaged in any transactions or other dealings with or for the benefit of any Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Jurisdiction in violation of Anti-Terrorism Laws, or any transactions or other dealings that otherwise are prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Laws; and (b) Collateral is Embargoed Property.

SECTION 5.15    Anti-Corruption Laws. Such Originator has (a) conducted its business in compliance in all material respects with all Anti-Corruption Laws and (b) has instituted and maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote compliance with such Laws.

SECTION 5.16    Perfection Representations.

(a)    This Agreement creates a valid and continuing ownership interest or security interest (as defined in the applicable UCC which, for avoidance of doubt, includes (among other things) both (1) an interest in personal property which secures payment or performance of an obligation and (2) an ownership interest of a buyer of an account or payment intangible) in such Originator’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Receivables and Related Rights originated by such Originator, which (A) ownership interest or security interest has been perfected and is enforceable against creditors of and purchasers from such Originator and (B) will be free of all Adverse Claims (other than a Permitted Lien).

(b)    The Receivables originated by such Originator constitute “accounts” or “general intangibles” within the meaning of Section 9-102 of the UCC.

(c)    Immediately prior to the sale (or, with respect to Sylvamo North America, the contribution) by such Originator to the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement, such Originator owned and had good and marketable title to the Receivables and Related Rights being sold or contributed or purportedly sold or contributed by it hereunder free and clear of any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) of any Person.

(d)    All appropriate financing statements, financing statement amendments and continuation statements have been filed in the proper filing office in the appropriate jurisdictions under Applicable Law in order to perfect (and continue the perfection of) the sale and contribution of such Receivables (solely to the extent perfection may be achieved by filing a financing statement under the UCC) and Related Rights from each Originator to the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement.

(e)    Other than the ownership interest or security interest granted to the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement, such Originator has not pledged, assigned, sold, contributed, granted a security interest in, or otherwise conveyed any of the Receivables originated by such Originator or Related Rights except as permitted by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. Such Originator has not authorized the filing of and is not aware of any financing statements filed against such Originator that include a description of collateral covering the Receivables originated by such Originator and Related Rights other than any financing statement (i) in favor of the Administrative Agent or (ii) that has been terminated or amended to reflect the release of any

 

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security interest in the Receivables and Related Rights. Such Originator is not aware of any judgment lien, ERISA lien or tax lien filings against such Originator that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(f)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the representations contained in this Section 5.16 shall be continuing and remain in full force and effect until the Final Payout Date.

SECTION 5.17    Ordinary Course of Business. If (but only to the extent that ) the sale or contribution of any property described herein is not characterized by a court or other Governmental Authority as a sale or contribution, then each remittance of Collections by such Originator to the Buyer under this Agreement will have been (i) in payment of a debt incurred by such Originator in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of such Originator and the Buyer and (ii) made in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of such Originator and the Buyer.

SECTION 5.18    Compliance with Law. Such Originator has complied with all Applicable Laws to which it may be subject, except where the failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.19    Bulk Sales Act. No transaction contemplated by this Agreement requires compliance by such Originator with any bulk sales act or similar law.

SECTION 5.20    Eligible Receivables. Each Receivable sold, contributed, transferred or assigned hereunder, other than any Receivable designated as not being an Eligible Receivable by the applicable Originator (or by the Servicer on behalf of such Originator), is an Eligible Receivable on the date of such sale, contribution, transfer or assignment; provided, that with respect to clause (b) of the definition of “Eligible Receivable,” such Receivable shall satisfy clause (b) to the knowledge of such Originator.

SECTION 5.21    Taxes. Such Originator has (i) timely filed all tax returns (federal, state and local) required to be filed by it and (ii) paid, or caused to be paid, all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges, if any, other than taxes, assessments and other governmental charges being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP, except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.22    Opinions. The facts regarding such Originator, the Receivables sold or contributed by it hereunder, the Related Security and the related matters set forth or assumed in each of the true sale and non-consolidation opinions of counsel delivered in connection with this Agreement and the Transaction Documents are true and correct in all material respects as of the date when made.

SECTION 5.23    Other Transaction Documents. Each representation and warranty made by such Originator under each other Transaction Document to which it is a party is true and correct in all material respects (unless such representation and warranty contains a materiality qualifier, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as made) as of the date when made, except for any such representation and warranty that applies as to an earlier date (in which case, such representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects (unless such representation and warranty contains a materiality qualifier, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as made) as of such earlier date).

 

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SECTION 5.24    No Linked Accounts. Except for any Permitted Linked Account, there are no Linked Accounts with respect to any Collection Account.

SECTION 5.25    Credit and Collection Policy. Such Originator has complied in all material respects with the Credit and Collection Policy with regard to each Pool Receivable and related Contract sold, contributed, transferred or assigned by it hereunder.

SECTION 5.26    Servicing Programs. No license or approval is required for the Buyer’s or Administrative Agent’s use of any software or other computer program used by such Originator, Servicer or any Sub-Servicer in the servicing of the Receivables, other than those which have been obtained and are in full force and effect.

SECTION 5.27    Servicing of Pool Receivables. To the extent such Originator is acting as Sub-Servicer for the Servicer in accordance with the Receivables Financing Agreement, since the Closing Date, there has been no material adverse change in the ability of such Originator acting as Sub-Servicer to service and collect the Pool Receivables and the Related Security.

SECTION 5.28    Financial Condition. The consolidated balance sheets of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2022 and the related statements of income and shareholders’ equity of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter then ended, copies of which have been furnished to the Buyer, Administrative Agent and the Lenders, present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position of such Originator and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the period ended on such date, all in accordance with GAAP, except as noted therein, and subject to (x) adjustments of the type which would occur as a result of a year-end audit and (y) the absence of notes.

SECTION 5.29    Valid Sale. Each sale of Receivables and the Related Rights made by such Originator pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute a valid sale (or, with respect to the contributing Originator, contribution), transfer and assignment of Receivables and Related Rights to the Buyer, enforceable against creditors of, and purchasers from, such Originator, except (i) as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

SECTION 5.30    Good Title. Immediately preceding its sale, transfer or assignment of each Receivable hereunder, such Originator was the owner of such Receivable sold or purported to be sold free and clear of any Adverse Claims (other than a Permitted Lien), and each such sale, transfer or assignment hereunder constitutes a valid sale, transfer and assignment of all of such Originator’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Receivables sold by it, free and clear of any Adverse Claims (other than a Permitted Lien). On or before the date hereof and before the generation by such Originator of any new Receivable to be sold or otherwise conveyed hereunder, all financing statements and other documents, if any, required to be recorded or filed in order to perfect and protect the Buyer’s ownership interest in such Receivable against all creditors of and

 

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purchasers from such Originator will have been duly filed in each filing office necessary for such purpose, and all filing fees and taxes, if any, payable in connection with such filings shall have been paid in full. Upon the creation of each new Receivable sold or otherwise conveyed or purported to be conveyed hereunder and on the Closing Date for then existing Receivables, the Buyer shall have a valid and perfected first priority ownership interest or security interest in each Receivable sold to it hereunder, free and clear of any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien).

SECTION 5.31    Reliance on Separate Legal Identity. Such Originator acknowledges that each of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent are entering into the Transaction Documents to which they are parties in reliance upon the Buyer’s identity as a legal entity separate from such Originator.

SECTION 5.32    Adverse Change in Receivables. Since June 30, 2022, there has been no material adverse change in either the collectibility or the payment history of the Receivables originated by such Originator.

SECTION 5.33    No Fraudulent Conveyance. No sale, contribution, transfer or assignment hereunder constitutes a fraudulent transfer or conveyance under any United States federal or applicable state bankruptcy or insolvency laws or is otherwise void or voidable under such or similar laws or principles or for any other reason.

SECTION 5.34    Nature of Pool Receivables. All Pool Receivables sold or purportedly sold by such Originator hereunder: (i) were originated by such Originator in the ordinary course of its business, (ii) were sold to Buyer for fair consideration and reasonably equivalent value and (iii) represent all, or a portion of the purchase price of merchandise, insurance or services within the meaning of Section 3(c)(5) of the Investment Company Act.

SECTION 5.35    Enforceability of Contracts. Each Contract related to any Receivable sold by such Originator hereunder is effective to create, and has created, a legal, valid and binding obligation of the related Obligor to pay the outstanding balance of such Receivable, enforceable against the Obligor in accordance with its terms, without being subject to any defense, deduction, offset or counterclaim and such Originator has fully performed its obligations under such Contract.

SECTION 5.36    Reaffirmation of Representations and Warranties by each Originator. On each day that a new Receivable is created, and when sold or contributed to the Buyer hereunder, such Originator shall be deemed to have certified that (i) all representations and warranties set forth in this Article V are true and correct in all material respects (unless such representations and warranties contain a materiality qualifier, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as made) on and as of such day as though made on and as of such day, except for representations and warranties which apply as to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (unless such representations and warranties contain a materiality qualifier, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as made) as of such date) and (ii) no Event of Default or an Unmatured Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or will result from the creation and, sale or contribution of such Receivable.

 

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ARTICLE VI

COVENANTS OF THE ORIGINATORS

SECTION 6.1    Covenants. From the date hereof until the Final Payout Date, each Originator will, unless the Administrative Agent and the Buyer shall otherwise consent in writing, perform the following covenants:

(a)    Existence. Such Originator (i) shall keep in full force and effect its existence and rights as a limited liability company, corporation or other entity, as applicable, under the laws of its state of organization and (ii) shall obtain and preserve its qualification to do business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is or shall be necessary to protect the validity and enforceability of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and the Receivables and Related Rights, except where, with respect to this clause (ii), the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b)    Financial Reporting. Such Originator will maintain a system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP, and such Originator shall furnish to the Servicer such information as the Servicer may from time to time reasonably request relating to such system.

(c)    Notices. Such Originator will notify the Servicer in writing of any of the following events promptly upon (but in no event later than three (3) Business Days after (other than as provided in clause (v) below)) a Financial Officer or other officer of such Originator learning of the occurrence thereof, with such notice describing the same, and if applicable, the steps being taken by the Person(s) affected with respect thereto:

(i)    Notice of Purchase and Sale Termination Event or Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event. A statement of a Financial Officer of such Originator setting forth details of any Purchase and Sale Termination Event or Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event that has occurred and is continuing and the action which such Originator proposes to take with respect thereto.

(ii)    Representations and Warranties. The failure of any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by such Originator under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to be true and correct in any material respect when made.

(iii)    Litigation. The institution of any litigation, arbitration proceeding or governmental proceeding with respect to such Originator, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(iv)    Adverse Claim. (A) Any Person shall obtain an Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) upon Receivables originated by the Originator or Related Rights or any portion thereof, (B) any Person other than the Buyer, the Servicer or the Administrative Agent shall obtain any rights or direct any action with respect to any Collection Account (or related Lock-Box) or (C) any Obligor shall receive any change in payment instructions with respect to Pool Receivable(s) from a Person other than the Servicer or the Administrative Agent.

 

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(v)    Name Changes. At least fifteen (15) calendar days’ prior notice before any change described in Section 6.1(j).

(vi)    Change in Accountants or Accounting Policy. Any change in (A) the external accountants of such Originator or (B) any material accounting policy of such Originator that is relevant to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (it being understood that any change to the manner in which such Originator accounts for the Pool Receivables shall be deemed “material” for such purpose), in the case of clause (A) after such change is required to be reported under GAAP.

(vii)    Material Adverse Change. Promptly after the occurrence thereof, notice of any material adverse change in the business, operations, property or financial or other condition of such Originator that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(viii)    ERISA Event. Promptly following the occurrence of any ERISA Event that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, notice in writing setting forth the details thereof and the action which such Originator or its ERISA Affiliate, as applicable, proposes to take with respect thereto.

(d)    Conduct of Business. Such Originator (i) will carry on and conduct its business in substantially the same manner and in substantially the same fields of enterprise as it is presently conducted, (ii) will do all things necessary to remain duly organized, validly existing and in good standing as a domestic organization in its jurisdiction of organization and (iii) will maintain all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted if the failure to have such authority could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(e)    Compliance with Laws. Such Originator shall comply with all Applicable Laws to which it may be subject, except where the failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(f)    Furnishing of Information and Inspection of Receivables. Such Originator will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Buyer, Administrative Agent and each Lender from time to time such information with respect to the Pool Receivables and the Related Rights as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request. Such Originator will, (i) at such Originator’s expense, during regular business hours with reasonably prior written notice, permit the Administrative Agent and each Lender or their respective agents or representatives to (A) examine and make copies of and abstracts from all books and records relating to the Pool Receivables and the Related Rights, (B) visit the offices and properties of such Originator for the purpose of examining such books and records and (C) discuss matters relating to the Pool Receivables and the Related Rights or such Originator’s performance hereunder or under the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party with any of the officers, directors, employees or independent public accountants of such Originator (provided that representatives of such Originator are present or have the opportunity to be present during such discussions) having knowledge of such matters and (ii) without limiting the provisions of clause (i) above, during regular business hours, at such Originator’s expense, upon reasonable prior written notice from the

 

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Administrative Agent, permit certified public accountants or other auditors acceptable to the Buyer and the Administrative Agent to conduct a review of its books and records with respect to such Pool Receivables and the Related Rights; provided, that such Originator shall be required to reimburse the Buyer and Administrative Agent for only one (1) such review pursuant to clause (ii) above in any twelve-month period, unless a Purchase and Sale Termination Event or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent, each Lender and their agents and representatives shall make reasonable efforts to provide at least fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice of such audits, visits and inspections conducted under this Section 6.1(f), and such visits shall be combined with any such visit pursuant to the Receivables Financing Agreement.

(g)    Payments on Receivables, Collection Accounts. Such Originator (or the Servicer or a Sub-Servicer on its behalf) will, at all times, instruct all Obligors to deliver payments on the Pool Receivables (originated by such Originator) to a Collection Account or a Lock-Box. Such Originator (or the Servicer or a Sub-Servicer on its behalf) will, at all times, maintain such books and records as are necessary to identify Collections received from time to time on Pool Receivables originated by such Originator and to segregate such Collections from other property of the Servicer, the Sub-Servicers and the other Originators. If any payments on such Pool Receivables or other Collections are received by such Originator, it shall hold such payments in trust for the benefit of the Buyer, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the other Secured Parties and promptly (but in any event within two (2) Business Days after receipt) remit such funds into a Collection Account. Such Originator (or the Servicer or a Sub-Servicer on its behalf) will cause each Collection Account Bank to comply with the terms of each applicable Collection Account Control Agreement. Such Originator shall not permit funds other than Collections on Pool Receivables and other Collateral to be deposited into any Collection Account. If such funds are nevertheless deposited into any Collection Account, such Originator (or the Servicer or Sub-Servicer on its behalf) shall within two (2) Business Days, (x) identify and transfer such funds to the appropriate Person entitled to such funds and (y) instruct such Person to no longer deposit any such funds into any such Collection Account. Such Originator will not, and will not permit the Servicer, any Sub-Servicer, any other Originator or any other Person to commingle Collections or other funds to which the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other Secured Party is entitled, with any other funds. Such Originator (or the Servicer or a Sub-Servicer on its behalf) shall ensure that no disbursements are made from any Collection Account, other than such disbursements that are made pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

(h)    Extension or Amendment of Pool Receivables. Except as otherwise permitted by the Receivables Financing Agreement, such Originator will not, and will not permit the Servicer or any Sub-Servicer to, alter the delinquency status or adjust the Outstanding Balance or otherwise modify the terms of any Pool Receivable originated by such Originator in any material respect, or amend, modify or waive, in any material respect, any term or condition of any related Contract. Such Originator shall at its expense, timely and fully perform and comply in all material respects with all provisions, covenants and other promises required to be observed by it under the Contracts related to the Pool Receivables originated by such Originator, and timely and fully comply in all material respects with the Credit and Collection Policy with regard to each Pool Receivable and the related Contract.

 

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(i)    Change in Credit and Collection Policy. Such Originator will not make any material change in the Credit and Collection Policy without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) to the extent such material change would materially and adversely affect the credit quality of newly created Pool Receivables or collectibility of the Pool Receivables. Promptly following any change in the Credit and Collection Policy, such Originator will deliver a copy of the updated Credit and Collection Policy to the Buyer, Administrative Agent and each Lender.

(j)    Fundamental Changes. Such Originator shall not make any change in its name or location of organization or any other change in its identity or corporate structure that could impair or otherwise render any UCC financing statement filed in connection with this Agreement or the Receivables Financing Agreement “seriously misleading” as such term (or similar term) is used in the applicable UCC, in each case, unless the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Lender have each (A) received fifteen (15) days’ prior notice thereof, (B) consented in writing thereto (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld), (C) received executed copies of all documents, certificates and opinions (including, without limitation, opinions relating to bankruptcy and UCC matters) as the Buyer or the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request and (D) been reasonably satisfied that all other action to perfect and protect the interests of the Buyer and the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, in and to the Receivables to be sold by it hereunder and other Related Rights, as reasonably requested by the Buyer or the Administrative Agent shall have been taken by, and at the expense of, such Originator (including the filing of any UCC financing statements, the receipt of certificates and other requested documents from public officials and all such other actions required pursuant to Section 7.3).

(k)    Books and Records. Such Originator shall maintain and implement (or cause the Servicer to maintain and implement) administrative and operating procedures (including an ability to recreate records evidencing Pool Receivables originated by such Originator and related Contracts in the event of the destruction of the originals thereof), and keep and maintain (or cause the Servicer to keep and maintain) all documents, books, records, computer tapes and disks and other information reasonably necessary or advisable for the collection of all Pool Receivables originated by such Originator (including records adequate to permit the daily identification of each Pool Receivable originated by such Originator and all Collections of and adjustments to each existing Pool Receivable originated by such Originator).

(l)    Identifying of Records. Such Originator shall identify (or cause the Servicer to identify) its master data processing records relating to Pool Receivables and related Contracts originated by such Originator with a legend that indicates that the Pool Receivables have been sold or contributed in accordance with this Agreement and pledged in accordance with the Receivables Financing Agreement.

(m)    Change in Payment Instructions to Obligors. Such Originator shall not make any change in its (or their) instructions to the Obligors regarding payments to be made to the Collection Accounts (or any related Lock-Box), other than any instruction to remit payments to a different Collection Account (or any related Lock-Box).

 

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(n)    Security Interest, Etc. Such Originator shall (and shall cause the Servicer to), at its expense, take all action reasonably necessary or reasonably desirable to establish and maintain a valid and enforceable first priority perfected security interest in the Receivables and the Related Rights, in each case free and clear of any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien), in favor of the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties), including taking such action to perfect, protect or more fully evidence the ownership or security interest of the Buyer and the security interest of the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) as the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party may reasonably request. In order to evidence the security interests of the Buyer and the security interest of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or the Receivables Financing Agreement, as applicable, such Originator shall, from time to time take such action, or execute and deliver such instruments as may be reasonably necessary (including, without limitation, such actions as are reasonably requested by the Buyer or by the Administrative Agent) to maintain and perfect, as a first-priority interest, the Buyer’s and the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Receivables, Related Security and Collections. Such Originator shall, from time to time and within the time limits established by law, prepare and present to the Buyer and the Administrative Agent for the Administrative Agent’s authorization and approval, all financing statements, amendments, continuations or initial financing statements in lieu of a continuation statement, or other filings necessary to continue, maintain and perfect the Buyer’s and the Administrative Agent’s security interest as a first-priority interest. The Administrative Agent’s approval of such filings shall authorize such Originator to file such financing statements under the UCC without the signature of the Buyer, such Originator or the Administrative Agent where allowed by Applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything else in the Transaction Documents to the contrary, such Originator shall not have any authority to file a termination, partial termination, release, partial release, or any amendment that deletes the name of a debtor or excludes collateral of any such financing statements filed in connection with the Transaction Documents, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.

(o)    Certain Agreements. Without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders, such Originator shall not amend, modify, waive, revoke or terminate any Transaction Document to which it is a party.

(p)    Further Assurances.

(i)    Such Originator hereby authorizes and hereby agrees from time to time, at its own expense, promptly to execute (if necessary) and deliver all further instruments and documents, and to take all further actions, that may be reasonably necessary or reasonably desirable, or that the Buyer or the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to perfect, protect or more fully evidence purchases or contributions made hereunder and/or the security interest granted pursuant to the Receivables Financing Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or to enable the Buyer or the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) to exercise and enforce their respective rights and remedies under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document. Without limiting the foregoing, such Originator hereby authorizes, and will, upon the request of the Buyer or the Administrative Agent, at such Originator’s own expense, execute (if necessary) and file such financing statements or continuation statements, or amendments thereto, and such other instruments and documents, that may be reasonably necessary or reasonably desirable, or that the Buyer or Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to perfect, protect or evidence any of the foregoing.

 

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(ii)    Such Originator authorizes the Buyer and the Administrative Agent to file financing statements, continuation statements and amendments thereto and assignments thereof relating to the Receivables, the Related Security and the related Contracts, Collections with respect thereto.

(q)    Sanctions and other Anti-Terrorism Laws; Anti-Corruption Laws. Such Originator covenants and agrees that:

(i)    it shall promptly notify any Credit Party in writing upon the occurrence of a Reportable Compliance Event;

(ii)    if, at any time, any Collateral becomes Embargoed Property, then, in addition to all other rights and remedies available to any Credit Party, upon request by any Credit Party, it shall provide substitute Collateral acceptable to the Administrative Agent that is not Embargoed Property;

(iii)    it shall, and shall require each other Covered Entity to, conduct its business in compliance in all material respects with all Anti-Corruption Laws and maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote compliance with such Laws;

(iv)    it and its Subsidiaries will not: (A) become a Sanctioned Person or allow any officers or directors acting on its behalf in connection with this Agreement or, to its knowledge, any employees, affiliates, consultants, brokers, or agents acting on its behalf in connection with this Agreement to become a Sanctioned Person; (B) directly or, to its knowledge, indirectly through a third party, engage in any transactions or other dealings with or for the benefit of any Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Jurisdiction, including any use of the proceeds of the Loans to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Jurisdiction, in each case, in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Laws; (C) pay or repay any Borrower Obligations with Embargoed Property or funds derived from any unlawful activity; (D) permit any Collateral to become Embargoed Property; or (E) cause any Credit Party to violate in any material respect any Anti-Terrorism Law; and

(v)    it will not, and will not permit any its Subsidiaries to, directly or, to its knowledge, indirectly, use the Loans or any proceeds thereof for any purpose which would breach any Anti-Corruption Laws in any jurisdiction in which such Originator conducts business.

(r)    Taxes. Such Originator will (i) timely file, or cause to be timely filed, all federal, state, and other material tax returns required to be filed by it and (ii) pay, or cause to be paid, all federal, state, and other material taxes, assessments and other governmental charges, if any, other than taxes, assessments and other governmental charges being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP, except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(s)    Tax Status. Such Originator shall not take or cause any action to be taken that could result in the Buyer (i) being treated other than as a “disregarded entity” within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulation § 301.7701-3 for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (ii) becoming an association taxable as a corporation or a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (iii) becoming subject to any Tax in any jurisdiction outside the United States or (iv) becoming subject to any material tax imposed by a state or local taxing authority.

(t)    No Linked Accounts. Such Originator shall not permit any Linked Account (other than any Permitted Linked Account) to exist with respect to any Collection Account.

(u)    Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, etc. No Originator shall (i) be a party to any merger, consolidation or other restructuring, except where such a merger, consolidation or other restructuring (x) complies with terms of Section 6(c) of the Performance Guaranty or (y) where the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Lender have each (A) received thirty (30) days’ prior notice thereof, (B) consented in writing thereto (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld), (C) received executed copies of all documents, certificates and opinions (including, without limitation, opinions relating to bankruptcy and UCC matters) as the Buyer or the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request and (D) been reasonably satisfied that all other action to perfect and protect the interests of the Buyer and the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, in and to the Receivables to be sold by it hereunder and other Related Rights, as reasonably requested by the Buyer or the Administrative Agent shall have been taken by, and at the expense of, such Originator (including the filing of any UCC financing statements, the receipt of certificates and other requested documents from public officials and all such other actions required pursuant to Section 7.3) or (ii) directly or indirectly sell, transfer, assign, convey or lease (A) whether in one or a series of transactions, all or substantially all of its assets or (B) any Receivables or any interest therein (other than pursuant to this Agreement).

(v)    Frequency of Billing. Such Originator shall prepare and deliver (or cause to be prepared and delivered) invoices with respect to all Receivables in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy, but in any event no less frequently than as required under the Contract related to such Receivable.

(w)    Receivables Not to Be Evidenced by Promissory Notes or Chattel Paper. No Originator shall take any action to cause or permit any Receivable created, acquired or originated by it to become evidenced by any “instrument” or “chattel paper” (as defined in the applicable UCC) without the prior written consent of the Buyer and the Administrative Agent.

(x)    Insurance. Such Originator will maintain in effect, at such Originator’s expense, such casualty and liability insurance as such Originator deems appropriate in its good faith business judgment.

(y)    Subordinated Notes, Etc. Such Originator will not sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option with respect to, or create or suffer to exist any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) upon (including, without limitation, the filing of any financing statement) or with respect to, the Subordinated Note issued to such Originator.

 

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(z)    Sales, Liens, etc. Except as otherwise provided herein, such Originator will not sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise dispose of, or create or suffer to exist any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) upon (including, without limitation, the filing of any financing statement) or with respect to, any Pool Receivable originated by such Originator or other Related Rights, or assign any right to receive income in respect thereof.

SECTION 6.2    Separateness Covenants. Each Originator hereby acknowledges that this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents are being entered into in reliance upon the Buyer’s identity as a legal entity separate from such Originator and its Affiliates. Therefore, from and after the date hereof, each Originator shall take all reasonable steps necessary to make it apparent to third Persons that the Buyer is an entity with assets and liabilities distinct from those of such Originator and any other Person, and is not a division of such Originator, its Affiliates or any other Person. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and in addition to and consistent with the other covenants set forth herein, such Originator shall take such actions as shall be required in order that:

(a)    such Originator shall not be involved in the day to day management of the Buyer;

(b)    such Originator shall maintain separate corporate records and books of account from the Buyer and otherwise will observe corporate formalities and have a separate area from the Buyer for its business (which may be located at the same address as the Buyer, and, subject to clause (k) below, to the extent that it and the Buyer have offices in the same location, there shall be a fair and appropriate allocation of overhead costs between them, and each shall bear its fair share of such expenses);

(c)    the financial statements and books and records of such Originator shall be prepared after the date of creation of the Buyer to reflect and shall reflect the separate existence of the Buyer; provided, that the Buyer’s assets and liabilities may be included in a consolidated financial statement issued by the Parent or other Affiliate of the Buyer; provided, however, that any such consolidated financial statement or the notes thereto shall make clear that the Buyer’s assets are not available to satisfy the obligations of the Parent or such other Affiliate;

(d)    except as permitted by the Receivables Financing Agreement, (i) such Originator shall maintain its assets (including, without limitation, deposit accounts) separately from the assets (including, without limitation, deposit accounts) of the Buyer and (ii) the Buyer’s assets, and records relating thereto, have not been, are not, and shall not be, commingled with those of the Buyer;

(e)    such Originator shall not act as an agent for the Buyer (except in the capacity of Servicer or a Sub-Servicer in accordance with the Transaction Documents);

(f)    such Originator shall not conduct any of the business of the Buyer in its own name (except in the capacity of Servicer or a Sub-Servicer in accordance with the Transaction Documents);

 

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(g)    other than with respect to the initial organizational expenses, such Originator shall not pay any liabilities of the Buyer out of its own funds or assets, except in its capacity as Servicer or Sub-Servicer in accordance with the Transaction Documents;

(h)    such Originator shall maintain an arm’s-length relationship with the Buyer;

(i)    such Originator shall not assume or guarantee or become obligated for the debts of the Buyer or hold out its credit as being available to satisfy the obligations of the Buyer;

(j)    such Originator shall not acquire obligations of the Buyer (other than the Subordinated Notes);

(k)    such Originator shall allocate fairly and reasonably overhead or other expenses that are properly shared with the Buyer, including, without limitation, shared office space. Such expenses will be allocated to the extent practical on the basis of actual use or the value of services rendered, and otherwise on the basis reasonably related to the actual use or the value of services rendered;

(l)    such Originator shall identify and hold itself out as a separate and distinct entity from the Buyer;

(m)    such Originator shall correct any known misunderstanding respecting its separate identity from the Buyer;

(n)    such Originator shall not enter into, or be a party to, any transaction with the Buyer, except in the ordinary course of its business and on terms not less favorable to it than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with an unrelated third party;

(o)    such Originator shall not pay the salaries of the Buyer’s employees, if any; and

(p)    to the extent not already covered in paragraphs (a) through (o) above, such Originator shall comply and/or act in accordance with all of the other separateness covenants set forth in Section 8.03 of the Receivables Financing Agreement.

ARTICLE VII

ADDITIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

IN RESPECT OF RECEIVABLES

SECTION 7.1    Rights of the Buyer. Each Originator hereby authorizes the Buyer, the Servicer or their respective designees or assignees under this Agreement or the Receivables Financing Agreement (including, without limitation, the Administrative Agent) to take any and all steps in such Originator’s name necessary or desirable, in their respective determination, to collect all amounts due under any and all Receivables sold, contributed or otherwise conveyed or purported to be sold, contributed or otherwise conveyed by it hereunder, including, without limitation, endorsing the name of such Originator on checks and other instruments representing Collections and enforcing such Receivables and the provisions of the related Contracts that

 

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concern payment and/or enforcement of rights to payment; provided, however, the Administrative Agent shall not take any of the foregoing actions unless a Purchase and Sale Termination Event or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

SECTION 7.2    Responsibilities of the Originators. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding:

(a)    Each Originator shall perform its obligations hereunder, and the exercise by the Buyer or its designee of its rights hereunder shall not relieve such Originator from such obligations.

(b)    None of the Buyer, the Servicer, the Lenders or the Administrative Agent shall have any obligation or liability to any Obligor or any other third Person with respect to any Receivables, Contracts related thereto or any other related agreements, nor shall the Buyer, the Servicer, the Lenders or the Administrative Agent be obligated to perform any of the obligations of such Originator thereunder.

(c)    Each Originator hereby grants to the Administrative Agent an irrevocable power-of-attorney, with full power of substitution, coupled with an interest, during the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default to take in the name of such Originator all steps necessary or advisable to endorse, negotiate or otherwise realize on any writing or other right of any kind held or transmitted by such Originator or transmitted or received by the Buyer (whether or not from such Originator) in connection with any Receivable sold, contributed or otherwise conveyed or purported to be sold, contributed or otherwise conveyed by it hereunder or Related Right.

SECTION 7.3    Further Action Evidencing Purchases. On or prior to the Closing Date, each Originator shall mark its master data processing records evidencing Pool Receivables and Contracts with a legend, acceptable to the Buyer and the Administrative Agent, evidencing that the Pool Receivables have been transferred in accordance with this Agreement and none of the Originators or Servicer shall change or remove such notation without the consent of the Buyer and the Administrative Agent. Each Originator agrees that from time to time, at its expense, it will promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and documents, and take all further action that the Buyer, the Servicer, any Sub-Servicer, the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request in order to perfect, protect or more fully evidence the Receivables and Related Rights purchased by or contributed to the Buyer hereunder, or to enable the Buyer to exercise or enforce any of its rights hereunder or under any other Transaction Document. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, upon the request of the Buyer, the Administrative Agent or any Lender, such Originator will execute (if applicable), authorize and file such financing or continuation statements, or amendments thereto or assignments thereof, and such other instruments or notices, as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate.

Each Originator hereby authorizes the Buyer or its designee or assignee (including, without limitation, the Administrative Agent) to file one or more financing or continuation statements, and amendments thereto and assignments thereof, relative to all or any of the Receivables and Related Rights sold, contributed or otherwise conveyed or purported to be sold, contributed or otherwise conveyed by it hereunder and now existing or hereafter generated by such Originator. If any Originator fails to perform any of its agreements or obligations under this Agreement, the Buyer

 

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or its designee or assignee (including, without limitation, the Administrative Agent) may (but shall not be required to) itself perform, or cause the performance of, such agreement or obligation, and the expenses of the Buyer or its designee or assignee (including, without limitation, the Administrative Agent) incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by such Originator.

SECTION 7.4    Application of Collections. Any payment by an Obligor in respect of any indebtedness owed by it to any Originator shall, except as otherwise specified by such Obligor or required by Applicable Law and unless otherwise instructed by the Servicer (with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent) or the Administrative Agent, be applied as a Collection of any Receivable or Receivables of such Obligor to the extent of any amounts then due and payable thereunder (such application to be made starting with the oldest outstanding Receivable or Receivables) before being applied to any other indebtedness of such Obligor.

SECTION 7.5    Performance of Obligations. Each Originator shall (i) perform all of its obligations under the Contracts related to the Receivables generated by such Originator to the same extent as if interests in such Receivables had not been transferred hereunder, and the exercise by the Buyer or the Administrative Agent of its rights hereunder shall not relieve any Originator from any such obligations and (ii) pay when due any taxes, including, without limitation, any sales taxes payable in connection with the Receivables generated by such Originator and their creation and satisfaction, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

ARTICLE VIII

PURCHASE AND SALE TERMINATION EVENTS

SECTION 8.1    Purchase and Sale Termination Events. Each of the following events or occurrences described in this Section 8.1 shall constitute a “Purchase and Sale Termination Event” (each event which with notice or the passage of time or both would become a Purchase and Sale Termination Event being referred to herein as an “Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event”):

(a)    the Termination Date shall have occurred; or

(b)    any Originator shall fail to make when due any payment or deposit required to be made by it under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party and such failure shall continue unremedied for two (2) Business Days; or

(c)    any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by any Originator (or any of its officers) under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party or any information or report delivered by any Originator pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, shall prove to have been incorrect or untrue in any material respect when made or deemed made or delivered, and such incorrect representation or warranty shall continue to be untrue for fifteen (15) calendar days after such Originator has knowledge of or receives notice thereof; or

(d)    any Originator shall fail to perform or observe the covenant set forth in Section 6.1(q); or

 

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(e)    any Originator shall fail to perform or observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party (other than such failure which would constitute a Purchase and Sale Termination Event under Section 8.1(b), Section 8.1(d) or under any other paragraph of this Section 8.1), and such failure shall continue unremedied for thirty (30) calendar days after such Originator has knowledge of or receives notice thereof; or

(f)    any Insolvency Proceeding shall be instituted against the Buyer or any Originator and, in the case of any such proceeding instituted against the Buyer or such Originator (but not instituted by the Buyer or such Originator, as applicable), either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) consecutive calendar days, or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including the entry of an order for relief against, or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for, it or for any substantial part of its property) shall occur; or

(g)    any Originator or any of its Subsidiaries (excluding the Buyer), individually or in the aggregate, shall fail to (i) pay when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise), after giving effect to any grace period, if any, provided in the instrument or agreement under which such Debt was created, any principal of or premium or interest on any of its Debt having an aggregate principal amount exceeding the Threshold Amount or (ii) after giving effect to any applicable grace period, observe, perform or comply with any condition, covenant or agreement contained in any agreement or instrument evidencing or relating to any such Debt having an aggregate principal amount exceeding the Threshold Amount, and the effect of such failure is to cause, or permit the holder or holders of such Debt (or a trustee or agent on its or their behalf) to cause (with the giving of notice or otherwise), such Debt to become due, or to be prepaid, redeemed, purchased or defeased, prior to its stated maturity (other than by (A) the occurrence of any early termination or cancellation (each howsoever defined) under any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or any Permitted Warrant Transaction, (B) a regularly-scheduled required payment, (C) mandatory prepayments from proceeds of asset sales, debt incurrence, excess cash flow, equity issuances and insurance proceeds, (D) mandatory payments due by reason of, and in an amount required to, eliminate the effect of currency fluctuations, (E) the conversion of any Permitted Convertible Indebtedness into cash, shares of the Parent’s common stock or any combination thereof in accordance with terms of the indenture governing such Permitted Convertible Indebtedness or (F) any special mandatory redemption of Debt incurred in connection with any merger, acquisition or other Investment that becomes due because such event does not occur during a specified time period (so long as such Debt is redeemed within the time period required). For purposes of this clause (g), terms used but not defined herein (including all defined terms used within such terms) shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms, in each case, in the Credit Agreement; or

(h)    the Internal Revenue Service shall file notice of a lien pursuant to Section 6323 of the Code with regard to any assets of any Originator; or

(i)    an ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of any Originator or any of its ERISA Affiliates under Title IV of ERISA to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or any Originator

 

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or any of its ERISA Affiliates fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan, where the aggregate amount of unamortized withdrawal liability that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(j)    a Material Adverse Effect shall occur with respect to any Originator; or

(k)    any material provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document shall cease to be in full force and effect or any Originator (or any of its respective Affiliates) shall so state in writing; or

(l)    one or more judgments or decrees shall be entered against any Originator or any of its Affiliate involving in the aggregate a liability (not paid, fully bonded or to the extent not covered by solvent third-party insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage (other than customary reservation of rights letters)) and such judgments and decrees either shall be final and non-appealable or shall not be vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending appeal for any period of thirty (30) consecutive calendar days, and the aggregate amount of all such judgments equals or exceeds the Threshold Amount.

SECTION 8.2    Remedies.

(a)    Optional Termination. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Purchase and Sale Termination Event, the Buyer (and not the Servicer), with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent shall have the option, by notice to the Originators (with a copy to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders), to declare the Purchase Facility terminated.

(b)    Remedies Cumulative. Upon any termination of the Purchase Facility pursuant to Section 8.2(a), the Buyer (and the Administrative Agent as Buyer’s assignee) shall have, in addition to all other rights and remedies under this Agreement, all other rights and remedies provided under the UCC of each applicable jurisdiction and other Applicable Laws, which rights shall be cumulative.

ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION

SECTION 9.1    Indemnities by the Originators. Without limiting any other rights that the Buyer may have hereunder or under Applicable Law, each Originator, jointly and severally, hereby agrees to indemnify the Buyer, each of its officers, directors, employees, agents, employees and respective assigns, the Administrative Agent and each Lender (each of the foregoing Persons being individually called a “Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party”), from and against any and all claims, expenses, damages, losses and liabilities (including Attorney Costs) (all of the foregoing being collectively called “Purchase and Sale Indemnified Amounts”) arising out of, relating to or in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or the use of the proceeds from the Receivables generated by any Originator and Related Security or the security interest in respect thereof and without limiting or being limited by the foregoing, any of the following:

(a)    the breach of any representation, warranty or statement made or deemed made by such Originator (or any employee, officer or agent of such Originator) under or in

 

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connection with this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, or any information or report delivered by or on behalf of such Originator pursuant hereto or thereto which shall have been untrue or incorrect when made or deemed made or delivered;

(b)    the failure by such Originator to comply with any Applicable Law with respect to any Pool Receivable or the related Contract; or the failure of any Pool Receivable or the related Contract to conform to any such Applicable Law;

(c)    the lack of an enforceable ownership interest, or a first priority perfected lien, in the Pool Receivables (and all Related Security) originated by such Originator against all Persons (including any bankruptcy trustee or similar Person), in either case, free and clear of any Adverse Claim;

(d)    the failure to have filed, or any delay in filing, financing statements, financing statement amendments, continuation statements or other similar instruments or documents under the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction or other Applicable Laws with respect to any Pool Receivable or the Related Rights at any time;

(e)    the transfer by such Originator of any interest in any Pool Receivable or Related Right other than the transfer of any Pool Receivable and Related Security to the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement and the grant of a security interest to the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement;

(f)    any dispute, claim, offset or defense (other than discharge in bankruptcy) of an Obligor to the payment of any Pool Receivable (including, without limitation, a defense based on such Pool Receivable or the related Contract not being a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Obligor enforceable against it in accordance with its terms), or any other claim resulting from or relating to collection activities with respect to such Pool Receivable;

(g)    any failure of such Originator to perform any of its duties or obligations in accordance with the provisions hereof and of each other Transaction Document related to Pool Receivables or to timely and fully comply with the Credit and Collection Policy in regard to each Pool Receivable;

(h)    the misdirection of Collections or the commingling of Collections of Pool Receivables at any time with other funds;

(i)    any investigation, litigation or proceeding (actual or threatened) related to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or in respect of any Pool Receivable or any Related Rights;

(j)    any failure of any Originator to comply with its covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document;

(k)    any offset, setoff, adjustment or other non-cash reduction of any Pool Receivable (including Deemed Collections) not arising from the bankruptcy or insolvency, lack of creditworthiness or other financial default or inability to pay of the related Obligor;

 

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(l)    any suit or claim related to the Pool Receivables originated by such Originator (including any products liability or environmental liability claim) arising out of or in connection with any Pool Receivable or other merchandise, goods or services that are the subject of or related to any Pool Receivable;

(m)    any claim brought by any Person other than a Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party arising from any activity by such Originator or any Affiliate of such Originator in servicing, administering or collecting any Pool Receivable;

(n)    the failure by such Originator to pay when due any Taxes, including, without limitation, sales, excise or personal property taxes;

(o)    any dispute, claim, offset or defense (other than discharge in bankruptcy) of an Obligor to the payment of any Pool Receivable (including, without limitation, a defense based on such Pool Receivable or the related Contract not being a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Obligor enforceable against it in accordance with its terms), or any other claim resulting from the sale of goods or the rendering of services related to such Pool Receivable or the furnishing or failure to furnish any such goods or services or other similar claim or defense not arising from the bankruptcy or insolvency, lack of creditworthiness or other financial default or inability to pay of the related Obligor any undisputed indebtedness;

(p)    any action taken by the Administrative Agent as attorney-in-fact for such Originator pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document;

(q)    the failure or delay to provide any Obligor with an invoice or other evidence of indebtedness related to a Pool Receivable; or

(r)    any tax or governmental fee or charge, all interest and penalties thereon or with respect thereto, and all out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including without limitation Attorney Costs in defending against the same, which are required to be paid by reason of the purchase or ownership of the Receivables generated by such Originator or any Related Rights connected with any such Receivables;

provided that such indemnity shall not be available to any Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (i) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of a Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party, (ii) constitute recourse with respect to a Pool Receivable by reason of the bankruptcy or insolvency, lack of creditworthiness or other financial default or inability to pay of the related Obligor or (iii) are arising from a claim by one Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party against another Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party (other than actions against the Administrative Agent in its capacity as Administrative Agent or as a result of the actions or inaction of such Originator).

If for any reason (other than the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party) the indemnification provided above in this Section 9.1 is unavailable to a Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party or is insufficient to hold such Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party harmless, then each of the Originators, jointly and severally, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim,

 

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damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the Originator and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and such Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party, on the other hand, in the matters contemplated by this Agreement as well as the relative fault of the Originator and its Affiliates and such Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party with respect to such loss, claim, damage or liability and any other relevant equitable considerations. The reimbursement, indemnity and contribution obligations of such Originator under this Section 9.1 shall be in addition to any liability which such Originator may otherwise have, shall extend upon the same terms and conditions to Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives of such Originator and the Purchase and Sale Indemnified Parties. Any indemnification or contribution under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 10.1    Amendments, etc.

(a)    The provisions of this Agreement may from time to time be amended, modified or waived, if such amendment, modification or waiver is in writing and executed by the Buyer, the Servicer and each Originator, with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders.

(b)    No failure or delay on the part of the Buyer, the Servicer, any Sub-Servicer, any Originator, the Administrative Agent or any third-party beneficiary in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power or right. No waiver or approval by the Buyer or the Servicer under this Agreement shall, except as may otherwise be stated in such waiver or approval, be applicable to subsequent transactions. No waiver or approval under this Agreement shall require any similar or dissimilar waiver or approval thereafter to be granted hereunder.

(c)    The Transaction Documents contain a final and complete integration of all prior expressions by the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof and shall constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof, superseding all prior oral or written understandings.

SECTION 10.2    Notices, etc. All notices and other communications hereunder shall, unless otherwise stated herein, be in writing (which shall include facsimile and email communication) and shall be faxed, emailed or delivered to each party hereto, at its address or facsimile number or email address set forth under its name on Schedule IV hereof or at such other address or facsimile number or email address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties hereto or in the case of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, at their respective address for notices pursuant to the Receivables Financing Agreement. Notices and communications by facsimile shall be effective when sent (and shall be followed by hard copy sent by regular mail) and by email shall be effective when sent confirmed by electronic or other means (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return electronic mail or other acknowledgement), and notices and communications sent by other means shall be effective when received.

 

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SECTION 10.3    No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. Without limiting the foregoing, each Originator hereby authorizes the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Lender (collectively, the “Set-off Parties”), at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off, against any obligations of such Originator to such Set-off Party arising in connection with the Transaction Documents (including, without limitation, amounts payable pursuant to Section 9.1) that are then due and payable or that are not then due and payable but have accrued, any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held by, and any and all indebtedness at any time owing by, any Set-off Party to or for the credit or the account of such Originator.

SECTION 10.4    Binding Effect; Assignability. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Buyer and each Originator and their respective successors and permitted assigns. No Originator may assign any of its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Lender, except as otherwise herein specifically provided. This Agreement shall create and constitute the continuing obligations of the parties hereto in accordance with its terms, and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the parties hereto shall agree. The rights and remedies with respect to any breach of any representation and warranty made by any Originator pursuant to Article V and the indemnification and payment provisions of Article IX and Section 10.6 shall be continuing and shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 10.5    GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE PARTIES HERETO, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, BUT WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY OTHER CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE PERFECTION, THE EFFECT OF PERFECTION OR PRIORITY OF THE INTERESTS OF THE BUYER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER IN THE RECEIVABLES AND THE RELATED RIGHTS IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF NEW YORK).

SECTION 10.6    Costs, Expenses and Taxes. In addition to the obligations of the Originators under Article IX, each Originator, jointly and severally, agrees to pay (x) with respect to any of the following amounts invoiced at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, on the Closing Date, and (y) otherwise, within ten (10) Business Days following demand therefor:

(a)    to the Buyer (and any successor and permitted assigns thereof) and any third-party beneficiary of the Buyer’s rights hereunder all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents (together with all amendments, restatements, supplements, consents and waivers, if any, from time to time hereto), including, without limitation, (i) the reasonable Attorney Costs for the Buyer (and any successor

 

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and permitted assigns thereof) and any third-party beneficiary of the Buyer’s rights hereunder with respect thereto and with respect to advising any such Person as to their rights and remedies under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (ii) reasonable and documented accountants’, auditors’ and consultants’ fees and expenses for the Buyer (and any successor and permitted assigns thereof) and any third-party beneficiary of the Buyer’s rights hereunder incurred in connection with the administration and maintenance of this Agreement or advising any such Person as to their rights and remedies under this Agreement or as to any actual or reasonably claimed breach of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document;

(b)    to the Buyer (and any successor and permitted assigns thereof) and any third-party beneficiary of the Buyer’s rights hereunder all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable Attorney Costs), of any such Person incurred in connection with the enforcement of any of their respective rights or remedies under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents; and

(c)    all stamp, franchise and other taxes and fees payable in connection with the execution, delivery, filing and recording of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to be delivered hereunder, and agrees to indemnify each Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party against any liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay in paying or omitting to pay such taxes and fees.

SECTION 10.7    CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. (a) EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY NEW YORK STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, AND EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING. THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE 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.

(b)    EACH PARTY HERETO CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES OF SUCH PROCESS TO IT AT ITS ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN SCHEDULE IV. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION 10.7 SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY TO SERVE LEGAL PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW.

SECTION 10.8    WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT.

 

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SECTION 10.9    Captions and Cross References; Incorporation by Reference. The various captions (including, without limitation, the table of contents) in this Agreement are included for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. References in this Agreement to any underscored Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit are to such Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit of this Agreement, as the case may be. The Schedules and Exhibits hereto are hereby incorporated by reference into and made a part of this Agreement.

SECTION 10.10    Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart hereof by facsimile or other electronic means shall be equally effective as delivery of an originally executed counterpart. The words “execution”, “executed”, “signed”, “signature”, and words of like import in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or electronic records, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

SECTION 10.11    Acknowledgment and Agreement. By execution below, each Originator expressly acknowledges and agrees that all of the Buyer’s rights, title, and interests in, to, and under this Agreement (but not its obligations), shall be assigned by the Buyer to the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Lenders) pursuant to the Receivables Financing Agreement, and each Originator consents to such assignment. Each of the parties hereto acknowledges and agrees that the Lenders and the Administrative Agent are third-party beneficiaries of the rights of the Buyer arising hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents to which any Originator is a party, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Transaction Document, during the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default under the Receivables Financing Agreement, the Administrative Agent, and not the Buyer, shall have the sole right to exercise all such rights and related remedies.

SECTION 10.12    No Proceeding. Each Originator hereby agrees that it will not institute, or join any other Person in instituting, against the Buyer any Insolvency Proceeding for at least one year and one day following the Final Payout Date. Each Originator further agrees that notwithstanding any provisions contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Buyer shall not, and shall not be obligated to, pay any amount in respect of any Subordinated Note or otherwise to such Originator pursuant to this Agreement unless the Buyer has received funds which may, subject to Section 4.01 of the Receivables Financing Agreement, be used to make such payment. Any amount which the Buyer does not pay pursuant to the operation of the preceding sentence shall not constitute a claim (as defined in §101 of the Bankruptcy Code) against or corporate obligation of the Buyer by such Originator for any such insufficiency unless and until the provisions of the foregoing sentence are satisfied. The agreements in this Section 10.12 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

37


SECTION 10.13    Mutual Negotiations. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents are the product of mutual negotiations by the parties thereto and their counsel, and no party shall be deemed the draftsperson of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or any provision hereof or thereof or to have provided the same. Accordingly, in the event of any inconsistency or ambiguity of any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, such inconsistency or ambiguity shall not be interpreted against any party because of such party’s involvement in the drafting thereof.

SECTION 10.14    Severability. Any provisions of this Agreement which are prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

SECTION 10.15    Limited Recourse. Except as explicitly set forth herein, the obligations of the Buyer and any Originator under this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents to which it is a party are solely the obligations of the Buyer and such Originator. No recourse under any Transaction Document shall be had against, and no liability shall attach to, any officer, manager, stockholder, employee, director, or beneficiary, whether directly or indirectly, of the Buyer or any Originator. The agreements in this Section 10.15 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

38


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above written.

 

SYLVAMO RECEIVABLES, LLC,
as the Buyer
By:  

/s/ Phillip M Sisneros

Name:   Phillip M Sisneros
Title:   President
SYLVAMO NORTH AMERICA, LLC,
as the Servicer and as an Originator
By:  

/s/ Phillip M Sisneros

Name:   Phillip M Sisneros
Title:   Vice President and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

  S-1  

Purchase and Sale Agreement (Sylvamo)

    

EXHIBIT 10.2

RECEIVABLES FINANCING AGREEMENT

Dated as of September 30, 2022

by and among

SYLVAMO RECEIVABLES, LLC,

as Borrower,

THE PERSONS FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO,

as Lenders,

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Administrative Agent,

SYLVAMO NORTH AMERICA, LLC,

as initial Servicer,

and

PNC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC,

as Structuring Agent


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

  

SECTION 1.01.

 

Certain Defined Terms

     1  

SECTION 1.02.

 

Other Interpretative Matters

     31  

SECTION 1.03.

 

BSBY Notification

     32  

SECTION 1.04.

 

Conforming Changes Relating to BSBY

     32  

ARTICLE II TERMS OF THE LOANS

  

SECTION 2.01.

 

Loan Facility

     32  

SECTION 2.02.

 

Making Loans; Repayment of Loans

     33  

SECTION 2.03.

 

Defaulting Lenders

     34  

ARTICLE III INTEREST RATES; FEES

  

SECTION 3.01.

 

Interest Rate Options

     35  

SECTION 3.02.

 

Interest Periods

     36  

SECTION 3.03.

 

Interest After Default

     36  

SECTION 3.04.

 

BSBY Rate Unascertainable; Increased Costs; Illegality; Benchmark Replacement Setting

     37  

SECTION 3.05.

 

Selection of Interest Rate Options

     43  

SECTION 3.06.

 

Interest Payment Dates

     43  

SECTION 3.07.

 

Fees

     43  

SECTION 3.08.

 

Records of Loans

     44  

ARTICLE IV SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS

  

SECTION 4.01.

 

Settlement Procedures

     44  

SECTION 4.02.

 

Payments and Computations, Etc

     47  

ARTICLE V INCREASED COSTS; FUNDING LOSSES; TAXES; ILLEGALITY AND SECURITY INTEREST

  

SECTION 5.01.

 

Increased Costs

     47  

SECTION 5.02.

 

Funding Losses

     49  

SECTION 5.03.

 

Taxes

     49  

SECTION 5.04.

 

Security Interest

     54  

ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS

  

SECTION 6.01.

 

Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness and the Initial Credit Extension

     55  

SECTION 6.02.

 

Conditions Precedent to All Credit Extensions

     55  

SECTION 6.03.

 

Conditions Precedent to All Releases

     56  

 

-i-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

         Page  

ARTICLE VII REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

  

SECTION 7.01.

 

Representations and Warranties of the Borrower

     57  

SECTION 7.02.

 

Representations and Warranties of the Servicer

     63  

ARTICLE VIII COVENANTS

  

SECTION 8.01.

 

Covenants of the Borrower

     67  

SECTION 8.02.

 

Covenants of the Servicer

     76  

SECTION 8.03.

 

Separate Existence of the Borrower

     83  

ARTICLE IX ADMINISTRATION AND COLLECTION OF RECEIVABLES

  

SECTION 9.01.

 

Appointment of the Servicer

     86  

SECTION 9.02.

 

Duties of the Servicer

     88  

SECTION 9.03.

 

Collection Account Arrangements

     88  

SECTION 9.04.

 

Enforcement Rights

     89  

SECTION 9.05.

 

Responsibilities of the Borrower

     91  

SECTION 9.06.

 

Servicing Fee

     91  

ARTICLE X EVENTS OF DEFAULT

  

SECTION 10.01.

 

Events of Default

     92  

ARTICLE XI THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

  

SECTION 11.01.

 

Appointment and Authority

     95  

SECTION 11.02.

 

Rights as a Lender

     95  

SECTION 11.03.

 

Exculpatory Provisions

     96  

SECTION 11.04.

 

Reliance by Administrative Agent

     97  

SECTION 11.05.

 

Delegation of Duties

     97  

SECTION 11.06.

 

Resignation of Administrative Agent

     98  

SECTION 11.07.

 

Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders

     98  

SECTION 11.08.

 

No Other Duties, Etc

     99  

SECTION 11.09.

 

Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

     99  

SECTION 11.10.

 

No Reliance on Administrative Agent’s Customer Identification Program

     99  

SECTION 11.11.

 

ERISA Matters

     100  

 

-ii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

         Page  

SECTION 11.12.

 

Erroneous Payments

     101  

SECTION 11.13.

 

Collateral Matters

     104  

SECTION 11.14.

 

Indemnification of Administrative Agent

     104  

SECTION 11.15.

 

Structuring Agent

     104  

ARTICLE XII INDEMNIFICATION

  

SECTION 12.01.

 

Indemnities by the Borrower

     104  

SECTION 12.02.

 

Indemnification by the Servicer

     107  

ARTICLE XIII MISCELLANEOUS

  

SECTION 13.01.

 

Amendments, Etc

     109  

SECTION 13.02.

 

Notices, Etc

     110  

SECTION 13.03.

 

Assignability; Addition of Lenders

     110  

SECTION 13.04.

 

Costs and Expenses

     113  

SECTION 13.05.

 

No Proceedings; Limitation on Payments

     114  

SECTION 13.06.

 

Confidentiality

     114  

SECTION 13.07.

 

GOVERNING LAW

     116  

SECTION 13.08.

 

Execution in Counterparts

     116  

SECTION 13.09.

 

Integration; Binding Effect; Survival of Termination

     116  

SECTION 13.10.

 

CONSENT TO JURISDICTION

     117  

SECTION 13.11.

 

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

     117  

SECTION 13.12.

 

Ratable Payments

     117  

SECTION 13.13.

 

Limitation of Liability

     117  

SECTION 13.14.

 

Intent of the Parties

     118  

SECTION 13.15.

 

USA Patriot Act

     118  

SECTION 13.16.

 

Right of Setoff

     119  

SECTION 13.17.

 

Severability

     119  

SECTION 13.18.

 

Mutual Negotiations

     119  

SECTION 13.19.

 

Captions and Cross References

     119  

 

-iii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

         Page  

EXHIBITS

    

EXHIBIT A

 

–    Form of Loan Request

  

EXHIBIT B

 

–    Form of Reduction Notice

  

EXHIBIT C

 

     Form of Assignment and Acceptance Agreement

  

EXHIBIT D

 

–    Form of Assumption Agreement

  

EXHIBIT E

 

–    Credit and Collection Policy

  

EXHIBIT F-1

 

–    Form of Information Package

  

EXHIBIT F-2

 

–    Form of Interim Report

  

EXHIBIT G

 

–    Form of Compliance Certificate

  

EXHIBIT H

 

–    Closing Memorandum

  

SCHEDULES

    

SCHEDULE I

 

–    Commitments

  

SCHEDULE II

 

–    Lock-Boxes, Collection Accounts and Collection Account Banks

  

SCHEDULE III

 

–    Notice Addresses

  

SCHEDULE IV

 

–    Excluded Obligors

  

SCHEDULE V

 

–    Insured Obligors

  

SCHEDULE VI

 

–    Financial Covenant(s)

  

SCHEDULE VII

 

–    Permitted Linked Account(s)

  

 

-iv-


This RECEIVABLES FINANCING AGREEMENT (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”) is entered into as of September 30, 2022, by and among the following parties:

(i)    SYLVAMO RECEIVABLES, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as Borrower (together with its successors and assigns, the “Borrower”);

(ii)    the Persons from time to time party hereto as Lenders;

(iii)    PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“PNC”), as Administrative Agent;

(iv)    SYLVAMO NORTH AMERICA, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in its individual capacity (“Sylvamo North America”) and as initial servicer (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, the “Servicer”); and

(v)    PNC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC, a Pennsylvania limited liability company, as Structuring Agent.

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

The Borrower has acquired, and will acquire from time to time, Receivables from the Originator(s) pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The Borrower has requested that the Lenders make Loans from time to time to the Borrower, on the terms, and subject to the conditions set forth herein, secured by, among other things, the Receivables.

In consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained herein, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.01.    Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

Account Control Agreement” means each agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, among the Borrower, the Servicer (if applicable), the Administrative Agent and a Collection Account Bank, governing the terms of the related Collection Accounts that (a) provides the Administrative Agent with control within the meaning of the UCC over the deposit accounts subject to such agreement and (b) by its terms, may not be terminated or canceled by the related Collection Account Bank without the written consent of the Administrative Agent or upon no less than thirty (30) calendar days’ (or 15 Business Days’ upon a breach thereunder) prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.


Accrual Period” means, with respect to each Loan, (a) initially, the period commencing on the date such Loan is made pursuant to Section 2.01 (or in the case of any fees payable hereunder, commencing on the Closing Date) and ending on (but not including) the next Settlement Date and (b) thereafter, each period commencing on such Settlement Date and ending on (but not including) the next Settlement Date.

Administrative Agent” means PNC, in its capacity as contractual representative for the Credit Parties, and any successor thereto in such capacity appointed pursuant to Article XI or Section 13.03(f).

Adverse Claim” means any Lien, other than a Lien in favor of, or assigned to, the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties).

Advisors” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.06(c).

Affected Person” means each Credit Party and each of their respective Affiliates.

Affiliate” means, as to any Person: any other Person that, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person. For purposes of this definition, control of a Person shall mean the power, direct or indirect, whether or not exercised, to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, in either case whether by ownership of securities, contract, proxy or otherwise.

Aggregate Interest” means, at any time of determination, the aggregate accrued and unpaid Interest on the Loans of all Lenders at such time.

Aggregate Principal” means, at any time of determination, the aggregate outstanding Principal of all Lenders at such time.

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Anti-Corruption Laws” means the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the UK Bribery Act 2010, and any other similar anti-corruption Laws or regulations administered or enforced in any jurisdiction in which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries conduct business.

Anti-Terrorism Law” means any applicable Law in force or hereinafter enacted related to terrorism, money laundering, or economic sanctions, including the Bank Secrecy Act, 31 U.S.C. § 5311 et seq., the USA PATRIOT Act, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1701, et seq., the Trading with the Enemy Act, 50 U.S.C. App. 1, et seq., 18 U.S.C. § 2332d, and 18 U.S.C. § 2339B.

Applicable Law” means, with respect to any Person, any Law (a) that is applicable to such Person or any of its property, (b) to which such Person is a party or (c) by which any of such Person’s property is bound. For the avoidance of doubt, FATCA shall constitute an “Applicable Law” for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

2


Assignment and Acceptance Agreement” means an assignment and acceptance agreement entered into by a Lender, an Eligible Assignee and the Administrative Agent, and, if required, the Borrower, pursuant to which such Eligible Assignee may become a party to this Agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto.

Assumption Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.03(h).

Attorney Costs” means and includes all reasonable and documented fees, costs, expenses and disbursements of any (a) one (1) (or such greater number determined by any Borrower Indemnified Party while an Unmatured Event of Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) primary law firm or other external counsel to the Borrower Indemnified Parties, taken as a whole, and (b) one (1) (or such greater number determined by any Borrower Indemnified Party while an Unmatured Event of Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) additional law firm or other external counsel to the Borrower Indemnified Parties, taken as a whole, engaged to act as local counsel in any materially relevant jurisdiction.

Bankruptcy Code” means the United States Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 (11 U.S.C. § 101, et seq.), as amended from time to time.

Base Rate” means, for any day and any Lender, a fluctuating interest rate per annum as shall be in effect from time to time, which rate shall be at all times equal to the highest of:

(a)    the Prime Rate; and

(b)    one half percent (0.50%) per annum above the latest Overnight Bank Funding Rate; and

(c)    one percent (1.00%) per annum above the Daily BSBY Floating Rate, so long as the Daily BSBY Floating Rate is offered, ascertainable and not unlawful;

provided, however, if the Base Rate as determined above would be less than zero, then such rate shall be deemed to be zero.

Base Rate Option” means the option of the Borrower to have Loans bear interest at the rate and under the terms specified in Section 3.01(a)(i).

Benchmark Replacement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(d).

Beneficial Owner” means, for the Borrower, each of the following: (a) each individual, if any, who, directly or indirectly, owns 25% or more of the Borrower’s Capital Stock; and (b) a single individual with significant responsibility to control, manage, or direct the Borrower.

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

Benefit Plan” means any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in and subject to Section 4975 of the Code or (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of ERISA Section 3(42) 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”.

 

3


Bloomberg” means Bloomberg Index Services Limited (or a successor administrator).

Borrower” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

Borrower Indemnified Amounts” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.01(a).

Borrower Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.01(a).

Borrower Obligations” means all present and future indebtedness, reimbursement obligations, and other liabilities and obligations (howsoever created, arising or evidenced, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, or due or to become due) of the Borrower to any Credit Party, Borrower Indemnified Party and/or any Affected Person, arising under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, and shall include, without limitation, all Principal and Interest on the Loans, all Fees and all other amounts due or to become due under the Transaction Documents (whether in respect of fees, costs, expenses, indemnifications or otherwise), including, without limitation, interest, fees and other obligations that accrue after the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding with respect to the Borrower (in each case whether or not allowed as a claim in such proceeding).

Borrower’s Net Worth” means, at any time of determination, an amount equal to (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables at such time, minus (ii) the sum of (A) the Aggregate Principal at such time, plus (B) the Aggregate Interest at such time, plus (C) the aggregate accrued and unpaid Fees at such time, plus (D) the aggregate outstanding principal balance of all Subordinated Notes at such time, plus (E) the aggregate accrued and unpaid interest on all Subordinated Notes at such time, plus (F) without duplication, the aggregate accrued and unpaid other Borrower Obligations at such time.

Borrowing Base” means, at any time of determination, the amount equal to the lesser of (a) the Facility Limit and (b) the amount equal to (i) the Net Receivables Pool Balance at such time, minus (ii) the Total Reserves at such time.

Borrowing Base Deficit” means, at any time of determination, the amount, if any, by which (a) the Aggregate Principal at such time, exceeds (b) the Borrowing Base at such time.

Borrowing Tranche” means specified portions of Loans outstanding as follows: (a) any Loans to which a BSBY Rate Option applies under the same Loan Request by the Borrower and which have the same Interest Period shall constitute one Borrowing Tranche, (b) all Loans to which a Daily BSBY Floating Rate Option applies shall constitute one Borrowing Tranche, and (c) all Loans to which a Base Rate Option applies shall constitute one Borrowing Tranche.

Breakage Fee” means (a) for any Interest Period for which Interest is computed by reference to the BSBY Rate Option and a reduction of Principal is made for any reason on any day other than a Settlement Date or (b) to the extent that the Borrower shall for any reason, fail to borrow on the date specified by the Borrower in connection with any request for funding pursuant to Article II of this Agreement, the amount, if any, by which (i) the additional Interest (calculated

 

4


without taking into account any Breakage Fee or any shortened duration of such Interest Period pursuant to the definition thereof) which would have accrued during such Interest Period on the reductions of Principal relating to such Interest Period had such reductions not been made (or, in the case of clause (b) above, the amounts so failed to be borrowed or accepted in connection with any such request for funding by the Borrower), exceeds (ii) the income, if any, received by the applicable Lender from the investment of the proceeds of such reductions of Principal (or such amounts failed to be borrowed by the Borrower). A certificate as to the amount of any Breakage Fee (including the computation of such amount) shall be submitted by the affected Lender to the Borrower and shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

BSBY Floor” means a rate of interest equal to zero basis points (0.00%).

BSBY Rate” means, with respect to Loans comprising any Borrowing Tranche to which the BSBY Rate Option applies for any Interest Period, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent by dividing (the resulting quotient rounded upwards, at the Administrative Agent’s discretion, to the nearest 1/100th of 1%) (a) the BSBY Screen Rate two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period and having a term comparable to such Interest Period; provided that if the rate is not published on such determination date, then the rate per annum for purposes of this clause (a) shall be the BSBY Screen Rate on the first Business Day immediately prior thereto, by (b) a number equal to 1.00 minus the BSBY Reserve Percentage; provided, further, that if the BSBY Rate, determined as provided above, would be less than the BSBY Floor, then the BSBY Rate shall be deemed to be the BSBY Floor. The BSBY Rate shall be adjusted with respect to any Loan to which the BSBY Rate Option applies that is outstanding on the effective date of any change in the BSBY Reserve Percentage as of such effective date and the Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice to the Borrower of the BSBY Rate as determined or adjusted in accordance herewith, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

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

BSBY Rate Option” means the option of the Borrower to have Loans bear interest at the rate and under the terms specified in Section 3.01(a)(ii).

BSBY Reserve Percentage” shall mean, as of any day, the maximum effective percentage in effect on such day, if any, as prescribed by the Federal Reserve Board for determining the reserve requirements (including supplemental, marginal and emergency reserve requirements) with respect to BSBY Screen Rate funding.

BSBY Screen Rate” means the Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index rate administered by Bloomberg and published by Bloomberg (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time).

Business Day” means any day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are not authorized or required to close in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania or New York City, New York; provided that, for purposes of any direct or indirect calculation or determination of the BSBY Screen Rate, the term “Business Day” means any such day that is also a U.S. Government Securities Business Day.

 

5


Capital Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any and all common shares, preferred shares, interests, participations, rights in or other equivalents (however designated) of such Person’s capital stock, partnership interests, limited liability company interests, membership interests or other equivalent interests and any rights (other than debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock), warrants or options exchangeable for or convertible into such capital stock or other equity interests.

Certificate of Beneficial Ownership” means, for the Borrower, a certificate in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent (as amended or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time in its sole discretion), certifying, among other things, the Beneficial Owner of the Borrower, as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:

(a)    Sylvamo North America ceases to own, directly, 100% of the issued and outstanding Capital Stock of the Borrower free and clear of all Adverse Claims (other than a Permitted Lien);

(b)    any Subordinated Note ceases to be 100% owned (beneficially and of record) by an Originator free and clear of all Adverse Claims (other than a Permitted Lien);

(c)    Parent ceases to own, directly or indirectly, 100% of the issued and outstanding Capital Stock of any other Sylvamo Party, other than itself, free and clear of all Adverse Claims (other than a Permitted Lien); or

(d)    any “Change of Control” under and as defined in the Credit Agreement.

Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the Closing Date (or with respect to any Lender, if later, the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender), of any of the following: (a) the adoption 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) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (w) the final rule titled Risk-Based Capital Guidelines; Capital Adequacy Guidelines; Capital Maintenance: Regulatory Capital; Impact of Modifications to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; Consolidation of Asset-Backed Commercial Paper Programs; and Other Related Issues, adopted by the United States bank regulatory agencies on December 15, 2009, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to the agreements reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in “Basel III: A Global Regulatory Framework for More Resilient Banks and Banking Systems” (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified or replaced from time to time), shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

Closing Date” means September 30, 2022.

 

6


Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, reformed or otherwise modified from time to time.

Collateral” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.04(a).

Collection Account” means each account listed on Schedule II to this Agreement (as such schedule may be modified from time to time in connection with the closing or opening of any Collection Account in accordance with the terms hereof), in each case, in the name of the Borrower and maintained at a bank or other financial institution acting as a Collection Account Bank pursuant to an Account Control Agreement for the purpose of receiving Collections.

Collection Account Bank” means any of the banks or other financial institutions holding one or more Collection Accounts.

Collections” means, with respect to any Pool Receivable: (a) all funds that are received by any Originator, the Borrower, the Servicer or any other Person on their behalf in payment of any amounts owed in respect of such Pool Receivable (including purchase price, service charges, finance charges, interest, fees and all other charges), or applied to amounts owed in respect of such Pool Receivable (including insurance payments, proceeds of drawings under supporting letters of credit and net proceeds of the sale or other disposition of repossessed goods or other collateral or property of the related Obligor or any other Person directly or indirectly liable for the payment of such Pool Receivable and available to be applied thereon), (b) all Deemed Collections, (c) all proceeds of all Related Security (including, without limitations, all amounts received under any Credit Insurance Policy) with respect to such Pool Receivable and (d) all other proceeds of such Pool Receivable.

Commitment” means, with respect to any Lender, the maximum aggregate amount of Principal which such Person is obligated to lend or pay hereunder on account of all Loans, on a combined basis, as set forth on Schedule I or in the Assumption Agreement or other agreement pursuant to which it became a Lender, as such amount may be modified in connection with any subsequent assignment pursuant to Section 13.03 or in connection with a reduction in the Facility Limit pursuant to Section 2.02(e). If the context so requires, “Commitment” also refers to a Lender’s obligation to make Loans hereunder in accordance with this Agreement.

Concentration Amount” means, at any time of determination, for any Insured Obligor, the lesser of (a) seventy million dollars ($70,000,000) and (b) the maximum liability of the Eligible Credit Insurance Provider under the related Credit Insurance Policy less any the amount of any claims made pursuant to the terms of such Credit Insurance Policy.

Concentration Percentage” means (a) for any Group A Obligor, fifteen percent (15.00%), (b) for any Group B Obligor, ten percent (10.00%), (c) for any Group C Obligor, seven and one half percent (7.50%) and (d) for any Group D Obligor, five percent (5.00%).

Concentration Reserve Percentage” means, at any time of determination, the largest of: (a) the sum of the four (4) largest Obligor Percentages of the Group D Obligors, (b) the sum of the two (2) largest Obligor Percentages of the Group C Obligors and (c) the largest Obligor Percentage of the Group B Obligors.

 

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Conforming Changes” means, with respect to the BSBY Screen Rate or any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Base Rate,” the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “Accrual Period” or “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, the applicability and length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent reasonably decides (in its reasonable discretion following consultation with the Borrower) may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of the BSBY Screen Rate or such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with then-prevailing 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 the BSBY Screen Rate or the 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 Transaction Documents).

Contract” means, with respect to any Receivable, the contract or contracts, instruments, agreements, leases, purchase order or invoices, notes or other writings, between the related Originator and the related Obligor, pursuant to which such Receivable arises or that evidence such Receivable or under which the related Obligor becomes or is obligated to make payment in respect of such Receivable, and, for purposes of this Agreement only, which has been sold or contributed to the Borrower pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement. A “related” Contract with respect to a Pool Receivable means a Contract under which such Pool Receivable arises or which is relevant to the collection or enforcement of such Pool Receivable.

Covered Entity” means (a) each Sylvamo Party and its respective Subsidiaries and (b) each Person that, directly or indirectly, controls a Person described in clause (a) above. For purposes of this definition, control of a Person means the direct or indirect (x) ownership of, or power to vote, 50% or more of the issued and outstanding equity interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person or other Persons performing similar functions for such Person, or (y) power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by ownership of equity interests, contract or otherwise.

Credit Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule VI.

Credit and Collection Policy” means, as the context may require, those receivables credit and collection policies and practices of the Originators and/or Servicer in effect on the Closing Date and described in Exhibit E, as modified in compliance with this Agreement.

Credit Extension” means the making of any Loan.

Credit Insurance Policy” means a trade credit insurance policy naming each of the Servicer and the Borrower as insured and the Administrative Agent as a beneficiary, which policy insures the payment of Pool Receivables owing by one or more Obligors.

Credit Party” means each Lender and the Administrative Agent.

 

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Daily BSBY Floating Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent by dividing (the resulting quotient rounded upwards, at the Administrative Agent’s reasonable discretion, to the nearest 1/100th of 1%) (a) the BSBY Screen Rate for such day for a one (1) month period, by (b) a number equal to 1.00 minus the BSBY Reserve Percentage; provided, that if the Daily BSBY Floating Rate, determined as provided above, would be less than the BSBY Floor, then the Daily BSBY Floating Rate shall be deemed to be the BSBY Floor. The rate of interest will be adjusted automatically as of each Business Day based on changes in the Daily BSBY Rate without notice to the Borrower.

Daily BSBY Floating Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Daily BSBY Floating Rate.

Daily BSBY Floating Rate Option” means the option of the Borrower to have Loans bear interest at the rate and under the terms specified in Section 3.01(a)(iii).

Days’ Sales Outstanding” means, for any Fiscal Month, an amount computed as of the last day of such Fiscal Month equal to: (a) the average of the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables as of the last day of each of the three (3) most recently ended Fiscal Months ended on the last day of such Fiscal Month, divided by (b) (i) the aggregate initial Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables generated by the Originators during the three (3) most recently ended Fiscal Months ended on the last day of such Fiscal Month, divided by (ii) ninety (90).

Debt” means, as to any Person at any time of determination, any and all indebtedness, obligations or liabilities (whether matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, or joint or several) of such Person for or in respect of: (i) borrowed money, (ii) amounts raised under or liabilities in respect of any bonds, debentures, notes, note purchase, acceptance or credit facility, or other similar instruments or facilities, (iii) reimbursement obligations (contingent or otherwise) under any letter of credit, (iv) any other transaction (including production payments (excluding royalties), installment purchase agreements, forward sale or purchase agreements, capitalized leases and conditional sales agreements) having the commercial effect of a borrowing of money entered into by such Person to finance its operations or capital requirements (but not including accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of such Person’s business payable on terms customary in the trade), (v) all net obligations of such Person in respect of interest rate or currency hedges or (vi) any Guaranty of any such Debt; provided that, solely with respect to the Parent, the Performance Guarantor, the Originators and the Servicer, in the case of each of the foregoing, solely to the extent any of the foregoing Debt would appear as a liability on an unconsolidated balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP (but excluding contingent liabilities which appear only in a footnote to a balance sheet); provided further that Debt shall not include any letter of credit that secured performance, bonds that secure performance, surety bonds or similar instruments that are issued in the ordinary course of business and, with respect to the Parent and the Performance Guarantor, shall exclude its obligations under any Permitted Warrant Transaction or Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction (each as defined under the Credit Agreement).

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

 

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Deemed Collections” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(d).

Default Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a).

Default Ratio” means the ratio (expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward) computed as of the last day of each Fiscal Month by dividing: (a) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables that became Defaulted Receivables (as to which any payment, or part thereof, remains unpaid for one hundred twenty one (121) calendar days or more but less than one hundred fifty (150) calendar days, in each case, from the original due date for such payment) during such Fiscal Month, by (b) the aggregate initial Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables generated by the Originators during the month that is five (5) Fiscal Months before such Fiscal Month.

Defaulted Receivable” means a Receivable, without duplication:

(a)    as to which any payment, or part thereof, remains unpaid for one hundred twenty one (121) calendar days or more from the original due date for such payment;

(b)    as to which an Insolvency Proceeding shall have occurred with respect to the Obligor thereof or any other Person obligated thereon or owning any Related Security with respect thereto;

(c)    that has been written off the applicable Originator’s or the Borrower’s books as uncollectible;

(d)    that, consistent with the Credit and Collection Policy, should be written off the applicable Originator’s or the Borrower’s books as uncollectible; or

(e)    as to which a claim has been made under any Credit Insurance Policy;

provided, however, that in each case above such amount shall be calculated without giving effect to any netting of credits that have not been matched to a particular Receivable for the purposes of aged trial balance reporting.

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed, within two (2) Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans (or the Principal thereof) 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

 

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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 the Borrower or 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) to fund prospective Loans under this Agreement, provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon the Borrower’s and/or such Credit Party’s, as applicable, receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent, or (d) has become the subject of an Insolvency Proceeding.

Delaware LLC Act” means Chapter 18 of the Delaware Limited Liability Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq., as amended.

Delinquency Ratio” means the ratio (expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward) computed as of the last day of each Fiscal Month by dividing: (a) the sum of (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables that were Delinquent Receivables on such day, plus (ii) without duplication, the aggregate amount of Deemed Collections as of such date with respect to such Delinquent Receivables, by (b) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables on such day.

Delinquent Receivable” means a Receivable as to which any payment, or part thereof, remains unpaid for ninety one (91) calendar days or more from the original due date for such payment; provided, however, that such amount shall be calculated without giving effect to any netting of credits that have not been matched to a particular Receivable for the purposes of aged trial balance reporting.

Dilution Horizon Ratio” means, for any Fiscal Month, the ratio (expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward) computed as of the last day of such Fiscal Month by dividing: (a) the aggregate initial Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables generated by the Originators during such Fiscal Month, by (b) the Net Receivables Pool Balance as of the last day of such Fiscal Month. Within thirty (30) calendar days of the completion and the receipt by the Administrative Agent of the results of any annual audit or field exam of the Receivables and the servicing and origination practices of the Servicer and the Originators, the numerator of the Dilution Horizon Ratio may be adjusted by the Administrative Agent upon not less than ten (10) Business Days’ written notice to the Borrower to reflect such number of Fiscal Months as the Administrative Agent reasonably believes best reflects the business practices of the Servicer and the Originators and the actual amount of dilution and Deemed Collections that occur with respect to Pool Receivables based on the weighted average dilution lag calculation completed as part of such audit or field exam.

Dilution Ratio” means, for any Fiscal Month, the ratio (expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward), computed as of the last day of each Fiscal Month by dividing: (a) the aggregate amount of Deemed Collections during such Fiscal Month, by (b) the aggregate initial Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables generated by the Originators during the prior Fiscal Month.

Dilution Reserve Percentage” means, at any time of determination, the product (expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward)

 

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of (a) the Dilution Horizon Ratio, multiplied by (b) the sum of (i) two and one quarter (2.25) times the average of the Dilution Ratios for the twelve (12) most recent Fiscal Months and (ii) the Dilution Volatility Component.

Dilution Volatility Component” means, for any Fiscal Month, the product (expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward) of: (a) the positive difference, if any, between: (i) the highest Dilution Ratio for any Fiscal Month during the twelve (12) most recent Fiscal Months and (ii) the arithmetic average of the Dilution Ratios for such twelve (12) Fiscal Months; multiplied by (b) the quotient of (i) the highest Dilution Ratio for any Fiscal Month during the twelve (12) most recent consecutive Fiscal Months divided by (ii) the arithmetic average of the Dilution Ratios for such twelve (12) consecutive Fiscal Months.

Division Transaction” shall mean, with respect to any Person that is a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, that any such Person (a) divides into two or more Persons or (b) creates or otherwise reorganizes into one or more series, in each case, as contemplated under the laws of the State of Delaware, including without limitation, Section 18-217 of the Delaware LLC Act.

Dollars” and “$” each mean the lawful currency of the United States of America.

Eligible Assignee” means (i) any Lender or any of its Affiliates, (ii) any Person managed by a Lender or any of its Affiliates and (iii) any other financial or other institution that is acceptable to the Administrative Agent and, to the extent required pursuant to Section 13.03(a) hereunder, the Borrower, but in any event of the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii), excluding any Defaulting Lender. No natural person nor any Sylvamo Party or Affiliate of a Sylvamo Party shall constitute an Eligible Assignee.

Eligible Credit Insurance Policy” means a Credit Insurance Policy issued by an Eligible Credit Insurance Provider, which (a) names each of the Servicer and the Borrower, as insured, and the Administrative Agent as a beneficiary, (b) remains in full force and effect, (c) with respect to which, all due and payable premiums have been paid in full, (d) with respect to which none of the following events shall have occurred: (i) such Eligible Credit Insurance Provider shall have given a notice to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Sylvamo Party purporting to terminate such Credit Insurance Policy or to declare such Credit Insurance Policy void or (ii) such Eligible Credit Insurance Provider shall refuse to indemnify the Administrative Agent, the Borrower or the Servicer in accordance with the relevant Credit Insurance Policy and such conduct is due to a breach by any Sylvamo Party of its servicing-related obligations under the Transaction Documents. For the avoidance of doubt, if the related credit insurance provider of such Credit Insurance Policy ceases to be an Eligible Credit Insurance Provider, such policy shall cease to constitute an Eligible Credit Insurance Policy.

Eligible Credit Insurance Provider” means (a) Coface North America Insurance Company or (b) such other insurance company in the business of issuing commercial credit insurance, in each case, solely to the extent such insurance company maintains insurance financial strength ratings of “A3” or better from Moody’s and “A” or better by AM Best.

 

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Eligible Foreign Obligor” means an Obligor that is a corporation or other business organization that is organized in or that has a head office (domicile), registered office, and chief executive office located in a country other than (x) the United States or (y) a Sanctioned Jurisdiction.

Eligible Receivable” means, at any time of determination, a Pool Receivable:

(a)    the Obligor of which is: (i) a U.S. Obligor or an Eligible Foreign Obligor; (ii) not subject to any Insolvency Proceeding; (iii) not a Sanctioned Person; (iv) not a Sylvamo Party or an Affiliate thereof; (v) not the Obligor with respect to Delinquent Receivables with an aggregate Outstanding Balance exceeding fifty percent (50.00%) of the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all such Obligor’s Pool Receivables; (vi) not a natural person; and (vii) not a material supplier to any Originator or an Affiliate of a material supplier to any Originator;

(b)    for which an Insolvency Proceeding shall not have occurred with respect to the Obligor thereof or any other Person obligated thereon or owning any Related Security with respect thereto;

(c)    that is denominated and payable only in Dollars in the United States of America, and the Obligor with respect to which has been instructed to remit Collections in respect thereof directly to a Lock-Box or Collection Account in the United States of America;

(d)    that does not have a due date which, subject to limitations set forth in the definition of “Excess Concentration” (if any), is more than ninety (90) calendar days after the original invoice date of such Receivable;

(e)    that (i) arises under a Contract for the sale of goods or services on an arm’s-length basis in the ordinary course of the applicable Originator’s business and (ii) does not constitute a loan or other similar financial accommodation being provided by the applicable Originator;

(f)    that arises under a duly authorized Contract that (i) is in full force and effect, (ii) is governed by the law of the United States of America or of any State thereof, (iii) is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the related Obligor, enforceable against such Obligor in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law and (iv) the payments thereunder are free and clear of any withholding Taxes;

(g)    that has been transferred by an Originator to the Borrower pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement with respect to which transfer all conditions precedent under the Purchase and Sale Agreement have been met;

(h)    that, together with the Contract related thereto, conforms in all material respects with all Applicable Laws (including any applicable laws relating to usury, truth in lending, fair credit billing, fair credit reporting, equal credit opportunity, fair debt collection practices and privacy);

 

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(i)    with respect to which all consents, licenses, approvals or authorizations of, or registrations or declarations with or notices to, any Governmental Authority or other Person required to be obtained, effected or given by an Originator in connection with the creation of such Receivable, the execution, delivery and performance by such Originator of the related Contract or the assignment thereof under the Purchase and Sale Agreement have been duly obtained, effected or given and are in full force and effect;

(j)    that is not subject to any existing dispute, litigation, right of rescission, set-off (including, customer deposits, advance payments (including payments related to unearned revenues)), counterclaim, hold back defense, any other defense against the applicable Originator (or any assignee of such Originator) or Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien), and the Obligor of which holds no right as against the applicable Originator to cause such Originator to repurchase the goods or merchandise, the sale of which shall have given rise to such Receivable; provided that only the portion of such Pool Receivable subject to such dispute, litigation, right of rescission, right of set-off, counterclaim, defense or Adverse Claim shall be ineligible;

(k)    that satisfies in all material respects all applicable requirements of the Credit and Collection Policy;

(l)    that, together with the Contract related thereto, has not been modified, waived or restructured since its creation, except as permitted pursuant to Section 9.02(a) of this Agreement;

(m)    in which the Borrower owns good and marketable title, free and clear of any Adverse Claims (other than a Permitted Lien), and that is freely assignable without condition (including without limitation, any consent of the related Obligor or any Governmental Authority, unless such consent has been obtained), unless such condition has been satisfied (other than any such condition that is ineffective under Article 9 of any applicable UCC), and the payments thereon are free and clear of any, or increased to account for any applicable, withholding Taxes;

(n)    for which the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) shall have a valid and enforceable first priority perfected security interest therein and in the Related Security and Collections with respect thereto, in each case free and clear of any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien);

(o)    that (x) constitutes an “account” or “general intangible” (as defined in the UCC), (y) is not evidenced by instruments or chattel paper and (z) does not constitute, or arise from the sale of, as-extracted collateral (as defined in the UCC);

(p)    that is neither a Defaulted Receivable nor a Delinquent Receivable;

(q)    for which no Sylvamo Party or any Affiliate thereof has established any offset or netting arrangements (including customer deposits and advance payments (including payments relating to unearned revenues)) with the related Obligor in connection with the ordinary course of payment of such Receivable;

 

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(r)    that represents amounts earned and payable by the Obligor that are not subject to the performance of additional services by the Originator thereof or by the Borrower and the related goods or merchandise shall have been shipped and/or services performed; provided, that if such Receivable is subject to the performance of additional services, only the portion of such Receivable attributable to the performance of such additional services shall be excluded;

(s)    which (i) does not arise from a sale of accounts made as part of a sale of a business or constitute an assignment for the purpose of collection only, (ii) is not a transfer of a single account made in whole or partial satisfaction of a preexisting indebtedness or an assignment of a right to payment under a contract to an assignee that is also obligated to perform under the contract and (iii) is not a transfer of an interest in or an assignment of a claim under a policy of insurance;

(t)    which does not relate to the sale of any consigned goods or finished goods which have incorporated any consigned goods into such finished goods;

(u)    for which the related Originator has recognized the related revenue on its financial books and records in accordance with GAAP; and

(v)    for which neither the related Originator nor any Affiliate thereof is holding any deposits received by or on behalf of the related Obligor; provided that only the portion of such Pool Receivable in an amount equal to such deposits shall be ineligible.

Embargoed Property” means any property; (a) beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by a Sanctioned Person; (b) that is due to or from a Sanctioned Person; (c) in which a Sanctioned Person otherwise holds 50% or greater interest; (d) that is located in a Sanctioned Jurisdiction; or (e) that otherwise would cause any actual or possible violation by any Credit Party of any applicable Anti-Terrorism Law if the Lenders or the Administrative Agent were to obtain an encumbrance on, lien on, pledge of, or security interest in such property, or provide services in consideration of such property.

ERISA” means the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the applicable rules or regulations issued thereunder, as amended.

ERISA Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, trade or business which together with the Person is a member of a controlled group of corporations or a controlled group of trades or businesses and would be deemed a “single employer” within the meaning of Sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b) of ERISA.

ERISA Event” means (a) with respect to a Pension Plan, a reportable event under Section 4043(c) of ERISA as to which event (other than with respect to events for which the notice requirement has been waived) there is a duty to give notice to the PBGC; (b) a withdrawal by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of

 

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ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal (within the meaning of Sections 4203 and 4205 of ERISA) by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates from a Multiemployer Plan, notification that a Multiemployer Plan is insolvent, or occurrence of an event described in Section 4041A(a) of ERISA that results in the termination of a Multiemployer Plan; (d) the filing by the plan administrator of a notice of intent to terminate a Pension Plan, the treatment of a Pension Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041(e) of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan; (e) an event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (f) the determination that any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan is considered an at-risk plan or a plan in endangered or critical status within the meaning of Sections 430 and 432 of the Code or Sections 303 and 305 of ERISA; or (g) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates.

Erroneous Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.12(a).

Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.12(d).

Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.12(d).

Erroneous Payment Subrogation Rights” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.12(d).

Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 10.01. For the avoidance of doubt, any Event of Default that occurs shall be deemed to be continuing at all times thereafter unless and until waived in accordance with Section 13.01.

Excess Concentration” means the sum of the following amounts, without duplication:

(a)    the sum of the amounts calculated for each of the Obligors equal to the excess (if any) of (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of the Eligible Receivables of such Obligor, over (ii) the product of (x) such Obligor’s Concentration Percentage, multiplied by (y) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables then in the Receivables Pool; plus

(b)    the excess (if any) of (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables, the Obligors of which are Insured Obligors, over (ii) the Concentration Amount; plus

(c)    the excess (if any) of (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables, the Obligors of which are Eligible Foreign Obligors, over (ii) the product of (x) five percent (5.00%), multiplied by (y) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables then in the Receivables Pool.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

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Excluded Obligor” means each Obligor listed on Schedule IV, which schedule may be amended, modified, restated, supplemented or replaced from time to time with the consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders.

Excluded Receivable” means any Receivable, the Obligor of which is an Excluded Obligor.

Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to an Affected Person or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to an Affected Person: (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 Affected Person 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 any 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 the Loans or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender makes a Loan or its Commitment or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Affected Person’s failure to comply with Section 5.03(f) and (d) any withholding Taxes imposed pursuant to FATCA.

Facility Limit” means one hundred twenty million dollars ($120,000,000) as reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.02(e). References to the unused portion of the Facility Limit shall mean, at any time of determination, an amount equal to (a) the Facility Limit at such time, minus (b) the Aggregate Principal at such time.

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, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, any applicable intergovernmental agreement entered into between the United States and any other Governmental Authority in connection with the implementation of the foregoing and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or official practices adopted pursuant to any such intergovernmental agreement.

Federal Reserve Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or any entity succeeding to any of its principal functions.

Fee Letter” has the meaning specified in Section 3.07.

Fees” has the meaning specified in Section 3.07.

Final Maturity Date” means the date that (i) is one hundred eighty (180) calendar days following the Scheduled Termination Date or (ii) such earlier date on which the Aggregate Principal and all other Borrower Obligations become due and payable pursuant to Section 10.01.

Final Payout Date” means the date on or after the Termination Date when (i) the Aggregate Principal and Aggregate Interest have been paid in full, (ii) all Borrower Obligations

 

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shall have been paid in full, (iii) all other amounts owing to the Credit Parties and any other Borrower Indemnified Party or Affected Person hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents have been paid in full and (iv) all accrued Servicing Fees have been paid in full.

Financial Covenant(s)” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule VI, which schedule may be amended, modified, restated, supplemented or replaced by the Parent from time to time upon the written consent of the Administrative Agent and the each Lender.

Financial Officer” of any Person means, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, the chief accounting officer, the principal accounting officer, the controller, the treasurer or the assistant treasurer or other similar officer of such Person.

Fiscal Month” means each calendar month.

Fitch” means Fitch, Inc. and any successor thereto that is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

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

Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States of America or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank) and any group or body charged with setting financial accounting or regulatory capital rules or standards (including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Bank for International Settlements or the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision or any successor or similar authority to any of the foregoing).

Group A Obligor,” “Group B Obligor,” or “Group C Obligor” means any Obligor (or its parent or majority owner, as applicable, if such Obligor is not rated) with:

(a)     a short-term rating of at least “A-1” (in the case of a Group A Obligor), “A-2” (in the case of a Group B Obligor) or “A-3” (in the case of a Group C Obligor), in any case, by S&P, or if such Obligor does not have a short-term rating from S&P, a rating of at least “A+” (in the case of a Group A Obligor), “BBB+” (in the case of a Group B Obligor) or “BBB-” (in the case of a Group C Obligor), in any case, or better by S&P on such Obligor’s, its parent’s, or its majority owner’s (as applicable) long-term senior unsecured and uncredit-enhanced debt securities, and

(b)    a short-term rating of at least “P-1” (in the case of a Group A Obligor), “P-2” (in the case of a Group B Obligor) or “P-3” (in the case of a Group C Obligor), in any case, by Moody’s, or if such Obligor does not have a short-term rating from Moody’s, a rating of at least “Al” (in the case of a Group A Obligor), “Baa1” (in the case of a Group B Obligor) or “Baa3” (in the case of a Group C Obligor), in any case, or better by Moody’s on such Obligor’s, its parent’s or its majority owner’s (as applicable) long-term senior unsecured and uncredit-enhanced debt securities;

 

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provided, however, if such Obligor is rated by only one of S&P or Moody’s, then such Obligor will be a Group A Obligor, Group B Obligor or Group C Obligor (as the case may be) if it satisfies either clause (a) or clause (b) above; provided, further, that if such Obligor (or its parent or majority owner, as applicable, if such Obligor is not rated) has split ratings from S&P and Moody’s, then such Obligor (or its parent or majority owner, as applicable) shall be deemed to have only the lower of the two ratings for the purpose of determining whether such Obligor satisfies clause (a) or (b) above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Obligor that is a Subsidiary of an Obligor that satisfies the definition of Group A Obligor, Group B Obligor or Group C Obligor (as the case may be) shall be deemed to be a Group A Obligor, Group B Obligor or Group C Obligor (as the case may be) and shall be aggregated with its parent Obligor that satisfies such definition for the purposes of determining the “Concentration Reserve Percentage” for such Obligors, unless such Subsidiary Obligor separately satisfies the definition of Group A Obligor, Group B Obligor or Group C Obligor (as the case may be), in which case such Obligor shall be separately treated as a Group A Obligor, Group B Obligor or Group C Obligor, as the case may be, and shall be aggregated and combined for such purposes with any of its Subsidiaries that are also Obligors.

Group D Obligor” means any Obligor that is not a Group A Obligor, Group B Obligor or Group C Obligor; provided, that any Obligor (or its parent or majority owner, as applicable, if such Obligor is unrated) that is not rated by either Moody’s or S&P shall be a Group D Obligor.

Guaranty” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guarantying or in effect guarantying any Debt, liability or obligation of any other Person in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any such liability arising by virtue of partnership agreements, including any agreement to indemnify or hold harmless any other Person, any performance bond or other suretyship arrangement and any other form of assurance against loss, except endorsement of negotiable or other instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business.

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 the Borrower or any of its Affiliates under any Transaction Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in clause (a) above, Other Taxes.

Independent Manager” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03(c).

Information Package” means a report, in substantially the form of Exhibit F-1.

Insolvency Proceeding” means (a) any case, action or proceeding before any court or other Governmental Authority relating to bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, liquidation, receivership, dissolution, winding-up or relief of debtors or (b) any general assignment for the benefit of creditors of a Person, composition, marshaling of assets for creditors of a Person, or other, similar arrangement in respect of its creditors generally or any substantial portion of its creditors, in each of clauses (a) and (b) undertaken under U.S. Federal, state or foreign law, including the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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Insured Obligor” means each Obligor listed on Schedule V, the Receivables of which are covered by an Eligible Credit Insurance Policy, which schedule may be amended, modified, restated, supplemented or replaced from time to time with the consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders.

Intended Tax Treatment” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.14.

Interest” means, for each Loan for any day during any Accrual Period (or portion thereof), the amount of interest accrued on the Principal of such Loan during such Accrual Period (or portion thereof) in accordance with Article III.

Interest Period” means the period of time selected by the Borrower in connection with (and to apply to) any election permitted hereunder by the Borrower to have Loans bear interest under the BSBY Rate Option. Subject to the last sentence of this definition, such period shall be one or three Months. Such Interest Period shall commence on the effective date of such BSBY Rate Option, which shall be (a) the date of such Loan if the Borrower is requesting new Loans, or (b) the date of renewal of or conversion to the BSBY Rate Option if the Borrower is renewing or converting to the BSBY Rate Option applicable to outstanding Loans. Notwithstanding the second sentence hereof: (i) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a date which is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day, and (ii) the Borrower shall not select, convert to or renew an Interest Period for any portion of the Loans that would end after the Scheduled Termination Date.

Interest Rate Option” means any BSBY Rate Option, Daily BSBY Floating Rate Option or Base Rate Option.

Interim Report” means a report, in substantially the form of Exhibit F-2.

Interim Report Cut-off Date” means the close of business on the Friday preceding the week in which the Interim Report is to be delivered.

Interim Report Delivery Date” means the second (2nd) Business Day of each calendar week.

Investment Company Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time.

Law” means any law(s) (including common law), constitution, statute, treaty, regulation, rule, ordinance, opinion, issued guidance, release, ruling, order, executive order, injunction, writ, decree, bond, judgment, authorization or approval, lien or award of or any settlement arrangement, by agreement, consent or otherwise, with any Governmental Authority, foreign or domestic.

LCR Security” means any commercial paper or security (other than equity securities issued to any Person that is a consolidated subsidiary of Parent under GAAP) within the meaning of Paragraph __.32(e)(viii) of the final rules titled Liquidity Coverage Ratio: Liquidity Risk Measurement Standards, 79 Fed. Reg. 197, 61440 et seq. (October 10, 2014).

 

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Lender” means PNC Bank, National Association.

Lien” means any ownership interest or claim, mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest, hypothecation, charge or other encumbrance or security arrangement of any nature whatsoever, whether voluntarily or involuntarily given, including any conditional sale or title retention arrangement, and any assignment, deposit arrangement or lease intended as, or having the effect of, security and any filed financing statement or other notice of any of the foregoing (whether or not a lien or other encumbrance is created or exists at the time of the filing).

Linked Account” means any controlled disbursement account, controlled balance account or other deposit account maintained by a Collection Account Bank for any Sylvamo Party or any Affiliate thereof and linked to any Collection Account by a zero balance account connection or other automated funding mechanism or controlled balance arrangement.

Loan” means any loan made by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.02.

Loan Request” means a letter in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto executed and delivered by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.02(a).

Lock-Box” means each locked postal box with respect to which any Collection Account for the purpose of retrieving and processing payments made on the Receivables and which is listed on Schedule II (as such schedule may be modified from time to time in connection with the addition or removal of any Lock-Box in accordance with the terms hereof).

Loss Horizon Ratio” means, at any time of determination, the ratio (expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward) computed, by dividing:

(a)    the aggregate initial Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables generated by the Originators during the five (5) most recently ended Fiscal Months; by

(b)    the Net Receivables Pool Balance as of such date.

Loss Reserve Percentage” means, at any time of determination, the product (expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward) of (a) two and one quarter (2.25), multiplied by (b) the highest average of the Default Ratios for any three (3) consecutive Fiscal Months during the twelve (12) most recent Fiscal Months, multiplied by (c) the Loss Horizon Ratio.

Majority Lenders” means Lenders (excluding any Defaulting Lender) representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate Commitments of all Lenders (or, if the Commitments have been terminated, Lenders (excluding any Defaulting Lender) representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate outstanding Principal held by all the Lenders; provided, however, that in no event shall the Majority Lenders include fewer than two (2) Lenders at any time when there are two (2) or more Lenders.

 

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Material Adverse Effect” means relative to any Person (provided that if no particular Person is specified, “Material Adverse Effect” shall be deemed to be relative to each Sylvamo Party, individually and in the aggregate) with respect to any event or circumstance, a material adverse effect on any of the following:

(a)    the assets, operations, business or financial condition of the Borrower;

(b)    the assets, operations, business or financial condition of the Servicer, the Performance Guarantor or any Originator, taken as a whole;

(c)    the ability of such Person to perform in any material respect its respective obligations under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party;

(d)    the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or the validity, enforceability, value or collectibility of any material portion of the Pool Receivables;

(e)    the status, perfection, enforceability or priority of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in any material portion of the Collateral; or

(f)    the rights and remedies of any Credit Party under the Transaction Documents or associated with its respective interest in any material portion of the Collateral.

Minimum Dilution Reserve Percentage” means, at any time of determination, the product (expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward) of (a) the average of the Dilution Ratios for the twelve (12) most recent Fiscal Months, multiplied by (b) the Dilution Horizon Ratio.

Minimum Funding Threshold” means (a) on or prior to December 29, 2022, zero dollars ($0) and (b) at any time thereafter, the lesser of (i) the Borrowing Base at such time, and (ii) the product of the Facility Limit at such time, multiplied by eighty percent (80.00%).

Month” means, with respect to an Interest Period under the BSBY Rate Option, the interval between the days in consecutive calendar months numerically corresponding to the first day of such Interest Period. If any BSBY Rate Interest Period begins on a day of a calendar month for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the month in which such Interest Period is to end, the final month of such Interest Period shall be deemed to end on the last Business Day of such final month.

Monthly Settlement Date” means the twentieth (20th) calendar day of each calendar month (or if such day is not a Business Day, the next immediately occurring Business Day).

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto that is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates is making or accruing an obligation

 

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to make contributions, or has within any of the preceding five (5) plan years made or accrued an obligation to make contributions, or to which the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates has any liability (contingent or otherwise).

Net Receivables Pool Balance” means, at any time of determination: (a) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables then in the Receivables Pool, minus (b) the Excess Concentration.

Obligor” means, with respect to any Receivable, the Person obligated to make payments pursuant to the Contract relating to such Receivable.

Obligor Percentage” means, at any time of determination, for each Obligor, a fraction, expressed as a percentage, (a) the numerator of which is the aggregate Outstanding Balance of the Eligible Receivables of such Obligor and its Affiliates less the amount (if any) then included in the calculation of the Excess Concentration with respect to such Obligor and its Affiliates and (b) the denominator of which is the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables at such time.

OFAC” means the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Originator” and “Originators” have the meaning set forth in the Purchase and Sale Agreement, as the same may be modified from time to time by adding new Originators or removing Originators, in each case in accordance with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and pursuant to the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Affected Person, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Affected Person and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Affected Person 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 Transaction Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Transaction Document).

Other Taxes” means any and all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes arising from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery, filing, recording or enforcement of, or otherwise in respect of, this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and the other documents or agreements to be delivered hereunder or thereunder, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment.

Outstanding Balance” means, at any time of determination, with respect to any Receivable, the then outstanding principal balance thereof.

Overnight Bank Funding Rate” means for any day, the rate comprised of both overnight federal funds and overnight eurocurrency borrowings by U.S.-managed banking offices of depository institutions, as such composite rate shall be determined by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as set forth on its public website from time to time, and as published on the next succeeding Business Day as the overnight bank funding rate by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or by such other recognized electronic source (such as Bloomberg) selected by the

 

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Administrative Agent for the purpose of displaying such rate); provided, that if such day is not a Business Day, the Overnight Bank Funding Rate for such day shall be such rate on the immediately preceding Business Day; provided, further, that if such rate shall at any time, for any reason, no longer exist, a comparable replacement rate determined by the Administrative Agent at such time (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error). If the Overnight Bank Funding Rate determined as above would be less than zero (0.00%), then such rate shall be deemed to be zero (0.00%). The rate of interest charged shall be adjusted as of each Business Day based on changes in the Overnight Bank Funding Rate without notice to the Borrower.

Parent” means Sylvamo Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

Parent Group” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03(c).

Participant” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.03(d).

Participant Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.03(e).

PATRIOT Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.15.

Payment Recipient” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.12(a).

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or any successor thereto.

Pension Plan” means at any time an “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) (including a “multiple employer plan” as described in Sections 4063 and 4064 of ERISA, but not a Multiemployer Plan) which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or is subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 or Section 430 of the Code and either (a) is sponsored, maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates for employees of the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates, (b) has at any time within the preceding five (5) years been sponsored, maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or any entity which was at such time an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower for employees of any entity which was at such time an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower, or in the case of a “multiple employer” or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding five (5) plan years or (c) or to which the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates may have any liability (contingent or otherwise).

Percentage” means, at any time of determination, with respect to any Lender, a fraction (expressed as a percentage), (a) the numerator of which is (i) prior to the termination of all Commitments hereunder, its Commitment at such time or (ii) if all Commitments hereunder have been terminated, the aggregate outstanding Principal of all Loans being funded by such Lender at such time and (b) the denominator of which is (i) prior to the termination of all Commitments hereunder, the aggregate Commitments of all Lenders at such time or (ii) if all Commitments hereunder have been terminated, the Aggregate Principal at such time.

Performance Guarantor” means Parent.

Performance Guaranty” means the Performance Guaranty, dated as of the Closing Date, by the Performance Guarantor in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, as such agreement may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

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Permitted Lien” means (a) the interests of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each of the Secured Parties created pursuant to the Transaction Documents, (b) any inchoate liens in respect of Taxes that are either (x) not yet due and payable or (y) being contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP, but only so long as no enforcement action, execution, levy or foreclosure proceeding shall have been commenced or threatened and the use and value of the property to which the liens attach are not impaired during the pendency of such proceedings and (c) the pledge of the Capital Stock in the Borrower under and pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the Security Agreement.

Permitted Linked Account” means any deposit account identified on Schedule VII to this Agreement, which schedule may be amended, modified, restated, supplemented or replaced from time to time with the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity, or any Governmental Authority.

Plan Assets” means “plan assets” within the meaning of 29 C.F.R. § 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA.

PNC” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Pool Receivable” means a Receivable in the Receivables Pool.

Pool Report” means each Information Package and Interim Report.

Portion of Principal” means, with respect to any Lender and its related Principal, the portion of such Principal being funded or maintained by such Lender by reference to a particular interest rate basis.

Prime Rate” means the interest rate per annum announced from time to time by the Administrative Agent at its main offices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as its then prime rate, which rate may not be the lowest or most favorable rate then being charged to commercial borrowers or others by the Administrative Agent and may not be tied to any external rate of interest or index. Any change in the Prime Rate shall take effect at the opening of business on the day such change is announced.

Principal” means, with respect to any Lender, without duplication, the aggregate amounts paid to, or on behalf of, the Borrower in connection with all Loans made by such Lender pursuant to Article II, as reduced from time to time by Collections or other funds of the Borrower that have been distributed to such Lender and applied on account of such Principal in accordance with this Agreement; provided, that if such Principal shall have been reduced by any distribution and thereafter all or a portion of such distribution is rescinded or must otherwise be returned for any reason, such Principal shall be increased by the amount of such rescinded or returned distribution as though it had not been made.

 

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Purchase and Sale Agreement” means the Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Servicer, the Originators and the Borrower, as such agreement may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Purchase and Sale Termination Event” has the meaning set forth in the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

Rating Agency” mean each of S&P, Fitch and Moody’s.

Receivable” means any account receivable or other right to payment of a monetary obligation, whether or not earned by performance, owed to any Originator or the Borrower (as assignee of an Originator), whether constituting an account, chattel paper, payment intangible, instrument or general intangible, in each instance arising in connection with the sale of goods that have been or are to be sold or for services rendered or to be rendered, and includes, without limitation, the obligation to pay any service charges, finance charges, interest, fees and other charges with respect thereto; provided, however, that no Excluded Receivable shall constitute a “Receivable”. Any such right to payment arising from any one transaction, including, without limitation, any such right to payment represented by an individual invoice or agreement, shall constitute a Receivable separate from a Receivable consisting of any such right to payment arising from any other transaction.

Receivables Pool” means, at any time of determination, all of the then outstanding Receivables transferred (or purported to be transferred) to the Borrower pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.03(b).

Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

Related Rights” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1 of the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

Related Security” means, with respect to any Receivable:

(a)    all of the Borrower’s and each Originator’s interest in any goods (including Returned Goods), and documentation of title evidencing the shipment or storage of any goods (including Returned Goods), the sale of which gave rise to such Receivable;

(b)    all instruments and chattel paper that may evidence such Receivable;

(c)    all letter of credit rights, other security interests or liens and property subject thereto from time to time purporting to secure payment of such Receivable, whether pursuant to the Contract related to such Receivable or otherwise, together with all UCC financing statements or similar filings relating thereto;

 

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(d)    solely to the extent applicable to such Receivable, all of the Borrower’s and each Originator’s rights, interests and claims under the related Contracts and all guaranties, indemnities, insurance and other agreements (including the related Contract) or arrangements of whatever character from time to time supporting or securing payment of such Receivable or otherwise relating to such Receivable, whether pursuant to the Contract related to such Receivable or otherwise, including, without limitation, any Credit Insurance Policy covering all or any portion of such Receivable;

(e)    all books and records of the Borrower and each Originator to the extent related to any of the foregoing, and all rights, remedies, powers, privileges, title and interest (but not obligations) in and to each Lock-Box and Collection Account, into which any Collections or other proceeds with respect to such Receivables may be deposited, and any related investment property acquired with any such Collections or other proceeds (as such term is defined in the applicable UCC);

(f)    all of the Borrower’s rights, interests and claims under the Purchase and Sale Agreement and the other Transaction Documents; and

(g)    all Collections and other proceeds (as defined in the UCC) of any of the foregoing.

Release” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(a).

Reportable Compliance Event” means that: (a) any Covered Entity becomes a Sanctioned Person, or is charged by indictment, criminal complaint, or similar charging instrument, arraigned, custodially detained, penalized or the subject of an assessment for a penalty, or enters into a settlement with a Governmental Authority in connection with any economic sanctions or other Anti-Terrorism Law or Anti-Corruption law, or any predicate crime to any Anti-Terrorism Law or Anti-Corruption Law, or has knowledge of facts or circumstances to the effect that it is reasonably likely that any aspect of its operations represents a violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law or Anti-Corruption Law; (b) any Covered Entity engages in a transaction that has caused or could reasonably be expected to cause any Credit Party to be in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Laws, including a Covered Entity’s use of any proceeds of the Facilities to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, directly or indirectly, a Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Jurisdiction; (c) any Collateral becomes Embargoed Property; or (d) any Covered Entity otherwise violates, or reasonably believes that it will violate, any of the representations, warranties or covenants set forth in Sections 7.01(n), 7.01(o), 7.02(l), 7.02(m), 8.01(v) or 8.02(o) of this Agreement

Representatives” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.06(c).

Required Capital Amount” means twelve million dollars ($12,000,000).

Resignation Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.06(a).

 

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Restricted Payments” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01(r).

Returned Goods” means all right, title and interest in and to returned, repossessed or foreclosed goods and/or merchandise the sale of which gave rise to a Receivable; provided that such goods shall no longer constitute Returned Goods after a Deemed Collection has been deposited in a Collection Account with respect to the full Outstanding Balance of the related Receivables.

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business, and any successor thereto that is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

Sanctioned Jurisdiction” means any country, territory, or region that is the subject of comprehensive sanctions administered by OFAC (as of the date of this Agreement, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, the Crimea region of Ukraine, the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic,” and the so-called “Luhansk People’s Republic).

Sanctioned Person” means (a) a Person that is the subject of sanctions administered by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State (“State”), including by virtue of being (i) named on OFAC’s list of “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons”; (ii) organized under the Laws of, ordinarily resident in, or physically located in a Sanctioned Jurisdiction; (iii) owned or controlled 50% or more in the aggregate, by one or more Persons that are the subject of sanctions administered by OFAC; (b) a Person that is the subject of sanctions maintained by the European Union (“E.U.”), including by virtue of being named on the E.U.’s “Consolidated list of persons, groups and entities subject to E.U. financial sanctions” or other, similar lists; (c) a Person that is the subject of sanctions maintained by the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), including by virtue of being named on the “Consolidated List Of Financial Sanctions Targets in the U.K.” or other, similar lists; or (d) a Person that is the subject of sanctions imposed by any Governmental Authority of a jurisdiction whose Laws apply to this Agreement.

Scheduled Termination Date” means September 30, 2025.

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any governmental agencies substituted therefor.

Secured Parties” means each Credit Party, each Borrower Indemnified Party and each Affected Person.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time.

Security Agreement” means that certain U.S. Security and Pledge Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2021, by and among the Parent, as borrower, each of the subsidiaries of the borrower from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for each of the secured parties under the Credit Agreement, and so long as PNC is a lender thereunder, as may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

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Servicer” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Servicer Indemnified Amounts” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02(a).

Servicer Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02(a).

Servicing Fee” means the fee referred to in Section 9.06(a) of this Agreement.

Servicing Fee Rate” means the rate referred to in Section 9.06(a) of this Agreement.

Settlement Date” means with respect to any Portion of Principal for any Accrual Period or any Interest or Fees, (i) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Termination Date has not occurred, the Monthly Settlement Date and (ii) on and after the Termination Date or if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, each day selected from time to time by the Administrative Agent (with the consent or at the direction of the Majority Lenders) (it being understood that the Administrative Agent (with the consent or at the direction of the Majority Lenders) may select such Settlement Date to occur as frequently as daily), or, in the absence of such selection, the Monthly Settlement Date.

SOFR” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate for such Business Day published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate) on the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org (or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the administrator of the secured overnight financing rate from time to time).

Solvent” means, with respect to any Person and as of any particular date, (i) the present fair market value (or present fair saleable value) of the assets of such Person is not less than the total amount required to pay the probable liabilities of such Person on its total existing debts and liabilities (including contingent liabilities) as they become absolute and matured, (ii) such Person is able to realize upon its assets and pay its debts and other liabilities, contingent obligations and commitments as they mature and become due in the normal course of business, (iii) such Person is not incurring debts or liabilities beyond its ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature and become due and (iv) such Person is not engaged in any business or transaction, and is not about to engage in any business or transaction, for which its property would constitute unreasonably small capital after giving due consideration to the prevailing practice in the industry in which such Person is engaged; provided that, the amount of any contingent liability has been computed as the amount that, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing as of the date of determination, represents the amount that would reasonably be expected to become an actual and matured liability.

Structuring Agent” means PNC Capital Markets LLC, a Pennsylvania limited liability company.

Subordinated Note” has the meaning set forth in the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

Sub-Servicer” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.01(d).

 

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Subsidiary” means, as to any Person, a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which shares of stock of each class or other interests having ordinary voting power (other than stock or other interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) to elect a majority of the board of directors or other managers of such entity are at the time owned, or management of which is otherwise controlled: (a) by such Person, (b) by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or (c) by such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.

Sylvamo North America” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Sylvamo Party” means the Borrower, each Originator, the Servicer, the Performance Guarantor and the Parent, individually or collectively as the context may require.

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

Termination Date” means the earliest to occur of (a) the Scheduled Termination Date, (b) the date on which the “Termination Date” is declared or deemed to have occurred under Section 10.01 and (c) the date selected by the Borrower on which all Commitments have been reduced to zero pursuant to Section 2.02(e).

Term SOFR” means, for the applicable Corresponding Tenor, the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.

Threshold Amount” means seventy five million dollars ($75,000,000).

Total Reserves” means, at any time of determination, an amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of: (i) the Yield Reserve Percentage, plus (ii) the greater of (A) the sum of the Concentration Reserve Percentage, plus the Minimum Dilution Reserve Percentage and (B) the sum of the Loss Reserve Percentage, plus the Dilution Reserve Percentage, multiplied by (b) the Net Receivables Pool Balance at such time.

Transaction Documents” means this Agreement, the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Account Control Agreement(s), the Fee Letter, each Subordinated Note, the Performance Guaranty, any Credit Insurance Policy and all other certificates, instruments, UCC financing statements, reports, notices, agreements and documents executed or delivered under or in connection with this Agreement, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the applicable jurisdiction.

Unmatured Event of Default” means an event that but for notice or lapse of time or both would constitute an Event of Default.

Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event” has the meaning set forth in the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

 

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U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day except for (a) a Saturday or Sunday or (b) 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. Obligor” means an Obligor that is (a) a corporation or other business organization and is organized under the laws of the United States of America (or of a United States of America territory, district, state, commonwealth, or possession, including, without limitation, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) or any political subdivision thereof, (b) the federal government of the United States of America or any political subdivision, department, affiliate, agency or other entity thereof, and (c) any state or local government body in the United States of America or any political subdivision, department, affiliate, agency or other entity thereof.

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.03(f)(ii)(B)(3).

Volcker Rule” means Section 13 of the U.S. Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder.

Yield Reserve Percentage” means at any time of determination:

1.50 × DSO × (BR + SFR)

             360

where:

 

BR       =       the Base Rate at such time;
DSO       =       the Days’ Sales Outstanding for the most recently ended Fiscal Month; and
SFR       =       the Servicing Fee Rate.

SECTION 1.02.    Other Interpretative Matters. All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP. All terms used in Article 9 of the UCC in the State of New York and not specifically defined herein, are used herein as defined in such Article 9. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, all references herein to “Article,” “Section,” “Schedule”, “Exhibit” or “Annex” shall mean articles and sections of, and schedules, exhibits and annexes to, this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and all such certificates and other documents, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) references to any amount as on deposit or outstanding on any particular date means such amount at the close of business on such day; (b) the words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to such agreement (or the certificate or other document in which they are used) as a whole and not to any particular provision of such agreement (or such certificate or document); (c) references to any Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit are references to Articles, Sections, Schedules and Exhibits in or to such agreement (or the certificate or other document in which the reference is made), and references to any paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision within any Section or definition refer to such paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision of such Section or definition; (d) the term “including” means “including without limitation”; (e) references

 

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to any Law refer to that Law as amended from time to time and include any successor Law; (f) references to any agreement refer to that agreement as from time to time amended, restated or supplemented or as the terms of such agreement are waived or modified in accordance with its terms; (g) references to any Person include that Person’s permitted successors and assigns; (h) headings are for purposes of reference only and shall not otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof; (i) unless otherwise provided, in the calculation of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the term “from” means “from and including”, and the terms “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”; (j) terms in one gender include the parallel terms in the neuter and opposite gender; (k) references to any amount as on deposit or outstanding on any particular date means such amount at the close of business on such day and (l) the term “or” is not exclusive.

SECTION 1.03.    BSBY Notification. Section 3.04(d) of this Agreement provides a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest in the event that the BSBY Screen Rate is no longer available or in certain other circumstances. The Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission or any other matter related to the BSBY Screen Rate or with respect to any alternative or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate therefor, other than in connection with its gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

SECTION 1.04.    Conforming Changes Relating to BSBY. With respect to the BSBY Screen Rate, the Administrative Agent (in its reasonable discretion following consultation with the Borrower) will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Transaction Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document; provided that, with respect to any such amendment effected, the Administrative Agent shall provide notice to the Borrower and the Lenders of each such amendment implementing such Conforming Changes reasonably promptly after such amendment becomes effective.

ARTICLE II

TERMS OF THE LOANS

SECTION 2.01.    Loan Facility. Upon a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.02, and on the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, each Lender shall, ratably, in accordance with its respective Commitments, severally and not jointly, make Loans to the Borrower on a revolving basis from time to time during the period from the Closing Date to the Termination Date. Under no circumstances shall any Lender be obligated to make any such Loan if, after giving effect to such Loan:

(a)    the Aggregate Principal would exceed the Facility Limit at such time;

(b)    the aggregate outstanding Principal of such Lender would exceed its Commitment; or

(c)    the Aggregate Principal would exceed the Borrowing Base at such time.

 

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SECTION 2.02.    Making Loans; Repayment of Loans.

(a)    Each Loan hereunder shall be made on a Business Day at the prior written request from the Borrower to the Administrative Agent and each Lender in the form of a Loan Request attached hereto as Exhibit A; provided that, at any time when PNC (or an Affiliate thereof) is both the Administrative Agent and the sole Lender hereunder, if the Borrower enters into a separate written agreement with the Administrative Agent regarding the Administrative Agent’s PINACLE® auto-advance service (or any similar or replacement electronic loan administration service implemented by the Administrative Agent), then any request for a Loan made using such service shall constitute a Loan Request, and each Loan made pursuant to such service shall be made on the date such Loan Request is received by the Administrative Agent. Each such request for a Loan shall be made no later than 12:00 p.m. (New York City time) (i) with respect to a Loan in an amount that is less than or equal to fifty million dollars ($50,000,000), on the proposed date of such Loan and (ii) with respect to a Loan in an amount that is greater than fifty million dollars ($50,000,000), on the Business Day immediately preceding the proposed date of such Loan (it being understood that, in each case, any such request made after such time shall be deemed to have been made on the following Business Day) and shall specify (A) the amount of the Loan(s) requested (which shall not be less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) and shall be an integral multiple of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000)), (B) the allocation of such amount among the Lenders (which shall be ratable based on the Commitments), (C) the account to which the proceeds of such Loan shall be distributed and (D) the date such requested Loan is to be made (which shall be a Business Day).

(b)    On the date of each Loan specified in the applicable Loan Request, the Lender shall, upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Article VI and pursuant to the other conditions set forth in this Article II, make available to the Borrower in same day funds an aggregate amount equal to the amount of such Loans requested, at the account set forth in the related Loan Request.

(c)    Each Lender’s obligation shall be several, such that the failure of any Lender to make available to the Borrower any funds in connection with any Loan shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make funds available on the date such Loans are requested (it being understood, that no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make funds available to the Borrower in connection with any Loan hereunder).

(d)    The Borrower shall repay in full the outstanding Principal of each Lender on the Final Maturity Date. Prior thereto, the Borrower shall, on each Settlement Date, make a prepayment of the outstanding Principal of the Lenders to the extent required under Section 4.01 and otherwise in accordance therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower, in its discretion, shall have the right to make a prepayment, in whole or in part, of the outstanding Principal of the Lenders (i) at any time when PNC (or an Affiliate thereof) is both the Administrative Agent and the sole Lender hereunder, and to the extent the Borrower has entered into a separate written agreement with the Administrative Agent regarding the Administrative Agent’s PINACLE® auto-advance service (or any similar or replacement electronic loan administration service implemented by the Administrative Agent) pursuant to Section 2.02(a) hereof, on any Business Day, or (ii) upon same-day written notice delivered by the Borrower no later than 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the proposed date of such prepayment (it being

 

33


understood that any such notice made after such time shall be deemed to have been made on the following Business Day) to the Administrative Agent and each Lender in the form of a Reduction Notice attached hereto as Exhibit B; provided, however, that (i) each such prepayment shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) and shall be an integral multiple of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), (ii) the Borrower shall not provide any Reduction Notice, and no such Reduction Notice shall be effective, if after giving effect thereto, the Aggregate Principal at such time would be less than an amount equal to the Minimum Funding Threshold and (iii) any accrued Interest and Fees in respect of such prepaid Principal shall be paid on the immediately following Settlement Date; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, a prepayment may be in an amount necessary to reduce any Borrowing Base Deficit existing at such time or the outstanding Principal of the Lender to zero ($0).

(e)    The Borrower may, at any time upon at least (i) thirty (30) calendar days’ prior written notice in case of a termination in whole and (ii) ten (10) calendar days’ prior written notice in case of a termination in part, in either case, to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, terminate the Facility Limit in whole or ratably reduce the Facility Limit in part. Each partial reduction in the Facility Limit shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) or integral multiples of five million dollars ($5,000,000) in excess thereof, and no such partial reduction shall reduce the Facility Limit to an amount less than fifty million dollars ($50,000,000). In connection with any partial reduction in the Facility Limit, the Commitment of each Lender shall be ratably reduced.

(f)    In connection with any reduction of the Commitments, the Borrower shall remit to the Administrative Agent (i) instructions regarding such reduction and (ii) for payment to the Lenders, cash in an amount sufficient to pay (A) Principal of each Lender in excess of the Commitment of such Lender and (B) all other outstanding Borrower Obligations with respect to such reduction (determined based on the ratio of the reduction of the Commitments being effected to the amount of the Commitments prior to such reduction or, if the Administrative Agent reasonably determines that any portion of the outstanding Borrower Obligations is allocable solely to that portion of the Commitments being reduced or has arisen solely as a result of such reduction, all of such portion) including, without duplication, any associated Breakage Fees. Upon receipt of any such amounts, the Administrative Agent shall apply such amounts first to the reduction of the outstanding Principal, and second to the payment of the remaining outstanding Borrower Obligations with respect to such reduction, including any Breakage Fees, by paying such amounts to the Lenders.

SECTION 2.03.    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)    Undrawn Fees (as defined in the Fee Letter) shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender.

(b)    The Commitment and Principal of such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether the Majority Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder (including any consent to any amendment, waiver or other modification pursuant to Section 13.01); provided, that, except as otherwise provided in Section 13.01, this clause (b) 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 (if such Lender is directly affected thereby).

 

34


(c)    In the event that the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Servicer each agrees in writing that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then on such date such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Loans of the other Lenders as the Administrative Agent shall determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Loans ratably in accordance with the Commitment of such Lender; provided, that no adjustments shall be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while such Lender was a Defaulting Lender, and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender having been a Defaulting Lender.

ARTICLE III

INTEREST RATES; FEES

SECTION 3.01.    Interest Rate Options. The Borrower shall pay interest in respect of the outstanding unpaid principal amount of the Loans as selected by it from the Base Rate Option, Daily BSBY Floating Rate Option or BSBY Rate Option specified below applicable to the Loans, it being understood that, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower may select different Interest Rate Options and different Interest Periods to apply simultaneously to the Loans comprising different Borrowing Tranches and may convert to or renew one or more Interest Rate Options with respect to all or any portion of the Loans comprising any Borrowing Tranche; provided that there shall not be at any one time outstanding more than three (3) Borrowing Tranches; provided further that if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower may not request, convert to, or renew the BSBY Rate Option or Daily BSBY Floating Rate Option for any Loans and the Majority Lenders may demand that all existing Borrowing Tranches bearing interest under the BSBY Rate Option or Daily BSBY Floating Rate Option shall be converted immediately to the Base Rate Option, subject to the obligation of the Borrower to pay any Breakage Fees in connection with such conversion. If at any time the designated rate applicable to any Loan made by any Lender exceeds such Lender’s highest lawful rate, the rate of interest on such Lender’s Loan shall be limited to such Lender’s highest lawful rate.

(a)    Interest Rate Options. The Borrower shall have the right to select from the following Interest Rate Options applicable to the Loans:

(i)    Base Rate Option: A fluctuating rate per annum (computed on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed) equal to the Base Rate, such interest rate to change automatically from time to time effective as of the effective date of each change in the Base Rate; or

 

35


(ii)    BSBY Rate Option: A rate per annum (computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed) equal to the BSBY Rate as determined for each applicable Interest Period; or

(iii)    Daily BSBY Floating Rate Option: A fluctuating rate per annum (computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed) equal the Daily BSBY Floating Rate, such rate to change automatically from day to day and time to time in accordance with the definition thereof.

(b)    Rate Quotations. The Borrower may call the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which a Loan Request is to be delivered to receive an indication of the rates then in effect, but it is acknowledged that such projection shall not be binding on the Administrative Agent or the Lenders nor affect the rate of interest which thereafter is actually in effect when the election is made.

SECTION 3.02.    Interest Periods. At any time when the Borrower shall select, convert to or renew a BSBY Rate Option, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such BSBY Rate Option by delivering a Loan Request. The notice shall specify an Interest Period during which such Interest Rate Option shall apply. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the following provisions shall apply to any selection of, renewal of, or conversion to a BSBY Rate Option:

(a)    Amount of Borrowing Tranche. Each Borrowing Tranche of Loans under the BSBY Rate Option shall be in integral multiples of, and not less than, the respective amounts specified in Section 2.02(a); and

(b)    Renewals. In the case of the renewal of a BSBY Rate Option at the end of an Interest Period, the first day of the new Interest Period shall be the last day of the preceding Interest Period, without duplication in payment of interest for such day.

SECTION 3.03.    Interest After Default. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and until such time such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived, at the discretion of the Administrative Agent or upon written demand by the Majority Lenders to the Administrative Agent:

(a)    Interest Rate. The rate of interest for each Loan otherwise applicable pursuant to Section 3.01(a), shall be increased by two percent (2.00%) per annum (such increased rate, the “Default Rate”);

(b)    Other Obligations. Each other Borrower Obligation hereunder if not paid when due shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the rate of interest applicable to Loans under the Base Rate Option plus an additional two percent (2.00%) per annum from the time such Borrower Obligation becomes due and payable until the time such Borrower Obligation is paid in full; and

(c)    Acknowledgment. The Borrower acknowledges that the increase in rates referred to in this Section 3.03 reflects, among other things, the fact that such Loans or other amounts have become a substantially greater risk given their default status and that the Lenders are entitled to additional compensation for such risk; and all such interest shall be payable by the Borrower upon demand by the Administrative Agent.

 

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SECTION 3.04.    BSBY Rate Unascertainable; Increased Costs; Illegality; Benchmark Replacement Setting.

(a)    Unascertainable; Increased Costs. If, on or prior to the first day of an Interest Period:

(i)    the Administrative Agent shall have determined (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that (x) the BSBY Rate or Daily BSBY Floating Rate Option cannot be determined because it is not available or published on a current basis; (y) adequate and reasonable means do not otherwise exist for determining any requested Interest Periods with respect to an existing or proposed BSBY Rate Loan; or (z) a fundamental change has occurred with respect to the BSBY Rate or Daily BSBY Floating Rate (including, changes in national or international financial, political or economic conditions),

(ii)    any Lender shall have determined (which determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto absent manifest error) that for any reason in connection with any request for a BSBY Rate Loan or Daily BSBY Floating Rate Loan or a conversion thereto or a continuation thereof that the BSBY Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed BSBY Rate Loan or Daily BSBY Floating Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lender of funding such Loan,

then the Administrative Agent shall have the rights specified in Section 3.04(c).

(b)    Illegality. If at any time any Lender shall have determined that the making, maintenance or funding of any BSBY Rate Loan or Daily BSBY Floating Rate Loan has been made impracticable or unlawful by compliance by such Lender in good faith with any Applicable Law or any interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or with any request or directive of any such Governmental Authority (whether or not having the force of Applicable Law), then the Administrative Agent shall have the rights specified in Section 3.04(c).

(c)    Administrative Agents and Lenders Rights. In the case of any event specified in Section 3.04(a)(i) above, the Administrative Agent shall promptly so notify the Lenders and the Borrower thereof, and in the case of an event specified in Section 3.04(a)(ii) or 3.04(b) above, such Lender shall promptly so notify the Administrative Agent and endorse a certificate to such notice as to the specific circumstances of such notice, and the Administrative Agent shall promptly send copies of such notice and certificate to the other Lenders and the Borrower. Upon such date as shall be specified in such notice (which shall not be earlier than the date such notice is given), the obligation of (i) the Lenders, in the case of such notice given by the Administrative Agent, or (ii) such Lender, in the case of such notice given by such Lender, to allow the Borrower to select, convert to or renew a BSBY Rate Loan or Daily BSBY Floating Rate Loan shall be suspended (to the extent of the affected Daily BSBY Floating Rate Loan, BSBY Rate Loan or Interest Periods) until the Administrative Agent shall have later notified the Borrower, or such Lender shall have later notified the Administrative Agent, of the Administrative

 

37


Agent’s or such Lender’s, as the case may be, determination that the circumstances giving rise to such previous determination no longer exist. If at any time the Administrative Agent makes a determination under Section 3.04(a) and the Borrower has previously notified the Administrative Agent of its selection of, conversion to or renewal of a BSBY Rate Option or Daily BSBY Floating Rate Option and the BSBY Rate Option or Daily BSBY Floating Rate Option, as applicable, has not yet gone into effect, absent due notice from the Borrower of revocation, conversion or prepayment, such notification shall be deemed to provide for selection of, conversion to or renewal of the Base Rate Option otherwise available with respect to such Loans. If any Lender notifies the Administrative Agent of a determination under Section 3.04(a)(ii) or 3.04(b), the Borrower shall, subject to the Borrower’s obligation to pay any Breakage Fees, as to any Loan of the Lender to which a BSBY Rate Option or Daily BSBY Floating Rate Option applies, on the date specified in such notice either convert such Loan to the Base Rate Option otherwise available with respect to such Loan or prepay such Loan in accordance with Section 2.02(d). Absent due notice from the Borrower of conversion or prepayment, such Loan shall automatically be converted to the Base Rate Option otherwise available with respect to such Loan upon such specified date.

(d)    Benchmark Replacement Setting.

(i)    Benchmark Replacement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Transaction Document, if a Benchmark Transition Event has 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 (a) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Transaction 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 Transaction Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Transaction 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 Transaction Document so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from the Majority Lenders.

(ii)    Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the implementation and administration of a Benchmark Replacement, the Administrative Agent (in its reasonable discretion following consultation with the Borrower) will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Transaction Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.

(iii)    Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of (A) any occurrence of a

 

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Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date, (B) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (C) the effectiveness of any Conforming Changes, (D) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to paragraph (iv) below and (E) 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 the Majority Lenders pursuant to this Section 3.04(d), 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 Transaction Document except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 3.04(d).

(iv)    Unavailability of Tenor of Benchmark. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Transaction Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (A) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate and either (1) 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 (2) 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 be compliant with, or the administrator of such Benchmark fails to be aligned with, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Principles for Financial Benchmarks, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Accrual Period” or “Interest Period” (or any similar or analogous definition) for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such non-compliant or non-aligned tenor and (B) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to clause (A) above either (1) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (2) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is or will no longer be compliant with, or the administration of such Benchmark fails to be aligned with, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Principles for Financial Benchmarks (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Accrual Period” or “Interest Period” (or any similar or analogous definition) for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.

(v)    Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke any request for a Loan bearing interest based on the BSBY Screen Rate, conversion to or continuation of Loans bearing interest based on the BSBY Screen Rate to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for a Loan of or conversion to Loans bearing interest under the Base Rate Option. 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 the Base Rate based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of the Base Rate.

 

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(vi)    Definitions. As used in this Section 3.04(d):

Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, (a) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate or is based on a term rate, any tenor for such Benchmark that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period or (b) otherwise, any payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark, as applicable, pursuant to this Agreement as of such date. For the avoidance of doubt, the Available Tenor for the Daily BSBY Floating Rate is one month.

Benchmark” means, initially, the BSBY Screen Rate; provided that if a replacement of the Benchmark has occurred pursuant to this Section titled “Benchmark Replacement Setting”, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate. Any reference to “Benchmark” shall include, as applicable, the published component used in the calculation thereof.

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:

(a)    the sum of: (i) Term SOFR and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

(b)    the sum of: (i) 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 any evolving or then-prevailing market convention, including any applicable recommendations made by the Relevant Governmental Body, for U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities or similar U.S. dollar denominated secured financing or securitization transactions relating to the relevant asset class, as applicable, at such time and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

provided that, in the case of clause (a), such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is 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; provided; further that if the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (a), (b) or (c) 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 Transaction Documents; and provided further, that any such Benchmark Replacement shall be administratively feasible as determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any applicable Available Tenor for any setting of such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement:

(a)    for purposes of clause (a) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” 0.10% (10 basis points);

 

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(b)    for purposes of clause (b) of the definition of “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 any evolving or then-prevailing market convention, including any applicable recommendations made by the Relevant Governmental Body, for U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities or similar U.S. dollar denominated secured financing or securitization transactions relating to the relevant asset class, as applicable, at such time;

provided that, if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate, more than one tenor of such Benchmark is available as of the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement will not be a term rate, the Available Tenor of such Benchmark for purposes of this definition of “Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” shall be deemed to be the Available Tenor that has approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustments) as the payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement.

Benchmark Replacement Date” means a date and time determined by the Administrative Agent, which date shall be at the end of an Interest Period and no later than the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:

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

(b)    in the case of clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (i) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (ii) the date specified by the administrator of such Benchmark or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent or such administrator on which the Benchmark is or will no longer be compliant with, or the administration of such Benchmark fails to be aligned with, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Principles for Financial Benchmarks the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Principles for Financial Benchmarks; or

(c)    in the case of clause (d) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the first Business Day following the fifth (5th) consecutive Business Day that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark are not published.

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”

 

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will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (a), (b) and (c) 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 the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to any then-current Benchmark:

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

(b)    a public statement or publication of information by a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent, the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof), the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or

(c)    the administrator of the Benchmark or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent or such administrator has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which all Available Tenors of the Benchmark are or will no longer be compliant with, or the administration of all Available Tenors of the Benchmark fails to be aligned with, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Principles for Financial Benchmarks; or

(d)    all Available Tenors of the Benchmark are not published by the administrator of such Benchmark for five (5) consecutive Business Days and such failure is not the result of a temporary moratorium, embargo or disruption declared by the administrator of such Benchmark or by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark.

Benchmark Unavailability Period” means the period (if any) (a) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (a) or (b) of that definition

 

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has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Transaction Document in accordance with this Section 3.04(d) titled “Benchmark Replacement Setting” and (b) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Transaction Document in accordance with this Section titled “Benchmark Replacement Setting.”

CIP Regulations” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.10.

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.

Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement initially (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to the BSBY Rate or Daily BSBY Floating Rate or, if no floor is specified, zero.

Reference Time” means, with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

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

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

SECTION 3.05.    Selection of Interest Rate Options. If the Borrower fails to select a new Interest Period to apply to any Borrowing Tranche of Loans under the BSBY Rate Option at the expiration of an existing Interest Period applicable to such Borrowing Tranche in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.02, the Borrower shall be deemed to have converted such Borrowing Tranche to the Daily BSBY Floating Rate commencing upon the last day of the existing Interest Period. If the Borrower provides any Loan Request related to a Loan at the BSBY Rate Option but fails to identify an Interest Period therefor, such Loan Request shall be deemed to request an Interest Period of one (1) month. Any Loan Request that fails to select an Interest Rate Option shall be deemed to be a request for the Daily BSBY Floating Rate Option.

SECTION 3.06.    Interest Payment Dates. Each Loan shall accrue Interest on each day when such Loan remains outstanding at the then applicable Interest Rate for the Borrowing Tranche relating to such Loan. The Borrower shall pay all Interest (including, for the avoidance of doubt, all Interest accrued on BSBY Rate Loans during an Accrual Period regardless of whether the applicable Interest Period has ended), Fees and Breakage Fees accrued during each Accrual Period on each Settlement Date in accordance with the terms and priorities for payment set forth in Section 4.01.

SECTION 3.07.    Fees . On each Settlement Date, the Borrower shall, in accordance with the terms and priorities for payment set forth in Section 4.01, pay to each Lender, the

 

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Administrative Agent and the Structuring Agent certain fees (collectively, the “Fees”) in the amounts set forth in the fee letter agreements from time to time entered into, among the Borrower, the Lenders and/or the Administrative Agent and the Structuring Agent (each such fee letter agreement, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, collectively being referred to herein as the “Fee Letter”). Undrawn Fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender as provided in Section 2.03.

SECTION 3.08.    Records of Loans. Each Lender shall record in its records, the date and amount of each Loan made by such Lender hereunder, the interest rate with respect thereto, the Interest accrued thereon and each repayment and payment thereof. Subject to Section 13.03(b), such records shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error. The failure to so record any such information or any error in so recording any such information shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the other Transaction Documents to repay the Principal of each Lender, together with all Interest accruing thereon and all other Borrower Obligations.

ARTICLE IV

SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS

SECTION 4.01.    Settlement Procedures.

(a)    The Servicer shall set aside and hold in trust for the benefit of the Secured Parties (or, if so requested by the Administrative Agent, segregate in a separate account designated by the Administrative Agent, which shall be an account controlled by the Administrative Agent unless the Administrative Agent otherwise instructs in its sole discretion), for application in accordance with the priority of payments set forth below, all Collections on Pool Receivables that are actually received by the Servicer or the Borrower or received in any Lock-Box or Collection Account; provided, however, that so long as each of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 6.03 are satisfied on such date, the Servicer may release to the Borrower from such Collections the amount (if any) necessary to pay (i) the purchase price for Receivables purchased by the Borrower on such date in accordance with the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement or (ii) amounts owing by the Borrower to the Originators under the Subordinated Notes (each such release, a “Release”). On each Settlement Date, so long as the Administrative Agent has not taken dominion of the Collection Accounts, the Servicer (or, following its assumption of control of the Collection Accounts, the Administrative Agent) shall distribute such Collections on all Pool Receivables in the following order of priority:

(i)    first, to the Servicer for the payment of the accrued Servicing Fees payable for the immediately preceding Accrual Period plus, if applicable, the amount of Servicing Fees payable for any prior Accrual Period to the extent such amount has not been paid to the Servicer;

(ii)    second, to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Lender and other Credit Party (ratably, based on the amount then due and owing to such Persons), all accrued and unpaid Interest, Fees and Breakage Fees due to such Lender and other Credit Party for the immediately preceding Accrual Period (including any additional

 

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amounts or indemnified amounts payable under Sections 5.03 and 12.01 in respect of such payments), plus, if applicable, the amount of any such Interest, Fees and Breakage Fees (including any additional amounts or indemnified amounts payable under Sections 5.03 and 12.01 in respect of such payments) payable for any prior Accrual Period to the extent such amount has not been distributed to such Lender or Credit Party;

(iii)    third, to (A) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Borrower and (B) on and after the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent, an amount that shall be set aside and held in trust for upcoming insurance payments to each applicable Eligible Credit Insurance Provider of an Eligible Credit Insurance Policy;

(iv)    fourth, as set forth in clause (A), (B) or (C) below, as applicable:

(A)    prior to the occurrence of the Termination Date, to the extent that a Borrowing Base Deficit exists on such date or the Aggregate Principal on such date exceeds the Facility Limit, to the Administrative Agent for distribution to the Lenders (ratably, based on the aggregate outstanding Principal of each Lender at such time) for the payment of a portion of the outstanding Aggregate Principal at such time, in an aggregate amount equal to the amount necessary to reduce the Borrowing Base Deficit to zero ($0) or the amount necessary to reduce the Aggregate Principal to an amount equal to or less than the Facility Limit, as applicable;

(B)    on and after the occurrence of the Termination Date, to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Lender (ratably, based on the aggregate outstanding Principal of each Lender at such time) for the payment in full of the aggregate outstanding Principal of such Lender at such time; or

(C)    prior to the occurrence of the Termination Date, at the election of the Borrower from time to time and in accordance with Section 2.02(d), to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Lender as payment of all or any portion of the outstanding Principal of the Lenders at such time (ratably, based on the aggregate outstanding Principal of each Lender at such time);

(v)    fifth, to the Administrative Agent for distribution to the Credit Parties, the Affected Persons and the Borrower Indemnified Parties (ratably, based on the amount due and owing at such time), for the payment of all other Borrower Obligations then due and owing by the Borrower to the Credit Parties, the Affected Persons and the Borrower Indemnified Parties; and

(vi)    sixth, the balance, if any, to be paid to the Borrower for its own account.

(b)    All payments or distributions to be made by the Servicer, the Borrower and any other Person to the Lenders (or their respective related Affected Persons and the Borrower Indemnified Parties) shall be paid or distributed to the applicable party to which such amounts are owed.

 

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(c)    If and to the extent the Administrative Agent, any Credit Party, any Affected Person or any Borrower Indemnified Party shall be required for any reason to pay over to any Person (including any Obligor or any trustee, receiver, custodian or similar official in any Insolvency Proceeding) any amount received on its behalf hereunder, such amount shall be deemed not to have been so received but rather to have been retained by the Borrower and, accordingly, the Administrative Agent, such Credit Party, such Affected Person or such Borrower Indemnified Party, as the case may be, shall have a claim against the Borrower for such amount.

(d)    For the purposes of this Section 4.01:

(i)    if on any day the Outstanding Balance of any Pool Receivable is reduced or adjusted as a result of any defective, rejected, returned, repossessed or foreclosed goods or services, or any revision, cancellation, allowance, rebate, credit memo, discount or other adjustment made by the Borrower, any Originator, the Servicer or any Affiliate of the Servicer, or any setoff, counterclaim or dispute between the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower, an Originator or any Affiliate of an Originator, or the Servicer or any Affiliate of the Servicer, and an Obligor, the Borrower shall be deemed to have received on such day a Collection of such Pool Receivable in the amount of such reduction or adjustment and, to the extent that the effect of such reduction or adjustment is to cause a Borrowing Base Deficit or if such reduction or adjustment occurs on or after the Termination Date, shall within two (2) Business Days pay an amount equal to (x) if such reduction or adjustment occurs prior to the Termination Date, the lesser of (A) the sum of all deemed Collections with respect to such reduction or adjustment and (B) an amount necessary to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficit and (y) if such breach occurs on or after the Termination Date, the sum of all deemed Collections in respect thereof to a Collection Account (or as otherwise directed by the Administrative Agent at such time) for the benefit of the Credit Parties for application pursuant to Section 4.01(a);

(ii)    if on any day any of the representations or warranties in Section 7.01 is not true with respect to any Pool Receivable, the Borrower shall be deemed to have received on such day a Collection of such Pool Receivable in full and, to the extent that the effect of such breach is to cause a Borrowing Base Deficit or if such breach occurs on or after the Termination Date, shall within two (2) Business Days pay an amount equal to (x) if such breach occurs prior to the Termination Date, the lesser of (A) the sum of all deemed Collections with respect to such breach and (B) an amount necessary to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficit and (y) if such breach occurs on or after the Termination Date, the sum of all deemed Collections in respect thereof to a Collection Account (or as otherwise directed by the Administrative Agent at such time) for the benefit of the Credit Parties for application pursuant to Section 4.01(a) (Collections deemed to have been received pursuant to Sections 4.01(d)(i) and 4.01(d)(ii) are hereinafter sometimes referred to as “Deemed Collections”);

(iii)    except as provided in clauses (i) or (ii) above or otherwise required by Applicable Law or the relevant Contract, all Collections received from an Obligor of

 

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any Receivable shall be applied to the Receivables of such Obligor in the order of the age of such Receivables, starting with the oldest such Receivable, unless such Obligor designates in writing its payment for application to specific Receivables; and

(iv)    if and to the extent the Administrative Agent, any Credit Party, any Affected Person or any Borrower Indemnified Party shall be required for any reason to pay over to an Obligor (or any trustee, receiver, custodian or similar official in any Insolvency Proceeding) any amount received by it hereunder, such amount shall be deemed not to have been so received by such Person but rather to have been retained by the Borrower and, accordingly, such Person shall have a claim against the Borrower for such amount, payable when and to the extent that any distribution from or on behalf of such Obligor is made in respect thereof.

SECTION 4.02.    Payments and Computations, Etc.

(a)    All amounts to be paid by the Borrower or the Servicer to the Administrative Agent, any Credit Party, any Affected Person or any Borrower Indemnified Party hereunder shall be paid no later than noon (12:00 p.m.) (New York City time) on the day when due in same day funds to the applicable party to which such amounts are due.

(b)    Each of the Borrower and the Servicer shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, pay interest on any amount not paid or deposited by it when due hereunder, at an interest rate per annum equal to two percent (2.00%) per annum above the Base Rate, payable on demand.

(c)    All computations of interest under subsection (b) above and all computations of Interest, Fees and other amounts hereunder shall be made on the basis of a year of 360 days (or, in the case of amounts determined by reference to the Base Rate, 365 or 366 days, as applicable) for the actual number of days (including the first but excluding the last day) elapsed. Whenever any payment or deposit to be made hereunder shall be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment or deposit shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and such extension of time shall be included in the computation of such payment or deposit.

ARTICLE V

INCREASED COSTS; FUNDING LOSSES; TAXES; ILLEGALITY AND SECURITY INTEREST

SECTION 5.01.    Increased Costs.

(a)    Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall:

(i)    impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, liquidity, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Affected Person;

 

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(ii)    subject any Affected Person to any Taxes (except to the extent such Taxes are (A)Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clause (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes or (C) Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

(iii)    impose on any Affected Person any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) (A) affecting the Collateral, this Agreement, any other Transaction Document any Loan or any participation therein or (B) affecting its obligations or rights to make Loans;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Affected Person of (A) acting as the Administrative Agent or a Lender hereunder, (B) funding or maintaining any Loan or (C) maintaining its obligation to fund or maintain any Loan, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Affected Person hereunder, then, upon request of such Affected Person, the Borrower shall pay to such Affected Person such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Affected Person for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

(b)    Principal and Liquidity Requirements. If any Affected Person determines that any Change in Law affecting such Affected Person or any lending office of such Affected Person or such Affected Person’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements, has or would have the effect of (x) increasing the amount of capital required to be maintained by such Affected Person or Affected Person’s holding company, if any, (y) reducing the rate of return on such Affected Person’s capital or on the capital of such Affected Person’s holding company, if any, or (z) causing an internal capital or liquidity charge or other imputed cost to be assessed upon such Affected Person or Affected Person’s holding company, if any, in each case, as a consequence of (A) this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (B) the commitments of such Affected Person hereunder or under any other Transaction Document, (C) the Loans made by such Affected Person or (D) any Principal (or portion thereof), to a level below that which such Affected Person or such Affected Person’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Affected Person’s policies and the policies of such Affected Person’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time, upon request of such Affected Person, the Borrower will pay to such Affected Person such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Affected Person or such Affected Person’s holding company for any such increase, reduction or charge; provided, that, no Affected Person shall make a demand for payment hereunder unless such Affected Person is also making or has made a demand for reimbursement under one or more other trade receivables securitization facilities.

(c)    Adoption of Changes in Law. The Borrower acknowledges that any Affected Person may institute measures in anticipation of a Change in Law (including, without limitation, the imposition of internal charges on such Affected Person’s interests or obligations under any Transaction Document), and may commence allocating charges to or seeking compensation from the Borrower under this Section 5.01 in connection with such measures, in advance of the effective date of such Change in Law, and the Borrower agrees to pay such charges or compensation to such Affected Person, following demand therefor in accordance with the terms of this Section 5.01, without regard to whether such effective date has occurred.

 

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(d)    Certificates for Reimbursement. A certificate of an Affected Person specifying the applicable law, regulation or guidance or request causing such increased costs, and setting forth in reasonable detail a calculation of the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Affected Person or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in clause (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 5.01 and delivered to the Borrower, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall, subject to the priorities of payment set forth in Section 4.01, pay such Affected Person the amount shown as due on any such certificate on the first Settlement Date occurring after the Borrower’s receipt of such certificate.

(e)    Delay in Requests. Failure or delay on the part of any Affected Person to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 5.01 shall not constitute a waiver of such Affected Person’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate an Affected Person pursuant to this Section 5.01 for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine (9) months prior to the date that such Affected Person notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Affected Person’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive thereof).

SECTION 5.02.    Funding Losses.

(a)    The Borrower will pay each Lender all Breakage Fees.

(b)    A certificate of a Lender setting forth in reasonable detail a calculation of the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender, as specified in clause (a) above and delivered to the Borrower, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall, subject to the priorities of payment set forth in Section 4.01, pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate on the first Settlement Date occurring after the Borrower’s receipt of such certificate.

SECTION 5.03.    Taxes.

(a)    Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under any Transaction Document 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 the applicable Credit Party, Affected Person or Borrower Indemnified Party) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment to a Credit Party, Affected Person or Borrower Indemnified Party, then the applicable Credit Party, Affected Person or Borrower Indemnified Party 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 Borrower 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), the applicable Credit Party, Affected Person or Borrower Indemnified Party receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

 

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(b)    Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower. The Borrower shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law, or, at the option of the Administrative Agent, timely reimburse the Administrative Agent for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

(c)    Indemnification by the Borrower. The Borrower shall indemnify each Affected Person, within ten (10) Business 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 Affected Person or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Affected Person 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 the Borrower by an Affected Person shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d)    Indemnification by the Lenders. Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within ten (10) calendar days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender or any of its Affiliates that are Affected Persons (but only to the extent that the Borrower and its Affiliates have not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting any obligation of the Borrower, the Servicer or their Affiliates to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to the failure of such Lender or any of its respective Affiliates that are Affected Persons to comply with Section 13.03(e) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender or any of its respective Affiliates that are Affected Persons, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Transaction 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 or any of its respective Affiliates that are Affected Persons under any Transaction Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to such Lender or any of its respective Affiliates that are Affected Persons from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this clause (d).

(e)    Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 5.03, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

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(f)    Status of Affected Persons.

(i)    Any Affected Person that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Transaction 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 Affected Person, 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 Affected Person 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 Sections 5.03(f)(ii)(A), 5.03(f)(ii)(B) and 5.03(g)) shall not be required if, in the Affected Person’s reasonable judgment, such completion, execution or submission would subject such Affected Person to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Affected Person.

(ii)    Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

(A)    an Affected Person that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date such Affected Person becomes an Affected Person under this Agreement and from time to time upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 certifying that such Affected Person is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

(B)    any Affected Person that is not a U.S. Person 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 of the Affected Person) on or prior to the date such Affected Person becomes an Affected Person under this Agreement and from time to time upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, whichever of the following is applicable:

(1)    in the case of such an Affected Person claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party, (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Transaction Document, executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or Internal Revenue Service 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 Transaction Document, Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable,

 

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establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

(2)    executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI;

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

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

(C)    any Affected Person that is not a U.S. Person 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 such Affected Person becomes an Affected Person under this Agreement and from time to time upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, executed originals 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.

(D)    If the Administrative Agent is a U.S. Person, it shall deliver to the Borrower on or prior to the date on which it becomes the Administrative Agent under this Agreement two duly completed copies of

 

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Internal Revenue Service Form W-9. If the Administrative Agent is not a U.S. Person, it shall provide to the Borrower on or prior to the date on which it becomes the Administrative Agent under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower): (A) two executed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI with respect to any amounts payable to the Administrative Agent for its own account, and (B) two executed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY with respect to any amounts payable to the Administrative Agent for the account of others, certifying that it is a “U.S. branch” and that the payments it receives for the account of others are not effectively connected with the conduct of its trade or business within the United States and that it is using such form as evidence of its agreement with the Borrower to be treated as a U.S. Person with respect to such payments (and the Borrower and the Administrative Agent agree to so treat the Administrative Agent as a U.S. Person with respect to such payments as contemplated by Section 1.1441-1(b)(2)(iv) of the United States Treasury Regulations).

(g)    Documentation Required by FATCA. If a payment made to an Affected Person under any Transaction Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Affected Person 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 Affected Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by Applicable 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 Affected Person has complied with such Affected Person’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (g), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

(h)    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 5.03 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 5.03), 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 5.03 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 (h) (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 (h), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (h) 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

 

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indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This paragraph 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.

(i)    Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 5.03 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Credit Party or any other Affected Person, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the Borrower Obligations and the Servicer’s obligations hereunder.

(j)    Updates. Each Affected Person agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered pursuant to this Section 5.03 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.

SECTION 5.04.    Security Interest.

(a)    As security for the performance by the Borrower of all the terms, covenants and agreements on the part of the Borrower to be performed under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, including the punctual payment when due of the Aggregate Principal and all Interest in respect of the Loans and all other Borrower Obligations, the Borrower hereby grants to the Administrative Agent for its benefit and the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, a valid, continuing and perfected first priority security interest in, all of the Borrower’s right, title and interest in, to and under all of the following, whether now or hereafter owned, existing or arising (collectively, the “Collateral”): (i) all Pool Receivables, (ii) all Related Security with respect to such Pool Receivables, (iii) all Collections with respect to such Pool Receivables, (iv) the Lock-Boxes and Collection Accounts and all amounts on deposit therein, and all certificates and instruments, if any, from time to time evidencing such Lock-Boxes and Collection Accounts and amounts on deposit therein, (v) all rights (but none of the obligations) of the Borrower under the Purchase and Sale Agreement and any Credit Insurance Policy, (vi) all other personal and fixture property or assets of the Borrower of every kind and nature including, without limitation, all goods (including inventory, equipment and any accessions thereto), instruments (including promissory notes), documents, accounts, chattel paper (whether tangible or electronic), deposit accounts, securities accounts, securities entitlements, letter of credit rights, commercial tort claims, securities and all other investment property, supporting obligations, money, any other contract rights or rights to the payment of money, insurance claims and proceeds, and all general intangibles (including all payment intangibles) (each as defined in the UCC) and (vii) all proceeds of, and all amounts received or receivable under any or all of, the foregoing.

(b)    The Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) shall have, with respect to all the Collateral, and in addition to all the other rights and remedies available to the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties), all the rights and remedies of a secured party under any applicable UCC. The Borrower hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to file financing statements describing as the collateral covered thereby as “all of the debtor’s personal property or assets” or words to that effect, notwithstanding that such wording may be broader in scope than the collateral described in this Agreement.

 

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(c)    Immediately upon the occurrence of the Final Payout Date, the Collateral shall be automatically released from the lien created hereby, and this Agreement and all obligations (other than those expressly stated to survive such termination) of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the other Credit Parties hereunder shall terminate, all without delivery of any instrument or performance of any act by any party, and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to the Borrower; provided, however, that promptly following written request therefor by the Borrower delivered to the Administrative Agent following any such termination, and at the expense of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall execute (if applicable) and deliver to the Borrower UCC-3 termination statements and such other documents as the Borrower shall reasonably request to evidence such termination.

ARTICLE VI

CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS

SECTION 6.01.    Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness and the Initial Credit Extension. This Agreement shall become effective as of the Closing Date when (a) the Administrative Agent shall have received each of the documents, agreements (in fully executed form), opinions of counsel, lien search results, UCC filings, certificates and other deliverables listed on the closing memorandum attached as Exhibit H hereto, in each case, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and (b) all fees and expenses payable by the Borrower on the Closing Date to the Credit Parties have been paid in full in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Documents.

SECTION 6.02.    Conditions Precedent to All Credit Extensions. Each Credit Extension hereunder on or after the Closing Date shall be subject to the conditions precedent that:

(a)    in the case of a Loan, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and each Lender a Loan Request for such Loan, in accordance with Section 2.02(a);

(b)    the Servicer shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and each Lender all Pool Reports required to be delivered hereunder;

(c)    the conditions precedent to such Credit Extension specified in Section 2.01(a) through (d) shall be satisfied;

(d)    if applicable, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and each Lender evidence of the Eligible Credit Insurance Policy; and

(e)    on the date of such Credit Extension the following statements shall be true and correct (and upon the occurrence of such Credit Extension, the Borrower and the Servicer shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that such statements are then true and correct):

(i)    the representations and warranties of the Borrower and the Servicer contained in Sections 7.01 and 7.02 are true and correct in all material respects (unless such

 

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representations and warranties contain a materiality qualifier, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as made) on and as of the date of such Credit Extension as though made on and as of such date unless such representations and warranties by their terms refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects (unless such representations and warranties contain a materiality qualifier, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as made) on and as of such earlier date;

(ii)    no Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and no Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default would result from such Credit Extension;

(iii)    no Borrowing Base Deficit exists or would exist after giving effect to such Credit Extension;

(iv)    the Aggregate Principal would not equal an amount less than the Minimum Funding Threshold after giving effect to such Credit Extension; and

(v)    the Termination Date has not occurred.

SECTION 6.03.    Conditions Precedent to All Releases. Each Release hereunder on or after the Closing Date shall be subject to the conditions precedent that:

(a)    after giving effect to such Release, the Servicer shall be holding in trust for the benefit of the Secured Parties an amount of Collections sufficient to pay the sum of (x) all accrued and unpaid Servicing Fees, Interest, Fees and Breakage Fees, in each case, through the date of such Release, (y) the amount of any Borrowing Base Deficit and (z) the amount of all other accrued and unpaid Borrower Obligations (other than Principal) through the date of such Release;

(b)    the Borrower shall use the proceeds of such Release solely to pay (x) the purchase price for Receivables purchased by the Borrower in accordance with the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement and (y) any amounts owing by the Borrower to the Originators under the Subordinated Notes; and

(c)    on the date of such Release the following statements shall be true and correct (and upon the occurrence of such Release, the Borrower and the Servicer shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that such statements are then true and correct):

(i)    the representations and warranties of the Borrower and the Servicer contained in Sections 7.01 and 7.02 are true and correct in all material respects (unless such representations and warranties contain a materiality qualifier, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as made) on and as of the date of such Release as though made on and as of such date unless such representations and warranties by their terms refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects (unless such representations and warranties contain a materiality qualifier, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as made) on and as of such earlier date;

 

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(ii)    no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and no Event of Default would result from such Release;

(iii)    no Borrowing Base Deficit exists or would exist after giving effect to such Release; and

(iv)    the Termination Date has not occurred.

ARTICLE VII

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

SECTION 7.01.    Representations and Warranties of the Borrower. The Borrower represents and warrants to each Credit Party as of the Closing Date, on each Settlement Date and on each day on which a Credit Extension or Release shall have occurred:

(a)    Organization and Good Standing. The Borrower is a duly organized and validly existing limited liability company in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has full power and authority under its organizational documents and under the laws of the State of Delaware to own its properties and to conduct its business as such properties are currently owned and such business is presently conducted.

(b)    Due Qualification. The Borrower is duly qualified to do business as a limited liability company, is in good standing as a foreign entity and has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in all jurisdictions in which the conduct of its business requires such qualification, licenses or approvals, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c)    Power and Authority; Due Authorization. The Borrower (i) has all necessary limited liability company power and authority to (A) execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, (B) perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and (C) grant a security interest in the Collateral to the Administrative Agent on the terms and subject to the conditions herein provided and (ii) has duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action such grant and the execution, delivery and performance of, and the consummation of the transactions provided for in, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.

(d)    Binding Obligations. This Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which the Borrower is a party constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, except (i) as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

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(e)    No Conflict or Violation. The execution, delivery and performance of, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which the Borrower is a party, and the fulfillment of the terms hereof and thereof, will not (i) conflict with, result in any breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under its organizational documents or any indenture, sale agreement, credit agreement (including the Credit Agreement), loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement or instrument to which the Borrower is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound, (ii) result in the creation or imposition of any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) upon any of the Collateral or any of its properties pursuant to the terms of any such indenture, credit agreement, loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement or instrument, other than this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents or (iii) conflict with or violate any Applicable Law, except to the extent that any such conflict or violation referred to in this clause (iii) could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(f)    Litigation and Other Proceedings. (i) There is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the Borrower’s knowledge, threatened in writing, against the Borrower before any Governmental Authority and (ii) the Borrower is not subject to any order, judgment, decree, injunction, stipulation or consent order of or with any Governmental Authority that, in the case of either of the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), (A) asserts the invalidity of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (B) seeks to prevent the grant of a security interest in any Collateral by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, the ownership or acquisition by the Borrower of any Pool Receivable or other Collateral or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (C) seeks any determination or ruling that could materially and adversely affect the performance by the Borrower of its obligations under, or the validity or enforceability of, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or (D) individually or in the aggregate for all such actions, suits, proceedings and investigations could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(g)    Governmental Approvals. Except where the failure to obtain or make such authorization, consent, order, approval or action could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and except any filings required under applicable securities laws, all authorizations, consents, orders and approvals of, or other actions by, any Governmental Authority that are required to be obtained by the Borrower in connection with the grant of a security interest in the Collateral to the Administrative Agent hereunder or the due execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party and the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect.

(h)    Margin Regulations. The Borrower is not engaged, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System).

(i)    Solvency. After giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, the Borrower is Solvent.

 

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(j)    Offices; Legal Name. The Borrower’s sole jurisdiction of organization is the State of Delaware and such jurisdiction has not changed within four (4) months prior to the date of this Agreement. The office of the Borrower is located at 6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38197. The legal name of the Borrower is Sylvamo Receivables, LLC.

(k)    Investment Company Act; Volcker Rule. The Borrower (i) is not registered or required to register as, and is not controlled by, an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act and (ii) is not a “covered fund” under the Volcker Rule. In determining that the Borrower is not a “covered fund” under the Volcker Rule, the Borrower qualifies for and relies on the exclusion from the definition of “investment company” contained in Section 3(c)(5) of the Investment Company Act.

(l)    No Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of formation of the Borrower, there has been no Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Borrower.

(m)    Accuracy of Information. All Pool Reports, Loan Requests, certificates, reports, statements, documents and other written information (other than projections, other forward looking information and information of a general economic nature) furnished to the Administrative Agent or any other Credit Party by or on behalf of the Borrower pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or in connection with or pursuant to any amendment or modification of, or waiver under, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, is, at the time the same are so furnished, when taken as a whole, complete and correct in all material respects on the date the same are furnished to the Administrative Agent or such other Credit Party, and does not contain any material misstatement of fact or omit to state a material fact or any fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(n)    Sanctions and other Anti-Terrorism Laws. No: (a) Covered Entity, officers or directors acting on a Covered Entity’s behalf in connection with this Agreement and, to the applicable Covered Entity’s knowledge, employees, affiliates, consultants, brokers, or agents acting on a Covered Entity’s behalf in connection with this Agreement: (i) is a Sanctioned Person; (ii) directly or, to the applicable Covered Entity’s knowledge, indirectly through any third party, is engaged in any transactions or other dealings with or for the benefit of any Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Jurisdiction in violation of Anti-Terrorism Laws, or any transactions or other dealings that otherwise are prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Laws; and (b) Collateral is Embargoed Property.

(o)    Anti-Corruption Laws. Each Covered Entity has (a) conducted its business in compliance in all material respects with all Anti-Corruption Laws and (b) has instituted and maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote compliance with such Laws.

(p)    Perfection Representations.

(i)    This Agreement creates a valid and continuing security interest (as defined in the applicable UCC) in the Borrower’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral which (A) security interest has been perfected and is enforceable against creditors of and purchasers from the Borrower and (B) will be free of all Adverse Claims (other than a Permitted Lien) in such Collateral.

 

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(ii)    The Pool Receivables constitute “accounts” or “general intangibles” within the meaning of Section 9-102 of the UCC.

(iii)    The Borrower owns and has good and marketable title to the Collateral free and clear of any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) of any Person.

(iv)    All appropriate financing statements, financing statement amendments and continuation statements have been filed in the proper filing office in the appropriate jurisdictions under Applicable Law in order to perfect (and continue the perfection of) the sale and contribution of the Receivables (solely to the extent perfection may be achieved by filing a financing statement under the UCC) and Related Security from each Originator to the Borrower pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement and the grant by the Borrower of a security interest in the Collateral (solely to the extent perfection may be achieved by filing a financing statement under the UCC) to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement.

(v)    Other than the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement, the Borrower has not pledged, assigned, sold, granted a security interest in, or otherwise conveyed any of the Collateral except as permitted by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. The Borrower has not authorized the filing of and is not aware of any financing statements filed against the Borrower that include a description of collateral covering the Collateral other than any financing statement (i) in favor of the Administrative Agent or (ii) that has been terminated or amended to reflect the release of any security interest in the Collateral. The Borrower is not aware of any judgment lien, ERISA lien or tax lien filings against the Borrower.

(vi)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the representations contained in this Section 7.01(p) shall be continuing and remain in full force and effect until the Final Payout Date.

(q)    The Lock-Boxes and Collection Accounts.

(i)    Nature of Collection Accounts. Each Collection Account constitutes a “deposit account” within the meaning of the applicable UCC.

(ii)    Ownership. Each Lock-Box and Collection Account is in the name of the Borrower, and the Borrower owns and has good and marketable title to the Collection Accounts free and clear of any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien).

(iii)    Perfection. The Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent a fully executed Account Control Agreement relating to each Lock-Box and Collection Account, pursuant to which each applicable Collection Account Bank has agreed to comply with the instructions originated by the Administrative Agent directing the disposition of funds in such Lock-Box and Collection Account without further consent by the Borrower, the Servicer or any other Person in accordance with the terms of the Account Control Agreement. The Administrative Agent has “control” (as defined in Section 9-104 of the UCC) over each Collection Account.

 

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(iv)    Instructions. Neither the Lock-Boxes nor the Collection Accounts are in the name of any Person other than the Borrower. Neither the Borrower nor the Servicer has consented to the applicable Collection Account Bank complying with instructions of any Person other than the Administrative Agent.

(r)    Ordinary Course of Business. Each remittance of Collections by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Credit Parties under this Agreement will have been (i) in payment of a debt incurred by the Borrower in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the Borrower and (ii) made in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the Borrower.

(s)    Compliance with Law. The Borrower has complied with all Applicable Laws to which it may be subject, except where the failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(t)    Bulk Sales Act. No transaction contemplated by this Agreement requires compliance by it with any bulk sales act or similar law.

(u)    Eligible Receivables. Each Receivable included as an Eligible Receivable in the calculation of the Net Receivables Pool Balance as of any date is an Eligible Receivable as of such date; provided, that with respect to clause (b) of the definition of “Eligible Receivable,” such Receivable shall satisfy clause (b) to the knowledge of the Borrower.

(v)    Taxes. The Borrower has (i) timely filed all material tax returns (federal, state and local) required to be filed by it and (ii) paid, or caused to be paid, all material taxes, assessments and other governmental charges, if any, other than taxes, assessments and other governmental charges being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP.

(w)    Tax Status. The Borrower (i) is a “disregarded entity” within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulation § 301.7701-3 for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is wholly owned by a “United States person” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) and (ii) ) is not an association (or publicly traded partnership) taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Borrower is not subject to any Tax in any jurisdiction outside the United States. The Borrower is not subject to material Taxes based on net income or gross receipts imposed by a state or local taxing authority.

(x)    Opinions. The facts regarding the Borrower, the Servicer, each Originator, the Performance Guarantor, the Receivables, the Related Security and the related matters set forth or assumed in each of the true sale and non-consolidation opinions of counsel delivered in connection with this Agreement and the Transaction Documents are true and correct in all material respects as of the date when made.

(y)    Other Transaction Documents. Each representation and warranty made by the Borrower under each other Transaction Document to which it is a party is true and correct in all material respects (unless such representation and warranty contains a materiality qualifier,

 

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in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as made) as of the date when made, except for any such representation and warranty that applies as to an earlier date (in which case, such representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects (unless such representation and warranty contains a materiality qualifier, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as made) as of such earlier date).

(z)    No Linked Accounts. Except for any Permitted Linked Account, there are no Linked Accounts with respect to any Collection Account.

(aa)    Liquidity Coverage Ratio. The Borrower has not, does not and will not during this Agreement issue any LCR Security. The Borrower further represents and warrants that its assets and liabilities are consolidated with the assets and liabilities of Parent for purposes of generally accepted accounting principles.

(bb)    Beneficial Ownership Regulation. The Certificate of Beneficial Ownership executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders for the Borrower on or prior to the Closing Date, as updated from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, is accurate, complete and correct as of the Closing Date and as of the date any such update is delivered. The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the Certificate of Beneficial Ownership is one of the Transaction Documents.

(cc)    Plan Assets. The assets of the Borrower do not constitute Plan Assets and the Borrower is not subject to any applicable state statutes regulating investments with respect to governmental plans (within the meaning of Section 3(32) of ERISA) that are similar to the provisions of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code that would be violated by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents.

(dd)    ERISA. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect: (A) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (B) neither Borrower nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Section 4201 of ERISA, with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; and (C) neither Borrower nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has engaged in a transaction that would be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA.

(ee)    Reaffirmation of Representations and Warranties. On the date of each Credit Extension, on the date of each Release, on each Settlement Date and on the date each Pool Report or other report is delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder, the Borrower shall be deemed to have certified that (i) all representations and warranties of the Borrower hereunder are true and correct in all material respects (unless such representations and warranties contain a materiality qualifier, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as made) on and as of such day as though made on and as of such day, except for representations and warranties which apply as to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (unless such representations and warranties contain a materiality qualifier, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as made) as of such date), (ii) no Event of Default or an Unmatured Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or will result from such Credit Extension, and (iii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or will result from such Release.

 

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Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the representations and warranties contained in this Section 7.01 shall be continuing, and remain in full force and effect until the Final Payout Date.

SECTION 7.02.    Representations and Warranties of the Servicer. The Servicer represents and warrants to each Credit Party as of the Closing Date, on each Settlement Date and on each day on which a Credit Extension or Release shall have occurred:

(a)    Organization and Good Standing. The Servicer is a duly organized and validly existing limited liability company in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the limited liability company power and authority under its organizational documents and under the laws of the State of Delaware to own its properties and to conduct its business as such properties are currently owned and such business is presently conducted.

(b)    Due Qualification. The Servicer is duly qualified to do business, is in good standing as a foreign entity and has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in all jurisdictions in which the conduct of its business or the servicing of the Pool Receivables as required by this Agreement requires such qualification, licenses or approvals, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c)    Power and Authority; Due Authorization. The Servicer (i) has all necessary power and authority to (A) execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and (B) perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and (ii) has duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action the execution, delivery and performance of, and the consummation of the transactions provided for in, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.

(d)    Binding Obligations. This Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which the Servicer is a party constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations of the Servicer, enforceable against the Servicer in accordance with their respective terms, except (i) as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

(e)    No Conflict or Violation. The execution, delivery and performance of, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which the Servicer is a party, and the fulfillment of the terms hereof and thereof, will not (i) conflict with, result in any breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under its organizational documents or any indenture, sale agreement, credit agreement (including the Credit Agreement), loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement or instrument to which the Servicer is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound, (ii) result in the

 

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creation or imposition of any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) upon any of its properties pursuant to the terms of any such indenture, credit agreement, loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement or instrument, other than this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents or (iii) conflict with or violate any Applicable Law, except to the extent that any such conflict, breach, default, Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) or violation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(f)    Litigation and Other Proceedings. (i) There is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the Servicer’s knowledge, threatened in writing, against the Servicer before any Governmental Authority and (ii) the Servicer is not subject to any order, judgment, decree, injunction, stipulation or consent order of or with any Governmental Authority that, in the case of either of the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), (A) asserts the invalidity of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (B) seeks to prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (C) seeks any determination or ruling that could materially and adversely affect the performance by the Servicer of its obligations under, or the validity or enforceability of, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or (D) individually or in the aggregate for all such actions, suits, proceedings and investigations could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(g)    Governmental Approvals. Except where the failure to obtain or make such authorization, consent, order, approval or action could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and except any filings required under applicable securities laws, all authorizations, consents, orders and approvals of, or other actions by, any Governmental Authority that are required to be obtained by the Servicer in connection with the due execution, delivery and performance by the Servicer of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party and the consummation by the Servicer of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect.

(h)    Margin Regulations. The Servicer is not engaged, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System).

(i)    Solvency. After giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, the Servicer is Solvent.

(j)    Location of Records. The offices where the initial Servicer keeps all of its records relating to the servicing of the Pool Receivables are located at 6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38197.

(k)    Investment Company Act. The Servicer is not registered or required to register as, and is not controlled by, an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act.

(l)    No Material Adverse Effect. Since June 30, 2022, there has been no Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Servicer.

 

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(m)    Accuracy of Information. All Pool Reports, Loan Requests, certificates, reports, statements, documents and other written information (other than projections, other forward looking information and information of a general economic nature) furnished to the Administrative Agent or any other Credit Party by or on behalf of the Servicer pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or in connection with or pursuant to any amendment or modification of, or waiver under, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, is, at the time the same are so furnished, when taken as a whole, complete and correct in all material respects on the date the same are furnished to the Administrative Agent or such other Credit Party, and does not contain any material misstatement of fact or omit to state a material fact or any fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(n)    Sanctions and other Anti-Terrorism Laws. No: (a) Covered Entity, officers or directors acting on a Covered Entity’s behalf in connection with this Agreement and, to the applicable Covered Entity’s knowledge, employees, affiliates, consultants, brokers, or agents acting on a Covered Entity’s behalf in connection with this Agreement: (i) is a Sanctioned Person; (ii) directly or, to the applicable Covered Entity’s knowledge, indirectly through any third party, is engaged in any transactions or other dealings with or for the benefit of any Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Jurisdiction in violation of Anti-Terrorism Laws, or any transactions or other dealings that otherwise are prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Laws; and (b) Collateral is Embargoed Property.

(o)    Anti-Corruption Laws. Each Covered Entity has (a) conducted its business in compliance in all material respects with all Anti-Corruption Laws and (b) has instituted and maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote compliance with such Laws.

(p)    Compliance with Law. The Servicer (i) shall duly satisfy all obligations on its part to be fulfilled under or in connection with the Pool Receivables and the related Contracts, (ii) has maintained in effect all qualifications required under Applicable Law in order to properly service in all material respects the Pool Receivables and (iii) has complied in all material respects with all Applicable Laws in connection with servicing the Pool Receivables.

(q)    Bulk Sales Act. No transaction contemplated by this Agreement requires compliance by it with any bulk sales act or similar law.

(r)    Eligible Receivables. Each Receivable included as an Eligible Receivable in the calculation of the Net Receivables Pool Balance as of any date is an Eligible Receivable as of such date; provided, that with respect to clause (b) of the definition of “Eligible Receivable,” such Receivable shall satisfy clause (b) to the knowledge of the Servicer.

(s)    Taxes. The Servicer has (i) timely filed all tax returns (federal, state and local) required to be filed by it and (ii) paid, or caused to be paid, all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges, if any, other than taxes, assessments and other governmental charges being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP, except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(t)    Opinions. The facts regarding the Borrower, the Servicer, each Originator, the Performance Guarantor, the Receivables, the Related Security and the related matters set forth or assumed in each of the true sale and non-consolidation opinions of counsel delivered in connection with this Agreement and the Transaction Documents are true and correct in all material respects as of the date when made.

(u)    Other Transaction Documents. Each representation and warranty made by the Servicer under each other Transaction Document to which it is a party (including, without limitation, the Purchase and Sale Agreement) is true and correct in all material respects (unless such representation and warranty contains a materiality qualifier, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as made) as of the date when made, except for any such representation and warranty that applies as to an earlier date (in which case, such representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects (unless such representation and warranty contains a materiality qualifier, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as made) as of such earlier date).

(v)    No Linked Accounts. Except for any Permitted Linked Account, there are no Linked Accounts with respect to any Collection Account.

(w)    Credit and Collection Policy. The Servicer has complied in all material respects with the Credit and Collection Policy with regard to each Pool Receivable and the related Contracts.

(x)    Servicing Programs. No license or approval is required for the Administrative Agent’s use of any software or other computer program used by the Servicer, any Originator or any Sub-Servicer in the servicing of the Pool Receivables, other than those which have been obtained and are in full force and effect.

(y)    Servicing of Pool Receivables. Since the Closing Date, there has been no material adverse change in the ability of the Servicer or any Sub-Servicer to service and collect the Pool Receivables and the Related Security.

(z)    Financial Condition. The consolidated balance sheets of the Servicer and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2022 and the related statements of income and shareholders’ equity of the Servicer and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter then ended, copies of which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Servicer and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the period ended on such date, all in accordance with GAAP.

(aa)    Reaffirmation of Representations and Warranties. On the date of each Credit Extension, on the date of each Release, on each Settlement Date and on the date each Pool Report or other report is delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder, the Servicer shall be deemed to have certified that (i) all representations and warranties of the Servicer hereunder are true and correct in all material respects (unless such representations and warranties contain a materiality qualifier, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as made) on and as of such day as though made on and as of such day, except for representations and warranties which apply as to an earlier date (in which case such representations

 

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and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (unless such representations and warranties contain a materiality qualifier, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as made) as of such date), (ii) no Event of Default or an Unmatured Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or will result from such Credit Extension, and (iii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or will result from such Release.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the representations and warranties contained in this Section 7.02 shall be continuing, and remain in full force and effect until the Final Payout Date.

ARTICLE VIII

COVENANTS

SECTION 8.01.    Covenants of the Borrower. At all times from the Closing Date until the Final Payout Date:

(a)    Payment of Principal and Interest. The Borrower shall duly and punctually pay Principal, Interest, Fees and all other amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(b)    Existence. The Borrower shall keep in full force and effect its existence and rights as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware, and shall obtain and preserve its qualification to do business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is or shall be necessary to protect the validity and enforceability of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and the Collateral.

(c)    Financial Reporting. The Borrower will maintain a system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP, and the Borrower (or the Servicer on its behalf) shall furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender:

(i)    Annual Financial Statements of the Borrower. Promptly upon completion and in any event within ninety (90) calendar days after the close of each fiscal year of the Borrower (or if applicable, the date on which the audited financial statements of Parent are delivered in accordance with Section 8.02(b)), annual unaudited financial statements of the Borrower certified by a Financial Officer of the Borrower that they fairly present in all material respects, in accordance with GAAP, the financial condition of the Borrower as of the date indicated and the results of its operations for the periods indicated.

(ii)    Pool Reports. As soon as available and in any event not later than two (2) Business Days prior to each Settlement Date, an Information Package as of the most recently completed Fiscal Month; provided, that, at any time after Parent’s credit rating by S&P falls below “B1” or “B+”, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Administrative Agent and each Lender a weekly Interim Report, on each Interim Report Delivery Date, with respect to the Pool Receivables with data as of the close of business on the related Interim Report Cut-off Date; provided, further, that, at any time after the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may specify in such notice that such Interim Report be furnished to the Administrative Agent and each Lender on a more frequent basis until the Administrative Agent gives notices otherwise.

 

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(iii)    Quarterly Financial Statements of Parent. As soon as available and in any event within forty five (45) calendar days after the close of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of Parent, (i) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet and statements of income of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal quarter and the related unaudited consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the elapsed portion of the fiscal year ended with the last day of such fiscal quarter, in each case setting forth comparative consolidated figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter in the prior fiscal year, all of which shall be certified by a Financial Officer of Parent that they fairly present in all material respects, in accordance with GAAP (except as noted therein, and subject to the absence of notes required by GAAP and subject to normal year-end audit adjustments), the financial condition of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the results of their operations for the periods indicated, and (ii) so long as Parent is a publicly registered company, management’s discussion and analysis of the important operational and financial developments during such fiscal quarter.

(iv)    Annual Financial Statements of Parent. As soon as available and in any event within ninety (90) calendar days after the close of each fiscal year of Parent, the audited consolidated balance sheet of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and the related consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for such fiscal year then ended, including the notes thereto, in each case, setting forth comparative figures as of the end of and for the preceding fiscal year, all reported on by an independent certified public accounting firm of recognized national standing, together with a report thereon by such accountants that is not qualified as to going concern or like qualification or exception (except for any such qualification pertaining to impending debt maturities of any Loan (as defined under the Credit Agreement) occurring within twelve (12) months of such audit or any breach or prospective breach of any financial covenant) or qualified with respect to scope limitations imposed by Parent and to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the dates and for the periods indicated in accordance with GAAP (except as otherwise stated therein).

(v)    [Reserved].

(vi)    Furnishing by Public Disclosure. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any financial information or other material required to be delivered pursuant to this paragraph (c) shall be deemed to have been furnished to each of the Administrative Agent and each Lender on the date that such report or other material is posted on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov (or any other publicly accessible website designated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission).

(vii)    Other Information. Such other information (including non-financial information) as the Administrative Agent or the Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

 

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(d)    Notices. The Borrower (or the Servicer on its behalf) will notify the Administrative Agent and the Lender in writing of any of the following events promptly upon (but in no event later than three (3) Business Days after (other than as provided in clause (v) below)) a Financial Officer or other officer learning of the occurrence thereof, with such notice describing the same, and if applicable, the steps being taken by the Person(s) affected with respect thereto:

(i)    Notice of Events of Default or Unmatured Events of Default. A statement of a Financial Officer of the Borrower setting forth details of any Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default that has occurred and is continuing and the action which the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto.

(ii)    Representations and Warranties. The failure of any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by the Borrower under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to be true and correct in any material respect when made.

(iii)    Litigation. The institution of any litigation, arbitration proceeding or governmental proceeding with respect to the Borrower, the Servicer, the Performance Guarantor or any Originator, which with respect to any Person other than the Borrower, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(iv)    Adverse Claim. (A) Any Person shall obtain an Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) upon the Collateral or any portion thereof, (B) any Person other than the Borrower, the Servicer or the Administrative Agent shall obtain any rights or direct any action with respect to any Collection Account (or related Lock-Box) or (C) any Obligor shall receive any change in payment instructions with respect to Pool Receivable(s) from a Person other than the Servicer or the Administrative Agent.

(v)    Name Changes. At least fifteen (15) calendar days before any change in any Originator’s or the Borrower’s name, jurisdiction of organization or any other change requiring the amendment of UCC financing statements, a notice setting forth such changes and the effective date thereof.

(vi)    Change in Accountants or Accounting Policy. Any change in (A) the external accountants of the Borrower or the Parent, (B) any accounting policy of the Borrower or (C) any material accounting policy of any Originator that is relevant to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (it being understood that any change to the manner in which any Originator accounts for the Pool Receivables shall be deemed “material” for such purpose), in the case of clauses (A) and (B) above, after such change is required to be reported under GAAP.

(vii)    Notice of Purchase and Sale Termination Event or Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event. The occurrence of a Purchase and Sale Termination Event or an Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event that has occurred and is continuing under the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

(viii)    Material Adverse Change. Promptly after the occurrence thereof, notice of any material adverse change in the business, operations, property or financial or other condition of the Borrower, the Servicer, the Performance Guarantor or any Originator that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (including, without limitation, a material adverse change to the Credit and Collection Policy).

 

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(ix)    ERISA Event. Promptly following the occurrence of any ERISA Event that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, notice in writing setting forth the details thereof and the action which the Borrower or its ERISA Affiliate, as applicable, proposes to take with respect thereto.

(e)    Conduct of Business. The Borrower will carry on and conduct its business in substantially the same manner and in substantially the same fields of enterprise as it is presently conducted, and will do all things necessary to remain duly organized, validly existing and in good standing as a domestic organization in its jurisdiction of organization and maintain all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted.

(f)    Compliance with Laws. The Borrower shall comply with all Applicable Laws to which it may be subject, except where the failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(g)    Furnishing of Information and Inspection of Receivables. The Borrower will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Administrative Agent and each Lender from time to time such information with respect to the Pool Receivables and the other Collateral as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request. The Borrower will, (i) at the Borrower’s expense, during regular business hours with reasonable prior written notice, permit the Administrative Agent and each Lender or their respective agents or representatives to (A) examine and make copies of and abstracts from all books and records relating to the Pool Receivables or other Collateral, (B) visit the offices and properties of the Borrower for the purpose of examining such books and records and (C) discuss matters relating to the Pool Receivables, the other Collateral or the Borrower’s performance hereunder or under the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party with any of the officers, directors, employees or independent public accountants of the Borrower (provided that representatives of the Borrower are present or have the opportunity to be present during such discussions) having knowledge of such matters and (ii) without limiting the provisions of clause (i) above, during regular business hours, at the Borrower’s expense, upon reasonable prior written notice from the Administrative Agent, permit certified public accountants or other auditors acceptable to the Administrative Agent to conduct a review of its books and records with respect to the Pool Receivables and other Collateral; provided, that the Borrower shall be required to reimburse the Administrative Agent for only one (1) such review pursuant to clause (ii) above in any twelve-month period, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent, each Lender and their agents and representatives shall make reasonable efforts to provide at least fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice of such audits, visits and inspections conducted under this Section 8.01(g), and such visits shall be combined.

(h)    Payments on Receivables, Collection Accounts. The Borrower (or the Servicer on its behalf) will, and will cause each Originator to, at all times, instruct all Obligors to deliver payments on the Pool Receivables to a Collection Account or a Lock-Box. The Borrower (or the Servicer on its behalf) will, and will cause each Originator to, at all times, maintain such books and records as are necessary to identify Collections received from time to time on Pool

 

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Receivables and to segregate such Collections from other property of the Servicer and the Originators. If any payments on the Pool Receivables or other Collections are received by the Borrower, the Servicer or an Originator, it shall hold such payments in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the other Secured Parties and promptly (but in any event within two (2) Business Days after receipt) remit such funds into a Collection Account. The Borrower (or the Servicer on its behalf) will cause each Collection Account Bank to comply with the terms of each applicable Account Control Agreement. The Borrower shall not permit funds other than Collections on Pool Receivables and other Collateral to be deposited into any Collection Account. If such funds are nevertheless deposited into any Collection Account, the Borrower (or the Servicer on its behalf) shall, within two (2) Business Days, (x) identify and transfer such funds to the appropriate Person entitled to such funds and (y) instruct such Person to no longer deposit any such funds into any such Collection Account. The Borrower will not, and will not permit the Servicer, any Originator or any other Person to commingle Collections or other funds to which the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other Secured Party is entitled, with any other funds. The Borrower shall only add a Collection Account (or a related Lock-Box) or a Collection Account Bank to those listed on Schedule II to this Agreement, if the Administrative Agent has received notice of such addition and an executed and acknowledged copy of an Account Control Agreement (or an amendment thereto) in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent from the applicable Collection Account Bank. The Borrower shall only terminate a Collection Account Bank or close a Collection Account (or a related Lock-Box) with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. The Borrower shall ensure that no disbursements are made from any Collection Account, other than such disbursements that are made pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

(i)    Sales, Liens, etc. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Borrower will not sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise dispose of, or create or suffer to exist any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) upon (including, without limitation, the filing of any financing statement) or with respect to, any Pool Receivable or other Collateral, or assign any right to receive income in respect thereof.

(j)    Extension or Amendment of Pool Receivables. Except as otherwise permitted in Section 9.02, the Borrower will not, and will not permit the Servicer to, alter the delinquency status or adjust the Outstanding Balance or otherwise modify the terms of any Pool Receivable in any material respect, or amend, modify or waive, in any material respect, any term or condition of any related Contract. The Borrower shall at its expense, timely and fully perform and comply in all material respects with all provisions, covenants and other promises required to be observed by it under the Contracts related to the Pool Receivables, and timely and fully comply in all material respects with the Credit and Collection Policy with regard to each Pool Receivable and the related Contract.

(k)    Change in Credit and Collection Policy. The Borrower will not make any material change in the Credit and Collection Policy without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) to the extent such material change would materially and adversely affect the credit quality of any newly created Pool Receivables or collectibility of the Pool Receivables. Promptly following any change in the Credit and Collection Policy, the Borrower will deliver a copy of the updated Credit and Collection Policy to the Administrative Agent and each Lender.

 

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(l)    Fundamental Changes. The Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders, permit (i) itself to merge or consolidate with or into, or enter into a Division Transaction, or convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to, any Person or (ii) itself to be directly owned by any Person other than an Originator or (iii) any of its issued and outstanding Capital Stock or any of its other equity interests to become subject to any Adverse Claims (other than a Permitted Lien). The Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders, make any change in the Borrower’s name, identity, corporate structure or jurisdiction of formation or make any other change in the Borrower’s identity or corporate structure that could impair or otherwise render any UCC financing statement filed in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Document “seriously misleading” as such term (or similar term) is used in the applicable UCC.

(m)    Books and Records. The Borrower shall maintain and implement (or cause the Servicer to maintain and implement) administrative and operating procedures (including an ability to recreate records evidencing Pool Receivables and related Contracts in the event of the destruction of the originals thereof), and keep and maintain (or cause the Servicer to keep and maintain) all documents, books, records, computer tapes and disks and other information reasonably necessary or advisable for the collection of all Pool Receivables (including records adequate to permit the daily identification of each Pool Receivable and all Collections of and adjustments to each existing Pool Receivable).

(n)    Identifying of Records. The Borrower shall: (i) identify (or cause the Servicer to identify) its master data processing records relating to Pool Receivables and related Contracts with a legend that indicates that the Pool Receivables have been pledged in accordance with this Agreement and (ii) cause each Originator so to identify its master data processing records with such a legend.

(o)    Change in Payment Instructions to Obligors. The Borrower shall not (and shall not permit the Servicer or any Sub-Servicer to) add, replace or terminate any Collection Account (or any related Lock-Box) or make any change in its (or their) instructions to the Obligors regarding payments to be made to the Collection Accounts (or any related Lock-Box), other than any instruction to remit payments to a different Collection Account (or any related Lock-Box), unless the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) prior written notice of such addition, termination or change and (ii) a signed and acknowledged Account Control Agreement (or an amendment thereto) with respect to such new Collection Accounts (or any related Lock-Box), and the Administrative Agent shall have consented to such change in writing.

(p)    Security Interest, Etc. The Borrower shall (and shall cause the Servicer to), at its expense, take all action reasonably necessary or reasonably desirable to establish and maintain a valid and enforceable first priority perfected security interest in the Collateral, in each case free and clear of any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien), in favor of the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties), including taking such action to perfect, protect or more fully evidence the security interest of the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) as the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party may reasonably request. In order to evidence the security interests of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, the

 

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Borrower shall, from time to time take such action, or execute and deliver such instruments as may be reasonably necessary (including, without limitation, such actions as are reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent) to maintain and perfect, as a first-priority interest, the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Receivables, Related Security and Collections. The Borrower shall, from time to time and within the time limits established by law, prepare and present to the Administrative Agent for the Administrative Agent’s authorization and approval, all financing statements, amendments, continuations or initial financing statements in lieu of a continuation statement, or other filings necessary to continue, maintain and perfect the Administrative Agent’s security interest as a first-priority interest. The Administrative Agent’s approval of such filings shall authorize the Borrower to file such financing statements under the UCC without the signature of the Borrower, any Originator or the Administrative Agent where allowed by Applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything else in the Transaction Documents to the contrary, the Borrower shall not have any authority to file a termination, partial termination, release, partial release, or any amendment that deletes the name of a debtor or excludes collateral of any such financing statements filed in connection with the Transaction Documents, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.

(q)    Certain Agreements. Without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders, the Borrower will not (and will not permit any Originator or the Servicer to) amend, modify, waive, revoke or terminate any Transaction Document to which it is a party or any provision of the Borrower’s organizational documents which requires the consent of the “Independent Manager” (as such term is used in the Borrower’s Certificate of Formation and Limited Liability Company Agreement).

(r)    Restricted Payments.

(i)    Except pursuant to clause (ii) below, the Borrower will not: (A) purchase or redeem any of its membership interests, (B) declare or pay any dividend or set aside any funds for any such purpose, (C) prepay, purchase or redeem any Debt, (D) lend or advance any funds or (E) repay any loans or advances to, for or from any of its Affiliates (the amounts described in clauses (A) through (E) being referred to as “Restricted Payments”).

(ii)    Subject to the limitations set forth in clause (iii) below, the Borrower may: (A) make cash payments (including prepayments) on the Subordinated Notes in accordance with their respective terms and (B) declare and pay dividends if, in both cases, both immediately before and immediately after giving effect thereto, the Borrower is Solvent.

(iii)    The Borrower may make Restricted Payments only out of the funds, if any, it receives pursuant to Section 4.01 of this Agreement; provided that the Borrower shall not pay, make or declare any Restricted Payment (including any dividend) if, after giving effect thereto, any Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(s)    Other Business. The Borrower will not: (i) engage in any business other than the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, (ii) create, incur or permit to

 

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exist any Debt of any kind (or cause or permit to be issued for its account any letters of credit) or bankers’ acceptances other than pursuant to this Agreement or the Subordinated Notes or (iii) form any Subsidiary or make any investments in any other Person.

(t)    Use of Collections Available to the Borrower. The Borrower shall apply the Collections available to the Borrower to make payments in the following order of priority: (i) the payment of its obligations under this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents (other than the Subordinated Notes), (ii) the payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the Subordinated Notes and (iii) other legal and valid business purposes of the Borrower.

(u)    Further Assurances; Change in Name or Jurisdiction of Origination, etc.

(i)    The Borrower hereby authorizes and hereby agrees from time to time, at its own expense, promptly to execute (if necessary) and deliver all further instruments and documents, and to take all further actions, that may be necessary or desirable, or that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to perfect, protect or more fully evidence the security interest granted pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or to enable the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) to exercise and enforce the Secured Parties’ rights and remedies under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document. Without limiting the foregoing, the Borrower hereby authorizes, and will, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, at the Borrower’s own expense, execute (if necessary) and file such financing statements or continuation statements, or amendments thereto, and such other instruments and documents, that may be necessary or desirable, or that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to perfect, protect or evidence any of the foregoing.

(ii)    The Borrower authorizes the Administrative Agent to file financing statements, continuation statements and amendments thereto and assignments thereof, relating to the Receivables, the Related Security, the related Contracts, Collections with respect thereto and the other Collateral without the signature of the Borrower. A photocopy or other reproduction of this Agreement shall be sufficient as a financing statement where permitted by law.

(iii)    The Borrower shall at all times be organized under the laws of the State of Delaware and shall not take any action to change its jurisdiction of organization.

(iv)    The Borrower will not change its name, location, identity or corporate structure unless (x) the Borrower, at its own expense, shall have taken all action necessary or appropriate to perfect or maintain the perfection of the security interest under this Agreement (including, without limitation, the filing of all financing statements and the taking of such other action as the Administrative Agent may request in connection with such change or relocation) and (y) if requested by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall cause to be delivered to the Administrative Agent, an opinion, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent as to such UCC perfection and priority matters as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request at such time.

 

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(v)    Sanctions and other Anti-Terrorism Laws; Anti-Corruption Laws. The Borrower covenants and agrees that:

(i)    it shall promptly notify any Credit Party in writing upon the occurrence of a Reportable Compliance Event;

(ii)    if, at any time, any Collateral becomes Embargoed Property, then, in addition to all other rights and remedies available to any Credit Party, upon request by any Credit Party, the Borrower shall provide substitute Collateral acceptable to the Administrative Agent that is not Embargoed Property;

(iii)    it shall, and shall require each other Covered Entity to, conduct its business in compliance in all material respects with all Anti-Corruption Laws and maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote compliance with such Laws;

(iv)    it and its Subsidiaries will not: (A) become a Sanctioned Person or allow any officers or directors acting on its behalf in connection with this Agreement or, to its knowledge, any employees, affiliates, consultants, brokers, or agents acting on its behalf in connection with this Agreement to become a Sanctioned Person; (B) directly or, to its knowledge, indirectly through any third party, engage in any transactions or other dealings with or for the benefit of any Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Jurisdiction, including any use of the proceeds of the Loans to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Jurisdiction, in each case, in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (C) pay or repay any Borrower Obligations with Embargoed Property or funds derived from any unlawful activity; (D) permit any Collateral to become Embargoed Property; or (E) cause any Credit Party to violate in any material respect any Anti-Terrorism Law; and

(v)    it will not, and will not permit any its Subsidiaries to, directly or, to its knowledge, indirectly, use the Loans or any proceeds thereof for any purpose which would breach any Anti-Corruption Laws in any jurisdiction in which any Covered Entity conducts business.

(w)    Borrower’s Net Worth. The Borrower shall not permit the Borrower’s Net Worth to be less than the Required Capital Amount.

(x)    Taxes. The Borrower will (i) timely file, or cause to be timely filed, all material tax returns (federal, state and local) required to be filed by it and (ii) pay, or cause to be paid, all material taxes, assessments and other governmental charges, if any, other than taxes, assessments and other governmental charges being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP.

(y)    Tax Status. The Borrower will remain a wholly-owned subsidiary of a United States person (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) and not be subject to withholding under Section 1446 of the Code. The Borrower shall not (i) be treated other than as a “disregarded entity” within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulation § 301.7701-3 that is wholly owned by a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (ii) become an association taxable as a corporation or a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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(z)    Minimum Funding Threshold. The Borrower shall cause the Aggregate Principal to exceed the Minimum Funding Threshold at all times.

(aa)    Liquidity Coverage Ratio. The Borrower shall not during the term of this Agreement issue any LCR Security.

(bb)    Certificate of Beneficial Ownership and Other Additional Information. The Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders: (i) confirmation of the accuracy of the information set forth in the most recent Certificate of Beneficial Ownership provided to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders; (ii) a new Certificate of Beneficial Ownership, in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, when the individual(s) to be identified as a Beneficial Owner have changed; and (iii) such other information and documentation as may reasonably be requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender from time to time for purposes of compliance by the Administrative Agent or such Lender with Applicable Laws (including the PATRIOT Act and other “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations), and any policy or procedure implemented by the Administrative Agent or such Lender to comply therewith.

(cc)    No Linked Accounts. The Borrower shall not permit any Linked Account (other than any Permitted Linked Account) to exist with respect to any Collection Account.

(dd)    Plan Assets. The assets of the Borrower shall not constitute Plan Assets and the Borrower shall not become subject to any applicable state statutes regulating investments with respect to governmental plans (within the meaning of Section 3(32) of ERISA) that are similar to the provisions of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code that would be violated by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents.

SECTION 8.02.    Covenants of the Servicer. At all times from the Closing Date until the Final Payout Date:

(a)    Existence. The Servicer (i) shall keep in full force and effect its existence and rights as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware, and (ii) shall obtain and preserve its qualification to do business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is or shall be necessary for the conduct of its business or the servicing of the Pool Receivables as required by this Agreement, except, with respect to this clause (ii), where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b)    Financial Reporting. The Servicer will maintain a system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP, and the Servicer shall furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender:

(i)    Compliance Certificates. (A) A compliance certificate promptly upon completion of the annual report of the Parent and in no event later than concurrently with the financial statements delivered by the Borrower pursuant to paragraph (iv) of Section 8.01(c), in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit G signed by a

 

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Financial Officer of the Servicer stating that no Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, or if any Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, stating the nature and status thereof and (B) concurrently with the financial statements delivered by the Borrower pursuant to paragraph (iii) of Section 8.01(c), a compliance certificate in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit G signed by a Financial Officer of the Servicer stating that no Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, or if any Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, stating the nature and status thereof.

(ii)    Pool Reports. As soon as available and in any event not later than two (2) Business Days prior to each Settlement Date, an Information Package as of the most recently completed Fiscal Month; provided, that, at any time after Parent’s credit rating by S&P falls below “B1” or “B+”, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, the Servicer shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Administrative Agent and each Lender a weekly Interim Report, on each Interim Report Delivery Date, with respect to the Pool Receivables with data as of the close of business on the related Interim Report Cut-off Date; provided, further, that, at any time after the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may specify in such notice that such Interim Report be furnished to the Administrative Agent and each Lender on a more frequent basis until the Administrative Agent gives notices otherwise.

(iii)    Financial Statements. Each of the financial statements, reports and other documents required to be delivered by the Borrower pursuant to paragraphs (iii), (iv) and (vi) of Section 8.01(c) when due to be delivered by the Borrower thereunder.

(iv)    Other Information. Such other information (including non-financial information) as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

(v)    Furnishing by Public Disclosure.    Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any financial information or other material required to be delivered pursuant to this paragraph (b) shall be deemed to have been furnished to each of the Administrative Agent and each Lender on the date that such report or other material is posted on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov (or any other publicly accessible website designated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission).

(c)    Notices. The Servicer will notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender in writing of any of the following events promptly upon (but in no event later than three (3) Business Days after (other than as provided in clause (v) below)) a Financial Officer or other officer learning of the occurrence thereof, with such notice describing the same, and if applicable, the steps being taken by the Person(s) affected with respect thereto:

(i)    Notice of Events of Default or Unmatured Events of Default. A statement of a Financial Officer of the Servicer setting forth details of any Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default that has occurred and is continuing and the action which the Servicer proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

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(ii)    Representations and Warranties. The failure of any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by the Servicer under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to be true and correct in any material respect when made.

(iii)    Litigation. The institution of any litigation, arbitration proceeding or governmental proceeding which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(iv)    Adverse Claim. (A) Any Person shall obtain an Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) upon the Collateral or any portion thereof, (B) any Person other than the Borrower, the Servicer or the Administrative Agent shall obtain any rights or direct any action with respect to any Collection Account (or related Lock-Box) or (C) any Obligor shall receive any change in payment instructions with respect to Pool Receivable(s) from a Person other than the Servicer or the Administrative Agent.

(v)    Name Changes. At least fifteen (15) calendar days before any change in any Originator’s or the Borrower’s name, jurisdiction of organization or any other change requiring the amendment of UCC financing statements, a notice setting forth such changes and the effective date thereof.

(vi)    Change in Accountants or Accounting Policy. Any change in (A) the external accountants of Borrower or the Parent, (B) any accounting policy of the Borrower or (C) any material accounting policy of any Originator that is relevant to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (it being understood that any change to the manner in which any Originator accounts for the Pool Receivables shall be deemed “material” for such purpose), in the case of clauses (A) and (B) after such change is required to be reported under GAAP.

(vii)    Notice of Purchase and Sale Termination Event or Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event. The occurrence of a Purchase and Sale Termination Event or an Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event that has occurred and is continuing under the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

(viii)    Material Adverse Change. Promptly after the occurrence thereof, notice of any material adverse change in the business, operations, property or financial or other condition of the Borrower, the Servicer, the Performance Guarantor or any Originator that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (including, without limitation, a material adverse change to the Credit and Collection Policy).

(ix)    ERISA Event. Promptly following the occurrence of any ERISA Event that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, notice in writing setting forth the details thereof and the action which the Servicer or its ERISA Affiliate, as applicable, proposes to take with respect thereto.

(d)    Conduct of Business. The Servicer (i) will carry on and conduct its business in substantially the same manner and in substantially the same fields of enterprise as it is presently conducted, (ii) will do all things necessary to remain duly organized, validly existing and in good standing as a domestic limited liability company in its jurisdiction of organization and (iii) maintain all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted if the failure to have such authority could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(e)    Compliance with Laws. The Servicer shall comply with all Applicable Laws to which it may be subject, except where the failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(f)    Furnishing of Information and Inspection of Receivables. The Servicer will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Administrative Agent and each Lender from time to time such information with respect to the Pool Receivables and the other Collateral as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request. The Servicer will, (i) at the Servicer’s expense, during regular business hours with reasonable prior written notice, permit the Administrative Agent and each Lender or their respective agents or representatives to (A) examine and make copies of and abstracts from all books and records relating to the Pool Receivables or other Collateral, (B) visit the offices and properties of the Servicer for the purpose of examining such books and records and (C) discuss matters relating to the Pool Receivables, the other Collateral or the Servicer’s performance hereunder or under the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party with any of the officers, directors, employees or independent public accountants of the Servicer (provided that representatives of the Servicer are present or have the opportunity to be present during such discussions) having knowledge of such matters and (ii) without limiting the provisions of clause (i) above, during regular business hours, at the Servicer’s expense, upon reasonable prior written notice from the Administrative Agent, permit certified public accountants or other auditors acceptable to the Administrative Agent to conduct a review of its books and records with respect to the Pool Receivables and other Collateral; provided, that the Servicer shall be required to reimburse the Administrative Agent for only one (1) such review pursuant to clause (ii) above in any twelve-month period unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent, each Lender and their agents and representatives shall make reasonable efforts to provide at least fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice of such audits, visits and inspections conducted under this Section 8.02(f), and such visits shall be combined.

(g)    Payments on Receivables, Collection Accounts. The Servicer will at all times, instruct all Obligors to deliver payments on the Pool Receivables to a Collection Account or a Lock-Box. The Servicer will, at all times, maintain such books and records as are necessary to identify Collections received from time to time on Pool Receivables and to segregate such Collections from other property of the Servicer and the Originators. If any payments on the Pool Receivables or other Collections are received by the Borrower, the Servicer or an Originator, it shall hold such payments in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the other Secured Parties and promptly (but in any event within two (2) Business Days after receipt) remit such funds into a Collection Account. The Servicer will cause each Collection Account Bank to comply with the terms of each applicable Account Control Agreement. The Servicer shall not permit funds other than Collections on Pool Receivables and other Collateral to be deposited into any Collection Account. If such funds are nevertheless deposited into any Collection Account, the Servicer shall, within two (2) Business Days, (x) identify and transfer such funds to the appropriate Person entitled to such funds and (y) instruct such Person to no longer deposit any such funds into any such Collection Account. The Servicer will not, and will not permit the

 

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Borrower, any Originator or any other Person to commingle Collections or other funds to which the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other Secured Party is entitled, with any other funds. The Servicer shall only add a Collection Account (or a related Lock-Box) or a Collection Account Bank to those listed on Schedule II to this Agreement, if the Administrative Agent has received notice of such addition and an executed and acknowledged copy of an Account Control Agreement (or an amendment thereto) in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent from the applicable Collection Account Bank. The Servicer shall only terminate a Collection Account Bank or close a Collection Account (or a related Lock-Box) with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. The Servicer shall ensure that no disbursements are made from any Collection Account, other than such disbursements that are made pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

(h)    Extension or Amendment of Pool Receivables. Except as otherwise permitted in Section 9.02, the Servicer will not alter the delinquency status or adjust the Outstanding Balance or otherwise modify the terms of any Pool Receivable in any material respect, or amend, modify or waive, in any material respect, any term or condition of any related Contract. The Servicer shall at its expense, timely and fully perform and comply in all material respects with all provisions, covenants and other promises required to be observed by it under the Contracts related to the Pool Receivables, and timely and fully comply in all material respects with the Credit and Collection Policy with regard to each Pool Receivable and the related Contract.

(i)    Change in Credit and Collection Policy. The Servicer will comply in all material respects with the Credit and Collection Policy with regard to each Pool Receivable and the related Contracts. The Servicer will not make any material change in the Credit and Collection Policy without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) to the extent such material change would materially and adversely affect the credit quality of any newly created Pool Receivables or collectibility of the Pool Receivables. Promptly following any change in the Credit and Collection Policy, the Servicer will deliver a copy of the updated Credit and Collection Policy to the Administrative Agent and each Lender.

(j)    Books and Records. The Servicer will maintain and implement administrative and operating procedures (including an ability to recreate records evidencing Pool Receivables and related Contracts in the event of the destruction of the originals thereof), and keep and maintain all documents, books, records, computer tapes and disks and other information reasonably necessary or advisable for the collection of all Pool Receivables (including records adequate to permit the daily identification of each Pool Receivable and all Collections of and adjustments to each existing Pool Receivable).

(k)    Identifying of Records. The Servicer shall identify its master data processing records relating to Pool Receivables and related Contracts with a legend that indicates that the Pool Receivables have been pledged in accordance with this Agreement.

(l)    Change in Payment Instructions to Obligors. The Servicer shall not (and shall not permit any Sub-Servicer to) add, replace or terminate any Collection Account (or any related Lock-Box) or make any change in its instructions to the Obligors regarding payments to be made to the Collection Accounts (or any related Lock-Box), other than any instruction to remit

 

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payments to a different Collection Account (or any related Lock-Box), unless the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) prior written notice of such addition, termination or change and (ii) a signed and acknowledged Account Control Agreement (or an amendment thereto) with respect to such new Collection Accounts (or any related Lock-Box) and the Administrative Agent shall have consented to such change in writing.

(m)    Security Interest, Etc. The Servicer shall, at its expense, take all action reasonably necessary or reasonably desirable to establish and maintain a valid and enforceable first priority perfected security interest in the Collateral, in each case free and clear of any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) in favor of the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties), including taking such action to perfect, protect or more fully evidence the security interest of the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) as the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party may reasonably request. In order to evidence the security interests of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, the Servicer shall, from time to time take such action, or execute and deliver such instruments as may be reasonably necessary (including, without limitation, such actions as are reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent) to maintain and perfect, as a first-priority interest, the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Receivables, Related Security and Collections. The Servicer shall, from time to time and within the time limits established by law, prepare and present to the Administrative Agent for the Administrative Agent’s authorization and approval, all financing statements, amendments, continuations or initial financing statements in lieu of a continuation statement, or other filings necessary to continue, maintain and perfect the Administrative Agent’s security interest as a first-priority interest. The Administrative Agent’s approval of such filings shall authorize the Servicer to file such financing statements under the UCC without the signature of the Borrower, any Originator or the Administrative Agent where allowed by Applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything else in the Transaction Documents to the contrary, the Servicer shall not have any authority to file a termination, partial termination, release, partial release, or any amendment that deletes the name of a debtor or excludes collateral of any such financing statements filed in connection with the Transaction Documents, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.

(n)    Further Assurances; Change in Name or Jurisdiction of Origination, etc. The Servicer hereby authorizes and hereby agrees from time to time, at its own expense, promptly to execute (if necessary) and deliver all further instruments and documents, and to take all further actions, that may be reasonably necessary or reasonably desirable, or that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to perfect, protect or more fully evidence the security interest granted pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or to enable the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) to exercise and enforce the Secured Parties’ rights and remedies under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document. Without limiting the foregoing, the Servicer hereby authorizes, and will, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, at the Servicer’s own expense, execute (if necessary) and file such financing statements or continuation statements, or amendments thereto, and such other instruments and documents, that may be reasonably necessary or reasonably desirable, or that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to perfect, protect or evidence any of the foregoing.

(o)    Sanctions and other Anti-Terrorism Laws; Anti-Corruption Laws. The Servicer covenants and agrees that:

(i)    it shall promptly notify any Credit Party in writing upon the occurrence of a Reportable Compliance Event;

 

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(ii)    if, at any time, any Collateral becomes Embargoed Property, then, in addition to all other rights and remedies available to any Credit Party, upon request by any Credit Party, it shall cause the Borrower to provide substitute Collateral acceptable to the Administrative Agent that is not Embargoed Property;

(iii)    it shall, and shall require each other Covered Entity to, conduct its business in compliance in all material respects with all Anti-Corruption Laws and maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote compliance with such Laws;

(iv)    it and its Subsidiaries will not: (A) become a Sanctioned Person or allow any officers or directors acting on its behalf in connection with this Agreement or, to its knowledge, any employees, affiliates, consultants, brokers, or agents acting on its behalf in connection with this Agreement to become a Sanctioned Person; (B) directly or, to its knowledge, indirectly through a third party, engage in any transactions or other dealings with or for the benefit of any Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Jurisdiction, including any use of the proceeds of the Loans to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Jurisdiction, in each case, in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (C) pay or repay any Borrower Obligations with Embargoed Property or funds derived from any unlawful activity; (D) permit any Collateral to become Embargoed Property; or (E) cause any Credit Party to violate in any material respect any Anti-Terrorism Law; and

(v)    it will not, and will not permit any its Subsidiaries to, directly or, to its knowledge, indirectly, use the Loans or any proceeds thereof for any purpose which would breach any Anti-Corruption Laws in any jurisdiction in which any Covered Entity conducts business.

(p)    Taxes. The Servicer will (i) timely file, or cause to be timely filed, all federal, state, and other material tax returns required to be filed by it and (ii) pay, or cause to be paid, all federal, state, and other material taxes, assessments and other governmental charges, if any, other than taxes, assessments and other governmental charges being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP, except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(q)    Tax Status. The Servicer shall not take or cause any action to be taken that could result in the Borrower (i) being treated other than as a “disregarded entity” within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulation § 301.7701-3 for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (ii) becoming an association taxable as a corporation or a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (iii) becoming subject to any Tax in any jurisdiction outside the United States or (iv) becoming subject to any material tax imposed by a state or local taxing authority.

 

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(r)    No Linked Accounts. The Servicer shall not permit any Linked Account (other than any Permitted Linked Account) to exist with respect to any Collection Account.

SECTION 8.03.    Separate Existence of the Borrower. Each of the Borrower and the Servicer hereby acknowledges that the Secured Parties, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent are entering into the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents in reliance upon the Borrower’s identity as a legal entity separate from any Originator, the Servicer, the Performance Guarantor and their Affiliates. Therefore, each of the Borrower and Servicer shall take all steps specifically required by this Agreement or reasonably required by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to continue the Borrower’s identity as a separate legal entity and to make it apparent to third Persons that the Borrower is an entity with assets and liabilities distinct from those of the Performance Guarantor, the Originators, the Servicer and any other Person, and is not a division of the Performance Guarantor, the Originators, the Servicer, its Affiliates or any other Person. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and in addition to and consistent with the other covenants set forth herein, each of the Borrower and the Servicer shall take such actions as shall be required in order that:

(a)    Special Purpose Entity. The Borrower will be a special purpose company whose primary activities are restricted in its Limited Liability Company Agreement to: (i) purchasing or otherwise acquiring from the Originators, owning, holding, collecting, granting security interests or selling interests in, the Collateral, (ii) entering into agreements for the selling, servicing and financing of the Receivables Pool (including the Transaction Documents) and (iii) conducting such other activities as it deems necessary or appropriate to carry out its primary activities.

(b)    No Other Business or Debt. The Borrower shall not engage in any business or activity except as set forth in this Agreement nor, incur any indebtedness or liability other than as expressly permitted by the Transaction Documents.

(c)    Independent Manager. Not fewer than one member of the Borrower’s board of manager (the “Independent Manager”) shall be a natural person who (i) has never been, and shall at no time be, an equityholder, director, officer, manager, member, partner, officer, employee or associate, or any relative of the foregoing, of any member of the Parent Group (as hereinafter defined) (other than his or her service as an Independent Manager of the Borrower or an independent manager of any other bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity formed for the sole purpose of securitizing, or facilitating the securitization of, financial assets of any member or members of the Parent Group), (ii) is not a customer or supplier of any member of the Parent Group (other than his or her service as an Independent Manager of the Borrower or an independent manager of any other bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity formed for the sole purpose of securitizing, or facilitating the securitization of, financial assets of any member or members of the Parent Group), (iii) is not any member of the immediate family of a person described in (i) or (ii) above, and (iv) has (x) prior experience as an independent manager for a corporation or limited liability company whose organizational or charter documents required the unanimous consent of all independent managers thereof before such corporation or limited liability company could consent to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it or could file a petition seeking relief under any applicable federal or state law relating to bankruptcy and (y) at least three years of employment experience with one or more entities that provide, in the ordinary course of

 

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their respective businesses, advisory, management or placement services to issuers of securitization or structured finance instruments, agreements or securities. For purposes of this clause (c), “Parent Group” shall mean (i) the Parent, the Servicer, the Performance Guarantor and each Originator, (ii) each person that directly or indirectly, owns or controls, whether beneficially, or as a trustee, guardian or other fiduciary, five percent (5%) or more of the membership interests in the Parent, (iii) each person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Parent and (iv) each of such person’s officers, directors, managers, joint venturers and partners. For the purposes of this definition, “control” of a person means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, in either case whether by ownership of securities, contract, proxy or otherwise. A person shall be deemed to be an “associate” of (A) a corporation or organization of which such person is an officer, director, partner or manager or is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of ten percent (10%) or more of any class of equity securities, (B) any trust or other estate in which such person serves as trustee or in a similar capacity and (C) any relative or spouse of a person described in clause (A) or (B) of this sentence, or any relative of such spouse.

The Borrower shall (A) give written notice to the Administrative Agent of the election or appointment or replacement, or proposed election or appointment or replacement, of a new Independent Manager of the Borrower, which notice shall be given not later than ten (10) Business Days prior to the date such appointment or election would be effective (except when such election or appointment is necessary to fill a vacancy caused by the death, disability, or incapacity of the existing Independent Manager, or the failure of such Independent Manager to satisfy the criteria for an Independent Manager set forth in this clause (c), in which case the Borrower shall provide written notice of such election or appointment within one (1) Business Day) and (B) with any such written notice, certify to the Administrative Agent that the Independent Manager satisfies the criteria for an Independent Manager set forth in this clause (c).

The Borrower’s Limited Liability Company Agreement shall provide that: (A) the Borrower’s board of managers shall not approve, or take any other action to cause the filing of, a voluntary bankruptcy petition with respect to the Borrower unless the Independent Manager shall approve the taking of such action in writing before the taking of such action and (B) such provision and each other provision requiring an Independent Manager cannot be amended without the prior written consent of the Independent Manager.

The Independent Manager shall not at any time serve as a trustee in bankruptcy for any Sylvamo Party or any of its respective Affiliates.

(d)    Organizational Documents. The Borrower shall maintain its organizational documents in conformity with this Agreement, such that it does not amend, restate, supplement or otherwise modify its ability to comply in any material respect with the terms and provisions of any of the Transaction Documents, including, without limitation, Section 8.01(q).

(e)    Conduct of Business. The Borrower shall conduct its affairs in accordance with its organizational documents in all material respects and observe all necessary, appropriate and customary company formalities, including, but not limited to, holding all regular and special members’ and board of managers’ meetings appropriate to authorize all company action, keeping separate and accurate minutes of its meetings, passing all resolutions or consents necessary to authorize actions taken or to be taken, and maintaining accurate and separate books, records and accounts, including, but not limited to, payroll and intercompany transaction accounts.

 

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(f)    Compensation. Any employee, consultant or agent of the Borrower will be compensated from the Borrower’s funds for services provided to the Borrower, and to the extent that Borrower shares the same officers or other employees as the Servicer (or any other Affiliate thereof), the salaries and expenses relating to providing benefits to such officers and other employees shall, to the extent practical, be fairly allocated among such entities, and each such entity shall bear its fair share of the salary and benefit costs associated with such common officers and employees, and otherwise such salaries and benefit costs shall otherwise be allocated on a basis reasonably related to the time allocation of such common officers and employees duties performed on behalf of the Borrower. The Borrower will not engage any agents other than its attorneys, auditors and other professionals, and a servicer and any other agent contemplated by the Transaction Documents for the Receivables Pool, which servicer will be fully compensated for its services by payment of the Servicing Fee.

(g)    Servicing and Costs. The Borrower will contract with the Servicer to perform for the Borrower all operations required on a daily basis to service the Receivables Pool. The Borrower will not incur any indirect or overhead expenses for items shared with the Servicer (or any other Affiliate thereof) that are not reflected in the Servicing Fee. To the extent, if any, that the Borrower (or any Affiliate thereof) shares items of expenses not reflected in the Servicing Fee, such as legal, auditing and other professional services, such expenses will be allocated to the extent practical on the basis of actual use or the value of services rendered, and otherwise on a basis reasonably related to the actual use or the value of services rendered.

(h)    Operating Expenses. Other than with respect to the initial organizational expenses, the Borrower’s operating expenses will not be paid by any Sylvamo Party or any Affiliate thereof.

(i)    Stationery. The Borrower will have its own separate stationery.

(j)    Books and Records. The Borrower’s books and records will be maintained separately from those of each other Sylvamo Party and its Affiliates and in a manner such that it will not be difficult or costly to segregate, ascertain or otherwise identify the assets and liabilities of the Borrower.

(k)    Disclosure of Transactions. All financial statements of any Sylvamo Party (other than the Borrower) or any Affiliate thereof that are consolidated to include the Borrower will disclose that (i) the Borrower’s sole business consists of the purchase or acceptance through capital contributions of the Receivables and Related Rights from the Originators and the subsequent retransfer of or granting of a security interest in such Receivables and Related Rights to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement, (ii) the Borrower is a separate legal entity with its own separate creditors who will be entitled, upon its liquidation, to be satisfied out of the Borrower’s assets prior to any assets or value in the Borrower becoming available to the Borrower’s equity holders and (iii) the assets of the Borrower are not available to pay creditors of any other Sylvamo Party or any Affiliate thereof.

 

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(l)    Segregation of Assets. The Borrower’s assets will be maintained in a manner that facilitates their identification and segregation from the assets of each other Sylvamo Party or any Affiliate thereof.

(m)    Corporate Formalities. The Borrower will strictly observe limited liability company formalities in all material respects in its dealings with each other Sylvamo Party or any Affiliate thereof, and funds or other assets of the Borrower will not be commingled with those of any other Sylvamo Party or any Affiliate thereof except as permitted by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents in connection with servicing the Pool Receivables. The Borrower shall not maintain joint bank accounts or other depository accounts to which any other Sylvamo Party or any Affiliate thereof (other than the Servicer solely in its capacity as such) has independent access. Other than with respect to any Eligible Credit Insurance Policy, the Borrower is not named, and has not entered into any agreement to be named, directly or indirectly, as a direct or contingent beneficiary or loss payee on any insurance policy with respect to any loss relating to the property of any other Sylvamo Party or any Subsidiaries or other Affiliates thereof. The Borrower will pay to the appropriate Affiliate the marginal increase or, in the absence of such increase, the market amount of its portion of the premium payable with respect to any insurance policy that covers the Borrower and such Affiliate.

(n)    Arm’s-Length Relationships. The Borrower will maintain arm’s-length relationships with each other Sylvamo Party and any Affiliate thereof. Any Person that renders or otherwise furnishes services to the Borrower will be compensated by the Borrower at market rates for such services it renders or otherwise furnishes to the Borrower. Neither the Borrower on the one hand, nor any other Sylvamo Party or any Affiliate thereof, on the other hand, will be or will hold itself out to be responsible for the debts of the other or the decisions or actions respecting the daily business and affairs of the other. Each Sylvamo Party and its Affiliates will immediately correct any known misrepresentation with respect to the foregoing, and they will not operate or purport to operate as an integrated single economic unit with respect to each other or in their dealing with any other entity.

(o)    Allocation of Overhead. To the extent that Borrower, on the one hand, and any other Sylvamo Party or any Affiliate thereof, on the other hand, have offices in the same location, there shall be a fair and appropriate allocation of overhead costs between them, and the Borrower shall bear its fair share of such expenses, which may be paid through the Servicing Fee or otherwise.

ARTICLE IX

ADMINISTRATION AND COLLECTION

OF RECEIVABLES

SECTION 9.01.    Appointment of the Servicer.

(a)    The servicing, administering and collection of the Pool Receivables shall be conducted by the Person so designated from time to time as the Servicer in accordance with this Section 9.01. Until the Administrative Agent gives notice to Sylvamo North America (in accordance with this Section 9.01) of the designation of a new Servicer, Sylvamo North America

 

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is hereby designated as, and hereby agrees to perform the duties and obligations of, the Servicer pursuant to the terms hereof. Upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may (with the consent of the Majority Lenders) and shall (at the direction of the Majority Lenders) designate as Servicer any Person (including itself) to succeed Sylvamo North America or any successor Servicer, on the condition in each case that any such Person so designated shall agree to perform the duties and obligations of the Servicer pursuant to the terms hereof.

(b)    Upon the designation of a successor Servicer as set forth in clause (a) above, Sylvamo North America agrees that it will terminate its activities as Servicer hereunder in a manner that the Administrative Agent reasonably determines will facilitate the transition of the performance of such activities to the new Servicer, and Sylvamo North America shall cooperate with and assist such new Servicer. Such cooperation shall include access to and transfer of records (including all Contracts) related to Pool Receivables and use of commercially reasonable efforts to allow the use, subject to the terms of such license, by the new Servicer of all licenses (or the obtaining of new licenses), hardware or software necessary or reasonably desirable to collect the Pool Receivables and the Related Security.

(c)    Sylvamo North America acknowledges that, in making its decision to execute and deliver this Agreement, the Administrative Agent and each Lender have relied on Sylvamo North America’s agreement to act as Servicer hereunder. Accordingly, Sylvamo North America agrees that it will not voluntarily resign as Servicer without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders, except upon determination that (i) performance of its duties hereunder is no longer permissible under Applicable Law and (ii) there is no commercially reasonable action which it could take to make such performance of its duties hereunder permissible under Applicable Law. Any such determination permitting the resignation of the Servicer shall be evidenced as to clause (i) above by an opinion of a nationally recognized external counsel to the Servicer and as to clause (ii) above by an officer’s certificate of a Financial Officer of the Servicer, each to such effect delivered, and reasonably satisfactory in form and substance, to the Administrative Agent.

(d)    The Servicer may delegate its duties and obligations hereunder to any sub-servicer (each a “Sub-Servicer”), including to any Originator; provided, that, in each such delegation: (i) such Sub-Servicer shall agree in writing to perform the delegated duties and obligations of the Servicer pursuant to the terms hereof, (ii) the Servicer shall remain liable for the performance of the duties and obligations so delegated, (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall have the right to look solely to the Servicer for performance, (iv) the terms of any agreement with any Sub-Servicer shall provide that the Administrative Agent may terminate such agreement upon the termination of the Servicer hereunder by giving notice of its desire to terminate such agreement to the Servicer (and the Servicer shall provide appropriate notice to each such Sub-Servicer) and (v) if such Sub-Servicer is not an Affiliate of the Parent, the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders shall have consented in writing in advance to such delegation (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

 

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SECTION 9.02.    Duties of the Servicer.

(a)    The Servicer shall take or cause to be taken all such action as may be necessary or reasonably advisable to service, administer and collect each Pool Receivable from time to time, all in accordance with this Agreement and all Applicable Laws, with reasonable care and diligence, and in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy and consistent with the past practices of the Originators. The Servicer shall set aside, for the accounts of each Credit Party the amount of Collections it or its Affiliates actually receive to which each such Credit Party, as applicable, is entitled in accordance with Article IV hereof. The Servicer may, in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy and consistent with past practices of the Originators, take such action, including modifications, waivers or restructurings of Pool Receivables and related Contracts, as the Servicer may reasonably determine to be appropriate to maximize Collections thereof or reflect adjustments expressly permitted under the Credit and Collection Policy or as expressly required under Applicable Laws or the applicable Contract; provided, that for purposes of this Agreement: (i) such action shall not, and shall not be deemed to, change the number of days such Pool Receivable has remained unpaid from the date of the original due date related to such Pool Receivable, (ii) such action shall not alter the status of such Pool Receivable as a Delinquent Receivable or a Defaulted Receivable or limit the rights of any Secured Party under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document and (iii) if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Servicer may take such action only upon the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. The Borrower shall deliver to the Servicer and the Servicer shall hold for the benefit of the Administrative Agent (individually and for the benefit of each Credit Party), in accordance with their respective interests, all records and documents (including computer tapes or disks) with respect to each Pool Receivable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may direct the Servicer to commence or settle any legal action to enforce collection of any Pool Receivable that is a Defaulted Receivable or to foreclose upon or repossess any Related Security with respect to any such Defaulted Receivable.

(b)    The Servicer shall, as soon as practicable following actual receipt of collected funds, turn over to the Borrower the collections of any indebtedness that is not a Pool Receivable, less, if Sylvamo North America or an Affiliate thereof is not the Servicer, all reasonable and appropriate out-of-pocket costs and expenses of such Servicer of servicing, collecting and administering such collections. The Servicer, if other than Sylvamo North America or an Affiliate thereof, shall, as soon as practicable upon demand, deliver to the Borrower all records in its possession that evidence or relate to any indebtedness that is not a Pool Receivable, and copies of records in its possession that evidence or relate to any indebtedness that is a Pool Receivable.

(c)    The Servicer’s obligations hereunder shall terminate on the Final Payout Date. Promptly following the Final Payout Date, the Servicer shall deliver to the Borrower all books, records and related materials concerning the Pool Receivables that the Borrower previously provided to the Servicer, or that have been obtained by the Servicer, in connection with this Agreement.

SECTION 9.03.    Collection Account Arrangements. On or prior to the Closing Date, the Borrower shall have entered into Account Control Agreements with all of the Collection Account Banks and delivered executed counterparts of each to the Administrative Agent. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may

 

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(with the consent of the Majority Lenders) and shall (upon the direction of the Majority Lenders) at any time thereafter give notice to each Collection Account Bank that the Administrative Agent is exercising its rights under the Account Control Agreements to do any or all of the following: (a) to have the exclusive dominion and control of the Collection Accounts transferred to the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) and to exercise exclusive dominion and control over the funds deposited therein, (b) to have the proceeds that are sent to the respective Collection Accounts redirected pursuant to the Administrative Agent’s instructions rather than deposited in the applicable Collection Account and (c) to take any or all other actions permitted under the applicable Account Control Agreement. The Borrower hereby agrees that if the Administrative Agent at any time takes any action set forth in the preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent shall have exclusive control (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) of the proceeds (including Collections) of all Pool Receivables and the Borrower hereby further agrees to take any other action that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request to transfer such control. Any proceeds of Pool Receivables received by the Borrower or the Servicer thereafter shall be sent immediately to, or as otherwise instructed by, the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent hereby agrees that so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the extent it has exercised control over the Collection Accounts, it shall only apply funds in the Collection Accounts as directed by the Borrower or the Servicer in accordance with this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

SECTION 9.04.    Enforcement Rights.

(a)    At any time following the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default:

(i)    the Administrative Agent (at the Borrower’s expense) may direct the Obligors that payment of all amounts payable under any Pool Receivable is to be made directly to the Administrative Agent or its designee;

(ii)    the Administrative Agent may instruct the Borrower or the Servicer to give notice of the Secured Parties’ interest in Pool Receivables to each Obligor, which notice shall direct that payments be made directly to the Administrative Agent or its designee (on behalf of the Secured Parties), and the Borrower or the Servicer, as the case may be, shall give such notice at the expense of the Borrower or the Servicer, as the case may be; provided, that if the Borrower or the Servicer, as the case may be, fails to so notify each Obligor within two (2) Business Days following instruction by the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent (at the Borrower’s or the Servicer’s, as the case may be, expense) may so notify the Obligors;

(iii)    the Administrative Agent may request the Servicer to, and upon such request the Servicer shall: (A) assemble all of the records necessary or desirable to collect the Pool Receivables and the Related Security, and use commercially reasonable efforts to transfer or license, subject to the terms of such license, to a successor Servicer the use of all software necessary or desirable to collect the Pool Receivables and the Related Security, and make the same available to the Administrative Agent or its designee (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) at a place reasonably selected by the Administrative Agent and (B) segregate all cash, checks and other instruments received by it from time to

 

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time constituting Collections in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and, promptly upon receipt, remit all such cash, checks and instruments, duly endorsed or with duly executed instruments of transfer, to the Administrative Agent or its designee;

(iv)    the Administrative Agent may notify the Collection Account Banks that the Borrower and the Servicer will no longer have any access to the Collection Accounts;

(v)    the Administrative Agent may (or, at the direction of the Majority Lenders shall) replace the Person then acting as Servicer; and

(vi)    the Administrative Agent may collect any amounts due from an Originator under the Purchase and Sale Agreement or the Performance Guarantor under the Performance Guaranty, in each case, in accordance with the terms of such Transaction Documents.

For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent upon an Event of Default are in addition to and not exclusive of the rights and remedies contained herein and under the other Transaction Documents.

(b)    The Borrower hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties), and irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution and with full authority in the place and stead of the Borrower, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to take any and all steps in the name of the Borrower and on behalf of the Borrower necessary or desirable, in the reasonable determination of the Administrative Agent, after the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, to collect any and all amounts or portions thereof due under any and all Collateral, including endorsing the name of the Borrower on checks and other instruments representing Collections and enforcing such Collateral. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this subsection, none of the powers conferred upon such attorney-in-fact pursuant to the preceding sentence shall subject such attorney-in-fact to any liability if any action taken by it shall prove to be inadequate or invalid, nor shall they confer any obligations upon such attorney-in-fact in any manner whatsoever.

(c)    The Servicer hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties), and irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution and with full authority in the place and stead of the Servicer, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to take any and all steps in the name of the Servicer and on behalf of the Servicer necessary or desirable, in the reasonable determination of the Administrative Agent, after the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, to collect any and all amounts or portions thereof due under any and all Collateral, including endorsing the name of the Servicer on checks and other instruments representing Collections and enforcing such Collateral. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this subsection, none of the powers conferred upon such attorney-in-fact pursuant to the preceding sentence shall subject such attorney-in-fact to any liability if any action taken by it shall prove to be inadequate or invalid, nor shall they confer any obligations upon such attorney-in-fact in any manner whatsoever.

 

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SECTION 9.05.    Responsibilities of the Borrower.

(a)    Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower shall: (i) perform all of its obligations, if any, under the Contracts related to the Pool Receivables to the same extent as if interests in such Pool Receivables had not been transferred hereunder, and the exercise by the Administrative Agent, or any other Credit Party of their respective rights hereunder shall not relieve the Borrower from such obligations and (ii) pay when due any taxes, including any sales taxes payable in connection with the Pool Receivables and their creation and satisfaction. None of the Credit Parties shall have any obligation or liability with respect to any Collateral, nor shall any of them be obligated to perform any of the obligations of the Borrower, the Servicer or any Originator thereunder.

(b)    Sylvamo North America hereby irrevocably agrees that if at any time it shall cease to be the Servicer hereunder, it shall act (if the then-current Servicer so requests) as the data-processing agent of the Servicer and, in such capacity, Sylvamo North America shall conduct the data-processing functions of the administration of the Receivables and the Collections thereon in substantially the same way that Sylvamo North America conducted such data-processing functions while it acted as the Servicer. In connection with any such processing functions, the Borrower shall pay to Sylvamo North America its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses from the Borrower’s own funds (subject to the priority of payments set forth in Section 4.01). In addition, the then-current Servicer shall compensate Sylvamo North America for such services from the Servicing Fee at a rate to be agreed upon in good faith between Sylvamo North America and the then-Servicer based on the then market rate for such data-processing agent services being performed by reputable companies.

SECTION 9.06.    Servicing Fee.

(a)    Subject to clause (b) below, the Borrower shall pay the Servicer a fee (the “Servicing Fee”) for each Accrual Period equal to the sum for each day during such Accrual Period of an amount equal to the product of (i) 1.00% per annum (the “Servicing Fee Rate”), multiplied by (ii) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of the Pool Receivables as of the close of business on such day, multiplied by (iii) 1/360. Accrued Servicing Fees shall be payable from Collections to the extent of available funds in accordance with Section 4.01.

(b)    If the Servicer ceases to be Sylvamo North America or an Affiliate thereof, the Servicing Fee shall be the greater of: (i) the amount calculated pursuant to clause (a) above and (ii) an alternative amount specified by the successor Servicer not to exceed 110% of the aggregate reasonable costs and expenses incurred by such successor Servicer in connection with the performance of its obligations as Servicer hereunder.

 

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ARTICLE X

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

SECTION 10.01.    Events of Default. An “Event of Default” means the occurrence or existence of any one or more of the following events or conditions (whatever the reason therefor and whether voluntary, involuntary or effected by operation of Applicable Law):

(a)    (i) any Sylvamo Party shall fail to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party (other than any such failure which would constitute an Event of Default under clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 10.01(a) or under any other paragraph of this Section 10.01), and such failure shall continue unremedied for thirty (30) calendar days after such Sylvamo Party has knowledge of or receives notice thereof, (ii) any Sylvamo Party shall fail to make when due any payment or deposit required to be made by it under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party and such failure shall continue unremedied for two (2) Business Days (unless such failure is related to an Event of Default set forth in Section 10.01(h)), (iii) Sylvamo North America shall resign as Servicer, and no successor Servicer reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent shall have been appointed or (iv) any Sylvamo Party, as applicable, shall breach Section 8.01(v) or 8.02(o) (each entitled “Sanctions and other Anti-Terrorism Laws; Anti-Corruption Laws”);

(b)    any representation or warranty made or deemed made by any Sylvamo Party (or any of their respective officers) under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party or any information or report delivered by any Sylvamo Party pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, shall prove to have been incorrect or untrue in any material respect when made or deemed made or delivered, and such incorrect representation or warranty shall continue to be untrue for fifteen (15) calendar days after such Sylvamo Party has knowledge of or receives notice thereof;

(c)    the Borrower or the Servicer shall fail to deliver any Pool Report when due under this Agreement, and such failure shall remain unremedied for (i) with respect to any Information Package, two (2) Business Days and (ii) with respect to any Interim Report, two (2) Business Days;

(d)    this Agreement or any security interest granted pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document shall for any reason cease to create, or for any reason cease to be, a valid and enforceable first priority perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent with respect to the Collateral, free and clear of any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien);

(e)    any Sylvamo Party shall generally not pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any Insolvency Proceeding shall be instituted by or against any Sylvamo Party and, in the case of any such proceeding instituted against such Person (but not instituted by such Person), either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) consecutive calendar days, or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including the entry of an order for relief against, or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for, it or for any substantial part of its property) shall occur; or any Sylvamo Party shall take any corporate or organizational action to authorize any of the actions set forth above in this Section 10.01(e);

(f)    (i) the average for three (3) consecutive Fiscal Months of: (A) the Default Ratio shall exceed two percent (2.00%), (B) the Delinquency Ratio shall exceed four percent (4.00%) or (C) the Dilution Ratio shall exceed seven percent (7.00%)or (ii) the Days’ Sales Outstanding shall exceed fifty (50) calendar days;

 

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(g)    a Change in Control shall occur;

(h)    a Borrowing Base Deficit shall occur, and shall not have been cured within two (2) Business Days;

(i)    the Borrower shall fail to (i) pay any principal of or premium or interest on any of its Debt when the same becomes due and payable (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise), and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement, mortgage, indenture or instrument relating to such Debt or (ii) observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any of its Debt, or any other event shall occur, the effect of which failure or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Debt (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Debt to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Debt to be made, prior to its stated maturity;

(j)    any Sylvamo Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries (in each case, excluding the Borrower), individually or in the aggregate, shall fail to (i) pay when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) after giving effect to any grace period, if any, provided in the instrument or agreement under which the debt was created, any principal of or premium or interest on any of its Debt having an aggregate principal amount exceeding the Threshold Amount or (ii) after giving effect to any applicable grace period, observe, perform or comply with any other condition, covenant or agreement contained in any agreement or instrument evidencing or relating to any such Debt having an aggregate principal amount exceeding the Threshold Amount, and the effect of such failure is to cause, or permit the holder or holders of such Debt (or a trustee or agent on its or their behalf) to cause (with the giving of notice or otherwise), such Debt to become due, or to be prepaid, redeemed, purchased or defeased, prior to its stated maturity (other than by (A) the occurrence of any early termination or cancellation (each howsoever defined) under any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or any Permitted Warrant Transaction, (B) a regularly-scheduled required payment, (C) mandatory prepayments from proceeds of asset sales, debt incurrence, excess cash flow, equity issuances and insurance proceeds, (D) mandatory payments due by reason of, and in an amount required to, eliminate the effect of currency fluctuations, (E) the conversion of any Permitted Convertible Indebtedness into cash, shares of the Parent’s common stock or any combination thereof in accordance with terms of the indenture governing such Permitted Convertible Indebtedness or (F) any special mandatory redemption of Debt incurred in connection with any merger, acquisition or other Investment that becomes due because such event does not occur during a specified time period (so long as such Debt is redeemed within the time period required). For purposes of this clause (j), terms used but not defined herein (including all defined terms used within such terms) shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms, in each case, in the Credit Agreement;

(k)    without limiting the foregoing Section 10.01(j), any “Event of Default” shall occur and be continuing under and as defined in the Credit Agreement;

 

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(l)    (i) the Performance Guarantor shall fail to perform any of its obligations under the Performance Guaranty (other than any such failure which would constitute an Event of Default under Section 10.01(j)), and such failure shall continue unremedied for thirty (30) calendar days after the Performance Guarantor has knowledge of or receives notice thereof; or (ii) the Performance Guarantor shall fail to satisfy the Financial Covenant(s) in accordance with the terms set forth under the Credit Agreement;

(m)    the Borrower shall fail at any time (other than for ten (10) Business Days following notice of the death, incapacity or resignation of any Independent Manager) to have an Independent Manager who satisfies each requirement and qualification specified in Section 8.03(c) of this Agreement for Independent Managers, on the Borrower’s board of managers;

(n)    there shall have occurred any event which materially and adversely impairs, in the reasonable discretion of Administrative Agent, the collectibility of the Pool Receivables or any material portion thereof;

(o)    the Internal Revenue Service shall file notice of a lien pursuant to Section 6323 of the Code with regard to any assets of any Sylvamo Party;

(p)    an ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates under Title IV of ERISA to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan, where the aggregate amount of unamortized withdrawal liability that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(q)    a Material Adverse Effect shall occur with respect to any Sylvamo Party;

(r)    a Purchase and Sale Termination Event shall occur under the Purchase and Sale Agreement;

(s)    the Borrower shall (i) be required to register as an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act or (ii) become a “covered fund” within the meaning of the Volcker Rule;

(t)    any material provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document shall cease to be in full force and effect or any Sylvamo Party (or any of their respective Affiliates) shall so state in writing;

(u)    one or more judgments or decrees shall be entered against any Sylvamo Party or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing involving in the aggregate a liability (not paid, fully bonded or to the extent not covered by a solvent third-party insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage (other than customary reservation of rights letters)) and such judgments and decrees either shall be final and non-appealable or shall not be vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending appeal for any period of thirty (30) consecutive calendar days, and the aggregate amount of all such judgments equals or exceeds the Threshold Amount (or solely with respect to the Borrower, twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($16,750)); or

 

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(v)    the assets of the Borrower are deemed to constitute Plan Assets or the Borrower is or becomes subject to any applicable state statutes regulating investments with respect to governmental plans (within the meaning of Section 3(32) of ERISA) that are similar to the provisions of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code and that would be violated by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document,

then, and in any such event, the Administrative Agent may (or, at the direction of the Majority Lenders shall) by notice to the Borrower (x) declare the Termination Date to have occurred (in which case the Termination Date shall be deemed to have occurred), (y) declare the Final Maturity Date to have occurred (in which case the Final Maturity Date shall be deemed to have occurred) and (z) declare the Aggregate Principal and all other Borrower Obligations to be immediately due and payable (in which case the Aggregate Principal and all other Borrower Obligations shall be immediately due and payable); provided that, automatically upon the occurrence of any event (without any requirement for the giving of notice) described in subsection (e) of this Section 10.01 with respect to the Borrower, the Termination Date shall occur and the Aggregate Principal and all other Borrower Obligations shall be immediately due and payable. Upon any such declaration or designation or upon such automatic termination, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties shall have, in addition to the rights and remedies which they may have under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, all other rights and remedies provided after default under the UCC and under other Applicable Law, which rights and remedies shall be cumulative. Any proceeds from liquidation of the Collateral shall be applied in the order of priority set forth in Section 4.01.

ARTICLE XI

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

SECTION 11.01.    Appointment and Authority. Each Credit Party hereby irrevocably appoints PNC Bank, National Association to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article XI are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent. The Credit Parties and the Sylvamo Parties shall not have rights as a third-party beneficiary of any of such provisions. It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Transaction Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any Applicable Law. Instead such term is used as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties.

SECTION 11.02.    Rights as a Lender. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and the term

 

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“Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person 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 business with, any Sylvamo Party or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

SECTION 11.03.    Exculpatory Provisions.

(a)    The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly specified herein and in the other Transaction Documents, and its duties hereunder shall be administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:

(i)    shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether an Unmatured Event of Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(ii)    shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Transaction Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Majority Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Transaction Documents); provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Transaction Document or Applicable Law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law; and

(iii)    shall not, except as expressly specified herein and in the other Transaction Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to any Sylvamo Party or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

(b)    The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Majority Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Articles X or XIV), or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Unmatured Event of Default or Event of Default unless and until notice describing such Unmatured Event of Default or Event of Default is given to the Administrative Agent in writing by any Sylvamo Party or a Lender.

 

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(c)    The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions specified herein or therein or the occurrence of any Unmatured Event of Default or Event of Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Transaction Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition precedent to a Credit Extension, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

(d)    The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully justified in failing or refusing to take action under any Transaction Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Majority Lenders and assurance of its indemnification by the Lenders, as it deems appropriate. The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document in accordance with a request or at the direction of the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, and such request or direction and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all Credit Parties. The Credit Parties and the Administrative Agent agree that unless any action to be taken by the Administrative Agent under a Transaction Document (i) specifically requires the advice or concurrence of all Lenders or (ii) may be taken by the Administrative Agent alone or without any advice or concurrence of any Lender, then the Administrative Agent may take action based upon the advice or concurrence of the Majority Lenders.

SECTION 11.04.    Reliance by Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Credit Extension, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Credit Party, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Credit Party unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Credit Party prior to the making of such Credit Extension. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

SECTION 11.05.    Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Transaction 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 and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article XI shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the

 

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facilities as well as activities of the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agents 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-agents.

SECTION 11.06.    Resignation of Administrative Agent.

(a)    The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Credit Parties and the Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Majority Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower (so long as no Unmatured Event of Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in New York, New York. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) calendar days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Majority Lenders) (the “Resignation Effective Date”), then the retiring Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to), on behalf of the Credit Parties, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications specified above. Whether or not a successor has been appointed, such resignation shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Resignation Effective Date.

(b)    With effect from the Resignation Effective Date (i) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties under any of the Transaction Documents, the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed) and (ii) except for any indemnity payments owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent, all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Credit Party directly, until such time, if any, as the Majority Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring or removed Administrative Agent (other than any rights to indemnity payments owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent), and the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Transaction Documents. The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor. After the retiring or removed Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents, the provisions of this Article XI and Article XIII shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring or removed 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 or removed Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

SECTION 11.07.    Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders. Each Credit Party acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Credit Party or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and

 

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information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Credit Party also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Credit Party or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Transaction Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

SECTION 11.08.    No Other Duties, Etc. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the bookrunners, arrangers or structuring agent listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent or a Credit Party hereunder.

SECTION 11.09.    Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Insolvency Proceeding, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Credit Extension 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:

(a)    to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of any Credit Extension and all other Borrower 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 Credit Parties and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Credit Parties and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Credit Parties and the Administrative Agent allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

(b)    to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Credit 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 Credit Party, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 11.10.    No Reliance on Administrative Agents Customer Identification Program. Each Credit Party acknowledges and agrees that neither such Credit Party, nor any of its Affiliates, participants or assignees, may rely on the Administrative Agent to carry out such Credit Party’s, Affiliate’s, participant’s or assignee’s customer identification program, or other obligations required or imposed under or pursuant to the USA PATRIOT Act or the regulations thereunder, including the regulations contained in 31 CFR 103.121 (as hereafter amended or replaced, the “CIP Regulations”), or any other Anti-Terrorism Law or any Anti-Corruption Law,

 

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including any programs involving any of the following items relating to or in connection with any of the Sylvamo Parties, their Affiliates or their agents, the Transaction Documents or the transactions hereunder or contemplated hereby: (i) any identity verification procedures, (ii) any recordkeeping, (iii) comparisons with government lists, (iv) customer notices or (v) other procedures required under the CIP Regulations or such other Applicable Laws.

SECTION 11.11.    ERISA Matters.

(a)    Each Credit Party (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a party hereto, that at least one of the following is and will be true:

(i)    such Credit Party is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of ERISA or otherwise) of one or more Benefit Plans with respect to such Credit Party’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments or this Agreement,

(ii)    the transaction exemption set forth in one or more Prohibited Transaction Exemptions (“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 and the conditions of such exemption are satisfied 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 Credit Party 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, such Credit Party and Borrower (provided Borrower shall not unreasonably withhold its consent).

(b)    In addition, unless sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding Section 11.11(a) is true with respect to a Credit Party or such Credit Party has provided another representation, warranty and covenant as provided in sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding

 

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Section 11.11(a), such Credit Party further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a party hereto, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Sylvamo Party, that none of the Administrative Agent or any of its respective Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender involved in such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Transaction Document or any other documents related to hereto or thereto).

SECTION 11.12.    Erroneous Payments.

(a)    If the Administrative Agent (x) delivers written notice (which such notice shall be conclusive absent manifest error) to a Credit Party or other Secured Party, or any Person who has received funds on behalf of a Credit Party or other Secured Party (any Credit Party, Secured Party or other recipient, a “Payment Recipient”) that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion (whether or not after receipt of any notice under immediately succeeding clause (b)) that any funds (as set forth in the notice from the Administrative Agent) received by such Payment Recipient from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates were erroneously or mistakenly transmitted to, or otherwise erroneously or mistakenly received by, such Payment Recipient (whether or not known to such Credit Party, other Secured Party or other Payment Recipient on its behalf) (any such funds, whether transmitted or received as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees, distribution or otherwise, individually and collectively, an “Erroneous Payment”) and (y) demands in writing the return of such Erroneous Payment (or a portion thereof), such Erroneous Payment shall at all times remain the property of the Administrative Agent and shall be segregated by the Payment Recipient and held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, and such Credit Party or other Secured Party shall (or, with respect to any Payment Recipient who received such funds on its behalf, shall cause such Payment Recipient to) promptly, but in no event later than two (2) Business Days thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand (accompanied by a reasonably detailed calculation of such Erroneous Payment) was made, in same day funds (in the currency so received), together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Payment Recipient to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in same day funds at the greater of the Overnight Bank Funding Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Payment Recipient under this clause (a) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

(b)    Without limiting immediately preceding clause (a), each Credit Party or other Secured Party, or any Person who has received funds on behalf of a Credit Party or other Secured Party, hereby further acknowledges and agrees that if it receives a payment, prepayment or repayment (whether received as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees, distribution or otherwise) 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 this Agreement or in a notice of payment, prepayment or repayment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such payment, prepayment or repayment, (y) that was not preceded or accompanied

 

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by a notice of payment, prepayment or repayment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates), or (z) that such Credit Party or other Secured Party, or other such recipient, otherwise becomes aware was transmitted, or received, in error or by mistake (in whole or in part) in each case:

(i)    (A) in the case of immediately preceding clauses (x) or (y), an error and mistake shall be presumed to have been made (absent written confirmation from the Administrative Agent to the contrary) or (B) an error and mistake has been made (in the case of immediately preceding clause (z)), in each case, with respect to such payment, prepayment or repayment; and

(ii)    such Credit Party or other Secured Party shall (and shall cause any other recipient that receives funds on its respective behalf to) promptly (and, in all events, within one (1) Business Day of its knowledge of such error or mistake) notify the Administrative Agent of its receipt of such payment, prepayment or repayment, the details thereof (in reasonable detail) and that it is so notifying the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 11.12(b).

(c)    Each Credit Party or other Secured Party hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off, net and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Credit Party or other Secured Party under any Transaction Document, or otherwise payable or distributable by the Administrative Agent to such Credit Party or other Secured Party from any source, against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under immediately preceding clause (a) or under the indemnification provisions of this Agreement.

(d)    In the event that an Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) is not recovered by the Administrative Agent for any reason, after demand therefor by the Administrative Agent in accordance with immediately preceding clause (a), from any Credit Party that has received such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) (and/or from any Payment Recipient who received such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) on its respective behalf) (such unrecovered amount, an “Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency”), upon the Administrative Agent’s notice to such Credit Party at any time, (i) such Credit Party shall be deemed to have assigned its Loans (but not its Commitments) with respect to which such Erroneous Payment was made in an amount equal to the Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency (or such lesser amount as the Administrative Agent may specify) (such assignment of the Loans (but not Commitments), the “Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment”) on a cashless basis and such amount calculated at par plus any accrued and unpaid interest (with the assignment fee to be waived by the Administrative Agent in such instance), and is hereby (together with the Borrower) deemed to execute and deliver an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement with respect to such Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment, and such Credit Party shall deliver any notes evidencing such Loans to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, (ii) the Administrative Agent as the assignee Lender shall be deemed to acquire the Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment, (iii) upon such deemed acquisition, the Administrative Agent as the assignee Lender shall become a Lender hereunder with respect to such Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment and the assigning Lender shall cease to be a Lender hereunder with respect to such Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment, excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, its obligations under the indemnification provisions of this Agreement and its applicable Commitments which shall survive as to such assigning Lender and (iv) the

 

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Administrative Agent may reflect in the Register its ownership interest in the Loans subject to the Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment. The Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, sell any Loans acquired pursuant to an Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment and upon receipt of the proceeds of such sale, the Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency owing by the applicable Credit Party shall be reduced by the net proceeds of the sale of such Loan (or portion thereof), and the Administrative Agent shall retain all other rights, remedies and claims against such Credit Party (and/or against any recipient that receives funds on its respective behalf). In addition, an Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency owing by the applicable Credit Party or other Secured Party shall be reduced by the proceeds of prepayments or repayments of principal and interest, or other distribution in respect of principal and interest, received by the Administrative Agent on or with respect to such Loans acquired from such Lender pursuant to an Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment. For the avoidance of doubt, no Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment will reduce the Commitments of any Credit Party and such Commitments shall remain available in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. In addition, each party hereto agrees that, except to the extent that the Administrative Agent has sold a Loan (or portion thereof) acquired pursuant to an Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment, and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent may be equitably subrogated, the Administrative Agent shall be contractually subrogated to all the rights and interests of the applicable Credit Party or other Secured Party under the Transaction Documents with respect to each Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency (the “Erroneous Payment Subrogation Rights”); provided that the Sylvamo Parties’ Borrower Obligations under the Transaction Documents in respect of the Erroneous Payment Subrogation Rights shall not be duplicative of such Borrower Obligations in respect of Loans that have been assigned to the Administrative Agent under an Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment.

(e)    The parties hereto agree that an Erroneous Payment shall not pay, prepay, repay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any obligations owed by any Sylvamo Party or any other Person on their behalf (including any Borrower Obligations), except, in each case, to the extent such Erroneous Payment is, and solely with respect to the amount of such Erroneous Payment that is, comprised of funds received by the Administrative Agent from any Sylvamo Party for the purpose of making a payment to satisfy such obligations and is not otherwise repaid or returned to a Sylvamo Party by the Administrative Agent, any Credit Party or any of their respective Affiliates, whether pursuant to a legal proceeding or otherwise; provided that this Section 11.12 shall not be interpreted to increase (or accelerate the due date of), or have the effect of increasing (or accelerating the due date of), the Borrower Obligations of the Borrower relative to the amount (and/or timing for payment) of the Borrower Obligations that would have been payable had such Erroneous Payment not been made by the Administrative Agent.

(f)    To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, no Payment Recipient shall assert any right or claim to an Erroneous Payment, and hereby waives, and is deemed to waive, 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 Erroneous Payment received, including without limitation waiver of any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar doctrine.

(g)    Each party’s obligations, agreements and waivers under this Section 11.12 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent, the termination of the Commitments and/or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Borrower Obligations (or any portion thereof) under any Transaction Document.

 

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SECTION 11.13.    Collateral Matters. Each of the Secured Parties irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion to release any lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Transaction Document (a) upon the Termination Date, or (b) subject to Section 13.01, if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Lenders. 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 collectibility of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s lien thereon, or any certificate prepared by any Sylvamo Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.

SECTION 11.14.    Indemnification of Administrative Agent. Each Lender agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof), ratably according to the respective Percentages of such Lender, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Administrative Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or any action taken or omitted by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document; provided that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

SECTION 11.15.    Structuring Agent. Each of the parties hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Structuring Agent shall not have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement, other than the Structuring Agent’s right to receive fees pursuant to Section 3.07. Each Credit Party acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on the Structuring Agent in deciding to enter into this Agreement and to take, or omit to take, any action under any Transaction Document.

ARTICLE XII

INDEMNIFICATION

SECTION 12.01.    Indemnities by the Borrower.

(a)    Without limiting any other rights that the Administrative Agent, the Structuring Agent, the Credit Parties, the Affected Persons and their respective assigns, officers, directors, agents and employees (each, a “Borrower Indemnified Party”) may have hereunder or under Applicable Law, the Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify each Borrower Indemnified Party from and against any and all claims, expenses, damages, losses and liabilities (including Attorney Costs) (all of the foregoing being collectively referred to as “Borrower Indemnified Amounts”) arising out of, relating to or in connection this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or the use of proceeds of the Credit Extensions or the security interest in respect of any Pool

 

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Receivable or any other Collateral; excluding, however, (i) Borrower Indemnified Amounts to the extent a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holds that such Borrower Indemnified Amounts resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Borrower Indemnified Party seeking indemnification, (ii) Taxes (other than Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim) and (iii) Borrower Indemnified Amounts arising from a claim by one Borrower Indemnified Party against another Borrower Indemnified Party (other than actions against the Administrative Agent in its capacity as Administrative Agent or similar capacity or as a result of the actions or inaction of the Borrower). Without limiting or being limited by the foregoing, the Borrower shall pay, without duplication, on demand (it being understood that if any portion of such payment obligation is made from Collections, such payment will be made at the time and in the order of priority set forth in Section 4.01), to each Borrower Indemnified Party any and all amounts necessary to indemnify such Borrower Indemnified Party from and against any and all Borrower Indemnified Amounts relating to or resulting from any of the following (but excluding Borrower Indemnified Amounts and Taxes described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above):

(i)    any Pool Receivable which the Borrower or the Servicer includes as an Eligible Receivable as part of the Net Receivables Pool Balance but which is not an Eligible Receivable at such time;

(ii)    any representation, warranty or statement made or deemed made by the Borrower (or any of its respective officers) under or in connection with this Agreement, any of the other Transaction Documents, any Pool Report or any other information or report delivered by or on behalf of the Borrower pursuant hereto which shall have been untrue or incorrect when made or deemed made;

(iii)    the failure by the Borrower to comply with any Applicable Law with respect to any Pool Receivable or the related Contract; or the failure of any Pool Receivable or the related Contract to conform to any such Applicable Law;

(iv)    the failure to vest in the Administrative Agent a first priority perfected security interest in all or any portion of the Collateral, in each case free and clear of any Adverse Claim;

(v)    the failure to have filed, or any delay in filing, financing statements, financing statement amendments, continuation statements or other similar instruments or documents under the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction or other Applicable Laws with respect to any Pool Receivable and the other Collateral and Collections in respect thereof, whether at the time of any Credit Extension or at any subsequent time;

(vi)    any dispute, claim or defense (other than discharge in bankruptcy) of an Obligor to the payment of any Pool Receivable (including, without limitation, a defense based on such Pool Receivable or the related Contract not being a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Obligor enforceable against it in accordance with its terms), or any other claim resulting from or relating to collection activities with respect to such Pool Receivable;

 

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(vii)    any failure of the Borrower to perform any of its duties or obligations in accordance with the provisions hereof and of each other Transaction Document related to Pool Receivables or to timely and fully comply with the Credit and Collection Policy in regard to each Pool Receivable;

(viii)    any products liability, environmental or other claim arising out of or in connection with any Pool Receivable or other merchandise, goods or services which are the subject of or related to any Pool Receivable;

(ix)    the misdirection of Collections or the commingling of Collections of Pool Receivables at any time with other funds;

(x)    any investigation, litigation or proceeding (actual or threatened) related to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or the use of proceeds of any Credit Extensions or in respect of any Pool Receivable or other Collateral or any related Contract;

(xi)    any failure of the Borrower to comply with its covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document;

(xii)    any offset, setoff, adjustment, or other non-cash reduction of any Pool Receivable (including Deemed Collections) not arising from the bankruptcy or insolvency, lack of creditworthiness or other financial default or inability to pay of the related Obligor;

(xiii)    any claim brought by any Person other than a Borrower Indemnified Party arising from any activity by the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower in servicing, administering or collecting any Pool Receivable;

(xiv)    the failure by the Borrower to pay when due any Taxes, including, without limitation, sales, excise or personal property taxes;

(xv)    any failure of a Collection Account Bank to comply with the terms of the applicable Account Control Agreement, the termination by a Collection Account Bank of any Account Control Agreement or any amounts (including in respect of an indemnity) payable by the Administrative Agent to a Collection Account Bank under any Account Control Agreement;

(xvi)    any dispute, claim, offset or defense (other than discharge in bankruptcy of the Obligor) of the Obligor to the payment of any Pool Receivable (including, without limitation, a defense based on such Pool Receivable or the related Contract not being a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Obligor enforceable against it in accordance with its terms), or any other claim resulting from the sale of goods or the rendering of services related to such Pool Receivable or the furnishing or failure to furnish any such goods or services or other similar claim or defense not arising from the financial inability of any Obligor to pay undisputed indebtedness;

 

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(xvii)    any action taken by the Administrative Agent as attorney-in-fact for the Borrower, any Originator or the Servicer pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document;

(xviii)    the failure or delay to provide any Obligor with an invoice or other evidence of indebtedness related to a Pool Receivable;

(xix)    the maintenance of any Linked Account with respect to any Collection Account or the debiting against any Collection Account of amounts as a result of any settlement item that originated in any Linked Account or any other account other than a Collection Account;

(xx)    the use of proceeds of any Credit Extension; or

(xxi)    any reduction in Principal as a result of the distribution of Collections if all or a portion of such distributions shall thereafter be rescinded or otherwise must be returned for any reason.

(b)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, solely for purposes of the Borrower’s indemnification obligations in clauses (ii), (iii), (vii) and (xi) of this Section 12.01(a), any representation, warranty or covenant qualified by the occurrence or non-occurrence of a material adverse effect or similar concepts of materiality shall be deemed to be not so qualified.

(c)    If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Borrower Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold it harmless, then the Borrower shall contribute to such Borrower Indemnified Party the amount paid or payable by such Borrower Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the Borrower and its Affiliates on the one hand and such Borrower Indemnified Party on the other hand in the matters contemplated by this Agreement as well as the relative fault of the Borrower and its Affiliates and such Borrower Indemnified Party with respect to such loss, claim, damage or liability and any other relevant equitable considerations. The reimbursement, indemnity and contribution obligations of the Borrower under this Section 12.01 shall be in addition to any liability which the Borrower may otherwise have, shall extend upon the same terms and conditions to each Borrower Indemnified Party, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives of the Borrower and the Borrower Indemnified Parties.

(d)    Any indemnification or contribution under this Section 12.01 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 12.02.    Indemnification by the Servicer.

(a)    The Servicer hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Structuring Agent, the Credit Parties, the Affected Persons and their respective assigns, officers, directors, agents and employees (each, a “Servicer Indemnified Party”), from and against any loss, liability, expense, damage or injury suffered or sustained by reason of any acts, omissions or alleged acts or omissions arising out of activities of the Servicer

 

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pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, including any judgment, award, settlement, Attorney Costs and other costs or expenses incurred in connection with the defense of any actual or threatened action, proceeding or claim (all of the foregoing being collectively referred to as, “Servicer Indemnified Amounts”); excluding (i) Servicer Indemnified Amounts to the extent a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holds that such Servicer Indemnified Amounts resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Servicer Indemnified Party seeking indemnification, (ii) Taxes (other than any Taxes (x) included in clause (vii) below and (y) that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim), (iii) Servicer Indemnified Amounts to the extent the same includes losses in respect of Pool Receivables that are uncollectible solely on account of the insolvency, bankruptcy, lack of creditworthiness or other financial inability to pay of the related Obligor, or that would otherwise constitute credit recourse and (iv) Servicer Indemnified Amounts arising from a claim by one Servicer Indemnified Party against another Servicer Indemnified Party (other than actions against the Administrative Agent in its capacity as Administrative Agent or similar capacity or as a result of the actions or inaction of the Servicer). Without limiting or being limited by the foregoing, the Servicer shall pay, without duplication, on demand, to each Servicer Indemnified Party any and all amounts necessary to indemnify such Servicer Indemnified Party from and against any and all Servicer Indemnified Amounts relating to or resulting from any of the following (but excluding Servicer Indemnified Amounts described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above):

(i)    any representation, warranty or statement made or deemed made by the Servicer (or any of its respective officers) under or in connection with this Agreement, any of the other Transaction Documents, any Pool Report or any other information or report delivered by or on behalf of the Servicer pursuant hereto which shall have been untrue or incorrect when made or deemed made;

(ii)    the failure by the Servicer to comply with any Applicable Law with respect to any Pool Receivable or the related Contract; or the failure of any Pool Receivable or the related Contract to conform to any such Applicable Law;

(iii)    the misdirection of Collections or the commingling of Collections of Pool Receivables at any time with other funds;

(iv)    any failure of a Collection Account Bank to comply with the terms of the applicable Account Control Agreement, the termination by a Collection Account Bank of any Account Control Agreement or any amounts (including in respect of an indemnity) payable by the Administrative Agent to a Collection Account Bank under any Account Control Agreement;

(v)    the failure or delay to provide any Obligor with an invoice or other evidence of indebtedness related to a Pool Receivable;

(vi)    the maintenance of any Linked Account with respect to any Collection Account or the debiting against any Collection Account of amounts as a result of any settlement item that originated in any Linked Account or any other account other than a Collection Account; or

 

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(vii)    any failure of the Servicer to comply with its covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.

(b)    If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Servicer Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold it harmless, then the Servicer shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Servicer Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the Servicer and its Affiliates on the one hand and such Servicer Indemnified Party on the other hand in the matters contemplated by this Agreement as well as the relative fault of the Servicer and its Affiliates and such Servicer Indemnified Party with respect to such loss, claim, damage or liability and any other relevant equitable considerations. The reimbursement, indemnity and contribution obligations of the Servicer under this Section 12.02 shall be in addition to any liability which the Servicer may otherwise have, shall extend upon the same terms and conditions to Servicer Indemnified Party, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives of the Servicer and the Servicer Indemnified Parties.

(c)    Any indemnification or contribution under this Section 12.02 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE XIII

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 13.01.    Amendments, Etc.

(a)    No failure on the part of any Credit Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any of the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof shall be effective unless in a writing signed by the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders (and, in the case of any amendment, also signed by the Borrower), and then such amendment, waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided that, subject to the restrictions set forth in the immediately following sentence, no consent or signature of the Majority Lenders shall be necessary to the extent such writing is intended to, in the Administrative Agent’s determination (in its sole discretion): (i) cure any ambiguity in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (ii) correct any scrivener’s error in any provision in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (iii) add or supplement any credit enhancement for the benefit of the Lenders, (iv) add to the covenants, restrictions or obligations of the Seller or (v) add, change or eliminate any other provision of this Agreement in any manner that shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of the Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Servicer, affect the rights or duties of the Servicer under this Agreement and (B) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent and each Lender:

(i)    change (directly or indirectly) the definitions of, Borrowing Base Deficit, Defaulted Receivable, Delinquent Receivable, Eligible Credit Insurance Policy,

 

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Eligible Receivable, Facility Limit, Final Maturity Date, Net Receivables Pool Balance or Total Reserves contained in this Agreement, or increase the then existing Concentration Percentage or Concentration Amount, as applicable, for any Obligor or change the calculation of the Borrowing Base;

(ii)    reduce the amount of Principal or Interest or any Fee that is payable on account of any Loan or with respect to any other Credit Extension or delay any scheduled date for payment thereof;

(iii)    change any Event of Default;

(iv)    release all or a material portion of the Collateral from the Administrative Agent’s security interest created hereunder;

(v)    release the Performance Guarantor from any of its obligations under the Performance Guaranty or terminate the Performance Guaranty;

(vi)    change any of the provisions of this Section 13.01 or the definition of “Majority Lenders”; or

(vii)    change the order of priority in which Collections are applied pursuant to Section 4.01.

(b)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall increase any Lender’s Commitment hereunder without the consent of such Lender and (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall reduce any Fees payable by the Borrower to any Lender or delay the dates on which any such Fees are payable, in either case, without the consent of such Lender and (iii) no consent with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification of this Agreement shall be required of any Defaulting Lender, except with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification referred to in clauses (i) through (vii) above and then only in the event such Defaulting Lender shall be directly affected by such amendment, waiver or other modification.

SECTION 13.02.    Notices, Etc. All notices and other communications hereunder shall, unless otherwise stated herein, be in writing (which shall include facsimile and email communication) and faxed, emailed or delivered, to each party hereto, at its address or email address set forth under its name on Schedule III hereto or at such other address or email address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties hereto. Notices and communications by facsimile shall be effective when sent (and shall be followed by hard copy sent by regular mail) and by email shall be effective when sent confirmed by electronic or other means (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return electronic mail or other acknowledgement), and notices and communications sent by other means shall be effective when received.

SECTION 13.03.    Assignability; Addition of Lenders.

(a)    Assignment by Lenders. Each Lender may assign to any Eligible Assignee or to any other Lender all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment and any Loan or interests therein owned by it); provided, however that

 

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(i)    except for an assignment by a Lender to either an Affiliate of such Lender or any other Lender, each such assignment shall require the prior written consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, however, that such consent shall not be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing);

(ii)    each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of all rights and obligations under this Agreement;

(iii)    the amount being assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the date of the Assignment and Acceptance Agreement with respect to such assignment) shall in no event be less than the lesser of (x) five million dollars ($5,000,000) and (y) all of the assigning Lender’s Commitment; and

(iv)    the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the Register, an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement.

Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording from and after the effective date specified in such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, (x) the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement, and to the extent that rights and obligations under this Agreement have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder (including the requirements under Section 5.03) and (y) the assigning Lender shall, to the extent that rights and obligations have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, relinquish such rights and be released from such obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto).

(b)    Register. The Administrative Agent shall, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, maintain at its address referred to on Schedule III of this Agreement (or such other address of the Administrative Agent as the Administrative Agent may notify the other parties hereto) a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance Agreement delivered to and accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, the Commitment of each Lender and the aggregate outstanding Principal (and stated interest) of the Loans of each Lender from time to time (the “Register”). No assignment shall be effective unless recorded in the Register. The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Servicer, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, and the other Credit Parties shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms of this Agreement as a Lender under this Agreement for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, the Servicer and any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties intend and shall treat Loans as being at all times maintained in “registered form” within the meaning of Sections 163(f), 871(h)(2) and 881(c)(2) of the Code.

 

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(c)    Procedure. Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement executed and delivered by an assigning Lender and an Eligible Assignee or assignee Lender, the Administrative Agent shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement has been duly completed, (i) accept such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Borrower and the Servicer. Each assignee shall be subject to the obligations of Section 5.03, including the requirement to provide tax forms.

(d)    Participations. Each Lender may sell participations to one or more Eligible Assignees (each, a “Participant”) in or to all or a portion of its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment and the interests in the Loans owned by it); provided, however, that

(i)    such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Commitment to the Borrower hereunder) shall remain unchanged, and

(ii)    such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties to this Agreement for the performance of such obligations.

The Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Borrower and the Servicer shall have the right to 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 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, waiver or other modification described in the proviso to Section 13.01 that affects such Participant. The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 5.01 and 5.03 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 5.03(f) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 5.03(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 clause (a) of this Section 13.03; provided that such Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 5.01 or 5.03, 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.

(e)    Participant Register. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement (the “Participant Register”); 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 this Agreement) 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

 

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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.

(f)    Assignments by Administrative Agent. This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the Administrative Agent herein shall be assignable by the Administrative Agent and its successors and assigns; provided that in the case of an assignment to a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, such assignment shall require the Borrower’s consent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

(g)    Assignments by the Borrower or the Servicer. Neither the Borrower nor, except as provided in Section 9.01, the Servicer may assign any of its respective rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender (such consent to be provided or withheld in the sole discretion of such Person).

(h)    Addition of Lenders. The Borrower may, with written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender, add additional Persons as Lenders or cause an existing Lender to increase its Commitment; provided, however, that the Commitment of any existing Lender may only be increased with the prior written consent of such Lender. Each new Lender shall become a party hereto, by executing and delivering to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, an assumption agreement (each, an “Assumption Agreement”) in the form of Exhibit D hereto.

(i)    Pledge to a Federal Reserve Bank. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, (i) any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates may at any time pledge or grant a security interest in all or any portion of its interest in, to and under this Agreement (including, without limitation, rights to payment of Principal and Interest) and any other Transaction Document to secure its obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, without notice to or the consent of the Borrower, the Servicer, any Affiliate thereof or any Credit Party; provided, however, that that no such pledge shall relieve such assignor of its obligations under this Agreement.

(j)    Pledge to a Security Trustee. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, (i) any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates may at any time pledge or grant a security interest in all or any portion of its interest in, to and under this Agreement (including, without limitation, rights to payment of Principal and Interest) and any other Transaction Document to a security trustee in connection with the funding by such Person of Loans, without notice to or the consent of the Borrower, the Servicer, any Affiliate thereof or any Credit Party; provided, however, that that no such pledge shall relieve such assignor of its obligations under this Agreement.

SECTION 13.04.    Costs and Expenses. In addition to the rights of indemnification granted under Section 12.01 hereof, the Borrower agrees to pay (a) with respect to any of the following amounts invoiced at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, on the

 

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Closing Date, and (b) otherwise, within ten (10) Business Days following demand thereof, all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents (together with all amendments, restatements, supplements, consents and waivers, if any, from time to time hereto and thereto), including, without limitation, (i) the reasonable Attorney Costs for the Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties with respect thereto and with respect to advising the Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties as to their rights and remedies under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (ii) reasonable and documented accountants’, auditors’ and consultants’ fees and expenses for the Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties and any of their respective Affiliates incurred in connection with the administration and maintenance of this Agreement or advising the Administrative Agent or any other Credit Party as to their rights and remedies under this Agreement or as to any actual or reasonably claimed breach of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document. In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay on demand all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable Attorney Costs), of the Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties, incurred in connection with the enforcement of any of their respective rights or remedies under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

SECTION 13.05.    No Proceedings; Limitation on Payments. Each of the Servicer, each Lender and each assignee of a Loan or any interest therein, hereby covenants and agrees that it will not institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against, the Borrower any Insolvency Proceeding until one year and one day after the Final Payout Date; provided, that the Administrative Agent may take any such action in its sole discretion following the occurrence of an Event of Default. The provisions of this Section 13.05 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 13.06.    Confidentiality.

(a)    Each of the Borrower and the Servicer covenants and agrees to hold in confidence, and not disclose to any Person, the terms of this Agreement or any Fee Letter (including any fees payable in connection with this Agreement, such Fee Letter or any other Transaction Document or the identity of the Administrative Agent or any other Credit Party), except as the Administrative Agent and each Lender may have consented to in writing prior to any proposed disclosure; provided, however, that it may disclose such information (i) to its Advisors and Representatives, (ii) to the extent such information has become available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by or through the Borrower, the Servicer or their Advisors and Representatives or (iii) to the extent it should be (A) required by Applicable Law (including applicable Securities Exchange Commission and other securities laws requirements), or in connection with any legal or regulatory proceeding or (B) requested by any Governmental Authority to disclose such information; provided, that, in the case of clause (iii) above, the Borrower and the Servicer will use reasonable efforts to maintain confidentiality and will (unless otherwise prohibited by Applicable Law) notify the Administrative Agent and the affected Credit Party of its intention to make any such disclosure prior to making such disclosure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower, the Servicer and their Affiliates may disclose on a confidential basis the material terms of the Transaction Documents (other than the terms of the Fee Letter (including any fees payable in connection with this Agreement, the Fee Letter or any other Transaction Document), except as required by securities laws requirements) to their current

 

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and potential lenders, bondholders, investors, equityholders, members, partners (limited and general), purchasers, auditors, banks, outside counsel, insurers and/or the respective advisors of the foregoing. The disclosures authorized in the foregoing sentence do not require the Borrower, the Servicer or their Affiliates to obtain a written agreement regarding confidentiality before making such disclosures. Each of the Borrower and the Servicer agrees to be responsible for any breach of this Section 13.06 by its Representatives and Advisors and agrees that its Representatives and Advisors will be advised by it of the confidential nature of such information and shall agree to comply with this Section. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is expressly agreed that each of the Borrower, the Servicer and their respective Affiliates may publish a press release or otherwise publicly announce the existence and principal amount of the Commitments under this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; provided that the Administrative Agent shall be provided a reasonable opportunity to review such press release or other public announcement prior to its release and provide comment thereon; and provided, further, that no such press release shall name or otherwise identify the Administrative Agent, any other Credit Party or any of their respective Affiliates without such Person’s prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). Notwithstanding the foregoing, following the public disclosure by the Parent of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to Securities and Exchange Requirements and other applicable securities laws, the Borrower consents to the publication by the Administrative Agent or any other Credit Party of a tombstone or similar advertising material relating to the financing transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided that the Borrower shall be provided a reasonable opportunity to review such tombstone or other advertising material prior to its initial release, provide comments thereon, and consent to the date of publication.

(b)    Each of the Administrative Agent and each other Credit Party, severally and with respect to itself only, agrees to hold in confidence, and not disclose to any Person, any confidential and proprietary information concerning the Borrower, the Servicer and their respective Affiliates and their businesses or the terms of this Agreement (including any fees payable in connection with this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents), except as the Borrower or the Servicer may have consented to in writing prior to any proposed disclosure; provided, however, that it may disclose such information (i) to its Advisors and Representatives, (ii) to its assignees and Participants and potential assignees and Participants and their respective counsel if they agree in writing to hold it confidential, (iii) to the extent such information has become available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by or through it or its Representatives or Advisors, (iv) at the request of a bank examiner or other regulatory authority or in connection with an examination of any of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or their respective Affiliates or (v) to the extent it should be (A) required by Applicable Law, or in connection with any legal or regulatory proceeding or (B) requested by any Governmental Authority to disclose such information; provided, that, in the case of clause (v) above, the Administrative Agent and each Lender will use reasonable efforts to maintain confidentiality and will (unless otherwise prohibited by Applicable Law) notify the Borrower and the Servicer of its making any such disclosure as promptly as reasonably practicable thereafter. Each of the Administrative Agent and each Lender, severally and with respect to itself only, agrees to be responsible for any breach of this Section 13.06 by its Representatives and Advisors and agrees that its Representatives and Advisors will be advised by it of the confidential nature of such information and shall agree to comply with this Section.

 

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(c)    As used in this Section, (i) “Advisors” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s accountants, attorneys and other confidential advisors and (ii) “Representatives” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates, Subsidiaries, directors, managers, officers, employees, members, investors, financing sources, insurers, professional advisors, representatives and agents who have a need to know the applicable information disclosed in connection with this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents; provided that such Persons shall not be deemed to be Representatives of a Person unless (and solely to the extent that) confidential information is furnished to such Person.

(d)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent not inconsistent with applicable securities laws, each party hereto (and each of its employees, representatives or other agents) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure (as defined in Section 1.6011-4 of the Treasury Regulations) of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to such Person relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.

SECTION 13.07.    GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE PARTIES HERETO, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, BUT WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY OTHER CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE PERFECTION, THE EFFECT OF PERFECTION OR PRIORITY OF THE INTERESTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER IN THE COLLATERAL IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF NEW YORK).

SECTION 13.08.    Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart hereof by facsimile or other electronic means shall be equally effective as delivery of an originally executed counterpart. The words “execution”, “executed”, “signed”, “signature”, and words of like import in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or electronic records, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

SECTION 13.09.    Integration; Binding Effect; Survival of Termination. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents contain the final and complete integration of all prior expressions by the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof superseding all prior oral or written understandings. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement shall create and constitute the continuing obligations of the parties hereto in accordance with its terms and shall remain in full force and effect until the Final Payout Date; provided, however, that the provisions of Sections 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 11.03, 11.12, 11.14, 12.01, 12.02, 13.04, 13.05, 13.06, 13.09, 13.11 and 13.13 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 13.10.    CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.

(a)    EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY NEW YORK STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, AND EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING. THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE 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.

(b)    EACH PARTY HERETO CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES OF SUCH PROCESS TO IT AT ITS ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 13.02. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION 13.10 SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY TO SERVE LEGAL PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW.

SECTION 13.11.    WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT.

SECTION 13.12.    Ratable Payments. If any Credit Party, whether by setoff or otherwise, has payment made to it with respect to any Borrower Obligations in a greater proportion than that received by any other Credit Party entitled to receive a ratable share of such Borrower Obligations, such Credit Party agrees, promptly upon demand, to purchase for cash without recourse or warranty a portion of such Borrower Obligations held by the other Credit Parties so that after such purchase each Credit Party will hold its ratable proportion of such Borrower Obligations; provided that if all or any portion of such excess amount is thereafter recovered from such Credit Party, such purchase shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, but without interest.

SECTION 13.13.    Limitation of Liability.

(a)    No claim may be made by the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof or any other Person against any Credit Party or their respective Affiliates, members, directors, officers,

 

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employees, incorporators, attorneys or agents for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages in respect of any claim for breach of contract or any other theory of liability arising out of or related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or any act, omission or event occurring in connection herewith or therewith; and each of the Borrower and the Servicer hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to sue upon any claim for any such damages, whether or not accrued and whether or not known or suspected to exist in its favor. None of the Credit Parties and their respective Affiliates shall have any liability to the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof or any other Person asserting claims on behalf of or in right of the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof in connection with or as a result of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, except to the extent that any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses incurred by the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof result from the breach of contract, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Credit Party in performing its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.

(b)    The obligations of the Administrative Agent and each of the other Credit Parties under this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents are solely the corporate obligations of such Person. No recourse shall be had for any obligation or claim arising out of or based upon this Agreement or any other Transaction Document against any member, director, officer, employee or incorporator of any such Person.

(c)    The obligations of the Borrower, the Servicer and any other Sylvamo Party under this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents are solely the corporate obligations of such Person. No recourse shall be had for any obligation or claim arising out of or based upon this Agreement or any other Transaction Document against any member, stockholder, director, manager, officer, employee or incorporator of any such Person or any of their respective successors or assigns.

SECTION 13.14.    Intent of the Parties. The Borrower has structured this Agreement with the intention that the Loans and the obligations of the Borrower hereunder will be treated under United States federal, and applicable state, local and foreign tax law as debt (the “Intended Tax Treatment”). The Borrower, the Servicer, the Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties agree to file no tax return, or take any action, inconsistent with the Intended Tax Treatment unless required by law. Each assignee and each Participant acquiring an interest in a Credit Extension, by its acceptance of such assignment or participation, agrees to comply with the immediately preceding sentence.

SECTION 13.15.    USA Patriot Act. Each of the Administrative Agent and each of the other Credit Parties hereby notifies the Borrower and the Servicer that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001) (the “PATRIOT Act”), the Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties may be required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, the Originators, the Servicer and the Performance Guarantor, which information includes the name, address, tax identification number and other information regarding the Borrower, the Originators, the Servicer and the Performance Guarantor that will allow the Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties to identify the Borrower, the Originators, the Servicer and the Performance Guarantor in accordance with the PATRIOT Act. This notice is given in accordance with the requirements of

 

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the PATRIOT Act. Each of the Borrower and the Servicer agrees to provide the Administrative Agent and each other Credit Parties, from time to time, with all documentation and other information required by bank regulatory authorities under “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the PATRIOT Act.

SECTION 13.16.    Right of Setoff. Each Credit Party is hereby authorized (in addition to any other rights it may have), at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, to setoff, appropriate and apply (without presentment, demand, protest or other notice which are hereby expressly waived) any deposits (other than payroll, trust and fiduciary accounts) and any other indebtedness held or owing by such Credit Party (including by any branches or agencies of such Credit Party) to, or for the account of, the Borrower or the Servicer against amounts owing by the Borrower or the Servicer hereunder (even if contingent or unmatured); provided that such Credit Party shall notify the Borrower or the Servicer, as applicable, promptly following such setoff.

SECTION 13.17.    Severability. Any provisions of this Agreement which are prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

SECTION 13.18.    Mutual Negotiations. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents are the product of mutual negotiations by the parties thereto and their counsel, and no party shall be deemed the draftsperson of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or any provision hereof or thereof or to have provided the same. Accordingly, in the event of any inconsistency or ambiguity of any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, such inconsistency or ambiguity shall not be interpreted against any party because of such party’s involvement in the drafting thereof.

SECTION 13.19.    Captions and Cross References. The various captions (including the table of contents) in this Agreement are provided solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Agreement to any Section, Schedule or Exhibit are to such Section Schedule or Exhibit to this Agreement, as the case may be, and references in any Section, subsection, or clause to any subsection, clause or subclause are to such subsection, clause or subclause of such Section, subsection or clause.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.

 

SYLVAMO RECEIVABLES, LLC,
as the Borrower
By:  

/s/ Phillip M Sisneros

Name:   Phillip M Sisneros
Title:   President
SYLVAMO NORTH AMERICA, LLC,
as the Servicer and as an Originator
By:  

/s/ Phillip M Sisneros

Name:   Phillip M Sisneros
Title:   Vice President and Treasurer

 

  S-1  

Receivables Financing Agreement (Sylvamo)

    


PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as the Administrative Agent

By:  

/s/ Eric Bruno

Name:   Eric Bruno
Title:   Senior Vice President

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/ Eric Bruno

Name:   Eric Bruno
Title:   Senior Vice President

 

 

 

S-2

 

Receivables Financing Agreement (Sylvamo)

 


ACCEPTED AND ACKNOWLEDGED

SOLELY WITH RESPECT TO

SECTION 11.10 HEREOF:

PNC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC,

as the Structuring Agent

By:  

/s/ Eric Bruno

Name:   Eric Bruno
Title:   Managing Director

 

 

 

S-3

 

Receivables Financing Agreement (Sylvamo)

 

EXHIBIT 10.3

PERFORMANCE GUARANTY

This PERFORMANCE GUARANTY (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Performance Guaranty”), dated as of September 30, 2022, is made by SYLVAMO CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Sylvamo”), as performance guarantor (the “Performance Guarantor”), in favor of PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“PNC”), as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) for the benefit of the Secured Parties (and their assigns) under the Receivables Financing Agreement (as defined below).

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS:

(1)    Each Person from to time to time party to the below described Purchase and Sale Agreement as an originator (herein collectively called the “Originators” and individually called an “Originator”), Sylvamo Receivables, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sylvamo Receivables”), as the buyer thereunder (the “Buyer”), and Sylvamo North America, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as servicer thereunder (the “Servicer”) have entered into that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Purchase and Sale Agreement”), pursuant to which the Originators have and will, from time to time, sell Receivables and related rights and security to the Buyer.

(2)    Sylvamo Receivables, as borrower (the “Borrower”), the persons from time to time party thereto as Lenders, the Administrative Agent, PNC Capital Markets LLC, as the Structuring Agent, and the Servicer have entered into that certain Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Receivables Financing Agreement”), pursuant to which the Borrower requests that the Lenders make Loans from time to time to the Borrower, on terms, and subject to the conditions set forth therein, secured by, among other things, the Receivables. Capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned thereto in the Receivables Financing Agreement.

(3)    The Performance Guarantor is the direct or indirect owner of 100% of the outstanding voting stock or membership interests of each Originator, the Servicer, each Sub-Servicer and the Borrower.

NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Performance Guarantor hereby agrees as follows:

SECTION 1. Unconditional Undertaking; Enforcement. The Performance Guarantor hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees and assures, for the benefit of Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, the due and punctual performance and observance by each Originator and Sub-Servicer (or any of their respective successors and assigns) of the terms, covenants, conditions, agreements, undertakings and obligations on the part of each such Originator or Sub-Servicer to be performed or observed by each such Originator or Sub-Servicer under each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, including, without limitation, any agreement or obligation of any such Originator or Sub-Servicer to pay any indemnity or any agreement or obligation of any such Originator or Sub-Servicer to make any


payment in respect of any applicable dilution adjustment or repurchase obligation under any such Transaction Document (all such terms, covenants, conditions, agreements, undertakings and obligations on the part of each Originator or Sub-Servicer to be paid, performed or observed being collectively called the “Guaranteed Obligations”), in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in the applicable Transaction Documents. For the avoidance of doubt and without limiting the foregoing, the Guaranteed Obligations shall not include the obligation of any Obligor to pay or perform its obligations under a Contract. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Performance Guarantor agrees that if any Originator or Sub-Servicer shall fail in any manner whatsoever to perform or observe any of the Guaranteed Obligations when the same shall be required to be performed or observed under any applicable Transaction Document (such Guaranteed Obligations, the “Performance Guarantor Obligations”), then the Performance Guarantor will itself duly and punctually perform or observe or cause to be performed or observed the Guaranteed Obligations. It shall not be a condition to the accrual of the obligation of the Performance Guarantor hereunder to perform or to observe any Guaranteed Obligation that the Administrative Agent, or any other Secured Party, shall have first made any request of or demand upon or given any notice to the Performance Guarantor, any applicable Originator or Sub-Servicer or any of their respective successors and assigns or have initiated any action or proceeding against the Performance Guarantor, any applicable Originator or Sub-Servicer or any of their respective successors and assigns in respect thereof. The Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties and their assigns) may proceed to enforce the obligations of the Performance Guarantor under this Performance Guaranty without first pursuing or exhausting any right or remedy which the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party may have against any applicable Originator or Sub-Servicer, any other Person, the Receivables or any other property. The Performance Guarantor agrees that its obligations under this Performance Guaranty shall be irrevocable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the performance of any Performance Guarantor Obligation by the Performance Guarantor is subject to the same rights, privileges and defenses regarding performance that have been granted to the applicable Originator or Sub-Servicer under the applicable Transaction Document. It is expressly acknowledged that this Performance Guaranty is a guarantee of performance only and is not a guarantee of the payment of any Pool Receivables and there shall be no recourse to the Performance Guarantor for any non-payment or delay in payment of any Pool Receivables solely by reason of bankruptcy, insolvency or lack of credit worthiness or other financial inability to pay of the related Obligor or the uncollectibility of any such Pool Receivables or for any Guaranteed Obligations the payment of which could otherwise constitute recourse to the Performance Guarantor or any other Sylvamo Party for uncollectible Pool Receivables.

SECTION 2. Validity of Obligations. The Performance Guarantor agrees that its obligations under this Performance Guaranty shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of (a) the validity, enforceability, avoidance, subordination, discharge, or disaffirmance by any Person (including a trustee in bankruptcy) of the Guaranteed Obligations, (b) the absence of any attempt by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to collect any Receivables, or to obtain performance or observance of the Guaranteed Obligations from any applicable Originator or Sub-Servicer or any other Person, (c) the waiver, consent, extension, forbearance or granting of any indulgence by the Administrative Agent with respect to any provision of any instrument evidencing the Guaranteed Obligations, (d) any change of the time, manner or place of performance of, or in any other term of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, including, without limitation, any amendment to or modification of any of the Transaction Documents, (e) any law,

 

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regulation or order of any jurisdiction affecting any term of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or rights of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party with respect thereto, (f) the failure by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to take any steps to perfect and maintain perfected its interest in any Receivable or other property or in any security or collateral related to the Guaranteed Obligations, (g) any failure to obtain any authorization or approval from or other action by or to notify or file with, any Governmental Authority or regulatory body required in connection with the performance of the obligations hereunder by the Performance Guarantor or (h) any impossibility or impracticability of performance, illegality, force majeure, any act of government, or other circumstances which might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of any Originator or Sub-Servicer or the Performance Guarantor, or any other circumstance, event or happening whatsoever whether foreseen or unforeseen and whether similar to or dissimilar to anything referred to above, which might constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor. The Performance Guarantor waives all counterclaims and all presentments, demands of performance, notices of nonperformance, protests, notices of protest, notices of dishonor and notices of acceptance of this Performance Guaranty. The Performance Guarantor’s obligations under this Performance Guaranty shall not be limited if the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party is precluded for any reason (including, without limitation, the application of the automatic stay under Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code) from enforcing or exercising any right or remedy with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations, and the Performance Guarantor shall perform or observe, upon demand, the Guaranteed Obligations that would otherwise have been due and performable or observable by any Originator or Sub-Servicer had such right and remedies been permitted to be exercised.

SECTION 3. Waiver. The Performance Guarantor hereby waives promptness, diligence, notice of acceptance, notice of default by any Originator or Sub-Servicer, notice of the incurrence of any Guaranteed Obligation and any other notice with respect to any of the Guaranteed Obligations and this Performance Guaranty, and any other document related thereto or to any of the Transaction Documents and any requirement that the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party exhaust any right or take any action against any Originator or Sub-Servicer, any other Person or any property. The Performance Guarantor warrants to the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) that it has adequate means to obtain from each Originator and Sub-Servicer on a continuing basis, all information concerning the financial condition of each Originator and Sub-Servicer, and that it is not relying on the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to provide such information either now or in the future.

SECTION 4. Subrogation. The Performance Guarantor hereby waives, until all of the Guaranteed Obligations have been performed and observed (including paid) in full and there exists no commitment which could give rise to any Guaranteed Obligations, all rights of subrogation (whether contractual or otherwise) to the claims, if any, of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party against the Originators and Sub-Servicers and all contractual, statutory or common law rights of reimbursement, contribution or indemnity from any Originator or Sub-Servicer which may otherwise have arisen in connection with this Performance Guaranty.

 

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SECTION 5. Representations and Warranties of the Performance Guarantor. The Performance Guarantor hereby represents and warrants to each Credit Party as of the Closing Date, on each Settlement Date and on each day on which a Credit Extension or Release shall have occurred as follows:

(a)    Organization and Good Standing. The Performance Guarantor is a duly organized and validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has full power and authority under its organizational documents and under the laws of the State of Delaware to own its properties and to conduct its business as such properties are currently owned and such business is presently conducted.

(b)    Due Qualification. The Performance Guarantor is duly qualified to do business as a corporation, is in good standing as a foreign entity and has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in all jurisdictions in which the conduct of its business requires such qualification, licenses or approvals, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c)    Power and Authority; Due Authorization. The Performance Guarantor (i) has all necessary power and authority to (A) execute and deliver this Performance Guaranty and (B) perform its obligations under this Performance Guaranty and (ii) has duly authorized by all necessary corporate action the execution, delivery and performance of, and the consummation of the transactions provided for in, this Performance Guaranty.

(d)    Binding Obligations. This Performance Guaranty constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations of the Performance Guarantor, enforceable against the Performance Guarantor in accordance with their respective terms, except (i) as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

(e)    No Conflict or Violation. The execution, delivery and performance of, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by, this Performance Guaranty , and the fulfillment of the terms hereof, will not (i) conflict with, result in any breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under its organizational documents or any indenture, sale agreement, credit agreement (including the Credit Agreement), loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement or instrument to which the Performance Guarantor is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound, (ii) result in the creation or imposition of any Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) upon any of its properties pursuant to the terms of any such indenture, credit agreement, loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement or instrument, other than this Performance Guaranty or (iii) conflict with or violate any Applicable Law, except to the extent that any such conflict, breach, default, Adverse Claim (other than a Permitted Lien) or violation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(f)    Litigation and Other Proceedings. (i) There is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the Performance Guarantor’s knowledge, threatened in writing, against the Performance Guarantor before any Governmental Authority and (ii) the Performance Guarantor is not subject to any order, judgment, decree, injunction, stipulation or consent order of or with any Governmental Authority that, in the case of either of the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), (A) asserts the invalidity of this Performance

 

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Guaranty, (B) seeks to prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Performance Guaranty, (C) seeks any determination or ruling that could materially and adversely affect the performance by the Performance Guarantor of its obligations under, or the validity or enforceability of, this Performance Guaranty or (D) individually or in the aggregate for all such actions, suits, proceedings and investigations could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(g)    Governmental Approvals. Except where the failure to obtain or make such authorization, consent, order, approval or action could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and except filings required under applicable securities laws, all authorizations, consents, orders and approvals of, or other actions by, any Governmental Authority that are required to be obtained by the Performance Guarantor in connection with the due execution, delivery and performance by the Performance Guarantor of this Performance Guaranty and the consummation by the Performance Guarantor of the transactions contemplated by this Performance Guaranty have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect.

(h)    Investment Company Act. The Performance Guarantor is not registered or required to be registered as, and is not controlled by, an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act.

(i)    No Material Adverse Effect. Since June 30, 2022, there has been no Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Performance Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

(j)    Sanctions and other Anti-Terrorism Laws. No: (a) Covered Entity, officers or directors acting on a Covered Entity’s behalf in connection with this Performance Guaranty and, to the applicable Covered Entity’s knowledge, employees, affiliates, consultants, brokers, or agents acting on a Covered Entity’s behalf in connection with this Performance Guaranty: (i) is a Sanctioned Person; (ii) directly or, to the applicable Covered Entity’s knowledge, indirectly through any third party, is engaged in any transactions or other dealings with or for the benefit of any Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Jurisdiction in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Laws, or any transactions or other dealings that otherwise are prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Laws; and (b) Collateral is Embargoed Property.

(k)    Anti-Corruption Laws. Each Covered Entity has (a) conducted its business in compliance in all material respects with all Anti-Corruption Laws and (b) has instituted and maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote compliance with such Laws.

(l)    Compliance with Applicable Law. The Performance Guarantor has complied with all Applicable Laws to which it may be subject, except where the failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(m)    Taxes. The Performance Guarantor has (i) timely filed all tax returns (federal, state and local) required to be filed by it and (ii) paid, or caused to be paid, all

 

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taxes, assessments and other governmental charges, if any, other than taxes, assessments and other governmental charges being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP, except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(n)    Opinions. The facts regarding the Borrower, the Servicer, each Originator, the Performance Guarantor, the Receivables, the Related Security and the related matters set forth or assumed in each of the true sale and non-consolidation opinions of counsel delivered in connection with this Performance Guaranty and the Transaction Documents are true and correct in all material respects as of the date when made.

(o)    Financial Condition. The consolidated balance sheets of the Performance Guarantor and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2022 and the related statements of income and shareholders’ equity of the Performance Guarantor and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter then ended, copies of which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (provided that such delivery requirement shall be satisfied by public filings including with the Securities and Exchange Commission as provided under the Receivables Financing Agreement), present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Performance Guarantor and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the period ended on such date, all in accordance with GAAP (except as stated therein, and subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes).

(p)    Subsidiary. Each of Originators, the Servicer and the Sub-Servicers are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Performance Guarantor.

(q)    Reaffirmation of Representations and Warranties. On the date of each Credit Extension, on the date of each Release, on each Settlement Date and on the date each Pool Report or other report is delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender, the Performance Guarantor shall be deemed to have certified that (i) all representations and warranties of the Performance Guarantor hereunder are true and correct in all material respects (unless such representations and warranties contain a materiality qualifier, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as made) on and as of such day as though made on and as of such day, except for representations and warranties which apply as to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects unless such representations and warranties contain a materiality qualifier, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as made) as of such date), (ii) no Event of Default or an Unmatured Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or will result from such Credit Extension and (iii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or will result from such or Release.

 

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SECTION 6. Covenants. At all times from the Closing Date until the Final Payout Date, the Performance Guarantor covenants and agrees that it will observe and perform all of the following covenants:

(a)    Existence. The Performance Guarantor (i) shall keep in full force and effect its existence and rights as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware and (ii) shall obtain and preserve its qualification to do business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is or shall be necessary for the conduct of its business or to protect the validity and enforceability of this Performance Guaranty and the other Transaction Documents, except, in the case of this clause (ii), where such failure could not reasonably be expect to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b)    Compliance with Applicable Law. The Performance Guarantor shall comply with all Applicable Laws to which it may be subject, except where the failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c)    Fundamental Changes. The Performance Guarantor shall not, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders, (i) permit itself to be a party to any merger, consolidation or other similar restructuring, except a merger, consolidation or other restructuring where the Performance Guarantor is the surviving entity or (ii) to the extent not described in clause (i) above, permit or cause any Originator, the Servicer or any Sub-Servicer to be a party to any merger, consolidation or other similar restructuring, except a merger, consolidation or other restructuring where such Originator, the Servicer or such Sub-Servicer, as applicable, is the surviving entity or (iii) permit or cause any Originator, the Servicer or any Sub-Servicer to directly or indirectly convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) (A) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to any Person or (B) any Pool Receivables or any interest therein (in each case of this subclause (iii), other than in accordance with the Transaction Documents).

(d)    Sanctions and other Anti-Terrorism Laws; Anti-Corruption Laws. The Performance Guarantor covenants and agrees that:

(i)    it shall promptly notify any Credit Party in writing upon the occurrence of a Reportable Compliance Event;

(ii)    if, at any time, any Collateral becomes Embargoed Property, then, in addition to all other rights and remedies available to any Credit Party, upon request by any Credit Party, it shall cause the Borrower to provide substitute Collateral acceptable to the Administrative Agent that is not Embargoed Property;

(iii)    it shall, and shall require each other Covered Entity to, conduct its business in compliance in all material respects with all Anti-Corruption Laws and maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote compliance with such Laws;

(iv)    it and its Subsidiaries will not: (A) become a Sanctioned Person or allow any officers or directors acting on its behalf in connection with this Performance Guaranty or, to its knowledge, any employees, affiliates, consultants, brokers, or agents acting on its behalf in connection with this Performance Guaranty to become a Sanctioned Person; (B) directly or, to its knowledge, indirectly through

 

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a third party, engage in any transactions or other dealings with or for the benefit of any Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Jurisdiction, including any use of the proceeds of the Loans to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Jurisdiction, in each case, in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (C) pay or repay any Borrower Obligations with Embargoed Property or funds derived from any unlawful activity; (D) permit any Collateral to become Embargoed Property; or (E) cause any Credit Party to violate in any material respect any Anti-Terrorism Law; and

(v)    it will not, and will not permit any its Subsidiaries to, directly or, to its knowledge, indirectly, use the Loans or any proceeds thereof for any purpose which would breach any Anti-Corruption Laws in any jurisdiction in which any Covered Entity conducts business.

(e)    Subsidiaries. The Performance Guarantor will continue to be the beneficial owner, whether directly or indirectly, of a sufficient number of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or membership interests of each Originator, the Servicer and Sub-Servicer to enable the Performance Guarantor, directly or indirectly, to elect a majority of the members of such Originator’s, the Servicer’s and Sub-Servicer’s respective board of directors or otherwise direct the management of such Originator, Servicer and Sub-Servicer.

(f)    Sale of Assets. The Performance Guarantor will not, and will procure that none of the Originators will, complete the sale, transfer, lease or other disposal of all or any substantial part of its or their respective assets except on an arm’s length basis and for a fair market value or, except as may be otherwise permitted under Section 6(c), to any of its or their respective Affiliates.

(g)    Substantive Consolidation. The Performance Guarantor shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates to, observe and comply in all material respects with each of the separateness covenants described in Section 6.2 of the Purchase Sale Agreement.

(h)    Financial Covenants. The Performance Guarantor shall comply with the Financial Covenant(s).

SECTION 7. No Waiver; Remedies. No failure on the part of the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

SECTION 8. Amendments, Etc. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Performance Guaranty or consent to any departure by the Performance Guarantor herefrom shall in any event be effective unless in a writing signed by the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders (and, in the case of any amendment, also signed by the Performance Guarantor), and then such amendment, waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

 

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SECTION 9. Notices, Etc. All notices and other communications hereunder shall, unless otherwise stated herein, be in writing (which shall include facsimile and email communication) and shall be faxed, emailed or delivered to each party hereto, at its address or facsimile number or email address set forth under its name on Schedule III to the Receivables Financing Agreement or at such other address or facsimile number or email address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other party hereto. Notices and communications by facsimile shall be effective when sent (and shall be followed by hard copy sent by regular mail) and by email shall be effective when sent confirmed by electronic or other means (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return electronic mail or other acknowledgement), and notices and communications sent by other means shall be effective when received.

SECTION 10. Execution in Counterparts. This Performance Guaranty may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart hereof by facsimile or other electronic means shall be equally effective as delivery of an originally executed counterpart. The words “execution”, “executed”, “signed”, “signature”, and words of like import in this Performance Guaranty and the other Transaction Documents shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or electronic records, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

SECTION 11. Integration; Binding Effect; Continuing Agreement. This Performance Guaranty and the other Transaction Documents contain the final and complete integration of all prior expressions by the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof superseding all prior oral or written understandings. This Performance Guaranty (a) is a continuing agreement and shall remain in full force and effect until the later of (i) the performance and observance in full of the Guaranteed Obligations including the payment in full thereof and all other amounts payable under this Performance Guaranty and (ii) one year and a day after the date following the Final Payout Date and (b) shall be (i) binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and (ii) enforceable by the Administrative Agent and each of the other Secured Parties and their respective successors, transferees and assigns. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause (b), upon any assignment by a Lender permitted pursuant to the Receivables Financing Agreement, the applicable assignee shall thereupon become vested with all the benefits in respect thereof granted to the Lenders herein or otherwise. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that each of the Lenders, the Borrower Indemnified Parties and the Affected Persons shall be a third-party beneficiary of this Performance Guaranty.

SECTION 12. Costs and Expenses. The Performance Guarantor shall, within ten (10) Business Days following demand thereof, pay to the Administrative Agent and any applicable Lender the amount of any and all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses, including Attorney Costs, which they may incur in connection with the exercise or enforcement of any of their respective rights or interests hereunder.

 

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SECTION 13. GOVERNING LAW. THIS PERFORMANCE GUARANTY, INCLUDING THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE PARTIES HERETO, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, BUT WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY OTHER CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF.

SECTION 14. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.

(a)    EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY NEW YORK STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS PERFORMANCE GUARANTY, AND EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING. THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE 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.

(b)    EACH PARTY HERETO CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES OF SUCH PROCESS TO IT AT ITS ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 9. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION 14 SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY TO SERVE LEGAL PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW.

SECTION 15. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH THIS PERFORMANCE GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT.

SECTION 16. Severability. Any provisions of this Performance Guaranty which are prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

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SECTION 17. Mutual Negotiations. This Performance Guaranty is the product of mutual negotiations by the parties thereto and their counsel, and no party shall be deemed the draftsperson of this Performance Guaranty or any provision hereof or thereof or to have provided the same. Accordingly, in the event of any inconsistency or ambiguity of any provision of this Performance Guaranty, such inconsistency or ambiguity shall not be interpreted against any party because of such party’s involvement in the drafting thereof.

SECTION 18. Captions and Cross References. The various captions (including the table of contents) in this Performance Guaranty are provided solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Performance Guaranty. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Performance Guaranty to any Section, Schedule or Exhibit are to such Section, Schedule or Exhibit to this Performance Guaranty, as the case may be, and references in any Section, subsection, or clause to any subsection, clause or subclause are to such subsection, clause or subclause of such Section, subsection or clause.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Performance Guarantor has caused this Performance Guaranty to be duly executed and delivered by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above written.

 

SYLVAMO CORPORATION, as Performance Guarantor
By:  

/s/ Phillip M Sisneros

Name:   Phillip M Sisneros
Title:   Vice President and Treasurer

 

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Performance Guaranty (Sylvamo)

    


Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Administrative Agent

By:  

/s/ Eric Bruno

Name:   Eric Bruno
Title:   Senior Vice President

 

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Performance Guaranty (Sylvamo)