UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

 

[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                    to                   

 

Commission File Number: 0-25790

 

 

 

PCM, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   95-4518700
(State or other jurisdiction of   (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification Number)

 

1940 East Mariposa Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(310) 354-5600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

(Former address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

 

 

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

 

Title of Each Class   Name of Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share   The NASDAQ Global Market

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [  ]

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer [  ]   Accelerated filer [X]
     
Non-accelerated filer [  ]   Smaller Reporting Company [  ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [  ] No [X]

 

As of June 30, 2015, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $93.3 million, based upon the closing sales price of the registrant’s Common Stock on such date, as reported on the Nasdaq Global Market. Shares of Common Stock held by each executive officer, director and each person owning more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock of the registrant have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates of the registrant. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

 

As of March 9, 2016, the registrant had 11,841,569 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

Documents Incorporated By Reference Into Part III:

 

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the Registrant to be filed in connection with its 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

 

 

 

     
 

 

PCM, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
PART I  
     
  ITEM 1 — Business 4
     
  ITEM 1A — Risk Factors 14
     
  ITEM 1B — Unresolved Staff Comments 29
     
  ITEM 2 — Properties 29
     
  ITEM 3 — Legal Proceedings 30
     
  ITEM 4 — Mine Safety Disclosures 30
     
PART II  
     
  ITEM 5 — Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 31
     
  ITEM 6 — Selected Financial Data 33
     
  ITEM 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 34
     
  ITEM 7A — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 50
     
  ITEM 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 51
     
  ITEM 9 — Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 82
     
  ITEM 9A — Controls and Procedures 82
     
  ITEM 9B — Other Information 82
     
PART III  
     
  ITEM 10 — Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 83
     
  ITEM 11 — Executive Compensation 84
     
  ITEM 12 — Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 84
     
  ITEM 13 — Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 84
     
  ITEM 14 — Principal Accounting Fees and Services 84
     
PART IV  
     
  ITEM 15 — Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 85
     
SIGNATURES 91

 

  1  
 

 

PART I

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Such statements include statements regarding our expectations, hopes or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to, statements regarding our strategy, competition, markets, vendors, expenses, new services and technologies, growth prospects, financing, revenue, margins, operations, litigation and compliance with applicable laws. In particular, the following types of statements are forward-looking:

 

  our ability to execute and benefit from our business strategies, including but not limited to, business strategies related to and strategic investments in our internal organization and focus on practice groups and sales of end-point solutions, advanced technologies, managed services and software solutions, leveraging our key vendor partner relationships, identifying and driving further operational efficiencies or successfully effecting our acquisition strategies including integrating our most recent acquisitions;
  our use of management information systems and their need for future support or upgrade;
  our expectations regarding the timing, costs and benefits of our ongoing or planned IT systems and communications infrastructure upgrades;
  our expectations regarding the business impact and accounting treatment of recent acquisitions, including any additional charges that may be taken in future periods;
  our expectations regarding key personnel and our ability to hire new and retain such individuals;
  our competitive advantages and growth opportunities;
  our ability to increase revenues and profitability;
  our expectation regarding general economic uncertainties and the related potential negative impact on our profit and profit margins, as well as our financial condition, liquidity and future cash flows;
  our expectations to continue our efforts to increase the productivity of our sales force and reduce costs;
  our plans to invest in and enhance programs and training to align us with our key vendor partners;
  our ability to generate vendor supported marketing;
  our expectations regarding our future capital needs and the availability of working capital, liquidity, cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit facility and other long-term debt;
  the expected results or profitability of any of our individual business units in future periods;
  the impact on accounts receivable from our efforts to focus on sales in our Commercial and Public Sector segments;
  our ability to penetrate the public sector market;
  our beliefs relating to the benefits to be received from our international operations, including in Canada, the Philippines and Pakistan, including the impact of taxes and labor costs in such operations;
  our belief regarding our exposure to currency exchange and interest rate risks;
  our ability to attract new customers and stimulate additional purchases from existing customers, including our expectations regarding future marketing and advertising levels and the effect on sales;
  our ability to leverage our market position and purchasing power and offer a wide selection of products at competitive prices;
  our expectations regarding the ability of our marketing programs or campaigns to stimulate additional purchases or to maximize product sales;
  our ability to limit risk related to price reductions;
  our belief regarding the effect of seasonal trends and general economic conditions on our business and results of operations across all of our segments;
  our expectations regarding competition and the industry trend toward consolidation;
  the anticipated impact of reductions in sales to certain large enterprise customers;
  our expectations regarding the impact of investments we are making in the area of sales headcount, software and advanced technology solutions;
  our expectations regarding the payment of dividends and our intention to retain any earnings to finance the growth and development of our business;
  our expectations with respect to changes in our unrecognized tax benefits;
  our compliance with laws and regulations;
  our beliefs regarding the applicability of tax statutes, regulations and governmental tax regulatory positions;
  our expectations regarding the impact of accounting pronouncements;
  our expectations regarding any future repurchases of our common stock, including the financing of any such repurchases;
  our belief that backlog is not useful for predicting our future sales;

 

  2  
 

 

  our belief that our existing distribution facilities are adequate for our current and foreseeable future needs; and
  the likelihood that new laws and regulations will be adopted with respect to the Internet, privacy and data security that may impose additional restrictions or burdens on our business.

 

Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include the risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report. All forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and, except as otherwise required by law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or other information contained herein to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date hereof.

 

***

 

  3  
 

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

Our Company

 

PCM, Inc. is a leading multi-vendor provider of technology products, services and solutions offered through our dedicated sales force, field and internal service teams, direct marketing channels and state of the art owned and operated data centers. Since our founding in 1987, we have served our customers by offering products and services from vendors such as Adobe, Apple, Cisco, Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HP Inc., Lenovo, Microsoft, Samsung, Symantec and VMware. We add additional value by incorporating products and services into comprehensive solutions. Our sales and marketing efforts allow our vendor partners to reach multiple customer segments including small, medium and enterprise businesses, state, local and federal governments and educational institutions.

 

Over the past several years, our company has grown in part through the acquisition and internal cultivation of many different brands. We historically differentiated our brands primarily based on the identity of the customers. After carefully examining the markets we serve and the trends taking shape in the marketplace, we believe our commercial customers will benefit from a more unified and streamlined brand strategy. Accordingly, we changed our legal corporate name from PC Mall, Inc. to PCM, Inc. effective December 31, 2012 and our NASDAQ ticker symbol from MALL to PCMI effective January 2, 2013. In addition, we combined our primary commercial subsidiaries PC Mall Sales, Inc., Sarcom, Inc. and PC Mall Services, Inc. into a single subsidiary effective December 31, 2012. The combined subsidiary now operates under the unified commercial brand PCM. Further, in connection with the rebranding, our PC Mall Gov, Inc. subsidiary changed its name to PCMG, Inc. and now operates under the PCM-G brand. We believe this unification provides an improved customer experience, operational synergies and benefits to all of our stakeholders, providing a brand that better represents the value-added solutions provider we are today.

 

In 2015, we completed several strategic acquisitions to increase the capabilities, scale and value we provide our customers and partners, as follows:

 

  April 2015: We acquired certain assets of En Pointe Technologies, one of the nation’s largest independent IT solutions providers, headquartered in Southern California. This acquisition has significantly enhanced our relationships with several key vendor partners, provided incremental advanced technical certifications and operational expertise in key practice areas, and has provided our consolidated business significantly increased scale, especially in the enterprise and public sector spaces.
     
  October 2015: We acquired Acrodex, Inc., an Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) based solution provider. Acrodex provides full end-to-end infrastructure solutions primarily to Canadian based commercial and governmental customers from initial plan and design, through procurement and installation, to full support and on-going management. Acrodex’s core business areas include software value-added reseller services, software asset management and hardware sales and services, including client device products, servers, storage, networks, printers and a full complement of accessories and devices. Services are a significant component to Acrodex’s product mix and include managed services, cloud-based services, consulting, IT management and other IT service areas. This acquisition enhances our ability to provide full solutions to customers across the United States and Canada.
     
  December 2015: We acquired certain Business to Business (B2B) assets of Systemax’s North American Technology Group (NATG), including the TigerDirect brand, the right to hire approximately 400 B2B sales representatives located across the United States and Canada, all rights to the NATG B2B customer list, certain B2B customer and vendor contracts, trademarks and other intellectual property rights and certain fixed assets and equipment. This acquisition brings tremendous scale and opportunity to PCM in the prized SMB space.

 

In connection with our 2015 acquisitions and our resulting entrance into selling products, services and solutions in the Canadian market, we formed a new operating segment called Canada. This segment includes our operations related to these Canadian market activities, beginning as of the respective dates of the Acrodex and Tiger Direct acquisitions. As a result, we operate under four reportable operating segments - Commercial, Public Sector, MacMall and Canada. Our segments are primarily aligned based upon their respective customer base. We sell primarily to customers in the United States and Canada, and maintain offices throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Manila, Philippines. In 2015, we generated approximately 76% of our revenue in our Commercial segment, 17% of our revenue in our Public Sector segment, 6% of our revenue in our MacMall segment and 1% of our revenue in our Canada segment. Additional information regarding our segments can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 and in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

 

  4  
 

 

Our Strategy

 

In order to create a more effective, organized and agile organizational structure, we created multiple internal practice groups organized to ensure we have the right go-to-market strategy to enhance and accelerate our growth and market relevance. As a result, our strategy includes seeking growth across these different practice areas as follows:

 

Increase Our Core Sales of End Point Technologies

 

Our End Point Technologies Group (ETG) is focused on the delivery of solutions in the following areas:

 

  Mobility
  Desktop
  Digital Signage
  POS
  Print
  Field & Lifecycle Services

 

The ETG team includes pre-sales, engineering, post sales delivery and vendor management teams, and is designed to drive sales of hardware and solutions in the core end point technologies that customers demand. By leveraging our inside and field sales teams across the United States and Canada, and our e-Commerce and logistics capabilities, we are able to effectively and efficiently tailor unique offerings to our diverse customer base. We are focused on driving growth through expanding our relationships with our existing customers as well as seeking new customers through targeted account acquisition efforts. We have expanded our local presence across the United States by adding sales representatives to our centralized sales teams in order to achieve enhanced market penetration.

 

We place significant strategic emphasis on increasing the productivity and tenure of our existing sales force by enhancing our training and tools, optimizing our technical pre-sales resources and other support functions, expanding our reach into higher value customer opportunities and realigning our commercial account executives and corporate and enterprise accounts under a more unified brand and go to market strategy. Through these efforts we intend to better equip our account executives to evaluate, understand and deliver profitable technology solutions that address our customers’ IT needs with a superior customer experience in a changing IT environment.

 

Increase Our Sales of Advanced Technologies

 

Our Advanced Technologies Group (ATG) is focused on the creation and delivery of advanced solutions in the following areas:

 

  Data Center
  Networking
  Security
  Professional & Consulting Services

 

Our commercial customers are increasingly consuming IT in different and evolving ways. As a result, they are utilizing more complex services and solutions, and it is a key part of our strategy to tailor our offerings to leverage these market dynamics. We believe we have significant opportunities for growth and increased profitability by continuing to invest in, and enhance, our advanced technology portfolio. Our ATG team includes pre-sales, engineering, post sales delivery and vendor management teams. Our professional and consulting services are used to design, deploy, implement and manage complex solutions surrounding our customers’ needs across their organizations. We create value by leveraging technology to solve our customers’ complex needs, with the ultimate intent to help them drive down operational costs. We intend to continue to invest in sales and technical competencies to drive solutions-centric sales to commercial customers. We have continued to add specializations with our top partners in an effort to better align us with their respective growth strategies.

 

To better support our customers and as a reflection of our focus on customer satisfaction, we have invested heavily in growing the number of certified engineers, technicians and project managers providing on-site support to our clients. These professionals, who collectively hold thousands of technical certifications, support a wide variety of technology services and solutions and, along with our strong industry relationships with our key vendor partners, are augmented by a nationwide network of service providers, which act as our subcontractors to increase our reach into all of our geographical markets and allow us to deliver the most appropriate solutions for our customers. Our IT services, whether they are delivered by us or through our partners, complement our offerings and allow us to develop complete solutions to meet our customers’ needs.

 

  5  
 

 

Increase Our Sales of Managed Technologies

 

Our Managed Technologies Group (MTG) is focused on the creation and delivery of managed services and cloud offerings in the following areas:

 

  Private, Public and Hybrid Cloud Solutions
  Remote Systems Monitoring and Management

 

We have invested heavily in our MTG in order to help customers with the assessment, migration, integration and managed services necessary to simplify the cloud adoption process. We offer cloud based solutions by utilizing our new hybrid cloud data center that we opened in mid-2014 near Columbus, Ohio, which complements our other data centers near Atlanta, Georgia as well as a network of partners in the United States and Canada. We maintain Network Operating Centers (NOCs) within each of our data centers to provide 24/7 monitoring and management of customers’ systems wherever they are located. We believe that the operation of our own data centers provides incremental value to our customers that is unmatched in our space.

 

Increase Our Sales of Software Solutions

 

One of our core strategies include growth in our software solution sales. We have made significant investments in this area to help our customers optimize their licensing infrastructure, better understand their needs, evaluate their existing assets and consult on implementation strategies. We offer our customers expertise in the following areas:

 

  Local Support Staff
  Licensing Expertise
  Cloud Solutions Specialists
  Microsoft Professional Services
  Microsoft Contract Support
  24 x 7 Cloud Help Desk
  Agreement Onboarding
  Agreement Lifecycle Services
  Strategic Funding Access
  Market Intelligence
  Cost Analysis & Licensing Assessments
  Cloud Envisioning Sessions
  Software Asset Management

 

With the acquisition of En Pointe in early 2015, we significantly expanded and enhanced our capabilities to service customers in this area, and we believe that understanding our customers’ core software needs will help drive conversations surrounding other hardware and solutions. We intend to leverage our existing resources, continue to train our sales account executives and provide a high level of support to our customers.

 

Leverage our Strong Partnerships with Key Vendors

 

We believe it is important to leverage our strong relationships with key OEM and publisher vendor partners such as Adobe, Apple, Cisco, Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HP Inc., Lenovo, Microsoft, Oracle, Symantec and VMWare and other key partners on a company-wide basis. We believe our long-standing relationships with our key vendor partners give us increased visibility and legitimacy in the minds of our customers and provide us key insights related to new and existing technology products, services and solutions, roadmaps for such offerings and other critical industry dynamics. These insights help to ensure that our sales and marketing organizations are knowledgeable and well positioned to profitably understand, market, sell and deliver these technologies to our customers, allowing us to meet our customers’ evolving and increasingly complex technology needs.

 

We also intend to continue to invest in and enhance our training programs, our compensation plans and our marketing activities related to each of our key vendor partners. These investments and enhancements are central to our strategic efforts intended to add additional value to these partners by maintaining and enhancing our ability to efficiently and effectively market, sell, deliver and incorporate their products and services into our comprehensive solutions with a high degree of customization.

 

  6  
 

 

Identify and Drive Further Operational Efficiencies

 

We utilize a centralized infrastructure for our back-office capabilities. In order to free our sales and marketing organizations to increase their focus on our existing and prospective customers, we maintain centralized IT, finance, human resources, and other support functions. We believe that leveraging a centralized model for these critical back-office functions drives a more efficient overall cost structure and allows us to more cost effectively introduce new tools to our sales and marketing organizations. As an additional part of our strategy to drive cost advantages and operational efficiencies, we also have located a significant number of personnel related to these functions in Asia and intend to continue with this strategy. As an additional key part of our strategy to identify and drive operational efficiencies, we are currently upgrading many of our disparate IT systems to SAP. We believe the implementation and upgrade should help us to gain further efficiencies across our organization.

 

Selectively Pursue and Integrate Strategic Acquisitions

 

One element of our business strategy involves the potential expansion through opportunistic acquisitions of businesses, assets, personnel or technologies that allow us to complement our existing operations and expand our market coverage or add new business capabilities. The technology solutions industry has undergone significant consolidation over the past 15-20 years and while we believe that the fragmented nature of the industry, and industry consolidation trends, may continue to present acquisition opportunities for us, these trends may also make acquisitions more competitive.

 

We continually evaluate and explore strategic opportunities as they arise, including business combination transactions, strategic partnerships and the purchase or sale of assets. We may choose to pursue acquisitions for several reasons. For instance, we may pursue acquisitions that will broaden our capabilities in IT services and solutions. We may also choose to pursue acquisitions that will enable us to further penetrate or enter geographies we deem attractive. We evaluate acquisition opportunities based on our assessment of several factors, including the perceived value of the opportunity, our available financing sources, potential synergies of the acquisition target with our business and the opportunity costs of any such investment. The implementation of our acquisition strategy depends on the availability of suitable acquisition candidates at reasonable prices and our ability to resolve challenges associated with integrating acquired businesses into our existing business.

 

Our ability to complete acquisitions in the future will depend on our ability to fund such acquisitions with our internally available cash, cash generated from operations, amounts available under our existing credit facilities, additional borrowings or from the issuance of additional securities. In 2015, we completed three strategic acquisitions and we expect to focus in 2016 on integrating these acquisitions in an effort to maximize their return on our investment.

 

Our Sales and Marketing Approach

 

Sales Activities. Our account executives handle a variety of customer needs, including, assessment and support for complex technology solutions, operations and procurement processes, ongoing customer service and other value-added services in our Commercial and Public Sector segments. They are responsible for assisting customers in purchasing decisions, answering product pricing and availability questions and processing product orders, but more importantly, for proactively reaching out to existing and prospective clients to assess opportunities to sell them value-added technology services and solutions. Our account executives profile accounts, identify and build relationships with key decision makers and influencers within their account base and are responsible for growing the depth of product and service categories we sell to our customers. Account executives have the authority to vary prices within specified parameters in order to be competitive. Our account executives also utilize a support team which is focused on non-selling administrative support activities, leaving our account executives incremental time to sell and prospect. We further support our account executives with systems used for order entry, customer tracking and relationship management, product availability and fulfillment schedules and which support their ability to sell across multiple product categories.

 

We believe that the success of our account executives is substantially dependent on the quality of our recruiting and training programs. Upon hiring, our account executives undergo an initial sales training program focusing on the use of our systems, product, service and solutions offerings, sales techniques and customer service. To ensure that they are able to effectively sell all products, services and solutions, account executives attend regular training sessions to stay up-to-date on new technology offerings. Account executives are also supported by pre-sales personnel who assist them with product specific questions and solutions support. We also require the account executives to acquire certain sales technical certifications for key technologies to ensure they are credible and competent in selling complex services and solutions.

 

We frequently enhance our tools that are used to support our sales activities. Generally, these tools enable our account executives and sales managers to utilize a number of metrics and analytics from which incremental opportunities can be identified within specific customer accounts or an account executive’s entire book of business. These capabilities provide a solid foundation from which our account executives can expand their customer account penetration and drive incremental revenue and profitability.

 

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We address the needs of our MacMall customers through inbound and outbound account executives who are trained to support the product needs and the order management requirements of its creative professional, small business and high-end consumer customers. The account executives are managed to efficiently handle inquiries, to process orders rapidly and to address customer service issues. The sales force has access to phone-based technical and customer service resources to ensure a 24/7 ability to handle customer needs. We believe that MacMall’s specialized capabilities make for a strong value proposition in acquiring and servicing these customers, particularly as Apple’s market share grows.

 

Marketing Activities. We design our marketing programs to attract new customers and to stimulate additional purchases by existing customers. Our marketing programs are tailored for the specific needs of our various customer segments and within the end point technology, advanced technology and managed technology practices. We utilize sophisticated analytic tools designed to manage marketing campaigns using different media channels and to optimize campaigns through advanced data mining techniques. The analytic tools combine optimization techniques with multiple models to more effectively match offers to individuals and businesses in an effort to provide the most profitable results.

 

Vendor Supported Marketing. We provide vendor supported custom marketing campaigns that may include outbound call campaigns, customer webinars and events, lead campaigns, email marketing, promotional offers, the sale of advertising space in our catalogs and on our websites and trade-in and trade-up programs. We also work collaboratively with our vendor partners and use vendor funding to help offset portions of the costs of marketing promotions, direct mail offers, customer trainings and events and e-marketing or sales incentives. These marketing activities are based on market opportunity and vendors’ strategies. We also develop marketing campaigns designed to maximize product sales and we receive additional funds from our vendors in the form of volume incentive rebates and other programs.

 

Online Marketing. eCommerce marketing programs and capabilities, such as affiliate marketing, search engine optimization, email and search engine marketing, are essential components of our customer acquisition and retention strategy. We operate several websites, including pcm.com, pcmg.com, macmall.com, tigerdirect.com, globalgoved.com and abreon.com. Our websites offer features such as online ordering, access to inventory availability and a large product selection with detailed product information. We also maintain and operate commercial, customized extranets to provide businesses and their employees with an online purchasing channel with custom catalogs, pricing, security, asset management and workflow configurable to our customers’ needs. These extranet sites are designed to enhance sales productivity by allowing customers to perform routine tasks online, freeing our associated account executive’s time for other tasks.

 

Other Direct Marketing. We selectively mail catalogs to existing and prospective customers, utilize online advertising methodologies and, to a limited extent, advertise in certain major magazines, radio and local television programs. We also send direct marketing mailers to selected target audiences to drive sales to new and existing customers. We create our marketing materials in-house with our own design team and production artists. We believe the in-house preparation of catalogs, advertisements, and promotional materials streamlines the production process, provides greater flexibility and creativity in catalog production and results in significant cost savings over outside production.

 

Products and Merchandising

 

We offer technology products, solutions and other consumer products. We screen and select new products and manufacturers based on the market opportunity and technology adoption trends within our targeted customer markets. We also consider product attributes like features, quality, sales trends, price, margins, market development funds and warranties. We offer our customers other value-added services, such as custom configured systems, software licensing asset management, image management, product asset tagging and asset disposal services.

 

Through frequent emails, website updates and catalog mailings, we believe we are able to quickly introduce new products and replace slower selling products. We also use various marketing materials, web training and local events to educate our customers on solutions and more complex technologies and to provide other content to describe technology applications and how they will benefit the customer. Through these materials and activities, we showcase the full breadth of the products and solutions we sell in an effort to provide our customers with a single source for all their technology needs.

 

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The following table sets forth our net billed sales by major categories as a percentage of total net billed sales for the periods presented, determined based upon our internal product code classifications.

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Software (1)     28.4 %     17.5 %     16.0 %
Notebooks & Tablets     18.1       20.7       23.2  
Desktops     7.6       10.3       9.8  
Networking     7.5       9.9       8.3  
Delivered services     7.4       8.6       8.9  
Manufacturer service and warranty (1)     6.6       6.1       5.3  
Displays     4.2       4.5       5.2  
Storage     3.9       5.0       5.4  
Servers     3.3       3.2       2.6  
Accessories     3.0       3.0       2.8  
Input devices     2.7       2.5       2.7  
Other (2)     7.3       8.7       9.8  
Total     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %

 

 

(1) Software, including software licenses, maintenance and enterprise agreements, and manufacturer service and warranties are shown, for purposes of this table, on a gross sales billed to customers basis, net of returns and do not reflect the net down impact related to revenue recognition for sales of such products.
(2) All other includes power, printers, supplies, consumer electronics, memory, iPod/MP3 and miscellaneous other items.

 

Purchasing and Inventory

 

Effective purchasing is a key element of our strategy to provide technology products and solutions at competitive prices. We believe that our high volume of sales results in increased purchasing power with our primary suppliers, resulting in volume discounts, favorable product return and price protection policies and certain other vendor consideration. Products manufactured by HP Inc. accounted for 11%, 18% and 21% of our net sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013. Products manufactured by Apple represented approximately 9%, 15% and 17% of our net sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013. Products manufactured by Microsoft represented approximately 14%, 10% and 7% of our net sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013. We are also linked electronically with 22 distributors and manufacturers, which allows our account executives to view applicable product availability online and drop-ship those products directly to customers. These arrangements allow us to reduce inventory carrying costs, achieve higher order fill rates and improve inventory turns.

 

Many of our vendor partners provide us with volume incentive rebates and market development funds to assist in the active marketing and sales of their products. Such funds help offset portions of the costs incurred to market their products. As is customary in our industry, we have no long-term supply contracts with any of our vendors. Substantially all of our contracts with our vendors are terminable upon 30 days’ notice or less.

 

We attempt to manage our inventory to optimize order fill rate and customer satisfaction, while limiting inventory risk. Inventory levels may vary from period to period, due in part to increases or decreases in sales levels, our practice of making large-volume purchases when we deem the terms of such purchases to be attractive and the addition of new manufacturers and products. We have negotiated agreements with many of our vendors that contain price protection provisions intended to reduce our risk of loss due to manufacturer price reductions. We currently have such rights with respect to certain products that we purchase from Apple, HP and certain other vendors; however, rights vary by product line, have conditions and limitations and generally can be terminated or changed at any time.

 

The market for information technology products, solutions and services is characterized by rapid technological change and growing diversity. We believe that our success depends in large part on our ability to identify and obtain the right to market products, solutions and services that meet the changing requirements of the marketplace and to obtain sufficient quantities to meet changing demands. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify and offer products, solutions and services necessary to remain competitive or avoid losses related to excess or obsolete inventory.

 

Backlog

 

Our backlog generally represents open, cancelable orders and may vary significantly from period to period. We do not believe that backlog is useful for predicting our future sales.

 

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Distribution

 

We have historically directly operated a full-service 212,000 square feet distribution center in Memphis, Tennessee, an 84,640 square feet warehouse facility in Columbus, Ohio, which includes a 20,000 square feet configuration center, and a 20,254 square feet warehouse facility in Irvine, California. The Memphis warehouse has been our primary distribution center, strategically located near the FedEx main hub in Memphis, while our Columbus and Irvine warehouses have primarily functioned as custom configuration and distribution centers for our commercial customers. With the evolution of our business, we have recently evaluated our Memphis operation and considered the alternative of more heavily relying on the effective and vast network of our electronically connected distributor and vendor partners. Based on this evaluation, we have made the decision going forward to leverage the logistics and configuration services of our distributor and vendor partners and our sophisticated configuration center in Columbus, Ohio in replacement of our historic warehousing and distribution operations of our directly operated Memphis facility. We expect this new approach to improve our operating efficiency while maintaining appropriate warehousing and distribution service levels to our customers. We believe that our warehousing and distribution facilities and relationships are adequate for our current and foreseeable future needs.

 

Our warehouse and distributor partners also provide us with electronic purchasing and drop shipping systems for products that we do not maintain in stock in our directly owned inventory. Twenty-two distributors and manufacturers are linked to us electronically to provide inventory availability and pricing information. We transmit orders electronically for immediate shipment via an electronic interchange to the selected distributor after considering inventory availability, service level, price and location. This capability has historically allowed us to ship a high percentage of orders on the same day that they are received and we expect to continue to leverage these capabilities.

 

Management Information and Communication Systems

 

We have committed significant resources to the development of sophisticated computer systems that are used to manage our business. Our computer systems support phone and web-based sales, marketing, purchasing, accounting, customer service, warehousing and distribution, and facilitate the preparation of daily operating control reports which are designed to provide concise and timely information regarding key aspects of our business. The systems allow us to, among other things, monitor sales trends, make informed purchasing decisions, and provide product availability and order status information. In addition to the main computer systems, we have systems of networked computers across all of our locations. We also use our management information systems to manage our inventory. We believe that in order to remain competitive, we will need to upgrade our management information systems on a regular basis, which could require significant capital expenditures.

 

Our success is dependent on the accuracy and proper utilization of our management information systems and our communications systems. In addition to the costs associated with system upgrades, the transition to and implementation of new or upgraded solutions can result in system delays or failures. We currently operate one of our management information systems using an HP3000 Enterprise System, which was supported by HP until December 2010. We currently contract with a third party service provider specializing in maintenance and support of this system to provide us adequate support until we finalize the upgrade of this system to SAP, which is more fully described in Part II, Item 7 of this report under “ERP Upgrades.” Any interruption, corruption, degradation or failure of our management information systems or communications systems could adversely impact our ability to receive and process customer orders on a timely basis.

 

Many of our systems are located in our data centers in El Segundo, California, Columbus, Ohio and Atlanta, Georgia. These data centers now provide geographic redundancy for certain critical systems.

 

Competition

 

The business of selling information technology products, solutions and services is highly competitive. We compete with a variety of companies that can be divided into several broad categories:

 

  other technology solution providers and direct marketers, including CDW, Insight Enterprises and PC Connection;
  large value added resellers such as CompuCom Systems, Pomeroy IT Solutions and World Wide Technology;
  government resellers such as CDWG and GovConnection;
  computer retail stores and resellers, including superstores such as Best Buy, Office Depot and Staples;
  hardware and software vendors such as Apple, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HP Inc. and Dell that sell or are increasing sales directly to end users;
  online resellers, such as Amazon.com and Newegg.com;
  software focused resellers such as Soft Choice and SHI; and

 

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  other direct marketers and value added resellers of information technology products, solutions and services.

 

Barriers to entry are relatively low in the direct marketing industry, and the risk of new competitors entering the market is high.

 

Competition in our market is based on various factors, including but not limited to, price, product selection, quality and availability, ease of doing business, customer service, and brand recognition.

 

The manner in which the products, solutions and services we sell are distributed and sold is continually changing, and new methods of sales and distribution have emerged. Information technology resellers are consolidating operations and acquiring or merging with other resellers to achieve economies of scale and increased efficiency. Our largest manufacturers have sold, and continue to sell, their products directly to customers. To the extent additional manufacturers adopt this selling format, it could adversely affect our sales and profitability. In addition, traditional retailers have entered and may increase their penetration into direct marketing and the commercial market. Industry reconfiguration and consolidation could cause the industry to become even more competitive, further increase pricing pressures and make it more difficult for us to maintain our operating margins or to increase or maintain the same level of net sales or gross profit.

 

Although many of our competitors have greater financial resources than we do, we believe that our ability to offer commercial, public sector and consumer customers a wide selection of products, solutions and services, at competitive prices, with prompt delivery and a high level of customer satisfaction, together with good relationships with our vendors and suppliers, allows us to compete effectively. We compete not only for customers, but also for favorable product allocations and cooperative advertising support from our vendor partners. Some of our competitors could enter into exclusive distribution arrangements with our vendors and deny us access to their products and solutions, devote greater resources to marketing and promotional campaigns and devote substantially more resources to their websites and systems development than we can. New technologies and the continued enhancement of existing technologies also may increase competitive pressures on us. An increase in competition could require us to adopt competitive pricing or advertising strategies that may have an adverse effect on our operating results. There can be no assurance that we can continue to compete effectively against existing or new competitors that may enter the market.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We rely on a combination of laws and contractual restrictions with our employees, customers, suppliers, affiliates and others to establish and protect our proprietary rights. Despite these precautions, it is possible that third parties may copy or otherwise obtain and use our intellectual property, including using our trademarks or domain names, without authorization. Although we regularly assert our intellectual property rights when we learn that they are being infringed, these claims can be time-consuming and may require litigation and administrative proceedings to be successful. We have numerous trademarks and service marks that we consider to be material to the successful operation of our business. We have registrations in the United States and in numerous foreign jurisdictions.

 

Third parties have asserted, and may in the future assert, that our business methods or the technologies we use infringe their intellectual property rights. We may be subject to intellectual property claims and legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business. If we are forced to defend against any third-party infringement claims, we could face expensive and time-consuming litigation and be required to pay monetary damages, which could include treble damages and attorneys’ fees for any infringement that is found to be willful, and either be enjoined or required to pay ongoing royalties with respect to any business methods or technologies that are found to be infringing. Further, as a result of infringement claims either against us or against those who license technology to us, we may be required, or deem it advisable, to develop non-infringing business methods or technology, which could be costly and time-consuming, or enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements.

 

Third parties have in the past, and may in the future, hire employees who have had access to our proprietary technologies, processes and operations. This exposes us to the risk that former employees will misappropriate our intellectual property.

 

Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Any litigation, regardless of outcome or merit, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management and technical resources, which could materially harm our business.

 

Segment Reporting Data

 

Operating segment and principal geographic area data for 2015, 2014 and 2013 are summarized in Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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In connection with our acquisitions of Acrodex and certain Canadian assets of Systemax’s North American Technology Group in October and December 2015, respectively, and our resulting commencement of selling products, services and solutions in the Canadian market, we formed a new Canada operating segment. This segment includes our operations related to these Canadian market activities, beginning as of the respective dates of these acquisitions. As a result, we operate under four reportable operating segments - Commercial, Public Sector, MacMall and Canada. Our segments are primarily aligned based upon their respective customer base. We include corporate related expenses such as legal, accounting, information technology, product management and other administrative costs that are not otherwise included in our reportable operating segments in Corporate & Other.

 

Employees

 

At December 31, 2015, we had 3,665 full-time and 74 part-time employees, consisting of 2,317 in the United States, 880 in Canada and 542 in the Philippines. We emphasize recruiting and training high-quality personnel and, to the extent practical, promote people to positions of increased responsibility from within the company. Many employees initially receive training appropriate for their position, followed by varying levels of training in computer technology, communication and leadership. New account executives participate in an intensive sales training program, during which time they are introduced to our business ethics and philosophy, available resources, products and services, as well as basic and advanced sales skills. Training for specific product lines and continuing education programs are conducted on a regular basis, supplemented by vendor-sponsored training programs for account executives and technical support personnel.

 

We consider our employee relations to be good. None of our employees is represented by a labor union, and we have experienced no work stoppages.

 

Regulatory and Legal Matters

 

Our businesses are subject to various regulatory and legal requirements, such as the Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule and other related regulations promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission and other laws and regulations applicable to commerce on the Internet and laws and regulations of the federal government related to our procurement of products and services and our sales to the government. These laws and regulations may cover taxation of eCommerce, user privacy, marketing and promotional practices (including electronic communications with our customers and potential customers), database protection, pricing, content, copyrights, distribution, electronic contracts and other communications, consumer protection, product safety, the provision of online payment services, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property rights, data security, unauthorized access (including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act), and the characteristics and quality of products and services.

 

While we believe we are currently in compliance with such laws and regulations and have sought to implement processes, programs and systems in an effort to achieve compliance with existing laws and regulations applicable to our businesses, many of these laws and regulations are unclear and have yet to be interpreted by courts, or may be subject to conflicting interpretations by courts. No assurances can be given that new laws or regulations will not be enacted or adopted, or that our processes, programs and systems will be sufficient to comply with present or future laws or regulations, which might adversely affect our operations. Moreover, changing technologies and the growth and evolution of Internet commerce has and may continue to prompt calls for more stringent consumer protection, privacy and data protection laws that, if enacted, could impose additional restrictions or burdens on us and other companies.

 

Based upon current law, some of our affiliated companies currently collect and remit sales and use tax only on sales of products or services to residents of the states in which they have a physical presence or have voluntarily registered. Various state taxing authorities have sought to impose on companies with no physical presence in the taxing state the burden of collecting state sales and use taxes on the sale of products or services shipped or sold to those states’ residents, and it is possible that such a requirement could be imposed in the future. In addition, a number of bills may be introduced or are pending before federal and state legislatures that would potentially expand our tax collection or reporting responsibility. Until these legislative efforts have run their course and the courts have considered and resolved some cases involving these tax collection and reporting issues, there can be no assurance that future laws or interpretations of existing laws imposing taxes or other regulations on direct marketing or Internet commerce would not substantially impair our growth or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

In addition, we and our subsidiaries may be subject to state or local taxes on income or (in states such as Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, Washington or the District of Columbia) on gross receipts or a similar measure earned in a state even though we and our subsidiaries may have no physical presence in the state. State and local governments may seek to impose such taxes in cases where they believe the taxpayer may have a significant economic presence by reason of significant sales to customers located in the states. The responsibility to pay income and gross receipts taxes has also been the subject of court actions and various legislative efforts. There can be no assurance that these taxes will not be imposed upon us and our subsidiaries.

 

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Available Information

 

Our corporate website address is www.pcm.com. We are subject to the informational requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and file or furnish reports, proxy statements, and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We make our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports, if any, available free of charge on our corporate website as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. We have also adopted a code of conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees which is available on our website. The information contained on our website is not part of this report or incorporated by reference herein.

 

***

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

This report and other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission contain forward looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about us, our future performance, our business, our beliefs and our management’s assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties facing our business which are set forth below. The risks described below are not the only ones facing us. Our business is also subject to risks that affect many other companies, such as employment relations, general economic conditions, geopolitical events and international operations. Further, additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial also may impair our business, operations, liquidity and stock price materially and adversely.

 

Our success is in part dependent on the accuracy and proper utilization of our management information and communications systems.

 

We have committed significant resources to the development of sophisticated systems that are used to manage our business. Our systems support phone and web-based sales, marketing, purchasing, accounting, customer service, warehousing and distribution, and facilitate the preparation of daily operating control reports which are designed to provide concise and timely information regarding key aspects of our business. The systems allow us to, among other things, monitor sales trends, make informed purchasing decisions, and provide product availability and order status information. In addition to the main computer systems, we have systems of networked computers across all of our locations. We also use our management information systems to manage our inventory. We believe that in order to remain competitive, we will need to upgrade our management information and communications systems on a regular basis, which could require significant capital expenditures.

 

Our success is dependent on the accuracy and proper utilization of our management information systems and our communications systems. In addition to the costs associated with system upgrades, the transition to and implementation of new or upgraded solutions can result in system delays or failures. We currently operate one of our management information systems using an HP3000 Enterprise System, which was supported by HP until December 2010. We currently contract with a third party service provider specializing in maintenance and support of this system to provide us adequate support until we finalize the upgrade of this system to the SAP platform historically utilized by our recently acquired En Point business. Any interruption, corruption, degradation or failure of our management information systems or communications systems could adversely impact our ability to receive and process customer orders on a timely basis.

 

In addition to our ERP and eCommerce systems upgrades that are currently being implemented, we also regularly upgrade our systems in an effort to better meet the information requirements of our users, and believe that to remain competitive, it will be necessary for us to upgrade these systems on a regular basis in the future. The implementation of any upgrades is complex, in part, because of the wide range of processes and the multiple systems that may need to be integrated across our business.

 

In connection with any system upgrades, we generally create a project plan to provide a reasonable allocation of resources to the project; however, execution of any such plan, or a divergence from it, may result in cost overruns, project delays or business interruptions. Furthermore, any divergence from any such project plan could affect the timing or the extent of benefits we may expect to achieve from the system or any process efficiencies. Any such project delays, business interruptions or loss of expected benefits could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Any disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the design, operation or implementation of our various systems, or in the performance of our systems, particularly any disruptions, delays or deficiencies that impact our operations, could adversely affect our ability to effectively run and manage our business, including our ability to receive, process, ship and bill for orders in a timely manner or our ability to properly manage our inventory or accurately present our inventory availability or pricing. We do not currently have a redundant or back-up telephone system, nor do we have complete redundancy for our management information systems. Any interruption, corruption, deficiency or delay in our management information systems, including those caused by natural disasters, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Changes and uncertainties in the economic climate could negatively affect the rate of information technology spending by our customers, which would likely have an impact on our business.

 

As a result of the ongoing economic uncertainties, the direction and relative strength of the U.S. economy remains a considerable risk to our business, operating results and financial condition. This economic uncertainty could also increase the risk of uncollectible accounts receivable from our customers. During the recent economic downturns in the U.S. and elsewhere, customers generally reduced, often substantially, their rate of information technology spending. Additionally, economic conditions and the level of consumer confidence has limited technology spending. Future changes and uncertainties in the economic climate in the U.S. and elsewhere could have a similar negative impact on the rate of information technology spending of our current and potential customers, which would likely have a negative impact on our business, operating results and financial condition, and could significantly hinder our growth and prevent us from achieving our financial performance goals.

 

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Our earnings and growth rate could be adversely affected by negative changes in economic or geopolitical conditions .

 

We are subject to risks arising from adverse changes in domestic and global economic conditions and unstable geopolitical conditions. If economic growth in the United States and other countries’ economies slows or declines, consumer and business spending rates could be significantly reduced. This could result in reductions in sales of our products, longer sales and payment cycles, slower adoption of new technologies and increased price competition, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Weak general economic conditions or uncertainties in geopolitical conditions could adversely impact our revenue, expenses and growth rate. In addition, our revenue, gross margins and earnings could deteriorate in the future as a result of unfavorable economic or geopolitical conditions.

 

Our revenue is dependent on sales of products from a small number of key manufacturers, and a decline in sales of products from these manufacturers could materially harm our business.

 

Our revenue is dependent on sales of products from a small number of key manufacturers and software publishers, including Apple, Cisco, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Microsoft. For example, products manufactured by HP represented approximately 11% and 18% of our net sales in the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, products manufactured by Apple represented approximately 9% and 15% of our net sales in the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and products manufactured by Microsoft represented approximately 14% and 10% of our net sales in the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. A decline in sales of any of our key manufacturers’ products, whether due to decreases in supply of or demand for their products, termination of any of our agreements with them, or otherwise, could have a material adverse impact on our sales and operating results.

 

Certain of our vendors provide us with incentives and other assistance that reduce our operating costs, and any decline in these incentives and other assistance could materially harm our operating results.

 

Certain of our vendors, including Apple, Cisco, Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HP Inc., Ingram Micro, Lenovo, Microsoft and Tech Data, provide us with trade credit or substantial incentives in the form of discounts, credits and cooperative advertising. We have agreements with many of our vendors under which they provide us, or they have otherwise consistently provided us, with market development funds to finance portions of our catalog publication and distribution costs based upon the amount of coverage we give to their respective products in our catalogs or other advertising mediums. Any termination or interruption of our relationships with one or more of these vendors, particularly Apple, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HP Inc. or Microsoft, or modification of the terms or discontinuance of our agreements and market development fund programs and arrangements with these vendors, could adversely affect our operating income and cash flow. For example, the amount of vendor consideration we receive from a particular vendor may be impacted by a number of events outside of our control, including acquisitions, divestitures, management changes or economic pressures affecting such vendor, any of which could materially affect the amount of vendor consideration we receive from such vendor.

 

We do not have long-term supply agreements or guaranteed price or delivery arrangements with our vendors.

 

In most cases we have no guaranteed price or delivery arrangements with our vendors. As a result, we have experienced and may in the future experience inventory shortages on certain products. Furthermore, our industry occasionally experiences significant product supply shortages and customer order backlogs due to the inability of certain manufacturers to supply certain products as needed. We cannot assure you that suppliers will maintain an adequate supply of products to fulfill our orders on a timely basis, or at all, or that we will be able to obtain particular products on favorable terms or at all. Additionally, we cannot assure you that product lines currently offered by suppliers will continue to be available to us. A decline in the supply or continued availability of the products of our vendors, or a significant increase in the price of those products, could reduce our sales and negatively affect our operating results.

 

Substantially all of our agreements with vendors are terminable within 30 days.

 

Substantially all of our agreements with vendors are terminable upon 30 days’ notice or less. For example, while we are an authorized dealer for Apple, HP and Microsoft products, they can terminate our dealer agreements upon 30 days’ notice. Vendors that currently sell their products through us could decide to sell, or increase their sales of, their products directly or through other resellers or channels. Any termination, interruption or adverse modification of our relationship with a key vendor or a significant number of other vendors would likely adversely affect our operating income, cash flow and future prospects.

 

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Our success is dependent in part upon the ability of our vendors to develop and market products that meet changes in marketplace demand, as well as our ability to sell popular products from new vendors.

 

The products we sell are generally subject to rapid technological change and related changes in marketplace demand. Our success is dependent in part upon the ability of our vendors to develop and market products that meet these changes in marketplace demand. Our success is also dependent on our ability to develop relationships with and sell products from new vendors that address these changes in marketplace demand. To the extent products that address changes in marketplace demand are not available to us, or are not available to us in sufficient quantities or on acceptable terms, we could encounter increased price and other competition, which would likely adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may not be able to maintain existing vendor relationships or preferred provider status with our vendors, which may affect our ability to offer a broad selection of products at competitive prices and negatively impact our results of operations.

 

We purchase products for resale both directly from manufacturers and indirectly through distributors and other sources, all of whom we consider our vendors. We also maintain certain qualifications and preferred provider status with several of our vendors, which provides us with preferred pricing, vendor training and support, preferred access to products, and other significant benefits. In many cases, vendors require us to meet certain minimum standards in order to retain these qualifications and preferred provider status. While these vendor relationships are an important element of our business, we do not have long-term agreements with any of these vendors. Any agreements with vendors governing our purchase of products are generally terminable by either party upon 30 days’ notice or less. If we do not maintain our existing relationships or preferred provider certifications or authorizations, or if we fail to build new relationships with vendors on acceptable terms, including favorable product pricing, vendor consideration or reseller qualifications, we may not be able to offer a broad selection of products or continue to offer products from these vendors at competitive prices or at all. From time to time, vendors may be acquired by other companies, terminate our right to sell some or all of their products, modify or terminate our preferred provider or qualification status, change the applicable terms and conditions of sale or reduce or discontinue the incentives or vendor consideration that they offer us. For example, one of our major vendors adopted heightened sales growth and dedicated sales personnel standards for its preferred provider designation. Our failure to meet these heightened standards could cause us to lose preferred provider status with the vendor. Any termination of our preferred provider status with any of our major vendors, or our failure to build new vendor relationships, could have a negative impact on our operating results. Additionally, some products are subject to manufacturer or distributor allocation, which limits the number of units of those products that are available to us and may adversely affect our operating results.

 

Part of our business strategy includes the opportunistic acquisition of other companies, and we may have difficulties integrating acquired companies into our operations in a cost-effective manner, if at all .

 

One element of our business strategy involves the potential expansion through opportunistic acquisitions of businesses, assets, personnel or technologies that allow us to complement our existing operations, expand our market coverage, enter new geographic markets, or add new business capabilities. We continually evaluate and explore strategic opportunities as they arise, including business combination transactions, strategic partnerships, and the purchase or sale of assets. Our acquisition strategy depends on the availability of suitable acquisition candidates at reasonable prices and our ability to resolve challenges associated with integrating acquired businesses into our existing business. In 2015, we completed three strategic acquisitions and are focused on integrating these acquisitions into our operations. No assurance can be given that the benefits or synergies we may expect from the acquisition of companies or businesses will be realized to the extent or in the time frame we anticipate. We may lose key employees, customers, distributors, vendors and other business partners of the companies we acquire following and continuing after announcement of acquisition plans. In addition, acquisitions may involve a number of risks and difficulties, including expansion into new geographic markets and business areas in which our management has limited prior experience, the diversion of management’s attention to the operations and personnel of the acquired company, the integration of the acquired company’s personnel, operations and management information (ERP) systems, changing relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners, differing regulatory requirements in new geographic markets and new business areas, and potential short-term adverse effects on our operating results. These challenges can be magnified as the size of the acquisition increases. Any delays or unexpected costs incurred in connection with the integration of acquired companies or otherwise related to the acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Acquisitions may require large one-time charges and can result in increased debt or other contingent liabilities, adverse tax consequences, deferred compensation charges, the recording and later amortization of amounts related to deferred compensation and certain purchased intangible assets, and the refinement or revision of fair value acquisition estimates following the completion of acquisitions, any of which items could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may record goodwill in connection with an acquisition and incur goodwill impairment charges in the future. Any of these charges could cause the price of our common stock to decline.

 

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An acquisition could absorb substantial cash resources, require us to incur or assume debt obligations, or involve our issuance of additional equity securities. If we issue equity securities in connection with an acquisition, we may dilute our common stock with securities that have an equal or a senior interest in our company. If we incur additional debt to pay for an acquisition, it may significantly reduce amounts that would otherwise be available under our credit facility, increase our interest expense, leverage and debt service requirements and could negatively impact our ability to comply with applicable financial covenants in our credit facility or limit our ability to obtain credit from our vendors. Acquired entities also may be highly leveraged or dilutive to our earnings per share, or may have unknown liabilities. In addition, the combined entity may have lower revenues or higher expenses and therefore may not achieve the anticipated results. Any of these factors relating to acquisitions could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify suitable acquisition opportunities, consummate any pending or future acquisitions or that we will realize any anticipated benefits from any such acquisitions. Even if we do find suitable acquisition opportunities, we may not be able to consummate the acquisitions on commercially acceptable terms, and any decline in the price of our common stock may make it significantly more difficult and expensive to initiate or consummate additional acquisitions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to implement or sustain our acquisition strategy or that our strategy will ultimately prove profitable.

 

Narrow gross margins magnify the impact of variations in operating costs and of adverse or unforeseen events on operating results.

 

We are subject to intense price competition with respect to the products, services and solutions we sell. As a result, our gross margins have historically been narrow, and we expect them to continue to be narrow. We have recently experienced increasing price competition, which has a negative impact on our gross margins. Narrow gross margins magnify the impact of variations in operating costs and of adverse or unforeseen events on operating results. Future increases in costs such as the cost of merchandise, wage levels, shipping rates, freight costs and fuel costs may negatively impact our margins and profitability. We are not always able to raise the sales price to offset cost increases. If we are unable to maintain our gross margins in the future, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, because price is an important competitive factor in our industry, we cannot assure you that we will not be subject to increased price competition in the future. If we become subject to increased price competition in the future, we cannot assure you that we will not lose market share, that we will not be forced to reduce our prices and further reduce our gross margins, or that we will be able to compete effectively.

 

We experience variability in our net sales and net income on a quarterly basis as a result of many factors.

 

We experience variability in our net sales and net income on a quarterly basis as a result of many factors. These factors include:

 

  the relative mix of products, services and solutions sold during the period;
  the general economic environment and competitive conditions, such as pricing;
  the timing of procurement cycles by our business, government and educational institution customers;
  seasonality in consumer spending;
  variability in vendor programs;
  the introduction of new products, services or solutions by us or our competitors;
  changes in prices from our suppliers;
  promotions;
  the loss or consolidation of significant suppliers or customers;
  our ability to control costs;
  the timing of our capital expenditures;
  the condition of our industry in general;
  seasonal shifts in demand for products, services or solutions we offer;
  consumer acceptance of new purchasing models;
  industry announcements and market acceptance of new offerings or upgrades;
  deferral of customer orders in anticipation of new offerings;
  product or solution enhancements or operating system changes;
  any inability on our part to obtain adequate quantities of products, services or solutions;
  delays in the release by suppliers of new products or solutions and inventory adjustments;
  our expenditures on new business ventures and acquisitions;
  performance of acquired businesses;
  adverse weather conditions that affect supply or customer response;

 

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  distribution or shipping to our customers; and
  geopolitical events.

 

Our planned operating expenditures each quarter are based on sales forecasts for the quarter. If our sales do not meet expectations in any given quarter, our operating results for the quarter may be materially adversely affected. Our narrow gross margins may magnify the impact of these factors on our operating results. We believe that period-to-period comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily a good indication of our future performance. In addition, our results in any quarterly period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full fiscal year. In future quarters, our operating results may be below the expectations of public market analysts or investors and as a result the market price of our common stock could be materially adversely affected.

 

Our focus on commercial and public sector sales presents numerous risks and challenges, and may not improve our profitability or result in expanded market share.

 

An important element of our business is focused on commercial and public sector sales and related market share growth. In competing in these markets, we face numerous risks and challenges, including competition from a wider range of sources and the need to continually develop and enhance strategic relationships. We cannot assure you that our focus on commercial and public sector sales will result in expanded market share or increased profitability. Furthermore, revenue from our public sector business is derived from sales to federal, state and local governmental departments and agencies, as well as to educational institutions, through various contracts and open market sales. Government contracting is a highly regulated area, and noncompliance with government procurement regulations or contract provisions could result in civil, criminal, and administrative liability, including substantial monetary fines or damages, termination of government contracts, and suspension, debarment or ineligibility from doing business with the government. The effect of any of these possible actions by any governmental department or agency with which we contract could adversely affect our business or results of operations. Moreover, contracting with governmental departments and agencies involves additional risks, such as longer payment terms, limited recourse against the government agency in the event of a business dispute, requirements that we provide representations, warranties and indemnities related to the products, services and solutions we sell, the potential lack of a limitation of our liability for damages from our product sales or our provision of services to the department or agency, and the potential for changes in statutory or regulatory provisions that negatively affect the profitability of such contracts. Similarly, many large commercial businesses also require us to regularly enter into complex contractual relationships involving various risks and uncertainties such as requirements that we provide representations, warranties and indemnities to our customers and potential lack of limitation of our liability for damages under some of such contracts.

 

Our strategy and investments in increasing the productivity of our account executives, and our focus on sales and delivery of technology services and solutions may not improve our profitability or result in expanded market share.

 

We have made and are currently making efforts to increase our market share by investing in training and retention of our outbound phone-based sales force. We have also incurred, and expect to continue to incur, significant expenses resulting from infrastructure investments related to our outbound phone-based sales force. Our customers are increasingly consuming IT in different and evolving ways and utilizing more elaborate services and solutions. In response, we are investing in our services and solutions capabilities and portfolio and are working with our customers to identify areas where they can gain efficiencies by outsourcing to us traditional IT functions. Specifically, we are focused on and investing in solutions around the data center (which includes storage and security solutions), cloud computing, collaboration, virtualization, secure mobility, borderless networks and enterprise software solutions. We cannot assure you that any of our investments in our outbound phone-based sales force or our focus on our services and solutions capabilities and portfolio will result in expanded market share or increased profitability in the near or long term.

 

Our financial performance could be adversely affected if we are not able to retain and increase the experience of our sales force or if we are not able to maintain or increase their productivity.

 

Our sales and operating results may be adversely affected if we are unable to increase the average tenure of our account executives or if the sales volumes and profitability achieved by our account executives do not increase with their increased experience.

 

Existing or future government and tax laws and regulations and related risks could expose us to liabilities or costly changes in our business operations, and could reduce demand for our products and services.

 

Based upon current interpretations of existing law, some of our affiliated companies currently collect and remit sales or use tax only on sales of products or services to residents of the states in which they have a physical presence or have voluntarily registered for sales tax collection. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states, absent Congressional legislation, may not impose tax collection obligations on companies with certain limited contacts with the taxing state such as delivery of purchased goods only by mail or interstate common carriers. However, we cannot predict the level of contact with any state which would give rise to future or past tax collection obligations. Additionally, it is possible that federal legislation could be enacted that would permit states to impose sales or use tax collection obligations on out-of-state companies. Furthermore, court cases have upheld tax collection obligations on companies, including companies whose contacts with the taxing state were quite limited. States have also successfully imposed sales and use tax collection responsibility upon in-state manufacturers that agree to act as a drop shipper for the out-of-state seller, giving rise to the risk that such taxes may be imposed indirectly on the out-of-state seller. We believe our operations in states in which we have had no physical presence are different from the operations of the companies in those cases and are thus not subject to the tax collection obligations imposed by those decisions. Various state laws, regulations and taxing authorities have sought to impose on companies with no physical presence in the taxing state the burden of collecting or reporting information related to state sales and use taxes on the sale of products shipped or services sold to those states’ residents, and it is possible that such a requirement could be imposed in the future. There can be no assurance that existing or future laws that impose taxes, tax collection obligations or other regulations on out-of-state companies would not substantially impair our growth or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results or operations and financial condition.

 

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In addition, we and our subsidiaries may be subject to state or local taxes on income or on gross receipts or a similar measure earned in a state even though we and our subsidiaries may have no physical presence in the state. State and local governments may seek to impose such taxes in cases where they believe the taxpayer may have a significant economic presence by reason of significant sales to customers located in the states. The responsibility to pay income and gross receipts taxes has also been the subject of court actions and various legislative efforts. There can be no assurance that these taxes will not be imposed upon us and our subsidiaries.

 

We also are subject to general business laws and regulations, as well as laws and regulations specifically governing companies that do business over the Internet. These laws and regulations may cover taxation of eCommerce, user privacy, marketing and promotional practices (including electronic communications with our customers and potential customers), database protection, pricing, content, copyrights, distribution, electronic contracts and other communications, consumer protection, product safety, the provision of online payment services, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property rights, data security, unauthorized access (including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act), and the characteristics and quality of products and services. Additionally, some of our subsidiaries which are government contractors or subcontractors are subject to laws and regulations related to companies that sell to the government, including but not limited to regulations of the Department of Labor and laws and regulations related to our procurement of products and services and our sales to the government.

 

While we have sought to implement processes, programs and systems in an effort to achieve compliance with existing laws and regulations applicable to our business, many of these laws and regulations are unclear and have yet to be interpreted by courts, or may be subject to conflicting interpretations by courts. Further, no assurances can be given that new laws or regulations will not be enacted or adopted, or that our processes, programs and systems will be sufficient to comply with present or future laws or regulations, which might adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Such existing and future laws and regulations may also impede our business. Additionally, it is not always clear how existing laws and regulations governing issues such as property ownership, sales and other taxes, libel, trespass, data mining and collection, data security and personal privacy, among other laws, apply to our businesses. Unfavorable resolution of these issues may expose us to liability and costly changes in our business operations, and could reduce customer demand for our products, services and solutions.

 

Additionally, although historically only a small percentage of our total sales in any given quarter or year are made to customers outside of the continental United States, there is a possibility that a foreign jurisdiction may take the position that our business is subject to its laws and regulations, which could impose restrictions or burdens on us and expose us to tax and other potential liabilities and could also require costly changes to our business operations with respect to those jurisdictions. In some cases, our sales related to foreign jurisdictions could also be subject to export control laws and foreign corrupt practice laws and there is a risk that we could face allegations from U.S. or foreign governmental authorities alleging our failure to comply with the requirements of such laws subjecting us to costly litigation and potential significant governmental penalties or fines.

 

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

 

The purchase price allocation for our historical acquisitions resulted in a material amount allocated to goodwill and intangible assets. In accordance with GAAP, we review our intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. We review the fair values of our goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and test them for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill or intangible assets may not be recoverable include a decline in stock price and market capitalization, reduced future cash flow estimates, and slower growth rates in our industry. We may be required to record a significant non-cash charge to earnings in our consolidated financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill or intangible assets is determined, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

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If significant negative industry or economic trends, including decreases in our market capitalization, slower growth rates or lack of growth in our business occurs in the future it may indicate that impairment charges are required. If we are required to record any impairment charges, this could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. In addition, the testing of goodwill for impairment requires us to make significant estimates about the future performance and cash flows of our company, as well as other assumptions. These estimates can be affected by numerous factors, including changes in economic, industry or market conditions, changes in underlying business operations, future reporting unit operating performance, existing or new product market acceptance, changes in competition, or changes in technologies. Any changes in key assumptions, or actual performance compared with those assumptions, about our business and future prospects or other assumptions could affect the fair value of one or more reporting units, resulting in an impairment charge.

 

We may not be able to maintain profitability on a quarterly or annual basis.

 

Our ability to maintain profitability on a quarterly or annual basis given our planned business strategy depends upon a number of factors, including but not limited to our ability to achieve and maintain vendor relationships, procure merchandise and fulfill orders in an efficient manner, leverage our fixed cost structure, maintain adequate levels of vendor consideration and price protection, maintain a well-balanced product and customer mix, maintain customer acquisition costs and shipping costs at acceptable levels, and our ability to effectively compete in the marketplace with our competitors. Our ability to maintain profitability on a quarterly or annual basis will also depend on our ability to manage and control operating expenses and to generate and sustain adequate levels of revenue. Many of our expenses are fixed in the short term, and we may not be able to quickly reduce spending if our revenue is lower than what we project. In addition, we may find that our business plan costs more to execute than what we currently anticipate. Some of the factors that affect our ability to maintain profitability on a quarterly or annual basis are beyond our control, including general economic trends and uncertainties.

 

The effect of accounting rules for stock-based compensation may materially adversely affect our consolidated operating results, our stock price and our ability to hire, retain and motivate employees.

 

We use employee stock options and other stock-based compensation to hire, retain and motivate certain of our employees. Current accounting rules require us to measure compensation costs for all stock-based compensation (including stock options) at fair value as of the date of grant and to recognize these costs as expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. The recognition of non-cash stock-based compensation expenses in our consolidated statements of operations has had and will likely continue to have a negative effect on our consolidated operating results, including our net income and earnings per share, which could negatively impact our stock price. Additionally, if we reduce or alter our use of stock-based compensation to reduce these expenses and their impact, our ability to hire, motivate and retain certain employees could be adversely affected and we may need to increase the cash compensation we pay to these employees.

 

Our operating results are difficult to predict and may adversely affect our stock price.

 

Our operating results have fluctuated in the past and are likely to vary significantly in the future based upon a number of factors, many of which we cannot control. We operate in a highly dynamic industry and future results could be subject to significant fluctuations. These fluctuations could cause us to fail to meet or exceed financial expectations of investors or analysts, which could cause our stock price to decline rapidly and significantly. Revenue and expenses in future periods may be greater or less than revenue and expenses in the immediately preceding period or in the comparable period of the prior year. Therefore, period-to-period comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily a good indication of our future performance. Some of the factors that could cause our operating results to fluctuate include:

 

  changes in the mix of products, services or solutions that we sell;
  the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures relating to any expansion of our business operations and infrastructure;
  price competition that results in lower sales volumes, lower profit margins, or net losses;
  the availability of vendor programs, authorizations or certifications;
  our ability to attract and retain key personnel and the related costs,
  fluctuations in the demand for our products, services or solutions or overstocking or under-stocking of our products;
  economic conditions;
  changes in the amounts of information technology spending by our customers;
  the amount and timing of advertising and marketing costs;
  fluctuations in levels of inventory theft, damage or obsolescence that we incur;
  our ability to successfully integrate operations and technologies from any past or future acquisitions or other business combinations;

 

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  revisions or refinements of fair value estimates relating to acquisitions or other business combinations;
  changes in the number of visitors to our websites or our inability to convert those visitors into customers;
  technical difficulties, including system or Internet failures;
  introduction of new or enhanced products, services or solutions by us or our competitors;
  fluctuations in our shipping costs; and
  foreign currency exchange rates.

 

If we fail to accurately predict and manage our inventory risks, our gross margins may decline as a result of required inventory write downs due to lower prices obtained from older or obsolete products.

 

We derive a significant amount of our gross sales from products sold out of owned inventory at our directly operated and distributor partner warehouse and distribution facilities. We assume the inventory damage, theft and obsolescence risks, as well as price erosion risks for products that are sold out of such inventory. These risks are especially significant because many of the products we sell are characterized by rapid technological change, obsolescence and price erosion, and because at times we may stock large quantities of particular types of inventory. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify and offer products necessary to remain competitive, maintain our gross margins, or avoid or minimize losses related to excess and obsolete inventory. We currently have limited return rights with respect to products we purchase from some of our largest vendor partners, but these rights vary by product line, are subject to specified conditions and limitations and can be terminated or changed at any time. We also recently have decided to move more of our inventory warehousing and distribution functions to third party distributor partners in replacement of our historic directly operated facility in Memphis Tennessee. Moving these operations to third party facilities will result in greater dependence on these third parties for portions of our warehousing and distribution needs. As a result, we will now be subject to third party contractual relationships for these replaced operations, which could result in future cost increases and other contractual risk allocations which we have not historically faced and may not be able control.

 

We may need additional financing and may not be able to raise additional financing on favorable terms or at all, which could increase our costs, limit our ability to grow and dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders.

 

We require substantial working capital to fund our business. We believe that our current working capital, including our existing cash balance, together with our expected future cash flows from operations and available borrowing capacity under our existing credit facility, which functions as a working capital line of credit, will be adequate to support our current operating plans for at least the next twelve months. However, if we need additional financing, such as for acquisitions or expansion of our business or the businesses of our subsidiaries or to finance our operations during a significant downturn in sales or an increase in operating expenses, there are no assurances that adequate financing will be available on acceptable terms, if at all. We may in the future seek additional financing from public or private debt or equity financings to fund additional expansion, or take advantage of strategic opportunities or favorable market conditions. There can be no assurance such financings will be available on terms favorable to us or at all. To the extent any such financings involve the issuance of equity securities, existing stockholders could suffer dilution. If we raise additional financing through the issuance of equity, equity-related or debt securities, those securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of the rights of our common stock and our stockholders will experience dilution of their ownership interests. If additional financing is required but not available, we would have to implement further measures to conserve cash and reduce costs. However, there is no assurance that such measures would be successful. Our failure to raise required additional financing could adversely affect our ability to maintain, develop or enhance our product offerings, take advantage of future strategic opportunities, respond to competitive pressures or continue operations.

 

Economic volatility and geopolitical uncertainty could result in disruptions of the capital and credit markets. Problems in these areas could have a negative impact on our ability to obtain future financing if we need additional funds, such as for acquisitions or expansion, to fund changes in our sales or an increase in our operating expenses, or to take advantage of strategic opportunities or favorable market conditions. We may seek additional financing from public or private debt or equity issuances; however, there can be no assurance that such financing will be available at acceptable terms, if at all. Also, there can be no assurance that the cost or availability of future borrowings, if any, under our credit facility or in the debt markets will not be impacted by disruptions in the capital and credit markets.

 

Rising interest rates could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.

 

A significant portion of our working capital requirements and our real estate acquisitions have historically been funded through borrowings under our working capital credit facility or through long term notes. These facilities bear interest at variable rates tied to the LIBOR or prime rate, and the long term notes generally have initial terms of between five and seven years. If the variable interest rates on our borrowings increase, we could incur greater interest expense than we have in the past. Rising interest rates, and our increased interest expense that would result from them, could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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We may be subject to claims regarding our intellectual property, including our business processes, or the products, services or solutions we sell, any of which could result in expensive litigation, distract our management or force us to enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements.

 

Third parties have asserted, and may in the future assert, that our business or the technologies we use or sell infringe on their intellectual property rights. As a result, we may be subject to intellectual property legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of our business. We cannot predict whether third parties will assert additional claims of infringement against us in the future or whether any future claims will prevent us from offering popular products or operating our business as planned. If we are forced to defend against any third-party infringement claims, whether they are with or without merit or are determined in our favor, we could face expensive and time-consuming litigation, which could result in the imposition of a preliminary injunction preventing us from continuing to operate our business as currently conducted throughout the duration of the litigation or distract our technical and management personnel. If we are found to infringe, we may be required to pay monetary damages, which could include treble damages and attorneys’ fees for any infringement that is found to be willful, and either be enjoined or required to pay ongoing royalties with respect to any technologies found to infringe. Further, as a result of infringement claims either against us or against those who license technology to us, we may be required, or deem it advisable, to develop non-infringing technology, which could be costly and time consuming, or enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements. Such royalty or licensing agreements, if required, may be unavailable on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If a third party successfully asserts an infringement claim against us and we are enjoined or required to pay monetary damages or royalties or we are unable to develop suitable non-infringing alternatives or license the infringed or similar technology on reasonable terms on a timely basis, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially harmed. Similarly, we may be required incur substantial monetary and diverted resource costs in order to protect our intellectual property rights against infringement by others.

 

Furthermore, we sell products and solutions manufactured and distributed by third parties, some of which may be defective. If any product or solution that we sell were to cause physical injury or damage to property, the injured party or parties could bring claims against us as the retailer of the product or solution. Our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover every claim that could be asserted. If a successful claim were brought against us in excess of our insurance coverage, it could expose us to significant liability. Even unsuccessful claims could result in the expenditure of funds and management time and could decrease our profitability.

 

Costs and other factors associated with pending or future litigation could materially harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

From time to time we receive claims and become subject to litigation, including consumer protection, employment, intellectual property and other litigation related to the conduct of our business. Additionally, we may from time to time institute legal proceedings against third parties to protect our interests. Any litigation that we become a party to could be costly and time consuming and could divert our management and key personnel from our business operations. In connection with any such litigation, we may be subject to significant damages or equitable remedies relating to the operation of our business and could incur significant costs in asserting, defending, or settling any such litigation. We cannot determine with any certainty the costs or outcome of pending or future litigation. Any such litigation may materially harm our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

We may fail to expand our product, services and solutions categories and offerings or our websites or our processing systems in a cost-effective and timely manner as may be required to efficiently operate our business.

 

We may be required to expand or change our product, services and solutions categories or offerings, our websites or our processing systems in order to compete in our highly competitive and rapidly changing industry or to efficiently operate our business. Any failure on our part to expand or change the way we do business in a cost-effective and timely manner in response to any such requirements would likely adversely affect our operating results, financial condition or future prospects. Additionally, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in implementing any such changes when and if they are required.

 

We have generated substantial portions of our revenue in the past from the sale of computer hardware, software and accessories and consumer electronics products. Expansion into new product, service and solutions categories, including for example our efforts to grow our value-added services and solutions, may require us to incur significant marketing expenses, develop relationships with new vendors and comply with new regulations. We may lack the necessary expertise in a new category to realize the expected benefits of that new category. These requirements could strain our managerial, financial and operational resources. Additional challenges that may affect our ability to expand into new product, service or solutions categories include our ability to:

 

  establish or increase awareness of our new brands and product, service and solutions categories;
  acquire, attract and retain customers at a reasonable cost;
  achieve and maintain a critical mass of customers and orders across all of our product categories;
  attract a sufficient number of new customers to whom any new categories and offerings are targeted;

 

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  successfully market our new categories or offerings to existing customers;
  maintain or improve our gross margins and fulfillment costs;
  attract and retain vendors to provide expanded lines of products, services or solutions to our customers on terms that are acceptable to us; and
  manage our inventory in new product categories.

 

We cannot be certain that we will be able to successfully address any or all of these challenges in a manner that will enable us to expand our business into new categories in a cost-effective or timely manner. If our new categories are not received favorably, or if our suppliers fail to meet our customers’ expectations, our results of operations would suffer and our reputation and the value of the applicable new brand and our other brands could be damaged. The lack of market acceptance of our new categories or our inability to generate satisfactory revenue from any such expanded offerings to offset their cost could harm our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

We may not be able to attract and retain key personnel such as senior management, sales, services and solutions personnel or information technology specialists.

 

Our future performance will depend to a significant extent upon the efforts and abilities of certain key management and other personnel, including Frank F. Khulusi, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, as well as other executive officers and senior management. The loss of service of one or more of our key management members could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our success and plans for future growth will also depend in part on our management’s continuing ability to hire, train and retain skilled personnel in all areas of our business such as sales, service and solutions personnel and IT personnel. For example, our management information systems and processes require the services of employees with extensive knowledge of these systems and processes and the business environment in which we operate, and in order to successfully implement and operate our systems and processes we must be able to attract and retain a significant number of information technology specialists. We may not be able to attract, train and retain the skilled personnel required to, among other things, implement, maintain, and operate our information systems and processes, and any failure to do so would likely have a material adverse effect on our operations.

 

If we fail to achieve and maintain adequate internal controls, we may not be able to produce reliable financial reports in a timely manner or prevent financial fraud.

 

We monitor and periodically test our internal control procedures. We may from time to time identify deficiencies which we may not be able to remediate in a timely or cost-effective manner. In addition, if we fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting. Effective internal controls, particularly those related to revenue recognition, are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important in helping prevent financial fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports on a timely basis or prevent financial fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our stock could drop significantly.

 

Any inability to effectively manage our growth may prevent us from successfully expanding our business.

 

The growth of our business has required us to make significant additions in personnel and has significantly increased our working capital requirements. Although we have experienced significant sales growth in the past, such growth should not be considered indicative of future sales growth. Such growth has resulted in new and increased responsibilities for our management personnel and has placed and continues to place significant strain upon our management, operating and financial systems, and other resources. Any future growth, whether organic or through acquisition, may result in increased strain. There can be no assurance that current or future strain will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, nor can there be any assurance that we will be able to attract or retain sufficient personnel to continue the expansion of our operations. Also crucial to our success in managing our growth will be our ability to achieve additional economies of scale. We cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve such economies of scale, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Our advertising and marketing efforts may be costly and may not achieve desired results.

 

We incur substantial expense in connection with our advertising and marketing efforts. Although we target our advertising and marketing efforts on current and potential customers who we believe are likely to be in the market for the products we sell, we cannot assure you that our advertising and marketing efforts will achieve our desired results. In December 2012, we unified many of our commercial brands. While we believe this unification provides an improved customer experience, operational synergies and benefits to all of our stakeholders, we are unable to quantify all of the synergies or potential future costs related to our rebranding strategy. In addition, we periodically adjust our advertising expenditures in an effort to optimize the return on such expenditures. Any decrease in the level of our advertising expenditures which may be made to optimize such return could adversely affect our sales.

 

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We are exposed to the credit risk of some of our customers and to credit exposures in weakened markets, which could negatively impact our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

Business customers who qualify are provided credit terms and while we monitor individual customer payment capability and maintain reserves we believe are adequate to cover exposure for doubtful accounts, we have exposure to credit risk in the event that customers fail to meet their payment obligations. Additionally, to the degree that there may be tightness in the credit markets that makes it more difficult for some customers to obtain financing, those customers’ ability to meet their payment obligations to us could be adversely impacted, which in turn could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

 

Increased product returns or a failure to accurately predict product returns could decrease our revenue and impact profitability.

 

We make allowances for product returns in our consolidated financial statements based on historical return rates. We are responsible for returns of certain products shipped from our distribution center, as well as products that are shipped to our customers directly from our vendors. If our actual product returns significantly exceed our allowances for returns, our revenue and profitability could decrease. In addition, because our allowances are based on historical return rates, the introduction of new merchandise categories, new products, changes in our product mix, or other factors may cause actual returns to exceed return allowances, perhaps significantly. In addition, any policies that we adopt that are intended to reduce the number of product returns may result in customer dissatisfaction and fewer repeat customers.

 

Our business may be harmed by fraudulent activities on our websites.

 

We have received in the past, and anticipate that we will receive in the future, communications from customers due to purported fraudulent activities on our websites, including fraudulent credit card transactions. Negative publicity generated as a result of fraudulent conduct by third parties could damage our reputation and diminish the value of our brand name. Fraudulent activities on our websites could also subject us to losses and could lead to scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators regarding the operation of our websites. We expect to continue to receive requests from customers for reimbursement due to purportedly fraudulent activities or threats of legal action against us if no reimbursement is made.

 

Breaches of data security could significantly impact our business.

 

If third parties or our employees are able to penetrate our network security or otherwise misappropriate our customers’ personal information or credit card information, or such information for which our customers may be responsible and for which we agree to be responsible in connection with service contracts we may enter, or if we give third parties or our employees improper access to any such personal information or credit card information, we could be subject to liability. This liability could include claims for unauthorized purchases with credit card information, identity theft or other similar fraud-related claims. This liability could also include claims for other misuses of personal information, including for unauthorized marketing purposes. Other liability could include claims alleging misrepresentation or our privacy and data security practices. Any such liability for misappropriation of this information could decrease our profitability. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission and state agencies have been investigating various Internet companies regarding whether they misused or inadequately secured personal information regarding consumers. We could incur additional expenses if new laws or regulations regarding the use of personal information are introduced or if government agencies investigate our privacy practices.

 

We seek to rely on encryption and authentication technology licensed from third parties to provide the security and authentication necessary to effect secure online transmission of confidential information such as customer credit card numbers. Advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other events or developments may result in a compromise or breach of the algorithms that we use to protect sensitive customer transaction data. A party who is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions in our operations. We may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect against such security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by such breaches. Our security measures are designed to protect against security breaches, but our failure to prevent such security breaches could cause us to incur significant expense to investigate and respond to a security breach and correct any problems caused by any breach, subject us to liability, damage our reputation and diminish the value of our brand-name.

 

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Laws or regulations relating to privacy and data protection may adversely affect the growth of our Internet business or our marketing efforts.

 

We mail catalogs and send electronic messages to names in our proprietary customer database and to potential customers whose names we obtain from rented or exchanged mailing lists. Worldwide public concern regarding personal privacy has subjected the rental and use of customer mailing lists and other customer information to increased scrutiny and regulation. As a result, we are subject to increasing regulation relating to privacy and the use of personal information. For example, we are subject to various telemarketing and anti-spam laws that regulate the manner in which we may solicit future suppliers and customers. Such regulations, along with increased governmental or private enforcement, may increase the cost of operating and growing our business. In addition, several states have proposed legislation that would limit the uses of personal information gathered online or require online services to establish privacy policies. The Federal Trade Commission has adopted regulations regarding the collection and use of personal identifying information obtained from children under 13 years of age. Bills proposed in Congress would expand online privacy protections already provided to adults. Moreover, both in the United States and elsewhere, laws and regulations are becoming increasingly protective of consumer privacy, with a trend toward requiring companies to establish procedures to notify users of privacy and security policies, to obtain consent from users for collection and use of personal information, and to provide users with the ability to access, correct and delete personal information stored by companies. Such privacy and data protection laws and regulations, and efforts to enforce such laws and regulations, may restrict our ability to collect, use or transfer demographic and personal information from users, which could be costly or harm our marketing efforts. Further, any violation of domestic or foreign privacy or data protection laws and regulations, including the national do-not-call list, may subject us to fines, penalties and damages, which could decrease our revenue and profitability.

 

The growth and demand for online commerce has and may continue to result in more stringent consumer protection laws that impose additional compliance burdens on online companies. These consumer protection laws could result in substantial compliance costs and could decrease our profitability. Further, additional regulation of the Internet may lead to a decrease in Internet usage, which could adversely affect our business. Growing public concern about privacy and the collection, distribution and use of information about individuals may subject us to increased regulatory scrutiny or litigation. In the past, the FTC has investigated companies that have used personally identifiable information without permission or in violation of a stated privacy policy. If we are accused of violating the stated terms of our privacy policy or of data breach violations, we may face a loss of customers or damage to our reputation and may be forced to expend significant amounts of financial and managerial resources to defend against these accusations, face potential liability and be subject to extended regulatory oversight in the form of a long-term consent order.

 

Data security laws are also becoming more widespread and burdensome in the United States, and increasingly require notification of affected individuals and, in some instances, regulators. Moreover, third parties are engaging in increased cyber-attacks and other data theft efforts, and individuals are increasingly subjected to theft of identity, medical or credit card or other financial account information. In addition to risks we face from cyber attacks or data theft efforts directly targeted at our systems, we offer our products, services and solutions to companies, such as healthcare or financial institutions, under contracts which may expose us to significant liabilities for data breaches or losses which could arise out of or result from products, services or solutions we may sell to these institutions. There is a risk that we may fail to prevent such data theft or data breaches and that our customers or others may assert claims against us as a result. In addition, the FTC and state consumer protection authorities have brought a number of enforcement actions against U.S. companies for alleged deficiencies in those companies’ data security practices, and they may continue to bring such actions. Enforcement actions, which may or may not be based upon actual cyber attacks or other breaches in data security, present an ongoing risk to us, could result in a loss of customers, damage to our reputation and monetary damages.

 

The security risks of eCommerce may discourage customers from purchasing products, services or solutions from us.

 

In order for the eCommerce market to be successful, we and other market participants must be able to transmit confidential information securely over public networks. Third parties may have the technology or know-how to breach the security of customer transaction data. Any breach could cause customers to lose confidence in the security of our websites and choose not to purchase from our websites. If someone is able to circumvent our security measures, he or she could destroy or steal valuable information or disrupt our operations. Concerns about the security and privacy of transactions over the Internet could inhibit the growth of Internet usage and eCommerce. Our security measures may not effectively prohibit others from obtaining improper access to our information. Any security breach could expose us to risks of loss, litigation and liability and could seriously damage our reputation, disrupt our operations and require the devotion of significant management, financial and other resources to remedy the breach and comply with applicable notice and other legal requirements in connection therewith.

 

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Credit card fraud could decrease our revenue and profitability.

 

We do not carry insurance against the risk of credit card fraud, so the failure to adequately control fraudulent credit card transactions could reduce our revenues or increase our operating costs. We may in the future suffer losses as a result of orders placed with fraudulent credit card data even though the associated financial institution approved payment of the orders. Under current credit card practices, we may be liable for fraudulent credit card transactions. If we are unable to detect or control credit card fraud, or if credit card companies require more burdensome terms or refuse to accept credit card charges from us, our revenue and profitability could decrease.

 

Our facilities and systems are vulnerable to natural disasters or other catastrophic events.

 

Our headquarters, customer service center and a part of our infrastructure, including computer servers, are located near Los Angeles, California and in other areas that are susceptible to earthquakes, floods, severe weather and other natural disasters. Our distribution facilities house the product inventory from which a material amount of our orders may be shipped, and are located in areas that are susceptible to natural disasters and extreme weather conditions such as earthquakes, fire, floods and major storms. Our operations in the Philippines are also in an area that is periodically subject to extreme weather. A natural disaster or other catastrophic event, such as an earthquake, fire, flood, severe storm, break-in, terrorist attack or other comparable events in the areas in which we operate could cause interruptions or delays in our business and loss of data or render us unable to accept and fulfill customer orders in a timely manner, or at all. Our systems, including our management information systems, websites and communications systems, are not fully redundant, and we do not have redundant geographic locations or earthquake insurance. Further, power outages in any locations where our systems are located could disrupt our operations. We currently are in process of developing a formal disaster recovery plan and certain of our subsidiaries have geographical redundancies for web and critical information systems. Our business interruption insurance may not adequately compensate us for losses that may occur.

 

We rely on independent shipping companies to deliver the products we sell.

 

We rely upon third party carriers, especially FedEx and UPS, for timely delivery of our product shipments. As a result, we are subject to carrier disruptions and increased costs due to factors that are beyond our control, including employee strikes, inclement weather and increased fuel costs. Any failure to deliver products to our customers in a timely and accurate manner may damage our reputation and brand and could cause us to lose customers. We do not have a written long-term agreement with any of these third party carriers, and we cannot be sure that these relationships will continue on terms favorable to us, if at all. If our relationship with any of these third party carriers is terminated or impaired, or if any of these third parties are unable to deliver products for us, we would be required to use alternative carriers for the shipment of products to our customers. We may be unable to engage alternative carriers on a timely basis or on terms favorable to us, if at all. Potential adverse consequences include:

 

  reduced visibility of order status and package tracking;
  delays in order processing and product delivery;
  increased cost of delivery, resulting in reduced margins; and
  reduced shipment quality, which may result in damaged products and customer dissatisfaction.

 

Furthermore, shipping costs represent a significant operational expense for us. Any future increases in shipping rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may not be able to compete successfully against existing or future competitors, which include some of our largest vendors.

 

The business of direct marketing of the products, services and solutions we sell is highly competitive and driven in large part by price, product, service and solutions availability, speed and accuracy of delivery and performance, effectiveness of sales and marketing programs, credit availability, ability to tailor specific solutions to customer needs, quality and breadth of product lines and services, availability of talented sales and service personnel and the availability of technical information. We compete with other direct marketers, including CDW, Insight Enterprises and PC Connection. In addition, we compete with large value added resellers such as CompuCom Systems and World Wide Technology, and computer retail stores and resellers, including superstores such as Best Buy and Staples, certain hardware and software vendors such as Apple and Dell Computer that sell or are increasing sales directly to end users, online resellers such as Amazon.com and Newegg.com, government resellers such as CDWG and GovConnection, software focused resellers such as Soft Choice and Software House International and other direct marketers and value added resellers of hardware, software and computer-related and electronic products. In the direct marketing and Internet retail industries, barriers to entry are relatively low and the risk of new competitors entering the market is high. Certain of our existing competitors have substantially greater financial resources than we have. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to compete effectively against existing competitors, consolidations of competitors or new competitors that may enter the market.

 

  26  
 

 

Furthermore, the manner in which our products, services and solutions are distributed and sold is changing, and new methods of sale and distribution have emerged and serve an increasingly large portion of the market. Computer hardware and software OEM vendors have sold, and may intensify their efforts to sell, their products directly to end users. From time to time, certain OEM vendors, including Apple and HP, have instituted programs for the direct sale of large quantities of hardware and software to certain large business accounts. These types of programs may continue to be developed and used by various OEM vendors. Software publishers also may attempt to increase the volume of software products distributed electronically directly to end users’ personal computers. Any of these competitive programs, if successful, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Our success is tied to the continued use of the Internet and the adequacy of the Internet infrastructure.

 

The level of sales generated from our websites, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of our net sales, continues to be material to our operating results. Our Internet sales are dependent upon customers continuing to use the Internet in addition to traditional means of commerce to purchase products and services. Widespread use of the Internet could decline as a result of disruptions, computer viruses, data security threats, privacy issues or other damage to Internet servers or users’ computers. If consumer use of the Internet to purchase products, services or solutions declines in any significant way, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

The success of our Canadian call center is dependent, in part, on our receipt of government labor credits.

 

We maintain a Canadian call center serving the U.S. market, which receives benefit of labor credits under the Investment Quebec Refundable Tax Credit for Major Employment Generating Projects (GPCE) program. In addition to other eligibility requirements under the program, which extends through fiscal year 2016, we are required to maintain a minimum of 317 eligible employees employed by our subsidiary, PCM Sales Canada, Inc., in the province of Quebec. The success of our Canadian call center is dependent, in part, on our receipt of the government labor credits we expect to receive. If we do not receive these expected labor credits, or a sufficient portion of them, the costs of operating our Canadian call center may exceed the benefits it provides us and our operating results would likely suffer.

 

We are exposed to the risks of business and other conditions in Asia and Canada.

 

All or portions of certain of the products we sell are produced, or have major components produced, in Asia. We engage in U.S. dollar denominated transactions with U.S. divisions and subsidiaries of companies located in that region as well. We have also recently entered the Canadian market with our Acrodex and Systemax acquisitions. As a result, we may be indirectly affected by risks associated with international events, including economic and labor conditions, such as fluctuating oil prices, political instability, tariffs and taxes, availability of products, natural disasters and currency fluctuations in the U.S. dollar versus the regional currencies. In the past, countries in Asia have experienced volatility in their currency, banking and equity markets. Future volatility could adversely affect the supply and price of the products we sell and their components and ultimately, our results of operations.

 

We also maintain an office in the Philippines and third party back office support from Pakistan, as a result of our En Pointe acquisition, and we may increase these and other offshore operations in the future. Establishing offshore operations may entail considerable expense before we realize cost savings, if any, from these initiatives. The risks associated with doing business overseas and international events could prevent us from realizing the expected benefits from our Philippines or Pakistan operations or any other offshore operations that we may establish.

 

The increasing significance of our foreign operations exposes us to risks that are beyond our control and could affect our ability to operate successfully.

 

In order to enhance the cost-effectiveness of our operations, we have increasingly sought to shift portions of our operations to jurisdictions with lower cost structures than that available in the United States. The transition of even a portion of our business operations to new facilities in a foreign country involves a number of logistical and technical challenges that could result in operational interruptions, which could reduce our revenues and adversely affect our business. We may encounter complications associated with the set-up, migration and operation of business systems and equipment in a new facility. This could result in disruptions that could damage our reputation and otherwise adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

To the extent that we shift any operations or labor offshore to jurisdictions with lower cost structures, we may experience challenges in effectively managing those operations as a result of several factors, including time zone differences and regulatory, legal, cultural and logistical issues. Additionally, the relocation of labor resources may have a negative impact on our existing employees, which could negatively impact our operations. If we are unable to effectively manage our offshore personnel and any other offshore operations, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

  27  
 

 

We cannot be certain that any shifts in our operations to offshore jurisdictions will ultimately produce the expected cost savings. We cannot predict the extent of government support, availability of qualified workers, future labor rates, or monetary and economic conditions in any offshore locations where we may operate. Although some of these factors may influence our decision to establish or increase our offshore operations, there are inherent risks beyond our control, including:

 

  political unrest or uncertainties;
  wage inflation;
  exposure to foreign currency fluctuations;
  tariffs and other trade barriers; and
  foreign regulatory restrictions and unexpected changes in regulatory environments.

 

We will likely be faced with competition in these offshore markets for qualified personnel, and we expect this competition to increase as other companies expand their operations offshore. If the supply of such qualified personnel becomes limited due to increased competition or otherwise, it could increase our costs and employee turnover rates. One or more of these factors or other factors relating to foreign operations could result in increased operating expenses and make it more difficult for us to manage our costs and operations, which could cause our operating results to decline and result in reduced revenues.

 

International operations expose us to currency exchange risk and we cannot predict the effect of future exchange rate fluctuations on our business and operating results.

 

We have operation centers in Canada, the Philippines and Pakistan that provide back-office administrative support and customer service support, and we recently began selling products, services and solutions in the Canadian market in connection with two business acquisitions. Our international operations are sensitive to currency exchange risks. We have currency exposure arising from both sales and purchases denominated in foreign currencies, as well as intercompany transactions. Significant changes in exchange rates between foreign currencies in which we transact business and the U.S. dollar may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Historically, we have not entered into any hedging activities, and, to the extent that we continue not to do so in the future, we may be vulnerable to the effects of currency exchange-rate fluctuations.

 

In addition, our international operations also expose us to currency fluctuations as we translate the financial statements of our foreign operations to the U.S. dollar. Although the effect of currency fluctuations on our financial statements has not generally been material in the past, there can be no guarantee that the effect of currency fluctuations will not be material in the future.

 

We are subject to risks associated with consolidation within our industry.

 

Many technology resellers are consolidating operations and acquiring or merging with other resellers, direct marketers and providers of information technology solutions to achieve economies of scale, expanded product and service offerings, and increased efficiency. The current industry reconfiguration and the trend towards consolidation could cause the industry to become even more competitive, further increase pricing pressures and make it more difficult for us to maintain our operating margins or to increase or maintain the same level of net sales or gross profit. Declining prices, resulting in part from technological changes, may require us to sell a greater number of products, services or solutions to achieve the same level of net sales and gross profit. Such a trend could make it more difficult for us to continue to increase our net sales and earnings growth. In addition, growth in the information technology market has slowed. If the growth rate of the information technology market were to further decrease, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

 

If we are unable to provide satisfactory customer service, we could lose customers or fail to attract new customers.

 

Our ability to provide satisfactory levels of customer service depends, to a large degree, on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our customer service operations. Any material disruption or slowdown in our order processing systems resulting from labor disputes, telephone or Internet failures, upgrading our management information systems, power or service outages, natural disasters or other events could make it difficult or impossible to provide adequate customer service and support. Furthermore, we may be unable to attract and retain adequate numbers of competent customer service representatives and relationship managers for our business customers, each of which is essential in creating a favorable interactive customer experience. If we are unable to continually provide adequate staffing and training for our customer service operations, our reputation could be seriously harmed and we could lose customers or fail to attract new customers. In addition, if our e-mail and telephone call volumes exceed our present system capacities, we could experience delays in placing orders, responding to customer inquiries and addressing customer concerns. Because our success depends largely on keeping our customers satisfied, any failure to provide high levels of customer service would likely impair our reputation and decrease our revenues.

 

  28  
 

 

Our stock price may be volatile.

 

We believe that certain factors, such as sales of our common stock into the market by existing stockholders, fluctuations in our quarterly operating results, changes in market conditions affecting stocks of computer hardware and software manufacturers and resellers generally and companies in the Internet and eCommerce industries in particular, could cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. Other factors that could affect our stock price include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  failure to meet investors’ expectations regarding our operating performance;
  changes in securities analysts’ recommendations or estimates of our financial performance;
  publication of research reports by analysts;
  changes in market valuations of similar companies;
  announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, commercial relationships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
  actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;
  litigation developments; and
  general economic and market conditions or other economic factors unrelated to our performance, including disruptions in the capital and credit markets.

 

The stock market in general, and the stocks of computer and software resellers, and companies in the Internet and electronic commerce industries in particular, and other technology or related stocks, have in the past experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations which have been unrelated to corporate operating performance. Such market volatility may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a public company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against that company. Such litigation, if asserted against us, could result in substantial costs to us and cause a likely diversion of our management’s attention from the operations of our company.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

At December 31, 2015, we operated in over 1,000,000 square feet of space in the United States, Canada and the Philippines. We lease a total of approximately 715,000 square feet of space primarily used for office, distribution and data center purposes. We also own approximately 328,000 square feet of space, primarily used for our corporate headquarters, data center and warehouse purposes. Each of our facilities is utilized by one or more of our segments.

 

Our principal facilities at December 31, 2015 are set forth in the table below:

 

Description   Sq. Ft.     Location
Main Distribution Center     212,000     Memphis, TN
Midwest Regional Headquarters, Sales Office and Distribution Center(1)     144,000     Lewis Center, OH
Corporate Headquarters and Sales Office(1)     83,864     El Segundo, CA
Acrodex Headquarters and Sales Office     63,611     Edmonton, Alberta
Irvine Sales Office and Distribution Center(1)     60,072     Irvine, CA
New Albany Data Center(1)     30,850     New Albany, Ohio
Roswell Data Center     23,200     Roswell, Georgia

 

 

(1) Owned.

 

In March 2015, we completed the purchase of real property in Irvine, California (the “Irvine Property”) for approximately $5.8 million and financed $4.9 million with a long-term note. The real property includes approximately 60,072 square feet of office and warehouse space and land. Certain of our subsidiaries were tenants of the building, which are continuing to use the office and warehouse space. In September 2015, we listed the Irvine Property for sale. Under a broker agreement, the Irvine Property is available for immediate sale in its present condition and it is being actively marketed for sale.

 

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In January 2015, we completed the purchase of the real property located at Lewis Center, Ohio (our “Midwest Regional Headquarters, Sales Office and Distribution Center” included in the table above) for a total of $6.6 million. The real property is located in Lewis Center, Ohio and includes approximately 12.4 acres of land together with a building for office and warehouse space of approximately 144,000 square feet.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business. From time to time, we receive claims of and become subject to consumer protection, employment, intellectual property and other litigation related to the conduct of our business. Any such litigation, including the litigation discussed above, could be costly and time consuming and could divert our management and key personnel from our business operations. In connection with any such litigation, we may be subject to significant damages or equitable remedies relating to the operation of our business. Any such litigation may materially harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

***

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Our common stock has been publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Market since our initial public offering on April 4, 1995 and currently trades under the symbol PCMI. The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales price per share for our common stock for the periods indicated, as reported on the Nasdaq Global Market:

 

    Price Range of Common Stock  
    High     Low  
Year Ended December 31, 2015                
First Quarter   $ 9.93     $ 8.92  
Second Quarter     10.33       9.01  
Third Quarter     10.70       8.75  
Fourth Quarter     10.00       8.75  
Year Ended December 31, 2014                
First Quarter   $ 10.98     $ 9.25  
Second Quarter     10.79       9.66  
Third Quarter     11.82       8.95  
Fourth Quarter     10.60       7.42  

 

As of the close of business on March 9, 2016, there were approximately 20 holders of record of our common stock.

 

We have never paid cash dividends on our capital stock and our credit facility prohibits us from paying any cash dividends on our capital stock. Therefore, we do not currently anticipate paying dividends; we intend to retain any earnings to finance the growth and development of our business.

 

Information regarding compensation plans under which our equity securities may be issued is included in Item 12 of Part III of this report through incorporation by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

A summary of the repurchase activity for the three months ended December 31, 2015 is as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

    Total Number of
Shares Purchased
    Average Price
Paid Per Share
    Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
    Maximum Dollar
Value that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
 
October 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015     11,554     $ 9.17       11,554     $ 7,881  
November 1, 2015 to November 30, 2015     4,265       9.51       4,265       7,841  
December 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015     23,940       9.44       23,940       7,615  
Total     39,759               39,759          

 

In April 2015, our Board of Directors approved a $10 million increase to our discretionary stock repurchase program, which was originally adopted in October 2008 with an initial authorized maximum of $10 million and amended in September 2012 to add an additional $10 million. Under the program, the shares may be repurchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or unsolicited negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. We expect that the repurchase of our common stock under the program will be financed with existing working capital and amounts available under our existing credit facility. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock. No limit was placed on the duration of the repurchase program. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that we will repurchase. Subject to applicable securities laws, repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts as our management deems appropriate. The program can also be discontinued at any time management feels additional purchases are not warranted.

 

We repurchased a total of 601,503 shares of our common stock under this program during the year ended December 31, 2015 for a total cost of approximately $5.9 million. From the inception of the program in October 2008 through December 31, 2015, we have repurchased an aggregate total of 3,675,989 shares of our common stock for a total cost of $22.4 million. At December 31, 2015, we had $7.6 million available in stock repurchases under the program, subject to any limitations that may apply from time to time under our existing credit facility.

 

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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that might incorporate future filings, including this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in whole or in part, the Stock Performance Graph which follows shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any such filings except to the extent that we specifically incorporate any such information into any such future filings.

 

Stock Performance Graph

 

The performance graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return of our company with the cumulative total return of the Nasdaq Stock Market—the Nasdaq Composite Index and the Nasdaq Retail Trade Index. The graph assumes $100 invested at the per-share closing price of our common stock and each of the indices on December 31, 2010. The stock price performance shown in this graph is neither necessarily indicative of nor intended to suggest future stock price performance.

 

 

 

    Measurement Period (fiscal years covered)  
    12/10     12/11     12/12     12/13     12/14     12/15  
PCM, Inc.   $ 100.00     $ 82.96     $ 82.03     $ 135.67     $ 125.76     $ 131.18  
NASDAQ Composite     100.00       100.53       116.92       166.19       188.78       199.95  
NASDAQ Retail Trade     100.00       100.28       125.79       178.89       181.68       245.00  

 

***

 

  32  
 

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following selected consolidated financial data are qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained elsewhere herein.

 

The selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 presented below were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere herein. The selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 along with the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 presented below were derived from our consolidated financial statements which are not included elsewhere herein.

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014(1)     2013(1)     2012(1)     2011(1)  
    (in thousands, except per share data)  
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data                                        
Net sales   $ 1,661,948     $ 1,356,362     $ 1,359,999     $ 1,342,298     $ 1,347,302  
Cost of goods sold     1,437,621       1,164,295       1,170,500       1,158,168       1,166,504  
Gross profit     224,327       192,067       189,499       184,130       180,798  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     249,809 (4)     176,362       171,279       170,119       168,372  
Other items(2)(3)                       393       (429 )
Operating profit (loss)     (25,482 )     15,705       18,220       13,618       12,855  
Interest expense, net     3,860       3,180       3,340       3,791       3,284  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes     (29,342 )     12,525       14,880       9,827       9,571  
Income tax expense (benefit)     (11,394 )     5,490       6,235       4,134       4,714  
Income (loss) from continuing operations     (17,948 )     7,035       8,645       5,693       4,857  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes     (310 )     (1,570 )     (516 )     (599 )     (1,725 )
Net income (loss)   $ (18,258 )   $ 5,465     $ 8,129     $ 5,094     $ 3,132  
                                         
Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share                                        
Basic EPS:                                        
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ (1.49 )   $ 0.57     $ 0.75     $ 0.47     $ 0.40  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes     (0.03 )     (0.12 )     (0.05 )     (0.05 )     (0.14 )
Net income (loss)   $ (1.52 )   $ 0.45     $ 0.70     $ 0.42     $ 0.26  
                                         
Diluted EPS:                                        
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ (1.49 )   $ 0.55     $ 0.73     $ 0.47     $ 0.39  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes     (0.03 )     (0.13 )     (0.05 )     (0.05 )     (0.14 )
Net income (loss)   $ (1.52 )   $ 0.42     $ 0.68     $ 0.42     $ 0.25  

 

 

(1) In 2014, the consolidated statement of operations data for this period was recast to reflect the discontinued operations of all of our retail stores and the OnSale and eCost businesses.
(2) 2012 includes a $0.5 million charge related to a customer’s demand for credit for software maintenance for which we had paid the vendor and were not able to obtain reimbursement and a $0.1 million decrease in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability related to the NSPI acquisition.
(3) 2011 includes a $1.2 million decrease in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability related to the NSPI acquisition and a $0.8 million write-down of indefinite-lived trademark based on reassessment of its remaining useful life in 2011.
(4) Includes a $25.4 million write-off of internally developed software work in process related to our upcoming ERP and CRM systems, in favor of a ERP and CRM systems already configured and in production at En Pointe.

 

    At December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (in thousands)  
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:                                        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 11,176     $ 8,892     $ 9,992     $ 6,535     $ 9,484  
Working capital     (9,165 )     63,425       57,595       55,394       45,277  
Total assets     600,173       389,190       434,822       365,735       378,536  
Short-term debt     4,799       3,741       1,167       812       1,015  
Line of credit     162,439       52,795       110,499       87,630       91,852  
Long-term debt, excluding current portion     21,454       22,415       13,742       10,960       8,984  
Total stockholders’ equity     109,515       133,316       125,762       116,111       110,826  

 

***

 

  33  
 

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

You should read the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations together with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those described under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A and elsewhere in this report.

 

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

 

PCM, Inc. is a leading multi-vendor provider of technology products, services and solutions offered through our dedicated sales force, field and internal service teams, direct marketing channels and state of the art owned and operated data centers. Since our founding in 1987, we have served our customers by offering products and services from vendors such as Adobe, Apple, Cisco, Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HP Inc., Lenovo, Microsoft, Samsung, Symantec and VMware. We add additional value by incorporating products and services into comprehensive solutions. Our sales and marketing efforts allow our vendor partners to reach multiple customer segments including small, medium and enterprise businesses, state, local and federal governments and educational institutions.

 

In December 2015, as a result of our 2015 acquisitions, which are described more fully below under “Strategic Developments – Acquisitions,” we formed a new reportable Canada operating segment, which includes the Canadian operating results of the 2015 acquisitions from their respective dates of each acquisition. As a result, beginning in December 2015, we have four reportable operating segments - Commercial, Public Sector, MacMall and Canada. Our segments are primarily aligned based upon their respective customer base. Prior to December 2015, we had three reportable operating segments - Commercial, Public Sector and MacMall. We include corporate related expenses such as legal, accounting, information technology, product management and other administrative costs that are not otherwise included in our reportable operating segments in Corporate & Other.

 

During 2014, we discontinued the operation of all four of our retail stores, located in Huntington Beach, Santa Monica and Torrance, California and Chicago, Illinois, and our OnSale and eCost businesses. We reflected the results of these operations, which were historically reported as a part of our MacMall segment, as discontinued operations for all periods presented herein in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

We sell primarily to customers in the United States, and maintain offices throughout the United States, as well as in Montreal, Canada and Manila, Philippines. In 2015, we generated approximately 76% of our revenue in our Commercial segment, 17 % of our revenue in our Public Sector segment and 6 % of our revenue in our MacMall segment and 1% of our revenue in our Canada segment.

 

Our Commercial segment sells complex products, services and solutions to commercial businesses in the United States, using multiple sales channels, including a field relationship-based selling model, an outbound phone based sales force, a field services organization and an online extranet.

 

Our Public Sector segment consists of sales made primarily to federal, state and local governments, as well as educational institutions. The Public Sector segment utilizes an outbound phone and field relationship-based selling model, as well as contract and bid business development teams and an online extranet.

 

Our MacMall segment consists of sales made via telephone and the Internet to consumers, small businesses and creative professionals.

 

Our Canada segment consists of sales made to customers in the Canadian market beginning as of the respective dates of our acquisition of Acrodex and certain assets of Systemax in October and December 2015, respectively.

 

We experience variability in our net sales and operating results on a quarterly basis as a result of many factors. We experience some seasonal trends in our sales of technology products, services and solutions to businesses, government and educational institutions and individual customers. For example, the timing of capital budget authorizations for our commercial customers can affect when these companies can procure IT products and services. The fiscal year-ends of Public Sector customers vary for those in the federal government space and those in the state and local government and educational institution (“SLED”) space. We generally see an increase in our second quarter sales related to customers in the SLED sector and in our third quarter sales related to customers in the federal government space as these customers close out their budgets for their fiscal year. We also have begun to experience an increase in our second quarter software sales as the second quarter is generally the largest quarter for certain of our largest software vendors. We may also experience variability in our gross profit and gross profit margin as a result of changes in the mix of products we sell and in the various vendor programs we participate in and its effect on the amount of vendor consideration we receive from a particular vendor, which may be impacted by a number of events outside of our control. Also, consumer holiday spending contributes to variances in our quarterly results. As such, the results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year.

 

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A substantial portion of our business is dependent on sales of Apple, HP, Microsoft and products purchased from other vendors including Cisco, Dell, Ingram Micro, Lenovo, and Tech Data. Products manufactured by Microsoft represented approximately 14%, 10% and 7% of our net sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013, products manufactured by HP represented approximately 11%, 18% and 21% of our net sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013, and products manufactured by Apple represented approximately 9%, 15% and 17% of our net sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

Our planned operating expenditures each quarter are based in large part on sales forecasts for the quarter. If our sales do not meet expectations in any given quarter, our operating results for the quarter may be materially adversely affected. Our narrow gross margins may magnify the impact of these factors on our operating results. Management regularly reviews our operating performance using a variety of financial and non-financial metrics including sales, shipments, gross margin, vendor consideration, advertising expense, personnel costs, account executive productivity, accounts receivable aging, inventory turnover, liquidity and cash resources. Our management monitors the various metrics against goals and budgets, and makes necessary adjustments intended to enhance our performance.

 

General economic conditions have an effect on our business and results of operations across all of our segments. If economic growth in the U.S. and other countries’ economies slows or declines, government, consumer and business spending rates could be significantly reduced. These developments could also increase the risk of uncollectible accounts receivable from our customers. The economic climate in the U.S. and elsewhere could have an impact on the rate of information technology spending of our current and potential customers, which would impact our business and results of operations. These factors affect sales of our products, sales cycles, adoption rates of new technologies and level of price competition. We continue to focus our efforts on cost controls, competitive pricing strategies, and driving higher margin service and solution sales. We also continue to make selective investments in our sales force personnel, service and solutions capabilities and IT infrastructure and tools in an effort to meet vendor program requirements and to position us for enhanced productivity and future growth.

 

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS

 

Acquisitions

 

Systemax

 

On December 1, 2015, we completed the acquisition of certain Business to Business (B2B) assets of Systemax’s North American Technology Group (NATG) for $14 million in cash. We acquired the right to hire approximately 400 B2B sales representatives located across the United States and Canada, all rights to the NATG B2B customer list, certain B2B customer and vendor contracts, trademarks and other intellectual property rights including the TigerDirect brand, and certain fixed assets and equipment. We did not acquire cash, accounts receivable, inventory or assume trade payables in connection with the transaction. Also at closing, the parties entered into a transition services agreement to facilitate an orderly transition of the purchased assets. We assumed certain leases and entered into certain subleases for office space where the B2B sales representatives currently work.

 

Acrodex

 

On October 26, 2015, PCM Sales Canada, Inc., our Canadian based wholly-owned subsidiary, completed the acquisition of all the outstanding common stock of Acrodex, Inc. (“Acrodex”) for a total purchase price of approximately C$16.7 million (or $13.6 million, net of cash acquired). Acrodex, headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada), provides end-to-end infrastructure solutions from initial plan and design, through procurement and installation, to full support and on-going management. Acrodex’s core business areas include software value-added reseller services, software asset management and hardware sales and services, including client device products, servers, storage, networks, printers and a full complement of accessories and devices. Services are a significant component to Acrodex’s product mix and include managed services, cloud-based services, consulting, IT management and other IT service areas. Acrodex had revenues of CAD$147 million for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2015.

 

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En Pointe

 

On April 1, 2015, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of En Pointe, one of the nation’s largest independent IT solutions providers, headquartered in Southern California. En Pointe is our largest acquisition to date based on revenues, and is expected to significantly enhance our relationships with several key vendor partners, provide incremental advanced technical certifications and operational expertise in key practice areas, and bring the consolidated business significantly increased scale. We acquired the assets of En Pointe’s IT solutions provider business, excluding cash and other current tangible assets such as accounts receivable. The assets were acquired by an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PCM, which subsidiary now operates under the En Pointe brand. Under the terms of the agreement, we paid an initial purchase price of $15 million in cash and an additional $2.3 million for inventory. We agreed to pay certain contingent earn-out consideration, including 22.5% of the future adjusted gross profit of the business and 10% of certain service revenues over the three years following the closing of the acquisition. As of December 31, 2015, we have estimated that the fair value of contingent consideration to be paid throughout the earn-out period ending March 31, 2018 to be approximately $38.6 million. The fair value of this contingent consideration is determined and accrued based on a probability weighted average of possible outcomes that would occur should certain financial metrics be reached. Because there is no market data available to use in valuing the contingent consideration, we developed our own assumptions related to the future financial performance of the businesses to determine the fair value of this liability. As such, the valuation of the contingent consideration is determined using Level 3 inputs. The significant inputs into the calculation of the contingent consideration as of December 31, 2015 include projected gross profit values of En Pointe and the weighted average cost of capital, which was determined to be 13%. The undiscounted estimate of the range of outcomes for the earn-out liability is approximately $10.0 million to $76.9 million.

 

The accounting for the acquisition of En Pointe was finalized as of December 31, 2015. The purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, which include, but are not limited to, fixed assets, licenses, intangible assets and professional liabilities, based on estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition.

 

ERP Upgrades

 

We have been in the process of upgrading our ERP systems due to the discontinued third party support of certain of our aged legacy systems, our changing IT needs when considering the transitioning state of our business from our origins towards becoming a leading IT solution provider and the ongoing desire to integrate multiple systems upon which we currently operate as a result of multiple acquisitions. In this regard, we previously purchased licenses for Microsoft Dynamics AX and other related modules to provide a complete, robust and integrated ERP solution and have expended time, effort and resources to implement this AX solution for our legacy businesses. We believe the implementation and upgrade of our systems should help us to gain further efficiencies across our organizations. Our newly acquired En Pointe business has operated for a number of years on an implemented and successfully functioning SAP system. As a result of the En Pointe acquisition, we considered new issues related to the costs, risks and benefits of either continuing the implementation of our AX solution and moving En Pointe to such AX solution or moving the legacy businesses to the SAP solution. In response, we shifted certain of our IT development efforts towards assessing these respective costs, risks and benefits. There are significant risks and uncertainties in adopting and implementing a new ERP system and as part of our assessment of these alternatives, we considered the fact that En Pointe has been successfully functioning on its SAP system for many years while none of our businesses have operated on the AX system. While we believe the AX solution has many valuable features and that it has been essential that we have undertaken our AX development efforts to date, we have weighed these attributes and the transition risk inherent with any such new solution against the fact that En Pointe, with similar business characteristics and system needs to our legacy businesses, has been successfully operating on its SAP system for a number of years. As a result of the assessments performed, our management concluded that the SAP solution is the best, most viable and cost effective option for our consolidated business going forward. To that end, in late October 2015, our management determined, and our Board of Directors approved such determination, to adopt the SAP platform across all of our business units and approved the non-cash write-off of the remaining $22.1 million of work in process software previously capitalized for all major phases of the design, configuration and customization of the AX solution to date. For the year ended December 31, 2015, a total of $25.4 million non-cash charge related to the ERP and CRM write-offs was included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Real Estate Transactions

 

In August 2014, we entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of real property located in Santa Monica, California, upon which we operated one of our retail stores until December 2014, for $20.2 million, subject to diligence and closing conditions. Effective October 7, 2014, the buyer notified us of the termination of this agreement. We are evaluating other options relating to this property.

 

In May 2013, we completed the purchase of real property adjacent to the building we own in Santa Monica, California for approximately $3.0 million and financed $1.7 million of the purchase price with a sub-line under our primary revolving credit facility. The loan bears the same interest terms as our revolving credit facility and principal amount is amortized monthly over an 84 month period that began in July 2014.

 

In December 2012, we completed the purchase of 7.9 acres of land for approximately $1.1 million and have incurred an additional cumulative $12.2 million through December 31, 2014 towards the construction of a new cloud data center that we opened in June 2014. The Tier III facility is strategically located in a data center-centric development in New Albany, Ohio. The new facility complements our two existing data centers and a 24/7 Integrated Operations Center (IOC) located in Atlanta, Georgia, enhancing our managed service offerings, including cloud services, data center hosting and management, remote monitoring and disaster recovery. We financed $7.7 million of the construction costs with a term loan.

 

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For more information on the financing arrangements on the transactions discussed above, see Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Common Stock Repurchase Program

 

In April 2015, our Board of Directors approved a $10 million increase to our discretionary stock repurchase program, which was originally adopted in October 2008 with an initial authorized maximum of $10 million and amended in September 2012 to add an additional $10 million. Under the program, the shares may be repurchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or unsolicited negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. We expect that the repurchase of our common stock under the program will be financed with existing working capital and amounts available under our existing credit facility. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock. No limit was placed on the duration of the repurchase program. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that we will repurchase. Subject to applicable securities laws, repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts as our management deems appropriate. The program can also be discontinued at any time management feels additional purchases are not warranted.

 

We repurchased a total of 601,503 shares of our common stock under this program during the year ended December 31, 2015 for a total cost of approximately $5.9 million. From the inception of the program in October 2008 through December 31, 2015, we have repurchased an aggregate total of 3,675,989 shares of our common stock for a total cost of $22.4 million. At December 31, 2015, we had $7.6 million available in stock repurchases under the program, subject to any limitations that may apply from time to time under our existing credit facility.

 

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates, judgments and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported for future periods may be affected by changes in those estimates, and revisions to estimates are included in our results for the period in which the actual amounts become known.

 

Management considers an accounting estimate to be critical if:

 

  it requires assumptions to be made that were uncertain at the time the estimate was made; and
  changes in the estimate or different estimates that could have been selected could have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.

 

Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the audit committee of our board of directors. We believe the critical accounting policies described below affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. For a summary of our significant accounting policies, including those discussed below, see Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, Part II, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Revenue Recognition. We adhere to the guidelines and principles of sales recognition described in ASC 605 — Revenue Recognition . Under ASC 605, product sales are recognized when the title and risk of loss are passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement for sale, delivery has occurred and/or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Under these guidelines, the majority of our sales, including revenue from product sales and gross outbound shipping and handling charges, are recognized upon receipt of the product by the customer. In accordance with our revenue recognition policy, we perform an analysis to estimate the number of days products we have shipped are in transit to our customers using data from our third party carriers and other factors. We record an adjustment to reverse the impact of sale transactions based on the estimated value of products that have shipped, but have not yet been received by our customers, and we recognize such amounts in the subsequent period when delivery has occurred. Changes in delivery patterns or unforeseen shipping delays beyond our control could have a material impact on our revenue recognition for the current period.

 

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For all product sales shipped directly from suppliers to customers, we take title to the products sold upon shipment, bear credit risk, and bear inventory risk for returned products that are not successfully returned to suppliers; therefore, these revenues are recognized at gross sales amounts.

 

We also sell certain products for which we act as an agent in accordance with ASC 605-45. Products in this category include the sale of third-party services, warranties, software assurance (“SA”) or subscriptions. SA is an “insurance” or “maintenance” product that allows customers to upgrade, at no additional cost, to the latest technology if new applications are introduced during the period that the SA is in effect. These sales do not meet the criteria for gross sales recognition, and thus are recognized on a net basis at the time of sale. Under net sales recognition, the cost paid to the vendor or third-party service provider is recorded as a reduction to sales, resulting in net sales being equal to the gross profit on the transaction.

 

Some of our larger customers are offered the opportunity by certain of our vendors to purchase software licenses and SA under enterprise agreements (“EAs”). Under EAs, customers are considered to be compliant with applicable license requirements for the ensuing year, regardless of changes to their employee base. Customers are charged an annual true-up fee for changes in the number of users over the year. With most EAs, our vendors will transfer the license and invoice the customer directly, paying us an agency fee or commission on these sales. We record these fees as a component of net sales as earned and there is no corresponding cost of sales amount. In certain instances, we invoice the customer directly under an EA and account for the individual items sold based on the nature of the item. Our vendors typically dictate how the EA will be sold to the customer.

 

When a customer order contains multiple deliverables such as hardware, software and services which are delivered at varying times, we determine whether the delivered items can be considered separate units of accounting as prescribed under ASC 605-25, Revenue Recognition, Multiple-Element Arrangement . For arrangements with multiple units of accounting, arrangement consideration is allocated among the units of accounting, where separable, based on their relative selling price. Relative selling price is determined based on vendor-specific objective evidence, if it exists. Otherwise, third-party evidence of selling price is used, when it is available, and in circumstances when neither vendor-specific objective evidence nor third-party evidence of selling price is available, management’s best estimate of selling price is used.

 

Revenue from professional services is either recognized as incurred for services billed at an hourly rate or recognized using the proportional performance method for services provided at a fixed fee. Revenue for data center services, including internet connectivity, web hosting, server co-location and managed services, is recognized over the period the service is performed.

 

Sales are reported net of estimated returns and allowances, discounts, mail-in rebate redemptions and credit card chargebacks. If the actual sales returns, allowances, discounts, mail-in rebate redemptions or credit card chargebacks are greater than estimated by management, additional expense may be incurred.

 

Vendor Consideration. We receive vendor consideration from our vendors in the form of cooperative marketing allowances, volume incentive rebates and other programs to support our marketing of their products. Most of our vendor consideration is accrued, when performance required for recognition is completed, as an offset to cost of sales in accordance with ASC 605-50, Customer Payments and Incentives since such funds are not a reimbursement of specific, incremental, identifiable costs incurred by us in selling the vendors’ products. At the end of any given period, billed or accrued receivables related to our vendor consideration are included in our “Accounts receivable, net of allowances.” Any change by the vendors of their program requirements or any changes in estimates of performance under such programs could have a material impact to our results of operations.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are carried at historical cost, subject to write-down, as needed, based upon an impairment analysis that we perform annually, or sooner if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not result in an impairment loss. We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1 of each year.

 

Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. Events that may create an impairment include, but are not limited to, significant and sustained decline in our stock price or market capitalization, significant underperformance of operating units and significant changes in market conditions. Changes in estimates of future cash flows or changes in market values could result in a write-down of our goodwill in a future period. If an impairment loss results from any impairment analysis as described above, such loss will be recorded as a pre-tax charge to our operating income. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are generally an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. At October 1, 2015, our goodwill resided in our Abreon, Commercial without Abreon, and Public Sector reporting units.

 

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Goodwill impairment testing is a two-step process. Step one involves comparing the fair value of our reporting units to their carrying amount. If the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, there is no impairment and no further testing is required. If the reporting unit’s carrying amount is greater than the fair value, the second step must be completed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. Step two calculates the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible assets, excluding goodwill, of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit as determined in step one. The implied fair value of goodwill determined in this step is compared to the carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference.

 

We performed our annual impairment analysis of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for possible impairment as of October 1, 2015. Our annual impairment analysis excluded goodwill associated with acquisitions made during the fourth quarter of 2015, as their purchase price allocations were completed subsequent to the analysis date, and their operations have not had sufficient operating time to suggest any triggering event would have occurred. Our management, with the assistance of an independent third-party valuation firm, determined the fair values of our reporting units and their underlying assets, and compared them to their respective carrying values. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in each business combination. The carrying value of goodwill was allocated to our reporting units pursuant to ASC 350. As a result of our annual impairment analysis as of October 1, 2015, we have determined that no impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets existed.

 

Fair value was determined by using a weighted combination of a market-based approach and an income approach, as this combination was deemed to be the most indicative of fair value in an orderly transaction between market participants. Under the market-based approach, we utilized information regarding our company and publicly available comparable company and industry information to determine cash flow multiples and revenue multiples that are used to value our reporting units. Under the income approach, we determined fair value based on estimated future cash flows of each reporting unit, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of a reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn.

 

In addition, fair value of our indefinite-lived trademark was determined using the relief from royalty method under the income approach to value. This method applies a market based royalty rate to projected revenues that are associated with the trademarks. Applying the royalty rate to projected revenues resulted in an indication of the pre-tax royalty savings associated with ownership of the trademarks. Projected after-tax royalty savings were discounted to present value at the reporting unit’s weighted average cost of capital, and a tax amortization benefit (calculated based on a 15 year life for tax purposes) was added.

 

In conjunction with our annual assessment of goodwill, our valuation techniques did not indicate any impairment as of October 1, 2015. All reporting units with goodwill passed the first step of the goodwill evaluation, with the fair values of our Abreon, Commercial without Abreon and Public Sector reporting units exceeding their respective carrying values by 83%, 14% and 58% and, accordingly, we were not required to perform the second step of the goodwill evaluation. We had $7.2 million, $50.4 million and $7.1 million of goodwill as of October 1, 2015 residing in our Abreon, Commercial without Abreon and Public Sector reporting units, respectively. In applying the market and income approaches to determining fair value of our reporting units, we rely on a number of significant assumptions and estimates including revenue growth rates and operating margins, discount rates and future market conditions, among others. Our estimates are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. Changes in one or more of these significant estimates or assumptions could affect the results of these impairment reviews.

 

As part of our annual review for impairment, we assessed the total fair values of the reporting units and compared total fair value to our market capitalization at October 1, 2015, including the implied control premium, to determine if the fair values are reasonable compared to external market indicators. When comparing our market capitalization to the discounted cash flow models for each reporting unit summed together, the implied control premium was approximately 28% as of October 1, 2015. We believe several factors are contributing to our low market capitalization, including the lack of trading volume in our stock and the recent significant investments made in various parts of our business and their effects on analyst earnings models.

 

Given continuing economic uncertainties and related risks to our business, there can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions made for purposes of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing as of October 1, 2015 will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. We may be required to record additional goodwill impairment charges in future periods, whether in connection with our next annual impairment testing as of October 1, 2016 or prior to that, if any change constitutes a triggering event outside of the quarter from when the annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test is performed. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment charge would result or, if it does, whether such charge would be material.

 

We amortize other intangible assets with definite lives generally on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, or in the case of customer relationships, based on a relative percentage of annual discounted cash flows expected to be delivered by the asset over its estimated useful life.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data

 

The following table sets forth, for the years indicated, our Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands) and information derived from our Consolidated Statements of Operations expressed as a percentage of net sales. There can be no assurance that trends in net sales, gross profit or operating results will continue in the future.

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Net sales   $ 1,661,948     $ 1,356,362     $ 1,359,999  
Cost of goods sold     1,437,621       1,164,295       1,170,500  
Gross profit     224,327       192,067       189,499  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     249,809       176,362       171,279  
Operating profit (loss)     (25,482 )     15,705       18,220  
Interest expense, net     3,860       3,180       3,340  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes     (29,342 )     12,525       14,880  
Income tax expense (benefit)     (11,394 )     5,490       6,235  
Income (loss) from continuing operations     (17,948 )     7,035       8,645  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes     (310 )     (1,570 )     (516 )
Net income (loss)   $ (18,258 )   $ 5,465     $ 8,129  

 

    As a Percentage of Net Sales
For Years Ended December 31,
 
    2015     2014     2013  
Net sales     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of goods sold     86.5       85.8       86.1  
Gross profit     13.5       14.2       13.9  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     15.0       13.0       12.6  
Operating profit (loss)     (1.5 )     1.2       1.3  
Interest expense, net     0.3       0.3       0.2  
Income (loss)from continuing operations before income taxes     (1.8 )     0.9       1.1  
Income tax expense (benefit)     (0.7 )     0.4       0.5  
Income (loss)from continuing operations     (1.1 )     0.5       0.6  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes     (0.0 )     (0.1 )     (0.0 )
Net income (loss)     (1.1 )%     0.4 %     0.6 %

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Net Sales

 

The following table presents our net sales by segment for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

    Year Ended December 31,              
    2015     2014              
    Net Sales     Percentage of
Total Net Sales
    Net Sales     Percentage of
Total Net Sales
    Dollar Change     Percent
Change
 
Commercial   $ 1,271,815       76 %   $ 1,016,047       75 %   $ 255,768       25 %
Public Sector     279,603       17       214,723       16       64,880       30  
MacMall     93,570       6       125,615       9       (32,045 )     (26 )
Canada     16,987       1                   16,987        
Corporate & Other     (27 )           (23 )           (4 )     NM (1)
Consolidated   $ 1,661,948       100 %   $ 1,356,362       100 %   $ 305,586       23 %

 

 

(1) Not meaningful.

 

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Consolidated net sales were $1,661.9 million in 2015 compared to $1,356.4 million in 2014, an increase of $305.5 million, which was primarily due to the addition of sales from our 2015 acquisitions, partially offset by a continued impact of a shift in sales mix towards products reported on a net basis. Consolidated sales of services were $123.1 million in 2015 compared to $117.0 million in 2014, an increase of $6.1 million, or 5%, and represented 7% and 9% of net sales in each of 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Commercial segment net sales were $1,271.8 million in 2015 compared to $1,016.0 million in 2014, an increase of $255.8 million, or 25%. The increase in Commercial net sales was primarily due to the addition of sales from our 2015 acquisitions, partially offset by a continued impact of a shift sales mix towards products reported on a net basis. Sales of services in the Commercial segment decreased by $2.6 million, or 2%, to $108.1 million in 2015 from $110.7 million in 2014, and represented 9% and 11% of Commercial net sales in each of 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Public Sector net sales were $279.6 million in 2015 compared to $214.7 million in 2014, an increase of $64.9 million, or 30% primarily due to the addition of sales from En Pointe, which we acquired in April 2015, partially offset by a decrease of $22.3 million, or 16%, in our federal government business and a continued shift in sales mix towards products reported on a net basis in our SLED business. The decrease in our federal government businesses was primarily due to a $16 million decrease in sales related to a federal contract vehicle that did not reoccur in 2015 compared to 2014.

 

MacMall net sales were $93.6 million in 2015 compared to $125.6 million in 2014, a decrease of $32.0 million, or 26%. The decrease in MacMall net sales was primarily due to increased competition and pricing pressures surrounding the sales of Apple products.

 

Canada had net sales of $17.0 million in 2015, representing approximately two months of sales from our Acrodex acquisition in late October 2015 and one month of sales from the Canadian unit of the Systemax assets acquired in December 2015.

 

Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin

 

Consolidated gross profit was $224.3 million in 2015, an increase of $32.2 million, or 17%, from $192.1 million in 2014. Consolidated gross profit margin decreased to 13.5% in 2015 from 14.2% in 2014. The increase in consolidated gross profit in 2015 was primarily due to our 2015 acquisitions. The decrease in consolidated gross profit margin was due to competitive pricing pressures and the reduction in higher margin sales under a federal contract vehicle, partially offset by an increase in sales mix towards sales reported on a net basis.

 

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses

 

Consolidated SG&A expenses increased by $73.4 million, or 42%, to $249.8 million in 2015 from $176.4 million in 2014. Consolidated SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 15% in 2015 from 13% in 2014. The increase in consolidated SG&A expenses was primarily due to a $25.4 million non-cash charge related to our decision to pursue En Pointe’s SAP ERP and Microsoft CRM solutions over those being developed previously, the SG&A expenses relating to our 2015 acquisitions, a $3.2 million increase in severance and restructuring related costs and $2.1 million of M&A related fees.

 

Operating Profit (Loss)

 

The following table presents our operating profit and operating profit margin, by segment, for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

    Year Ended December 31,                 Change in  
    2015     2014                 Operating  
    Operating     Operating
Profit
    Operating     Operating
Profit
    Change in
Operating Profit (Loss)
    Profit
Margin
 
    Profit (Loss)     Margin     Profit (Loss)     Margin     $     %     %  
Commercial   $ 58,301       4.6 %   $ 58,029       5.7 %   $ 272       %     (1.1 )%
Public Sector     10,020       3.6       8,349       3.9       1,671       20       (0.3 )
MacMall     1,178       1.3       1,290       1.0       (112 )     (9 )     0.3  
Canada     591       3.5                   591              
Corporate & Other(1)     (95,572 )     (5.8 )     (51,963 )     (3.8 )     (43,609 )     84       (2.0 )
Consolidated   $ (25,482 )     (1.5 )%   $ 15,705       1.2 %   $ (41,187 )     (262 )%     (2.7 )%

 

 

(1) Operating profit margin for Corporate & Other is computed based on consolidated net sales. Operating profit margin for each of the other segments is computed based on the respective segment’s net sales.

 

  41  
 

 

Consolidated operating loss was $25.5 million in 2015 compared to operating profit of $15.7 million in 2014, a decrease of $41.2 million, or 262%. The decrease in consolidated operating profit includes a $25.4 million non-cash charge related to the write-off of internally developed software related to our upcoming ERP and CRM systems, in favor of the ERP and CRM systems already configured and in production at En Pointe, a $5.3 million increase in special charges, which includes acquisition related fees, lease vacancy costs and severance costs and a reduction in profit in our federal business associated with the reduced sales under a federal contract vehicle.

 

Commercial operating profit was $58.3 million in 2015 compared to $58.0 million in 2014, an increase of $0.3 million. The increase in Commercial operating profit was primarily due to the addition of our 2015 acquisitions, partially offset by investments in our legacy business in sales and software related personnel.

 

Public Sector operating profit was $10.0 million in 2015 compared to $8.3 million in 2014, an increase of $1.7 million or 20%. The increase in Public Sector operating profit was primarily due to addition of En Pointe, partially offset by a decrease in our federal government business gross profit associated with the reduced sales under a federal contract vehicle.

 

MacMall operating profit was $1.2 million in 2015 compared to $1.3 million in 2014, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 9%. The decrease in MacMall operating profit was primarily due to a $2.7 million decrease in MacMall gross profit, partially offset by a $0.6 million decrease in advertising, a $0.6 million decrease in personnel costs, a $0.6 million decrease in credit card related fees, a $0.3 million decrease in legal settlement costs and a $0.3 million decrease in variable fulfillment expenses.

 

Canada operating profit was $0.6 million in 2015, representing approximately two months of operating profit from our Acrodex acquisition in late October 2015 and one month of operating profit from the Canadian unit of the Systemax assets acquired in December 2015.

 

Corporate & Other operating expenses include corporate related expenses such as legal, accounting, information technology, product management and certain other administrative costs that are not otherwise included in our reportable operating segments. Corporate & Other operating expenses were $95.6 million in 2015 compared to $52.0 million in 2014, an increase of $43.6 million, or 84%, primarily due to a $25.4 million non-cash charge related to the decision to pursue En Pointe’s SAP ERP and Microsoft CRM solutions over those being developed previously, the additional back office operating expenses of our acquisitions, $2.1 million of M&A related expenses, a $1.8 million increase related to lease vacancy costs, and a $0.9 million increase in travel and entertainment expenses.

 

Net Interest Expense

 

Total net interest expense for 2015 increased to $3.9 million compared with $3.2 million in 2014. The $0.7 million increase in net interest expense was primarily due to higher average total outstanding borrowings during 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year, partially offset by a lower average interest rate in 2015 compared to 2014.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

We recorded an income tax benefit of $11.4 million in 2015 compared to an income tax expense of $5.5 million in 2014. Our effective tax rate was 38.8% and 43.8% for 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in our 2015 effective tax rate was primarily due to the reduced impact of unfavorable tax rate items in 2015 as well as normalization of separate state effective tax rates in 2015, partially offset by an increased benefit resulting from research tax credits.

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, was $2.8 million in 2015 compared to $0.5 million in 2014, an increase of $2.3 million.

 

  42  
 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

Net Sales

 

The following table presents our net sales by segment for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

    Year Ended December 31,              
    2014     2013              
    Net Sales     Percentage of
Total Net Sales
    Net Sales     Percentage of
Total Net Sales
    Dollar Change     Percent
Change
 
Commercial   $ 1,016,047       75 %   $ 1,034,776       76 %   $ (18,729 )     (2 )%
Public Sector     214,723       16       187,142       14       27,581       15  
MacMall     125,615       9       138,089       10       (12,474 )     (9 )
Corporate & Other     (23 )           (8 )           (15 )     NM (1)
Consolidated   $ 1,356,362       100 %   $ 1,359,999       100 %   $ (3,637 )     0 %

 

 

(1) Not meaningful.

 

Consolidated net sales were $1,356.4 million in 2014 compared to $1,360.0 million in 2013, a decrease of $3.6 million. Consolidated sales of services were $117.0 million in 2014 compared to $121.2 million in 2013, a decrease of $4.2 million, or 3%, and represented 9% of net sales in each of 2014 and 2013.

 

Commercial segment net sales were $1,016.0 million in 2014 compared to $1,034.8 million in 2013, a decrease of $18.8 million, or 2%. Sales of services in the Commercial segment decreased by $5.9 million, or 5%, to $110.7 million in 2014 from $116.6 million in 2013, and represented 11% of Commercial segment net sales in each of 2014 and 2013. Commercial net sales in 2014 were negatively impacted by reductions in sales from several large enterprise customers. We continue to expect that our revenue growth will be impacted, but to a lesser extent, in the first quarter of 2015 by reductions from certain large enterprise customers. We believe we are seeing traction from the investments we are making in the area of sales headcount, software and advanced technology solutions and expect to see accelerated improvements from these investments.

 

Public Sector net sales were $214.7 million in 2014 compared to $187.1 million in 2013, an increase of $27.6 million, or 15%. This increase was primarily due to an increase of $21.0 million, or 17%, in our federal government business and an increase of $6.6 million, or 10%, in our SLED business. The increase in our federal government business was primarily due to significant increases across multiple federal contracts. The increase in our SLED business was primarily due to increased account executive productivity related in part to the Common Core standards initiatives in the education sector.

 

MacMall net sales were $125.6 million in 2014 compared to $138.1 million in 2013, a decrease of $12.5 million, or 9%. The decrease in MacMall net sales was primarily due to reductions in Apple notebooks and tablets, partially offset by an increase in Apple desktops. MacMall sales were negatively impacted by a very competitive online environment for the sales of Apple products.

 

Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin

 

Consolidated gross profit was $192.1 million in 2014, an increase of $2.6 million, or 1%, from $189.5 million in 2013. Consolidated gross profit margin grew to 14.2% in 2014 from 13.9% in 2013. The increase in consolidated gross profit in 2014 was primarily due to an increase in Public Sector selling margin and a $1.1 million increase in vendor consideration, partially offset by the $1.1 million LCD flat panel class action settlement we received in the third quarter of 2013. The increase in consolidated gross profit margin was primarily due to a higher mix of solution sales, including an increase in sales reported on a net basis.

 

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses

 

Consolidated SG&A expenses increased by $5.1 million, or 3%, to $176.4 million in 2014 from $171.3 million in 2013 primarily due to a $3.9 million increase in personnel cost, a $1.0 million increase in depreciation, a $0.8 million increase in professional consulting fees, a $0.4 million increase in travel related expenses and a $0.4 million increase in outside services, partially offset by a $1.4 million decrease in amortization expense, a $1.0 million decrease in bad debt expense and a $0.5 million decrease in credit card related fees. Consolidated SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 13.0% in 2014 from 12.6% in 2013.

 

  43  
 

 

Operating Profit

 

The following table presents our operating profit and operating profit margin, by segment, for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

    Year Ended December 31,                 Change in  
    2014     2013                 Operating  
    Operating     Operating
Profit
    Operating     Operating
Profit
    Change in
Operating Profit
    Profit
Margin
 
    Profit     Margin     Profit     Margin     $     %     %  
Commercial   $ 58,029       5.7 %   $ 63,486       6.1 %   $ (5,457 )     (9 )%     (0.4 )%
Public Sector     8,349       3.9       3,714       2.0       4,635       125       1.9  
MacMall     1,290       1.0       2,968       2.1       (1,678 )     (57 )     (1.1 )
Corporate & Other(1)     (51,963 )     (3.8 )     (51,948 )     (3.8 )     (15 )     0       0.0  
Consolidated   $ 15,705       1.2 %   $ 18,220       1.3 %   $ (2,515 )     (14 )%     (0.1 )%

 

 

(1) Operating profit margin for Corporate & Other is computed based on consolidated net sales. Operating profit margin for each of the other segments is computed based on the respective segment’s net sales.

 

Consolidated operating profit was $15.7 million in 2014 compared to $18.2 million in 2013, a decrease of $2.5 million, or 14%.

 

Commercial operating profit was $58.0 million in 2014 compared to $63.5 million in 2013, a decrease of $5.5 million, or 9%, primarily due to a $5.2 million increase in personnel costs and a $0.6 million increase in professional consulting fees, partially offset by a $0.6 million increase in Commercial gross profit.

 

Public Sector operating profit was $8.3 million in 2014 compared to $3.7 million in 2013, an increase of $4.6 million or 125%, primarily due to a $4.1 million increase in Public Sector gross profit, a $0.8 million decrease in variable fulfillment expense and a $0.5 million decrease in bad debt expense, partially offset by a $0.7 million increase in personnel cost.

 

MacMall operating profit was $1.3 million in 2014 compared to $3.0 million in 2013, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 57%, primarily due to a $2.1 million decrease in MacMall gross profit and a $0.8 million increase in variable fulfillment expenses, partially offset by a $0.7 million decrease in personnel costs.

 

Corporate & Other operating expenses were $52.0 million in 2014 compared to $51.9 million in 2013, an increase of $0.1 million. In 2014, there was a $1.1 million increase in depreciation expense and a $0.3 million increase in variable fulfillment costs, partially offset by a $1.3 million decrease in Corporate & Other personnel costs.

 

Net Interest Expense

 

Total net interest expense for 2014 decreased to $3.2 million compared with $3.3 million in 2013. The $0.1 million decrease in net interest expense was primarily due to a lower average of total outstanding borrowings during 2014 compared to the prior year.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

We recorded an income tax expense of $5.5 million in 2014 compared to an income tax expense of $6.2 million in 2013, a decrease of $0.7 million primarily due to a decrease in pre-tax income. Our effective tax rate was 43.8% and 41.9% for 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, was $1.6 million in 2014 compared to $0.5 million in 2013, an increase of $1.1 million.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Working Capital. Our primary capital needs have and we expect will continue to be the funding of our existing working capital requirements, capital expenditures for which we expect to include substantial investments in our new ERP system, eCommerce platform and other upgrades of our current IT infrastructure over the next several years, which are discussed further below in “Other Planned Capital Projects,” possible sales growth, possible acquisitions and new business ventures, and possible repurchases of our common stock under a discretionary repurchase program, which is also further discussed below. Our primary sources of financing have historically come from borrowings from financial institutions, public and private issuances of our common stock and cash flows from operations. Our continuing efforts to drive revenue growth from commercial customers could result in an increase in our accounts receivable as these customers are generally provided longer payment terms than consumers. We historically have increased our inventory levels from time to time to take advantage of strategic manufacturer promotions. We believe that our existing cash balance, together with our expected future cash flows from operations and available borrowing capacity under our line of credit, will be adequate to support our current operating plans for at least the next 12 months. However, the current uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment may limit our cash resources that could otherwise be available to fund capital investments, future strategic opportunities or growth beyond our current operating plans.

 

There has been ongoing uncertainty in the global economic environment, which could cause disruptions in the capital and credit markets. While our revolving credit facility does not mature until March 2019, we believe problems in these areas could have a negative impact on our ability to obtain future financing if we need additional funds, such as for acquisitions or expansion, to fund a significant downturn in our sales or an increase in our operating expenses, or to take advantage of opportunities or favorable market conditions in the future. We may seek additional financing from public or private debt or equity issuances; however, there can be no assurance that such financing will be available at acceptable terms, if at all. Also, there can be no assurance that the cost or availability of future borrowings, if any, under our credit facility or in the debt markets will not be impacted by disruptions in the capital and credit markets.

 

We had cash and cash equivalents of $11.2 million at December 31, 2015 and $8.9 million at December 31, 2014. Our working capital decreased by $72.6 million to a negative working capital of $9.2 million at December 31, 2015 from working capital of $63.4 million at December 31, 2014.

 

In April 2015, our Board of Directors approved a $10 million increase to our discretionary stock repurchase program, which was originally adopted in October 2008 with an initial authorized maximum of $10 million and amended in September 2012 to add an additional $10 million. Under the program, the shares may be repurchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or unsolicited negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. We expect that the repurchase of our common stock under the program will be financed with existing working capital and amounts available under our existing credit facility. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock. No limit was placed on the duration of the repurchase program. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that we will repurchase. Subject to applicable securities laws, repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts as our management deems appropriate. The program can also be discontinued at any time management feels additional purchases are not warranted.

 

We repurchased a total of 601,503 shares of our common stock under this program during the year ended December 31, 2015 for a total cost of approximately $5.9 million. From the inception of the program in October 2008 through December 31, 2015, we have repurchased an aggregate total of 3,675,989 shares of our common stock for a total cost of $22.4 million. At December 31, 2015, we had $7.6 million available in stock repurchases under the program, subject to any limitations that may apply from time to time under our existing credit facility.

 

We maintain a Canadian call center serving the U.S. market, which receives the benefit of labor credits under the Investment Quebec Refundable Tax Credit for Major Employment Generating Projects (GPCE) program. In addition to other eligibility requirements under the program, which extends through fiscal year 2016, we are required to maintain a minimum of 317 eligible employees employed by our subsidiary PCM Sales Canada in the province of Quebec at all times to remain eligible to apply annually for these labor credits. As a result of this certification, we are eligible to make annual labor credit claims for eligible employees equal to 25% of eligible salaries, but not to exceed $15,000 (Canadian) per eligible employee per year, continuing through fiscal year 2016. In June 2014, the province of Quebec passed a budget that modified the annual labor credit, prospectively reducing the claim percentage from 25% to 20% of eligible salaries, and reducing the annual amount from $15,000 to $12,000 (Canadian) per eligible employee per year. As of December 31, 2015, we had a total accrued receivable of $4.4 million related to 2014 and 2015. We filed our 2014 claim in late 2015, and we expect to file our 2015 claim in late 2016. We expect to receive full payment under our remaining accrued labor credits receivable.

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities. Net cash used in operating activities was $52.4 million in 2015 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $73.3 million in 2014 and $0.9 million in 2013.

 

  45  
 

 

The $52.4 million of net cash used in operating activities in 2015 was primarily due to a $127.0 million increase in accounts receivable resulting primarily from the build of En Pointe’s receivables since the acquisition in April 2015 as we did not purchase any receivables as part of our acquisition of En Pointe, partially offset by a $54.3 million increase in accounts payable, which was primarily due to the addition of En Pointe, and a $6.3 million increase in our accrued liabilities primarily relating to the addition of En Pointe.

 

The $73.3 million of net cash provided by operating activities in 2014 was primarily due to a $66.3 million decrease in inventory related to a sell through of the inventory purchased for specific customer contracts and large strategic purchases made near the end of the prior year.

 

The $0.9 million of net cash provided by operating activities in 2013 was primarily related to a $31.0 million increase in accounts payable and net income before non-cash adjustments, partially offset by a $48.0 million increase in inventory due to the timing of large strategic purchases made near the end of the year, a majority of which were sold in the first quarter of 2014.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $66.2 million in 2015, $26.7 million in 2014 and $17.2 million in 2014.

 

The $66.2 million of net cash used in investing activities in 2015 was primarily related to the acquisition of En Pointe for $17.3 million, the acquisition of certain assets of Systemax for $14.0 million, the acquisition of Acrodex for $13.6 million, net of cash acquired, the purchase of real properties in Lewis Center, Ohio for $6.0 million and in Irvine, California for $5.8 million, as well as expenditures relating to investments in our IT infrastructure and new ERP systems.

 

The $26.7 million of net cash used in investing activities in 2014 was primarily related to capital expenditure relating to construction of our new data center in New Albany, Ohio, expenditures relating to our ERP upgrade, the expenditures relating to leasehold improvements and other build-out costs related to our new Chicago and Austin offices, and investments in our IT infrastructure, the creation of enhanced electronic tools for our account executives and sales support staff.

 

The $17.2 million of net cash used in investing activities in 2013 was primarily related to capital expenditure relating to investments in our IT infrastructure, the creation of enhanced electronic tools for our account executives and sales support staff, $1.3 million related to the unfinanced portion of a building we acquired that is adjacent to the building we own in Santa Monica, California, and approximately $2.8 million of construction and related costs to build out the new data center in New Albany, Ohio.

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $122.2 million in 2015 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $47.2 million in 2014 and net cash provided by financing activities of $20.1 million in 2013.

 

The $122.2 million of net cash provided by financing activities in 2015 was primarily related to a $109.6 million increase in our outstanding borrowings on our line of credit and a $17.7 million increase in borrowings under our notes payable.

 

The $47.2 million of net cash used in financing activities in 2014 was primarily related to $57.7 million of net payments on our line of credit, partially offset by $13.7 million of borrowings under our notes payable.

 

The $20.1 million of net cash provided by financing activities in 2013 was primarily related to the $22.9 million increase in our outstanding borrowings on our line of credit and the $4.6 million of borrowings under our notes payable, partially offset by a $3.0 million change in book overdraft and $2.9 million of payments on our capital lease obligations.

 

  46  
 

 

Debt. The following table sets forth our outstanding debt as of the periods presented (in thousands):

 

    At December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus 1.50%, maturing in September 2018   $ 162,439     $ 52,795  
Note payable, LIBOR plus 1.50%, maturing in September 2018     9,848       3,255  
Note payable, LIBOR plus 1.50%, maturing in September 2018     1,653       1,571  
Note payable, greater of 2% or LIBOR plus 2.15%, maturing in April 2022     4,799 (1)        
Note payable, LIBOR plus 2.25%, maturing in January 2022     4,365        
Notes payable, 4.12%, 4.33% and 4.60%, maturing in March 2017     2,569       4,524  
Note payable, LIBOR plus 2.25%, maturing in January 2020     7,416       7,725  
Note payable, Prime plus 0.375% or LIBOR plus 2.375%, maturing in September 2016     8,515       8,917  
Note payable, 4.65% matured in April 2015           164  
Total     201,604       78,951  
Less: Total current debt     180,150       56,536  
Total non-current debt   $ 21,454     $ 22,415  

 

 

  (1) This note payable, related to the Irvine Property, has been presented on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as “Note payable related to asset held for sale” and is included as current debt.

 

The following table sets forth the maturities of our outstanding debt balance as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

    2016     2017     2018     2019     2020     Thereafter     Total  
Total long-term debt obligations   $ 17,711     $ 2,879     $ 2,354     $ 8,534     $ 1,968     $ 5,719     $ 39,165  
Revolving credit facility     162,439                                     162,439  
Total   $ 180,150     $ 2,879     $ 2,354     $ 8,534     $ 1,968     $ 5,719     $ 201,604  

 

Line of Credit and Related Notes

 

We maintain a credit facility, which functions as a working capital line of credit with a borrowing base of inventory and accounts receivable, including certain credit card receivables, and a portion of the value of certain real estate. On January 19, 2016, we entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Fourth Amended Loan Agreement”) with certain lenders and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC as administrative and collateral agent for the Lenders. The Fourth Amended Loan Agreement provides for, among other things: (i) an increase in the Maximum Credit, as defined in the Fourth Amended Loan Agreement, from $250,000,000 to $275,000,000; (ii) the addition of a sub-line of up to C$40,000,000 as the Canadian Maximum Credit, as defined in the Fourth Amended Loan Agreement ((i) and (ii) collectively the “Revolving Line”); (iii) an extension of the Maturity Date to March 19, 2019; (iv) interest on outstanding balances under the Canadian Maximum Credit based on the Canadian Base Rate (calculated as the greater of CDOR plus 1 percentage point and the “prime rate” for Canadian Dollar commercial loans, as further defined in the Fourth Amended Loan Agreement) or, at the election of the Borrowers, based on the CDOR Rate plus a margin, depending on average excess availability under the Revolving Line, ranging from 1.50% to 1.75%; and (v) interest on outstanding balances under the Maximum Credit based on the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin, depending on average excess availability under the Revolving Line, ranging from 1.50% to 1.75%.

 

The credit facility is collateralized by substantially all of our assets. In addition to the security interest required by the credit facility, certain of our vendors have security interests in some of our assets related to their products. The credit facility has as its single financial covenant a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (FCCR) requirement in the event an FCCR triggering event has occurred. An FCCR triggering event is comprised of maintaining certain specified daily and average excess availability thresholds. In the event the FCCR covenant applies, the fixed charge coverage ratio is 1.0 to 1.0 calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis as of the end of the last quarter immediately preceding such FCCR triggering event date. At December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with our financial covenant under the credit facility.

 

Loan availability under the line of credit fluctuates daily and is affected by many factors, including eligible assets on-hand, opportunistic purchases of inventory and availability and our utilization of early-pay discounts. At December 31, 2015, we had $53.7 million available to borrow for working capital advances under the line of credit.

 

In connection with, and as part of, our revolving credit facility, we maintain two sub-lines under our revolving credit facility secured by the two parcels of real property we own in Santa Monica, California, each with a limit of $10.9 million and $1.8 million. The $10.9 million sub-line has a monthly principal amortization of approximately $130,000 and the $1.8 million sub-line has a monthly principal amortization of approximately $22,000, both bearing interest at the same rate as our revolving credit facility.

 

  47  
 

 

Other Notes Payable

 

In March 2015, we completed the purchase of real property in Irvine, California for approximately $5.8 million and financed $4.9 million with a long-term note. The loan agreement provides for a seven-year term and a 25 year straight-line, monthly principal repayment amortization period that began on May 1, 2015 with a balloon payment at maturity in April 2022. The loan is secured by the real property and contains financial covenants substantially similar to those of our existing asset-based credit facility. In September 2015, we listed the Irvine Property for sale.

 

In January 2015, we completed the purchase of certain real property in Lewis Center, Ohio for approximately $6.6 million and financed $4.575 million with a long-term note. The $4.575 million term note provides for a seven-year term and a 25 year straight-line, monthly principal repayment amortization period that began in February 2015 with a balloon payment at maturity in January 2022. The loan is secured by the real property and contains financial covenants substantially similar to those of our existing asset-based credit facility.

 

Throughout 2014, we entered into three financing arrangements with a bank to finance the costs of equipment, software and professional services related to our ERP upgrade. The total amount financed was $5.6 million, with a quarterly repayment schedule maturing in March 2017.

 

In December 2012, we completed the purchase of 7.9 acres of land for approximately $1.1 million and have incurred additional costs of $12.2 million through December 31, 2014 towards the construction of a new cloud data center that we opened in June 2014. In July 2013, we entered into a loan agreement for up to $7.725 million to finance the build out of the new data center. The loan agreement provides for a five-year term and a 25 year straight-line, monthly principal repayment amortization period with a balloon payment at maturity in January 2020. The loan is secured by the real property and contains financial covenants substantially similar to those of our existing asset-based credit facility.

 

In June 2011, we entered into a credit agreement to finance a total of $10.1 million of the acquisition and improvement costs for the real property we purchased in March 2011 in El Segundo, California. The credit agreement provides for a five-year term and a 25 year straight-line, monthly principal repayment amortization period with a balloon payment at maturity in September 2016. The loan is secured by the real property and contains financial covenants substantially similar to those of our existing asset-based credit facility.

 

At December 31, 2015, the effective weighted average annual interest rate on our outstanding amounts under the credit facility, term note and variable interest rate notes payable was 2.04%.

 

The carrying amounts of our line of credit borrowings and notes payable approximate their fair value based upon the current rates offered to us for obligations of similar terms and remaining maturities.

 

As part of our growth strategy, we may, in the future, make acquisitions in the same or complementary lines of business, and pursue other business ventures. Any launch of a new business venture or any acquisition and the ensuing integration of the acquired operations would place additional demands on our management, and our operating and financial resources.

 

Inflation

 

Inflation has not had a material impact on our operating results; however, there can be no assurance that inflation will not have a material impact on our business in the future.

 

Dividend Policy

 

We have never paid cash dividends on our capital stock and our credit facility prohibits us from paying any cash dividends on our capital stock. Therefore, we do not currently anticipate paying dividends; we intend to retain any earnings to finance the growth and development of our business.

 

  48  
 

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following tables set forth our future contractual obligations and other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands), including the future periods in which payments are expected. Additional details regarding these obligations are provided in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

 

    Payments Due by Period  
    Total     Less than
1 year
    1-3 years     3-5 years     After 5 years  
Contractual obligations:                                        
Long-term debt obligations (a)   $ 39,165     $ 17,710     $ 5,233     $ 10,502     $ 5,720  
Purchase obligations (b)     9,481       9,430       51              
Operating lease obligations     23,263       6,963       7,435       3,805       5,060  
Capital lease obligations     3,700       2,274       1,212       214        
Total contractual obligations   $ 75,609     $ 36,377     $ 13,931     $ 14,521     $ 10,780  
                                         
Other commercial commitments (c):                                        
Line of credit (a)   $ 162,439     $ 162,439     $     $     $  

 

 

(a) Long-term debt obligations and line of credit exclude interest, which is based on a variable rate tied to the prime rate or LIBOR plus a variable spread, at our option.
(b) Purchase obligations consist of minimum commitments under non-cancelable contracts for services relating to telecommunications, IT maintenance, financial services and employment contracts with certain employees (which consist of severance arrangements that, if exercised, would become payable in less than one year).
(c) We had $11.3 million of standby letters of credits (LOCs) under which there were no minimum payment requirements at December 31, 2015. LOCs are commitments issued to third party beneficiaries, underwritten by a third party bank, representing funding responsibility in the event of third party demands or contingent events. The outstanding balance of our standby LOCs reduces the amount available to us from our revolving credit facility. There were no claims made against any standby LOCs during the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Other Planned Capital Projects

 

ERP Upgrades

 

We have been in the process of upgrading our ERP systems due to the discontinued third party support of certain of our aged legacy systems, our changing IT needs when considering the transitioning state of our business from our origins towards becoming a leading IT solution provider and the ongoing desire to integrate multiple systems upon which we currently operate as a result of multiple acquisitions. In this regard, we previously purchased licenses for Microsoft Dynamics AX and other related modules to provide a complete, robust and integrated ERP solution and have expended time, effort and resources to implement this AX solution for our legacy businesses. We believe the implementation and upgrade of our systems should help us to gain further efficiencies across our organizations. Our newly acquired En Pointe business has operated for a number of years on an implemented and successfully functioning SAP system. As a result of the En Pointe acquisition, we considered new issues related to the costs, risks and benefits of either continuing the implementation of our AX solution and moving En Pointe to such AX solution or moving the legacy businesses to the SAP solution. In response, we shifted certain of our IT development efforts towards assessing these respective costs, risks and benefits. There are significant risks and uncertainties in adopting and implementing a new ERP system and as part of our assessment of these alternatives, we considered the fact that En Pointe has been successfully functioning on its SAP system for many years while none of our businesses have operated on the AX system. While we believe the AX solution has many valuable features and that it has been essential that we have undertaken our AX development efforts to date, we have weighed these attributes and the transition risk inherent with any such new solution against the fact that En Pointe, with similar business characteristics and system needs to our legacy businesses, has been successfully operating on its SAP system for a number of years. As a result of the assessments performed, our management concluded that the SAP solution is the best, most viable and cost effective option for our consolidated business going forward. To that end, in late October 2015, our management determined, and our Board of Directors approved such determination, to adopt the SAP platform across all of our business units and approved the non-cash write-off of the remaining $22.1 million of work in process software previously capitalized for all major phases of the design, configuration and customization of the AX solution to date. For the year ended December 31, 2015, a total of $25.4 million non-cash charge related to the ERP and CRM write-offs was included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of December 31, 2015, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

  49  
 

 

Contingencies

 

For a discussion of contingencies, see Part II, Item 8, Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this report.

 

RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

There were no material related-party transactions during the year ended December 31, 2015 other than compensation arrangements in the ordinary course of business.

 

IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

For a discussion of impact of recently issued accounting standards, see Part II, Item 8, Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this report under “Recent Accounting Pronouncements.”

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities. At December 31, 2015, the carrying values of our financial instruments approximated their fair values based on current market prices and rates.

 

We have not entered into derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2015. However, from time-to-time, we contemplate and may enter into derivative financial instruments related to interest rate, foreign currency, and other market risks.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We have exposure to the risks of fluctuating interest rates on our line of credit and notes payable. The variable interest rates on our line of credit and notes payable are tied to the prime rate or the LIBOR, at our discretion. At December 31, 2015, we had $162.4 million outstanding under our line of credit and $36.6 million outstanding under our notes payable with variable interest rates. As of December 31, 2015, the hypothetical impact of a one percentage point increase in interest rate related to the outstanding borrowings under our line of credit and such notes payable would be to increase our annual interest expense by approximately $2.0 million.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

 

We have operation centers in Canada and the Philippines that provide back-office administrative support and customer service support. In each of these countries, transactions are primarily conducted in the respective local currencies. In addition, our two foreign subsidiaries that operate the operation centers have intercompany accounts with our U.S. subsidiaries that eliminate upon consolidation. However, transactions resulting in such accounts expose us to foreign currency rate fluctuations. We record gains and losses resulting from exchange rate fluctuations on our short-term intercompany accounts in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and translation gains and losses resulting from exchange rate fluctuations on local currency based assets and liabilities in “Accumulated other comprehensive income,” a separate component of stockholders’ equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As such, we have foreign currency translation exposure for changes in exchange rates for these currencies and any significant changes in exchange rates between foreign currencies in which we transact business and the U.S. dollar may adversely affect our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2015, we did not have material foreign currency or overall currency exposure.

 

***

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm 52
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 53
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 54
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 55
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 56
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 57
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 58
 
Financial Statement Schedule 85
 
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 86

 

All other schedules are omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

 

  51  
 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of PCM, Inc.

El Segundo, California

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of PCM, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at En Pointe Technologies Sales, LLC (“En Pointe”), which was acquired on April 1, 2015, and whose financial statements comprised 24% and 21% of the consolidated total assets and total net sales, respectively, of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015. Accordingly our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting for En Pointe. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and the financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the financial statement schedule and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of PCM, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP  
Los Angeles, California  
March15, 2016  

 

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PCM, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share amounts and share data)

 

    December 31,  
    2015     2014  
ASSETS                
Current assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 11,176     $ 8,892  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $558 and $426     341,018       199,604  
Inventories     55,386       50,687  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     17,880       15,936  
Deferred income taxes     4,425       3,922  
Asset held for sale     5,812       —    
Current assets of discontinued operations     —         26  
Total current assets     435,697       279,067  
Property and equipment, net     56,774       74,368  
Goodwill     80,552       25,510  
Intangible assets, net     20,807       4,673  
Deferred income taxes     939       —    
Other assets     5,404       5,558  
Non-current assets of discontinued operations     —         14  
Total assets   $ 600,173     $ 389,190  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable   $ 201,524     $ 122,333  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     51,580       26,107  
Deferred revenue     11,455       10,089  
Line of credit     162,439       52,795  
Notes payable — current     12,912       3,741  
Note payable related to asset held for sale     4,799       —    
Current liabilities of discontinued operations     153       577  
Total current liabilities     444,862       215,642  
Notes payable     21,454       22,415  
Other long-term liabilities     20,289       5,600  
Deferred income taxes     4,053       12,217  
Total liabilities     490,658       255,874  
Commitments and contingencies                
Stockholders’ equity:                
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding     —         —    
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 16,007,613 and 15,758,714 shares issued; 11,914,946 and 12,267,550 shares outstanding     16       16  
Additional paid-in capital     122,932       120,915  
Treasury stock, at cost: 4,092,667 and 3,491,164 shares     (23,326 )     (17,472 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     (765 )     941  
Retained earnings     10,658       28,916  
Total stockholders’ equity     109,515       133,316  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 600,173     $ 389,190  

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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PCM, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Net sales   $ 1,661,948     $ 1,356,362     $ 1,359,999  
Cost of goods sold     1,437,621       1,164,295       1,170,500  
Gross profit     224,327       192,067       189,499  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     249,809       176,362       171,279  
Operating profit (loss)     (25,482 )     15,705       18,220  
Interest expense, net     3,860       3,180       3,340  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes     (29,342 )     12,525       14,880  
Income tax expense (benefit)     (11,394 )     5,490       6,235  
Income (loss) from continuing operations     (17,948 )     7,035       8,645  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes     (310 )     (1,570 )     (516 )
Net income (loss)   $ (18,258 )   $ 5,465     $ 8,129  
                         
Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share                        
Basic EPS:                        
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ (1.49 )   $ 0.57     $ 0.75  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes     (0.03 )     (0.12 )     (0.05 )
Net income (loss)   $ (1.52 )   $ 0.45     $ 0.70  
                         
Diluted EPS:                        
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ (1.49 )   $ 0.55     $ 0.73  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes     (0.03 )     (0.13 )     (0.05 )
Net income (loss)   $ (1.52 )   $ 0.42     $ 0.68  
                         
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                        
Basic     12,049       12,251       11,583  
Diluted     12,049       12,881       11,923  

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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PCM, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands)

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Net income (loss)   $ (18,258 )   $ 5,465     $ 8,129  
Other comprehensive loss:                        
Foreign currency translation adjustments     (1,706 )     (875 )     (695 )
Total other comprehensive loss     (1,706 )     (875 )     (695 )
Comprehensive income (loss)   $ (19,964 )   $ 4,590     $ 7,434  

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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PCM, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

 

                Accumulated          
        Additional         Other          
    Common Stock   Paid-in   Treasury     Comprehensive     Retained      
    Outstanding     Amount     Capital   Stock     Income (loss)     Earnings     Total  
Balance at December 31, 2012     11,525     $ 14     $ 111,952     $ (13,688 )   $ 2,511     $ 15,322     $ 116,111  
Stock option exercises and related income tax benefit     493       1       2,332                           2,333  
Stock-based compensation expense                 1,517                         1,517  
Purchases of common stock under a stock repurchase program     (227 )                 (1,633 )                 (1,633 )
Net income                                   8,129       8,129  
Other comprehensive loss                             (695 )           (695 )
Balance at December 31, 2013     11,791       15       115,801       (15,321 )     1,816       23,451       125,762  
Stock option exercises, RSUs vested and related income tax benefit     706       1       3,612                           3,613  
Stock-based compensation expense                 1,502                         1,502  
Purchases of common stock under a stock repurchase program     (229 )                 (2,151 )                 (2,151 )
Net income                                   5,465       5,465  
Other comprehensive loss                             (875 )           (875 )
Balance at December 31, 2014     12,268       16       120,915       (17,472 )     941       28,916       133,316  
Stock option exercises, RSUs vested and related income tax benefit     249             428                           428  
Stock-based compensation expense                 1,589                         1,589  
Purchases of common stock under a stock repurchase program     (602 )                 (5,854 )                 (5,854 )
Net loss                                   (18,258 )     (18,258 )
Other comprehensive loss                             (1,706 )           (1,706 )
Balance at December 31, 2015     11,915     $ 16     $ 122,932     $ (23,326 )   $ (765 )   $ 10,658     $ 109,515  

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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PCM, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Cash Flows From Operating Activities                        
Net income (loss)   $ (18,258 )   $ 5,465     $ 8,129  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                        
Depreciation and amortization     12,217       11,893       11,830  
Write-off of software work in process     25,427       —         —    
Provision for deferred income taxes     (9,775 )     2,987       1,539  
Excess tax benefit related to stock option exercises     (231 )     (293 )     (291 )
Non-cash stock-based compensation     1,589       1,502       1,517  
Change in operating assets and liabilities:                        
Accounts receivable     (126,981 )     (3,545 )     (5,999 )
Inventories     1,663       66,267       (48,019 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (629 )     (1,334 )     (1,119 )
Other assets     837       855       (3,913 )
Accounts payable     54,314       (8,576 )     31,042  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     6,317       (2,593 )     2,161  
Deferred revenue     1,074       636       4,045  
Total adjustments     (34,178 )     67,799       (7,207 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     (52,436 )     73,264       922  
Cash Flows From Investing Activities                        
  Acquisition of assets of En Pointe     (17,295 )     —         —    
  Acquisition of Acrodex, net of cash acquired     (13,566 )     —         —    
  Acquisition of assets of Systemax     (14,000 )     —         —    
  Purchases of property and equipment     (21,380 )     (26,666 )     (17,213 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (66,241 )     (26,666 )     (17,213 )
Cash Flows From Financing Activities                        
Net borrowings (payments) under line of credit     109,644       (57,704 )     22,869  
Borrowings under notes payable     17,695       13,734       4,599  
Payments under notes payable     (4,686 )     (2,487 )     (1,461 )
Change in book overdraft     16,387       (98 )     (3,034 )
Payment of earn-out liability     (8,938 )     —         —    
Payments of obligations under capital leases     (2,394 )     (2,625 )     (2,932 )
Proceeds from stock issued under stock option plans     907       3,887       2,362  
Payments for deferred financing costs     (760 )     (30 )     (1,163 )
Common shares repurchased and held in treasury     (5,854 )     (2,151 )     (1,633 )
Excess tax benefit related to stock option exercises     231       293       291  
Capital lease proceeds     —         —         206  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     122,232       (47,181 )     20,104  
Effect of foreign currency on cash flow     (1,271 )     (517 )     (356 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents     2,284       (1,100 )     3,457  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period     8,892       9,992       6,535  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period   $ 11,176     $ 8,892     $ 9,992  
Supplemental Cash Flow Information                        
Interest paid   $ 3,619     $ 3,353     $ 3,228  
Income taxes paid (refund), net     (4,960 )     6,184       2,974  
Supplemental Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities                        
Accrued earn-out liability related to En Pointe acquisition   $ 38,625     $ —       $ —    
Financed purchase of property and equipment     895       2,332       1,106  

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  57  
 

 

PCM, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Description of Company

 

PCM, Inc. is a leading multi-vendor provider of technology products, services and solutions offered through our dedicated sales force, field and internal service teams, direct marketing channels and state of the art owned and operated data centers. Since our founding in 1987, we have served our customers by offering products and services from vendors such as Adobe, Apple, Cisco, Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HP Inc, Lenovo, Microsoft, Samsung, Symantec and VMware. We add additional value by incorporating products and services into comprehensive solutions. Our sales and marketing efforts allow our vendor partners to reach multiple customer segments including small, medium and enterprise businesses, state, local and federal governments and educational institutions.

 

In December 2015, as a result of our 2015 acquisitions, which is described more fully below under “Strategic Developments – Acquisitions,” we formed a new reportable Canada operating segment, which includes the Canadian operating results of the 2015 acquisitions from their respective dates of each acquisition. As a result, beginning in December 2015, we have four reportable operating segments - Commercial, Public Sector, MacMall and Canada. Our segments are primarily aligned based upon their respective customer base. Prior to December 2015, we had three reportable operating segments - Commercial, Public Sector and MacMall. We include corporate related expenses such as legal, accounting, information technology, product management and other administrative costs that are not otherwise included in our reportable operating segments in Corporate & Other.

 

During 2014, we discontinued the operation of all four of our retail stores, located in Huntington Beach, Santa Monica and Torrance, California and Chicago, Illinois, and our OnSale and eCost businesses. We reflected the results of these operations, which were historically reported as a part of our MacMall segment, as discontinued operations for all periods presented herein in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

We sell primarily to customers in the United States and Canada, and maintain offices throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Manila, Philippines. In 2015, we generated approximately 76% of our revenue in our Commercial segment, 17% of our revenue in our Public Sector segment, 6% of our revenue in our MacMall segment and 1% of our revenue in our Canada segment.

 

Our Commercial segment sells complex products, services and solutions to commercial businesses in the United States, using multiple sales channels, including a field relationship-based selling model, an outbound phone based sales force, a field services organization and online extranets.

 

Our Public Sector segment consists of sales made primarily to federal, state and local governments, as well as educational institutions. The Public Sector segment utilizes an outbound phone and field relationship-based selling model, as well as contract and bid business development teams and an online extranet.

 

Our MacMall segment consists of sales made via telephone and the Internet to consumers, small businesses and creative professionals.

 

Our Canada segment consists of sales made to customers in the Canadian market beginning as of the respective dates of our acquisition of Acrodex and certain assets of Systemax in October and December 2015, respectively.

 

2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

In 2014, we restated the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2013 to increase purchases of property and equipment and borrowing under a note payable by $1.7 million and decrease non-cash purchases of property and equipment by $1.7 million to correct an immaterial error from netting these amounts.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying financial statements included herein are presented on a consolidated basis and include our accounts and the accounts of all of our wholly-owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.

 

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Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported herein. Management bases its estimates, judgments and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods could differ from those estimates.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We adhere to the guidelines and principles of revenue recognition described in ASC 605 — Revenue Recognition . Under ASC 605, product sales are recognized when the title and risk of loss are passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement for sale, delivery has occurred and/or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Under these guidelines, the majority of our sales, including revenue from product sales and gross outbound shipping and handling charges, are recognized upon receipt of the product by the customer. In accordance with our revenue recognition policy, we perform an analysis to estimate the number of days products we have shipped are in transit to our customers using data from our third party carriers and other factors. We record an adjustment to reverse the impact of sale transactions based on the estimated value of products that have shipped, but have not yet been received by our customers, and we recognize such amounts in the subsequent period when delivery has occurred. Changes in delivery patterns or unforeseen shipping delays beyond our control could have a material impact on our revenue recognition for the current period.

 

For all product sales shipped directly from suppliers to customers, we take title to the products sold upon shipment, bear credit risk, and bear inventory risk for returned products that are not successfully returned to suppliers; therefore, these revenues are recognized at gross sales amounts.

 

We also sell certain products for which we act as an agent in accordance with ASC 605-45. Products in this category include the sale of third-party services, warranties, software assurance (“SA”) or subscriptions. SA is an “insurance” or “maintenance” product that allows customers to upgrade, at no additional cost, to the latest technology if new applications are introduced during the period that the SA is in effect. These sales do not meet the criteria for gross sales recognition, and thus are recognized on a net basis at the time of sale. Under net sales recognition, the cost paid to the vendor or third-party service provider is recorded as a reduction to sales, resulting in net sales being equal to the gross profit on the transaction.

 

Some of our larger customers are offered the opportunity by certain of our vendors to purchase software licenses and SA under enterprise agreements (“EAs”). Under EAs, customers are considered to be compliant with applicable license requirements for the ensuing year, regardless of changes to their employee base. Customers are charged an annual true-up fee for changes in the number of users over the year. With most EAs, our vendors will transfer the license and invoice the customer directly, paying us an agency fee or commission on these sales. We record these fees as a component of net sales as earned and there is no corresponding cost of sales amount. In certain instances, we invoice the customer directly under an EA and accounts for the individual items sold based on the nature of the item. Our vendors typically dictate how the EA will be sold to the customer.

 

When a customer order contains multiple deliverables such as hardware, software and services which are delivered at varying times, we determine whether the delivered items can be considered separate units of accounting as prescribed under ASC 605-25, Revenue Recognition, Multiple-Element Arrangement . For arrangements with multiple units of accounting, arrangement consideration is allocated among the units of accounting, where separable, based on their relative selling price. Relative selling price is determined based on vendor-specific objective evidence, if it exists. Otherwise, third-party evidence of selling price is used, when it is available, and in circumstances when neither vendor-specific objective evidence nor third-party evidence of selling price is available, management’s best estimate of selling price is used.

 

Revenue from professional services is either recognized as incurred for services billed at an hourly rate or recognized using the proportional performance method for services provided at a fixed fee. Revenue for data center services, including internet connectivity, web hosting, server co-location and managed services, is recognized over the period the service is performed.

 

Sales are reported net of estimated returns and allowances, discounts, mail-in rebate redemptions and credit card chargebacks. If the actual sales returns, allowances, discounts, mail-in rebate redemptions or credit card chargebacks are greater than estimated by management, additional expense may be incurred.

 

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Cost of Goods Sold

 

Cost of goods sold includes product costs, outbound and inbound shipping costs and costs of delivered services, offset by certain market development funds, volume incentive rebates and other consideration from vendors.

 

We receive consideration from our vendors in the form of cooperative marketing allowances, volume incentive rebates and other programs to support our marketing of their products. Most of our vendor consideration is accrued, when performance required for recognition is completed, as an offset to cost of sales in accordance with ASC 605-50, Revenue Recognition — Customer Payments and Incentives, since such funds are not a reimbursement of specific, incremental, identifiable costs incurred by us in selling the vendors’ products. For costs that are considered to be a reimbursement of specific, incremental, identifiable costs incurred by us in selling the vendors’ products, we accrue the vendor consideration as an offset to such costs in selling, general and administrative expenses. At the end of any given period, unbilled receivables related to our vendor consideration are included in “Accounts receivable, net of allowances” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

All highly liquid investments with initial maturities of three months or less and credit card receivables with settlement terms less than 5 days are considered cash equivalents. Amounts due from credit card processors classified as cash totaled $3.2 million and $2.7 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Checks issued but not presented for payment to the bank, net of available cash subject to a right of offset, totaling $18.4 million and $1.9 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were included in “Accounts payable” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our cash management programs result in utilizing available cash to pay down our line of credit.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

We generate the majority of our accounts receivable through the sale of products and services to certain customers on account. In addition, we record vendor receivables at such time as all conditions have been met that would entitle us to receive such vendor funding, and is thereby considered fully earned.

 

The following table presents the gross amounts of our accounts receivable (in thousands):

 

    At December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Trade receivables   $ 296,795     $ 170,137  
Vendor receivables     40,530       24,563  
Other receivables     4,251       5,330  
Total gross accounts receivable     341,576       200,030  
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable     (558 )     (426 )
Accounts receivable, net   $ 341,018     $ 199,604  

 

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, “Vendor receivables” presented above included $19.1 million and $13.7 million, respectively, of unbilled receivables relating to vendor consideration, which is described above under “Cost of Goods Sold.”

 

Accounts receivable potentially subject us to credit risk. We extend credit to our customers based upon an evaluation of each customer’s financial condition and credit history, and generally do not require collateral. No customer accounted for more than 10% of trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2015 and 2014. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based upon estimates of future collection. We regularly evaluate our customers’ financial condition and credit history in determining the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts. We have historically incurred credit losses within management’s expectations. We also maintain an allowance for uncollectible vendor receivables, which arise from vendor rebate programs, price protections and other promotions. We determine the sufficiency of the vendor receivable allowance based upon various factors, including payment history. Amounts received from vendors may vary from amounts recorded because of potential non-compliance with certain elements of vendor programs. If the estimated allowance for uncollectible accounts or vendor receivables subsequently proves to be insufficient, additional allowance may be required.

 

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Inventories

 

Inventories consist primarily of finished goods, and are stated at the lower of cost (determined under the first-in, first-out method) or market. As discussed under “Revenue Recognition” above, we do not record revenue and related cost of goods sold until there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement for sale, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. As such, inventories include goods-in-transit to customers at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

A substantial portion of our business is dependent on sales of Apple, HP Inc., Microsoft and products purchased from other vendors including Cisco, Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Ingram Micro, Lenovo, and Tech Data. Products manufactured by Microsoft represented approximately 14%, 10% and 7% of our net sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013. Products manufactured by HP Inc. represented 11%, 18% and 21% of our net sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013. Products manufactured by Apple represented approximately 9%, 15% and 17% of our net sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

Advertising Costs

 

Our advertising expenditures are expensed in the period incurred. Total net advertising expenditures, which were included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, were $4.4 million, $4.3 million and $4.6 million in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as noted below. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the remaining lease term. We also capitalize computer software costs that meet both the definition of internal-use software and defined criteria for capitalization in accordance with ASC 350-40, Internal-Use Software .

 

Autos   3 – 5 years
Computers, software, machinery and equipment   1 – 7 years
Leasehold improvements   1 – 10 years
Furniture and fixtures   3 – 15 years
Building and improvements   5 – 31 years

 

We had $4.8 million and $14.4 million of remaining unamortized internally developed software at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying amounts of our line of credit borrowings and notes payable approximate their fair values based upon the current rates offered to us for obligations of similar terms and remaining maturities.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are carried at historical cost, subject to write-down, as needed, based upon an impairment analysis that we perform annually, or sooner if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not result in an impairment loss. We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1 of each year.

 

Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. Events that may create an impairment include, but are not limited to, significant and sustained decline in our stock price or market capitalization, significant underperformance of operating units and significant changes in market conditions. Changes in estimates of future cash flows or changes in market values could result in a write-down of our goodwill in a future period. If an impairment loss results from any impairment analysis as described above, such loss will be recorded as a pre-tax charge to our operating income. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are generally an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. At October 1, 2015, our goodwill resided in our Abreon, Commercial without Abreon, and Public Sector reporting units.

 

Goodwill impairment testing is a two-step process. Step one involves comparing the fair value of our reporting units to their carrying amount. If the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, there is no impairment and no further testing is required. If the reporting unit’s carrying amount is greater than the fair value, the second step must be completed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. Step two calculates the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible assets, excluding goodwill, net of any assumed liabilities, of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit as determined in step one. The implied fair value of goodwill determined in this step is compared to the carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference.

 

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We performed our annual impairment analysis of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for possible impairment as of October 1, 2015. Our annual impairment analysis excluded goodwill associated with acquisitions made during the fourth quarter of 2015, as their purchase price allocations were completed subsequent to the analysis date, and no impairment triggering events would have occurred. Our management, with the assistance of an independent third-party valuation firm, determined the fair values of our reporting units and their underlying assets, and compared them to their respective carrying values. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in each business combination. The carrying value of goodwill was allocated to our reporting units pursuant to ASC 350. As a result of our annual impairment analysis as of October 1, 2015, we have determined that no impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets existed.

 

Fair value was determined by using a weighted combination of a market-based approach and an income approach, as this combination was deemed to be the most indicative of fair value in an orderly transaction between market participants. Under the market-based approach, we utilized information regarding our company and publicly available comparable company and industry information to determine cash flow multiples and revenue multiples that are used to value our reporting units. Under the income approach, we determined fair value based on estimated future cash flows of each reporting unit, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of a reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn.

 

In addition, the fair value of our indefinite-lived trademark was determined using the relief from royalty method under the income approach to value. This method applies a market based royalty rate to projected revenues that are associated with the trademarks. Applying the royalty rate to projected revenues resulted in an indication of the pre-tax royalty savings associated with ownership of the trademarks. Projected after-tax royalty savings were discounted to present value at the reporting unit’s weighted average cost of capital, and a tax amortization benefit (calculated based on a 15 year life for tax purposes) was added.

 

In conjunction with our annual assessment of goodwill, our valuation techniques did not indicate any impairment as of October 1, 2015. All reporting units with goodwill passed the first step of the goodwill evaluation, with the fair values of our Abreon, Commercial without Abreon and Public Sector reporting units exceeding their respective carrying values by 83%, 14% and 58% and, accordingly, we were not required to perform the second step of the goodwill evaluation. We had $7.2 million, $50.4 million and $7.1 million of goodwill as of October 1, 2015 residing in our Abreon, Commercial without Abreon and Public Sector reporting units, respectively. In applying the market and income approaches to determining fair value of our reporting units, we rely on a number of significant assumptions and estimates including revenue growth rates and operating margins, discount rates and future market conditions, among others. Our estimates are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. Changes in one or more of these significant estimates or assumptions could affect the results of these impairment reviews.

 

As part of our annual review for impairment, we assessed the total fair values of the reporting units and compared total fair value to our market capitalization at October 1, 2015, including the implied control premium, to determine if the fair values are reasonable compared to external market indicators. When comparing our market capitalization to the discounted cash flow models for each reporting unit summed together, the implied control premium was approximately 28% as of October 1, 2015. We believe several factors are contributing to our low market capitalization, including the lack of trading volume in our stock and the recent significant investments made in various parts of our business and their effects on analyst earnings models.

 

Given continuing economic uncertainties and related risks to our business, there can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions made for purposes of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing as of October 1, 2015 will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. We may be required to record additional goodwill impairment charges in future periods, whether in connection with our next annual impairment testing as of October 1, 2016 or prior to that, if any change constitutes a triggering event outside of the quarter from when the annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test is performed. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment charge would result or, if it does, whether such charge would be material.

 

We amortize other intangible assets with definite lives generally on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, or in the case of customer relationships, based on a relative percentage of annual discounted cash flows expected to be delivered by the asset over its estimated useful life.

  

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Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

 

We review long-lived assets and certain intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the event the undiscounted future cash flow attributable to the asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset. Changes in estimates of future cash flows attributable to the long-lived assets could result in a write-down of the asset in a future period.

 

Debt Issuance Costs

 

We defer costs incurred to obtain our credit facility and amortize these costs to interest expense using the straight-line method over the term of the respective obligation.

 

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes under the assets and liability method as prescribed in accordance with ASC 740 — Income Taxes . Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the tax basis and financial reporting amounts of existing assets and liabilities. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax provisions and benefits, in assessing the likelihood of recovering our deferred tax assets and in evaluating our tax positions. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. In making such a determination, all available positive and negative evidence is considered, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations.

 

We account for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with ASC 740, which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. Only tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold may be recognized. We have elected to classify interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities, when applicable, as part of “Interest expense, net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Sales Taxes

 

We present sales tax we collect from our customers on a net basis (excluded from our revenues), a presentation which is prescribed as one of two methods available under ASC 605-45-50-3 (Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities).

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718 — Compensation — Stock Compensation . ASC 718 addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for either equity instruments of the enterprise or liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprise’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. We record compensation expense related to stock-based compensation over the award’s requisite service period on a straight-line basis.

 

We estimate the grant date fair value of each stock option grant awarded using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and management assumptions made regarding various factors, including expected volatility of our common stock, expected life of options granted and estimated forfeiture rates, which require use of accounting judgment and financial estimates. We compute the expected term based upon an analysis of historical exercises of stock options by our employees. We compute our expected volatility using historical prices of our common stock for a period equal to the expected term of the options. The risk free interest rate is determined using the implied yield on U.S. Treasury issues with a remaining term within the contractual life of the award. We estimate an annual forfeiture rate based on our historical forfeiture data, which rate will be revised, if necessary, in future periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Any material change in the estimates used in calculating the stock-based compensation expense could result in a material impact on our results of operations.

 

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Foreign Currency Translation

 

The local currency of our foreign operations is their functional currency. The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with ASC 830-30. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of our Canadian and Philippine subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet dates. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rate for each month within the year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),” a separate component of stockholders’ equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. All transaction gains or losses are recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations, and recorded losses of $0.7 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” which requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liability, initially measured at present value of the lease payments, on its balance sheet for leases with terms longer than 12 months and classified as either financing or operating leases. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective transition approach for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, and provides certain practical expedients that companies may elect. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which requires all deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any related valuation allowance, to be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. The classification change for all deferred taxes as non-current simplifies entities’ processes as it eliminates the need to separately identify the net current and net non-current deferred tax asset or liability in each jurisdiction and allocate valuation allowances. ASU 2015-17 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, but may be adopted in earlier interim or annual financial statement reporting periods. We have not elected to early adopt the accounting standard in the fourth quarter of 2015.

 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805) – Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments,” which requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, including the cumulative effect of the change in provisional amount as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement for an acquirer to retrospectively adjust provisional amounts recorded in a business combination to reflect new information about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and that, if known, would have affected measurement or recognition of amounts initially recognized. The adjustments related to previous reporting periods since the acquisition date must be disclosed by income statement line item either on the face of the income statement or in the notes. ASU 2015-16 is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We adopted ASU 2015-16 during the year ended December 31, 2015. Accordingly, we applied the amendments in this update to the measurement period adjustments made during the year ended December 31, 2015 with no material effect on previous-period or current-period earnings. See Note 3 below for more information regarding adjustments to provisional amounts that occurred during 2015 since adoption of ASU 2015-16.

 

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) – Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements,” which provides that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. We defer debt issuance costs related to our line-of-credit arrangement as an asset and amortize the deferred costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement.

 

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Deferral of the Effective Date,” which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09, “Revenues from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” for all entities for one year. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods with that reporting period. Retrospective or modified retrospective application of the accounting standard is required. We are evaluating the impact of the standard on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330) - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which requires that inventory within the scope of the guidance be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. ASU 2015-11 applies to inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We are evaluating the impact of the standard on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Consolidation,” which amends the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. Adoption of ASU 2015-02 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, “Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items,” with the objective of simplifying income statement presentation requirements by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items from GAAP, but retaining current presentation and disclosure requirements for an event or transaction that is of an unusual nature or of a type that indicates infrequency of occurrence. ASU 2015-01 is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of ASU 2015-01 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which amended guidance on the presentation of financial statements and reporting discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity within property, plant and equipment. ASU 2014-08 amends the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to disclose additional information about disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued-operations criteria. ASU 2014-08 is effective for disposals that occur in annual periods (and interim periods therein) beginning on or after December 15, 2014. We had no disposals during the year ended December 31, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 effective January 1, 2015 did not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

3. Acquisitions

 

Systemax

 

On December 1, 2015, we completed the acquisition of certain Business to Business (B2B) assets of Systemax’s North American Technology Group (NATG) for $14 million in cash. We acquired the right to hire approximately 400 B2B sales representatives located across the United States and Canada, all rights to the NATG B2B customer list, certain B2B customer and vendor contracts, trademarks and other intellectual property rights including the TigerDirect brand, and certain fixed assets and equipment. We did not acquire cash, accounts receivable, inventory or assume trade payables in connection with the transaction. Also at closing, the parties entered into a transition services agreement to facilitate an orderly transition of the purchased assets. We assumed certain leases and entered into certain subleases for office space where the approximate 400 B2B sales representatives currently work.

 

The accounting for the Systemax asset acquisition is currently preliminary and we continue to obtain information relative to the fair values of certain assets acquired and certain liabilities assumed in the transaction. The purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, which include, but are not limited to, fixed assets, intangible and other assets and lease related liabilities, based on estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. The final fair value determination of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities will be based on appraisal reports, discounted cash flow analyses, actuarial analyses or other appropriate valuation techniques. We expect to finalize the final fair value determination and purchase price allocation for the Systemax asset acquisition within a year of the closing of the acquisition, but as soon as practicable. Based on a preliminary purchase price allocation, we recorded the following estimated fair values of the certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the Systemax asset acquisition (in thousands):

 

Purchase price paid   $ 14,000  
         
Property and equipment     706  
Intangible assets:        
Customer relationships(1)     4,700  
Trademarks and trade names(2)     2,020  
Non-compete agreements(3)     270  
  Total intangible assets     6,990  
Total assets acquired     7,696  
         
Accrued liabilities     473  
Capital lease payables     507  
Total liabilities assumed     980  
         
Goodwill(4)   $ 7,284  

 

 

  (1) Estimated useful life of this asset is 10 years.
  (2) Estimated useful life of this asset is 5 years.
  (3) Estimated useful life of this asset is 3 years.
  (4) This goodwill acquired as part of the Systemax acquisition is recorded as part of our Commercial, Public Sector and Canada segments. Goodwill associated with the Commercial and Public Sector segments are deductible for tax purposes.

 

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Following the completion of the acquisition on December 1, 2015, the results of operations derived from the acquired assets, which generated $12.5 million of net sales and $0.7 million of operating profit since the date of acquisition, have been included in the results of our Commercial, Public Sector and Canada operating segments for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

We also recorded acquisition-related transaction costs of $0.5 million, which were included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2015. 

 

Acrodex

 

On October 26, 2015, PCM Sales Canada, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of PCM, Inc., completed the acquisition of all the outstanding common stock of Acrodex, Inc. (“Acrodex”) for a total purchase price of approximately C$16.7 million (or $13.6 million, net of cash acquired). Acrodex, headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada), provides full end-to-end infrastructure solutions from initial plan and design, through procurement and installation, to full support and on-going management. Acrodex’s core business areas include software value-added reseller services, software asset management and hardware sales and services, including client device products, servers, storage, networks, printers and a full complement of accessories and devices. Services are a significant component to Acrodex’s product mix and include managed services, cloud-based services, consulting, IT management and other IT service areas.

 

The accounting for the acquisition of Acrodex is currently preliminary and we continue to obtain information relative to the fair values of certain assets acquired and certain liabilities assumed in the transaction. The purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, which include, but are not limited to, fixed assets, licenses, intangible assets and professional liabilities, based on estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. The final fair value determination of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities will be based on appraisal reports, discounted cash flow analyses, actuarial analyses or other appropriate valuation techniques. We expect to finalize the final fair value determination and purchase price allocation for Acrodex within a year of the closing of the acquisition, but as soon as practicable. Based on a preliminary purchase price allocation, we recorded the following estimated fair values of the certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the Acrodex acquisition (in thousands):

 

Purchase price paid, net of cash acquired   $ 13,566  
         
Accounts receivable     14,330  
Inventories     2,351  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     224  
Property and equipment     1,098  
Intangible assets:        
Customer relationships(1)     1,657  
Trademarks and trade names(2)     380  
Non-compete agreements(3)     236  
Total intangible assets     2,273  
Other long-term assets     62  
Total assets acquired     20,338  
         
Accounts payable     6,190  
Accrued liabilities     3,144  
Deferred revenue     13  
Total liabilities assumed     9,347  
         
Goodwill(4)   $ 2,575  

 

 

  (1) Estimated useful life of this asset is 20 years.
  (2) Estimated useful life of this asset is 3 years.
  (3) Estimated useful life of this asset is 5 years.
  (4) This goodwill acquired as part of the Acrodex acquisition is recorded as part of our Canada segment, and it is not deductible for tax purposes.

 

Following the completion of the Acrodex acquisition on October 26, 2015, the results of our Acrodex operations, which generated $16.7 million of net sales and $0.6 million of operating profit since the date of acquisition, have been included in the results of our Canada operating segment.

 

 We also recorded acquisition-related transaction costs of $0.6 million, which were included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

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En Pointe

 

On April 1, 2015, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of En Pointe, one of the nation’s largest independent IT solutions providers, headquartered in Southern California. En Pointe is the largest acquisition by PCM to date based on revenues, and is expected to significantly enhance PCM’s relationships with several key vendor partners, provide incremental advanced technical certifications and operational expertise in key practice areas, and bring the consolidated business significantly increased scale. We acquired the assets of En Pointe’s IT solutions provider business, excluding cash and other current tangible assets such as accounts receivable. The assets were acquired by an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PCM, which subsidiary now operates under the En Pointe brand. Under the terms of the agreement, we paid an initial purchase price of $15 million in cash and an additional $2.3 million for inventory. We agreed to pay certain contingent earn-out consideration, including 22.5% of the future adjusted gross profit of the business and 10% of certain service revenues over the three years following the closing of the acquisition. As of December 31, 2015, we have estimated that the fair value of contingent consideration to be paid throughout the earn-out period ending March 31, 2018 to be approximately $38.6 million. The fair value of this contingent consideration is determined and accrued based on a probability weighted average of possible outcomes that would occur should certain financial metrics be reached. Because there is no market data available to use in valuing the contingent consideration, the Company developed its own assumptions related to the future financial performance of the businesses to determine the fair value of this liability. As such, the valuation of the contingent consideration is determined using Level 3 inputs. The significant inputs into the calculation of the contingent consideration as of December 31, 2015 include projected gross profit values of En Pointe and the weighted average cost of capital, which was determined to be 13%. The undiscounted estimate of the range of outcomes for the earn-out liability is approximately $10.0 million to $76.9 million.

 

The accounting for the acquisition of En Pointe was finalized as of December 31, 2015. The purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, which include, but are not limited to, fixed assets, licenses, intangible assets and professional liabilities, based on estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition.

 

Based on the purchase price allocation as described above, we recorded the following estimated fair values of the certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the En Pointe acquisition (in thousands):

 

Purchase price paid   $ 17,295  
         
Inventories     4,004  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     1,598  
Property and equipment     439  
Intangible assets:        
Customer relationships(1)     4,500  
Trademarks and trade names(2)     2,000  
Non-compete agreements(3)     1,860  
  Total intangible assets     8,360  
Other long-term assets     115  
Total assets acquired     14,516  
         
Accounts payable     2,157  
Accrued liabilities     1,489  
Earn-out liabilities     38,625  
Deferred revenue     276  
Total liabilities assumed     42,547  
         
Goodwill(4)   $ 45,326  

 

 

  (1) Estimated useful life of this asset is 20 years.
  (2) Estimated useful life of this asset is 3 years.
  (3) Estimated useful life of this asset is 4 years.
  (4) This goodwill acquired as part of the En Pointe acquisition is recorded as part of our Commercial and Public Sector segments.
    The goodwill resulting from the En Pointe acquisition is deductible for tax purposes.

 

During 2015, we made $8.9 million of earn-out payments to the sellers of En Pointe. As of December 31, 2015, we had $13.2 million and $16.5 million of accrued earn-out liability included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities,” respectively, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recorded approximately $1.0 million of amortization expense during the year ended December 31, 2015 related to the $8.4 million of intangible assets acquired in the En Pointe transaction. We also recorded acquisition-related transaction costs of $1.0 million, which were included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

For purposes of the earn-out calculation, we keep track of certain net sales and gross profit that are deemed to be derived from the assets acquired in the En Pointe acquisition, totaling $342.0 million and $46.6 million, respectively, from its acquisition date discussed above through December 31, 2015, and these results were included in our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015.  It is impracticable to compute En Pointe’s operating profit included in our results of operations since acquisition date as the operations of the En Pointe business has been fully integrated into various areas of our business.

 

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The following table sets forth our results of operations on a pro forma basis as though the En Pointe acquisition had been completed as of the beginning of the periods presented (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

    2015     2014  
Net sales   $ 1,779,975     $ 1,767,963  
Operating profit (loss)     (24,531 )     22,484  
Income (loss) from continuing operations     (17,415 )     10,369  
Net income (loss)     (17,725 )     8,799  
Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share                
Basic   $ (1.47 )   $ 0.72  
Diluted     (1.47 )     0.68  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                
Basic     12,049       12,251  
Diluted     12,049       12,881  

 

Real Estate Transactions

 

In March 2015, we completed the purchase of real property in Irvine, California (the “Irvine Property”) for approximately $5.8 million and financed $4.9 million with a long-term note. The real property includes approximately 60,000 square feet of office and warehouse space and land. Certain of our subsidiaries were tenants of the building, which are continuing to use the office and warehouse space. In September 2015, we listed the Irvine Property for sale. See Note 5 below for more information.

 

In January 2015, we completed the purchase of certain real property in Lewis Center, Ohio for approximately $6.6 million. We paid approximately $2.2 million in cash and financed $4.575 million with a long-term note. The $4.575 million term note provides for a five year term with a 25 year principal amortization period that began in February 2015, and bears interest at a variable rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%. The real property includes approximately 12.4 acres of land together with a building for office and warehouse space of approximately 144,000 square feet. Certain of our subsidiaries were tenants of the building, which are continuing to use the office and warehouse space.

 

For more information on the financing arrangements on the real estate transactions discussed above, see Note 9 below.

   

4. Stock-Based Compensation

 

Stock-Based Benefit Plan

 

PCM, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan

 

In April 2012, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approved and adopted our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”). In June 2012, the Plan was approved by our stockholders at our 2012 annual stockholders meeting. Upon the adoption of the 2012 Plan, our 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1994 Plan”) was terminated, canceling the shares that remained available for grant under the 1994 Plan. Outstanding awards granted under the 1994 Plan continue unaffected following the termination of the 1994 Plan.

 

The 2012 Plan authorizes our Board and the Compensation Committee to grant equity-based compensation awards in the form of stock options, SARs, restricted stock, RSUs, performance shares, performance units, and other awards for the purpose of providing our directors, officers and other employees incentives and rewards for performance. The 2012 Plan does not contain an evergreen provision. The 2012 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee under delegated authority from the Board. The Board or Compensation Committee may delegate its authority under the 2012 Plan to a subcommittee. The Compensation Committee or the subcommittee may delegate to one or more of its members or to one or more of our officers, or to one or more agents or advisors, administrative duties, and the Compensation Committee may also delegate powers to one or more of our officers to designate employees to receive awards under the 2012 Plan and determine the size of any such awards (subject to certain limitations described in the 2012 Plan).

 

At December 31, 2015, a total of 1,884,527 shares of authorized and unissued shares were available for future grants. All options granted through December 31, 2015 have been Nonstatutory Stock Options. We satisfy stock option exercises and vesting of RSUs with newly issued shares.

 

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Stock-Based Compensation

 

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1.6 million, $1.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, and related deferred income tax benefits of $0.6 million, $0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

 

Valuation Assumptions

 

We estimated the grant date fair value of each stock option grant awarded during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and management assumptions made regarding various factors which require extensive use of accounting judgment and financial estimates. We compute the expected term based upon an analysis of historical exercises of stock options by our employees. We computed our expected volatility using historical prices of our common stock for a period equal to the expected term of the options. The risk free interest rate was determined using the implied yield on U.S. Treasury issues with a remaining term within the contractual life of the award. Each year, we estimated an annual forfeiture rate based on our historical forfeiture data, which rate is revised, if necessary, in future periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

 

The following table presents the weighted average assumptions we used in each of the following years:

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Risk free interest rate     1.67 %     1.79 %     1.13 %
Expected volatility     46 %     62 %     74 %
Expected term (in years)     5       6       6  
Expected dividend yield     None       None       None  

 

Stock-Based Payment Award Activity

 

Stock Options

 

The following table summarizes our stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2015 and stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2015 for the above plans:

 

                  Weighted        
            Weighted     Average     Aggregate  
            Average     Remaining     Intrinsic  
            Exercise     Contractual     Value  
      Number     Price     Term (in years)     (in thousands)  
Outstanding at December 31, 2014       2,108,264     $ 7.05                  
Granted       156,600       9.88                  
Exercised       (311,565 )     4.78                  
Forfeited       (58,634 )     9.13                  
Expired/cancelled       (17,210 )     5.05                  
Outstanding at December 31, 2015       1,877,455       7.62       3.88     $ 4,683  
Exercisable at December 31, 2015       1,531,266       7.38       3.56       4,207  

 

The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated for in-the-money options based on the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2015, which was $9.93.

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the period   $ 4.20     $ 5.79     $ 5.19  
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the period (in thousands)     1,526       3,115       2,001  
Total fair value of shares vested during the period (in thousands)     898       1,124       1,505  

 

As of December 31, 2015, there was $1.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested outstanding stock options. We expect to recognize these costs over a weighted average period of 3.16 years.

 

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Restricted Stock Units

 

We estimate the fair value of RSU awards based on the closing stock price of our common shares on the date of grant. The following table summarizes our RSU activity during the year ended December 31, 2015 issued under the above plans:

 

    Restricted Stock
Units
    Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Non-vested at December 31, 2014     357,000     $ 9.18  
Granted     166,000       9.66  
Vested and distributed     (82,400 )     9.07  
Forfeited     (49,000 )     9.40  
Non-vested at December 31, 2015     391,600       9.38  

 

The weighted average grant-date fair value of RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $9.48 and $7.58, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2015, there was $3.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested outstanding RSUs. We expect to recognize these costs over a weighted average period of 3.76 years.

 

5. Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

    At December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Computers, software, machinery and equipment   $ 72,066     $ 65,694  
Leasehold improvements     7,839       7,797  
Furniture and fixtures     6,313       6,020  
Building and improvements     23,786       18,674  
Land     12,852       12,007  
Software development and other equipment in progress     1,695       22,904  
Subtotal     124,551       133,096  
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization     (67,777 )     (58,728 )
Property and equipment, net   $ 56,774     $ 74,368  

 

We capitalized interest costs of $0.5 million and $0.6 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively, primarily relating to internally developed software costs during development and the construction of our data center in New Albany, Ohio. Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment, including fixed assets under capital leases, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $10.9 million, $10.3 million and $9.3 million.

 

In September 2015, we listed our real property located in Irvine, California for sale. Under a broker agreement, the Irvine Property is available for immediate sale in its present condition and it is being actively marketed for sale. We have classified $5.8 million related to the Irvine Property, stated at lower of cost or fair value, as “Property held for sale” and $4.8 million related to the mortgage on the Irvine Property as “Note payable related to asset held for sale” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015.

 

Throughout 2015 and 2014, we entered into additional capital lease schedules with a bank totaling approximately $1.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The capital leases are primarily related to the data center we are constructed in New Albany, Ohio and various furniture and equipment at our El Segundo, California corporate headquarters office. The capital lease schedules entered into 2015 and 2014 have terms ranging from three to five years. See Note 11 below for information related to capital lease obligations.

 

We have been in the process of upgrading our ERP systems due to the discontinued third party support of certain of our aged legacy systems, our changing IT needs when considering the transitioning state of our business from our origins towards becoming a leading IT solution provider and the ongoing desire to integrate multiple systems upon which we currently operate as a result of multiple acquisitions. In this regard, we previously purchased licenses for Microsoft Dynamics AX and other related modules to provide a complete, robust and integrated ERP solution and have expended time, effort and resources to implement this AX solution for our legacy businesses. We believe the implementation and upgrade of our systems should help us to gain further efficiencies across our organizations. Our newly acquired En Pointe business has operated for a number of years on an implemented and successfully functioning SAP system. As a result of the En Pointe acquisition, we considered new issues related to the costs, risks and benefits of either continuing the implementation of our AX solution and moving En Pointe to such AX solution or moving the legacy businesses to the SAP solution. In response, we shifted certain of our IT development efforts towards assessing these respective costs, risks and benefits. There are significant risks and uncertainties in adopting and implementing a new ERP system and as part of our assessment of these alternatives, we considered the fact that En Pointe has been successfully functioning on its SAP system for many years while none of our businesses have operated on the AX system. While we believe the AX solution has many valuable features and that it has been essential that we have undertaken our AX development efforts to date, we have weighed these attributes and the transition risk inherent with any such new solution against the fact that En Pointe, with similar business characteristics and system needs to our legacy businesses, has been successfully operating on its SAP system for a number of years. As a result of the assessments performed, our management concluded that the SAP solution is the best, most viable and cost effective option for our consolidated business going forward. To that end, in late October 2015, our management determined, and our Board of Directors approved such determination, to adopt the SAP platform across all of our business units and approved the non-cash write-off of the remaining $22.1 million of work in process software previously capitalized for all major phases of the design, configuration and customization of the AX solution to date. For the year ended December 31, 2015, a total of $25.4 million non-cash charge related to the ERP and CRM write-offs was included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

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6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill

 

The change in the carrying amounts of indefinite-lived goodwill was as follows (in thousands) by segment:

 

    Commercial     Public Sector     Canada     Total  
Balance at December 31, 2014   $ 25,510     $ —       $ —       $ 25,510  
Goodwill from En Pointe acquisition     37,814       7,512       —         45,326  
Goodwill from Acrodex acquisition     —         —         2,575       2,575  
Goodwill from Systemax asset acquisition     6,011       810       463       7,284  
Foreign currency translation                     (143 )     (143 )
Balance at December 31, 2015   $ 69,335     $ 8,322     $ 2,895     $ 80,552  

 

Intangible Assets

 

The following table sets forth the amounts recorded for intangible assets (in thousands):

 

    Weighted
Average
Estimated
    At December 31, 2015     At December 31, 2014  
    Useful Lives
(years)
    Gross
Amount
    Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Amount
    Gross
Amount
    Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Amount
 
Patent, trademarks, trade names & URLs     4     $ 7,675 (1)   $ 585     $ 7,090     $ 3,593 (1)   $ 307     $ 3,286  
Customer relationships     15       13,299       1,587       11,712       2,550       1,163       1,387  
Non-compete agreements     4       2,354       349       2,005       —         —         —    
Total intangible assets           $ 23,328     $ 2,521     $ 20,807     $ 6,143     $ 1,470     $ 4,673  

 

 

  (1) Included in the total amount for “Patent, trademarks & URLs” at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are $2.9 million of trademarks with indefinite useful lives that are not amortized.

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1.3 million, $0.3 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets in each of the next five years and thereafter, as applicable, as of December 31, 2015 is as follows: $5.8 million in 2016, $4.1 million in 2017, $2.9 million in 2018, $1.8 million in 2019 and $3.3 million thereafter.

 

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7. Discontinued Operations

 

During 2014, we discontinued the operation of all four of our retail stores, located in Huntington Beach, Santa Monica and Torrance, California and Chicago, Illinois, and our OnSale and eCost businesses. We reflected the results of these operations, which were historically reported as a part of our MacMall segment, as discontinued operations for all periods presented herein. The revenues, operating and non-operating results of the discontinued operations are reflected in a single line item entitled “Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations, and the related assets and liabilities are presented in our Consolidated Balance Sheets in line items entitled “Current assets of discontinued operations,” “Non-current assets of discontinued operations” and “Current liabilities of discontinued operations” for all periods presented herein.

 

The carrying amounts of major classes of assets and liabilities that have been included in such balance sheet line items, as described above, in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):

 

    At December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Accounts receivable, net   $ —       $ 19  
Inventories, net     —         7  
Current assets of discontinued operations     —         26  
Fixed assets, net     —         —    
Intangible assets, net     —         —    
Other non-current assets     —         14  
Non-current assets of discontinued operations     —         14  
Total assets of discontinued operations   $ —       $ 40  
                 
Accounts payable   $ 117     $ 116  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     36       458  
Deferred revenue     —         3  
Current liabilities of discontinued operations   $ 153     $ 577  

 

The operating results of our discontinued operations reported in “Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows (in thousands):

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Net sales   $ (4 )   $ 29,746     $ 64,200  
                         
Loss before income taxes   $ (507 )   $ (2,795 )   $ (887 )
Income tax benefit     (197 )     (1,225 )     (371 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes   $ (310 )   $ (1,570 )   $ (516 )
                         

 

8. 2013 Rebranding Strategy and Cost Reduction Initiatives

 

Over the past several years, our company has grown to over a $1 billion enterprise in part through our acquisition and internal cultivation of different brands. We have historically differentiated those brands primarily based on the identity of the customers they serve. After careful examination of the trends taking shape in the markets we serve, in 2012, we determined that going forward, our commercial customers can benefit from a more unified and streamlined brand strategy. We consolidated our commercial brands and realigned our customer segments in an effort to realize significant growth and to achieve a more efficient cost structure. We believe this unification provides an improved customer experience, operational synergies and benefits to all of our stakeholders, providing a brand that better represents the technology solutions provider we are today.

 

Effective December 31, 2012, we changed our corporate name from PC Mall, Inc. to PCM, Inc. and combined our primary commercial subsidiaries PC Mall Sales, Inc., Sarcom, Inc. and PC Mall Services, Inc. into a single subsidiary. The combined subsidiary now operates under the unified commercial brand PCM and generally includes our SMB, MME and portions of our Corporate & Other segments. Additionally, in connection with the rebranding, our PC Mall Gov, Inc. subsidiary changed its name to PCMG, Inc. and now operates under the brand PCM-G.

 

An important part of these initiatives is a focused reduction of our overhead expenses. These and other related actions resulted in severance and restructuring related expenses of approximately $2.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2013. A summary of our total restructuring costs related to the 2013 rebranding and restructuring efforts, which are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations, is as follows by each of our reportable operating segments (in thousands):

 

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    Commercial     Public
Sector
    MacMall     Corporate
&
Other
    Consolidated  
Year Ended December 31, 2013                                        
Employee termination costs   $ 214     $ 34     $ 16     $ 430     $ 694  
Accelerated trademark amortization costs     916       —         —         —         916  
Other costs     200       351       5       117       673  
Total   $ 1,330     $ 385     $ 21     $ 547     $ 2,283  

 

Employee termination costs include costs of severance and other discretionary payments upon employee terminations, and include estimated taxes and benefits associated with such payments. Trademark amortization costs include accelerated amortization of the Sarcom and NSPI trademarks compared to the previous year resulting from the anticipated consolidation of our commercial brands to PCM in January 2013. Such trademarks became fully amortized in December 2013. Other costs in the table above represent legal and other costs related to various restructuring and related activities.

 

A summary rollforward of our restructuring costs, which are recorded as part of “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, is as follows (in thousands):

 

    Balance as of
December 31, 2013
    Costs Charged
to Expense
    Payments     Adjustments     Balance as of
December 31, 2014
 
Employee termination costs   $ 140     $ —       $ (140 )   $ —       $ —    

 

9. Debt

 

The following table sets forth our outstanding debt as of the periods presented (in thousands):

 

    At December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus 1.50%, maturing in September 2018   $ 162,439     $ 52,795  
Note payable, LIBOR plus 1.50%, maturing in September 2018     9,848       3,255  
Note payable, LIBOR plus 1.50%, maturing in September 2018     1,653       1,571  
Note payable, greater of 2% or LIBOR plus 2.15%, maturing in April 2022     4,799 (1)     —    
Note payable, LIBOR plus 2.25%, maturing in January 2022     4,365       —    
Notes payable, 4.12%, 4.33% and 4.60%, maturing in March 2017     2,569       4,524  
Note payable, LIBOR plus 2.25%, maturing in January 2020     7,416       7,725  
Note payable, Prime plus 0.375% or LIBOR plus 2.375%, maturing in September 2016     8,515       8,917  
Note payable, 4.65% matured in April 2015     —         164  
 Total     201,604       78,951  
Less: Total current debt     180,150       56,536  
Total non-current debt   $ 21,454     $ 22,415  

 

 

  (1) This note payable, related to the Irvine Property, has been presented on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as “Note payable related to asset held for sale” and is included as current debt. See Note 5 above for more information regarding the Irvine Property.

 

The following table sets forth the maturities of our outstanding debt balance as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

    2016     2017     2018     2019     2020     Thereafter     Total  
Total long-term debt obligations   $ 17,711     $ 2,879     $ 2,354     $ 8,534     $ 1,968     $ 5,719     $ 39,165  
Revolving credit facility     162,439       —         —         —         —         —         162,439  
Total   $ 180,150     $ 2,879     $ 2,354     $ 8,534     $ 1,968     $ 5,719     $ 201,604  

 

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Line of Credit and Related Notes

 

We maintain a credit facility, which functions as a working capital line of credit with a borrowing base of inventory and accounts receivable, including certain credit card receivables, and a portion of the value of certain real estate. On April 7, 2015, we entered into a Fourth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Fourth Amendment”) with certain lenders and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC as administrative and collateral agent. The Fourth Amendment to our credit facility provides for, among other things: (i) an increase in the Maximum Credit, as defined in the Fourth Amendment, from $200,000,000 to $250,000,000; (ii) a Maturity Date of September 30, 2018; (iii) an accordion feature to increase our Maximum Credit by $25 million at the option of the Borrowers and satisfaction of certain conditions as described in the Fourth Amendment; and (iv) interest at LIBOR plus a margin, depending on average excess availability under the revolving line, ranging from 1.50% to 1.75%. The credit facility also includes a monthly unused line fee of 0.25% per year on the amount, if any, by which the Maximum Credit, as defined in the agreement, then in effect, exceeds the average daily principal balance of outstanding borrowings during the immediately preceding month.

 

The credit facility is collateralized by substantially all of our assets. In addition to the security interest required by the credit facility, certain of our vendors have security interests in some of our assets related to their products. The credit facility has as its single financial covenant a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (FCCR) requirement in the event an FCCR triggering event has occurred. An FCCR triggering event is comprised of maintaining certain specified daily and average excess availability thresholds. In the event the FCCR covenant applies, the fixed charge coverage ratio is 1.0 to 1.0 calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis as of the end of the last quarter immediately preceding such FCCR triggering event date. At December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with our financial covenant under the credit facility.

 

Loan availability under the line of credit fluctuates daily and is affected by many factors, including eligible assets on-hand, opportunistic purchases of inventory and availability and our utilization of early-pay discounts. At December 31, 2015, we had $53.7 million available to borrow for working capital advances under the line of credit.

 

In connection with, and as part of, our revolving credit facility, we maintain two sub-lines under our revolving credit facility secured by the two parcels of real property we own in Santa Monica, California, each with a limit of $10.9 million and $1.8 million. The $10.9 million sub-line has a monthly principal amortization of approximately $130,000 and the $1.8 million sub-line has a monthly principal amortization of approximately $22,000, both bearing interest at the same rate as our revolving credit facility.

 

Other Notes Payable

 

In March 2015, we completed the purchase of real property in Irvine, California for approximately $5.8 million and financed $4.9 million with a long-term note. The loan agreement provides for a seven-year term and a 25 year straight-line, monthly principal repayment amortization period that began on May 1, 2015 with a balloon payment at maturity in April 2022. The loan is secured by the real property and contains financial covenants substantially similar to those of our existing asset-based credit facility. In September 2015, we listed the Irvine Property for sale. See Note 5 above for more information.

 

In January 2015, we completed the purchase of certain real property in Lewis Center, Ohio for approximately $6.6 million and financed $4.575 million with a long-term note. The $4.575 million term note provides for a seven year term and a 25 year straight-line, monthly principal repayment amortization period that began in February 2015 with a balloon payment at maturity in January 2022. The loan is secured by the real property and contains financial covenants substantially similar to those of our existing asset-based credit facility.

 

Throughout 2014, we entered into three financing arrangements with a bank to finance the costs of equipment, software and professional services related to our ERP upgrade. The total amount financed was $5.6 million, with a quarterly repayment schedule maturing in March 2017.

 

In December 2012, we completed the purchase of 7.9 acres of land for approximately $1.1 million and have incurred additional costs of $12.2 million through December 31, 2014 towards the construction of a new cloud data center that we opened in June 2014. In July 2013, we entered into a loan agreement for up to $7.725 million to finance the build out of the new data center. The loan agreement provides for a five-year term and a 25 year straight-line, monthly principal repayment amortization period with a balloon payment at maturity in January 2020. The loan is secured by the real property and contains financial covenants substantially similar to those of our existing asset-based credit facility.

 

In June 2011, we entered into a credit agreement to finance a total of $10.1 million of the acquisition and improvement costs for the real property we purchased in March 2011 in El Segundo, California. The credit agreement provides for a five-year term and a 25 year straight-line, monthly principal repayment amortization period with a balloon payment at maturity in September 2016. The loan is secured by the real property and contains financial covenants substantially similar to those of our existing asset-based credit facility.

 

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At December 31, 2015, the effective weighted average annual interest rate on our outstanding amounts under the credit facility, term note and variable interest rate notes payable was 2.04%.

 

The carrying amounts of our line of credit borrowings and notes payable approximate their fair value based upon the current rates offered to us for obligations of similar terms and remaining maturities.

 

10. Income Taxes

 

“Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations included the following components for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
U.S.   $ (30,402 )   $ 11,533     $ 13,774  
Foreign     1,060       992       1,106  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes   $ (29,342 )   $ 12,525     $ 14,880  

 

“Income tax expense (benefit)” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consisted of the following for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Current                        
Federal   $ (2,616 )   $ 260     $ 2,920  
State     81       405       948  
Foreign     719       613       828  
Total — Current     (1,816 )     1,278       4,696  
Deferred                        
Federal     (8,303 )     3,847       1,595  
State     (1,155 )     545       287  
Foreign     (120 )     (180 )     (343 )
Total — Deferred     (9,578 )     4,212       1,539  
Income tax expense (benefit)   $ (11,394 )   $ 5,490     $ 6,235  

 

The Company recorded income tax benefits of $0.2 million, $1.2 million, and $0.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, related to discontinued operations.

 

The provision for income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate to income (loss) before income taxes due to the effects of the following:

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Expected taxes at federal statutory tax rate     35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit     3.2       7.6       4.4  
Research tax credits     2.8       —         —    
Change in valuation allowance     (0.4 )     (1.9 )     1.8  
Non-deductible business expenses     (1.2 )     2.8       0.9  
Other     (0.6 )     0.3       (0.2 )
Total     38.8 %     43.8 %     41.9 %

 

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The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

 

    At December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Deferred tax assets :                
Accounts receivable   $ 215     $ 171  
Inventories     111       128  
Deferred revenue     187       251  
Accrued expenses and reserves     3,946       2,809  
Stock based compensation     2,697       2,844  
Tax credits and loss carryforwards     4,372       4,514  
Other     15       108  
Total gross deferred tax assets     11,543       10,825  
Less: Valuation allowance     (911 )     (805 )
Total deferred tax assets     10,632       10,020  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:                
Property and equipment     (5,102 )     (13,916 )
Intangibles     (2,550 )     (2,604 )
Foreign employment tax subsidy     (1,178 )     (1,550 )
Prepaid expenses     (914 )     (918 )
Other     (168 )     (153 )
Total deferred tax liabilities     (9,912 )     (19,141 )
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)   $ 720     $ (9,121 )

 

The table of deferred tax assets does not include certain deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2015 which arose directly from tax deductions related to equity compensation which are greater than the compensation recognized for financial reporting. Equity will be increased by $0.2 million if and when such deferred tax assets are ultimately realized. We use ASC 740 ordering when determining when excess tax benefits have been realized

 

The valuation allowance relates to certain state net operating loss carryforwards and other state deferred tax assets generated by subsidiaries in a cumulative loss position. The valuation allowance increased by $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to a change in expected expirations of certain state net operating loss carryforwards. Although as of December 31, 2015, the Company has cumulative losses in recent years, it concluded that a valuation allowance was not required for Federal income tax purposes after considering the effect of the 2015 charge of $25.4 million for the write off of the ERP and CRM software under development in its evaluation of future taxable income.

 

Current deferred tax liabilities relating primarily to foreign employment tax subsidy of $0.6 million and $0.8 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, included in the table above, were included as part of “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

At December 31, 2015, we had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $5.9 million, which begin to expire at the end of 2024, and state net operating loss carryforwards of $37.8 million, of which $2.2 million expire between 2016 and 2019, and the remainder expire between 2020 and 2029. Included in these amounts are $2.7 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards and $0.8 million of state net operating loss carryforwards which relate to an acquired subsidiary and are subject to annual limitations as to their use under IRC Section 382. As such, the extent to which these losses may offset future taxable income may be limited. At December 31, 2015, we also had federal tax credits of $0.7 million, which begin to expire at the end of 2033, and state research tax credits of $0.7 million, which have no expiration date.

 

Cumulative undistributed earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries for which no U.S. income taxes have been provided approximated $13.4 million at December 31, 2014. Deferred U.S. income taxes on these earnings have not been provided as these amounts are considered to be permanently reinvested. At the present time, it is not practicable to estimate the amount of tax that may be payable if these earnings were repatriated.

 

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We had the following activity relating to unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Beginning balance   $ —       $ —       $ —    
Additions to tax positions in prior periods     420       —         —    
Ending balance   $ 420     $ —       $ —    

 

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we did not recognize any interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. There were also no accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2015 and 2014. We do not anticipate any significant increases or decreases in our unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

 

We are subject to U.S. and foreign income tax examinations for years subsequent to 2011, and state income tax examinations for years following 2010. However, to the extent allowable by law, the tax authorities may have a right to examine prior periods when net operating losses or tax credits were generated and carried forward for subsequent utilization, and make adjustments up to the amount of the net operating losses or credit carryforwards.

 

11. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Commitments

 

We lease office and warehouse space and equipment under various non-cancelable operating leases which provide for minimum annual rentals and escalations based on increases in real estate taxes and other operating expenses. We also have minimum commitments under non-cancelable contracts for services relating to telecommunications, IT maintenance, financial services and employment contracts with certain employees (which consist of severance arrangements that, if exercised, would become payable in less than one year). In addition, we have obligations under capital leases for computers and related equipment, telecommunications equipment and software.

 

As of December 31, 2015, minimum payments over the terms of applicable contracts were payable as follows (in thousands):

 

    2016     2017     2018     2019     2020     Thereafter     Total  
Operating lease obligations   $ 6,963     $ 4,199     $ 3,236     $ 2,486     $ 1,319     $ 5,060     $ 23,263  
Capital lease obligations     2,274       1,033       179       156       58       —         3,700  
Other commitments (1)(2)     20,770       51       —         —         —         —         20,821  
Total minimum payments   $ 30,007     $ 5,283     $ 3,415     $ 2,642     $ 1,377     $ 5,060     $ 47,784  

 

 

(1) Other commitments consist of minimum commitments under non-cancelable contracts for services relating to telecommunications, IT maintenance, financial services and employment contracts with certain employees (which consist of severance arrangements that, if exercised, would become payable in less than one year).
(2) We had $11.3 million of standby letters of credits (LOCs) under which there were no minimum payment requirements at December 31, 2015. LOCs are commitments issued to third party beneficiaries, underwritten by a third party bank, representing funding responsibility in the event of third party demands or contingent events. The outstanding balance of our standby LOCs reduces the amount available to us from our revolving credit facility. There were no claims made against any standby LOCs during the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, total rent expense, net of sublease income, totaled $4.2 million, $4.6 million and $4.9 million, respectively. Some of the leases contain renewal options and escalation clauses, and require us to pay taxes, insurance and maintenance costs.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

We are not currently a party to any legal proceedings with loss contingencies that are expected to be material. From time to time, we receive claims of and become subject to consumer protection, employment, intellectual property and other litigation related to the conduct of our business. Any such litigation could result in a material amount of legal or related expenses and be time consuming and could divert our management and key personnel from our business operations. In connection with any such litigation, we may be subject to significant damages or equitable remedies relating to the operation of our business. Any such litigation may materially harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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12. Stockholders’ Equity

 

In April 2015, our Board of Directors approved a $10 million increase to our discretionary stock repurchase program, which was originally adopted in October 2008 with an initial authorized maximum of $10 million and amended in September 2012 to add an additional $10 million. Under the program, the shares may be repurchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or unsolicited negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. We expect that the repurchase of our common stock under the program will be financed with existing working capital and amounts available under our existing credit facility. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock. No limit was placed on the duration of the repurchase program. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that we will repurchase. Subject to applicable securities laws, repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts as our management deems appropriate. The program can also be discontinued at any time management feels additional purchases are not warranted.

 

We repurchased a total of 601,503 shares of our common stock under this program during the year ended December 31, 2015 for a total cost of approximately $5.9 million. From the inception of the program in October 2008 through December 31, 2015, we have repurchased an aggregate total of 3,675,989 shares of our common stock for a total cost of $22.4 million. At December 31, 2015, we had $7.6 million available in stock repurchases under the program, subject to any limitations that may apply from time to time under our existing credit facility.

 

We have never paid cash dividends on our capital stock and our credit facility prohibits us from paying any cash dividends on our capital stock. Therefore, we do not currently anticipate paying dividends; we intend to retain any earnings to finance the growth and development of our business.

 

13. Earnings Per Common Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reported periods. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur under the treasury stock method if stock options and other commitments to issue common stock were exercised, except in loss periods where the effect would be antidilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2015, since we reported a loss from continuing operations, all potential shares totaling 553,000 were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS as their inclusion would have been antidilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2015, had we reported income from continuing operations, approximately 466,000 common shares would have been excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because the effect of their inclusion would have been antidilutive. Potential common shares of approximately 562,000 and 657,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 have been excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because the effect of their inclusion would be antidilutive.

 

The reconciliation of the amounts used in the basic and diluted EPS computation was as follows for income from continuing operations (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

    Income From  Continuing  Operations     Weighted Average  Number of  Common Shares  Outstanding     Per Share Amounts  
Year Ended December 31, 2015:                        
Basic EPS                        
Loss from continuing operations   $ (17,948 )     12,049     $ (1.49 )
Effect of dilutive securities                        
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards     —         —            
Diluted EPS                        
Adjusted loss from continuing operations   $ (17,948 )     12,049     $ (1.49 )
                         
Year Ended December 31, 2014:                        
Basic EPS                        
Income from continuing operations   $ 7,035       12,251     $ 0.57  
Effect of dilutive securities                        
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards     —         630          
Diluted EPS                        
Adjusted income from continuing operations   $ 7,035       12,881     $ 0.55  
                         
Year Ended December 31, 2013:                        
Basic EPS                        
Income from continuing operations   $ 8,645       11,583     $ 0.75  
Effect of dilutive securities                        
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards     —         340          
Diluted EPS                        
Adjusted income from continuing operations   $ 8,645       11,923     $ 0.73  

 

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14. Employee & Non-Employee Benefits

 

401(k) Savings Plan

 

We maintain a 401(k) Savings Plan which covers substantially all full-time employees who meet the plan’s eligibility requirements. Participants are allowed to make tax-deferred contributions up to limitations specified by the Internal Revenue Code. We make 25% matching contributions for amounts that do not exceed 4% of the participants’ compensation. The matched contributions to the employees are subject to a five-year vesting provision, with credit given towards vesting for employment during prior years. We made matching contributions to the plan totaling approximately $661,900, $545,000 and $530,000 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Restricted Stock Units Issued to Non-Employees

 

On each of May 20, 2015, 2014 and May 20, 2013, our Compensation Committee approved and granted, under our 2012 Plan, the award of 6,000 shares of restricted stock units to each of our three non-employee members of the board for a total award of 54,000 restricted stock units. The restricted stock units each vest annually in equal amounts over a two-year period from the respective dates of grant. See Note 4 for more information on our accounting for stock-based compensation.

 

15. Segment Information

 

Our four reportable operating segments - Commercial, Public Sector, MacMall and Canada - are primarily aligned based upon their respective customer base. We include corporate related expenses such as legal, accounting, information technology, product management and certain other administrative costs that are not otherwise included in our reportable operating segments in Corporate & Other. We allocate our resources to and evaluate the performance of our segments based on operating income. For more information on our reportable operating segments, see Note 1 above.

 

Summarized segment information for our continuing operations is as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

    Commercial     Public
Sector
    MacMall     Canada     Corporate &
Other
    Consolidated  
Year Ended December 31, 2015                                                
Net sales   $ 1,271,815     $ 279,603     $ 93,570     $ 16,987     $ (27 )   $ 1,661,948  
Gross profit     184,728       26,914       9,486       3,200       (1 )     224,327  
Depreciation and amortization expense(1)     3,400       326       72       67       8,352       12,217  
Operating profit (loss)     58,301       10,020       1,178       591       (95,572 )     (25,482 )
                                                 
Year Ended December 31, 2014                                                
Net sales   $ 1,016,047     $ 214,723     $ 125,615     $ —       $ (23 )   $ 1,356,362  
Gross profit     158,777       21,057       12,211       —         22       192,067  
Depreciation and amortization expense(1)     2,416       45       116       —         8,070       10,647  
Operating profit (loss)     58,029       8,349       1,290       —         (51,963 )     15,705  
                                                 
Year Ended December 31, 2013                                                
Net sales   $ 1,034,776     $ 187,142     $ 138,089     $ —       $ (8 )   $ 1,359,999  
Gross profit     158,157       16,995       14,344       —         3       189,499  
Depreciation and amortization expense(1)     3,911       73       82       —         6,980       11,046  
Operating profit (loss)     63,486       3,714       2,968       —         (51,948 )     18,220  

 

 

(1) Primary fixed assets relating to network and servers are managed by the Corporate headquarters. As such, depreciation expense relating to such assets is included as part of Corporate & Other.

 

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As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had total consolidated assets of $600.2 million and $389.2 million. Our management does not have available to them and does not use total assets measured at the segment level in allocating resources. Therefore, such information relating to segment assets is not provided herein.

 

Sales of our products and services are made to customers primarily within the U.S and Canada. During the year ended December 31, 2015, approximately 1% of our total net sales were made to customers in Canada. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, less than 1% of our total net sales were made to customers outside of the continental U.S. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total net sales in each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

Our property and equipment, net, were located in the following countries as of the periods presented (in thousands):

 

    At December 31,  
Location:     2015       2014       2013  
U.S.   $ 55,338     $ 73,784     $ 55,217  
Philippines     131       201       365  
Canada     1,305       383       211  
Property and equipment, net   $ 56,774     $ 74,368     $ 55,793  

 

16. Subsequent Event

 

On January 19, 2016, PCM, all of its domestic subsidiaries (collectively with PCM, the “US Borrowers”), and all of its Canadian subsidiaries (collectively, the “Canadian Borrowers” and, together with the US Borrowers, the “Borrowers”), entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Fourth Amended Loan Agreement”) with certain lenders named therein (the “Lenders”) and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC as administrative and collateral agent for the Lenders (the “Agent”). The Fourth Amended Loan Agreement amends and restates the Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2013, as amended (the “Prior Loan Agreement”).

 

The Fourth Amended Loan Agreement provides for, among other things: (i) an increase in the Maximum Credit, as defined in the Fourth Amended Loan Agreement, from $250,000,000 to $275,000,000; (ii) the addition of a sub-line of up to C$40,000,000 as the Canadian Maximum Credit, as defined in the Fourth Amended Loan Agreement ((i) and (ii) collectively the “Revolving Line”); (iii) an extension of the Maturity Date to March 19, 2019; (iv) interest on outstanding balances under the Canadian Maximum Credit based on the Canadian Base Rate (calculated as the greater of CDOR plus 1 percentage point and the “prime rate” for Canadian Dollar commercial loans, as further defined in the Fourth Amended Loan Agreement) or, at the election of the Borrowers, based on the CDOR Rate plus a margin, depending on average excess availability under the Revolving Line, ranging from 1.50% to 1.75%; and (v) interest on outstanding balances under the Maximum Credit based on the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin, depending on average excess availability under the Revolving Line, ranging from 1.50% to 1.75%.

 

The Fourth Amended Loan Agreement and related documentation includes representations, covenants, and events of default customary for financing transactions of this type. Under the Fourth Amended Loan Agreement, in the event that excess availability under the Revolving Line is less than certain thresholds (based on the then-current maximum amount available to be drawn under the Revolving Line), the Borrowers are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 to 1.0. Borrowings under the Revolving Line are secured by liens on substantially all of the Borrowers’ assets. The Borrowers paid certain fees and costs, including but not limited to, a $118,750 closing fee distributed among the lenders and will pay a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum on funds available for borrowing under the Revolving Line and not borrowed.

 

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17. Supplementary Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

 

The following tables summarize supplementary quarterly financial information (in thousands, except per share data):

 

    2015 (1)  
    1st Quarter     2nd Quarter     3rd Quarter     4th Quarter  
Net sales   $ 295,959     $ 478,871     $ 404,933     $ 482,185  
Gross profit     39,105       61,966       60,143       63,113  
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ (3,524 )   $ 175     $ (483 )   $ (14,116 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes     (31 )     74       (302 )     (51 )
Net income (loss)   $ (3,555 )   $ 249     $ (785 )   $ (14,167 )
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations:                                
Basic   $ (0.29 )   $ 0.01     $ (0.04 )   $ (1.2 )
Diluted     (0.29 )     0.01       (0.04 )     (1.2 )

 

      2014 (1)  
      1st Quarter (1)       2nd Quarter (1)       3rd Quarter (1)       4th Quarter  
Net sales   $ 325,337     $ 334,991     $ 336,801     $ 359,233  
Gross profit     48,705       47,976       45,199       50,187  
Income from continuing operations   $ 3,034     $ 1,844     $ 116     $ 2,041  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes     (147 )     (698 )     (257 )     (468 )
Net income (loss)   $ 2,887     $ 1,146     $ (141 )   $ 1,573  
Basic and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations:                                
Basic   $ 0.25     $ 0.15     $ 0.01     $ 0.17  
Diluted     0.24       0.14       0.01       0.16  

 

 

(1) All amounts reported herein have been recast to present all four of our retail stores and our OnSale and eCost businesses as discontinued operations.

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of our most recent fiscal year. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fourth quarter of 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

  pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
     
  provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
     
  provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management used the criteria described in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment and those criteria, management believes that, as of December 31, 2015, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

 

Management has excluded from its assessment of the internal control over financial reporting at En Pointe Technologies Sales, LLC (“En Pointe”), which we acquired on April 1, 2015. En Pointe’s financial statements comprised 24% and 21% of our consolidated total assets and total net sales, respectively, as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015. For more information on the acquisition of En Pointe, see Part II, Item 8, Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.

 

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

  82  
 

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Our executive officers as of March 9, 2016 and their respective ages and positions were as follows:

 

Name   Age   Position
Frank F. Khulusi   49   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Robert J. Miley   45   President
Brandon H. LaVerne   44   Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary
Robert I. Newton   50   Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
Simon M. Abuyounes   62   Executive Vice President — IT and Operations

 

The following is a biographical summary of the experience of our executive officers:

 

Frank F. Khulusi is one of our co-founders and has served as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since our inception in 1987, served as President until July 1999, and resumed the office of President in March 2001 through March 2012. Mr. Khulusi attended the University of Southern California.

 

Robert J. Miley joined us in December 2014 and currently serves as President of PCM, Inc. Prior to joining us, Mr. Miley held various positions at Ingram Micro spanning approximately 20 years, most recently having served as Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Technology Division in North America. Mr. Miley earned an MBA from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business and graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Business Economics and a B.A. in Political Science.

 

Brandon H. LaVerne has served as our Chief Financial Officer since July 2008. Mr. LaVerne previously served as our Interim Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer of the Company since June 2007, and continues to serve as our principal financial and accounting officer. Prior to June 2007, Mr. LaVerne served as Vice President and Controller and has been with us since October 1998. Prior to joining us, Mr. La Verne worked for Computer Sciences Corporation, and started his career with Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. LaVerne received his B.S. in Accounting from the University of Southern California and is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

Robert I. Newton joined us in June 2004 and currently serves as our Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary. Mr. Newton was Of Counsel in the corporate practice group of Morrison & Foerster LLP from February 2000 until joining our company. Prior to his employment at Morrison & Foerster LLP, Mr. Newton was a partner in the corporate practice group of McDermott, Will & Emery LLP. Mr. Newton received a B.B.A., with highest honors, and a J.D., with honors, from the University of Texas at Austin.

 

Simon M. Abuyounes was appointed Executive Vice President — IT and Operations of PCM, Inc. in April 2014. Mr. Abuyounes previously served as President of PCM Logistics, LLC since June 2005. Prior to June 2005, Mr. Abuyounes has served as Senior Vice President of Operations and has been with us since June 1995. Prior to joining us, Mr. Abuyounes held various engineering and managerial positions for over 10 years. Mr. Abuyounes received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Engineering from the Ohio State University. Mr. Abuyounes is the brother-in-law of Mr. Khulusi.

 

Information regarding our board of directors, audit committee, audit committee financial expert, code of business conduct and ethics, our nominating and corporate governance committee as well as other corporate governance matters is set forth under the caption “Election of Directors” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Information regarding Section 16(a) beneficial ownership compliance is set forth under the caption “Executive Compensation — Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer. Our code of business conduct and ethics is posted in the “Investor Relations” section of our website at www.pcm.com. Any amendments to, or waivers from, a provision of our code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions will be posted in the “Investor Relations” section of our website. We will provide a copy of our code of business conduct and ethics to any person, without charge, upon receipt of a written request directed to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices.

 

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required by this item is set forth under the caption “Executive Compensation” and “Election of Directors -Director Compensation” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The information required by this item is set forth under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Executive Compensation — Equity Compensation Plan Information” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The information required by this item is set forth under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” “Election of Directors — Director Independence” and “Executive Compensation — Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information required by this item is set forth under the caption “Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

  84  
 

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

      Page Number
(1) Financial Statements   See Part II, Item 8, beginning on page 50
       
(2) Financial Statement Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013   See Part IV, Item 15, beginning on page 86
       
(3) Exhibits   See Part IV, Item 15, beginning on page 87

 

  85  
 

 

PCM, INC.

 

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(in thousands)

 

    Balance at
Beginning
of Year
    Additions
Charged to
Operations
    Deduction
from
Reserves
    Balance at
End of
Year
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended:                                
December 31, 2015   $ 426     $ 731     $ (599 )(a)   $ 558  
December 31, 2014     1,407       463       (1,444 )(a)     426  
December 31, 2013     1,447       1,361       (1,401 )(a)     1,407  
                                 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for the years ended:                                
December 31, 2015   $ 805     $ 168 (b)   $ (62 )(b)   $ 911  
December 31, 2014     987       44 (b)     (226 )(b)     805  
December 31, 2013     737       293 (b)     (43 )(b)     987  

 

 

(a) Relates primarily to accounts written-off.

(b) Relates primarily to changes in valuation allowances applied to various state net operating loss carryforwards.

 

  86  
 

 

EXHIBIT LIST

 

Exhibit
Number
  Description
2.1*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated March 12, 2015, by and among PCM Sales Acquisition, LLC, PCM, Inc., En Pointe Technologies Sales, Inc., Attiazaz “Bob” Din, and Michael Rapp (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A, dated April 1, 2015, filed with the Commission on April 29, 2015)
     
2.2*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated November 17, 2015, by and among Intelligent IT, Inc., Acrodex Inc., PCM, Inc., Systemax Inc., and TigerDirect, Inc., TigerDirect CA, Inc., Global Gov/Ed Solutions, Inc., Infotel Distributors Inc., Tek Serv Inc., Global Computer Supplies, Inc., SYX Distribution Inc., SYX Services Inc., SYX North American Tech Holdings, LLC, Software Licensing Center, Inc. and Pocahontas Corp.
     
2.3*   Amendment No. 1 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated December 1, 2015, by and among Intelligent IT, Inc., Acrodex Inc., PCM, Inc., Systemax Inc., and TigerDirect, Inc., TigerDirect CA, Inc., Global Gov/Ed Solutions, Inc., Infotel Distributors Inc., Tek Serv Inc., Global Computer Supplies, Inc., SYX Distribution Inc., SYX Services Inc., SYX North American Tech Holdings, LLC, Software Licensing Center, Inc. and Pocahontas Corp.
     
2.4*   Amendment No. 2 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated January 2, 2016, by and among Intelligent IT, Inc., Acrodex Inc., PCM, Inc., Systemax Inc., and TigerDirect, Inc., TigerDirect CA, Inc., Global Gov/Ed Solutions, Inc., Infotel Distributors Inc., Tek Serv Inc., Global Computer Supplies, Inc., SYX Distribution Inc., SYX Services Inc., SYX North American Tech Holdings, LLC, Software Licensing Center, Inc. and Pocahontas Corp.
     
2.5*   Amendment No. 3 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated February 14, 2016, by and among PCM Sales, Inc. (as successor to Intelligent IT, Inc.), Acrodex Inc., PCM, Inc., Systemax Inc., and TigerDirect, Inc., TigerDirect CA, Inc., Global Gov/Ed Solutions, Inc., Infotel Distributors Inc., Tek Serv Inc., Global Computer Supplies, Inc., SYX Distribution Inc., SYX Services Inc., SYX North American Tech Holdings, LLC, Software Licensing Center, Inc. and Pocahontas Corp.
     
3.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1(C) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 filed with the Commission on November 14, 2002)
     
3.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 filed with the Commission on March 18, 2013)
     
3.3   Certificate of Ownership and Merger merging PCM, Inc. with and into PC Mall, Inc. effective December 31, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 2, 2013)
     
3.4   Certificate of Secretary certifying amendment of Bylaws effective December 31, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 2, 2013)
     
10.1**   Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2010 filed with the Commission on August 9, 2010)
     
10.2**   Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 1995, between Creative Computers, Inc. and Frank F. Khulusi (incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, declared effective on April 4, 1995 (the “1995 Form S-1”))
     
10.3**   Amendment to Employment Agreement made and entered into as of December 28, 2005, by and between PC Mall, Inc. and Frank F. Khulusi (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Commission on March 31, 2006 (the “December 31, 2005 Form 10-K”))
     
10.4**   Second Amendment to Employment Agreement made and entered into as of December 28, 2005, by and between PC Mall, Inc. and Frank F. Khulusi (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the December 31, 2005 Form 10-K)

 

  87  
 

 

10.5**   Employment Agreement, dated June 8, 2004, between PC Mall, Inc. and Rob Newton (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.54 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 filed with the Commission on August 11, 2004 (the “June 30, 2004 Form 10-Q”))
     
10.6**   Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated March 22, 2005, between PC Mall, Inc. and Rob Newton (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on form 8-K filed with the commission on March 25, 2005)
     
10.7**   Severance Agreement between AF Services, LLC and Brandon LaVerne (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 filed with the Commission on November 14, 2007 (the “September 30, 2007 Form 10-Q”))
     
10.8**   Form of Executive Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (full acceleration upon change in control) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.61 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 filed with the Commission on November 15, 2004 (the “September 30, 2004 Form 10-Q”))
     
10.9**   Form of Executive Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (partial acceleration upon change in control) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.62 to the September 30, 2004 Form 10-Q)
     
10.10**   Form of Indemnification Agreement between PC Mall, Inc. and each of its directors and executive officers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed with the Commission on March 31, 2003)
     
10.11**   Form of Director Restricted Stock Bonus Award Agreement under 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the September 30, 2007 Form 10-Q)
     
10.12   Lease Agreement, dated September 1, 2003, between PC Mall, Inc. and Anderson Tully Company for the premises located at 4715 E. Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.63 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 filed with the Commission on March 31, 2005 (the “December 31, 2004 Form 10-K”))
     
10.13   Renewal Letter for lease of property in Memphis, Tennessee, entered into on October 2, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 6, 2006)
     
10.14   Lease Agreement, dated June 11, 2003, among PC Mall, Inc., PC Mall Canada, Inc. and Canaprev, Inc. for the premises located at 1100, University, 2nd Floor, Montreal (Quebec) Canada (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.64 to the December 31, 2004 Form 10-K)
     
10.15   Addendum to Lease Agreement, dated January 26, 2004, between PC Mall, Inc., PC Mall Canada, Inc. and Canaprev, Inc. for premises located at 1100 University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, dated January 26, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.70 to the December 31, 2004 Form 10-K)
     
10.16   Addendum No. 2, by and between Complexe Rue Universite S.E.C., PC Mall Canada, Inc. and PC Mall, Inc., dated January 10, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 15, 2008)
     
10.17**   Summary of Executive Incentive Plan
     
10.18**   Summary of Executive Salary and Bonus Arrangements
     
10.19**   Amendment to Employment Agreement made and entered into as of December 30, 2008, by and between PC Mall, Inc. and Frank F. Khulusi (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 16, 2009)
     
10.20   Renewal Letter, by and between WNI/Tennessee, L.P. and AF Services, LLC, dated September 30, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 6, 2009)

 

  88  
 

 

10.21   Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2012, by and between Sarcom Properties, Inc. and M2 Marketplace, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 filed with the Commission on May 10, 2012)
     
10.22**   PC Mall, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the Commission on April 30, 2012)
     
10.23**   Form of Grant Notice and Option Agreement under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 filed with the Commission on August 9, 2012)
     
10.24+   Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2013, by and among PCM, Inc. and all of its domestic subsidiaries, certain lenders and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 10, 2013)
     
10.25**   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the PCM, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (full acceleration upon change of control) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 24, 2013)
     
10.26**   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the PCM, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (partial acceleration upon change of control) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 24, 2013)
     
10.27   First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated May 17, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on August 9, 2013)
     
10.28   Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September 10, 2013, by and among PCM, Inc. and all of its domestic subsidiaries, certain lenders and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 11, 2013)
     
10. 29   Third Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 24, 2014, by and among PCM, Inc. and all of its domestic subsidiaries, certain lenders and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 28, 2014)
     
10.30**   Employment Agreement by and between PCM, Inc. and Robert J. Miley, dated October 31, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 5, 2014)
     
10.31**   Third Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between PCM, Inc. and Frank F. Khulusi, dated November 6, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the Commission on March 16, 2015 (the “2015 Form 10-K)
     
10.32   Purchase Agreement, dated December 23, 2014, by and between Sarcom Properties, Inc. and PCM, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K)
     
10.34+   Fourth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2015, by and among PCM, Inc. and all of its domestic subsidiaries, certain lenders and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 11, 2015)
     
10.35   PCM, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended effective July 21, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the Commission on June 19, 2015)
     
10.36+   Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of January 19, 2016, by and among PCM, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries, certain lenders and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC

 

  89  
 

 

21.1   Subsidiaries of the Registrant as of December 31, 2015
     
23.1   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
     
31.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of PCM, Inc. pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
     
31.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of PCM, Inc. pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
     
32.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of PCM, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of PCM, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

* Exhibits and schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally copies of any of the omitted schedules upon request by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This agreement has been included to provide investors with information regarding its terms, however it is not intended to provide any other factual information about the parties. The agreement contains representations and warranties of the parties as of specified dates that are qualified by information in confidential disclosure schedules delivered in connection with signing the agreement. The assertions embodied in these representations and warranties were made solely for purposes of the agreement and may be subject to important qualifications and limitations agreed to by the parties in connection with negotiating its terms. Moreover, certain representations and warranties may not be accurate or complete as of any specified date because they are subject to a contractual standard of materiality that is different from certain standards generally applicable to stockholders or were used for the purpose of allocating risk between the parties rather than establishing matters as facts. Accordingly, investors should not rely on the representations and warranties as characterizations of the actual state of facts at the time they were made or otherwise.
** Management contract, or compensatory plan or arrangement.
+ Confidential portions omitted and filed separately with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

***

 

  90  
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

  PCM, INC.
  (Registrant)
     
Date: March 15, 2016 By: /s/ FRANK F. KHULUSI
    Frank F. Khulusi
    Chief Executive Officer

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Frank F. Khulusi and Brandon H. LaVerne, and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ FRANK F. KHULUSI   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer   March 15, 2016
Frank F. Khulusi   (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ BRANDON H. LAVERNE   Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer and   March 15, 2016
Brandon H. LaVerne   Assistant Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)    
         
/s/ THOMAS A. MALOOF   Director   March 15, 2016
Thomas A. Maloof        
         
/s/ RONALD B. RECK   Director   March 15, 2016
Ronald B. Reck        
         
/s/ PAUL C. HEESCHEN   Director   March 15, 2016
Paul C. Heeschen        

 

***

 

  91  
 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number
  Description
     
2.2*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated November 17, 2015, by and among Intelligent IT, Inc., Acrodex Inc., PCM, Inc., Systemax Inc., and TigerDirect, Inc., TigerDirect CA, Inc., Global Gov/Ed Solutions, Inc., Infotel Distributors Inc., Tek Serv Inc., Global Computer Supplies, Inc., SYX Distribution Inc., SYX Services Inc., SYX North American Tech Holdings, LLC, Software Licensing Center, Inc. and Pocahontas Corp.
     
2.3*   Amendment No. 1 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated December 1, 2015, by and among Intelligent IT, Inc., Acrodex Inc., PCM, Inc., Systemax Inc., and TigerDirect, Inc., TigerDirect CA, Inc., Global Gov/Ed Solutions, Inc., Infotel Distributors Inc., Tek Serv Inc., Global Computer Supplies, Inc., SYX Distribution Inc., SYX Services Inc., SYX North American Tech Holdings, LLC, Software Licensing Center, Inc. and Pocahontas Corp.
     
2.4*   Amendment No. 2 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated January 2, 2016, by and among Intelligent IT, Inc., Acrodex Inc., PCM, Inc., Systemax Inc., and TigerDirect, Inc., TigerDirect CA, Inc., Global Gov/Ed Solutions, Inc., Infotel Distributors Inc., Tek Serv Inc., Global Computer Supplies, Inc., SYX Distribution Inc., SYX Services Inc., SYX North American Tech Holdings, LLC, Software Licensing Center, Inc. and Pocahontas Corp.
     
2.5*   Amendment No. 3 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated February 14, 2016, by and among PCM Sales, Inc. (as successor to Intelligent IT, Inc.), Acrodex Inc., PCM, Inc., Systemax Inc., and TigerDirect, Inc., TigerDirect CA, Inc., Global Gov/Ed Solutions, Inc., Infotel Distributors Inc., Tek Serv Inc., Global Computer Supplies, Inc., SYX Distribution Inc., SYX Services Inc., SYX North American Tech Holdings, LLC, Software Licensing Center, Inc. and Pocahontas Corp.
     
10.17**   Summary of Executive Incentive Plan
     
10.18**   Summary of Executive Salary and Bonus Arrangements
     
10.36+   Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of January 19, 2016, by and among PCM, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries, certain lenders and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC
     
21.1   Subsidiaries of the Registrant as of December 31, 2015
     
23.1   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
     
31.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of PCM, Inc. pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
     
31.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of PCM, Inc. pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
     
32.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of PCM, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of PCM, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

* Exhibits and schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally copies of any of the omitted schedules upon request by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This agreement has been included to provide investors with information regarding its terms, however it is not intended to provide any other factual information about the parties. The agreement contains representations and warranties of the parties as of specified dates that are qualified by information in confidential disclosure schedules delivered in connection with signing the agreement. The assertions embodied in these representations and warranties were made solely for purposes of the agreement and may be subject to important qualifications and limitations agreed to by the parties in connection with negotiating its terms. Moreover, certain representations and warranties may not be accurate or complete as of any specified date because they are subject to a contractual standard of materiality that is different from certain standards generally applicable to stockholders or were used for the purpose of allocating risk between the parties rather than establishing matters as facts. Accordingly, investors should not rely on the representations and warranties as characterizations of the actual state of facts at the time they were made or otherwise.
** Management contract, or compensatory plan or arrangement.
+ Confidential portions omitted and filed separately with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

***

 

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E XHIBIT 2.2

 

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into this 17th day of November, 2015, by and among Intelligent IT, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ U.S. Purchaser ”), Acrodex Inc., an Alberta corporation (“ Canadian Purchaser ” and, together with U.S. Purchaser, “ Purchaser ”), PCM, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the ultimate parent of Purchaser (“ PCM ”), Systemax Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Systemax ”), and TigerDirect, Inc., a Florida corporation, TigerDirect CA, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Ontario, Canada, Global Gov/Ed Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Infotel Distributors Inc., a Delaware corporation, Tek Serv Inc., a Delaware corporation, Global Computer Supplies, Inc., a New York corporation, SYX Distribution Inc., a Delaware corporation, SYX Services Inc., a Delaware corporation, SYX North American Tech Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Software Licensing Center, Inc., a Florida corporation, and Pocahontas Corp., a Delaware corporation (individually a “ Seller ” and collectively “ Sellers ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein are defined on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS , Purchaser desires to purchase from the Sellers, and each Seller desires to sell to Purchaser, the Purchased Assets (defined below), and Purchaser shall assume from Sellers the Assumed Liabilities (defined below), on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and promises contained herein, the adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1.
THE TRANSACTION

 

1.1 Purchased Assets . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, Sellers shall sell, transfer, convey, assign and deliver to Purchaser, and Purchaser shall purchase (and PCM shall cause Purchaser to purchase) from Sellers, all of Sellers’ right, title and interest in, to and under the assets, properties, goodwill and rights set forth below (collectively, the “ Purchased Assets ”); provided that, in all instances, U.S. Purchaser shall purchase only those Purchased Assets related to operations in the United States and Canadian Purchaser shall purchase only those Purchased Assets related to operations in Canada:

 

(a) Leased Real Property . All rights and interests in or to any leaseholds and sub-leaseholds, purchase options, easements or licenses for real property as set forth on Schedule 1.1(a) (the “ Leased Real Property ”);

 

(b) Personal Property . All personal property, equipment, office furnishings and furniture, supplies and other tangible personal property (i) located in the facilities which are the subject of the Leased Real Property and Real Property Subleases, (ii) used by the Transferred Employees in connection with their employment with such Seller and (iii) used in the operation and maintenance of all websites, the network and systems of the Business and Purchased Assets (collectively, the “ Personal Property ”);

 

 
 

 

(c) Personal Property Leases . All rights in, to and under leases of personal property, equipment, office furnishings and furniture, supplies and other tangible personal property set forth on Schedule 1.1(c) (collectively, the “ Personal Property Leases ”);

 

(d) Deposits and Advances . All security and other deposits in respect of any Leased Real Property that is not subject to a Real Property Sublease;

 

(e) Seller Contracts . All rights in, to and under the Contracts set forth on Schedule 1.1(e) (collectively, “ Seller Contracts ”), but in all cases excluding any open purchase orders related to such Seller Contracts;

 

(f) Intellectual Property . All Intellectual Property Rights set forth on Schedule 1.1(f) (collectively, “ Seller Intellectual Property ”);

 

(g) Customer Data and Intangible Rights . (a) with respect to the Business, all of Sellers’ interest in and to the customer and prospective customer lists and data (including purchasing history, credit and financing information, contact information and any consents), telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, email addresses, website addresses, social media accounts and similar goodwill and intangible rights; and (b) with respect to Sellers’ consumer customer and prospective customer data and intangible rights used in connection with or generated by the web NATG business in Canada, all of Sellers’ interest in and to the customer and prospective customer lists and data (including purchasing history, credit and financing information , contact information and any consents) and similar goodwill and intangible rights (including, without limitation, customer and prospective customer data of Pocahontas Corp. (f/k/a CircuitCity.com Inc.)); and

 

(h) Claims . All claims, rights in action, rights to tender claims or demands, whether known or unknown, contingent or non-contingent, to the extent related to proprietary information, trade secrets or other competitive restrictions applicable to the Purchased Assets or the Transferred Employees.

 

1.2 Excluded Assets . All assets of Sellers not specifically included as Purchased Assets pursuant to Section 1.1 shall not be sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to this Agreement and shall be retained by Sellers, including without limitation, the assets of Sellers set forth on Schedule 1.2 (collectively, the “ Excluded Assets ”). Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that the Sellers may terminate Seller contracts which are not Purchased Assets other than Seller contracts required to be maintained in order for the parties to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement and the Transaction Agreements.

 

1.3 Assumed Liabilities . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, Seller shall assign and Purchaser shall assume (and PCM shall cause Purchaser to assume) the Assumed Liabilities; provided that, in all instances, U.S. Purchaser shall assume only those Assumed Liabilities related to the operations in the United States and Canadian Purchaser shall assume only those Assumed Liabilities related to the operations in Canada. Thereafter, Purchaser shall pay and discharge (and PCM shall cause Purchaser to pay and discharge) all such Assumed Liabilities. For the purposes of this Agreement, the “ Assumed Liabilities ” shall mean only the following Liabilities of Sellers:

 

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(a) Any Liability arising after the Closing Date under the Seller Contracts that have been made available to Purchaser in the VDR, but (i) only to the extent such obligations arise or are to be satisfied after the Closing Date, (ii) only to the extent such obligations do not arise from or relate to any breach by a Seller of any provision of any of such Seller Contracts other than a breach expressly disclosed to Purchaser hereunder on Section 6.5 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule (if any), (iii) only to the extent such obligations do not arise from or relate to any event, circumstance or condition occurring or existing on or prior to the Closing Date that, with notice or lapse of time, would constitute or result in a breach of any of such Seller Contracts other than any such potential breach expressly disclosed to Purchaser hereunder on Section 6.5 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule (if any), and (iv) subject to subparts (i), (ii) and (iii) of this subsection, only to the extent such obligations arise under Seller Contracts for which the full text of the Seller Contract has been disclosed (it being understood that if the text of any such Contract has not been disclosed to Purchaser or its Representatives due to confidentiality or other restrictions (it being understood that disclosure limited to Purchaser’s Representatives shall constitute valid disclosure hereunder and any such Seller Contract so disclosed is hereby assumed by Purchaser to the extent made available in the VDR) such Contract shall constitute an Undisclosed Contract and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 1.5(b) ; and

 

(b) Liabilities for accrued vacation and paid-time-off of any Transferred Employees who become employees of Purchaser or an Affiliate of Purchaser on or promptly following the Closing Date.

 

1.4 Excluded Liabilities . Notwithstanding Section 1.3 or any other provision of this Agreement, Purchaser shall not assume and shall not be liable or responsible for any Liability that is not specifically identified as an Assumed Liability (collectively, the “ Excluded Liabilities ”). As between Purchaser and Sellers, Sellers shall remain bound by and liable for all Excluded Liabilities.

 

1.5 Non-Assignable Assets; Undisclosed Contracts .

 

(a) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any of the Seller Contracts or other Purchased Assets are not assignable or transferable (each, a “ Non-Assignable Asset ”) without the consent of, or waiver by, a third party (each, an “ Assignment Consent ”), either as a result of the provisions thereof or applicable Legal Requirements, and any of such Assignment Consents are not obtained by a Seller on or prior to the Closing Date, then with respect to each Non-Assignable Asset, Purchaser shall take all actions necessary to perform the obligations under such Non-Assignable Assets and each Seller shall cooperate with Purchaser in any reasonable arrangement designed to provide Purchaser with all of the benefits of such Non-Assignable Asset as if an appropriate Assignment Consent had been obtained, including, without limitation, by granting sublicenses, conducting business under such Non-Assignable Assets in the name of such Seller for the economic benefit of Purchaser (unless prohibited under the terms of any such Non-Assignable Asset) and establishing other similar arrangements. Each Seller shall use its reasonable commercial efforts to obtain the Assignment Consent as soon as reasonably practicable following the Closing. In such case, this Agreement and the related instruments of transfer shall not constitute an assignment or transfer of such Non-Assignable Assets until the requisite Assignment Consent is provided, at which time such assets shall be deemed Purchased Assets for purposes of this Agreement without any further action by Sellers.

 

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(b) If any customer Contract of the Business (excluding any purchase order or web order) or Canadian vendor Contract of the Business was not made available to Purchaser in the VDR (each, an “ Undisclosed Contract ”), Sellers shall maintain all Undisclosed Contracts for the benefit of Purchaser and not take any action to terminate (or forgo any action which would result in a termination of) any Undisclosed Contract until, with respect to each Undisclosed Contract, Sellers have identified such Undisclosed Contract to Purchaser and provided Purchaser at least ten days following such identification to elect to treat such Undisclosed Contract as a Seller Contract hereunder, including as an Assumed Liability (measured from the date of Purchaser’s election), which assumption by Purchaser as an Assumed Liability may be limited solely to the Undisclosed Contract’s application to the Business.

 

1.6 Certain Purchased Asset and Assumed Liability Transfers .

 

(a) Notwithstanding anything in the Purchase Agreement to the contrary, title to the following Purchased Assets shall not be transferred to Purchaser on the Closing Date, but shall instead be transferred to Purchaser on the earlier to occur of (i) the completion of Seller’s Inventory Liquidation, or (ii) February 15, 2016 (the “ Website Cutover Date ”):

 

(i) The URL www.TigerDirect.com and all URLs used in connection with the operation of the TigerDirect website; the URL www.tigerdirect.ca, and all URLs used in connection with the operation of the TigerDirect.ca website; the URL www.globalcomputer.com and all URLs used in connection with the operation of the Global Computer website; the URL www.infoteldistributors.com and all URLs used in connection with the operation of the Infotel website; and the URL www.globalgoved.com and all URLs used in connection with the operation of the Global Gov Ed website (collectively, the “ Continued Websites ”);

 

(ii) all software related to the Continued Websites; and

 

(iii) the Cutover Contracts set forth on Schedule 1.1(e) of the Purchase Agreement.

 

(b) Notwithstanding anything in the Purchase Agreement to the contrary, the Cutover Contracts shall not be assumed by Purchaser on the Closing Date, but shall instead be assumed by Purchaser on the Website Cutover Date. Any Liability arising after the Website Cutover Date under the Cutover Contracts that have been made available to Purchaser in the VDR shall be an Assumed Liability, but (i) only to the extent such obligations arise or are to be satisfied after the Website Cutover Date, (ii) only to the extent such obligations do not arise from or relate to any breach by a Seller of any provision of any of such Cutover Contract other than a breach expressly disclosed to Purchaser hereunder on Section 6.5 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule (if any), (iii) only to the extent such obligations do not arise from or relate to any event, circumstance or condition occurring or existing on or prior to the Website Cutover Date that, with notice or lapse of time, would constitute or result in a breach of any of such Cutover Contracts other than any such potential breach expressly disclosed to Purchaser hereunder on Section 6.5 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule (if any), and (iv) subject to subparts (i), (ii) and (iii) of this subsection, only to the extent such obligations arise under Cutover Contracts for which the full text of the Cutover Contract has been disclosed (it being understood that if the text of any such Cutover Contract has not been disclosed to Purchaser or its Representatives due to confidentiality or other restrictions (it being understood that disclosure limited to Purchaser’s Representatives shall constitute valid disclosure hereunder and any such Cutover Contract so disclosed is hereby assumed by Purchaser to the extent made available in the VDR) such Cutover Contract shall constitute an Undisclosed Contract and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 1.5(b) .

 

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ARTICLE 2.
CONSIDERATION FOR TRANSFER

 

2.1 Purchase Price . As full consideration for the sale, assignment, transfer and delivery of the Purchased Assets by Sellers to Purchaser and the other agreements set forth herein, Purchaser and PCM, jointly and severally, shall pay to Sellers an aggregate amount of $14,000,000 (the “ Purchase Price ”).

 

2.2 Allocation of Purchase Price . Purchaser shall deliver to Systemax an allocation of the Purchase Price, including amounts treated as Liabilities for Tax purposes (amongst the Purchased Assets and for the other agreements set forth herein) within 90 days following the Closing Date (the “ Allocation Schedule ”). The Allocation Schedule to be delivered by Purchaser is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 1060 of the Code. If Systemax notifies Purchaser in writing that it objects to one or more items reflected in the Allocation Schedule, Systemax and Purchaser shall negotiate in good faith to resolve such dispute; provided , however , that if Systemax and Purchaser are unable to resolve any dispute with respect to the Allocation Schedule within 60 days following Purchaser’s delivery of the Allocation Schedule to Systemax, such dispute shall be resolved by KPMG LLP (the “ Independent Accounting Firm ”). The fees and expenses of such Independent Accounting Firm shall be borne equally by Systemax and Purchaser. The parties covenant and agree that (i) such Allocation Schedule will be determined in an arm’s length negotiation and none of the parties shall take a position on any Tax Return (including IRS Form 8594), before any Tax Authority or in any Proceeding that is in any way inconsistent with such Allocation Schedule without the written consent of the other parties to this Agreement or unless specifically required pursuant to a determination by an applicable Tax Authority; (ii) they shall cooperate with each other in connection with the preparation, execution and filing of all Tax Returns related to such Allocation Schedule; and (iii) they shall promptly advise each other regarding the existence of any Tax audit or Proceeding related to such Allocation Schedule.

 

ARTICLE 3.
CLOSING; CONDITIONS

 

3.1 Closing; Time and Place . The closing of the Transaction (the “ Closing ”) shall occur remotely via the electronic exchange of signature pages on the later of (i) December 1, 2015, or (ii) the third Business Day after the day on which all of the conditions to closing set forth in this ARTICLE 3 are satisfied or waived (other than conditions that are intended to be satisfied at the Closing), or at such other date, time or place as the parties may agree (the “ Closing Date ”). The Closing shall be effective as of the Effective Time.

 

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3.2 Purchaser’s Conditions . Purchaser’s and PCM’s obligation to consummate the Transaction, and to take the other actions required to be taken by Purchaser at the Closing, is subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions (any of which may be waived by Purchaser, in whole or in part, in writing):

 

(a) Performance . Each of the covenants and obligations that Sellers are required to perform or to comply with pursuant to this Agreement at or prior to the Closing must have been duly performed and complied with in all material respects.

 

(b) Accuracy of Representations and Warranties . Sellers’ representations and warranties in this Agreement must be accurate as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date (except representations and warranties that address matters only as of a specified date, the accuracy of which shall be determined as of the specified date), except for any inaccuracies which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c) No Proceedings . There must not have been commenced or threatened against Purchaser, or against any Affiliate of Purchaser, any Proceeding by a Governmental Authority (i) involving any challenge to, or seeking Damages or other relief in connection with, the Transaction, or (ii) that may have the effect of preventing, making illegal or otherwise materially interfering with the Transaction.

 

(d) Material Adverse Effect . There shall not have been a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(e) Deliveries . Sellers shall deliver the following items, duly executed by Sellers, as applicable, all of which shall be in a form and substance reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and Purchaser’s counsel:

 

(i) A General Assignment and Bill of Sale covering all of the applicable Purchased Assets, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “ General Assignment and Bill of Sale ”);

 

(ii) An Assignment and Assumption Agreement, covering all of the Assumed Liabilities, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “ Assignment and Assumption Agreement ”);

 

(iii) A Noncompetition Agreement between Purchaser and Systemax, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the “ Noncompetition Agreement ”);

 

(iv) Complete and correct copies of all written Seller Contracts;

 

(v) Release letters from creditors of any Seller, together with UCC termination statements with respect to any financing statements filed against any of the Purchased Assets, terminating all Encumbrances (including Tax liens) other than Permitted Encumbrances on any of the Purchased Assets;

 

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(vi) All Customer Data in a reasonably accessible electronic file format transferred via FTP;

 

(vii) Subleases between a Purchaser and a Seller in substantially the forms attached hereto as Exhibits E-1 through E-7 (collectively, the “ Real Property Subleases ”);

 

(viii) The Transition Service Agreement among Purchaser and SYX Distribution Inc., SYX Services Inc., SYX Services Private LTD, Systemax Global Solutions, Systemax Inc. and TigerDirect, Inc., in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit F (the “ Transition Services Agreement ”);

 

(ix) Certificates executed on behalf of each Seller by its President or its Chief Executive Officer, certifying the matters in Sections 3.2(a) and 3.2(b) ;

 

(x) Trademark assignment domain name transfer agreements, to effect the transfer and assignment of the Seller Intellectual Property, in forms mutually agreeable to Sellers and Purchaser (the “ IP Assignment Agreements ”);

 

(xi) Certificates from the Secretary of State of Delaware, Florida or New York, as applicable, dated no earlier than the fifth Business Day prior to the Closing Date, as to the good standing of each Seller other than TigerDirect CA, Inc.;

 

(xii) A certificate of status from the Ministry of Government Services of the Province of Ontario, dated no earlier than the fifth Business Day prior to the Closing Date, as to the good standing of TigerDirect CA, Inc.;

 

(xiii) A completed certification of non-foreign status pursuant to Section 1.1445-2(b)(2) of the Treasury regulations and IRS Form W-9 from each Seller;

 

(xiv) Executed (but unfiled) certificates of amendment to the certificates of incorporation or other organizational documents of each Seller, as applicable, changing their respective names to names dissimilar to trade names constituting Purchased Assets (including, without limitation, the names “Tiger” and “Global Computer”), and executed (but unfiled) amendments to names consistent with the preceding in the states or provinces where a Seller is qualified to do business or has any pending application(s) to so qualify, all of which shall be filed by Sellers promptly following the Closing;

 

(xv) a Purchase Certificate issued by the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (“ WSIB ”) in respect of the Business, confirming that as at the Effective Time, the WSIB has no claim against the Sellers for which the Purchaser will be or could be liable in respect of any amounts payable pursuant to the relevant workers compensation legislation in respect of the Business; and

 

(xvi) Such other certificates, instruments or documents required pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or otherwise necessary or appropriate to transfer the Purchased Assets and Assumed Liabilities in accordance with the terms hereof and consummate the Transaction, and to vest in Purchaser and its successors and assigns full, complete, absolute, legal and equitable title to the Purchased Assets, free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances).

 

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3.3 Sellers’ Conditions . Sellers obligation to consummate the Transaction, and to take the other actions required to be taken by Sellers at the Closing, is subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions (any of which may be waived by Sellers in whole or in part, in writing):

 

(a) Performance . Each of the covenants and obligations that Purchaser or PCM is required to perform or to comply with pursuant to this Agreement at or prior to the Closing must have been duly performed and complied with in all material respects.

 

(b) Accuracy of Representations and Warranties . Each of Purchaser’s and PCM’s representations and warranties in this Agreement must be accurate (i) in all respects (in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or a similar term); or (ii) in all material respects (in the case of any representation or warranty not qualified by materiality or a similar term), in each case as of the Closing Date (except representations and warranties that address matters only as of a specified date, the accuracy of which shall be determined as of the specified date).

 

(c) No Proceedings . There must not have been commenced or threatened against Systemax or any Seller any Proceeding by a Governmental Authority (i) involving any challenge to, or seeking Damages or other relief in connection with, the Transaction, or (ii) that may have the effect of preventing, making illegal or otherwise materially interfering with the Transaction.

 

(d) Deliveries . Purchaser shall deliver, and PCM shall cause Purchaser to deliver, the following items, duly executed by Purchaser, as applicable, all of which shall be in a form and substance reasonably acceptable to Sellers and Sellers’ counsel:

 

(i) Wire transfers to the accounts designated by Sellers in the aggregate amount of the Purchase Price;

 

(ii) The Assignment and Assumption Agreement;

 

(iii) The Noncompetition Agreement;

 

(iv) The Real Property Subleases;

 

(v) The IP Assignment Agreements;

 

(vi) The Transition Service Agreement;

 

(vii) A certificate executed on behalf of Purchaser by its President or Chief Executive Officer certifying the matters in Sections 3.3(a) and 3.3(b) ; and

 

(viii) Such other certificates, instruments or documents required pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or otherwise necessary or appropriate to transfer the Purchased Assets and Assumed Liabilities in accordance with the terms hereof and consummate the Transaction, and to cause Purchaser and its successors and assigns to assume full responsibility and liability for the Assumed Liabilities.

 

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ARTICLE 4.
PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS

 

4.1 Sellers’ Conduct of the Business Prior to Closing . From the date of this Agreement until the Closing Date, except as provided on Schedule 4.1 or in this Agreement, Sellers shall, and shall cause their respective officers, directors, employees and agents, to use reasonable commercial efforts (without any requirement to pay additional compensation) to keep intact and preserve all rights in respect of the Purchased Assets and the Transferred Employees.

 

4.2 Restrictions on Sellers’ Conduct of the Business Prior to Closing . From the date of this Agreement until the Closing Date, except as provided on Schedule 4.2, Sellers shall not, and shall cause their respective officers, directors and employees, not to:

 

(a) Enter into, create, voluntarily incur or assume any borrowings under capital leases that are included in the Purchased Assets;

 

(b) Sell, transfer, lease, license or otherwise encumber any of the Purchased Assets, except for Encumbrances provided under existing lender security arrangements arising in the ordinary course of business;

 

(c) Violate, terminate or amend any Seller Contract;

 

(d) Commence a Proceeding with respect to the Purchased Assets or Assumed Liabilities other than for injunctive relief on the grounds that a Seller has suffered immediate and irreparable harm not compensable in money damages if Sellers have obtained the prior written consent of Purchaser, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, unless such Proceeding is against Purchaser, in which case Purchaser consent is not required;

 

(e) Fail to use reasonable commercial efforts to maintain the Purchased Assets in good repair, order and condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted; or

 

(f) Enter into any Contract or agree, in writing or otherwise, to take any of the actions described in Section 4.2(a) through (e) above, or any action that would make any of its representations or warranties contained in this Agreement untrue or incorrect in any material respect or prevent it from performing or cause it not to perform its covenants hereunder.

 

4.3 No Solicitation . Until the earlier of (a) the Closing and (b) the termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms, Systemax shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates (including Sellers) and Representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, solicit or encourage (including by way of furnishing information regarding the Business or the Purchased Assets or Assumed Liabilities) any inquiries, or make any statements to third parties which may reasonably be expected to lead to any proposal concerning the sale of the Business or the Purchased Assets or Assumed Liabilities (whether by way of merger, purchase of capital shares, purchase of assets or otherwise) (a “ Competing Transaction ”); or (ii) hold any discussions or enter into any agreements with, or provide any information or respond to, any third party concerning a proposed Competing Transaction or cooperate in any way with, agree to, assist or participate in, solicit, consider, entertain, facilitate or encourage any effort or attempt by any third party to do or seek any of the foregoing. If at any time prior to the earlier of (x) the Closing and (y) the termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms, Systemax or any of its Representatives are approached in any manner by a third party concerning a Competing Transaction (a “ Competing Party ”), Systemax shall promptly inform Purchaser regarding such contact and furnish Purchaser with a copy of any inquiry or proposal, or, if not in writing, a description thereof, including the name of such Competing Party, and Sellers shall keep Purchaser informed of the status and details of any future notices, requests, correspondence or communications related thereto.

 

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4.4 Certain Notifications .

 

(a) From the date hereof through the Closing, upon Purchaser’s reasonable request, Systemax shall confer during normal business hours with one or more designated Representatives of Purchaser to report material operational matters and the general status of on-going operations of the Business. Systemax shall promptly notify Purchaser of any known material change in respect of the Purchased Assets and shall keep Purchaser fully informed of such events. Except for matters described on Schedules 4.1 or 4.2, from the date of this Agreement until the Closing, Systemax shall promptly notify Purchaser in writing regarding any:

 

(i) Any circumstance or event known to Systemax or any Seller that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(ii) Fact, circumstance, event, or action known by Systemax or any Seller (i) which, if known on the date of this Agreement, would have been required to be disclosed in or pursuant to this Agreement; or (ii) the existence, occurrence, or taking of which would result in any of the representations and warranties of Sellers contained in this Agreement or in any Transaction Agreement not being true and correct when made or at Closing;

 

(iii) Breach of any covenant or obligation of any Seller hereunder; or

 

(iv) Circumstance or event which will result in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, the failure of any Seller to timely satisfy any of the closing conditions specified in this Agreement.

 

(b) From the date of this Agreement until the Closing, Purchaser shall promptly notify Systemax in writing regarding any:

 

(i) Fact, circumstance, event, or action known by Purchaser (i) which, if known on the date of this Agreement, would have been required to be disclosed in or pursuant to this Agreement; or (ii) the existence, occurrence, or taking of which would result in any of the representations and warranties of Purchaser or PCM contained in this Agreement or in any Transaction Agreement not being true and correct when made or at Closing;

 

(ii) Breach of any covenant or obligation of Purchaser or PCM hereunder; or

 

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(iii) Circumstance or event which will result in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, the failure of Purchaser or PCM to timely satisfy any of the closing conditions specified in this Agreement.

 

4.5 Updating the Seller Disclosure Schedule . If any event, condition, fact or circumstance that is required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 4.4 would require a change to the Seller Disclosure Schedule if the Seller Disclosure Schedule were dated as of the date of the occurrence, existence or discovery of such event, condition, fact or circumstance, then Systemax shall promptly deliver to Purchaser an update to the Seller Disclosure Schedule specifying such change and shall use its reasonable commercial efforts to remedy same, as applicable, to the extent susceptible of remedy; provided , however , that no such update shall be deemed to supplement or amend the Seller Disclosure Schedule for the purpose of (i) determining the accuracy of any of the representations and warranties of Sellers in this Agreement or (ii) determining whether any of the closing conditions set forth in ARTICLE 3 have been satisfied.

 

4.6 Access to Information .

 

(a) From the date of this Agreement until the Closing, Systemax shall (i) permit Purchaser and its Representatives upon reasonable prior request to have reasonable access at all reasonable times, and in a manner so as not to interfere with the normal business operations of Sellers, to all premises, properties, personnel, Persons having business relationships with Sellers related to the Purchased Assets, books, records (including Tax records), contracts, and documents of or pertaining to the Purchased Assets; (ii) furnish Purchaser with all financial, operating and other data and information related to the Business (including copies thereof), as Purchaser may reasonably request; and (iii) otherwise cooperate and assist, to the extent reasonably requested by Purchaser, with Purchaser’s investigation of the Business, the Purchased Assets and the Assumed Liabilities; in each of the foregoing cases to the extent related to the Business, the Purchased Assets or the Assumed Liabilities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser shall not contact directly or indirectly any Systemax or Seller Representatives nor any suppliers, licensees, customers and distributors of or to the Business, other than Larry Reinhold, Tex Clark, Eric Lerner or Martin Wolf), without the prior consent of Larry Reinhold. No information or knowledge obtained in any investigation pursuant to this Section 4.6 shall affect or be deemed to modify any representation or warranty contained herein or the conditions to the obligations of the parties to consummate the Transaction.

 

(b) In furtherance of the foregoing, Systemax shall, and shall cause its Representatives and Affiliates to, at Purchaser’s expense, use commercially reasonable efforts to assist Purchaser, PCM and their respective Representatives and Affiliates with the preparation of audited financial statements of the Business as may be required by Regulation S-K and Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to be filed by PCM with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with or as a result of the Transaction.

 

4.7 Reasonable Commercial Efforts . From the date of this Agreement until the Closing, each of Systemax and Sellers on the one hand, and PCM and Purchaser on the other hand, shall use their respective reasonable commercial efforts to cause to be fulfilled and satisfied all of the other party’s conditions to Closing set forth in ARTICLE 3 .

 

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4.8 Purchaser Replacement Guaranties . In connection with Sellers obtaining the consents for the assignment of the Leased Real Property (or consent to sublease pursuant to the Real Property Subleases), Purchaser or PCM shall provide replacement guaranties in form and substance similar to the guaranties being terminated by Sellers and otherwise satisfactory to the respective landlords. No Seller shall terminate any such guaranty prior to the valid assignment of the Leased Real Property to Purchaser (or prior to receiving consent to sublease pursuant to the Real Property Subleases).

 

ARTICLE 5.
TERMINATION

 

5.1 Circumstances for Termination . At any time prior to the Closing, this Agreement may be terminated by written notice explaining the reason for such termination (without prejudice to other remedies which may be available to the parties under this Agreement or pursuant to any Legal Requirement):

 

(a) by the mutual written consent of Purchaser and Seller;

 

(b) by Purchaser if (i) Sellers have not satisfied all of the closing conditions set forth in Section 3.2 hereof prior to December 31, 2015 (the “ Drop Dead Date ”), and (ii) neither Purchaser nor PCM is, on the date of termination, in material breach of any material provision of this Agreement; or

 

(c) by Sellers if (i) Purchaser has not satisfied all of the closing conditions set forth in Section 3.3 hereof on or prior to the Drop Dead Date, and (ii) Sellers are not, on the date of termination, in material breach of any material provision of this Agreement.

 

5.2 Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 5.1 , all obligations of the parties hereunder after the date of such termination shall terminate; provided , however , that nothing herein shall relieve any party from Liability for the pre-termination breach of any of its covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE 6.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERs

 

Subject to Section 11.9 , except as disclosed in any publicly available current, quarterly or annual report filed by Systemax with the Securities and Exchange Commission since January 1, 2015 and before the date of this Agreement (the “ SEC Filings ”), or as specifically set forth on Schedule 6 (the “ Seller Disclosure Schedule ”) attached to this Agreement, Sellers, jointly and severally, hereby represent and warrant as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date (without limiting any other representations or warranties made by Sellers in this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement) to Purchaser and PCM as follows, and Sellers agree and acknowledge that each of Purchaser and PCM is relying upon the representations and warranties in connection with the Transaction:

 

6.1 Organization, Good Standing, Qualification . Each Seller (i) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization; (ii) is duly qualified, licensed or registered to conduct business and is in corporate and Tax good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction in which the operation of the Purchased Assets, the employment of its employees or the ownership or leasing of its properties (including the Leased Real Property and the Personal Property) requires such qualification, license or registration; and (iii) has full corporate power and authority required to own, lease and operate its assets and to carry on its business (including the Business) as now being conducted, except with respect to clause (ii) where the absence thereof would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Section 6.1 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth each jurisdiction in which each Seller is qualified, licensed or registered to conduct business as a foreign organization. Systemax (i) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware, (ii) is duly qualified, licensed or registered to conduct business and is in Tax good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction in which the operation of its business, the employment of its employees or the ownership or leasing of its properties requires such qualification, and (iii) has full corporate power and authority required to own, lease and operate its assets and to carry on its business (including the Business) as now being conducted, except with respect to clauses (ii) where the absence thereof would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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6.2 Charter Documents

 

(a) Systemax has delivered to Purchaser accurate, correct and complete copies of (i) the certificate of incorporation, bylaws and other organizational documents, if any, of each Seller, including all amendments thereto, as presently in effect; and (ii) copies of all books of account and other financial records of the Business.

 

(b) No Seller is in violation of any of the provisions of its certificate of incorporation, bylaws, other organizational documents, if any, or resolutions adopted by its board of directors or equity holders, and no condition or circumstance exists that likely would (with or without notice or lapse of time) constitute or result directly or indirectly in such a violation.

 

6.3 Authority; Binding Nature of Agreements . This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Systemax and each Seller. Each of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Systemax and each Seller, as applicable, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Legal Requirements and equitable principles related to or limiting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

 

6.4 No Conflicts; Consents . Except as set forth on Section 6.4 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the execution, delivery and performance by Sellers and Systemax of this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement to which it is a party does not and will not (with or without notice or lapse of time):

 

(a) contravene, violate or result in any breach of (i) any of the provisions of any Seller’s or Systemax’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational documents, if any; (ii) the corporate resolutions of any Seller or Systemax; (iii) any of the terms or requirements of any Governmental Approval held by a Seller or Systemax or that otherwise relates to the Business or any of the Purchased Assets or Assumed Liabilities, assuming compliance with the matters and actions required hereunder with respect thereto including as set forth in Section 6.4(e) and assuming Purchaser’s compliance with the matters and actions required under Section 7.3 ; or (iv) any provision of any Purchased Contract; except with respect to clauses (iii) and (iv) where such contravention, violation or breach would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

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(b) assuming compliance by Sellers with the matters and actions required hereunder with respect thereto including as set forth in Section 6.4(e) and by Purchaser with respect to the matters and actions required hereunder with respect thereto including as set forth in Section 7.3 , give any Governmental Authority or other Person the right to (i) challenge the Transaction; (ii) exercise any remedy or obtain any relief under any Legal Requirement or any Order to which any Seller, Systemax or any of the Purchased Assets or Assumed Liabilities, is subject; (iii) declare a default of, exercise any remedy under, accelerate the performance of, cancel, terminate, modify or receive any payment under any Purchased Contract; or (iv) revoke, suspend or modify any Governmental Approval; in each such case except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(c) cause any Seller or Purchaser to become subject to, or to become liable for the payment of, any Tax, or cause any of the Purchased Assets to be reassessed or revalued by any Tax Authority or other Governmental Authority;

 

(d) result in the imposition or creation of any material Encumbrance upon or with respect to any of the Purchased Assets; or

 

(e) require a Seller to obtain any Consent or make or deliver any filing or notice to a Governmental Authority, other than (i) compliance with any applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and any other state, provincial or federal securities laws, (ii) compliance with any applicable requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, and (iii) any actions or filings the absence of which would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.5 Material Contracts .

 

(a) Other than (x) any “material contract” (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K under the 1933 Act) filed or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the SEC Filings, (y) any Excluded Asset, Section 6.5 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth an accurate, correct and complete list of all Contracts related to the Business to which any of the descriptions set forth below may apply:

 

(i) Personal Property Leases, any Contract for Leased Real Property, Contracts affecting any Seller Intellectual Property and material Governmental Approvals;

 

(ii) Any Contract obligating a Seller to sell or deliver any product or service at a price which does not cover the cost (including labor, materials and production overhead (but taking into account vendor funding and/or back end rebates)) plus the customary profit margin associated with such product or service;

 

(iii) Any Contract relating to any royalty arrangement;

 

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(iv) Any Contract (other than customer purchase orders) with a Business customer generating revenues in excess of $50,000 in the past 12 months; and

 

(v) Any proposed arrangement of a type that, if entered into, would be a Contract described in any of (i) through (iv) above.

 

(b) Sellers have made available in the VDR accurate, correct and complete copies of all Purchased Contracts (or written summaries of the material terms thereof, if not in writing), including all amendments, supplements, modifications and waivers thereof.

 

(c) Each Purchased Contract is currently valid and in full force and effect, and is enforceable by the applicable Seller in accordance with its terms.

 

(d) No Seller nor, to the Knowledge of Sellers, any third party, is in default under any Purchased Contract, except for any default that would not have a Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of Sellers, no breaches of Seller Contracts by any Seller would, in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. No event has occurred, and, to the Knowledge of Sellers, no circumstance or condition exists, that might (with or without notice or lapse of time) (a) result in a violation or breach of any of the provisions of any Purchased Contract; (b) give any Person the right to declare a default or exercise any remedy under any Purchased Contract; (c) give any Person the right to accelerate the maturity or performance of any Purchased Contract, or to cancel, terminate or modify any Purchased Contract; or (d) otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect in connection with any Purchased Contract, except in any of the foregoing cases as would not have a Material Adverse Effect. No Seller has waived any of its rights under any Purchased Contract.

 

(e) To the Knowledge of Sellers, each Person against which a Seller has or may acquire any rights under any Purchased Contract is able to satisfy such Person’s material obligations and liabilities to such Seller.

 

(f) The performance of the Purchased Contracts will not result in any violation of or failure by any Seller to comply with any Legal Requirement.

 

6.6 Customers . Section 6.6 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and correct list of the 25 largest customers of the Business by dollar amount as of (i) December 31, 2014; and (ii) September 30, 2015. To the Knowledge of Sellers, no such customer plans to terminate its relationship with the Business or reduce the amount of business conducted with the Business.

 

6.7 Title; Condition of Assets .

 

(a) The applicable Seller has good and marketable title to, is the exclusive legal and equitable owner of and has the unrestricted power and right to sell, assign and deliver the Purchased Assets (except as set forth on Section 6.4, Section 6.7 or Section 6.9 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule). The Purchased Assets are free and clear of all Encumbrances of any kind or nature except as set forth on Section 6.7 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and other than Permitted Encumbrances. Upon Closing, Purchaser will acquire exclusive, good and marketable title or license to or a valid leasehold interest in (as the case may be) the Purchased Assets and no restrictions will exist on Purchaser’s right to resell, license or sublicense any of the Purchased Assets or Assumed Liabilities or engage in the Business consistent with its operation prior to Closing (except as set forth on Section 6.7 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule).

 

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(b) The tangible Purchased Assets are (i) in good operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted; (ii) suitable and adequate for continued use in the manner in which they are presently being used; and (iii) adequate to meet all present requirements of the Business.

 

6.8 Real Property .

 

(a) Section 6.8 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth an accurate, correct and complete list of each lease or license pursuant to which Sellers lease or license the use of any real property used in the Business. Sellers have good and valid leasehold interest in the Leased Real Property and are in possession of the Leased Real Property purported to be leased or licensed under the corresponding lease Contract.

 

(b) Sellers do not currently own, and have not in the past five years owned, any real or immovable property used in the operation of the Business, other than as described on Section 6.8 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule (which property was sold in 2014).

 

6.9 Intellectual Property . Except as set forth on Section 6.9 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, Schedule 1.2 or where the absence of which would not have a Material Adverse Effect, and subject to Permitted Encumbrances:

 

(a) In the past 5 years, no Seller has used any Intellectual Property Rights material to the conduct of the Business other than (i) licenses contained in vendor marketing agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, (ii) licenses used to service PCS, (iii) web content/web services agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, and (iv) Intellectual Property Rights listed on Section 6.9 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. Sellers (i) own, beneficially (and with respect to Seller Intellectual Property that is Registered Intellectual Property, of record), and hold the entire right, title and interest in and to the Seller Intellectual Property, free and clear of any Encumbrance except Permitted Encumbrances; and (ii) own beneficially the Trade Secrets and confidential business information included in the Seller Intellectual Property and Customer Data, free and clear of any Encumbrance; and upon the consummation of the assignment and transfer provided for herein, Sellers will have assigned and transferred to Purchaser all their right, title and interest in and to such Seller Intellectual Property and Customer Data free and clear of any Encumbrance except Permitted Encumbrances. To the Knowledge of the Sellers, the Seller Intellectual Property does not infringe any rights of any nature whatsoever of others. No Proceeding is pending in which any Seller is named as a party, or, to the Knowledge of Sellers, has been threatened in writing against a Seller, nor has any claim been asserted or threatened in writing (by or against a Seller), which involves any Intellectual Property Rights of or used by Sellers. No Seller is the subject of any judgment, Order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or Governmental Authority, or any arbitrator, nor has any Seller entered into, nor is it a party to, any Contract (other than as listed on Section 6.9 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule) which restricts or impairs the use of any of Seller Intellectual Property or Customer Data.

 

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6.10 Employees and Consultants . Except as set forth on Section 6.10 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule:

 

(a) No Transferred Employee (as defined in Section 9.1) has been granted the right to continued employment by such Seller or to any material compensation following termination of employment with such Seller except for Canadian employees, none of whom have contractual entitlements on termination other than the right to reasonable notice at common law. As of the date hereof, to the Knowledge of any Seller, and other than as contemplated by this Agreement, no Transferred Employee intends to terminate his or her employment or other engagement with such Seller, nor does such Seller have a present intention to terminate the employment or engagement of any such Person. Section 6.10 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth an accurate, correct and complete list as of the date hereof of all (i) Transferred Employees, including each Transferred Employee’s name, title or position, present annual compensation (including bonuses, commissions and deferred compensation, as well as severance payments, termination pay and other special compensation of any kind paid to, accrued with respect to, or that would be payable to (in whole or in part, whether with or without the passage of time) such Transferred Employee), accrued and unused paid vacation and other paid time off, including accrued overtime entitlements (as of September 30, 2015), status as full-time or part-time, location of employment, years of service, interests in any incentive compensation plan, and estimated entitlements to receive supplementary retirement benefits or allowances (whether pursuant to a Contract or otherwise) and (ii) individuals who are currently performing services for Sellers related to the Business who are classified as “consultants” or “independent contractors” and who are set forth on Schedule 9.1(a). Section 6.10 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth all (i) increases in any such Transferred Employee’s wage or salary since January 1, 2015 and (ii) increases or changes in any other benefits or insurance collectively provided to any such Transferred Employees since January 1, 2015. No Transferred Employee is eligible for payments that would constitute “parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Code.

 

(b) There are no material claims, disputes or controversies pending or, to the Knowledge of Sellers, threatened involving any Transferred Employee or group of Transferred Employees, other than routine human resources disputes, controversies or claims (including worker’s compensation claims) involving Transferred Employees where the potential exposure to a Seller is less than $10,000. No Seller has suffered or sustained any work stoppage and no such work stoppage is threatened.

 

(c) No Transferred Employee (other than with respect to employees employed in Canada, pursuant to requirements of Canadian statutory or common law) has any enforceable agreement as to length of notice or severance payment required to terminate his or her employment.

 

(d) Each independent contractor or consultant of any Seller who provides service to the Business has been properly classified by such Seller as an independent contractor, and since January 1, 2010, no Seller has received any notice from any Governmental Authority disputing such classification.

 

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(e) All amounts due or accrued for all salary, wages, bonuses, commissions, paid vacation or other paid leave to Transferred Employees, and all other benefits under the Employee Benefit Plans, have either been paid or are accurately reflected in the Sellers’ books and records.

 

(f) Each Seller has materially complied with all Legal Requirements related to the employment of its Transferred Employees, including provisions related to wages, hours, leaves of absence, equal opportunity, pay equity, employment equity, occupational health and safety, workers’ compensation, severance, employee handbooks or manuals, collective bargaining and the payment of social security and other Taxes.

 

(g) No Seller has any collective bargaining agreements with any of its employees. Within the past three years, there has been no labor union organizing or election activity pending or, to the Knowledge of Sellers, threatened with respect to any Seller.

 

(h) There is no collective agreement in force with respect to the Business or the Transferred Employees nor is there any Contract with any employee association in respect of the Business or the Transferred Employees. No trade union, council of trade unions, employee bargaining agency or affiliated bargaining agent holds bargaining rights with respect to any of the Transferred Employees or has applied or, to the Knowledge of Sellers, threatened to apply to be certified as the bargaining agent of the Transferred Employees. No Seller has, and no Seller is, engaged in any unfair labour practice and no unfair labour practice complaint, grievance or arbitration proceeding is pending or, to the Knowledge of Sellers, threatened against Sellers pursuant to applicable labour legislation except as disclosed on Schedule 6.12 or Schedule 6.14 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule or for immaterial employee grievance matters arising in the ordinary course of business.

 

(i) No trade union has applied to have a Seller declared a common or related employer pursuant to applicable labour legislation in any jurisdiction in which a Seller carries on business.

 

(j) There are no outstanding assessments or other amounts due or owing pursuant to any workplace safety and insurance legislation and no Seller has been reassessed in any material respect under such legislation during the past four years and, to the Knowledge of Sellers, no audit of the Business is currently being performed pursuant to any applicable workplace safety and insurance legislation. Sellers have provided to the Purchaser all orders and inspection reports under applicable occupational health and safety legislation (“ OHSA ”) relating to the Business received in the past three years. There are no charges pending under OHSA in respect of the Business. Sellers have complied in all material respects with any orders issued under OHSA in respect of the Business and there are no appeals of any orders under OHSA currently outstanding.

 

6.11 Employee Benefit Plans . Systemax’s and Seller’s Employee Benefit Plans have been maintained in all material respects in accordance with their terms and all applicable Legal Requirements. None of the Sellers nor any Member of the Controlled Group maintains or contributes to, or has ever maintained or contributed to, any Defined Benefit Plan or Multiemployer Plan. No Employee Benefit Plan is or is intended to be a “registered pension plan”, “deferred profit sharing plan”, a “registered retirement savings plan”, a “retirement compensation arrangement” or a “tax-free savings account” as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada). None of the Employee Benefit Plans provide for retiree or post-termination benefits or for benefits to retired or terminated employees or to the beneficiaries or dependents of retired or terminated employees. Nothing contained in any of the Employee Benefit Plans will obligate Purchaser to provide any benefits to employees, former employees or beneficiaries of employees or former employees, or to make any contributions to any plans from and after the Closing, or could subject Purchaser, directly or indirectly, to any Liability, contingent or otherwise, with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan.

 

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6.12 Compliance with Laws .

 

(a) Sellers are and at all times in the past five years have been, in compliance with each Legal Requirement that is applicable to the Business, any Purchased Assets or any Assumed Liabilities, other than as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, and no event has occurred, and no condition or circumstance exists, that might (with or without notice or lapse of time) constitute, or result directly or indirectly in, a default under, a breach or violation of, or a failure to comply with, any such Legal Requirement, other than as would not have a Material Adverse Effect. No Seller has received any notice from any third party regarding any actual, alleged or potential violation of any such Legal Requirement that has not been finally resolved prior to the date hereof.

 

(b) To the Knowledge of Sellers, no Governmental Authority has proposed or is considering any Legal Requirement that may affect the Business, the Purchased Assets or the Assumed Liabilities, or Sellers’ rights thereto, except to the extent that any such Legal Requirement, if adopted or otherwise put into effect, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.13 Governmental Approvals .

 

(a) Sellers have all material Governmental Approvals that are necessary in connection with Sellers’ ownership and use of the Purchased Assets and Sellers’ operation of the Business, except for any the absence of which would not have a Material Adverse Effect. With respect to the Business, Sellers have made all filings with, and given all notifications to, all Government Authorities as required by all applicable material Legal Requirements, except for any the absence of which would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Each such material Governmental Approval, filing and notification is valid and in full force and effect, and there is not pending or, to the Knowledge of Sellers, threatened any Proceeding which could result in the suspension, termination, revocation, cancellation, limitation or impairment of any such material Governmental Approval, filing or notification. No violations have been recorded in respect of any such material Governmental Approvals, and to the Knowledge of Sellers, there is no meritorious basis therefor. No fines or penalties are due and payable in respect of any such material Governmental Approval or any violation thereof.

 

(b) Sellers have delivered to Purchaser accurate and complete copies of all of the material Governmental Approvals, filings and notifications required for the operation of the Business, including all renewals thereof and all amendments thereto. All material Governmental Approvals are freely assignable to Purchaser.

 

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6.14 Proceedings and Orders .

 

(a) There is no Proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of Sellers, threatened against or affecting the Purchased Assets, the Assumed Liabilities or the Business, or Sellers’ rights relating thereto, except as disclosed in Section 6.14 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and except for any which is an Excluded Asset. To the Knowledge of Sellers, no event has occurred, and no condition or circumstance exists, that might directly or indirectly give rise to or serve as a basis for the commencement of any such Proceeding. If requested by Purchaser, Sellers will make available to Purchaser true, accurate and complete copies of all pleadings, correspondence and other documents in Sellers’ possession relating to any such Proceeding.

 

(b) Neither Sellers, nor any of Sellers’ properties, assets (including the Purchased Assets), operations or businesses (including the Business), nor any of Sellers’ rights relating to any of the foregoing, are subject to any Order or any proposed Order.

 

6.15 Environmental Matters .

 

(a) Sellers are in material compliance with all Environmental Laws applicable to the Business, which compliance includes, but is not limited to, the possession by Sellers of all Governmental Approvals required under all such Environmental Laws, and compliance with the terms and conditions thereof. Sellers have not received any written communication, whether from a Governmental Authority, citizens group, employee or otherwise, that alleges that any Seller is not in such full compliance, and, to the Knowledge of Sellers, there are no circumstances that may prevent or interfere with such full compliance in the future. All Governmental Approvals currently held by Sellers pursuant to all Environmental Laws and related to the Business are identified on Section 6.15(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule.

 

(b) There is no Environmental Claim related to the Business pending or, to the Knowledge of Sellers, threatened against any Seller or against any person or entity whose liability for any Environmental Claim a Seller has retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of Legal Requirement.

 

(c) To the Knowledge of Sellers, there are no past or present actions, activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents related to the Business that may result in liability of any Seller, including, without limitation, the release, emission, discharge, presence or disposal of any Material of Environmental Concern, that could form the basis of any Environmental Claim against any Seller or against any person or entity whose liability for any Environmental Claim any Seller has retained or assumed either by Contract or by operation of applicable Legal Requirement, or that could otherwise result in any costs or Liabilities to such Seller under an Environmental Law.

 

(d) To the Knowledge of Sellers, no Materials of Environmental Concern are present on or under any Leased Real Property in excess of applicable Environmental Law limits.

 

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(e) Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing, to the Knowledge of Sellers, (i) all on-site and off-site locations where the Business has stored, disposed or arranged for the disposal of Materials of Environmental Concern are identified on Section 6.15(e)(i) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, (ii) all underground storage tanks, and the capacity and contents of such tanks, located on any Leased Real Property are identified on Section 6.15(e)(ii) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, (iii) except as set forth on Section 6.15(e)(iii) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, there is no asbestos contained in or forming part of any Leased Real Property, and (iv) except as set forth on Section 6.15(e)(iv) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, no polychlorinated biphenyls or polychlorinated biphenyl-containing items are used or stored at any Leased Real Property.

 

(f) Sellers have provided to Purchaser all assessments, reports, data, results of investigations or audits, and other information that is in the possession of or reasonably available to Sellers regarding environmental matters pertaining to the environmental condition of the Business or the compliance (or noncompliance) of the Business with any Environmental Laws.

 

(g) Sellers are not required by virtue of the Transaction, or as a condition to the effectiveness of the Transaction, (i) to perform a site assessment for Materials of Environmental Concern, (ii) to remove or remediate Materials of Environmental Concern, (iii) to give notice to or receive approval from any Governmental Authority pursuant to any Environmental Law, or (iv) to record or deliver to any Person any disclosure document or statement pertaining to environmental matters.

 

6.16 Taxes .

 

(a) Sellers have timely filed all Tax Returns with respect to the Business that they were required to file, and such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete in all respects. All Taxes shown to be payable on such Tax Returns or on subsequent assessments with respect thereto have been paid in full on a timely basis, and no other Taxes are payable by Sellers related to the Business with respect to any period ending prior to the date of this Agreement, whether or not shown due or reportable on such Tax Returns, other than Taxes for which adequate accruals have been provided in Sellers’ financial statements. Sellers have no Liability for unpaid Taxes accruing after the Interim Balance Sheet Date, except for Taxes incurred in the ordinary course of business. There are no liens for Taxes on the properties of Sellers, other than liens for Taxes not yet due and payable.

 

(b) Section 6.16(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists all Tax Returns with respect to the Business that have been audited and indicates those Tax Returns that currently are subject of audit. To the Knowledge of Sellers, no other audit of any Tax Return of the Business is currently pending or threatened. No claim has ever been made by any Tax Authority in a jurisdiction where Sellers do not file Tax Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction due to the nature of the Business. Sellers made available to Purchaser correct and complete copies of all Tax Returns filed, examination reports, and statements of deficiencies assessed or agreed to by Sellers in the last five years, in each case with respect to the Business. Sellers have not waived any statute of limitations in respect of any Tax related to the Business or agreed to an extension of time with respect to any Tax assessment or deficiency.

 

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(c) Each Seller has properly withheld and timely paid to the proper Tax Authority all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor or other third party related to the Business, and has complied with all information reporting and backup withholding requirements, including maintenance of required records with respect thereto in connection with any amounts paid to any such Person.

 

(d) No Seller Contract is a Tax indemnity agreement, Tax sharing agreement or similar Contract. No Seller Contract creates a joint venture, partnership, or other arrangement which could be treated as a partnership or “disregarded entity” for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

(e) Each Seller has treated itself as owner of each of the Purchased Assets for Tax purposes. None of the Purchased Assets is the subject of a “safe-harbor lease” within the provisions of former Section 168(f)(8) of the Code, as in effect prior to amendment by the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982. None of the Purchased Assets directly or indirectly secures any debt, the interest on which is tax exempt under Section 103(a) of the Code. None of the Purchased Assets is “tax-exempt use property” within the meaning of Section 168(h) of the Code.

 

(f) Each Seller (other than TigerDirect CA, Inc.) is a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

 

(g) Other than any of the Purchased Assets being sold by TigerDirect CA Inc, (“ Canadian Seller ”), none of the Purchased Assets are “taxable Canadian property” of the Sellers within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “ ITA ”). Canadian Seller is not a non-resident of Canada within the meaning of the ITA. Canadian Seller is a registrant for the purposes of the tax imposed under Part IX of the Excise Tax Act (Canada) (the “ ETA ”) and its registration number is 103676441RN0001. No Seller, other than the Canadian Seller, is (or is required to be) registered for the purposes of the tax imposed under Part IX of the ETA.

 

6.17 Brokers . Systemax has retained a broker or finder in connection with the Transaction. Systemax will pay all resulting broker fees.

 

6.18 No Delay . Sellers are not entering into the Transaction with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud any Person to which it is, or may become, indebted.

 

6.19 No Other Agreement . Other than for sales of assets in the ordinary course of business, neither Seller nor any of its Representatives has entered into any Contract with respect to the sale or other disposition of the Purchased Assets except as set forth in this Agreement.

 

6.20 Privacy . Sellers are conducting the Business in compliance with all applicable Legal Requirements governing privacy and the protection of personal information, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“ PIPEDA ”), other than acts of non-compliance which would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Sellers have a written privacy policy which governs the collection, use and disclosure of personal information and Sellers are in compliance in all material respects with such policy.

 

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6.21 Canadian Competition Act and Investment Canada Act .

 

(a) The Sellers, together with their affiliates (as that term is defined in subsection 2(2) of the Canadian Competition Act) have assets in Canada that do not exceed C$100 million in aggregate value, and gross revenues from sales in, from or into Canada that do not exceed C$195 million in aggregate value; in each case determined in accordance with subsection 109(1) of the Canadian Competition Act and the regulations thereunder.

 

(b) The Business in Canada does not carry on any of the activities of a “cultural business” as that term is defined in subsection 14.1(6) of the Investment Canada Act.

 

6.22 Full Disclosure .

 

(a) To the Knowledge of Sellers, there is no fact (other than publicly known facts related exclusively to political, marketplace, accounting or economic matters of general applicability that will adversely affect Entities comparable to Seller) that may have a Material Adverse Effect other than as may be set forth on the Seller Disclosure Schedule.

 

(b) Each representation and warranty set forth in this ARTICLE 6 is not qualified in any way whatsoever except as explicitly provided therein or in the Seller Disclosure Schedule, will not merge on Closing or by reason of the execution and delivery of any Contract at the Closing, will remain in force on and immediately after the Closing Date for the period provided in Section 10.1 , is given with the intention that Liability is not limited to breaches discovered before Closing, is separate and independent and is not limited by reference to any other representation or warranty or any other provision of this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements, and is made and given with the intention of inducing Purchaser to enter into this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements.

 

ARTICLE 7.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER AND PCM

 

Purchaser and PCM hereby represent and warrant, jointly and severally, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date to Sellers and Systemax as follows:

 

7.1 Organization and Good Standing . U.S. Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware. Canadian Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Alberta. PCM is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware. PCM has heretofore made available to Sellers true and complete copies of the certificates of incorporation and bylaws of PCM and Purchaser as in effect on the date hereof. U.S. Purchaser is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of PCM. Canadian Purchaser is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of PCM Sales Canada, Inc., and PCM Sales Canada, Inc. is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of PCM.

 

7.2 Authority; Binding Nature of Agreements . This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Purchaser and PCM. The execution, delivery and performance by PCM and Purchaser of this Agreement and the consummation by PCM and Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby are within the corporate powers of PCM and Purchaser and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of PCM and Purchaser. Each of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Purchaser and PCM, as applicable, enforceable against Purchaser and PCM, as applicable, in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Legal Requirements and equitable principles related to or limiting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

 

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7.3 No Conflicts; Required Consents . The execution, delivery and performance by Purchaser and PCM of this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement to which it is a party do not and will not (with or without notice or lapse of time):

 

(a) conflict with, violate or result in any breach of (i) any of the provisions of Purchaser’s or PCM’s certificates of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational documents, if any; (ii) any resolutions adopted by Purchaser’s or PCM’s stockholders, or their respective boards of directors, similar governing bodies, or committees thereof; or (iii) any of the terms or requirements of any Governmental Approval held by Purchaser or PCM that relates to Purchaser’s or PCM’s business;

 

(b) except as described in Section 7.3(c) , give any Governmental Authority or other Person the right to (i) challenge the Transaction; or (ii) exercise any remedy or obtain any relief under any Legal Requirement or any Order to which Purchaser or any of its assets is subject; or

 

(c) require Purchaser or PCM to obtain any Consent or make or deliver any filing or notice to a Governmental Authority, other than (i) compliance with any applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and any other state, provincial or federal securities laws, and (ii) compliance with any applicable requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market.

 

7.4 ETA Registrant. The Canadian Purchaser is a registrant for purposes of the tax imposed under Part IX of the ETA and its registration number is 103802435RT0001.

 

7.5 Canadian Competition Act . The Purchaser, together with its affiliates (as that term is defined in subsection 2(2) of the Canadian Competition Act) have assets in Canada that do not exceed C$300 million in aggregate value, and gross revenues from sales in, from or into Canada that do not exceed C$205 million in aggregate value; in each case determined in accordance with subsection 109(1) of the Canadian Competition Act and the regulations thereunder.

 

7.6 Funding . As of the date of this Agreement and at the Closing, Purchaser and PCM has and will have availability to borrow the Purchase Price pursuant to PCM’s existing credit facilities and to utilize such borrowings to fulfill Purchaser’s obligations to pay the Purchase Price hereunder.

 

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ARTICLE 8.
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

 

8.1 Seller Intellectual Property .

 

(a) Except as contemplated by this Agreement and the Transaction Agreements, Sellers agree that, from and after the Closing Date, they shall not, and they shall cause their respective Representatives not to, use any of the Seller Intellectual Property. If Sellers or any assignee of Sellers owns or has any right or interest in any Seller Intellectual Property that cannot be, or for any reason is not, assigned to Purchaser at the Closing, Sellers shall grant or cause to be granted to Purchaser, at the Closing, a worldwide, royalty-free, fully paid up, perpetual, irrevocable, transferable, sublicensable, and exclusive license to Exercise All Rights in and to such Seller Intellectual Property.

 

(b) If Purchaser is unable to enforce its Intellectual Property Rights against a third party as a result of any Legal Requirement that prohibits enforcement of such rights by a transferee of such rights, Sellers agree to assign to Purchaser such rights as may be required by Purchaser to enforce its Intellectual Property Rights in its own name. If such assignment still does not permit Purchaser to enforce its Intellectual Property Rights against the third party, Sellers agree to initiate proceedings against such third party in the applicable Seller’s name; provided , however , that Purchaser shall be entitled to participate in such proceedings; and provided further that Purchaser shall be responsible for the costs and expenses of such proceedings.

 

8.2 Cooperation . After the Closing, upon the request of Purchaser, Sellers shall (i) execute and deliver any and all further materials, documents and instruments of conveyance, transfer or assignment as may reasonably be requested by Purchaser to effect, record or verify the transfer to, and vesting in Purchaser, of Sellers’ right, title and interest in and to the Purchased Assets, free and clear of all Encumbrances, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and (ii) cooperate with Purchaser, at Purchaser’s expense, to enforce the terms of any Purchased Contracts, including terms relating to confidentiality and Intellectual Property Rights, and to contest or defend against any Proceeding relating to the Transaction. After the Closing, Sellers shall (a) reasonably cooperate with Purchaser in its efforts to continue and maintain for the benefit of Purchaser those business relationships of Sellers existing prior to the Closing and relating to the Business; (b) refer to Purchaser all inquiries relating to such Business; and (c) promptly deliver to Purchaser (i) any mail, packages and other communications addressed to Seller relating to the Business and (ii) any property that a Seller receives and that properly belongs to Purchaser.

 

8.3 Return of Purchased Assets and Excluded Assets . If, for any reason after the Closing, any of the Purchased Assets or Assumed Liabilities are ultimately determined to be Excluded Assets or Excluded Liabilities, respectively, or Seller acquires possession of Purchased Assets, or Purchaser acquires possession of Excluded Assets (including without limitation cash and/or cash equivalents), respectively, then without demand needing to be made therefore (i) Purchaser shall transfer and convey (without further consideration) to the applicable Seller, and such Seller shall accept, such Purchased Assets and acquired Excluded Assets; (ii) such Seller shall assume, and agree to pay, perform, fulfill and discharge (without further consideration) such Assumed Liabilities and shall transfer and convey to Purchaser such acquired Purchased Assets (without further consideration), respectively; and (iii) Purchaser and such Seller shall execute such documents or instruments of conveyance or assumption and take such further acts which are reasonably necessary or desirable to effect the transfer of such Purchased Assets and acquired Excluded Assets back to such Seller and the re-assumption of such Assumed Liabilities and the re-delivery to Purchaser of such acquired Purchased Assets by such Seller.

 

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8.4 Records and Documents . For a period of seven years after the Closing, at Purchaser’s request, Systemax shall provide Purchaser and its Representatives with access to and the right to make copies of those records and documents related to the Business, possession of which is retained by Sellers or Systemax, as may be necessary or useful in connection with Purchaser’s conduct of the Business after the Closing. If during such period a Seller or Systemax elects to dispose of such records and documents, Sellers or Systemax shall give Purchaser 60 days’ prior written notice, during which period Purchaser shall have the right to take possession of such records and documents without further consideration.

 

8.5 Bulk Sales Laws . The parties hereby waive compliance to the extent applicable with the provisions of any bulk sales, bulk transfer or similar Legal Requirements of any jurisdiction that may otherwise be applicable with respect to the sale of any or all of the Purchased Assets. Any Liability arising out of the failure of any Seller to comply with the requirements and provisions of any bulk sales, bulk transfer or similar Legal Requirements of any jurisdiction shall be treated as an Excluded Liability.

 

8.6 Transfer Taxes . All Transfer Taxes (including any penalties and interest, if applicable) incurred in connection with this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements shall be borne and paid solely by the Purchaser when due. Purchaser shall, at its own expense, timely file any Tax Return or other document with respect to such Transfer Taxes (other than such Tax Returns that are required to be filed by the Sellers), and Sellers shall cooperate with respect thereto as reasonably necessary. Where the Canadian Purchaser is required by applicable law to pay such Taxes pursuant to Part IX of the ETA directly to the Canadian Seller, the Canadian Seller shall provide a proper invoice or bill of sale to the Canadian Purchaser indicating the amount of such Taxes and the Canadian Seller’s relevant tax registration number(s) and the Canadian Seller shall remit such Taxes to the relevant taxation authority.

 

8.7 Standstill . Without PCM’s or Systemax’s consent, as applicable, PCM and Systemax shall not, and shall cause their respective “affiliates” (as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act) not to, for a period of five years from the date of this Agreement: (i) purchase or otherwise acquire, or offer, seek, propose or agree to acquire, ownership (including, but not limited to, beneficial ownership as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of any securities of the PCM or Systemax, as applicable, or any direct or indirect rights or options to acquire any such securities or any securities convertible into such securities (collectively, “ Securities ”); (ii) seek or propose, alone or in concert with others, to control or influence in any manner the management, the board of directors or the policies of PCM or Systemax, as applicable, including, but not limited to, a proposal pursuant to Rule 14a-8; (iii) make, or in any way participate, directly or indirectly, in any “solicitation” of “proxies” (as such terms are used in the proxy rules under the Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder) to vote, or seek to advise or influence any person with respect to the voting of any voting securities of the other party or any of its subsidiaries; (iv) form, join, or in any way participate in a “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act); (v) make any proposal or any statement regarding any proposal, whether written or oral, to the board of directors of PCM or Systemax, as applicable, or any director or officer of PCM or Systemax, as applicable, or otherwise make any public announcement or proposal whatsoever with respect to any other transaction or proposed transaction between the parties, any of PCM’s or Systemax’s security holders, as applicable, or any of their respective affiliates, including, without limitation, any acquisition, tender or exchange offer, merger, sale of assets or securities, or other business combination, unless (a) the PCM’s or Systemax’s board of directors, as applicable, or their respective designated Representatives shall have requested in advance the submission of such proposal, (b) such proposal is directed to PCM’s or Systemax’s board of directors, as applicable, or their respective designated Representatives, and (c) any public announcement with respect to such proposal is approved in advance by PCM’s or Systemax’s board of directors, as applicable; or (vi) providing financing (including guarantees), in whole or in part, to any person with respect to the matters in clauses (i)-(v) above.

 

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8.8 Tax Returns . Sellers shall prepare and file all Tax Returns relating to the Business and the Purchased Assets with respect to periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date. Other than as set forth in Section 8.5 , Purchaser shall prepare and file all other Tax Returns relating to the Business and the Purchased Assets and shall provide Sellers with the right to review and comment (and Purchaser shall consider in good faith any timely reasonable comments) to such Tax Returns that include an Excluded Liability with respect to Taxes for periods that began before but end after the Closing Date. Purchaser will be responsible for the payment of Taxes related to Purchaser’s operation of the Business following the Closing.

 

8.9 Tax Elections .

 

(a) Canadian Purchaser and Canadian Seller will use their commercially reasonable efforts in good faith to minimize (or eliminate) any taxes payable under the ETA or in respect of the Closing by, among other things, making such elections and taking such steps as may be provided for under the ETA as may reasonably be requested by Canadian Purchaser in connection with the Closing (including for greater certainty making a joint election in a timely manner under section 167 of the ETA). Canadian Purchaser hereby agrees to deliver to Canadian Seller, befroe the 20th calendar day of the month following the month in which the transactions herein are completed, either (i) copies of the required documentation to evidence the filing of the joint election under section 167 of the ETA, or (ii) the total amount of Tax owing by Canadian Purchaser and collectible by Canadian Seller pursuant to Part IX of the ETA in respect of the transactions contemplated herein. Notwithstanding such elections or anything else in this Agreement, if the section 167 election is made, in the event it is determined by the Canada Revenue Agency that there is a liability of Canadian Purchaser to pay, or of Canadian Seller to collect and remit, goods and services tax and/or harmonized sales tax on all or part of the Purchased Assets in Canada, such Taxes, including any applicable interest and penalties, shall be forthwith paid by the Canadian Purchaser to the Canada Revenue Agency, or to the Canadian Seller for remittance to the appropriate Governmental Authority, as the case may be.

 

(b) The Parties intend that subsections 56.4(5) and 56.4(7) of the ITA and the equivalent provisions of any provincial legislation apply to this Agreement and the Non-Competition Agreement. Systemax, Canadian Seller and Canadian Purchaser further agree to execute and file in prescribed form and on a timely basis any election required to ensure that subsections 56.4(5) and 56.4(7) of the ITA and the equivalent provisions of any provincial legislation apply in respect of this Agreement and the Non-Competition Agreement.

 

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8.10 Winding Up; Brand Equity . At all times from and after the date of this Agreement and subject to the terms and conditions of the Noncompetition Agreement which shall apply following the Closing, in connection with Sellers’ liquidation of inventory and settlement of accounts, each Seller and Purchaser shall cooperate in good faith to conduct such activities in a manner reasonably designed to protect the brand equity of the Purchased Assets and achieve the objectives of Sellers’ liquidation of such inventory and settlement of such accounts, including activities outside of the ordinary course of business on an expedited basis, such as conducting sales that provide that all sales are final and no returns (other than with respect to drop ship). The parties further expressly agree that the Sellers shall not be obligated under this provision to seek prior approval from Purchaser of any such activities, including the activities set forth on Schedule 4.1 and Schedule 4.2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall any Seller be permitted to disclose, publish, advertise or otherwise communicate in any manner the following terms or phrases (or any similar terms or phrases) on the websites or in respect of the NATG web or B2B business: the Sellers’ business is not continuing to operate, is “closing”, is “going out of business” or is “liquidating”; provided , however , Systemax shall be permitted to make appropriate disclosure to its employees and the investment community.

 

8.11 Reserved.

 

8.12 Discontinuance of SKUs. Upon the Closing, the Sellers shall immediately discontinue all drop ship SKUs from being offered on any Seller website (other than in Canada).

 

8.13 License of Instance of MACS, Einstein and Use of Network . Upon the Closing, Purchaser hereby grants to Sellers and their respective Affiliates a nonexclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, sublicenseable (solely to service providers who will operate, maintain, support or develop MACS, Einstein or the network on behalf of a Seller or an Affiliate), transferable (solely to successors and assigns of the business of Sellers or their respective Affiliates that uses MACS, Einstein or the network), fully-paid and royalty-free right and license to use, and to reproduce, modify, incorporate and create derivative works of, in whole or in part, an instance of MACS and Einstein as they exist on the Closing Date (solely for use by Sellers, their respective Affiliates and their service providers (and the aforementioned successors and assigns) who will operate, maintain, support or develop MACS, Einstein or the network on behalf of any Seller or any of their respective Affiliates) solely (i) for purposes of selling through Sellers’ inventory until February 15, 2016, (ii) for purposes of winding up Sellers’ accounts through December 31, 2016, (iii) for financial reporting, other record keeping purposes and customer service; and (iv) with respect to the permitted licensed activities with respect to the network described above through December 31, 2016.

 

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8.14 Sellers Delivery of Systems . Promptly following the date hereof, Sellers shall engage AgilOne to segment the NATG United States customer files into B2B Customer files and Consumer Customer files, based upon AgilOne’s criteria set forth on Schedule 8.14. Such United States customers shall be collected from MACS, PCS, Responsys, .net websites, Einstein, old CRM, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and such other databases or sources of Seller known to contain customer files (collectively, the “ Source Databases ”). Upon Closing, Sellers shall deliver to Purchaser the United States B2B Customer files in a reasonably accessible electronic file format transferred via FTP and shall make available to Purchaser the Consumer Customer files for on screen inspection by Purchaser or its representatives at Systemax designated office. Purchaser shall have 10 calendar days from such delivery to conduct such inspection to determine whether AgilOne did not include B2B Customers in the Consumer Customer files, and shall advise Sellers of any concerns as a result of its inspection within such 10 calendar day period. Promptly following such inspection, Seller shall make duplicate copies of the Source Databases to the extent possible (the “ Database Copies ”) and shall retain the Database Copies intact for a period of one year following the Closing. Following such duplication, Seller shall commence the process of purging the Consumer Customers from the production Source Databases. If Purchaser determines at any time that any B2B Customer data has not been provided to Purchaser, the Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to find and/or recover any such B2B customer data and promptly provide such B2B customer data to Purchaser. At the Website Cutover Date, Seller shall discontinue the Consumer Customer purging process and shall deliver to Purchaser the production Source Databases and an operational and functional instance of MACS, Einstein and the Website. If such instances are not disconnected from SAP and PCS, the Sellers will continue to satisfy their obligations under Service Schedule No. 1, Section 4(b) of the Transition Services Agreement. If prior to February 15, 2016, Purchaser exercises its Option to acquire the US Consumer Customer Data, Sellers shall immediately stop the Consumer Customer purging and provide all US consumer data to Purchaser along with the Database Copies. If following February 15, 2016, Purchaser exercises its Option to acquire the US Consumer Customer Data, Sellers shall provide all US consumer data to Purchaser along with the Database Copies.

 

8.15 Disconnection of Sellers’ Database . Promptly following the execution of this Agreement, the Sellers will use commercially reasonable efforts and cooperate with Purchaser in good faith in order to expeditiously disconnect MACS from SAP and PCS and revert back, as soon as practicable, to the state of MACS as it existed prior to Provider’s PCS implementation.

 

8.16 Privacy . From and after the Closing, Purchaser shall: (i) use and disclose any personal information transferred with the Purchased Assets solely for the purposes for which the personal information was collected, permitted to be used or disclosed in the Business before the Closing Date pursuant to Canadian Seller’s website privacy and employee policies; (ii) protect such personal information by security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the personal information; (iii) give effect to any withdrawal of consent of an individual about whom such personal information relates; and (iv) if required under Legal Requirements, notify, at Purchaser’s sole expense, individuals about whom such personal information relates that their personal information has been transferred to the Purchaser and information about the Purchaser’s practices in relation to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information.

 

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ARTICLE 9.
EMPLOYEES

 

9.1 Transferred Employees .

 

(a) Purchaser may, but shall have no obligation to, offer employment, to be effective as of the Closing Date and contingent upon the Closing, on terms to be determined by Purchaser, to any employees of Sellers engaged in the Business and identified on Schedule 9.1(a) (collectively the “ Transferred Employees ”). The parties acknowledge and agree that it is not the intention of the parties that any Contracts of employment of any employees of Sellers shall be assumed by Purchaser as a result of the Transaction. The Sellers will be responsible for and will discharge all obligations and liabilities accrued and outstanding in respect of the Transferred Employees up to 11:59 p.m. on the date immediately preceding the Closing Date. The Purchaser will discharge all of its obligations and liabilities accruing on and after the Closing Date in respect of all Transferred Employees who accept Purchaser’s offer of employment on or prior to the Closing Date. Each Seller shall use reasonable commercial efforts (but shall not be required to provide additional compensation) to (i) encourage the Transferred Employees to continue their employment with such Seller until Closing and thereupon to accept employment with Purchaser and (ii) assist Purchaser in employing Transferred Employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event any Transferred Employee notifies a Seller of his or her intention to terminate his or her employment or other engagement with a Seller, such Seller will promptly, but in no event later than three business days, provide notice to Purchaser of such intention. The content of all employment offer letters or agreements issued to Transferred Employees employed in the United States by Purchaser shall be in forms in the discretion of Purchaser; provided Purchaser shall provide Sellers with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on all such employment offer letters and agreements. The content of all employment offer letters or agreements issued to Transferred Employees employed in Canada by Purchaser shall be on substantially the same terms and conditions of employment in the aggregate as are currently in place with respect to such Transferred Employees’ employment arrangements with Sellers.

 

(b) Each Seller (and each of its Affiliates) agrees that, following the Closing, the employee non-solicitation restrictions on Purchaser contained in the NDA shall be of no further force or effect other than with respect to the employees that are listed on Schedule 9.1(b). Purchaser (and each of its Affiliates) agrees not to hire any person listed on Schedule 9.1(b) unless any such person is involuntarily terminated by any Seller (or any of its Affiliates), in which case such hiring restrictions shall not apply for any period, or voluntarily terminates employment, in which case such hiring restrictions shall apply only for a period of three months following such termination; provided , however , with respect to those employees designated with an asterisk by their names on Schedule 9.1(b), such hiring restrictions shall only apply for a period of three months following any voluntary termination of such employee’s employment with any Seller (or any of its Affiliates) if such voluntary termination occurs within six months of the date of the Agreement and shall not apply for any period following a voluntary termination if such termination occurs after six months from the date of the Agreement. The above-described hiring restrictions shall, in all cases, terminate upon the earlier of (i) the completion of Sellers’ wind down of the NATG business or (ii) December 31, 2016.

 

(c) Each Seller shall not (and shall cause its Affiliates’ not to), for the duration of the Restricted Period (as defined in the Noncompetition Agreement), directly or indirectly, cause, solicit, induce, encourage, hire or continue to employee any Transferred Employee with any Seller or any Seller Affiliate to the extent Purchaser makes a bonafide offer of employment to such Transferred Employee.

 

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9.2 Utilization of Transferred Employees Post Closing . From and after the Closing and through December 31, 2015, Sellers may provide spiff compensation directly to any Transferred Employee for the purpose of incentivizing any such employee to assist any Seller in the sell-through of such Seller’s inventory, and Purchaser will not prohibit any such Transferred Employee’s receipt of such compensation or engagement in any such selling activities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall restrict Purchaser from operating its businesses in respect of the Transferred Employees after the Closing in any manner Purchaser deems desirable in its sole discretion.

 

9.3 Employee Benefit Arrangements . In order to secure an orderly and effective transition of the employee benefit arrangements for the Transferred Employees and their respective beneficiaries and dependents, Sellers and Purchaser shall cooperate, both before and after the Closing Date, to exchange information related to the Transferred Employees, including employment records and benefits information.

 

9.4 Post-Closing Employer Rights . Subject to Legal Requirements, nothing in this ARTICLE 9 shall be construed to entitle any Transferred Employee to continue his or her employment with Purchaser for any period of time, nor to interfere with the rights of Purchaser or Sellers to discharge or discipline any Transferred Employee, to change the terms of any Transferred Employee’s employment, or to amend or terminate any employee benefit plans at any time.

 

9.5 Compliance with Legal Requirements and Other Obligations . Prior to the Closing, at their sole cost and expense, Sellers shall take all actions necessary to comply with all appropriate Legal Requirements in connection with Sellers’ employment of its employees, including any Legal Requirements under the Worker Readjustment and Notification Act (29 USC Sec. 2101) and all applicable state laws or provincial laws of similar effect (collectively, the “ WARN Acts ”). Each of the Sellers shall be solely responsible, before and after the Closing, for the payment of any amounts required to be paid under any Legal Requirement, including the WARN Acts, as a result of the termination or layoff of any employee by such Seller.

 

9.6 No Benefit to Seller Employees Intended . This ARTICLE 9 is not intended to, and does not, create any rights or obligations to or for the benefit of anyone other than Purchaser and Sellers.

 

ARTICLE 10.
INDEMNIFICATION

 

10.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties . All representations and warranties of Sellers, Purchaser and PCM in this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement shall survive the Closing for a period of 12 months (the “ Survival Date ”); provided , however , that (a) all representations and warranties contained in Sections 6.1 , (Organization, Good Standing, Qualification), 6.3 (Authority; Binding Nature of Agreements), 6.7 (Title; Condition of Assets), and 6.17 (Brokers) shall survive the Closing indefinitely; (b) all representations and warranties contained in Section 6.16 (Taxes) shall survive the Closing until 60 days after expiration of all applicable statutes of limitations (after giving effect to any waivers and extensions thereof) (the representations and warranties enumerated in subparts (a) and (b) of this sentence, collectively, the “ Fundamental Representations ”); and (c) any claim for indemnification based upon a breach of any such representation or warranty and asserted prior to the Survival Date by written notice in accordance with this ARTICLE 10 shall survive until final resolution of such claim. Purchaser and Sellers expressly waive the statute of limitations otherwise applicable to contract claims to the extent such statute of limitations is shorter than the survival periods established hereunder and would otherwise bar such claim (it being expressly acknowledged that Purchaser and Sellers are not waiving any statute of limitations with respect to any claims made by any other party). The representations and warranties contained in this Agreement (and any right to indemnification for breach thereof) shall not be affected by any investigation, verification or examination by any party hereto or by any Representative of any such party or by any such party’s knowledge of any facts with respect to the accuracy or inaccuracy of any such representation or warranty.

 

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10.2 Indemnification by Sellers . Systemax and each Seller shall, jointly and severally, indemnify, defend and hold harmless Purchaser and its Representatives (collectively, the “ Purchaser Indemnified Persons ”) from and against any and all Damages (collectively, “ Purchaser Damages ”) (with respect to subparts (a) through (e) below, whether or not involving a third party claim, and with respect to subparts (f) and (g), solely with respect to third party claims), arising out of, relating to or resulting from (a) any breach or inaccuracy of a representation or warranty of a Seller contained in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Agreement; (b) any breach of a covenant of a Seller contained in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Agreement; (c) Excluded Assets, Excluded Business or Excluded Liabilities (and Sellers’ failure to satisfy any Excluded Liability); (d) any noncompliance with applicable bulk sales or fraudulent transfer Legal Requirements in connection with the Transaction (it being understood that the Sellers shall not be responsible for Damages incurred by the Purchaser by reason of the Purchaser’s failure to satisfy, discharge, perform or fulfill the Assumed Liabilities); (e) any Purchaser Damages arising out of Purchaser’s failure to deduct or withhold any Taxes from any amount paid by Purchaser to Sellers that Purchaser was required to deduct and withhold under any applicable Legal Requirement; (f) any claim related to wages, Taxes, employment matters, benefits or similar claims that arise out of or connection with Sellers’ offering or payment of compensation or any other acts or omissions of Sellers related to matters described in Section 9.2 ; and (g) any claim for any violation by Sellers of that certain Assurance for Voluntary Compliance, dated September 2015, by and among Systemax, TigerDirect, Inc. and the State of Florida; provided that for purposes of determining whether any breach or inaccuracy in any representations, warranties or covenants has occurred and for the purposes of calculating Purchaser Damages resulting therefrom (but not for purposes of determining satisfaction of closing conditions pursuant to ARTICLE 3 hereof), the representations and warranties in this Agreement and in any other Transaction Agreement shall be deemed to have been made without any qualifications as to materiality and, accordingly, all references herein and therein to “material,” “in all material respects,” “Material Adverse Effect” and similar qualifications as to materiality shall be deemed to be deleted therefrom.

 

10.3 Indemnification by Purchaser and PCM . Purchaser and PCM, jointly and severally, shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Sellers, Systemax and their respective Representatives from and against any and all Damages, whether or not involving a third party claim, arising out of, relating to or resulting from (a) any breach or inaccuracy of a representation or warranty of Purchaser or PCM contained in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Agreement; (b) any breach of a covenant of Purchaser or PCM contained in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Agreement (other than a breach of Section 8.16; and (c) an Assumed Liability and/or Purchaser’s failure to satisfy such Assumed Liability.

 

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10.4 Limitations .

 

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no party obligated to provide indemnification pursuant to this ARTICLE 10 (an “ Indemnitor ”) shall be liable for Damages of a party entitled to indemnification (an “ Indemnitee ”) pursuant to Section 10.2(a) (i) unless and until the aggregate amount of all such Damages incurred by the Indemnitee exceeds $200,000 (the “ Basket ”), in which event the Indemnitor shall be liable for all such Damages above the amount of the Basket, or (ii) to the extent that such Damages exceed $2,000,000 in the aggregate (the “ Cap ”); provided , however , that notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, (A) Purchaser Indemnified Persons shall be entitled to collect Damages hereunder for breaches or inaccuracies of the Fundamental Representations in an amount not to exceed the Purchase Price and without regard to the Basket, and (B) any Damages resulting from fraud shall be specifically exempt from the Basket and the Cap.

 

(b) For purposes of computing the amount of Damages incurred by an Indemnitee there shall be deducted an amount equal to the amount of any insurance proceeds actually received by such Indemnitee in connection with such Damages (net of Taxes, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with such insurance recovery).

 

(c) For purposes of computing the amount of Purchaser Damages for indemnification claims made pursuant to Section 10.2(g), Purchaser Damages shall not include any Damages that arise out of or in connection with Purchaser’s operation of the Business or use of the Purchased Assets following the Closing (excluding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in respect of Sellers’ winding up and liquidation of inventory to the extent these are claimed to be Purchaser’s operations or use of the Purchased Assets).

 

10.5 Third Party Claims .

 

(a) In the event that an Indemnitee receives notice of the assertion of any claim or the commencement of any Proceeding by a third party in respect of which indemnity may be sought under the provisions of this ARTICLE 10 (a “ Third Party Claim ”), the Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Indemnitor in writing of such Third Party Claim (“ Notice of Claim ”). Failure or delay in notifying the Indemnitor will not relieve the Indemnitor of any Liability it may have to the Indemnitee, except and only to the extent that such failure or delay actually and materially prejudices defense to be provided by the Indemnitor with respect to such Third Party Claim. The Notice of Claim shall set forth the amount, if known, or, if not known, an estimate of the foreseeable maximum amount of claimed Damages (which estimate shall not be conclusive of the final amount of such Damages) and a description of the basis for such Third Party Claim.

 

(b) Subject to the provisions of this Section 10.5 , the Indemnitor will have ten days (or less if the nature of the Third Party Claim requires) from the date on which the Indemnitor received the Notice of Claim to notify the Indemnitee that the Indemnitor will assume the defense or prosecution of such Third Party Claim and any litigation resulting therefrom at Indemnitor’s sole cost and expense with counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitee (a “ Third Party Defense ”). If the Indemnitor assumes the Third Party Defense in accordance with the preceding sentence, the Indemnitor shall be conclusively deemed to have acknowledged that the Third Party Claim is within the scope of its indemnity obligation hereunder and shall hold the Indemnitee harmless from and against the full amount of any Damages resulting therefrom (subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement). Any Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such Third Party Defense and to participate therein, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall not be at the expense of the Indemnitor unless (A) the Indemnitor shall have failed, within the time after having been notified by the Indemnitee of the existence of the Third Party Claim as provided in the first sentence of this paragraph (b), to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim, or (B) the employment of such counsel has been specifically authorized in writing by the Indemnitor, which authorization shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

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(c) The Indemnitor will not be entitled to assume the Third Party Defense if (i) the Third Party Claim seeks, in addition to or in lieu of monetary damages, any injunctive or other equitable relief; (ii) the Third Party Claim relates to or arises in connection with any criminal Proceeding; (iii) under applicable standards of professional conduct, a conflict on any significant issue exists between the Indemnitee and the Indemnitor in respect of the Third Party Claim; (iv) the Indemnitor failed or is failing to vigorously prosecute or defend such Third Party Claim; or (v) the Indemnitor fails to provide reasonable assurance to the Indemnitee of its financial capacity to prosecute the Third Party Defense and provide indemnification in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

(d) If the Indemnitor assumes a Third Party Defense, it will take all steps necessary in the defense, prosecution, or settlement of such claim or litigation and will hold all Indemnitees harmless from and against all Damages caused by or arising out of such Third Party Claim (subject to the last sentence of Section 10.5(b) . The Indemnitor will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement except with the written consent of the Indemnitee; provided that the consent of the Indemnitee shall not be required if all of the following conditions are met: (i) the terms of the judgment or proposed settlement include as an unconditional term thereof the release of the Indemnitees by the third party from all Liability in respect of such Third Party Claim; (ii) there is no finding or admission of (A) any violation of a Legal Requirement by the Indemnitees (or any Affiliate thereof), (B) any violation of the rights of any Person and (C) no effect on any other Proceeding or claims of a similar nature that may be made against the Indemnitees (or any Affiliate thereof); and (iii) the sole form of relief is monetary damages which are paid in full by the Indemnitor. The Indemnitor shall conduct the defense of the Third Party Claim actively and diligently, and the Indemnitee will provide reasonable cooperation in the defense of the Third Party Claim at the Indemnitor’s sole cost and expense. So long as the Indemnitor is reasonably conducting the Third Party Defense in good faith, the Indemnitee will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to the Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnitor (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnitee shall have the right to pay or settle any such Third Party Claim; provided that, in such event, subject to the following sentence, it shall waive any right to indemnity therefor by the Indemnitor for such claim unless the Indemnitor shall have consented to such payment or settlement (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). If the Indemnitor is not reasonably conducting the Third Party Defense in good faith, the Indemnitee shall have the right to consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to the Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnitor and the Indemnitor shall reimburse the Indemnitee promptly for all Damages incurred in connection with such judgment or settlement.

 

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(e) In the event that (i) an Indemnitee gives Notice of Claim to the Indemnitor and the Indemnitor fails or elects not to assume a Third Party Defense which the Indemnitor had the right to assume under this Section 10.5 or (ii) the Indemnitor is not entitled to assume the Third Party Defense pursuant to this Section 10.5 , the Indemnitee shall have the right, with counsel of its choice, to defend, conduct and control the Third Party Defense, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnitor. In each case, the Indemnitee shall conduct the Third Party Defense actively and diligently, and the Indemnitor will provide reasonable cooperation in the Third Party Defense. The Indemnitee shall have the right to consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to the Third Party Claim on such terms as it may deem appropriate; provided , however , that the amount of any settlement made or entry of any judgment consented to by the Indemnitee without the consent of the Indemnitor shall not be determinative of the validity of the claim, except with the consent of the Indemnitor (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). In connection with any Third Party Claim, the Indemnitor hereby consents to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of any court in which a Proceeding in respect of a Third Party Claim is brought against any Indemnitee for purposes of any claim that the Indemnitee may have under this ARTICLE 10 with respect to such Proceeding or the matters alleged therein and agrees that process may be served on the Indemnitor with respect to such a claim anywhere in the world. If the Indemnitor does not elect to assume a Third Party Defense which it has the right to assume hereunder, the Indemnitee shall have no obligation to do so.

 

(f) Each party to this Agreement shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate and to cause its Representatives to cooperate with and assist the Indemnitee or the Indemnitor, as the case may be, in connection with any Third Party Defense, including attending conferences, discovery proceedings, hearings, trials and appeals and furnishing records, information and testimony, as may reasonably be requested; provided that each party shall use its best efforts, in respect of any Third Party Claim of which it has assumed the defense, to preserve the confidentiality of all confidential information (subject to any obligations under any Legal Requirements) and the attorney-client and work-product privileges.

 

10.6 Direct Claims . In the event of a claim or potential claim that does not involve a Third Party Claim being asserted against it, the Indemnitee shall deliver a Notice of Claim to the Indemnitor. The Notice of Claim shall set forth the amount, if known, or, if not known, an estimate of the foreseeable maximum amount of claimed Damages (which estimate shall not be conclusive of the final amount of such Damages) and a description of the basis for such claim. The Indemnitor will have thirty days from receipt of such Notice of Claim to dispute the claim and will reasonably cooperate and assist the Indemnitee in determining the validity of the claim for indemnity. If the Indemnitor does not give notice to the Indemnitee that it disputes such claim within thirty days after its receipt of the Notice of Claim, the claim specified in such Notice of Claim will be conclusively deemed Damages subject to indemnification hereunder.

 

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10.7 Exclusive Remedies . Except (i) as otherwise provided in this Agreement or another Transaction Agreement, (ii) for claims arising under the Noncompetition Agreement, or (iii) for claims based upon fraud, following the Closing this ARTICLE 10 sets forth the exclusive remedies of the parties for breach of any representation, warranty, certification, covenant or other agreement in this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements, it being understood that a party may institute a Proceeding to enforce the provisions of this Agreement in a manner consistent with this ARTICLE 10 . Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 10.7 will not affect any specific enforcement remedy available to any party.

 

10.8 Adjustment to Purchase Price . Any payment made by Sellers pursuant to this ARTICLE 10 will constitute a dollar-for-dollar decrease of the Purchase Price and any payment made by Purchaser pursuant to this ARTICLE 10 will constitute a dollar-for-dollar increase of the Purchase Price. For greater certainty, any reduction of, or increase in, the Purchase Price shall be allocated amongst the Purchased Assets (and amongst Sellers and Purchaser) to the extent that such adjustments reasonably relate to such property.

 

ARTICLE 11.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

11.1 Press Releases and Announcements . Any public announcement, including any announcement to employees, customers, suppliers or others having dealings with Purchaser, PCM, Systemax or Sellers, or similar publicity with respect to this Agreement or the Transaction, will be issued at such time and in such manner as Purchaser and Systemax mutually determine. Purchaser will have the right to be present for any in-person announcement by Sellers. Unless consented to by Purchaser or required by applicable Legal Requirement, Systemax and each Seller will keep the Transaction and the Transaction Agreements confidential. Unless consented to by Systemax or required by applicable Legal Requirement, Purchaser will keep the Transaction and the Transaction Agreements confidential.

 

11.2 Expenses . Systemax and Sellers, on the one hand, and Purchaser and PCM, on the other hand, will each pay all expenses incurred by each of them in connection with the Transaction, including legal, accounting, investment banking and consulting fees and expenses, if any, incurred in negotiating, executing and delivering this Agreement and the Transaction Agreements.

 

11.3 Amendment and Waiver . This Agreement may not be amended, a provision of this Agreement or any default, misrepresentation or breach of warranty or agreement under this Agreement may not be waived, and a consent may not be rendered, except in a writing executed by the party against which such action is sought to be enforced. Neither the failure nor any delay by any Person in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. In addition, no course of dealing between or among any Persons having any interest in this Agreement will be deemed effective to modify or amend any part of this Agreement or any rights or obligations of any Person under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

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11.4 Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given (i) upon delivery if delivered personally (with confirmation), (ii) one Business Day after being sent by an express courier specifying overnight delivery, (iii) three Business Days after being sent by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or (iv) one Business Day after being sent by email (with a copy of such email notice to be delivered as well under either subpart (i), (ii) or (iii) of this Section) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

 

(a) if to Purchaser or PCM, to:

 

Intelligent IT, Inc. / Acrodex Inc. / PCM Inc.

1940 E. Mariposa Ave,

El Segundo, CA 90245

Attention: Chief Legal Officer

Email: rob.newton@pcm.com

 

with a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:

 

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

600 Anton Blvd., Suite 1800

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Attention: Bryan S. Gadol

Email: bgadol@morganlewis.com

 

(b) if to Sellers or Systemax, to:

 

Systemax Inc.

11 Harbor Park Drive

Port Washington, NY 11050

Attention: Larry Reinhold, Chief Financial Officer

Email: lreinhold@systemax.com

 

with a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:

 

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel

1177 Avenue of the Americas

New York New York 10036

Attention: Richard Gilden, Esq.

Email: rgilden@kramerlevin.com

 

11.5 Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned by any party to this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties to this Agreement, except that following the Closing Purchaser and PCM may assign any of their respective rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement to an Affiliate or successor. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement and all of the provisions of this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

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11.6 Third-Party Beneficiaries . Nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement confers any rights or remedies upon any Person that is not a party or permitted assign of a party to this Agreement; provided , however , PCM and its subsidiaries shall be intended third party beneficiaries of all rights of Purchaser and PCM under this Agreement and Systemax shall be intended third party beneficiary of all rights of Sellers under this Agreement .

 

11.7 Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Legal Requirement, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable Legal Requirement, such provision will be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

 

11.8 Complete Agreement . This Agreement, the Non-Disclosure Agreement between Systemax and PCM dated July 30, 2015 (the “ NDA ”) and the Transaction Agreements, contain the complete agreement among the parties and supersede any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, whether written or oral. Each party acknowledges that no other party has made any representations, warranties, agreements, undertakings or promises except for those expressly set forth in this Agreement or in the Transaction Agreements that survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

11.9 Schedules . The parties hereto agree that any reference in a particular Section of the Seller Disclosure Schedule shall only be deemed to be an exception to (or, as applicable, a disclosure for purposes of) (i) the representations and warranties (or covenants, as applicable) of the relevant party that are contained in the corresponding Section of this Agreement and (ii) any other representations and warranties of such party that is contained in this Agreement, but only if the relevance of that reference as an exception to (or a disclosure for purposes of) such representations and warranties would be reasonably apparent to a reasonable person who has read that reference and such representations and warranties, without any independent knowledge on the part of the reader regarding the matter(s) so disclosed. The inclusion of any information on the Seller Disclosure Schedule shall not be deemed to be an admission or acknowledgment, in and of itself, that such information is required by the terms hereof to be disclosed, is material, has resulted in or would result in a Material Adverse Effect or is outside the ordinary course of business.

 

11.10 Signatures; Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, any one of which need not contain the signatures of more than one party, but all such counterparts taken together will constitute one and the same instrument. A facsimile, .pdf or electronic signature will be considered an original signature.

 

11.11 Governing Law . The domestic law, without regard to conflicts of laws principles, of Delaware will govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement and the performance of the obligations imposed by this Agreement.

 

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11.12 Jurisdiction . Except in connection with any Third Party Claim brought against an Indemnitor, each of the parties submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of a court sitting in Wilmington, Delaware for the purposes of any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any Transaction Agreement and agrees that all claims in respect of the Proceeding may only be heard and determined in any such court. Each party further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by mail to such party’s respective address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any Proceeding in one of the aforementioned courts with respect to any matters to which it has submitted to jurisdiction in this Section 11.12 . Each of the parties waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any action or proceeding so brought and waives any bond, surety or other security that might be required of any other party with respect to any such action or proceeding. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE TRANSACTION, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS OR THE ACTIONS OF SUCH PARTY IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF AND THEREOF.

 

11.13 Specific Performance . Each of the parties to this Agreement acknowledges and agrees that the other parties to this Agreement would be irreparably damaged in the event that any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or otherwise are breached. Therefore, each of the parties to this Agreement hereby agrees that the other parties to this Agreement shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement, and to enforce specifically the performance by such first party under this Agreement, and each party to this Agreement hereby agrees to waive the defense in any such suit that the other parties to this Agreement have an adequate remedy at law and to interpose no opposition, legal or otherwise, as to the propriety of injunction or specific performance as a remedy, and hereby agrees to waive any requirement to post any bond in connection with obtaining such relief. The equitable remedies described in this Section 11.13 shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies at law or in equity that the parties to this Agreement may elect to pursue.

 

11.14 Construction . The parties and their respective counsel have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In addition, each of the parties acknowledges that it is sophisticated and has been advised by experienced counsel and, to the extent it deemed necessary, other advisors in connection with the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement. The parties intend that each representation, warranty and agreement contained in this Agreement will have independent significance. If any party has breached any representation, warranty or agreement in any respect, the fact that there exists another representation, warranty or agreement relating to the same subject matter (regardless of the relative levels of specificity) that the party has not breached will not detract from or mitigate the fact that the party is in breach of the first representation, warranty or agreement. Any reference to any law or Legal Requirement will be deemed to refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise. The headings preceding the text of articles and sections included in this Agreement and the headings to the schedules and exhibits are for convenience only and are not be deemed part of this Agreement or given effect in interpreting this Agreement. References to sections, articles, schedules or exhibits are to the sections, articles, schedules and exhibits contained in, referred to or attached to this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. The word “including” means “including without limitation.” A statement that an action has not occurred in the past means that it is also not presently occurring. When any party may take any permissive action, including the granting of a consent, the waiver of any provision of this Agreement or otherwise, whether to take such action is in its sole and absolute discretion, except where this Agreement or the other respective Transaction Agreement expressly provided otherwise (e.g., not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). The use of the masculine, feminine or neuter gender or the singular or plural form of words will not limit any provisions of this Agreement. A statement that an item is listed, disclosed or described means that it is correctly listed, disclosed or described, and a statement that a copy of an item has been delivered means a true and correct copy of the item has been delivered.

 

11.15 Currency . All references in this Agreement to $ or dollars are expressed in United States Dollars unless otherwise specifically indicated.

 

[Signatures Follow On a Separate Page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has duly executed this Asset Purchase Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  U.S. PURCHASER:
   
  INTELLIGENT IT, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Brandon LaVerne
  Name: Brandon LaVerne
  Title: President
   
  CANADIAN PURCHASER:
   
  ACRODEX INC.
   
  By: /s/ Yasmin Jivraj
  Name: Yasmin Jiraj
  Title: President
   
  PCM:
   
  PCM, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Frank Khulusi
  Name: Frank Khulusi
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
   
  SYSTEMAX:
   
  SYSTEMAX INC.
   
  By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
  Name: Larry Reinhold
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signatures continue on following page]

 

 

 

 

  SELLERS:
   
  TIGERDIRECT, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
  Name: Larry Reinhold
  Title: Director
   
  TIGERDIRECT CA, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
  Name: Larry Reinhold
  Title: Director
   
  GLOBAL GOV/ED SOLUTIONS, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
  Name: Larry Reinhold
  Title: Director
   
  INFOTEL DISTRIBUTORS INC.
   
  By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
  Name: Larry Reinhold
  Title: Director
   
  TEK SERV INC.
   
  By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
  Name: Larry Reinhold
  Title: Director
   
  GLOBAL COMPUTER SUPPLIES, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
  Name: Larry Reinhold
  Title: Director

 

[Signatures continue on following page]

 

Asset Purchase Agreement – Signature Page 2  

 

 

  SYX DISTRIBUTION INC.
   
  By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
  Name: Larry Reinhold
  Title: Director
   
  SYX SERVICES INC.
   
  By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
  Name: Larry Reinhold
  Title: Director
   
  SYSTEMAX NORTH AMERICA TECH HOLDINGS, LLC
   
  By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
  Name: Larry Reinhold
  Title: Director
   
  SOFTWARE LICENSING CENTER, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
  Name: Larry Reinhold
  Title: Director
   
  POCAHONTAS CORP.
   
  By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
  Name: Larry Reinhold
  Title: Director

 

*      *      *

 

Asset Purchase Agreement – Signature Page 3  

 

 

SCHEDULES TO ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

Schedule   Title   Location
Schedule 1.1(a)   Leased Real Property   Reference is made to folder 2.8.1 of the VDR.
Schedule 1.1(c)   Personal Property Leases   Reference is made to folder 2.8.2 of the VDR.
Schedule 1.1(e)   Seller Contracts   Reference is made to folder 2.8.3 of the VDR.
Schedule 1.1(f)   Seller Intellectual Property   Reference is made to folder 2.8.4 of the VDR.
Schedule 1.2   Excluded Assets   Reference is &made to folder 2.8.5 of the VDR.
Schedule 4.1   Sellers’ Conduct of the Business Prior to Closing   Reference is made to folder 2.8.6 of the VDR.
Schedule 4.2   Restrictions on Sellers’ Conduct of the Business Prior to Closing   Reference is made to folder 2.8.7 of the VDR.
Schedule 6.1   Organization; Good Standing; Qualification   Reference is made to folder 2.8.8 of the VDR.
Schedule 6.4   No Conflicts; Consents   Reference is made to folder 2.8.9 of the VDR.
Schedule 6.5   Material Contracts   Reference is made to folder 2.8.10 of the VDR.
Schedule 6.6   Customers   Reference is made to folder 2.8.11 of the VDR.
Schedule 6.7   Title; Condition of Assets   Reference is made to folder 2.8.12 of the VDR.
Schedule 6.8   Real Property   Reference is made to folder 2.8.13 of the VDR.
Schedule 6.9   Intellectual Property   Reference is made to folder 2.8.14 of the VDR.
Schedule 6.10   Employees and Consultants   Reference is made to folder 2.8.15 of the VDR.
Schedule 6.12   Compliance with Laws   Reference is made to folder 2.8.16 of the VDR.
Schedule 6.13   Governmental Approvals   Reference is made to folder 2.8.17 of the VDR.
Schedule 6.14   Proceedings and Orders   Reference is made to folder 2.8.18 of the VDR.
Schedule 6.15   Environmental Matters   Reference is made to folder 2.8.19 of the VDR.
Schedule 6.16(b)   Taxes   Reference is made to folder 2.8.20 of the VDR.
Schedule 8.14   Sellers Delivery of Systems   Reference is made to folder 2.8.21 of the VDR.
Schedule 9.1(a)   Transferred Employees   Reference is made to folder 2.8.22 of the VDR.
Schedule 9.1(b)   Restrictive Covenants Regarding Employees   Reference is made to folder 2.8.22 of the VDR.

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

 

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person. For purposes of this definition, a Person “controls” another Person if that Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct the management and policies of that other Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by Contract or otherwise, and “controlled by” and “under common control with” have similar meanings.

 

Agreement ” means the Asset Purchase Agreement to which this Exhibit A is attached (including the Seller Disclosure Schedule and all other schedules and exhibits attached hereto), as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Business ” shall mean the B2B business activities conducted by the North American Technology Group of Systemax (“NATG”), other than the Excluded Business.

 

Business Day ” means any day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday or (ii) a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law in the state of California to be closed.

 

Canadian Competition Act” means the Competition Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C34, as amended.

 

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

 

Consent ” means any approval, consent, ratification, permission, waiver or authorization (including any Governmental Approval).

 

Contract ” means any agreement, contract, consensual obligation, promise, understanding, arrangement, commitment or undertaking of any nature (whether written or oral and whether express or implied).

 

Copyrights ” means all copyrights, including in and to works of authorship and all other rights corresponding thereto throughout the world, whether published or unpublished, including rights to prepare, reproduce, perform, display and distribute copyrighted works and copies, compilations and derivative works thereof.

 

Customer Data ” means all data regarding customers and customer prospects described in Section 1.1(g) .

 

Damages ” means, with respect to any Person, any damage, liability, demand, claim, action, cause of action, cost, deficiency, penalty, fine or other loss or out-of-pocket expense (including actual attorneys’ and other professional fees and expert fees), whether or not arising out of a third party claim, against or affecting such Person.

 

Defined Benefit Plan ” means either a plan described in Section 3(35) of ERISA or a plan subject to the minimum funding standards set forth in Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code.

 

 

 

 

Effective Time ” means 12:01 a.m., Pacific Time on the Closing Date.

 

Employee Benefit Plan ” means any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, and all the employee benefit, fringe benefit, supplemental unemployment benefit, bonus, incentive, profit sharing, termination, change of control, pension, retirement, savings, stock option, stock purchase, phantom stock, stock appreciation, health, welfare, medical, dental, disability, life insurance and similar plans, programmes, arrangements or practices relating to the current or former employees, officers or directors of Systemax or the Sellers maintained, sponsored or funded by Systemax or the Sellers, whether written or oral, funded or unfunded, insured or self-insured, registered or unregistered under which Systemax or the Sellers may have any liability contingent or otherwise, other than benefit plans established pursuant to statute.

 

Encumbrance ” means any lien, pledge, hypothecation, charge, mortgage, security interest, encumbrance, equity, trust, equitable interest, claim, preference, right of possession, lease, tenancy, license, encroachment, covenant, infringement, interference, Order, proxy, option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, community property interest, legend, defect, impediment, exception, reservation, limitation, impairment, imperfection of title, condition or restriction of any nature (including any restriction on the voting of any security, any restriction on the transfer of any security or other asset, any restriction on the receipt of any income derived from any asset, any restriction on the use of any asset and any restriction on the possession, exercise or transfer of any other attribute of ownership of any asset).

 

Entity ” means any corporation (including any non-profit corporation), general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, estate, trust or company (including any limited liability company or joint stock company).

 

Environmental Claim ” means any written claim, action, cause of action, suit, proceeding, investigation, order, demand or notice by any Person alleging potential liability of any Seller (including, without limitation, potential liability for investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental response costs, natural resources damages, property damages, personal injuries, or penalties) arising out of, based on or resulting from (a) the presence, or release into the environment, of, or exposure to, any Material of Environmental Concern at any location, whether or not owned or operated by Sellers or (b) circumstances forming the basis of any violation, or alleged violation, of any Environmental Law.

 

Environmental Laws ” means all federal, state, provincial, local and foreign Legal Requirements relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata, and natural resources), including, without limitation, Legal Requirements relating to (i) emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of, or exposure to, Materials of Environmental Concern, (ii) the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Materials of Environmental Concern, (iii) recordkeeping, notification, disclosure and reporting requirements regarding Materials of Environmental Concern, and (iv) endangered or threatened species of fish, wildlife and plant and the management or use of natural resources.

 

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

 

Exhibit A - Page 2

 

 

Exchange Act ” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Excluded Business ” shall mean all businesses of Systemax, Sellers and their respective Affiliates other than the Business, including without limitation, Sellers’ retail operations, Sellers’ ecommerce/online marketplace operations (including as carried on via third party sites), Sellers’ TV shopping network operations, any business carried on by Global Industrial Holdings LLC and/or its direct or indirect subsidiaries, any business carried on by Systemax Europe SARL and/or its direct or indirect subsidiaries, and/or any business carried on by any Excluded Entity.

 

Excluded Entities ” shall mean SYX Distribution Inc. (as related to its operation of the Excluded Business); Systemax Manufacturing Inc.; TigerDirect Retail Services Inc.; Systemax Puerto Rico Inc.; Streak Products Inc.; New SAH Corp.; Global Industrial Holdings LLC and/or its direct or indirect subsidiaries; Systemax Europe SARL and/or its direct or indirect subsidiaries; Misco Germany Inc.; Misco America Inc.; Rebate Holdings LLC and/or its direct or indirect subsidiaries; and/or Systemax Global Solutions Inc.

 

Exercise All Rights ” means to exercise or practice any and all rights now or hereafter provided by Legal Requirement anywhere in the world to inventors, authors, creators and/or owners of intellectual or intangible property; including the right to make, use, disclose, sell, offer to sell, distribute, import, rent, lease, lend, reproduce, prepare derivative works of and otherwise modify, perform and display (whether publicly or otherwise), broadcast, transmit, use and/or otherwise exploit such intellectual or intangible property and/or any product, component or service embodying, related to or subject to such intellectual or intangible property; and the right to assign, transfer, license and/or sublicense (with the right to sublicense further) any of the foregoing, and the right to have and/or authorize others do any of the foregoing.

 

GAAP ” means United States generally accepting accounting principles, in effect on the date on which they are to be applied pursuant to this Agreement, applied consistently throughout the relevant periods.

 

Governmental Approval ” means any: (a) permit, license, certificate, concession, approval, consent, ratification, permission, clearance, confirmation, exemption, waiver, franchise, certification, designation, rating, registration, variance, qualification, accreditation or authorization issued, granted, given or otherwise made available by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority or pursuant to any Legal Requirement; or (b) right under any Contract with any Governmental Authority.

 

Governmental Authority ” means any: (a) nation, principality, state, commonwealth, province, territory, county, municipality, district or other jurisdiction of any nature; (b) federal, provincial, state, local, municipal, foreign or other government; (c) governmental or quasi governmental authority of any nature (including any governmental division, subdivision, department, agency, bureau, branch, office, commission, council, board, instrumentality, officer, official, representative, organization, unit, body or Entity and any court or other tribunal); (d) multinational organization or body; or (e) individual, Entity or body exercising, or entitled to exercise, any executive, legislative, judicial, administrative, regulatory, police, military or taxing authority or power of any nature.

 

Exhibit A - Page 3

 

 

Intellectual Property Rights ” means any or all rights in and to intellectual property and intangible industrial property rights, including, without limitation, (i) Patents, Trade Secrets, Copyrights, Trademarks and (ii) any rights similar, corresponding or equivalent to any of the foregoing anywhere in the world.

 

IRS ” means the Internal Revenue Service.

 

Investment Canada Act ” means the Investment Canada Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 28 (1 st Supp.), as amended.

 

Knowledge ” of Sellers, or any similar phrase, means, with respect to any fact or matter, the actual knowledge after reasonable inquiry, of the following persons: Larry Reinhold, Tex Clark, Eric Lerner and/or Adam Shaffer.

 

Legal Requirement ” means any federal, provincial state, local, municipal, foreign or other law, statute, legislation, constitution, principle of common law, resolution, ordinance, code, Order, edict, decree, proclamation, treaty, convention, rule, regulation, permit, ruling, directive, pronouncement, requirement (licensing or otherwise), specification, determination, decision, opinion or interpretation issued, enacted, adopted, passed, approved, promulgated, made, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority prior to the date hereof.

 

Liability ” means any debt, obligation, duty or liability of any nature (including any unknown, undisclosed, unmatured, unaccrued, unasserted, contingent, indirect, conditional, implied, vicarious, derivative, joint, several or secondary liability), regardless of whether such debt, obligation, duty or liability would be required to be disclosed on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP and regardless of whether such debt, obligation, duty or liability is immediately due and payable.

 

Material Adverse Effect ” means any event, change or effect that, when taken individually or together with all other adverse events, changes and effects, is or is reasonably likely (a) to be materially adverse to the condition of the Business, Purchased Assets or Assumed Liabilities, taken as a whole, other than in the case of any of the foregoing, any such effect to the extent resulting from (A) changes in the financial or securities markets or general economic or political conditions in the United States or any other market in which Sellers operate not having a materially disproportionate effect on the Sellers and the Business, taken as a whole, relative to other participants in the industry in which the Sellers operate, (B) changes required by GAAP or changes required by the regulatory accounting requirements applicable to any industry in which the Sellers operate, (C) changes (including changes of Applicable Law) or conditions generally affecting the industry in which the Sellers operate and not specifically relating to or having a materially disproportionate effect on Sellers and the Business, taken as a whole, relative to other participants in the industry in which the Sellers operate, (D) any engagement in hostilities, whether or not pursuant to the declaration of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence of any acts of war, sabotage or terrorism or natural disasters involving the United States of America occurring prior to, on or after the date of this Agreement, (E) the entry into or announcement of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any impact on customers or employees except as specifically set forth elsewhere in the Agreement), (F) any failure by any Seller or the Business to meet any internal or published budgets, projections, forecasts or predictions of financial performance for any period (it being understood that this clause (F) shall not prevent a party from asserting that any fact, change, event, occurrence, circumstance or effect that may have contributed to such failure independently constitutes a Material Adverse Effect), or (G) any action taken (or omitted to be taken) as required by this Agreement or at the written request of the Purchaser or (b) to prevent or materially delay consummation of the Transaction or otherwise to prevent the Sellers from performing their material obligations under this Agreement.

 

Exhibit A - Page 4

 

 

Materials of Environmental Concern ” means chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous substances, petroleum and petroleum products, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials or products, polychlorinated biphenyls, lead or lead-based paints or materials, radon, fungus, mold, mycotoxins or other substances that may have an adverse effect on human health, reproduction or the environment.

 

Member of the Controlled Group ” means (i) any Person that, together with a Seller, is or was at any time treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA and (ii) any general partnership of which the Seller is or has been a general partner.

 

Multiemployer Plan ” means a plan described in Section 3(37) of ERISA.

 

Order ” means any: (a) temporary, preliminary or permanent order, judgment, injunction, edict, decree, ruling, pronouncement, determination, decision, opinion, verdict, sentence, stipulation, subpoena, writ or award that is or has been issued, made, entered, rendered or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any court, administrative agency or other Governmental Authority or any arbitrator or arbitration panel; or (b) Contract with any Governmental Authority that is or has been entered into in connection with any Proceeding.

 

Patents ” means all United States and foreign patents and utility models and applications therefor and all reissues, divisions, re-examinations, renewals, extensions, provisionals, continuations and continuations-in-part thereof, and equivalent or similar rights anywhere in the world in inventions and discoveries, including invention disclosures.

 

Permitted Encumbrances ” means (i) Encumbrances disclosed on the Financial Statements or Closing Balance Sheet, as applicable, (ii) statutory, common or civil law liens in favor of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics and materialmen to secure claims for labor, materials or supplies arising or incurred in the ordinary course of business not yet due and payable or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate accruals or reserves have been established on the Financial Statements or Closing Balance Sheet, as applicable, (iii) statutory liens for Taxes not yet due and payable or Taxes being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate accruals or reserves have been established on the Financial Statements or Closing Balance Sheet, as applicable, (iv) liens against specific assets arising under sales contracts and equipment leases with third parties entered into in the ordinary course of business, and (v) liens arising under the Systemax Credit Facility; provided that all liens on Purchased Assets or Assumed Liabilities arising under this subsection (v) shall be released prior to the Closing.

 

Exhibit A - Page 5

 

 

Person ” means any individual, Entity or Governmental Authority.

 

Proceeding ” means any action, suit, litigation, arbitration, proceeding (including any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or appellate proceeding), prosecution, contest, hearing, inquiry, inquest, audit, examination or investigation that is, has been or may in the future be commenced, brought, conducted or heard at law or in equity or before any Governmental Authority or any arbitrator or arbitration panel.

 

Purchased Contracts ” means all Seller Contracts, Personal Property Leases and Contracts for Leased Real Property.

 

Registered Intellectual Property Rights ” means all United States, international and foreign: (i) Patents, including applications therefor; (ii) registered Trademarks, applications to register Trademarks, including intent-to-use applications, or other registrations or applications related to Trademarks; (iii) Copyright registrations and applications to register Copyrights; and (iv) any other Intellectual Property Rights that is the subject of an application, certificate, filing, registration or other document issued by, filed with, or recorded by, any Governmental Authority at any time.

 

Representatives ” means officers, directors, employees, attorneys, accountants, advisors, agents, distributors, licensees, equity holders, lenders and Affiliates of a party.

 

Systemax Credit Facility ” means that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2010, by and among Systemax and certain affiliates thereof and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as U.S. Administrative Agent, J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as UK Administrative Agent, J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. as Sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger, and the lenders from time to time party thereto, as amended.

 

Tax ” (and, with correlative meaning, “Taxes” and “Taxable”) means any net income, alternative or add-on minimum tax, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, profits, license, withholding, payroll, employment, unemployment, FICA, FUTA, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, environmental or windfall profit tax, custom, duty, escheat, unclaimed or abandoned property, electronic waste recycling fees or other tax, governmental fee or other assessment or charge of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest or any penalty, addition to tax or additional amount and any interest on such penalty, addition to tax or additional amount, imposed by any Tax Authority.

 

Tax Authority ” means a Governmental Authority responsible for the imposition, assessment or collection of any Tax (domestic or foreign).

 

Tax Return ” means any return, statement, declaration, notice, certificate or other document that is or has been filed with or submitted to, or required to be filed with or submitted to, any Governmental Authority in connection with the determination, assessment, collection or payment of any Tax or in connection with the administration, implementation or enforcement of or compliance with any Legal Requirement related to any Tax.

 

Exhibit A - Page 6

 

 

Trade Secrets ” means all trade secrets under applicable Legal Requirement and other rights in know-how and confidential or proprietary information, processing, manufacturing or marketing information, including new developments, inventions, processes, ideas or other proprietary information that provide an advantage over competitors who do not know or use it and documentation thereof (including related papers, notebooks, specifications, designs, methods of manufacture and data processing software, compilations of information) and all claims and rights related thereto.

 

Trademarks ” means any and all trademarks, service marks, logos, trade names, corporate names, and all goodwill associated therewith throughout the world.

 

Transaction ” means, collectively, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Transaction Agreements ” means this Agreement and all other agreements, certificates, instruments, documents and writings delivered by Purchaser and/or a Seller in connection with the Transaction.

 

Transfer Taxes ” means all federal, provincial, state, local or foreign sales, use, transfer, real property transfer, mortgage recording, stamp duty, value-added or similar Taxes that may be imposed in connection with the transfer of Purchased Assets or assumption of Assumed Liabilities, together with any interest, additions to Tax or penalties with respect thereto and any interest in respect of such additions to Tax or penalties.

 

VDR ” means the virtual data room hosted by Merrill Corporation and named “Saturn martinwolf,” as it exists on the date of this Agreement.

 

Exhibit A - Page 7

 

 

EXHIBITS

 

EXHIBIT B - BILL OF SALE

EXHIBIT C - ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

EXHIBIT D - NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT EXHIBIT E-2 - REAL PROPERTY

EXHIBIT E-1 - REAL PROPERTY SUBLEASE – MIAMI, FLORIDA

SUBLEASE – JEFFERSON, GEORGIA

EXHIBIT E-3 - REAL PROPERTY SUBLEASE – DALLAS, TEXAS

EXHIBIT E-4 - REAL PROPERTY SUBLEASE – NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS

EXHIBIT E-5 – REAL PROPERTY SUBLEASE – VERNON HILLS, ILLINOIS

EXHIBIT E-6 - REAL PROPERTY SUBLEASE – VANDALIA, OHIO

EXHIBIT E-7 - REAL PROPERTY SUBLEASE – RICHMOND HILL, ONTARIO

EXHIBIT F - TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 2.3

 

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment No. 1 (this “ Amendment ”) to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), dated November 17, 2015, by and among Intelligent IT, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ U.S. Purchaser ”), Acrodex Inc., an Alberta corporation (“ Canadian Purchaser ” and, together with U.S. Purchaser, “ Purchaser ”), PCM, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the ultimate parent of Purchaser (“ PCM ”), Systemax Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Systemax ”), and TigerDirect, Inc., a Florida corporation, TigerDirect CA, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Ontario, Canada, Global Gov/Ed Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Infotel Distributors Inc., a Delaware corporation, Tek Serv Inc., a Delaware corporation, Global Computer Supplies, Inc., a New York corporation, SYX Distribution Inc., a Delaware corporation, SYX Services Inc., a Delaware corporation, SYX North American Tech Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Software Licensing Center, Inc., a Florida corporation, and Pocahontas Corp., a Delaware corporation (individually a “ Seller ” and collectively “ Sellers ”) is made and entered into as of December 1, 2015 by and among Purchaser, PCM, Systemax and Sellers. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Amendment shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.

 

1. Clarification Regarding Section 1.1(b) . For purposes of clarity, clause (iii) of Section 1.1(b) of the Purchase Agreement shall be subject in all respects to Section 1.6 of the Purchase Agreement, Section 8.14 of the Purchase Agreement (as amended hereby) and the terms and conditions of the other Transaction Agreements.

 

2. Amendment to Schedule 1.1(e) . All references to “Verizon” and related agreements in column “Carrier MPLS” under the heading “Telephony/Connectivity” on Schedule 1.1(e) to the Purchase Agreement shall be deleted in their entirety.

 

3. Addition of Section 1.6(c) . A new Section 1.6(c) shall be added to the Purchase Agreement and shall read in full as follows:

 

“(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, title to that certain Master Lease Agreement No. 16086, dated July 2, 2014, by and between EMC Corporation and SYX Services Inc. and related assets, including without limitation, the EMC database and related hardware and software (collectively, the “ EMC Assets ”) shall be transferred to Purchaser on the Closing Date, but possession and use of the EMC Assets shall remain with the Sellers until February 15, 2016. Purchaser hereby grants to Sellers a nonexclusive, irrevocable, non-sublicenseable, non-transferable, fully-paid and royalty-free license to use the EMC Assets, subject to the terms and conditions of the Noncompetition Agreement, solely (i) for purposes of selling through Sellers’ inventory until February 15, 2016, (ii) for purposes of winding up Sellers’ accounts through December 31, 2016 and (iii) for financial reporting, Tax audits, unclaimed property inquiries, other record keeping purposes and customer service through December 31, 2016. Notwithstanding the foregoing, until the Website Cutover Date, the Sellers shall allow complete and unrestricted access to and use of the EMC Assets for Purchaser’s operation of its business to (i) all Transferred Employees, (ii) all training, credit and customer service personnel of Purchaser and its Affiliates, and (iii) any additional mutually agreeable personnel requested by Purchaser, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld by Sellers. Sellers shall use reasonable commercial efforts to reduce their use of and to migrate off of the EMC Assets. Until the earlier of such migration or December 31, 2016, Purchaser shall maintain such agreement and not take any action (or fail to take any action) within its reasonable control which may result in any termination or reduction of the EMC Assets or the aforesaid agreement.”

 

   
 

 

4. Amendment of Section 8.13 . Clause (iii) of Section 8.13 of the Purchase Agreement shall be amended and restated to read in full as follows:

 

“(iii) for financial reporting, Tax audits, unclaimed property inquiries, other record keeping purposes and customer service;”

 

5. Amendment and Restatement of Section 8.14 . Section 8.14 of the Purchase Agreement shall be amended and restated to read in full as follows:

 

8.14. Sellers Delivery of Systems . Promptly following the date hereof, Sellers shall engage AgilOne to segment the NATG United States customer files into B2B Customer files and Consumer Customer files, based upon AgilOne’s criteria set forth on Schedule 8.14. Such United States customers shall be collected from MACS, PCS, Responsys, .net websites, Einstein, old CRM, and such other databases or sources of Seller known to contain customer files (collectively, the “Source Databases”). Upon Closing, Sellers shall deliver to Purchaser a directly importable MACS file of Sellers’ customer accounts which are or have been managed by any current or former Systemax NATG business employee as reflected in MACS, in a format intended to directly function in a compatible manner with and in Purchaser’s MACS system. Further, upon Closing, Sellers shall also deliver to Purchaser in a reasonably accessible electronic file format transferred via FTP (i) a copy of all B2B customer master data in Sellers’ old CRM and PCS and (ii) a copy of the NATG email lists that are indicated or defined in Responsys as commercial related customers and prospects along with corresponding suppression list that are associated with such customer or prospects lists. On or before December 11, 2015, Sellers shall deliver the United States B2B Customer files (other than the B2B Customer files identified by applying the criteria marked with an asterisk on Schedule 8.14) in a reasonably accessible electronic file format transferred via FTP. On or before December 24, 2015, Sellers shall additionally deliver the United States B2B Customer files identified by applying the criteria marked with an asterisk on Schedule 8.14 in a reasonably accessible electronic file format transferred via FTP. Moreover, upon the Closing and until 10 calendar days following the delivery of the file applying the asterisked criteria, Sellers shall make available to Purchaser the Consumer Customer files for on screen inspection by Purchaser or its representatives at a Systemax designated office to complete such inspection to determine whether AgilOne did not include B2B Customers in the Consumer Customer files, and shall advise Sellers of any concerns as a result of its inspection within such 10 calendar day period. Promptly following such inspection, Seller shall make duplicate copies of the Source Databases to the extent possible (the “Database Copies”) and shall retain the Database Copies intact for a period of one year following the Closing. Following such duplication, Seller shall commence the process of purging the Consumer Customers from the production Source Databases. If Purchaser determines at any time that any B2B Customer data has not been provided to Purchaser, the Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to find and/or recover any such B2B customer data and promptly provide such B2B customer data to Purchaser. At the Website Cutover Date, Seller shall discontinue the Consumer Customer purging process and shall deliver to Purchaser the production Source Databases and an operational and functional instance of MACS, Einstein and the Website. If such instances are not disconnected from SAP and PCS, the Sellers will continue to satisfy their obligations under Service Schedule No. 1, Section 4(b) of the Transition Services Agreement. If prior to February 15, 2016, Purchaser exercises its Option to acquire the US Consumer Customer Data, Sellers shall immediately stop the Consumer Customer purging and provide all US consumer data to Purchaser along with the Database Copies. If following February 15, 2016, Purchaser exercises its Option to acquire the US Consumer Customer Data, Sellers shall provide all US consumer data to Purchaser along with the Database Copies.”

 

   
 

 

6. Amendment and Restatement of Schedule 8.14 . Schedule 8.14 to the Purchase Agreement shall be amended and restated in full as set forth in folder 2.9 of the virtual data room hosted by Merrill Corporation and named “Saturn martinwolf,” as it exists on the date of this Amendment.

 

7. Clarification Regarding Section 9.1(a) . For purposes of clarity, the third sentence of Section 9.1(a) of the Purchase Agreement shall not negate or modify, and is subject to Purchaser’s assumption of the Assumed Liabilities for accrued vacation and paid-time-off of any Transferred Employees who become employees of Purchaser or an Affiliate of Purchaser on or promptly following the Closing Date, all as set forth in Section 1.3(b) of the Purchase Agreement. Schedule 9.1(a) to the Purchase Agreement shall be amended to append the data set forth in folder 2.9 of the virtual data room hosted by Merrill Corporation and named “Saturn martinwolf,” as it exists on the date of this Amendment.

 

8. Continued Validity of Purchase Agreement . Except as specifically amended hereby, the Purchase Agreement shall remain in full force and effect as originally constituted.

 

9. Entire Agreement . This Amendment embodies the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and can be modified only by a written instrument executed by all parties.

 

10. Incorporation of Miscellaneous Provisions . This Amendment shall be subject to the miscellaneous provisions contained in Article 11 of the Purchase Agreement, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, mutatis mutandis .

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

   
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this Amendment No. 1 to Asset Purchase Agreement to be executed effective as of the date first written above.

 

INTELLIGENT IT, INC.   PCM, INC.
     
By: /s/ Brandon LaVerne   By: /s/ Frank Khulusi
Name: Brandon LaVerne   Name: Frank Khulusi
Title: President   Title: Chief Executive Officer
         
ACRODEX INC.   SYSTEMAX INC.
     
By: /s/ Yasmin Jivraj   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Yasmin Jivraj   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: Chief Financial Officer
         
TIGERDIRECT, INC.   TEK SERV INC.
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
TIGERDIRECT CA, INC.   GLOBAL COMPUTER SUPPLIES, INC.
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
GLOBAL GOV/ED SOLUTIONS, INC.   SYX DISTRIBUTION INC.
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
INFOTEL DISTRIBUTORS INC.   SYX NORTH AMERICAN TECH HOLDINGS, LLC
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
SYX SERVICES INC.   SOFTWARE LICENSING CENTER, INC.
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
POCAHONTAS CORP.      
       
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold      
Name: Larry Reinhold      
Title: President      

 

   
 

 

EXHIBIT 2.4  

 

AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment No. 2 (this “ Amendment ”) to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), dated November 17, 2015, by and among PCM Sales, Inc., a California corporation (successor to Intelligent IT, Inc., a Delaware corporation) (“ U.S. Purchaser ”), Acrodex Inc., an Alberta corporation (“ Canadian Purchaser ” and, together with U.S. Purchaser, “ Purchaser ”), PCM, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the ultimate parent of Purchaser (“ PCM ”), Systemax Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Systemax ”), and TigerDirect, Inc., a Florida corporation, TigerDirect CA, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Ontario, Canada, Global Gov/Ed Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Infotel Distributors Inc., a Delaware corporation, Tek Serv Inc., a Delaware corporation, Global Computer Supplies, Inc., a New York corporation, SYX Distribution Inc., a Delaware corporation, SYX Services Inc., a Delaware corporation, SYX North American Tech Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Software Licensing Center, Inc., a Florida corporation, and Pocahontas Corp., a Delaware corporation (individually a “ Seller ” and collectively “ Sellers ”) is made and entered into as of January 21, 2016 by and among Purchaser, PCM, Systemax and Sellers. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Amendment shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement or in the “Side Letter (defined below), as applicable.

 

1. Reference is made to Section 8.14 of the Purchase Agreement and to the Side Letter among the parties date December 1, 2015 entered into in connection with the Purchase Agreement, (the “Side Letter”). The parties hereby acknowledge that Systemax has made available the information referenced in Section 8.14 of the APA and has allowed a representative of PCM to view the information. The parties further agree that Systemax and Sellers are relieved, effective as of December 1. 2015, of any obligation to, and Systemax and Sellers shall not at any time, purge the Consumer Customers from the production Source Databases.

 

2. Pursuant to paragraph 5 of the Side Letter, Purchaser hereby exercises its option to acquire the Optioned Customer Data, provided that the Option exercise price shall be $399,999, and paragraph 5 of the Side Letter is hereby accordingly amended to replace the number “$500,000” with “$399,999”. Sellers hereby acknowledge receipt of the $399,999 Option exercise price, and Purchaser hereby acknowledges receipt of the Optioned Customer Data.

 

3. Except as specifically amended hereby, the Purchase Agreement and Side Letter shall remain in full force and effect as originally constituted.

 

4. This Amendment embodies the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and can be modified only by a written instrument executed by all parties.

 

5. This Amendment shall be subject to the miscellaneous provisions contained in Article 11 of the Purchase Agreement, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, mutatis mutandis .

 

   
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this Amendment No. 2 to Asset Purchase Agreement to be executed effective as of the date first written above.

 

PCM SALES, INC.   PCM, INC.
     
By: /s/ Stephen Moss   By: /s/ Frank Khulusi
Name: Stephen Moss   Name: Frank Khulusi
Title: President   Title: Chief Executive Officer
         
ACRODEX INC.   SYSTEMAX INC.
     
By: /s/ Simon Abuyounes   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Simon Abuyounes   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: Treasurer   Title: Chief Financial Officer
         
TIGERDIRECT, INC.   TEK SERV INC.
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
TIGERDIRECT CA, INC.   GLOBAL COMPUTER SUPPLIES, INC.
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
GLOBAL GOV/ED SOLUTIONS, INC.   SYX DISTRIBUTION INC.
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
INFOTEL DISTRIBUTORS INC.   SYX NORTH AMERICAN TECH HOLDINGS, LLC
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
SYX SERVICES INC.   SOFTWARE LICENSING CENTER, INC.
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
POCAHONTAS CORP.      
       
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold      
Name: Larry Reinhold      
Title: President      

 

   
 

 

EXHIBIT 2.5

 

AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment No. 3 (this “ Amendment ”) to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), dated November 17, 2015, by and among PCM Sales, Inc., a California corporation and successor to Intelligent IT, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ U.S. Purchaser ”), Acrodex Inc., an Alberta corporation (“ Canadian Purchaser ” and, together with U.S. Purchaser, “ Purchaser ”), PCM, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the ultimate parent of Purchaser (“ PCM ”), Systemax Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Systemax ”), and TigerDirect, Inc., a Florida corporation, TigerDirect CA, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Ontario, Canada, Global Gov/Ed Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Infotel Distributors Inc., a Delaware corporation, Tek Serv Inc., a Delaware corporation, Global Computer Supplies, Inc., a New York corporation, SYX Distribution Inc., a Delaware corporation, SYX Services Inc., a Delaware corporation, SYX North American Tech Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Software Licensing Center, Inc., a Florida corporation, and Pocahontas Corp., a Delaware corporation (individually a “ Seller ” and collectively “ Sellers ”) is made and entered into as of February 14, 2016 by and among Purchaser, PCM, Systemax and Sellers. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Amendment shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.

 

1. Amendment of Section 1.6(c) . The reference to the date “February 15, 2016” set forth in the first sentence of Section 1.6(c) of the Agreement shall be deleted and replaced with “February 29, 2016.”

 

2. Continued Validity of Purchase Agreement . Except as specifically amended hereby, the Purchase Agreement shall remain in full force and effect as originally constituted.

 

3. Entire Agreement . This Amendment embodies the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and can be modified only by a written instrument executed by all parties.

 

4. Incorporation of Miscellaneous Provisions . This Amendment shall be subject to the miscellaneous provisions contained in Article 11 of the Purchase Agreement, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, mutatis mutandis .

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

   
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this Amendment No. 3 to Asset Purchase Agreement to be executed effective as of the date first written above.

 

PCM SALES, INC.   PCM, INC.
     
By: /s/ Stephen Moss   By: /s/ Frank Khulusi
Name: Stephen Moss   Name: Frank Khulusi
Title: President   Title: Chief Executive Officer
         
ACRODEX INC.   SYSTEMAX INC.
     
By: /s/ Yasmin Jivraj   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Yasmin Jivraj   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: Chief Financial Officer
         
TIGERDIRECT, INC.   TEK SERV INC.
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
TIGERDIRECT CA, INC.   GLOBAL COMPUTER SUPPLIES, INC.
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
GLOBAL GOV/ED SOLUTIONS, INC.   SYX DISTRIBUTION INC.
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
INFOTEL DISTRIBUTORS INC.   SYX NORTH AMERICAN TECH HOLDINGS, LLC
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
SYX SERVICES INC.   SOFTWARE LICENSING CENTER, INC.
     
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold   By: /s/ Larry Reinhold
Name: Larry Reinhold   Name: Larry Reinhold
Title: President   Title: President
         
POCAHONTAS CORP.      
       
By: /s/ Larry Reinhold      
Name: Larry Reinhold      
Title: President      

 

   
 

 

EXHIBIT 10.17

PCM, Inc.

Summary of Executive Incentive Plan

 

In February 2016, the Committee and Board of Directors adopted and approved the 2016 Executive Incentive Plan (the “Plan ), which is effective for the 2016 fiscal year. Under the Plan, cash incentive amounts will be based upon two performance objectives , weighted differently for each executive eligible to participate in the Plan: (1) attainment of a target consolidated EBITDA (the “Consolidated Target”) and (2) attainment of individual qualitative targets (the “Qualitative Target”). EBITDA is defined under the Plan as earnings before interest, taxes , depreciation and amortization on a consolidated basis, and adjusted for non-recurring special charges, if any, to be excluded from the calculation of EBITDA in the discretion of the Committee , including but not limited to non-cash adjustments such as goodwill and intangible asset adjustments , material unforeseen litigation and restructuring and related costs.

 

The Plan will be funded at an individual target amount for each participant if the Company achieves 10 0 % of the Consolidated Target for the 2016 calendar year. The Plan also has a minimum EBITDA for any quantitative cash incentive to be paid under the Plan and contains decelerators based on performance below the respective quantitative performance target, with a threshold set at 80% of target , or the prior year comparable amount, whichever is higher. Quantitative cash incentives will be paid at 50 % of the incentive target if the Company s performance equals the minimum target threshold for payment of the quantitative cash amounts. If the Company’s performance falls below the threshold, no quantitative cash incentive will be earned.

 

The Plan also contains accelerators under which the cash incentive amounts can exceed the above described target amounts, with the maximum cash incentive amount equal to 20 0% of target cash incentive amounts , which will be paid if the Company’s performance equals or exceeds 125% of the respective performance target. The Plan further generally allows for 50% of the annual cash incentive targets to be paid in non-recoverable quarterly increments based on quarterly targets that make up components of the respective annual targets.

 

Messrs. LaVerne , Newton and Abuyounes each have certain individual qualitative targets that are tailored for his respective responsibilities to the Company based on recommendations made by our Chief Executive Officer and approved by the Committee and are paid quarterly or annually in the discretion of the Committee. These qualitative targets make up 33% of total cash incentive opportunity for each of Messrs. LaVerne and Abuyounes and 100% of the cash incentive opportunity for Mr. Newton.

 

The total annual cash incentive opportunity for the participating executive officers equals 89% of base salary for Mr. Khulusi, 50% of base salary for Mr. Miley, and 40 % of base salary for each of Messrs. LaVerne, Newton and Abuyounes.

 

All amounts funded under the Plan may be increased or reduced for each executive officer at the sole discretion of the Committee based upon qualitative or quantitative factors which the Committee may deem appropriate from time to time. In addition to participation in the Plan, all of our executive officers are eligible for additional discretionary cash incentives or bonuses as determined from time to time by the Committee. No cash amount is earned until it is paid under any of these plans. Therefore , in the event the employment of an executive eligible under these plans is terminated (either by the company or by the eligible executive, whether voluntarily or involuntarily) before any amount is paid, the executive will not be deemed to have earned the applicable cash incentive or bonus and will not be entitled to any portion of such amounts.

 

 
 

 

EXHIBIT 10.18

 

PCM, Inc.

Summary of Executive Salary and Bonus Arrangements

 

The table below summarizes the current annual salary and bonus arrangements we have with each of our current executive officers. All of the compensation arrangements we have with our executive officers, including with respect to annual salaries and bonuses, are reviewed and may be modified from time to time by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.

 

We have written employment arrangements with each of our executive officers, and a copy of each such employment arrangement is filed as an exhibit to the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K. The non-salary and bonus components of our compensation arrangements with our executive officers, including with respect to severance, option grants and other benefits, are described in those respective agreements. Our executive officers participate in executive bonus plans during fiscal year 2016 established by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors and adopted by our Board of Directors.

 

Executive Officer   Annual
Base Salary
    Bonus  
Frank F. Khulusi                
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer   $ 583,000       (1)
                 
Brandon H. LaVerne                
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary   $ 346,330       (1)
                 
Robert I. Newton                
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary   $ 342,900       (1)
                 
Simon M. Abuyounes                
Executive Vice President – IT and Operations   $ 333,375       (1)
                 
Robert J. Miley                
President   $ 400,000       (1)

 

 

(1) All executives are eligible to participate in our executive bonus plans referenced above.

 

 
 

   

EXHIBIT 10.36

 

CERTAIN INFORMATION IN THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS. 

 

FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED Loan and Security Agreement

 

by and among

 

THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS NAMED HEREIN

 

as Lenders,

 

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC

 

as Administrative Agent, Co-Lead Arranger, and Co-Bookrunner

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

 

as Co-Lead Arranger, Co-Bookrunner, and Syndication Agent

 

and

 

PCM, INC.

PCM SALES, INC.

PCM LOGISTICS, LLC

PCMG, INC.

M2 MARKETPLACE, INC.

ABREON, INC.

MALL ACQUISITION SUB 5 INC.

PCM BPO, LLC

ONSALE HOLDINGS, INC.

and

EN POINTE TECHNOLOGIES SALES, LLC

 

as U.S. Borrowers

 

and

 

PCM SALES CANADA, INC.

and

ACRODEX INC.

 

as Canadian Borrowers

 

Dated: As of January 19, 2016

 

 
 

 

Table of Contents

 

    Page
     
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION 2
     
SECTION 2. CREDIT FACILITIES 31
     
2.1 U.S. Revolving Loans and Canadian Revolving Loans 31
2.2 U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations 34
2.3 Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations 37
2.4 Commitments 40
2.5 [Intentionally Omitted] 40
2.6 Real Estate and Adjacent Real Estate 40
2.7 Exchange Rates; Currency Equivalents; Applicable Currency 40
     
SECTION 3. INTEREST AND FEES 41
     
3.1 Interest 41
3.2 Fee Letter 44
3.3 Closing Fees 44
3.4 Unused Line Fee 44
3.5 Compensation Adjustment 45
3.6 Changes in Laws and Increased Costs of Loans 46
3.7 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders 47
3.8 Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions 47
     
SECTION 4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT 48
     
4.1 Conditions Precedent to Agreement 48
4.2 Conditions Precedent to All Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations 49
     
SECTION 5. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST 49
     
SECTION 6. COLLECTION AND ADMINISTRATION 50
     
6.1 Borrowers’ Loan Account 50
6.2 Statements 51
6.3 Collection of Accounts 51
6.4 Payments 53
6.5 Taxes 54
6.6 Authorization to Make Loans 57
6.7 Use of Proceeds 58
6.8 Pro Rata Treatment 58
6.9 Sharing of Payments, Etc 59
6.10 Settlement Procedures 60
6.11 Bank Products 62
     
SECTION 7. COLLATERAL REPORTING AND COVENANTS 62
     
7.1 Collateral Reporting 62
7.2 Accounts Covenants 63
7.3 Inventory Covenants 65

 

  - i -  
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

    Page
     
7.4 Equipment Covenants 67
7.5 Power of Attorney 67
7.6 Right to Cure 69
7.7 Access to Premises 69
7.8 Real Estate Covenant 69
     
SECTION 8. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 70
     
8.1 Existence, Power and Authority; Subsidiaries 70
8.2 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Change 70
8.3 Chief Executive Office; Collateral Locations 70
8.4 Priority of Liens; Title to Properties 71
8.5 Tax Returns 71
8.6 Litigation 71
8.7 Compliance with Other Agreements and Applicable Laws 71
8.8 Bank Accounts 72
8.9 Environmental Compliance 72
8.10 Employee Benefits 72
8.11 Accuracy and Completeness of Information 73
8.12 Survival of Warranties; Cumulative 74
8.13 Sanctions Laws and Regulations 74
     
SECTION 9. AFFIRMATIVE AND NEGATIVE COVENANTS 74
     
9.1 Maintenance of Existence 74
9.2 New Collateral Locations 74
9.3 Compliance with Laws, Regulations, Etc 75
9.4 Payment of Taxes and Claims 76
9.5 Insurance 76
9.6 Financial Statements and Other Information 77
9.7 Sale of Assets, Consolidation, Merger, Dissolution, Etc 79
9.8 Encumbrances 79
9.9 Indebtedness 80
9.10 Loans, Investments, Guarantees, Etc 82
9.11 Dividends and Redemptions 85
9.12 Transactions with Affiliates 85
9.13 Additional Accounts 86
9.14 Compliance with ERISA; Canadian Pension Plans 86
9.15 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio 87
9.16 Costs and Expenses 87
9.17 Further Assurances 88
9.18 Sanction Laws and Regulations 88
9.19 Use of Proceeds 88
9.20 Formation of Subsidiaries 89
9.21 Post-Closing Obligations 89

 

  - ii -  
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

    Page
     
SECTION 10. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES 90
     
10.1 Events of Default 90
10.2 Remedies 92
     
SECTION 11. JURY TRIAL WAIVER; OTHER WAIVERS AND CONSENTS; GOVERNING LAW 93
     
11.1 Governing Law; Choice of Forum; Service of Process; Jury Trial Waiver; Judicial Reference 93
11.2 Waiver of Notices 94
11.3 Amendments and Waivers 95
11.4 Waiver of Counterclaims 96
11.5 Indemnification 96
     
SECTION 12. THE AGENT 97
     
12.1 Appointment; Powers and Immunities 97
12.2 Reliance By Agent 97
12.3 Events of Default 98
12.4 WFCF in its Individual Capacity 98
12.5 Indemnification 98
12.6 Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders 99
12.7 Failure to Act 99
12.8 Additional Loans 99
12.9 Concerning the Collateral and the Related Financing Agreements 100
12.10 Field Audits; Examination Reports and other Information; Disclaimer by Lenders 100
12.11 Collateral Matters 101
12.12 Agency for Perfection 103
12.13 Flood Laws 103
     
SECTION 13. TERM OF AGREEMENT; MISCELLANEOUS 103
     
13.1 Term 103
13.2 Notices 104
13.3 Partial Invalidity 104
13.4 Successors 104
13.5 Assignments and Participations 104
13.6 Participant’s Compensation 108
13.7 Confidentiality 108
13.8 Entire Agreement 108
13.9 Publicity 109
13.10 Effect of Amendment and Restatement; No Novation 109
13.11 Judgment Currency 109
13.12 Certain Tax Matters 110
13.13 Canadian Anti-Money Laundering Legislation 110

 

  - iii -  
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

    Page
     
13.14 Maximum Interest 110
     
SECTION 14. JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY; SURETYSHIP WAIVERS 111
     
14.1 Independent Obligations; Subrogation 111
14.2 Authority to Modify Obligations and Security 112
14.3 Waiver of Defenses 112
14.4 Exercise of Agent’s and Lenders’ Rights 113
14.5 Additional Waivers 113
14.6 Additional Indebtedness 113
14.7 Subordination 114
14.8 Revival 114
14.9 Understanding of Waivers 115
14.10 Keepwell 115

 

  - iv -  
 

 

FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

This Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of January 19, 2016, is entered into by and among the financial institutions from time to time parties hereto, whether by execution of an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement (as defined below) or this Agreement (each a “ Lender ” and collectively “ Lenders ”), WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ WFCF ”), as administrative and collateral agent for the Lenders (in such capacity “ Agent ”), Co-Lead Arranger, and Co-Bookrunner, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Co-Lead Arranger, Co-Bookrunner, and Syndication Agent (“ BofA ”), PCM, INC., a Delaware corporation (“ PCM ”), PCM SALES, INC., a California corporation (“ PCM Sales ”), PCM LOGISTICS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ PCM Logistics ”), PCMG, INC., a Delaware corporation (“ PCMG ”), M2 MARKETPLACE, INC., a Delaware corporation (“ M2 ”), ABREON, INC., a Delaware corporation (“ Abreon ”), MALL ACQUISITION SUB 5 INC., a Delaware corporation (“ Acquisition 5 ”), PCM BPO, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ PCM BPO ”), ONSALE HOLDINGS, INC., an Illinois corporation (“ Holdings ”), and EN POINTE TECHNOLOGIES SALES, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ En Pointe ”) (each a “ U.S. Borrower ” and collectively the “ U.S. Borrowers ”), and PCM SALES CANADA, INC., a Quebec corporation (“ PCM Sales Canada ”), and ACRODEX INC., an Alberta corporation (“ Acrodex ”) (each a “ Canadian Borrower ” and collectively the “ Canadian Borrowers ”; and the Canadian Borrowers and the U.S. Borrowers are each hereinafter referred to as a “ Borrower ”, and collectively, the “ Borrowers ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, Agent, the Lenders party thereto, and certain of the Borrowers previously have entered into that certain Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated March 22, 2013 (as heretofore amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Existing Loan Agreement ”); and

 

WHEREAS, the parties hereto have agreed to amend and restate in their entirety the agreements contained in the Existing Loan Agreement as amongst themselves; and

 

WHEREAS, as affiliated companies under the common ownership of PCM, the financial success of each Borrower is largely dependent on the financial success of the other Borrowers. Although certain of the Borrowers operate separate and distinct core businesses in designated geographical areas, administrative and other service functions are performed for all of the Borrowers under the auspices of PCM Logistics and all of the Borrowers are providing technology-related goods and services for the ultimate benefit of PCM and its shareholders. It would be extremely impractical and unfeasible for each U.S. Borrower and Canadian Borrower, respectively, to report separately its Eligible Accounts (as defined below) and Eligible Inventory (as defined below) and to receive separately the proceeds of advances based upon such Borrower’s Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory alone. Borrowers have therefore requested that Agent and Lenders make funds available to all U.S. Borrowers based upon all of their U.S. Eligible Accounts and U.S. Eligible Inventory and to all Canadian Borrowers based upon all of their Canadian Eligible Accounts and Canadian Eligible Inventory. All advances and credit

 

     
 

 

accommodations will thereby benefit all of the Borrowers by providing an available source of credit for all of the Borrowers, as needed, to fund their working capital needs; and

 

WHEREAS, each U.S. Lender is willing to agree (severally and not jointly) to make such loans and provide such financial accommodations to the U.S. Borrowers on a pro rata basis according to its U.S. Commitment (as defined below), and each Canadian Lender is willing to agree (severally and not jointly) to make such loans and provide such financial accommodations to the Canadian Borrowers on a pro rata basis according to its Canadian Commitment (as defined below), in each case, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, and Agent is willing to act as administrative and collateral agent for Lenders on the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the other Financing Agreements (as defined below); and

 

WHEREAS, each Borrower hereby restates, ratifies and reaffirms each and every term and condition set forth in the Existing Loan Agreement, as amended and restated hereby, and the other Financing Agreements effective as of the date hereof.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual conditions and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION .

 

All terms used herein which are defined in Article 1 or Article 9 of the California Uniform Commercial Code shall have the respective meanings given therein unless otherwise defined in this Agreement. Any terms used in this Agreement that are defined in the PPSA shall be construed and defined as set forth in the PPSA unless otherwise defined herein; provided , that to the extent that such term is defined differently in the PPSA and in the UCC, the definition of such term in the PPSA or the UCC shall govern, as the context requires. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any term defined in this Agreement by reference to the “UCC” or the “Uniform Commercial Code” shall also have any extended, alternative or analogous meaning given to such term in the PPSA, other applicable Canadian personal property security and other laws (including the Personal Property Security Act of each applicable province of Canada) in all cases for the extension, preservation or betterment of the security and rights of the Collateral, (ii) any references in this Agreement to “Article 8” shall be deemed to refer also to applicable Canadian securities transfer laws (including the Securities Transfer Act of each applicable province of Canada) (the “ STA ”) and applicable U.S. security transfer laws (including the Exchange Act), and (iii) all references in this Agreement to a financing statement, continuation statement, amendment or termination statement shall be deemed to refer to the analogous documents used under applicable United States or Canadian personal property security laws. All references to the plural herein shall also mean the singular and to the singular shall also mean the plural. All references to Agent, Lenders and Borrowers pursuant to the definitions set forth in the recitals hereto, or to any other person herein, shall include their respective successors and assigns. The words “hereof”, “herein”, “hereunder”, “this Agreement” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not any particular provision of this Agreement and as this Agreement now exists or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated or replaced. An Event of Default shall exist or continue or be continuing until such Event of

 

  2  
 

 

Default is waived in accordance with Section 11.3. Any accounting term used herein unless otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning customarily given to such term in accordance with GAAP. Any reference herein to “province” shall include the territories of Canada. Any reference to a provision of law or a regulation is a reference to that provision as amended or re-enacted and a reference to a statute includes all regulations, proclamations, ordinances and by laws issued under that statute and any law or regulation which varies, consolidates or replaces any of them. For purposes of any Collateral located in the province of Québec or charged by any deed of hypothec (or any other Financing Agreement) and for all other purposes pursuant to which the interpretation or construction of a Financing Agreement may be subject to the laws of the province of Québec or a court or tribunal exercising jurisdiction in the province of Québec, (p) “personal property” shall be deemed to include “movable property”, (q) “real property” shall be deemed to include “immovable property”, (r) “tangible property” shall be deemed to include “corporeal property”, (s) “intangible property” shall be deemed to include “incorporeal property”, (t) “security interest” and “mortgage” shall be deemed to include a “hypothec”, (u) all references to filing, registering or recording under the UCC or the PPSA shall be deemed to include publication under the Civil Code of Québec, (v) all references to “perfection” of or “perfected” Liens shall be deemed to include a reference to the “opposability” of such Liens to third parties, (w) any “right of offset”, “right of setoff” or similar expression shall be deemed to include a “right of compensation”, (x) “goods” shall be deemed to include “corporeal movable property” other than chattel paper, documents of title, instruments, money and securities, (y) an “agent” shall be deemed to include a “mandatary”, and (z) “joint and several” shall be deemed to include “solidary”. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings given to them below.

 

1.1 “ Accounts ” shall mean all present and future rights of Borrowers to payment for goods sold or leased or for services rendered, which are not evidenced by instruments or chattel paper, and whether or not earned by performance.

 

1.2 “ Adjacent Real Estate ” means the real estate commonly known as 1511 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404.

 

1.3 “ Affected Lender ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.7 hereof.

 

1.4 “ Affiliate ” shall mean, with respect to a specific Person, another Person that controls or is controlled by or is under common control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of Stock, by contract or otherwise; provided , however , that for purposes of the definition of Eligible Accounts and Section 9.12: (a) any Person which owns directly or indirectly 10% or more of the Stock having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other members of the governing body of a Person or 10% or more of the partnership or other ownership interests of a Person (other than as a limited partner of such Person) shall be deemed an Affiliate of such Person, (b) each director (or comparable manager) of a Person shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of such Person, and (c) each partnership in which a Person is a general partner shall be deemed an Affiliate of such Person.

 

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

 

1.6 “ Apple Computer ” shall mean Apple Inc. (formerly known as Apple Computer Inc.), a California corporation.

 

1.7 “ Apple Intercreditor Agreement ” shall mean that certain Amended and Restated Intercreditor and Release Agreement dated as of November 24, 2010 between Apple Computer and Agent, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated or replaced from time to time.

 

1.8 “ Applicable Margin ” shall mean, on a monthly basis, the percentage points set forth below based on the “average daily amount” of Excess Availability, as determined by Agent, during the immediately preceding calendar month (such average calculated using the amount of Excess Availability as of the end of each day during the immediately preceding month):

 

Pricing
Level
  Average
Excess
Availability
  Applicable
Margin
relative to
Eurodollar
Rate Loans
  Applicable
Margin
relative to
Prime Rate
Loans and
other
Obligations on
which interest
is payable
based on the
Prime Rate
  Applicable
Margin
relative to
CDOR Rate
Loans
  Applicable
Margin
relative to
Canadian Base
Rate Loans
and other
Obligations on
which interest
is payable
based on the
Canadian Base Rate
I   Less than $25,000,000   1.75%   0.00%   1.75%   0.00%
II   Greater than or equal to $25,000,000   1.50%   0.00%   1.50%   0.00%

 

; provided , however , that (i) from the date hereof until the end of the calendar month ending after the date hereof, the Applicable Margin shall be the percentage points specified for Pricing Level II as set forth in this definition; (ii) after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Applicable Margin shall be the percentage points specified for Pricing Level I as set forth in this definition; and (iii) if any borrowing base certificate delivered to Agent is subsequently determined to be incorrect in any material respect, Agent may increase the Applicable Margin retroactively to the beginning of the relevant month to the extent that such

 

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error caused the Applicable Margin to be different from the Applicable Margin that would have been in effect if the error was not made.

 

1.9 “ Appraised Liquidation Value ” shall mean, with respect to Eligible Inventory, the appraised value of such Eligible Inventory, expressed as a percentage of the Value thereof, as determined by Agent as of any date on an “orderly liquidation existing channel” basis, net of all estimated liquidation expenses, shrinkage and markdowns, pursuant to an appraisal conducted, at Borrowers’ expense, by an independent appraisal firm acceptable to Agent or, in the absence of such appraisal, such value as otherwise determined by Agent in its sole discretion.

 

1.10 “ Assignment and Acceptance ” shall mean an Assignment and Acceptance substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto delivered to Agent in connection with an assignment of a Lender’s interest hereunder in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.5 hereof.

 

1.11 “ Availability Reserves ” shall mean the U.S. Availability Reserves and/or the Canadian Availability Reserves, as the context requires.

 

1.12 “ Average 30 Day Excess Availability ” shall mean, for any date of determination, the average of the amount of Excess Availability as of the end of each day during the immediately preceding thirty (30) day period ending on and including such date of determination.

 

1.13 “ Bank Product Agreements ” means those agreements entered into from time to time by a Borrower with a Bank Product Provider in connection with the obtaining of any of the Bank Products.

 

1.14 “ Bank Product Provider ” shall mean any Lender or any of its Affiliates; provided , however , that no such Person shall constitute a Bank Product Provider with respect to a Bank Product unless and until Agent shall have received a Bank Product Provider Letter Agreement from such Person and with respect to the applicable Bank Product within 10 days after the provision of such Bank Product to the applicable Borrower.

 

1.15 “ Bank Product Provider Letter Agreement ” shall mean a letter agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Borrowers and Agent, duly executed by the applicable Bank Product Provider, Borrowers, and Agent.

 

1.16 “ Bank Products ” shall mean any one or more of the following financial products or accommodations extended to a Borrower by a Bank Product Provider: (a) credit cards (including commercial credit cards (including so-called “procurement cards” or “P-cards”)), (b) credit card processing services, (c) debit cards, (d) stored value cards, (e) Cash Management Services, (f) merchant processing services, or (g) Hedge Agreements if and to the extent permitted hereunder.

 

1.17 “ BIA ” shall mean the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) as amended from time to time (or any successor statute).

 

1.18 “ Blocked Account ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3 hereof.

 

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1.19 “ Borrowed Money ” shall mean, with respect to any Borrower or Obligor, without duplication, its (a) indebtedness that (i) arises from the lending of money by any Person to such Borrower or Obligor (other than indebtedness permitted under Section 9.9(e)), (ii) is evidenced by notes, drafts, bonds, debentures, credit documents or similar instruments, (iii) accrues interest or is a type upon which interest charges are customarily paid (excluding floor plan financing consistent with current practice and trade payables, in each case, owing in the ordinary course of business), or (iv) was issued or assumed as full or partial payment for Property (other than indebtedness permitted under Section 9.9(f)); (b) capital leases; (c) reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit; and (d) guaranties of any indebtedness of the foregoing types owing by another Person.

 

1.20 “ Business Day ” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which commercial banks are authorized or required to close under the laws of the State of New York or the State of California, and a day on which the Agent and each Lender are open for the transaction of business, except that (a) if a determination of a Business Day shall relate to any Eurodollar Rate Loans, the term Business Day shall also exclude any day on which banks are closed for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market or other applicable Eurodollar Rate market, and (b) if a determination of a Business Day shall relate to a Canadian Revolving Loan or Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation (including a request therefor), the term Business Day shall also exclude any day on which banks are authorized or required to close in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

 

1.21 “ Canadian Anti-Money Laundering & Anti-Terrorism Legislation ” shall mean Part II.I of the Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, The Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, S.C. 2000, c. 17 (“ Proceeds of Crime Act ”) and the United Nations Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.U-2 or any similar Canadian legislation, together with all rules, regulations and interpretations thereunder or related thereto including the Regulations Implementing the United Nations Resolutions on the Suppression of Terrorism and the United Nations Al-Qaida and Taliban Regulations promulgated under the United Nations Act.

 

1.22 “ Canadian Availability Reserves ” shall mean, as of any date of determination, such amounts as Agent may from time to time establish and revise in its commercially reasonable discretion reducing the amount of Canadian Revolving Loans and Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations which would otherwise be available to the Canadian Borrowers under the lending formula(s) provided for herein: (a) to reflect events, conditions, contingencies or risks which, as determined by Agent in good faith, do affect either (i) the Collateral of the Canadian Borrowers or any other property which is security for the Canadian Obligations or its value or (ii) the security interests and other rights of Agent in the Collateral of the Canadian Borrowers (including the enforceability, perfection and priority thereof), (b) to reflect Agent’s good faith belief that any collateral report or financial information furnished by or on behalf of any Canadian Borrower or any Obligor to any Canadian Lender is or may have been incomplete, inaccurate or misleading in any material respect, or (c) to reflect any state of facts which Agent determines in good faith constitutes or could constitute an Event of Default. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Agent may establish on the date hereof and maintain throughout the term of this Agreement (with requisite adjustments as required), and throughout any renewal term, Canadian Availability Reserves (i) for an amount equal to two (2) months (or one (1) month in the case of any location leased for 120 days or less) of the Canadian Borrowers’ gross

 

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rent and other obligations as lessee for each leased premises of the Canadian Borrowers which is either a warehouse location or is located in a jurisdiction where a landlord may be entitled to a priority lien on Collateral to secure unpaid rent and with respect to each such property the landlord has not executed a form of waiver and consent acceptable to Agent, (ii) for an amount equal to the greater of the Value of the Inventory of the Canadian Borrowers subject to the security interest of any Persons who hold a security interest prior to Agent in the sale proceeds of such Inventory, unless and until those Persons have released or subordinated their security interests against the Canadian Borrowers in a manner satisfactory to Agent, or the sum of the Canadian Borrowers’ payables and accrued payables to such other Persons, (iii) for Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations as provided in Section 2.3(c) hereof and without duplication of Section 2.3(c), (iv) for obligations, liabilities or indebtedness (contingent or otherwise) of Canadian Borrowers to Agent or any Bank Product Provider arising under or in connection with any Bank Products or as such Affiliate or Person may otherwise require in connection therewith to the extent that such obligations, liabilities or indebtedness constitute Canadian Obligations as such term is defined herein or otherwise receive the benefit of the security interest of Agent in any Collateral, and (v) for Canadian Priority Payables.

 

1.23 “ Canadian Base Rate ” shall mean, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greater of (a) the CDOR Rate existing on such day (which rate shall be calculated based upon an Interest Period of 1 month), plus 1 percentage point, and (b) the “prime rate” for Canadian Dollar commercial loans made in Canada as reported by Thomson Reuters under Reuters Instrument Code <CAPRIME=> on the “CA Prime Rate (Domestic Interest Rate) – Composite Display” page (or any successor page or such other commercially available service or source (including the Canadian Dollar “prime rate” announced by a Schedule I bank under the Bank Act (Canada)) as the Agent may designate from time to time). Each determination of the Canadian Base Rate shall be made by the Agent and shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. When interest is determined in relation to the Canadian Base Rate, each change in the interest rate shall become effective each Business Day that Agent determines that the Canadian Base Rate has changed.

 

1.24 “ Canadian Base Rate Loans ” shall mean, any Loans or portion thereof on which interest is payable based on the Canadian Base Rate in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

1.25 “ Canadian Commitment ” shall mean as to any Canadian Lender, the Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment of such Lender.

 

1.26 “ Canadian Defined Benefit Pension Plan ” shall mean a Canadian Pension Plan which contains a “defined benefit provision,” as defined in subsection 147.1(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

 

1.27 “ Canadian Dollar Equivalent ” shall mean, at any time, with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the equivalent amount thereof in Canadian Dollars as determined by Agent at such time on the basis of the Spot Rate (determined in respect of the most recent Revaluation Date or such other date as determined by Agent) for the purchase of Canadian Dollars with Dollars.

 

1.28 “ Canadian Dollars ” or “ C$ ” shall mean Canadian dollars.

 

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1.29 “ Canadian Eligible Accounts ” shall mean Eligible Accounts of the Canadian Borrowers.

 

1.30 “ Canadian Eligible Inventory ” shall mean Eligible Inventory of the Canadian Borrowers.

 

1.31 “ Canadian Guarantee ” shall mean a Guarantee, dated as of even date with this Agreement or as delivered pursuant to Section 9.17, Section 9.20 or otherwise under this Agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, executed and delivered by each Canadian Borrower and Canadian Obligor to Agent.

 

1.32 “ Canadian Inventory Sublimit ” shall mean an amount equal to C$15,000,000.

 

1.33 “ Canadian Lenders ” shall mean each of and collectively those Lenders making Canadian Revolving Loans or providing Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations and their respective successors and assigns; sometimes being referred to herein individually as a “Canadian Lender”. Each Canadian Lender shall also be a U.S. Lender or an Affiliate or branch of a U.S. Lender.

 

1.34 “ Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations ” shall mean the letters of credit, merchandise purchase or other guaranties which are from time to time either (a) issued, opened or provided (including any amendment, extension, increase or renewal thereof) by Agent or any Lender for the account of any Canadian Borrower or (b) with respect to which Agent on behalf of Canadian Lenders has agreed to indemnify the issuer or guaranteed to the issuer the performance by any Canadian Borrower of its obligations to such issuer.

 

1.35 “ Canadian Maximum Credit ” shall mean, with reference to the Canadian Revolving Loans and the Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations, the amount of C$40,000,000.

 

1.36 “ Canadian Obligations ” shall mean the Obligations of the Canadian Borrowers and the Canadian Obligors.

 

1.37 “ Canadian Obligors ” shall mean each of, and collectively, the Obligors incorporated or organized under the laws of Canada or any territory or province thereof.

 

1.38 “ Canadian Payment Account ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3 hereof.

 

1.39 “ Canadian Pension Plans ” shall mean each “registered pension plan” (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) that is maintained or contributed to by a Borrower or an Obligor for its employees or former employees in Canada but for greater certainty does not include the Canada Pension Plan or the Québec Pension Plan as maintained by the Government of Canada or the Province of Québec, respectively, nor does it include the proposed pension plan under the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan Act , 2015.

 

1.40 “ Canadian Priority Payables ” shall mean, at any time, with respect to the Canadian Borrowing Base:

 

  8  
 

 

(a) the amount due on or prior to the date as of which the Canadian Borrowing Base is to be determined and remaining unpaid at the time of determination by any Canadian Borrower or Canadian Obligor (or any other Person for which any Canadian Borrower or Canadian Obligor has joint and several liability), for which each Canadian Borrower or Canadian Obligor has an obligation to remit to a Governmental Authority or other Person pursuant to any applicable law, rule or regulation, in respect of (i) pension fund obligations including wind-up deficiencies (whether or not due or currently remittable), including on, and/or before, any wind-up or termination of any Canadian Defined Benefit Pension Plan, and employee and employer pension plan contributions (including “normal cost,” “special payments” and any other payments in respect of any funding deficiency or shortfall), (ii) employment insurance, (iii) goods and services taxes, sales taxes, employee income taxes, excise tax and other taxes payable or to be remitted or withheld, (iv) workers’ compensation, (v) wages, salaries, commission or compensation, including vacation pay; including, as provided for under the Wage Earners Protection Program Act (Canada), and (vi) other like charges and demands; in each case in respect of which any Governmental Authority or other Person may claim a security interest, hypothecation, prior claim, trust, deemed trust or other claim or Lien ranking or capable of ranking in priority to or pari passu with one or more of the Liens granted pursuant to this Agreement and the Canadian Security Documents; and

 

(b) the aggregate amount due on or prior to the date as of which the Canadian Borrowing Base is to be determined and remaining unpaid at the time of determination of any other liabilities of the Canadian Borrower or Canadian Obligor (or any other Person for which the Canadian Borrower and Canadian Obligors have joint and several liability) (i) in respect of which a trust has been or may be imposed on Collateral of any Canadian Borrower or Canadian Obligor to provide for payment or (ii) which are secured by a security interest, hypothecation, prior claim, pledge, charge, right, or claim or other Lien on any Collateral of any Canadian Borrower or Canadian Obligor, in each case pursuant to any applicable law, rule or regulation and which trust, security interest, hypothecation, prior claim, pledge, charge, right, claim or other Lien ranks or is capable of ranking in priority to or pari passu with one or more of the Liens granted in this Agreement and the Canadian Security Documents.

 

1.41 “ Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment ” shall mean, at any time, as to each Canadian Lender, the principal amount set forth below such Canadian Lender’s signature on the signature pages hereto designated as the Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment or on Schedule 1 to the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Canadian Lender became a Canadian Lender hereunder in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.5 hereof, as the same may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof; sometimes being collectively referred to herein as “Canadian Revolving Loan Commitments.”

 

1.42 “ Canadian Revolving Loans ” shall mean the loans now or hereafter made by or on behalf of any Canadian Lender or by Agent for the ratable account of any Canadian Lender, to or for the benefit of Canadian Borrowers on a revolving basis (involving advances, repayments and readvances) as set forth in Section 2.1(b) hereof.

 

1.43 “ Canadian Security Agreement ” shall mean each of a general security agreement and/or deed of hypothec, dated as of even date with this Agreement or as delivered pursuant to Section 9.17, Section 9.20 or otherwise under this Agreement, in form and substance reasonably

 

  9  
 

 

satisfactory to Agent, executed and delivered by each Canadian Borrower and Canadian Obligor to Agent.

 

1.44 “ Canadian Security Documents ” shall mean, collectively, each Canadian Guarantee and each Canadian Security Agreement.

 

1.45 “ Canadian Subsidiary ” shall mean a Subsidiary of PCM incorporated or organized under the laws of Canada or any territory or province thereof.

 

1.46 “ Capital Expenditures ” shall mean, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures by such Person and its subsidiaries during such period that are capital expenditures as determined in accordance with GAAP, whether such expenditures are paid in cash or financed; provided , however , that Capital Expenditures for any Borrower shall not include the following:

 

(a) expenditures of proceeds of insurance settlements, condemnation awards and other settlements in respect of lost, destroyed, damaged or condemned assets, equipment or other property to the extent such expenditures are made to replace or repair such lost, destroyed, damaged or condemned assets, equipment or other property or otherwise to acquire, maintain, develop, construct, improve, upgrade or repair assets or properties useful in the business of any Borrower;

 

(b) unfinanced expenditures (including the purchase price of equipment and building improvements) incurred prior to June 30, 2012 relating to the property located at 1940 E. Mariposa Avenue, El Segundo, CA, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $3,500,000;

 

(c) unfinanced expenditures (including the purchase price of equipment and building improvements) relating to the properties listed on Schedule 9.10 in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2,000,000 in any twelve-month period or $4,000,000 in the aggregate for all such properties;

 

(d) unfinanced expenditures (including the purchase price of equipment and building improvements) incurred during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 relating to the ERP upgrade and the New Albany data center build out;

 

(e) expenditures that are accounted for as capital expenditures of such person and that actually are paid for by a third party (excluding any Borrower) and for which no Borrower has provided or is required to provide or incur, directly or indirectly, any consideration or obligation to such third party or any other person (whether before, during or after such period);

 

(f) the book value of any asset owned by such person prior to or during such period to the extent that such book value is included as a capital expenditure during such period as a result of such person reusing or beginning to reuse such asset during such period without a corresponding expenditure actually having been made in such period; provided that (i) any expenditure necessary in

 

  10  
 

 

order to permit such asset to be reused shall be included as a Capital Expenditure during the period that such expenditure actually is made and (ii) such book value shall have been included in Capital Expenditures when such asset was originally acquired;

 

(g) the purchase price of equipment purchased during such period to the extent the consideration therefor consists of any combination of (i) used or surplus equipment traded in at the time of such purchase and (ii) the proceeds of a concurrent sale of used or surplus equipment, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

 

(h) expenditures to the extent they are financed with the proceeds of a disposition of used, obsolete, worn out or surplus equipment or property in the ordinary course of business;

 

(i) any expenditure made solely with the proceeds of an issuance of equity interests of PCM after the date hereof;

 

(j) the purchase price of real estate acquisitions and investments permitted under this Agreement (including the committed financed portion of the purchase price for the properties listed on Schedule 9.10), together with any acquisition costs and transaction costs incurred in connection with such acquisitions and investments, and expenditures (including the purchase price of equipment and building improvements) relating to such real estate, in each case, solely to the extent made utilizing financing provided by the applicable seller or third party lender(s);

 

(k) the purchase price of real estate acquisitions and investments permitted under this Agreement, together with any acquisition costs and transaction costs incurred in connection with such acquisitions and investments, and expenditures (including the purchase price of equipment and building improvements) relating to such real estate, in each case, solely to the extent made from identifiable net proceeds of the sale or refinance of the Real Estate within 180 days of receipt by Borrowers of the net proceeds thereof; and

 

(l) unfinanced expenditures (including the purchase price of equipment and building improvements) incurred during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015 relating to the ERP upgrade in an aggregate amount not to exceed $4,000,000.

 

1.47 “ Cash Management Services ” shall mean any cash management or related services including treasury, depository, return items, overdraft, controlled disbursement, merchant store value cards, e-payables services, electronic funds transfer, interstate depository network, automatic clearing house transfer (including the Automated Clearing House processing of electronic funds transfers through the direct Federal Reserve Fedline system) and other customary cash management arrangements.

 

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1.48 “ CCAA ” shall mean the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) as amended from time to time (or any successor statute).

 

1.49 “ CDOR Rate ” shall mean the average rate per annum as reported on the Reuters Screen CDOR Page (or any successor page or such other page or commercially available service displaying Canadian interbank bid rates for Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances as the Agent may designate from time to time, or if no such substitute service is available, the rate quoted by a Schedule I bank under the Bank Act (Canada) selected by the Agent at which such bank is offering to purchase Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances) as of 10:00 a.m. Eastern (Toronto) time on the date of commencement of the requested Interest Period, for a term, and in an amount, comparable to the Interest Period and the amount of the CDOR Rate Loan requested (whether as an initial CDOR Rate Loan or as a continuation of a CDOR Rate Loan or as a conversion of a Canadian Base Rate Loan to a CDOR Rate Loan) by the Canadian Borrowers in accordance with this Agreement (and, if any such reported rate is below zero, then the rate determined pursuant to the foregoing shall be deemed to be zero). Each determination of the CDOR Rate shall be made by the Agent and shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

 

1.50 “ CDOR Rate Deadline ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b)(ii).

 

1.51 “ CDOR Rate Loan ” shall mean any Loans or portion thereof on which interest is payable based on the CDOR Rate in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

1.52 “ CDOR Rate Notice ” shall mean the CDOR Rate Notice attached hereto as Exhibit D.

 

1.53 “ CDOR Rate Option ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b)(i).

 

1.54 “ Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as the same now exists or may from time to time hereafter be amended, modified, recodified or supplemented, together with all rules, regulations and interpretations thereunder or related thereto.

 

1.55 “ Collab9 ” shall mean Collab9, Inc., a Delaware corporation (formerly known as En Pointe Technologies Sales, Inc.).

 

1.56 “ Collateral ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5 hereof.

 

1.57 “ Commitments ” shall mean, with respect to each Lender, its U.S. Commitment and/or Canadian Commitment, as the context requires.

 

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

 

1.59 “ Compliance Certificate ” shall mean a certificate, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, by which, among other things, Borrowers certify compliance with Section 9.15.

 

1.60 “ Credit Card Issuer ” shall mean any person who issues or whose members issue credit cards used by customers of any Borrower to purchase goods, including, without limitation,

 

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MasterCard or VISA bank credit or debit cards or other bank credit or debit cards, and American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Carte Blanche, and other non-bank credit or debit cards.

 

1.61 “ Credit Card/Check Processor ” shall mean any servicing or processing agent or any factor or financial intermediary who facilities, services, processes, collects, guarantees or manages the credit authorization, billing transfer and/or payment from a Credit Card Issuer or on a check and other procedures with respect to any sales transactions of any Borrower involving credit card, debit card or check purchases by customers.

 

1.62 “ Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables ” shall mean all Accounts consisting of the present and future rights of any Borrower to payment by Credit Card Issuers or Credit Card/Check Processors for merchandise sold and delivered to customers of such Borrower who have purchased such goods using a credit card, debit card or check.

 

1.63 “ Defaulting Lender ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.10(d) hereof.

 

1.64 “ Designated Persons ” shall mean a person or entity: (i) listed in the annex to, or otherwise the subject of the provisions of, any Executive Order; (ii) named as a “Specially Designated National and Blocked Person” (“ SDN ”) on the most current list published by OFAC at its official website or any replacement website or other replacement official publication of such list; or is otherwise the subject of any Sanctions Laws and Regulations, (iii) in which an entity or person on the SDN List has 50% or greater ownership interest or that is otherwise controlled by an SDN, or (iv) that is a Sanctioned Person.

 

1.65 “ Dollar Equivalent ” shall mean, at any time, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, such amount, and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in another currency, the equivalent amount thereof in Dollars as determined by Agent, at such time on the basis of the Spot Rate (determined in respect of the most recent Revaluation Date or such other date determined by Agent) for the purchase of Dollars with such currency.

 

1.66 “ Dollars ” or “ $ ” or “ U.S. Dollars ” means United States dollars.

 

1.67 “ EBITDA ” means, with respect to any fiscal period, the result of (in each case, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP):

 

(a) Borrowers’ and their subsidiaries’ consolidated net earnings (or loss), minus

 

(b) to the extent included in the calculation of Borrowers’ and their subsidiaries’ consolidated net earnings (or loss), the sum of: (i) extraordinary gains, (ii) non-cash gains on account of sales of assets, and (iii) interest income, plus

 

(c) to the extent deducted in the calculation of Borrowers’ and their subsidiaries’ consolidated net earnings (or loss), the sum of: (i) non-cash losses including without limitation the writeoff of goodwill and other intangible assets, (ii) non-cash losses on account of sales of assets, (iii) non-cash stock based compensation expense, (iv) interest expense, (v) income taxes, and (vi) depreciation and amortization for such period.

 

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1.68 “ Eligible Accounts ” shall mean Accounts created by Borrowers which are and continue to be acceptable to Agent based on the criteria set forth below. In general, Accounts shall be Eligible Accounts if:

 

(a) such Accounts arise from the actual and bona fide sale and delivery of goods by Borrowers or rendition of services by Borrowers in the ordinary course of their business which transactions are completed in accordance with the terms and provisions contained in any documents related thereto;

 

(b) in the case of Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables, such Accounts are owing to a U.S. Borrower and are not unpaid more than five (5) days after the date of the original invoice for them, and in the case of all other Accounts, such Accounts are not unpaid more than one hundred twenty (120) (or, on a case-by-case basis in Agent’s sole discretion for Accounts not to exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate, one hundred eighty (180)) days after the date of the original invoice for them and are not unpaid more than sixty (60) days after the original due date for them;

 

(c) such Accounts comply with the terms and conditions contained in Section 7.2(d) of this Agreement, and in the case of Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables, Agent shall have received a direction letter duly executed and delivered by the Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card/Check Processor with respect thereto in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent;

 

(d) such Accounts do not arise from sales on consignment, guaranteed sale, sale and return, sale on approval, or other terms under which payment by the account debtor may be conditional or contingent (except for returns made in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with Borrowers’ present practices);

 

(e) the chief executive office of the account debtor with respect to such Accounts is located in the United States of America or Canada, or, at Agent’s option, if the chief executive office of the account debtor with respect to such Accounts is located other than in the United States of America or Canada, then if either: (i) the account debtor has delivered to the Borrowers an irrevocable letter of credit issued or confirmed by a bank satisfactory to Agent and payable only in the United States of America or Canada and in U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars, sufficient to cover such Account, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent and, if required by Agent, the original of such letter of credit has been delivered to Agent or Agent’s agent and the issuer thereof notified of the assignment of the proceeds of such letter of credit to Agent, or (ii) such Account is subject to credit insurance payable to Agent issued by an insurer and on terms and in an amount acceptable to Agent, or (iii) such Account is otherwise acceptable in all respects to Agent (subject to such lending formula with respect thereto as Agent may determine);

 

(f) such Accounts do not consist of progress billings (such that the obligation of the account debtors with respect to such Accounts is conditioned upon a Borrower’s satisfactory completion of any further performance under the agreement giving rise thereto), bill and hold invoices or retainage invoices, except as to bill and hold invoices, if Agent shall have received an agreement in writing from the account debtor, in form and substance satisfactory to

 

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Agent, confirming the unconditional obligation of the account debtor to take the goods related thereto and pay such invoice;

 

(g) the account debtor with respect to such Accounts has not asserted a counterclaim, defense or dispute and does not have, and does not engage in transactions which may give rise to, any right of setoff against such Accounts (but the portion of the Accounts of such account debtor in excess of the amount at any time and from time to time owed by any Borrower to such account debtor or claimed owed by such account debtor may be deemed Eligible Accounts);

 

(h) there are no facts, events or occurrences which would impair the validity, enforceability or collectability of such Accounts (other than the collectability of such Accounts by Agent by virtue of the Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended or any similar state or local law, if applicable), or reduce the amount payable or delay payment thereunder;

 

(i) such Accounts are subject to the first priority, valid and perfected security interest of Agent and any goods giving rise thereto are not, and were not at the time of the sale thereof, subject to any liens except those permitted in this Agreement;

 

(j) neither the account debtor nor any officer or employee of the account debtor with respect to such Accounts is an officer, employee or agent of or affiliated with any Borrower directly or indirectly by virtue of family membership, ownership, control, management or otherwise;

 

(k) there are no proceedings or actions which are threatened or pending against the account debtors with respect to such Accounts which might result in any material adverse change in any such account debtor’s financial condition;

 

(l) such Accounts of a single account debtor or its affiliates do not constitute more than fifteen percent (15%) of all otherwise Eligible Accounts (but the portion of the Accounts not in excess of such percentage may be deemed Eligible Accounts);

 

(m) such Accounts are not owed by an account debtor for which more than 50% of the Accounts owing from such account debtor are ineligible pursuant to clause (b) above.

 

(n) such Accounts are not owed by consumers (other than Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables);

 

(o) if a bankruptcy petition or proposal is filed by or against any Borrower, and without limiting Agent’s or any Lender’s rights and remedies upon such filing, such Accounts are not generated from the sale of Inventory subject to the security interest of IBM Credit Corporation;

 

(p) such Accounts are owed by account debtors deemed creditworthy at all times by Agent, as determined by Agent in its commercially reasonable discretion;

 

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(q) such Accounts are owed in Dollars in the case of Accounts owing to U.S. Borrowers or Canadian Dollars or Dollars in the case of Accounts owing to Canadian Borrowers; and

 

(r) to the extent such Accounts are owed by the United States of America, any State, political subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, with respect to which Borrowers have not fully complied with the Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended, or any similar state or local law, if applicable, such Accounts: (i) do not constitute more than forty percent (40%) of all otherwise Eligible Accounts (but the portion of such Accounts not in excess of such percentage may be deemed Eligible Accounts); (ii) are reported separately from all other Accounts on the applicable borrowing base certificate delivered by Borrowers to Agent; and (iii) do not relate to any single contract (other than GSA Schedule, the Social Security Administration, NASA SEWP 3, NASA SEWP 4, NIH ECS-3, Library of Congress and any future contracts entered into by PCMG that may be similar in scope, duration, and have similar terms and conditions as such foregoing contracts) where the consideration to be paid to Borrowers under such contract is greater than $2,500,000 and the term or duration of such contract is greater than one (1) year, unless Borrowers have given Agent separate written notice of such contract (it being understood that Agent, in its sole discretion, may require Borrowers to comply with the Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended, or any similar state or local law, with respect to any such contract which Borrowers are required to give Agent notice of); and

 

(s) such Accounts are not Accounts owed by Canada, any province, political subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, unless Borrowers have fully complied with the Financial Administrations Act (Canada), as amended, or any similar provincial or local law, if applicable (to the Agent’s satisfaction).

 

Any Accounts which are not Eligible Accounts shall nevertheless be part of the Collateral.

 

1.69 “ Eligible Adjacent Real Estate ” shall mean the Adjacent Real Estate, so long as it is acceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion based on the criteria set forth below. In general, the Adjacent Real Estate shall not be Eligible Adjacent Real Estate unless: (a) it is owned by a U.S. Borrower; (b) Agent has received an appraisal report in form, scope and substance satisfactory to Agent and by an appraiser acceptable to Agent; (c) Agent is satisfied that all actions necessary or desirable in order to create a perfected first priority lien on such real property have been taken, including, the filing and recording of a deed of trust in form and substance satisfactory to Agent; (d) Agent shall have received an environmental assessment report, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, with respect to such real property, the results of which are satisfactory to Agent; (e) such real property is adequately protected by fully-paid valid title insurance with endorsements and in amounts acceptable to Agent, insuring that Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, shall have a perfected first priority lien on such real property, evidence of which shall have been provided in form and substance satisfactory to Agent; and (f) Agent shall have received a letter of opinion with respect to the enforceability and perfection of the deed of trust and any related fixture filings with respect to such real property, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent.

 

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1.70 “ Eligible Adjacent Real Estate Sublimit ” means $1,653,000; provided , however , that beginning on January 1, 2016, and on the first day of each calendar month thereafter, the Eligible Adjacent Real Estate Sublimit shall be reduced by $21,750.

 

1.71 “ Eligible Inventory ” shall mean Inventory consisting of finished goods held for resale in the ordinary course of the business of Borrowers which are located at Borrowers’ warehouse location(s) or retail store(s) and which are acceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion based on the criteria set forth below. In general, Eligible Inventory shall not include (a) raw materials or work-in-process; (b) components which are not part of finished goods; (c) spare parts for equipment (it being understood that parts held for sale in their then current condition shall not be deemed spare parts for these purposes); (d) packaging and shipping materials; (e) supplies and fixed assets used or consumed in Borrowers’ business; (f) Inventory at premises other than those owned or controlled by Borrowers, except if Agent shall have received an agreement in writing from the person in possession of such Inventory in form and substance satisfactory to Agent acknowledging Agent’s priority security interest in the Inventory, waiving security interests and claims by such person against the Inventory and permitting Agent access to, and the right to remain on, the premises so as to exercise Agent’s rights and remedies and otherwise deal with the Collateral; (g) Inventory of the Borrowers not located in the United States or Canada, or Inventory in transit, unless such Inventory is (A) in-transit Inventory of the U.S. Borrowers provided by Apple Computer and not subject to the reclamation rights of Apple Computer under Section 2.2(a) of the Apple Intercreditor Agreement or (B) in transit to one of Borrowers’ retail stores or warehouse locations under a Letter of Credit Accommodation hereunder, and the bill of lading covering such Inventory names Agent as consignee and otherwise contains terms acceptable to Agent, and all originals of such bill of lading are in the possession of Agent or another bailee acceptable to Agent; (h) Inventory subject to a security interest or lien in favor of any person other than Agent except those permitted in this Agreement; (i) bill and hold goods; (j) unserviceable or obsolete Inventory; (k) Inventory which is not subject to the valid and perfected security interest of Agent, for itself and the ratable benefit of Secured Parties; (l) returned (except for closed box returns), damaged and/or defective Inventory; (m) Inventory purchased or sold on consignment; (n) Inventory located at service centers; (o) software, books, magazines, manuals, videos and similar Inventory; (p) Inventory purchased under a Letter of Credit Accommodation that is outstanding as contemplated in Section 2.2(c)(i) or 2.3(c)(i) hereof; and (q) Inventory subject to the perfected security interest of IBM Credit Corporation or Hewlett-Packard Company or Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Company; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) Inventory of a U.S. Borrower that is subject to the perfected security interest of Hewlett-Packard Company may, if otherwise eligible pursuant to the terms hereof, constitute Eligible Inventory to the extent the Value of such Inventory exceeds the then existing accounts payable from Borrowers to Hewlett-Packard Company and its Affiliates, and (ii) Inventory of a U.S. Borrower that is subject to the perfected security interest of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Company may, if otherwise eligible pursuant to the terms hereof, constitute Eligible Inventory to the extent the Value of such Inventory exceeds the then existing accounts payable from Borrowers to Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Company and its Affiliates; provided, however, that such Inventory subject to a security interest of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Company shall, at all times after 30 days after the date hereof, not constitute Eligible Inventory hereunder unless Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Company enters into an intercreditor agreement with Agent in form and substance substantially similar to the intercreditor agreement

 

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entered into between Agent and Hewlett-Packard Company. Any Inventory which is not Eligible Inventory shall nevertheless be part of the Collateral.

 

1.72 “ Eligible Real Estate ” shall mean the Real Estate, so long as it is acceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion based on the criteria set forth below. In general, the Real Estate shall not be Eligible Real Estate unless: (a) it is owned by a U.S. Borrower; (b) Agent has received an appraisal report in form, scope and substance satisfactory to Agent and by an appraiser acceptable to Agent; (c) Agent is satisfied that all actions necessary or desirable in order to create a perfected first priority lien on such real property have been taken, including, the filing and recording of a deed of trust in form and substance satisfactory to Agent; (d) Agent shall have received an environmental assessment report, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, with respect to such real property, the results of which are satisfactory to Agent; (e) such real property is adequately protected by fully-paid valid title insurance with endorsements and in amounts acceptable to Agent, insuring that Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, shall have a perfected first priority lien on such real property, evidence of which shall have been provided in form and substance satisfactory to Agent; and (f) Agent shall have received a letter of opinion with respect to the enforceability and perfection of the deed of trust and any related fixture filings with respect to such real property, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent.

 

1.73 “ Eligible Real Estate Sublimit ” means $9,848,333; provided , however , that beginning on January 1, 2016, and on the first day of each calendar month thereafter, the Eligible Real Estate Sublimit shall be reduced by $129,583.33.

 

1.74 “ Eligible Transferee ” shall mean (a) any affiliate of a Lender; (b) any other commercial bank or other financial institution and (c) any “accredited investor” (as defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933) approved by Agent, and except as otherwise provided in Section 13.5 hereof, as to any such other commercial bank or other financial institution or any such accredited investor, as approved by Borrowers, such approval of Borrowers not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed and such approval to be deemed given by Borrowers if no objection from Borrowers is received within ten (10) Business Days after written notice of such proposed assignment has been provided by Agent; provided , that , neither any Borrower nor any affiliate of any Borrower shall qualify as an Eligible Transferee.

 

1.75 “ Environmental Laws ” shall mean all foreign, U.S. and Canadian Federal, state, provincial and local laws (including common law), legislation, rules, codes, licenses, permits (including any conditions imposed therein), authorizations, judicial or administrative decisions, injunctions or agreements between any Borrower and any Governmental Authority, (a) relating to pollution and the protection, preservation or restoration of the environment (including air, water vapor, surface water, ground water, drinking water, drinking water supply, surface land, subsurface land, plant and animal life or any other natural resource), or to human health or safety, (b) relating to the exposure to, or the use, storage, recycling, treatment, generation, manufacture, processing, distribution, transportation, handling, labeling, production, release or disposal, or threatened release, of Hazardous Materials, or (c) relating to all laws with regard to recordkeeping, notification, disclosure and reporting requirements respecting Hazardous Materials. The term “Environmental Laws” includes, without limitation, (i) the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, the Federal

 

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Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, the Federal Clean Water Act, the Federal Clean Air Act, the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (including the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments thereto), the Federal Solid Waste Disposal and the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the Environmental Protection Act (Canada) and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, (ii) applicable state counterparts to such laws, and (iii) any common law or equitable doctrine that may impose liability or obligations for injuries or damages due to, or threatened as a result of, the presence of or exposure to any Hazardous Materials.

 

1.76 “ Equipment ” shall mean all of Borrowers’ now owned and hereafter acquired equipment, machinery, computers and computer hardware and software (whether owned or licensed), vehicles, tools, furniture, fixtures, all attachments, accessions and property now or hereafter affixed thereto or used in connection therewith, and substitutions and replacements thereof, wherever located.

 

1.77 “ ERISA ” shall mean the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as the same now exists or may hereafter from time to time be amended, modified, recodified or supplemented, together with all rules, regulations and interpretations thereunder or related thereto.

 

1.78 “ ERISA Affiliate ” shall mean any person required to be aggregated with any Borrower or any of its affiliates under Sections 414(b), 414(c), 414(m) or 414(o) of the Code.

 

1.79 “ Eurodollar Rate ” means, for any day, the rate per annum for United States dollar deposits determined by Agent for the purpose of calculating the effective Interest Rate for loans that reference the Eurodollar Rate as the rate per annum as reported on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 page (or any successor page) in effect from time to time for the one month delivery of funds in amounts approximately equal to the principal amount of such loans (and, if any such rate is below zero, the Eurodollar Rate shall be deemed to be zero). Borrowers understand and agree that Agent may base its determination of such rate upon such offers or other market indicators of such rate as Agent in its discretion deems appropriate. When interest is determined in relation to the Eurodollar Rate, each change in the interest rate shall become effective each Business Day that Agent determines that the Eurodollar Rate has changed.

 

1.80 “ Eurodollar Rate Loans ” shall mean any U.S. Revolving Loans or portion thereof on which interest is payable based on the Eurodollar Rate in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

1.81 “ Event of Default ” shall mean the occurrence or existence of any event or condition described in Section 10.1 hereof.

 

1.82 “ Excess Availability ” shall mean the amount, as determined by Agent, calculated at any time, equal to:

 

(a) the lesser of (i) the amount of the U.S. Revolving Loans available to the U.S. Borrowers and Canadian Revolving Loans available to the Canadian Borrowers (but not to exceed $2,500,000 in the case of Canadian Revolving Loans), in each case, as of such time (based on the applicable advance rates set forth in Section 2.1(a) and (b) hereof), subject to the

 

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sublimits and Availability Reserves from time to time established by Agent hereunder, and (ii) the Maximum Credit, minus

 

(b) the amount of all then outstanding and unpaid Obligations.

 

provided , however , that : solely for the purposes of determining (1) the Applicable Margin, to the extent the amount set forth in clause (a)(i) above exceeds the amount set forth in clause (a)(ii) above at any time, the Excess Availability as of such time shall be increased by up to Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) of the difference between those two (2) amounts; and (2) whether a FCCR Triggering Event has occurred (other than under clause (c) of the definition thereof), to the extent the amount set forth in clause (a)(i) above exceeds the amount set forth in clause (a)(ii) above at any time, the Excess Availability as of such time shall be increased by the difference between those two (2) amounts.

 

1.83 “ Excess Availability Threshold ” shall mean an amount equal to $15,000,000.

 

1.84 “ Excluded Swap Obligation ” means, with respect to any Borrower or Obligor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the guaranty of such Borrower or Obligor of, or the grant by such Borrower or Obligor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any guaranty thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Borrower’s or Obligor’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder at the time the guaranty of such Borrower or Obligor or the grant of such security interest becomes effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such guaranty or security interest is or becomes illegal.

 

1.85 “ Excluded Taxes ” shall mean (i) any tax imposed on the net income or net profits (including any branch profits taxes) of, or any Canadian capital tax of, the Agent, any Lender or any Transferee (each a “ Recipient ”), in each case imposed by: (A) the jurisdiction (or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof) in which such Recipient is organized, the jurisdiction (or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof) in which such Recipient’s principal office or applicable lending office is located, or (B) a jurisdiction with which such Recipient has a present or former connection (other than any such connection arising solely from such Recipient having executed, delivered or performed its obligations or received payment under, or enforced its rights or remedies under this Agreement or any other Financing Agreement); (ii) taxes resulting from a Recipient’s failure to comply with the requirements of Section 6.5 of this Agreement; (iii) any United States federal withholding taxes that would be imposed on amounts payable to a Non-U.S. Lender based upon the applicable withholding rate in effect at the time such Non-U.S. Lender becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new lending office), except that Excluded Taxes shall not include (A) any amount that such Non-U.S. Lender (or its assignor, if any) was previously entitled to receive pursuant to Section 6.5 of this Agreement, if any, with respect to such withholding tax at the time such Non-U.S. Lender becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new lending office), and (B) additional United States federal withholding taxes that may be imposed after the time such Non-U.S.

 

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Lender becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new lending office), as a result of a change in law, rule, regulation, order or other decision with respect to any of the foregoing by any Governmental Authority, (iv) any United States federal withholding taxes imposed under FATCA, (v) any taxes imposed on a payment by or on account of any obligation of a Borrower or Obligor (each, a “ Loan Party ”) hereunder: (A) to a person with which such Loan Party does not deal at arm’s length (for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) at the time of making such payment or (B) in respect of a debt or other obligation to pay an amount to a person with whom the payer is not dealing at arm’s length (for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) at the time of such payment, (vi) any taxes imposed on a Recipient by reason of any payment made in connection with such Recipient’s assignment, transfer or participation of any obligation of a Loan Party under this Agreement or other Financing Agreement, and (vii) any taxes imposed on a Recipient by reason of such Recipient: (A) being a “specified shareholder” (as defined in subsection 18(5) of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) of any Loan Party, or (B) not dealing at arm’s length (for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) with a “specified shareholder” (as defined in subsection 18(5) of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) of any Loan Party.

 

1.86 “ Executive Order ” shall have the meaning set forth in the definition of “Sanctions Laws and Regulations” herein.

 

1.87 “ Existing Loan Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

1.88 “ FATCA ” shall mean sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as in effect on the date hereof (and any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), current or future United States Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and official published guidance with respect thereto, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such Sections of the Code.

 

1.89 “ FCCR Triggering Event ” shall mean, as of any date of determination, either (a) Excess Availability is less than $10,000,000 as of such date, (b) Average 30 Day Excess Availability is less than $18,750,000 as of such date, or (c) Excess Availability (without giving effect to the proviso contained in the definition thereof) is less than $7,500,000 for a period of five consecutive days ending on such date of determination.

 

1.90 “ Fee Letter ” shall mean that certain fee letter, dated as of the date hereof, among U.S. Borrowers and Agent, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent.

 

1.91 “ Final Maturity Date ” shall mean March 19, 2019.

 

1.92 “ Financing Agreements ” shall mean, collectively, this Agreement, the Fee Letter, the Canadian Security Documents and all notes, guarantees, security agreements and other agreements, documents and instruments (including the Information Certificates) now or at any time hereafter executed and/or delivered by any Borrower or any Obligor in connection with this Agreement, as the same now exist or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated or replaced; provided , that in no event shall the term ‘Financing Agreements’ be deemed to include any Hedge Agreement or any other Bank Product Agreement.

 

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1.93 “ Fixed Charges ” shall mean, with respect to any fiscal period and with respect to Borrowers and their subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, the sum, without duplication, of (a) cash paid during such period with respect to Interest Expense, (b) principal payments in respect of Borrowed Money that are required to be paid during such period, and (c) cash paid during such period with respect to federal, state, and local income taxes.

 

1.94 “ Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any fiscal period and with respect to Borrowers and their subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, the ratio of (i) EBITDA for such period minus Capital Expenditures made (to the extent not already incurred in a prior period) or incurred during such period, to (ii) Fixed Charges for such period.

 

1.95 “ Foreign Subsidiary ” a Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” under Section 957 of the Code.

 

1.96 “ Fourth Amendment Effective Date ” means April 7, 2015.

 

1.97 “ Funding Losses ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b)(ii.)

 

1.98 “ GAAP ” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect from time to time as set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Boards which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination consistently applied, except that, for purposes of Section 9.15 hereof, GAAP shall be determined on the basis of such principles in effect on the date hereof and consistent with those used in the preparation of the audited financial statements delivered to Agent prior to the date hereof.

 

1.99 “ Governmental Authority ” means any federal, provincial, state, local or other governmental, regulatory or administrative body, instrumentality, board, department or agency or any court, tribunal, administrative hearing body, arbitration panel, commission, or other similar dispute-resolving panel or body.

 

1.100 “ Hazardous Materials ” shall mean any hazardous, toxic or dangerous substances, materials and wastes, including, without limitation, hydrocarbons (including naturally occurring or man-made petroleum and hydrocarbons), flammable explosives, asbestos, urea formaldehyde insulation, radioactive materials, biological substances, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, herbicides and any other kind and/or type of pollutants or contaminants (including, without limitation, materials which include hazardous constituents), sewage, sludge, industrial slag, solvents and/or any other similar substances, materials, or wastes and including any other substances, materials or wastes that are or become regulated under any Environmental Law (including, without limitation any that are or become classified as hazardous or toxic under any Environmental Law).

 

1.101 “ Hedge Agreement ” shall mean an agreement between any Borrower and Agent or any Bank Product Provider that is a swap agreement as such term is defined in 11 U.S.C. Section 101, and including any rate swap agreement, basis swap, forward rate agreement,

 

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commodity swap, interest rate option, forward foreign exchange agreement, spot foreign exchange agreement, rate cap agreement rate, floor agreement, rate collar agreement, currency swap agreement, cross-currency rate swap agreement, currency option, any other similar agreement (including any option to enter into any of the foregoing or a master agreement for any the foregoing together with all supplements thereto) for the purpose of protecting against or managing exposure to fluctuations in interest or exchange rates, currency valuations or commodity prices; sometimes being collectively referred to herein as ‘Hedge Agreements’.

 

1.102 “ Indemnified Taxes ” shall mean, any Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of a Borrower or Obligor under a Financing Agreement.

 

1.103 “ Information Certificates ” shall mean the Information Certificates of Borrowers containing material information with respect to Borrowers, their business and assets provided by or on behalf of Borrowers to Agent in connection with the preparation of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements and the financing arrangements provided for herein, the form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B.

 

1.104 “ Interest Expense ” means, for any period, the aggregate of the interest expense of Borrowers and their subsidiaries for such period (including all commissions, discounts, and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances financing and net costs under Hedge Agreements in respect of interest rates to the extent such net costs are allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP), determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

1.105 “ Interest Period ” shall mean, with respect to each CDOR Rate Loan, a period commencing on the date of the making of such CDOR Rate Loan (or the continuation of a CDOR Rate Loan or the conversion of a Canadian Base Rate Loan to a CDOR Rate Loan) and ending 1, 2, or 3 months thereafter or, if available and agreed to by all applicable Lenders, 6 months thereafter; provided, that for CDOR Rate Loans, (i) interest shall accrue at the applicable rate based upon the CDOR Rate from and including the first day of each Interest Period to, but excluding, the day on which any Interest Period expires and (ii) the Canadian Borrowers may not elect an Interest Period which will end after the Final Maturity Date.

 

1.106 “ Interest Rate ” shall mean an interest rate equal to: (a) with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans, the Eurodollar Rate, (b) with respect to Prime Rate Loans, the Prime Rate, (c) with respect to the CDOR Rate Loans, the CDOR Rate, (d) with respect to Canadian Base Rate Loans, the Canadian Base Rate, (e) with respect to Special Agent Advances to U.S. Borrowers and all other U.S. Obligations other than Loans, the Prime Rate, and (f) with respect to Special Agent Advances to Canadian Borrowers and all other Canadian Obligations other than Loans, the Canadian Base Rate.

 

1.107 “ Inventory ” shall mean all of Borrowers’ now owned and hereafter existing or acquired raw materials, work in process, finished goods and all other inventory of whatsoever kind or nature, wherever located.

 

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1.108 “ Inventory Advance Rates ” shall mean the advance rates applicable to Eligible Inventory as determined in accordance with Section 2.1(a)(ii)(A) or 2.1(b)(ii)(A), as applicable.

 

1.109 “ IRS ” shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

1.110 “ Joinder Agreement ” shall mean a Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto, among a Target or New Subsidiary (as applicable), Agent and the Lenders.

 

1.111 “ Letter of Credit Accommodations ” shall mean the U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations and/or the Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations, as the context requires.

 

1.112 “ Loans ” shall mean each of and collectively the U.S. Revolving Loans and/or the Canadian Revolving Loans, as the context requires.

 

1.113 “ Maximum Credit ” shall mean, with reference to the Loans and the Letter of Credit Accommodations, the amount of Two Hundred Seventy-Five Million Dollars ($275,000,000).

 

1.114 “ Net Amount of Canadian Eligible Accounts ” shall mean the gross amount of Canadian Eligible Accounts less returns, discounts, claims, credits and allowances of any nature at any time issued, owing, granted, outstanding, available or claimed with respect thereto.

 

1.115 “ Net Amount of U.S. Eligible Accounts ” shall mean the gross amount of U.S. Eligible Accounts less returns, discounts, claims, credits and allowances of any nature at any time issued, owing, granted, outstanding, available or claimed with respect thereto.

 

1.116 “ Non-U.S. Lender ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.5 hereof.

 

1.117 “ Obligations ” shall mean (a) any and all Loans, Letter of Credit Accommodations and all other obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every kind, nature and description owing by any or all of Borrowers and Obligors to Agent or any Lender or any issuer of a Letter of Credit Accommodation, including principal, interest, charges, fees, costs and expenses, however evidenced, whether as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, arising under this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements or on account of any Letter of Credit Accommodations, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising before, during or after the initial or any renewal term of this Agreement or after the commencement of any case with respect to such Borrower or Obligor under the United States Bankruptcy Code, the BIA, the CCAA or any similar statute (including the payment of interest and other amounts which would accrue and become due but for the commencement of such case, whether or not such amounts are allowed or allowable in whole or in part in such case), whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, or secured or unsecured and (b) for purposes only of Sections 5, 11.5, 12.11(b), and 13.1 hereof and subject to the priority in right of payment set forth in Section 6.4 hereof, all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every kind, nature and description owing by any or all of Borrowers and Obligors to Agent or any Bank Product Provider arising under or pursuant to any Bank Products, whether now existing or hereafter arising, provided, that, (i) the applicable Bank Product must have been provided on or after the date hereof and Agent shall have received a

 

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Bank Product Provider Letter Agreement within 10 days after the date of the provision of the applicable Bank Product to the applicable Borrower and (ii) in no event shall any Bank Product Provider acting in such capacity to whom such obligations, liabilities or indebtedness are owing be deemed a Lender for purposes hereof to the extent of and as to such obligations, liabilities or indebtedness except that each reference to the term “Lender” in Sections 12.1, 12.2, 12.3(b), 12.6, 12.7, 12.9, 12.12 and 13.6 hereof shall be deemed to include such Bank Product Provider and in no event shall the approval of any such person in its capacity as Bank Product Provider be required in connection with the release or termination of any security interest or lien of Agent; provided that , anything to the contrary contained in the foregoing notwithstanding, the Obligations of any Borrower or Obligor shall exclude any Excluded Swap Obligation of such Borrower or Obligor.

 

1.118 “ Obligor ” shall mean any guarantor, endorser, acceptor, surety or other person liable on or with respect to the Obligations or who is the owner of any property which is security for the Obligations, other than Borrowers.

 

1.119 “ OFAC ” shall have the meaning set forth in the definition of “Sanctions Laws and Regulations” herein.

 

1.120 “ Participant ” shall mean any person which at any time participates with any Lender in respect of the Loans, the Letter of Credit Accommodations or other Obligations or any portion thereof.

 

1.121 “ Payment Account ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3 hereof.

 

1.122 “ Permitted Discretion ” means a determination made in the exercise of reasonable (from the perspective of a secured lender) business judgment.

 

1.123 “ Person ” or “ person ” shall mean any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation (including, without limitation, any corporation which elects subchapter S status under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), limited liability company, unlimited liability company, limited liability partnership, business trust, unincorporated association, joint stock corporation, trust, joint venture or other entity or any government or any agency or instrumentality or political subdivision thereof.

 

1.124 “ PPSA ” shall mean the Personal Property Security Act as in effect in the Province of Ontario, the Civil Code of Québec as in effect in the Province of Québec and any successor statutes, together with any regulations thereunder, in each case as in effect from time to time. References to sections of the PPSA shall be construed to also refer to any successor sections.

 

1.125 “ Prime Rate ” shall mean, at any time, the rate of interest most recently announced by Agent at its principal office as its Prime Rate, with the understanding that the Prime Rate is one of Agent’s base rates, and serves as the basis upon which effective rates of interest are calculated for those loans making reference to it, and is evidenced by its recording in such internal publication or publications as Agent may designate. Each change in the rate of interest shall become effective on the date each Prime Rate change is announced by Agent.

 

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1.126 “ Prime Rate Loans ” shall mean any Loans or portion thereof on which interest is payable based on the Prime Rate in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

1.127 “ Pro Rata Share ” shall mean:

 

(a) with respect to a U.S. Lender’s obligation to make U.S. Revolving Loans and participate in U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations and receive and make payments relative thereto, the fraction (expressed as a percentage) the numerator of which is such Lender’s U.S. Revolving Loan Commitment and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of all of the U.S. Revolving Loan Commitments of U.S. Lenders, as adjusted from time to time in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.5 hereof; provided , that , if the U.S. Revolving Loan Commitments have been terminated, the numerator shall be the unpaid amount of such U.S. Lender’s U.S. Revolving Loans and its interest in the U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations and the denominator shall be the aggregate amount of all unpaid U.S. Revolving Loans and U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations;

 

(b) with respect to a Canadian Lender’s obligation to make Canadian Revolving Loans and participate in Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations and receive and make payments relative thereto, the fraction (expressed as a percentage) the numerator of which is such Lender’s Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of all of the Canadian Revolving Loan Commitments of Canadian Lenders, as adjusted from time to time in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.5 hereof; provided , that , if the Canadian Revolving Loan Commitments have been terminated, the numerator shall be the unpaid amount of such Canadian Lender’s Canadian Revolving Loans and its interest in the Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations and the denominator shall be the aggregate amount of all unpaid Canadian Revolving Loans and Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations; and

 

(c) with respect to all other matters (including the indemnification obligations arising under Section 12.5 hereof), (i) prior to the Commitments being terminated, the fraction (expressed as a percentage) the numerator of which is such Lender’s aggregate Commitments, and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of the Commitments of all Lenders, and (ii) from and after the time that the Commitments have been terminated or reduced to zero, the fraction (expressed as a percentage) the numerator of which is the sum of such Lender’s Loans and its interest in the Letter of Credit Accommodations, and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of all unpaid Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations.

 

1.128 “ Projections ” means Borrowers’ forecasted (a) balance sheets, (b) profit and loss statements, and (c) cash flow statements, all prepared on a basis consistent with Borrowers’ historical financial statements, together with appropriate supporting details and a statement of underlying assumptions.

 

1.129 “ PTCE 95-60 ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 0 hereof.

 

1.130 “ Qualified ECP Guarantor ” means, in respect of any Swap Obligation, each guarantor of, or grantor of a security interest to secure, the Obligations that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time the relevant guaranty, keepwell, or grant of the relevant security interest becomes effective with respect to such Swap Obligation or such other person as

 

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constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

1.131 “ Real Estate ” shall mean the real estate owned by M2 and commonly known as 1501 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California.

 

1.132 “ Records ” shall mean all of Borrowers’ present and future books of account of every kind or nature, purchase and sale agreements, invoices, ledger cards, bills of lading and other shipping evidence, statements, correspondence, memoranda, credit files and other data relating to the Collateral or any account debtor, together with the tapes, disks, diskettes and other data and software storage media and devices, file cabinets or containers in or on which the foregoing are stored (including any rights of Borrowers with respect to the foregoing maintained with or by any other person).

 

1.133 “ Register ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 0 hereof.

 

1.134 “ Replacement Lender ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.7 hereof.

 

1.135 “ Report ” and “ Reports ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 0 hereof.

 

1.136 Required Lenders ” shall mean (i) at any time there is more than one Lender, two or more Lenders whose Pro Rata Shares (calculated under clause (c) of the definition of Pro Rata Share) aggregate more than fifty percent (50%), and (ii) at any time there is only one Lender, such Lender.

 

1.137 “ Revaluation Date ” means (a) with respect to any Loan denominated in Canadian Dollars, each of the following: (i) each date of a borrowing of such Loan, (ii) each date of a continuation of such Loan pursuant to Section 3.1, and (iii) such additional dates as Agent shall determine or the Required Lenders shall require, (b) with respect to any Letter of Credit Accommodation denominated in Canadian Dollars, each of the following: (i) each date of issuance of such Letter of Credit Accommodation, (ii) each date of an amendment of such Letter of Credit Accommodation having the effect of increasing the amount thereof, (iii) each date of any payment under such Letter of Credit Accommodation by the issuer thereof, and (iv) such additional dates as Agent shall determine or the Required Lenders shall require, and (c) with respect to any other Obligations denominated in Canadian Dollars, each date as Agent shall determine unless otherwise prescribed in this Agreement or any other Financing Agreements.

 

1.138 “ Sanctioned Country ” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (at the time of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, Crimea, Cuba (which, for greater certainty, is not a Sanctioned Country as regards the Canadian Borrowers), Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria).

 

1.139 “ Sanctioned Person ” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Department of State or as identified by the federal

 

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government of Canada or under the Canadian Anti-Money Laundering & Anti-Terrorism Legislation, the Special Economic Measures Act (Canada) or the Freezing Assets of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Canada), (c) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country, or (d) any Person owned or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b).

 

1.140 “ Sanctions ” means all economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by the U.S. government, including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, or by the Canadian government.

 

1.141 “ Sanctions Laws and Regulations ” shall mean: (i) any sanctions, prohibitions or requirements imposed by any executive order (an “ Executive Order ”) or by any sanctions program administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (“ OFAC ”), and (ii) any sanctions measures imposed by the United Nations Security Council, European Union, the United Kingdom or Canada.

 

1.142 “ Secured Parties ” shall mean, collectively, (a) Agent, (b) BofA, (c) the issuer of any Letter of Credit Accommodations, (d) Lenders, and (e) Bank Product Providers.

 

1.143 “ Settlement Period ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 0 hereof.

 

1.144 “ Slow Moving Inventory ” shall mean Inventory held by Borrowers for more than one hundred twenty (120) days.

 

1.145 “ Special Agent Advances ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 0 hereof.

 

1.146 “ Spot Rate ” shall mean, for a currency, the rate determined by Agent to be the rate quoted by Wells Fargo acting in such capacity as the spot rate for the purchase by Wells Fargo of such currency with another currency through its principal foreign exchange trading office at approximately 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the date two Business Days prior to the date as of which the foreign exchange computation is made; provided , that Agent may obtain such spot rate from another financial institution designated by Agent if Wells Fargo acting in such capacity does not have as of the date of determination a spot buying rate for any such currency.

 

1.147 “ Stock ” means all shares, options, warrants, interests, participations, or other equivalents (regardless of how designated) of or in a Person, whether voting or nonvoting, including common stock, preferred stock, or any other “equity security” (as such term is defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act).

 

1.148 “ Subsidiary ” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, unlimited liability company, or other entity in which that Person directly or indirectly owns or controls the Stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors (or comparable managers) of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company, unlimited liability company, or other entity.

 

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

 

1.150 “ Taxes ” shall mean any taxes, levies, imposts, duties, fees, assessments or other charges of whatever nature now or hereafter imposed by any jurisdiction or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, and all interest, penalties or similar liabilities with respect thereto.

 

1.151 “ Transferee ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 0 hereof.

 

1.152 “ UCC ” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of California, and any successor statute, as in effect from time to time (except that terms used herein which are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of California on the date hereof shall continue to have the same meaning notwithstanding any replacement or amendment of such statute except as Lender may otherwise determine.

 

1.153 “ U.S. Availability Reserves ” shall mean, as of any date of determination, such amounts as Agent may from time to time establish and revise in its commercially reasonable discretion reducing the amount of U.S. Revolving Loans and U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations which would otherwise be available to the U.S. Borrowers under the lending formula(s) provided for herein: (a) to reflect events, conditions, contingencies or risks which, as determined by Agent in good faith, do affect either (i) the Collateral of the U.S. Borrowers or any other property which is security for the U.S. Obligations or its value or (ii) the security interests and other rights of Agent in the Collateral of the U.S. Borrowers (including the enforceability, perfection and priority thereof), (b) to reflect Agent’s good faith belief that any collateral report or financial information furnished by or on behalf of any U.S. Borrower or any Obligor to any U.S. Lender is or may have been incomplete, inaccurate or misleading in any material respect, or (c) to reflect any state of facts which Agent determines in good faith constitutes or could constitute an Event of Default. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Agent (i) may establish on the date hereof and maintain throughout the term of this Agreement and throughout any renewal term a U.S. Availability Reserve for an amount equal to two (2) months (or one (1) month in the case of the warehouse in Tennessee or for any location leased for 120 days or less) of the U.S. Borrowers’ gross rent and other obligations as lessee for each leased premises of the U.S. Borrowers which is either a warehouse location or is located in a state where a landlord may be entitled to a priority lien on Collateral to secure unpaid rent and with respect to each such property the landlord has not executed a form of waiver and consent acceptable to Agent, (ii) may establish on the date hereof and maintain throughout the term of this Agreement and throughout any renewal term a U.S. Availability Reserve for an amount equal to the greater of the Value of the Inventory of the U.S. Borrowers subject to the security interest of any Persons who hold a security interest prior to Agent in the sale proceeds of such Inventory, unless and until those Persons have released or subordinated their security interests against the U.S. Borrowers in a manner satisfactory to Agent, or the sum of the U.S. Borrowers’ payables and accrued payables to Apple Computer (or such other Persons), (iii) may establish on the date hereof and maintain throughout the term of this Agreement and throughout any renewal term U.S. Availability Reserves for U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations as provided in Section 2.2(c) hereof and without duplication of Section 2.2(c), (iv) may establish and maintain

 

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throughout the term of this Agreement and any renewal term U.S. Availability Reserves for obligations, liabilities or indebtedness (contingent or otherwise) of Borrowers to Agent or any Bank Product Provider arising under or in connection with any Bank Products or as such Affiliate or Person may otherwise require in connection therewith to the extent that such obligations, liabilities or indebtedness constitute Obligations as such term is defined herein or otherwise receive the benefit of the security interest of Agent in any Collateral, and (v) may establish and maintain throughout the term of this Agreement and any renewal term a U.S. Availability Reserve in an amount determined by Agent to estimate the next monthly payment due by the Borrowers on account of the earn-out payable in connection with the acquisition of Collab9.

 

1.154 “ U.S. Commitment ” shall mean as to any U.S. Lender, the U.S. Revolving Loan Commitment of such Lender.

 

1.155 “ U.S. Eligible Accounts ” shall mean Eligible Accounts of the U.S. Borrowers.

 

1.156 “ U.S. Eligible Inventory ” shall mean Eligible Inventory of the U.S. Borrowers.

 

1.157 “ U.S. Inventory Sublimit ” shall mean an amount equal to Seventy Million Dollars ($70,000,000).

 

1.158 “ U.S. Lenders ” shall mean each of and collectively those Lenders making U.S. Revolving Loans or providing U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations and their respective successors and assigns; sometimes being referred to herein individually as a “U.S. Lender”.

 

1.159 “ U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodation ” shall mean the letters of credit, merchandise purchase or other guaranties which are from time to time either (a) issued, opened or provided (including any amendment, extension, increase or renewal thereof) by Agent or any Lender for the account of any U.S. Borrower or (b) with respect to which Agent on behalf of U.S. Lenders has agreed to indemnify the issuer or guaranteed to the issuer the performance by any U.S. Borrower of its obligations to such issuer.

 

1.160 “ U.S. Obligations ” shall mean all Obligations other than Canadian Obligations.

 

1.161 “ U.S. Payment Account ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3 hereof.

 

1.162 “ U.S. Person ” shall mean any Person that is a “United States Person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

 

1.163 “ U.S. Revolving Loan Commitment ” shall mean, at any time, as to each U.S. Lender, the principal amount set forth below such U.S. Lender’s signature on the signature pages hereto designated as the U.S. Revolving Loan Commitment or on Schedule 1 to the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such U.S. Lender became a U.S. Lender hereunder in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.5 hereof, as the same may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof; sometimes being collectively referred to herein as “U.S. Revolving Loan Commitments.”

 

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1.164 “ U.S. Revolving Loans ” shall mean the loans now or hereafter made by or on behalf of any U.S. Lender or by Agent for the ratable account of any U.S. Lender, to or for the benefit of U.S. Borrowers on a revolving basis (involving advances, repayments and readvances) as set forth in Section 2.1(a) hereof.

 

1.165 “ U.S. Subsidiary ” shall mean a Subsidiary of PCM that is organized under the laws of a state of the United States or the District of Columbia.

 

1.166 “ Value ” shall mean, as determined by Agent in good faith, with respect to Inventory, the lower of (a) cost under the first-in-first-out method, net of vendor discounts or (b) market value.

 

1.167 “ Wells Fargo ” shall mean Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

 

SECTION 2. CREDIT FACILITIES .

 

2.1 U.S. Revolving Loans and Canadian Revolving Loans .

 

(a) Subject to, and upon the terms and conditions contained herein, each U.S. Lender severally (and not jointly) agrees to fund its Pro Rata Share of U.S. Revolving Loans to U.S. Borrowers from time to time in amounts requested by U.S. Borrowers up to the amount equal to:

 

(i) ninety percent (90%) of the Net Amount of U.S. Eligible Accounts, provided , that , such percentage advance rate shall be reduced by the positive difference, rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent, between (A) the dilution rate on the Accounts of the U.S. Borrowers, as determined by Agent in good faith based on the ratio of (1) the aggregate amount of reductions in such Accounts other than as a result of payments in cash, to (2) the aggregate amount of total sales, and (B) three and one-half of one percent (3.5%), and provided further , that , the total sum available under this Section 2.1(a)(i) based upon Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables shall not exceed Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) at any time; and provided further that , if U.S. Borrowers provide reports on such Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables under Section 7.1 on a daily basis, the total sum under this Section 2.1(a)(i) based upon Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables shall not exceed Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) at any time; plus

 

(ii) the lesser of:

 

(A) the sum of (1) sixty percent (60%) of the Value of U.S. Eligible Inventory not consisting of office supplies (held for sale by the U.S. Borrowers), refurbished Inventory of the U.S. Borrowers, Slow Moving Inventory of the U.S. Borrowers, or the Inventory of the U.S. Borrowers described in clause (3) immediately below, not to exceed eighty-five percent (85%) of the Appraised Liquidation Value of such Eligible Inventory, plus (2) the lesser of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000) or forty percent (40%) of the Value of U.S. Eligible Inventory consisting of office supplies (held for sale by the U.S. Borrowers), refurbished Inventory of the U.S. Borrowers or Slow Moving Inventory of the U.S. Borrowers and not consisting of the Inventory described in clause (3) immediately below, not to exceed eighty-five percent (85%) of the Appraised Liquidation Value of such Eligible

 

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Inventory, plus (3) eighty percent (80%) of the Value of U.S. Eligible Inventory that is in its original closed box, that has been held by the U.S. Borrowers no more than one hundred twenty (120) days, and for which Apple Computer, upon its repossession thereof, is committed to pay to Agent the sum of the purchase prices thereof, net of certain rebates and other allowances, pursuant to the terms and provisions of the Apple Intercreditor Agreement; provided , that , the total sum available under this Section 2.1(a)(ii)(A) based upon U.S. Eligible Inventory that is in transit from Apple Computer to U.S. Borrowers shall not exceed Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) at any time, unless U.S. Borrowers have provided Agent with a current borrowing base certificate (separately identifying such in-transit Eligible Inventory and with such supporting documentation acceptable to Agent and U.S. Borrowers as Agent may reasonably request), which certificates shall be in form reasonably satisfactory to Agent, in which case, for a period of five (5) Business Days after the U.S. Lenders’ receipt and satisfactory review of such certificates, the total sum available hereunder based upon such in-transit U.S. Eligible Inventory shall not exceed Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000); or

 

(B) the U.S. Inventory Sublimit; plus

 

(iii) the lesser of:

 

(A) an amount equal to seventy percent (70%) of the “Fair Market Value” of the Eligible Real Estate as set forth in any appraisal of the Real Estate received by Agent; or

 

(B) the Eligible Real Estate Sublimit; plus

 

(iv) the lesser of:

 

(A) an amount equal to seventy percent (70%) of the “Fair Market Value” of the Eligible Adjacent Real Estate as set forth in any appraisal of the Adjacent Real Estate received by Agent; or

 

(B) the Eligible Adjacent Real Estate Sublimit; minus

 

(v) the then undrawn amounts of outstanding U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations, multiplied by the applicable percentages as provided for in Section 2.2(c)(i) or Section 2.2(c)(ii) hereof; minus

 

(vi) any U.S. Availability Reserves.

 

(b) Subject to, and upon the terms and conditions contained herein, each Canadian Lender severally (and not jointly) agrees to fund its Pro Rata Share of Canadian Revolving Loans to Canadian Borrowers from time to time in amounts requested by Canadian Borrowers up to the amount equal to:

 

(i) ninety percent (90%) of the Net Amount of Canadian Eligible Accounts, provided , that , such percentage advance rate shall be reduced by the positive difference, rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent, between (A) the dilution rate on the Accounts of the Canadian Borrowers, as determined by Agent in good faith based on the ratio of (1) the aggregate amount of reductions in such Accounts other than as a result of payments in

 

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cash, to (2) the aggregate amount of total sales, and (B) three and one-half of one percent (3.5%); plus

 

(ii) the lesser of:

 

(A) the sum of (1) sixty percent (60%) of the Value of Canadian Eligible Inventory not consisting of office supplies (held for sale by the Canadian Borrowers), refurbished Inventory of the Canadian Borrowers, or Slow Moving Inventory of the Canadian Borrowers, not to exceed eighty-five percent (85%) of the Appraised Liquidation Value of such Eligible Inventory, plus (2) the lesser of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) or forty percent (40%) of the Value of Canadian Eligible Inventory consisting of office supplies (held for sale by the Canadian Borrowers), refurbished Inventory of the Canadian Borrowers or Slow Moving Inventory of the Canadian Borrowers, not to exceed eighty-five percent (85%) of the Appraised Liquidation Value of such Eligible Inventory; or

 

(B) the Canadian Inventory Sublimit; minus

 

(iii) the then undrawn amounts of outstanding Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations, multiplied by the applicable percentages as provided for in Section 2.3(c)(i) or Section 2.3(c)(ii) hereof; minus

 

(iv) any Canadian Availability Reserves.

 

(c) Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion, from time to time, upon not less than ten (10) days prior notice to PCM reduce the lending formula(s) with respect to U.S. Eligible Inventory and/or Canadian Eligible Inventory to the extent that Agent determines that:

 

(i) the number of days of the turnover, or the mix, of such Inventory for any period has changed in any materially adverse respect; or

 

(ii) the nature and quality of such Inventory has deteriorated in any material respect. In determining whether to reduce the lending formula(s), Agent may consider events, conditions, contingencies or risks which are also considered in determining U.S. Eligible Accounts, Canadian Eligible Accounts, Eligible Inventory, Eligible Real Estate, Eligible Adjacent Real Estate, or in establishing U.S. Availability Reserves or Canadian Availability Reserves.

 

(d) Except in Agent’s discretion, with the consent of all Lenders, (i) the aggregate amount of the Loans, the Letter of Credit Accommodations and other Obligations outstanding at any time shall not exceed the Maximum Credit, and (ii) the aggregate amount of the Canadian Revolving Loans, the Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations and other Canadian Obligations outstanding at any time shall not exceed the Canadian Maximum Credit. In the event that (A) the outstanding amount of any component of the Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations, (B) the aggregate amount of the outstanding Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations and other Obligations, or (C) the aggregate amount of the outstanding Canadian Revolving Loans and Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations and other Canadian Obligations, exceeds the amounts available under the lending formulas set forth in Section 2.1(a)

 

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or 2.1(b) hereof, as applicable, the sublimits for Letter of Credit Accommodations set forth in Section 2.2(e) or 2.3(e) or the Maximum Credit or Canadian Maximum Credit, as applicable, such event shall not limit, waive or otherwise affect any rights of Agent or any Lender in that circumstance or on any future occasions and U.S. Borrowers and Canadian Borrowers shall, upon demand by Agent, which may be made at any time or from time to time, immediately repay to Agent, for the ratable benefit of U.S. Lenders or the Canadian Lenders, as applicable, the entire amount of any such excess(es) for which payment is demanded.

 

(e) For purposes only of applying the sublimit on U.S. Revolving Loans based on U.S. Eligible Inventory pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(ii)(B), Agent may treat the then undrawn amounts of outstanding U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations for the purpose of purchasing U.S. Eligible Inventory as U.S. Revolving Loans to the extent Agent is in effect basing the issuance of the U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations on the Value of the U.S. Eligible Inventory being purchased with such U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations. In determining the actual amounts of such U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations to be so treated for purposes of the sublimit, the outstanding U.S. Revolving Loans and U.S. Availability Reserves shall be attributed first to any components of the lending formulas in Section 2.1(a) that are not subject to such sublimit, before being attributed to the components of the lending formulas subject to such sublimit.

 

(f) For purposes only of applying the sublimit on Canadian Revolving Loans based on Canadian Eligible Inventory pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(ii)(B), Agent may treat the then undrawn amounts of outstanding Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations for the purpose of purchasing Canadian Eligible Inventory as Canadian Revolving Loans to the extent Agent is in effect basing the issuance of the Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations on the Value of the Canadian Eligible Inventory being purchased with such Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations. In determining the actual amounts of such Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations to be so treated for purposes of the sublimit, the outstanding Canadian Revolving Loans and Canadian Availability Reserves shall be attributed first to any components of the lending formulas in Section 2.1(b) that are not subject to such sublimit, before being attributed to the components of the lending formulas subject to such sublimit.

 

(g) Loans for the account of U.S. Borrowers shall be denominated in Dollars and Loans for the account of Canadian Borrowers shall be denominated in CAD.

 

(h) A Lender may fulfill its obligations under the Financing Agreements through one or more branches, affiliates or lending offices, and this shall not affect any obligation of Borrowers or Obligors under the Financing Agreements or with respect to any Obligations.

 

2.2 U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations .

 

(a) Subject to, and upon the terms and conditions contained herein, at the request of the U.S. Borrowers, Agent agrees, for the ratable risk of each U.S. Lender according to its Pro Rata Share, to provide or arrange for U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations denominated in U.S. Dollars for the account of the U.S. Borrowers containing terms and conditions acceptable to Agent and the issuer thereof. Any payments made by Agent or any U.S.

 

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Lender to any issuer thereof and/or related parties in connection with the U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations shall constitute additional U.S. Revolving Loans to the U.S. Borrowers pursuant to this Section 2.

 

(b) In addition to any charges, fees or expenses charged by any bank or issuer in connection with the U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations, the U.S. Borrowers shall pay to Agent for the benefit of the U.S. Lenders, a letter of credit fee at a per annum rate equal to the Applicable Margin relative to Eurodollar Rate Loans on the daily outstanding balance of the U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations for the immediately preceding month (or part thereof), payable in arrears as of the first day of each succeeding month. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such letter of credit fee shall be increased, at Agent’s option without notice, to two percent (2.00%) per annum above the then applicable rate upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, and for the period on or after the date of termination or non-renewal of this Agreement. Such letter of credit fee shall be calculated on the basis of a three hundred sixty (360) day year and actual days elapsed and the obligation of the U.S. Borrowers to pay such fee shall survive the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement.

 

(c) No U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations shall be available unless on the date of the proposed issuance of any U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations, the U.S. Revolving Loans available to the U.S. Borrowers (subject to the Maximum Credit, any U.S. Availability Reserves and any other limitations set forth in Section 2.1(d)) are equal to or greater than:

 

(i) if the proposed U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodation is for the purpose of purchasing U.S. Eligible Inventory, the sum of:

 

(A) the product of the Value or Appraised Liquidation Value of such U.S. Eligible Inventory multiplied by one minus the Inventory Advance Rate under Section 2.1(a)(ii)(A) as applicable, plus

 

(B) freight, taxes, duty and other amounts which the Agent estimates must be paid in connection with such Inventory upon arrival and for delivery to one of the U.S. Borrowers’ locations for U.S. Eligible Inventory within the United States of America; and

 

(ii) if the proposed U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodation is for standby letters of credit guaranteeing the purchase of U.S. Eligible Inventory or for any other purpose, an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the face amount thereof and all other commitments and obligations made or incurred by the U.S. Lenders with respect thereto.

 

Effective on the issuance of each U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodation, the amount of U.S. Revolving Loans which might otherwise be available to the U.S. Borrowers shall be reduced by the applicable amount set forth in this Section 2.2(c).

 

(d) A U.S. Availability Reserve shall be established in the amount set forth in Section 2.2(c)(i) upon the placement of the order for the purchase of the subject Inventory. Effective upon the issuance of each U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodation for a purpose other than the purchase of Inventory, a U.S. Availability Reserve shall be established in the amount set forth in Section 2.2(c)(ii).

 

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(e) Except in Agent’s discretion, with the consent of all U.S. Lenders, the amount of all outstanding U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations and all other commitments and obligations made or incurred by Agent or any U.S. Lender in connection therewith shall not at any time exceed Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000). At any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, upon Agent’s request, the U.S. Borrowers will either furnish cash collateral to secure the reimbursement obligations to the issuer in connection with any U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations or furnish cash collateral to Agent for the U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations, and in either case, the U.S. Revolving Loans otherwise available to the U.S. Borrowers shall not be reduced as provided in Section 2.2(c) to the extent of such cash collateral.

 

(f) Each U.S. Borrower shall indemnify and hold Agent and Lenders harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses which Agent or any Lender may suffer or incur in connection with any Letter of Credit Accommodations and any documents, drafts or acceptances relating thereto (excluding any of the foregoing to the extent arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Agent or any Lender), including, but not limited to, any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses due to any action taken by any issuer or correspondent with respect to any Letter of Credit Accommodation. Each U.S. Borrower assumes all risks with respect to the acts or omissions of the drawer under or beneficiary of any Letter of Credit Accommodation and for such purposes the drawer or beneficiary shall be deemed such U.S. Borrower’s agent. Each U.S. Borrower assumes all risks for, and agree to pay, all foreign, Federal, State and local taxes, duties and levies relating to any goods subject to any Letter of Credit Accommodations or any documents, drafts or acceptances thereunder. Each U.S. Borrower hereby releases and holds Agent and each Lender harmless from and against any acts, waivers, errors, delays or omissions, whether caused by such U.S. Borrower, by any issuer or correspondent or otherwise, unless caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Agent or such Lender, with respect to or relating to any Letter of Credit Accommodation. The provisions of this Section 2.2(f) shall survive the payment of Obligations and the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement.

 

(g) Nothing contained herein shall be deemed or construed to grant U.S. Borrowers any right or authority to pledge the credit of Agent or any U.S. Lender in any manner. Neither Agent nor any U.S. Lender shall have any liability of any kind with respect to any U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodation provided by an issuer other than Agent or any U.S. Lender, unless Agent has duly executed and delivered to such issuer the application or a guarantee or indemnification in writing with respect to such U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodation. Each U.S. Borrower shall be bound by any interpretation made in good faith by Agent, or any other issuer or correspondent under or in connection with any U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodation or any documents, drafts or acceptances thereunder, notwithstanding that such interpretation may be inconsistent with any instructions of such U.S. Borrower. At any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, Agent shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to, and no U.S. Borrower shall, without the prior written consent of Agent: (i) approve or resolve any questions of non-compliance of documents, (ii) give any instructions as to acceptance or rejection of any documents or goods, (iii) execute any and all applications for steamship or airway guaranties, indemnities or delivery orders, and at all times, (iv) grant any extensions of the maturity of, time of payment for, or time of presentation of, any drafts, acceptances, or documents, and (v) agree to any amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications, changes or cancellations of any of the terms or conditions of any of the applications, U.S. Letter of Credit

 

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Accommodations, or documents, drafts or acceptances thereunder or any letters of credit included in the Collateral. Agent may take such actions either in its own name or in any U.S. Borrower’s name.

 

(h) Any rights, remedies, duties or obligations granted or undertaken by any U.S. Borrower to any issuer or correspondent in any application for any U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodation, or any other agreement in favor of any issuer or correspondent relating to any U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodation, shall be deemed to have been granted or undertaken by such U.S. Borrower to Agent for the ratable benefit of U.S. Lenders. Any duties or obligations undertaken by Agent or any U.S. Lender to any issuer or correspondent in any application for any U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodation, or any other agreement by Agent or any U.S. Lender in favor of any issuer or correspondent relating to any U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodation, shall be deemed to have been undertaken by U.S. Borrowers to Agent and U.S. Lenders and to apply in all respects to U.S. Borrowers.

 

2.3 Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations .

 

(a) Subject to, and upon the terms and conditions contained herein, at the request of the Canadian Borrowers, Agent agrees, for the ratable risk of each Canadian Lender according to its Pro Rata Share, to provide or arrange for Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations denominated in Canadian Dollars for the account of the Canadian Borrowers containing terms and conditions acceptable to Agent and the issuer thereof. Any payments made by Agent or any Canadian Lender to any issuer thereof and/or related parties in connection with the Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations shall constitute additional Canadian Revolving Loans to the Canadian Borrowers pursuant to this Section 2.

 

(b) In addition to any charges, fees or expenses charged by any bank or issuer in connection with the Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations, the Canadian Borrowers shall pay to Agent for the benefit of the Canadian Lenders, a letter of credit fee at a per annum rate equal to the Applicable Margin relative to CDOR Rate Loans on the daily outstanding balance of the Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations for the immediately preceding month (or part thereof), payable in arrears as of the first day of each succeeding month. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such letter of credit fee shall be increased, at Agent’s option without notice, to two percent (2.00%) per annum above the then applicable rate upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, and for the period on or after the date of termination or non-renewal of this Agreement. Such letter of credit fee shall be calculated on the basis of a three hundred sixty (360) day year and actual days elapsed and the obligation of the Canadian Borrowers to pay such fee shall survive the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement.

 

(c) No Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations shall be available unless on the date of the proposed issuance of any Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations, the Canadian Revolving Loans available to the Canadian Borrowers (subject to the Maximum Credit, Canadian Maximum Credit, any Canadian Availability Reserves and any other limitations set forth in Section 2.1(d)) are equal to or greater than:

 

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(i) if the proposed Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation is for the purpose of purchasing Canadian Eligible Inventory, the sum of:

 

(A) the product of the Value or Appraised Liquidation Value of such Canadian Eligible Inventory multiplied by one minus the Inventory Advance Rate under Section 2.1(b)(ii)(A) as applicable, plus

 

(B) freight, taxes, duty and other amounts which the Agent estimates must be paid in connection with such Inventory upon arrival and for delivery to one of the Canadian Borrowers’ locations for Canadian Eligible Inventory within Canada; and

 

(ii) if the proposed Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation is for standby letters of credit guaranteeing the purchase of Canadian Eligible Inventory or for any other purpose, an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the face amount thereof and all other commitments and obligations made or incurred by the Canadian Lenders with respect thereto.

 

Effective on the issuance of each Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation, the amount of Canadian Revolving Loans which might otherwise be available to the Canadian Borrowers shall be reduced by the applicable amount set forth in this Section 2.3(c).

 

(d) A Canadian Availability Reserve shall be established in the amount set forth in Section 2.3(c)(i) upon the placement of the order for the purchase of the subject Inventory. Effective upon the issuance of each Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation for a purpose other than the purchase of Inventory, a Canadian Availability Reserve shall be established in the amount set forth in Section 2.3(c)(ii).

 

(e) Except in Agent’s discretion, with the consent of all Canadian Lenders, the amount of all outstanding Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations and all other commitments and obligations made or incurred by Agent or any Canadian Lender in connection therewith shall not at any time exceed Five Million Canadian Dollars (C$5,000,000). At any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, upon Agent’s request, the Canadian Borrowers will either furnish cash collateral to secure the reimbursement obligations to the issuer in connection with any Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations or furnish cash collateral to Agent for the Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations, and in either case, the Canadian Revolving Loans otherwise available to the Canadian Borrowers shall not be reduced as provided in Section 2.3(c) to the extent of such cash collateral.

 

(f) Each Canadian Borrower shall indemnify and hold Agent and Canadian Lenders harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (in each case other than Excluded Taxes) which Agent or any Canadian Lender may suffer or incur in connection with any Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations and any documents, drafts or acceptances relating thereto (excluding any of the foregoing to the extent arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Agent or any Canadian Lender), including, but not limited to, any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses due to any action taken by any issuer or correspondent with respect to any Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation. Each Canadian Borrower assumes all risks with respect to the acts or

 

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omissions of the drawer under or beneficiary of any Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation and for such purposes the drawer or beneficiary shall be deemed such Canadian Borrower’s agent. Each Canadian Borrower assumes all risks for, and agree to pay, all foreign, U.S. and Canadian federal, state, provincial and local taxes, duties and levies relating to any goods subject to any Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations or any documents, drafts or acceptances thereunder. Each Canadian Borrower hereby releases and holds Agent and each Canadian Lender harmless from and against any acts, waivers, errors, delays or omissions, whether caused by such Canadian Borrower, by any issuer or correspondent or otherwise, unless caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Agent or such Canadian Lender, with respect to or relating to any Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation. The provisions of this Section 2.3(f) shall survive the payment of Obligations and the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement.

 

(g) Nothing contained herein shall be deemed or construed to grant Canadian Borrowers any right or authority to pledge the credit of Agent or any Canadian Lender in any manner. Neither Agent nor any Canadian Lender shall have any liability of any kind with respect to any Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation provided by an issuer other than Agent or any Canadian Lender, unless Agent has duly executed and delivered to such issuer the application or a guarantee or indemnification in writing with respect to such Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation. Each Canadian Borrower shall be bound by any interpretation made in good faith by Agent, or any other issuer or correspondent under or in connection with any Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation or any documents, drafts or acceptances thereunder, notwithstanding that such interpretation may be inconsistent with any instructions of such Canadian Borrower. At any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, Agent shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to, and no Canadian Borrower shall, without the prior written consent of Agent: (i) approve or resolve any questions of non-compliance of documents, (ii) give any instructions as to acceptance or rejection of any documents or goods, (iii) execute any and all applications for steamship or airway guaranties, indemnities or delivery orders, and at all times, (iv) grant any extensions of the maturity of, time of payment for, or time of presentation of, any drafts, acceptances, or documents, and (v) agree to any amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications, changes or cancellations of any of the terms or conditions of any of the applications, Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations, or documents, drafts or acceptances thereunder or any letters of credit included in the Collateral. Agent may take such actions either in its own name or in any Canadian Borrower’s name.

 

(h) Any rights, remedies, duties or obligations granted or undertaken by any Canadian Borrower to any issuer or correspondent in any application for any Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation, or any other agreement in favor of any issuer or correspondent relating to any Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation, shall be deemed to have been granted or undertaken by such Canadian Borrower to Agent for the ratable benefit of Canadian Lenders. Any duties or obligations undertaken by Agent or any Canadian Lender to any issuer or correspondent in any application for any Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation, or any other agreement by Agent or any Canadian Lender in favor of any issuer or correspondent relating to any Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodation, shall be deemed to have been undertaken by Canadian Borrowers to Agent and Canadian Lenders and to apply in all respects to Canadian Borrowers.

 

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2.4 Commitments . The aggregate amount of each U.S. Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the U.S. Revolving Loans and U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations shall not exceed the amount of such Lender’s U.S. Revolving Loan Commitment, as the same may from time to time be amended with the written acknowledgment of Agent and such U.S. Lender. The aggregate amount of each Canadian Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Canadian Revolving Loans and Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations shall not exceed the amount of such Lender’s Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment, as the same may from time to time be amended with the written acknowledgment of Agent and such Canadian Lender.

 

2.5 [Intentionally Omitted] .

 

2.6 Real Estate and Adjacent Real Estate .

 

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Real Estate may be sold or refinanced and Agent shall release its liens against the Real Estate in connection with the sale or refinance thereof, provided , that , (i) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such sale or refinance, or would result therefrom and (ii) the proceeds of such sale or refinance are no less than the Eligible Real Estate Sublimit and the proceeds of such sale or refinance in an amount no less than the Eligible Real Estate Sublimit are remitted to Agent for application to the Obligations in accordance with Section 6.4 . Upon any refinance of the Real Estate in accordance with the foregoing, any indebtedness secured solely by the Real Estate and any lien against the Real Estate securing such indebtedness will be permitted for the purposes of Sections 9.8 and 9.9 hereof.

 

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Adjacent Real Estate may be sold or refinanced and Agent shall release its liens against the Adjacent Real Estate in connection with the sale or refinance thereof, provided , that , (i) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such sale or refinance, or would result therefrom and (ii) the proceeds of such sale or refinance are no less than the Eligible Adjacent Real Estate Sublimit and the proceeds of such sale or refinance in an amount no less than the Eligible Adjacent Real Estate Sublimit are remitted to Agent for application to the Obligations in accordance with Section 6.4 . Upon any refinance of the Adjacent Real Estate in accordance with the foregoing, any indebtedness secured solely by the Adjacent Real Estate and any lien against the Adjacent Real Estate securing such indebtedness will be permitted for the purposes of Sections 9.8 and 9.9 hereof.

 

2.7 Exchange Rates; Currency Equivalents; Applicable Currency .

 

(a) For purposes of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements, the Dollar Equivalent of any Loans, Letter of Credit Accommodations, other Obligations and other references to amounts denominated in a currency other than Dollars shall be determined in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Such Dollar Equivalent shall become effective as of such Revaluation Date for such Loans, Letter of Credit Accommodations and other Obligations and shall be the Dollar Equivalent employed in converting any amounts between the applicable currencies until the next Revaluation Date to occur for such Loans, Letter of Credit Accommodations and other Obligations. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the applicable amount of any currency for purposes of the Financing Agreements (including for

 

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purposes of financial statements and all calculations in connection with the covenants, including the financial covenants) shall be the Dollar Equivalent thereof.

 

(b) Wherever in this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements in connection with a borrowing, conversion, continuation or prepayment of a Loan or the issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit Accommodation, an amount, such as a required minimum or multiple amount, is expressed in Dollars, but such Loan or Letter of Credit Accommodation is denominated in Canadian Dollars, such amount shall be the relevant Canadian Dollar Equivalent of such Dollar amount (rounded to the nearest Canadian Dollar, with 0.5 of a unit being rounded upward).

 

(c) If at any time following one or more fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Canadian Dollar against the Dollar, (i) the Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate outstanding principal balance of Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations to the Canadian Borrowers exceeds the Canadian Borrowing Base, the limit of the Canadian Commitment of any Lender or any other limitations hereunder based on U.S. Dollars or (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal balance of Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations to Canadian Borrowers exceeds any other limit based on Dollars set forth herein for such Canadian Obligations, the Canadian Borrowers shall (x) if no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, within two (2) Business Days of notice to PCM from the Agent, or (y) if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, immediately (A) make the necessary payments or repayments to reduce such Canadian Obligations to an amount necessary to eliminate such excess or (B) maintain or cause to be maintained with the Agent deposits as continuing collateral security for the Obligations of Canadian Borrowers in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of such excess, such deposits to be maintained in such form and upon such terms as are acceptable to the Agent. Without in any way limiting the foregoing provisions, the Agent shall at any time and from time to time, in the sole discretion of the Agent, make the necessary exchange rate calculations to determine whether any such excess exists on such date and advise the Borrowers if such excess exists.

 

SECTION 3. INTEREST AND FEES .

 

3.1 Interest .

 

(a) U.S. Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the benefit of U.S. Lenders, interest on the outstanding principal amount of the non-contingent Obligations (other than Canadian Obligations), and Canadian Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the benefit of Canadian Lenders, interest on the outstanding principal amount of the non-contingent Canadian Obligations, in each case, at a per annum rate equal to the Interest Rate plus the Applicable Margin. Subject to Section 3.6 , all U.S. Revolving Loans shall be deemed Eurodollar Rate Loans. Subject to Section 3.1(b) , all Canadian Revolving Loans shall be Canadian Base Rate Loans.

 

(b) CDOR Rate Option .

 

(i) Interest and Interest Payment Dates . In lieu of having interest charged at the rate based upon the Canadian Base Rate with respect to Canadian Revolving Loans, Canadian Borrowers shall have the option, subject to Section 3.1(b)(ii) below (the

 

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CDOR Rate Option ”) to have interest on all or a portion of the Canadian Revolving Loans be charged (whether at the time when made (unless otherwise provided herein), upon conversion from a Canadian Base Rate Loan to a CDOR Rate Loan, or upon continuation of a CDOR Rate Loan as a CDOR Rate Loan) at a rate of interest based upon the CDOR Rate. Interest on CDOR Rate Loans shall be payable on the earliest of (A) the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto; provided , that, subject to the following clauses (B) and (C), in the case of any Interest Period greater than 3 months in duration, interest shall be payable at 3 month intervals after the commencement of the applicable Interest Period and on the last day of such Interest Period), (B) the date on which all or any portion of the Canadian Obligations are accelerated pursuant to the terms hereof, or (C) the date on which this Agreement is terminated pursuant to the terms hereof. On the last day of each applicable Interest Period, unless the Canadian Borrowers properly have exercised the CDOR Rate Option with respect thereto, the interest rate applicable to such CDOR Rate Loan automatically shall convert to the rate of interest then applicable to Canadian Base Rate Loans of the same type hereunder.

 

(ii) CDOR Rate Election .

 

(A) Canadian Borrowers may, at any time and from time to time, so long as Canadian Borrowers have not received a notice from Agent (which notice Agent may elect to give or not give in its discretion unless Agent is directed to give such notice by the Required Lenders, in which case, it shall give the notice to Canadian Borrowers), after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to terminate the right of Canadian Borrowers to exercise the CDOR Rate Option during the continuance of such Event of Default, elect to exercise the CDOR Rate Option by notifying Agent prior to 11:00 a.m. Eastern (Toronto) time at least 2 Business Days prior to the commencement of the proposed Interest Period (the “ CDOR Rate Deadline ”). Notice of Canadian Borrowers’ election of the CDOR Rate Option by such Borrowers for a permitted portion of the Canadian Revolving Loans and an Interest Period pursuant to this Section shall be made by delivery to Agent of a CDOR Rate Notice received by Agent before the CDOR Rate Deadline, or by telephonic notice received by Agent before the CDOR Rate Deadline (to be confirmed by delivery to Agent of a CDOR Rate Notice received by Agent prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern (Toronto) time on the same day). Promptly upon its receipt of each such CDOR Rate Notice, Agent shall provide a copy thereof to each of the affected Canadian Lenders.

 

(B) Each CDOR Rate Notice shall be irrevocable and binding on Canadian Borrowers. In connection with each CDOR Rate Loan, Canadian Borrowers shall indemnify, defend, and hold Agent and the applicable Canadian Lenders harmless against any loss, cost, or expense actually incurred by Agent or any Lender as a result of (A) the payment of any principal of any such CDOR Rate Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of: (x) an Event of Default, or (y) a Lender being required to assign its Loans or assign or terminate its Commitments under the terms hereunder), (B) the conversion of such CDOR Rate Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, or (C) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any CDOR Rate Loan on the date specified in any CDOR Rate Notice delivered pursuant hereto (such losses, costs, or expenses, “ Funding Losses ”). A certificate of Agent or a Canadian Lender delivered to Canadian Borrowers setting forth in reasonable detail any amount or amounts that Agent or such Canadian Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 3.1(b) shall be conclusive absent

 

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manifest error. Borrowers shall pay such amount to Agent or the Canadian Lender, as applicable, within 30 days of the date of its receipt of such certificate. If a payment of a CDOR Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the applicable Interest Period would result in a Funding Loss, Agent may, in its sole discretion at the request of the Canadian Borrowers, hold the amount of such payment as cash collateral in support of the Canadian Obligations until the last day of such Interest Period and apply such amounts to the payment of the applicable CDOR Rate Loan on such last day, it being agreed that Agent has no obligation to so defer the application of payments to any CDOR Rate Loan and that, in the event that Agent does not defer such application, Borrowers shall be obligated to pay any resulting Funding Losses.

 

(C) Unless Agent, in its sole discretion, agrees otherwise, Canadian Borrowers shall have not more than 8 CDOR Rate Loans in effect at any given time. Canadian Borrowers may only exercise the CDOR Rate Option for proposed CDOR Rate Loans of at least C$500,000 and in increments of C$500,000.

 

(iii) Conversion . Canadian Borrowers may convert CDOR Rate Loans to Canadian Base Rate Loans at any time; provided , that in the event that CDOR Rate Loans are converted or prepaid on any date that is not the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, including as a result of any prepayment through the required application by Agent of any payments or proceeds of Collateral in accordance with the terms hereof or for any other reason, including early termination of the term of this Agreement or acceleration of all or any portion of the Obligations pursuant to the terms hereof, each Canadian Borrower shall indemnify, defend, and hold Agent and the Canadian Lenders and their Participants harmless against any and all Funding Losses in accordance with Section 3.1(b)(ii) .

 

(iv) Special Provisions Applicable to CDOR Rate . The applicable CDOR Rate may be adjusted by Agent with respect to any Canadian Lender on a prospective basis to take into account any additional or increased costs to such Canadian Lender of maintaining or obtaining any bankers’ acceptances, Canadian Dollar deposits or increased costs, in each case, due to changes in applicable law occurring subsequent to the commencement of the then applicable Interest Period, including any of the changes described in Section 3.6 (including any changes in tax laws (except in respect of Indemnified Taxes or Excluded Taxes)) and changes in the reserve requirements imposed by any Governmental Authority, which additional or increased costs would increase the cost of funding or maintaining loans bearing interest at the CDOR Rate. In any such event, the affected Canadian Lender shall give Canadian Borrowers and Agent notice of such a determination and adjustment and Agent promptly shall transmit the notice to each other Canadian Lender and, upon its receipt of the notice from the affected Canadian Lender, Canadian Borrowers (1) may, by notice to such affected Canadian Lender require such Canadian Lender to furnish to Canadian Borrowers a statement setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for adjusting such CDOR Rate and the method for determining the amount of such adjustment (which statement of calculations shall be deemed to be correct absent manifest error), and (2) may repay the CDOR Rate Loans of all Canadian Lenders in full (but not in part) (together with any amounts due under Section 3.1(b)(ii) ).

 

(v) No Requirement of Matched Funding . Anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding, neither Agent, nor any Canadian Lender, nor any of their

 

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Participants, is required actually to acquire bankers’ acceptances to fund or otherwise match fund any Obligation as to which interest accrues at the applicable CDOR Rate.

 

(c) Intentionally Omitted.

 

(d) Intentionally Omitted.

 

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the benefit of Lenders, interest, at Agent’s option, with notice to Borrowers, at a rate two (2.0%) percent per annum greater than the applicable rate(s) chargeable above on the non-contingent Obligations for the period from and after the date of termination or non-renewal hereof, or the date of the occurrence of an Event of Default, and for so long as such Event of Default is continuing as determined by Agent and until such time as Agent has received full and final payment of all such Obligations (notwithstanding entry of any judgment against Borrowers). All interest accruing hereunder on and after the occurrence of any of the events referred to in this Section 3.1(e) shall be payable on demand.

 

(f) Except to the extent provided to the contrary in Section 3.1(b) above, interest shall be payable by Borrowers to Agent, for the benefit of Lenders, monthly in arrears not later than the first day of each calendar month. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a three hundred sixty (360) day year and actual days elapsed.

 

(g) For the purposes of the Interest Act (Canada), the yearly rate of interest to which any rate calculated on the basis of a period of time different from the actual number of days in the year (360 days, for example) is equivalent is the stated rate multiplied by the actual number of days in the year (365 or 366, as applicable) and divided by the number of days in the shorter period (360 days, in the example). The rates of interest under this Agreement are nominal rates, and not effective rates or yields. The principle of deemed reinvestment of interest does not apply to any interest calculation under this Agreement.

 

3.2 Fee Letter . U.S. Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the account of Agent, as and when due and payable under the terms of the Fee Letter, the fees set forth in the Fee Letter.

 

3.3 Closing Fees .

 

(a) U.S. Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the benefit of City National Bank on account of the addition of its Commitments on the date hereof, Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), which fee shall be fully earned as of and payable on the date hereof.

 

(b) U.S. Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the benefit of the U.S. Lenders in accordance with their Pro Rata Shares (calculated under clause (a) of the definition of Pro Rata Share), an amendment fee in an amount equal to Sixty-Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($68,750), which fee shall be fully earned as of and payable on the date hereof.

 

3.4 Unused Line Fee . U.S. Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the benefit of U.S. Lenders in accordance with their Pro Rata Shares (calculated under clause (a) of the definition of Pro Rata Share), monthly, an unused line fee equal to one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) per annum calculated upon the amount, if any, by which the Maximum Credit then in effect, exceeds

 

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the average daily principal balance of the outstanding Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations during the immediately preceding month while this Agreement is in effect and for so long thereafter as any of the Obligations are outstanding, which fee shall be payable on the first day of each month in arrears.

 

3.5 Compensation Adjustment .

 

(a) If after the date of this Agreement the introduction of, or any change in, any law or any rule, regulation, policy, guideline or directive of a Governmental Authority having general application to financial institutions of the same type as Agent or any Lender or any Participant, or any interpretation thereof, or compliance by Agent or any Lender or any Participant therewith (provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements 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, Canada or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “change in law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented):

 

(i) subjects Agent or any Lender to any tax, duty, charge or withholding on or from payments due from Borrowers (except in respect of Indemnified Taxes or Excluded Taxes), or changes the basis of taxation of payments, in either case in respect of amounts due it hereunder, or

 

(ii) imposes or increases or deems applicable any reserve requirement or other reserve, assessment, insurance charge, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by Agent or any Lender or any Participant, or

 

(iii) imposes any other condition the result of which is to increase the cost to Agent or any Lender or any Participant of making, funding or maintaining the Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations or reduces any amount receivable by Agent or any Lender or any Participant in connection with the Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations, or requires Agent or any Lender or any Participant to make payment calculated by references to the amount of loans held or interest received by it, by an amount deemed material by Agent or any Lender or any Participant, or

 

(iv) imposes or increases any capital or liquidity requirement or affects the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity) by Agent or any Lender or any Participant or any corporation controlling Agent or any Lender or any Participant, and Agent or any Lender or any Participant determines that such imposition or increase in capital requirements or increase in the amount of capital expected to be maintained is based upon the existence of this Agreement or the Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations hereunder, all of which may be determined by Agent’s reasonable

 

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allocation of the aggregate of its impositions or increases in capital required or expected to be maintained,

 

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to Agent or any Lender or any Participant of making, renewing or maintaining the Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations, or to reduce the rate of return to Agent or any Lender or any Participant on the Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations, then upon 10 days’ prior written notice by Agent, Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the benefit of Lenders, and continue to make periodic payments to Agent, for the benefit of Lenders, such additional amounts as may be necessary to compensate any Lender or any Participant for any such additional cost incurred or reduced rate of return realized.

 

(b) A certificate of Agent or any Lender claiming entitlement to compensation as set forth above will be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. Such certificate will set forth the nature of the occurrence giving rise to such compensation, the additional amount or amounts to be paid and the compensation and the method by which such amounts were determined. In determining any additional amounts due from Borrowers under this Section 3.5, Agent and each Lender shall act reasonably and in good faith and will, to the extent that the increased costs, reductions, or amounts received or receivable relate to Agent or such Lender’s or a Participant’s loans or commitments generally and are not specifically attributable to the Loans and commitments hereunder, use averaging and attribution methods which are reasonable and equitable and which cover all such loans and commitments by Agent or such Lender or such Participant, as the case may be, whether or not the loan documentation for such other loans and commitments permits Agent or such Lender or such Participant to receive compensation costs of the type described in this Section 3.5.

 

3.6 Changes in Laws and Increased Costs of Loans . (a) In the event that (i) any change in market conditions or any law, regulation, treaty, or directive, or any change therein or in the interpretation or application thereof make it unlawful or impractical for Agent or any U.S. Lender to fund or maintain extensions of credit with interest based upon the Eurodollar Rate or to continue such funding or maintaining, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, (ii) Agent or any U.S. Lender determines that by reasons affecting the London Interbank Eurodollar market, adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Eurodollar Rate, or (iii) Agent or any U.S. Lender determines that the interest rate based on the Eurodollar Rate will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to Agent or such U.S. Lender of maintaining or funding Loans at the interest rate based upon the Eurodollar Rate, the applicable U.S. Lender shall give notice of such changed circumstances to Agent and Agent shall give notice of such changed circumstances to the U.S. Borrowers and (A) interest on the principal amount of such extensions of credit thereafter shall accrue interest at a rate equal to the Prime Rate plus the Applicable Margin, and (B) the U.S. Bo r rowers shall not be entitled to elect the Eurodollar Rate until Agent and the U.S. Lenders determine that it would no longer be unlawful or impractical to do so or that such increased costs would no longer be applicable.

 

(b) In the event that (i) any change in market conditions or any law, regulation, treaty, or directive, or any change therein or in the interpretation or application thereof make it unlawful or impractical for Agent or any Canadian Lender to fund or maintain extensions of credit with interest based upon the CDOR Rate or to continue such funding or maintaining, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the CDOR Rate, (ii) Agent or any Canadian Lender

 

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determines that by reasons affecting the bankers’ acceptance market, adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the CDOR Rate, or (iii) Agent or any Canadian Lender determines that the interest rate based on the CDOR Rate will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to Agent or such Canadian Lender of maintaining or funding Loans at the interest rate based upon the CDOR Rate, the applicable Canadian Lender shall give notice of such changed circumstances to Agent and Agent shall give notice of such changed circumstances to the Canadian Borrowers and (A) in the case of any CDOR Rate Loans of such Canadian Lender that are outstanding, the date specified in such Canadian Lender’s notice shall be deemed to be the last day of the Interest Period of such CDOR Rate Loans, and interest on the principal amount of such extensions of credit thereafter shall accrue interest at a rate equal to the Canadian Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin, and (B) the Canadian Borrowers shall not be entitled to elect the CDOR Rate until Agent and the Canadian Lenders determine that it would no longer be unlawful or impractical to do so or that such increased costs would no longer be applicable.

 

3.7 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders . If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.1(b)(iv) or Section 3.5 (any such Lender, an “ Affected Lender ”), then such Affected Lender shall use reasonable efforts to promptly designate a different one of its lending offices or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices or branches, if (i) in the reasonable judgment of such Affected Lender, such designation or assignment would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.1(b)(iv) or Section 3.5 and (ii) in the reasonable judgment of such Affected Lender, such designation or assignment would not subject it to any material unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be materially disadvantageous to it. The Borrowers agree to pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by such Affected Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment. If, after such reasonable efforts, such Affected Lender does not so designate a different one of its lending offices or assign its rights to another of its offices or branches so as to eliminate Borrowers’ obligation to pay any future amounts to such Affected Lender pursuant to Section 3.1(b)(iv) or Section 3.5, as applicable, then the Borrowers (without prejudice to any amounts then due to such Affected Lender under Section 3.1(b)(iv) or Section 3.5) may, unless prior to the effective date of any such assignment the Affected Lender withdraws its request for such additional amounts under Section 3.1(b)(iv) or Section 3.5, seek a substitute Lender reasonably acceptable to Agent to purchase the Obligations owed to such Affected Lender and such Affected Lender’s U.S. Commitment and such Affected Lender’s or its Affiliate’s Canadian Commitment hereunder (a “ Replacement Lender ”), and if such Replacement Lender agrees to such purchase, such Affected Lender shall assign to the Replacement Lender its Obligations and U.S. Commitment and/or its or its Affiliates Canadian Commitment, pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance, and upon such purchase by the Replacement Lender, such Replacement Lender shall be deemed to be a “Lender” for purposes of this Agreement and such Affected Lender shall cease to be a “Lender” for purposes of this Agreement.

 

3.8 Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions . The Borrowers have implemented and maintain in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Borrowers, their respective Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and the Borrowers, their respective Subsidiaries and their respective officers and employees and to the knowledge of the Borrowers their respective directors and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects. None of (a) any Borrower, any Subsidiary or, to the knowledge of such

 

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Borrower or such Subsidiary, any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or (b) to the knowledge of any Borrower, any agent of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No Loan or Letter of Credit Accommodation, use of proceeds or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement will violate any Anti-Corruption Law or applicable Sanctions.

 

SECTION 4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT .

 

4.1 Conditions Precedent to Agreement . Each of the following is a condition precedent, except as may be waived in accordance with Section 11.3, to the effectiveness of this Agreement and to this Agreement amending and restating the Original Loan Agreement in its entirety:

 

(a) all requisite corporate or company action and proceedings in connection with this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements shall be satisfactory in form and substance to Agent, and Agent shall have received all information and copies of all documents, including, without limitation, records of requisite corporate or company action and proceedings which Agent may have requested in its Permitted Discretion in connection therewith, such documents where requested by Agent in its Permitted Discretion or its counsel to be certified by appropriate corporate or company officers or Governmental Authorities;

 

(b) no material adverse change shall have occurred in the assets, business or prospects of Borrowers since the date of Agent’s latest field examination and no change or event shall have occurred which would impair the ability of any Borrower or any Obligor to perform its obligations hereunder or under any of the other Financing Agreements to which it is a party or of Agent to enforce the Obligations or realize upon the Collateral;

 

(c) Agent shall have received an Information Certificate duly executed and delivered by each Borrower;

 

(d) with respect to the Canadian Borrowers and Canadian Obligors, Agent shall have received, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, and reviewed to its reasonable satisfaction, UCC, PPSA, Bank Act, tax lien, litigation, bankruptcy and intellectual property searches from all offices that Agent deems appropriate in its sole discretion;

 

(e) Agent shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, opinion letters of counsel to Borrowers and Obligors with respect to the Financing Agreements, registration and such other matters as Agent may reasonably request;

 

(f) Agent shall have received the Fee Letter duly executed and delivered by U.S. Borrowers;

 

(g) Agent shall have received the Canadian Security Documents;

 

(h) Agent shall have received a certificate of insurance, together with the endorsements thereto, as are required by Section 9.5 of the Agreement, the form and substance of which shall be satisfactory to Agent;

 

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(i) Agent shall have completed its business, legal, and collateral due diligence with respect to the Canadian Borrowers, including a review of their respective material agreements, in each case, the results of which shall be satisfactory to Agent; and

 

(j) all other documents and legal matters (including estoppel certificates, discharges and subordination agreements) in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been delivered, executed or recorded and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

4.2 Conditions Precedent to All Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations . Each of the following is an additional condition precedent (except as may be waived in accordance with Section 11.3) to Lenders (or Agent on behalf of Lenders) making Loans and/or providing Letter of Credit Accommodations to any Borrowers, including the initial Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations and any future Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations:

 

(a) all representations and warranties contained herein and in the other Financing Agreements shall be true and correct in all material respects with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date of the making of each such Loan or providing each such Letter of Credit Accommodation and after giving effect thereto, except to the extent related to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall speak only of such earlier date; and

 

(b) no Event of Default and no event or condition which, with notice or passage of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default, shall exist or have occurred and be continuing on and as of the date of the making of such Loan or providing such Letter of Credit Accommodation and after giving effect thereto.

 

SECTION 5. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST .

 

To secure payment and performance of all Obligations, each U.S. Borrower hereby grants to Agent, for itself and the ratable benefit of Secured Parties, a continuing security interest in, a lien upon, and a right of set off against, and hereby assigns to Agent, for itself and the ratable benefit of Secured Parties, as security, and, to secure payment and performance of all Canadian Obligations, each Canadian Borrower hereby grants to Agent, for itself and the ratable benefit of Secured Parties, a continuing security interest in, a lien upon, and a right of set off against, and hereby assigns to Agent, for itself and the ratable benefit of Secured Parties with respect to the Canadian Obligations, as security, all personal property and interests in property of such Borrower, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or existing, and wherever located (collectively, the “ Collateral ”), including, without limitation, the following:

 

5.1 all Accounts and other indebtedness owed to such Borrower;

 

5.2 all present and future contract rights, general intangibles (including, but not limited to, tax and duty refunds, registered and unregistered patents, trademarks, service marks, copyrights, trade names, applications for the foregoing, trade secrets, goodwill, processes, drawings, blueprints, customer lists, mailing lists, licenses, whether as licensor or licensee, choses in action and other claims and existing and future leasehold interests in equipment, real

 

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estate and fixtures), chattel paper, documents, instruments, securities, investment property, letters of credit, proceeds of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances and guaranties;

 

5.3 all present and future monies, securities, securities entitlements, credit balances, deposits, deposit accounts and other property of such Borrower now or hereafter held or received by or in transit to Agent, any Lender or any of their respective affiliates or at any other depository or other institution from or for the account of such Borrower, whether for safekeeping, pledge, custody, transmission, collection or otherwise, and all present and future liens, security interests, rights, remedies, title and interest in, to and in respect of Accounts and other Collateral, including, without limitation, (a) rights and remedies under or relating to guaranties, contracts of suretyship, letters of credit and credit and other insurance related to the Collateral, (b) rights of stoppage in transit, replevin, repossession, reclamation and other rights and remedies of an unpaid vendor, lienor or secured party, (c) goods described in invoices, documents, contracts or instruments with respect to, or otherwise representing or evidencing, Accounts or other Collateral, including, without limitation, returned, repossessed and reclaimed goods, and (d) deposits by and property of account debtors or other persons securing the obligations of account debtors;

 

5.4 all Inventory;

 

5.5 all Equipment;

 

5.6 all Records;

 

5.7 the Real Estate and the Adjacent Real Estate; and

 

5.8 all products and proceeds of the foregoing, in any form, including, without limitation, insurance proceeds and any claims against third parties for loss or damage to or destruction of any or all of the foregoing.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5 or in the other Financing Agreements, the Collateral of the U.S. Borrowers which secures the U.S. Obligations shall not include in excess of 65% of the voting stock of any Foreign Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrowers.

 

SECTION 6. COLLECTION AND ADMINISTRATION .

 

6.1 Borrowers’ Loan Account . Agent shall maintain (a) one or more loan account(s) on its books in which shall be recorded (i) all U.S. Revolving Loans, all U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations and all other U.S. Obligations and the Collateral of U.S. Borrowers, (ii) all payments made by or on behalf of U.S. Borrowers and (iii) all other appropriate debits and credits as provided in this Agreement, including, without limitation, fees, charges, costs, expenses and interest with respect to the U.S. Obligations, and (b) one or more loan account(s) on its books in which shall be recorded (i) all Canadian Revolving Loans, all Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations and all other Canadian Obligations and the Collateral of Canadian Borrowers, (ii) all payments made by or on behalf of Canadian Borrowers and (iii) all other appropriate debits and credits as provided in this Agreement, including, without limitation, fees, charges, costs, expenses and interest with respect to the Canadian Obligations. All entries in the

 

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loan accounts shall be made in accordance with Agent’s customary practices as in effect from time to time.

 

6.2 Statements . Agent shall render (a) to U.S. Borrowers each month a statement setting forth the balance in the U.S. Borrowers’ loan account(s) maintained by Agent for U.S. Borrowers pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including principal, interest, fees, costs and expenses, and (b) to Canadian Borrowers each month a statement setting forth the balance in the Canadian Borrowers’ loan account(s) maintained by Agent for Canadian Borrowers pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including principal, interest, fees, costs and expenses. Each such statement shall be subject to subsequent adjustment by Agent but shall, absent manifest errors or omissions, be considered correct and deemed accepted by Borrowers and conclusively binding upon Borrowers as an account stated except to the extent that Agent receives a written notice from Borrowers of any specific exceptions of Borrowers thereto within sixty (60) days after the date such statement has been mailed by Agent. Until such time as Agent shall have rendered to Borrowers a written statement as provided above, the balance in Borrowers’ loan account(s) shall be presumptive evidence of the amounts due and owing to Agent and Lenders by Borrowers.

 

6.3 Collection of Accounts .

 

(a) Borrowers shall establish and maintain, at their expense, deposit account arrangements and merchant payment arrangements with the banks set forth in the Information Certificates and after prior written notice to Agent, such other banks as Borrowers may hereafter select as are acceptable to Agent. The banks set forth in the Information Certificates constitute all of the banks with whom any Borrower has deposit account arrangements and merchant payment arrangements as of the date hereof.

 

(i) Borrowers shall deposit all proceeds from sales of Inventory in every form (including, without limitation, cash, checks, credit card sales drafts, credit card sales of charge slip or receipts and other forms of daily receipts) and all other proceeds of Collateral that are received at Borrowers’ retail store location(s), on each Business Day into the deposit accounts of Borrowers used solely for such purpose as set forth in the Information Certificates. Borrowers shall irrevocably authorize and direct in writing, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, each of the banks into which proceeds from sales of Inventory and any and all other proceeds of Collateral are at any time deposited as provided above to send by wire transfer on a daily basis all funds deposited in such account, and shall irrevocably authorize and direct in writing their account debtors, Credit Card Issuers and Credit Card/Check Processors to directly remit payments on their Accounts, Credit Card Receivables and all other payments constituting proceeds of Inventory to the Blocked Accounts described in Section 6.3(a)(ii) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, those of such banks used by Borrowers’ retail store locations shall remit the foregoing proceeds received by them to the Blocked Accounts on a weekly basis, instead of a daily basis, provided, that, the aggregate sum of such proceeds held by those banks shall not exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) at any time. Such authorizations and directions shall not be rescinded, revoked or modified without the prior written consent of Agent.

 

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(ii) U.S. Borrowers shall establish and maintain, at their expense a blocked account or lockboxes and related blocked accounts (in either case, each a “ U.S. Blocked Account ” and collectively the “ U.S. Blocked Accounts ”), as Agent may specify, with such bank or banks as are acceptable to Agent into which U.S. Borrowers shall promptly deposit and direct their account debtors to directly remit all payments on their Accounts and all payments constituting proceeds of their Inventory or other Collateral in the identical form in which such payments are made, whether by cash, check or other manner. Canadian Borrowers shall establish and maintain, at their expense a blocked account or lockboxes and related blocked accounts (in either case, each a “ Canadian Blocked Account ” and collectively the “ Canadian Blocked Accounts ” and together with the U.S. Blocked Accounts, each a “ Blocked Account ” and collectively, the “ Blocked Accounts ”), as Agent may specify, with such bank or banks as are acceptable to Agent into which Canadian Borrowers shall promptly deposit and direct their account debtors to directly remit all payments on their Accounts and all payments constituting proceeds of their Inventory or other Collateral in the identical form in which such payments are made, whether by cash, check or other manner. Each bank at which a Blocked Account is established shall enter into an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, providing (unless otherwise agreed to by Agent) that all items received or deposited in such Blocked Account are the Collateral of Agent and the applicable Lenders, that the depository bank has no lien upon, or right to setoff against (or has waived all such rights, except in respect to customary fees and chargebacks), the Blocked Accounts, the items received for deposit therein, or the funds from time to time on deposit therein and that the depository bank will wire, or otherwise transfer, in immediately available funds, on a daily basis, all funds received or deposited into such Blocked Account to such bank account of Agent as Agent may from time to time designate for such purpose with respect to the U.S. Borrowers (the “ U.S. Payment Account ”), or with respect to the Canadian Borrowers (the “ Canadian Payment Account ”, and together with the U.S. Payment Account, each a “ Payment Account ”) . All such amounts that are deposited into a Payment Account shall be applied by the Agent in accordance with Section 6.4. U.S. Borrowers agree that all amounts deposited in the U.S. Blocked Accounts or other funds received and collected by Agent or any Lender, whether as proceeds of their Inventory, the collection of their Accounts or other Collateral or otherwise shall be the Collateral of Agent and Lenders. Canadian Borrowers agree that all amounts deposited in the Canadian Blocked Accounts or other funds received and collected by Agent or any Canadian Lender, whether as proceeds of their Inventory, the collection of their Accounts or other Collateral or otherwise shall be the Collateral of Agent and Canadian Lenders.

 

(b) For purposes of calculating interest on the Obligations, such payments or other funds received will be applied (conditional upon final collection) to the applicable Obligations one-half of one (1/2) Business Day following the date of receipt of immediately available funds by Agent in the applicable Payment Account (such that Borrowers will pay a charge equal to one-half (1/2) of the additional interest that would have accrued on the sum of such payments or other funds if the sum was applied to the Obligations one (1) Business Day after receipt of immediately available funds by Lenders in the applicable Payment Account). For purposes of calculating the amount of the Loans available to Borrowers such payments will be applied (conditional upon final collection) to the applicable Obligations on the Business Day of receipt by Agent in the applicable Payment Account, if such payments are received within sufficient time (in accordance with Agent’s usual and customary practices as in effect from time to time) to credit the applicable Borrowers’ loan account on such day, and if not, then on the next

 

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Business Day. In the event that at any time or from time to time there are no Loans outstanding, Lenders shall be entitled to an administrative charge in an amount equivalent to the interest Lenders would have received on account of the above one-half of one (1/2) Business Day clearance had there been Loans outstanding.

 

(c) Borrowers and all of their affiliates, subsidiaries, shareholders, directors, employees or agents shall, acting as trustee for Agent and Lenders, receive, as the property of Agent and Lenders, any monies, cash, checks, notes, drafts or any other payment relating to and/or proceeds of Accounts or from sales of Inventory or other Collateral which come into their possession or under their control and immediately upon receipt thereof, shall deposit or cause the same to be deposited in the Canadian Blocked Accounts in the case of the Canadian Borrowers, and the U.S. Blocked Accounts in the case of the U.S. Borrowers, or remit the same or cause the same to be remitted, in kind, to Agent. In no event shall any such monies, checks, notes, drafts or other payments be commingled with any Borrower’s own funds. Borrowers agree to reimburse Agent and the Lenders on demand for any amounts owed or paid to any bank at which a Blocked Account is established or any other bank or person involved in the transfer of funds to or from the Blocked Accounts arising out of Agent’s or any Lender’s payments to or indemnification of such bank or person, unless such payment or indemnification obligation of Agent or Lender was a result of Agent’s or such Lender’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The obligation of Borrowers to reimburse Agent and Lenders for such amounts pursuant to this Section 6.3 shall survive the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement.

 

6.4 Payments . All U.S. Obligations shall be payable to the U.S. Payment Account as provided in Section 6.3 of this Agreement or such other place as Agent may designate from time to time, and all Canadian Obligations shall be payable to the Canadian Payment Account as provided in Section 6.3 of this Agreement or such other place as Agent may designate from time to time.

 

(a) Subject to the other terms and conditions contained herein, Agent shall apply payments received or collected from any Borrower or for the account of any Borrower (including the monetary proceeds of collections or of realization upon any Collateral) as follows: first , to pay any fees, indemnities or expense reimbursements then due to Agent and Lenders from any Borrower; second , to pay interest due in respect of any Loans (and including any Special Agent Advances) or Letter of Credit Accommodations; third , to pay or prepay principal in respect of Special Agent Advances; fourth , to pay principal due in respect of the Loans, on a pro rata basis; fifth , at any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, to provide cash collateral for any Letter of Credit Accommodations; sixth , ratably, up to the amount of the most recently established Availability Reserve established pursuant to clause (iv) of the definition of “Canadian Availability Reserve” or “U.S. Availability Reserve”, as applicable (and not exceeding the amounts agreed with respect thereto pursuant to the applicable Bank Product Provider Letter Agreement), to pay or prepay any Obligations arising under or pursuant to any Bank Products based upon amounts then certified by the applicable Bank Product Provider to Agent (in form and substance satisfactory to Agent) to be due and payable to such Bank Product Providers on account of Bank Products; seventh , to pay or prepay any other Obligations whether or not then due, in such order and manner as Agent determines and at any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, to provide cash collateral for any contingent Obligations (but not including for this purpose any Obligations arising under or pursuant to any

 

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Bank Products); and eighth , to pay or prepay any Obligations arising under or pursuant to any Bank Products and at any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, to provide cash collateral for any contingent Obligations arising under or pursuant to any Bank Products (based upon amounts then certified by the applicable Bank Product Provider to Agent (in form and substance satisfactory to Agent)); provided , that , so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, proceeds generated in the ordinary course of Borrowers’ business on Accounts or Inventory will not be applied to any principal amount not yet due and payable on contingent Obligations.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) any such payment from or for the account of the U.S. Borrowers or application of proceeds from Collateral of the U.S. Borrowers (which at the time of remittance to the Agent are either identified as such by the U.S. Borrowers or known as such by Agent) shall be applied first, to the Obligations (other than the Canadian Obligations), and second, to the Canadian Obligations, and (ii) any such payment from or on the account of the Canadian Borrowers or application of proceeds from Collateral of the Canadian Borrowers (which at the time of remittance to the Agent are either identified as such by the Canadian Borrowers or known as such by Agent) shall be applied solely to the Canadian Obligations, in each case of clauses (i) and (ii), in the order of priority otherwise set forth in clause (a) of this Section 6.4.

 

(c) At Agent’s option, all principal, interest, fees, costs, expenses and other charges provided for in this Agreement or the other Financing Agreements may be charged directly to the loan account(s) of U.S. Borrowers, with respect to the U.S. Obligations, and Canadian Borrowers, with respect to the Canadian Obligations. Borrowers shall make all payments to Agents and the Lenders on the Obligations without setoff, counterclaim, or other defense. If after receipt of any payment of, or proceeds of Collateral applied to the payment of, any of the Obligations, Agent or any Lender is required to surrender or return such payment or proceeds to any Person for any reason, then the Obligations intended to be satisfied by such payment or proceeds shall be reinstated and continue and this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by such Person. Borrowers shall be liable to pay to Agent and Lenders, and do hereby indemnify and hold Agent and each Lender harmless for the amount of any payments or proceeds surrendered or returned. This Section 6.4 shall remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may be taken by Agent or any Lender in reliance upon such payment or proceeds. This Section 6.4 shall survive the payment of the Obligations and the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement.

 

(d) The U.S. Revolving Loans and other U.S. Obligations (unless such other U.S. Obligations expressly provide otherwise) shall be made and repaid in Dollars. The Canadian Revolving Loans and other Canadian Obligations (unless such other Canadian Obligations expressly provide otherwise) shall be made and repaid in Canadian Dollars.

 

6.5 Taxes .

 

(a) Payments . All payments made by Borrowers under this Agreement or any other Financing Agreements will be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for, any present or future Taxes, except as required by applicable law. In the event any deduction or withholding of Indemnified Taxes is required, Borrowers shall comply with the

 

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next sentence of this Section 6.5(a). If any Indemnified Taxes are so levied or imposed, Borrowers agree to pay the full amount of such Indemnified Taxes and such additional amounts as may be necessary so that every payment of all amounts due under this Agreement, any note, or Financing Agreement, including any amount paid pursuant to this Section 6.5(a) after withholding or deduction for or on account of any Indemnified Taxes, will not be less than the amount provided for herein. Borrowers will furnish to Agent as promptly as possible after the date the payment of any Indemnified Tax is due pursuant to applicable law, certified copies of tax receipts evidencing such payment by Borrowers. Borrowers agree to pay any present or future stamp, value added or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges, or similar levies that arise from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery, performance, recordation, or filing of, or otherwise with respect to this Agreement or any other Financing Agreement.

 

(b) Exemptions . (i) If a Lender or any transferee or assignee of such Lender, including any Participant, (any such transferee or assignee being referred to as a “ Transferee ”) that is not a U.S. Person (a “ Non-U.S. Lender ”) is entitled to claim an exemption or reduction from United States withholding tax, such Non-U.S. Lender agrees with and in favor of Agent, to deliver to Agent one of the following before receiving its first payment under this Agreement:

 

(A) if such Non-U.S. Lender is entitled to claim an exemption from United States withholding tax pursuant to the portfolio interest exception, (1) a statement of the Non-U.S. Lender, signed under penalty of perjury, that it is not a (I) a “bank” as described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the IRC, (II) a 10% shareholder of any Borrower or any Obligor (within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the IRC), or (III) a controlled foreign corporation related to any Borrower or any Obligor within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the IRC, and (2) a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or Form W-8IMY (with proper attachments);

 

(B) if such Non-U.S. Lender is entitled to claim an exemption from, or a reduction of, withholding tax under a United States tax treaty, a properly completed and executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E;

 

(C) if such Non-U.S. Lender is entitled to claim that interest paid under this Agreement is exempt from United States withholding tax because it is effectively connected with a United States trade or business of such Lender, a properly completed and executed copy of IRS Form W-8ECI;

 

(D) if such Non-U.S. Lender is entitled to claim that interest paid under this Agreement is exempt from United States withholding tax because such Non-U.S. Lender serves as an intermediary, a properly completed and executed copy of IRS Form W-8IMY (with proper attachments);

 

(E) properly completed and executed copy of any other form or forms, including IRS Form W-9, as may be required under the IRC or other laws of the United States as a condition to exemption from, or reduction of, United States withholding or backup withholding tax; or

 

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

 

(ii) Each Non-U.S. Lender shall provide new forms (or successor forms) upon the expiration or obsolescence of any previously delivered forms and to promptly notify Agent of any change in circumstances which would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or reduction.

 

(iii) If a Lender or Transferee claims an exemption from withholding tax in a jurisdiction other than the United States, such Lender or such Transferee agrees with and in favor of Agent, to deliver to Agent (or, in the case of a Transferee, to the Lender) any such form or forms, as may be required under the laws of such jurisdiction as a condition to exemption from, or reduction of, foreign withholding or backup withholding tax before receiving its first payment under this Agreement, but only if such Lender or such Transferee is legally able to deliver such forms, provided , that nothing in this Section 6.5(b)(iii) shall require a Lender or Transferee to disclose any information that it deems to be confidential (including without limitation, its tax returns). Each Lender and each Transferee shall provide new forms (or successor forms) upon the expiration or obsolescence of any previously delivered forms and to promptly notify Agent (or, in the case of a Transferee, to the Lender) of any change in circumstances which would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or reduction.

 

(iv) If a Lender or Transferee claims exemption from, or reduction of, withholding tax and such Lender or Transferee sells, assigns, grants a participation in, or otherwise transfers all or part of the obligations of Borrowers to such Lender or Transferee, such Lender or Transferee agrees to notify the Agent (or, in the case of a sale of a participation interest, to the Lender granting the participation only) of the percentage amount in which it is no longer the beneficial owner of obligations of Borrowers to such Lender or Transferee. To the extent of such percentage amount, the Agent will treat such Lender’s or such Transferee’s documentation provided pursuant to Section 6.5(b)(i) or 6.5(b)(iii) as no longer valid. With respect to such percentage amount, such Transferee may provide new documentation, pursuant to Section 6.5(b)(i) or 6.5(b)(iii) , if applicable. Borrowers agree that each Transferee shall be entitled to the benefits of this Section 6.5 with respect to its participation in any portion of the

 

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commitments and the obligations so long as such Transferee complies with the obligations set forth in this Section 6.5 with respect thereto.

 

(c) Reductions . (i) If a Lender or a Transferee is subject to an applicable withholding tax, Agent (or, in the case of a Transferee, the Lender granting the participation) may withhold from any payment to such Lender or such Transferee an amount equivalent to the applicable withholding tax. If the forms or other documentation required by Section 6.5(b)(i) or 6.5(b)(iii) are not delivered to Agent (or, in the case of a Transferee, to the Lender granting the participation), then Agent (or, in the case of a Transferee, to the Lender granting the participation) may withhold from any payment to such Lender or such Transferee not providing such forms or other documentation an amount equivalent to the applicable withholding tax.

 

(ii) If the IRS or any other Governmental Authority of the United States or other jurisdiction asserts a claim that Agent (or, in the case of a Transferee, to the Lender granting the participation) did not properly withhold tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender or any Transferee due to a failure on the part of the Lender or any Transferee (because the appropriate form was not delivered, was not properly executed, or because such Lender failed to notify Agent (or such Transferee failed to notify the Lender granting the participation) of a change in circumstances which rendered the exemption from, or reduction of, withholding tax ineffective, or for any other reason) such Lender shall indemnify and hold Agent harmless (or, in the case of a Transferee, such Transferee shall indemnify and hold the Lender granting the participation harmless) for all amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by Agent (or, in the case of a Transferee, to the Lender granting the participation), as tax or otherwise, including penalties and interest, and including any taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on the amounts payable to Agent (or, in the case of a Transferee, to the Lender granting the participation only) under this Section 6.5, together with all costs and expenses (including attorney’s fees and expenses). The obligation of the Lenders and the Transferees under this subsection shall survive the payment of all obligations and the resignation or replacement of Agent.

 

(d) Refunds . If Agent or a Lender determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund of any Indemnified Taxes to which Borrowers have paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 6.5, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, it shall pay over such refund to Borrowers (but only to the extent of payments made, or additional amounts paid, by Borrowers under this Section 6.5 with respect to Indemnified Taxes giving rise to such a refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of Agent or such Lender and without interest (other than any interest paid by the applicable Governmental Authority with respect to such a refund); provided , that Borrowers, upon the request of Agent or such Lender, agree to repay the amount paid over to Borrowers (plus any penalties, interest or other charges, imposed by the applicable Governmental Authority, other than such penalties, interest or other charges imposed as a result of the willful misconduct or gross negligence of Agent hereunder) to Agent or such Lender in the event Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 6.5 shall not be construed to require Agent or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information which it deems confidential) to Borrowers or any other Person.

 

6.6 Authorization to Make Loans . Agent and each Lender is authorized to make the Loans and provide the Letter of Credit Accommodations based upon telephonic or other

 

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instructions received from anyone purporting to be an officer of a U.S. Borrower or a Canadian Borrower, as applicable, or other authorized person or, at the discretion of Agent or any Lender, if such Loans are necessary to satisfy any Obligations; provided , that , proceeds of Loans shall be remitted by Agent and the Lenders to accounts designated by the applicable Borrowers requesting such Loans in writing, which accounts shall be accounts of such Borrowers requesting such Loans unless otherwise agreed by Agent. All requests for Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations hereunder shall specify the date on which the requested advance is to be made or Letter of Credit Accommodations established (which day shall be a Business Day) and the amount of the requested Loan. Requests received at or before 10:30 a.m. (Los Angeles time) on any Business Day shall be deemed to have been made as of such Business Day. Requests received on any day that is not a Business Day or received after 10:30 a.m. (Los Angeles time) on any Business Day shall be deemed to have been made as of the opening of business on the immediately following Business Day. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Agent and the applicable Lenders will make the Loans or commence arranging for the Letter of Credit Accommodations (as requested by the applicable Borrowers) on the Business Day the request is deemed to have been made or such later Business Day as may be specified by the applicable Borrowers. All Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations under this Agreement shall be conclusively presumed to have been made to, and at the request of and for the benefit of, the applicable Borrowers when deposited to the credit of such Borrowers or otherwise disbursed or established in accordance with the instructions of such Borrowers or in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

6.7 Use of Proceeds . Borrowers shall use the proceeds of the Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations provided by or on behalf of Lenders to Borrowers hereunder (a) for costs, expenses and fees in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements executed in connection herewith and (b) for general operating, working capital and other proper corporate purposes of Borrowers not otherwise prohibited by the terms hereof. None of the proceeds will be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin security or for the purposes of reducing or retiring any indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry any margin security or for any other purpose which might cause any of the Loans to be considered a “purpose credit” within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as amended.

 

6.8 Pro Rata Treatment . Except to the extent otherwise provided in this Agreement: (a) the making and conversion of U.S. Revolving Loans shall be made among the U.S. Lenders based on their respective Pro Rata Shares as to the U.S. Revolving Loans, (b) each payment on account of any U.S. Obligations to or for the account of one or more of U.S. Lenders in respect of any U.S. Obligations due on a particular day shall be allocated among the U.S. Lenders entitled to such payments based on their respective Pro Rata Shares (for clarification, calculated under clause (a) of the definition of Pro Rata Share) and shall be distributed accordingly, (c) the making and conversion of Canadian Revolving Loans shall be made among the Canadian Lenders based on their respective Pro Rata Shares as to the Canadian Revolving Loans, and (d) each payment on account of any Canadian Obligations to or for the account of one or more of Canadian Lenders in respect of any Canadian Obligations due on a particular day shall be allocated among the Canadian Lenders entitled to such payments based on their respective Pro

 

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Rata Shares (for clarification, calculated under clause (b) of the definition of Pro Rata Share) and shall be distributed accordingly.

 

6.9 Sharing of Payments, Etc .

 

(a) Each Borrower agrees that, in addition to (and without limitation of) any right of setoff, banker’s lien or counterclaim any Agent or Lender may otherwise have, each Lender shall be entitled, at its option (but subject, as among Agent and Lenders, to the provisions of Section 6.9(b) hereof), to offset balances held by it for the account of any Borrower at any of its offices, in dollars or in any other currency, against any principal of or interest on any Loans owed to such Lender or any other amount payable to such Lender hereunder, that is not paid when due (regardless of whether such balances are then due to Borrower), in which case it shall promptly notify Borrowers and Agent thereof; provided , that , such Lender’s failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Agent and Lenders will only offset balances held by a Lender for the account of any Canadian Borrower against any Canadian Obligations.

 

(b) Agent and Lenders agree that no Lender shall, except upon the prior written consent of Agent, exercise any right of setoff, banker’s lien or counterclaim such Lender may have with respect to any property held by such Lender for the account of any Borrower. If any Lender (including Agent) shall obtain from any Borrower payment of any principal of or interest on any Loan owing to it or payment of any other amount under this Agreement or any other Financing Agreement through the exercise (in accordance with the terms hereof) of any right of setoff, banker’s lien or counterclaim or similar right or otherwise (other than from Agent as provided herein), and, as a result of such payment, such Lender shall have received more than its Pro Rata Share of the principal of the Loans or more than its share of such other amounts then due hereunder or thereunder by such Borrower to such Lender than the percentage thereof received by any other Lender, it shall promptly pay to Agent, for the benefit of the applicable Lenders, the amount of such excess and simultaneously purchase from such other applicable Lenders a participation in the Loans or such other amounts, respectively, owing to such other applicable Lenders (or such interest due thereon, as the case may be) in such amounts, and make such other adjustments from time to time as shall be equitable, to the end that all applicable Lenders shall share the benefit of such excess payment (net of any expenses that may be incurred by such Lender in obtaining or preserving such excess payment) in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares or as otherwise agreed by the applicable Lenders. To such end all Lenders shall make appropriate adjustments among themselves (by the resale of participation sold or otherwise) if such payment is rescinded or must otherwise be restored.

 

(c) Each Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation pursuant to subsection (b) above (or direct interest) may exercise, in a manner consistent with this Section, all rights of setoff, banker’s lien, counterclaim or similar rights with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct holder of Loans or other amounts (as the case may be) owing to such Lender in the amount of such participation.

 

(d) Nothing contained herein shall require any Lender to exercise any such right or shall affect the right of any Lender to exercise, and retain the benefits of exercising, any such right with respect to any other indebtedness or obligation of any Borrower. If, under any

 

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applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, any Lender receives a secured claim in lieu of a setoff to which this Section applies, such Lender shall, to the extent practicable, assign such rights to Agent for the benefit of Lenders and, in any event, exercise its rights in respect of such secured claim in a manner consistent with the rights of Lenders entitled under this Section to share in the benefits of any recovery on such secured claim.

 

6.10 Settlement Procedures .

 

(a) In order to administer the credit facility provided hereunder in an efficient manner and to minimize the transfer of funds between Agent and Lenders, Agent may, subject to the terms of this Section, make available, on behalf of Lenders, the full amount of the Loans requested or charged to Borrowers’ loan account(s) or otherwise to be advanced by Lenders pursuant to the terms hereof, without any requirement of prior notice to Lenders of the proposed Loans.

 

(b) With respect to all Loans made by Agent on behalf of Lenders as provided in this Section, the amount of each Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the outstanding U.S. Revolving Loans or Canadian Revolving Loans, as applicable, shall be computed weekly, and shall be adjusted upward or downward on the basis of the amount of the outstanding applicable Loans as of 5:00 p.m. Los Angeles time with respect to U.S. Revolving Loans, or as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern (Toronto) time with respect to Canadian Revolving Loans, on the Business Day immediately preceding the date of each settlement computation; provided , that , Agent retains the absolute right at any time or from time to time to make the above described adjustments at intervals more frequent than weekly, but in no event more than twice in any week. Agent shall deliver to each of the Lenders after the end of each week, or at such lesser period or periods as Agent shall determine, a summary statement of the amount of outstanding U.S. Revolving Loans or Canadian Revolving Loans, as applicable, for such period (such week or lesser period or periods being hereinafter referred to as a “ Settlement Period ”). If the summary statement is sent by Agent and received by a Lender prior to 2:00 p.m. Los Angeles time with respect to U.S. Revolving Loans, or prior to 2:00 p.m. Eastern (Toronto) time with respect to Canadian Revolving Loans, then such Lender shall make the settlement transfer described in this Section by no later than 2:00 p.m. Los Angeles time with respect to U.S. Revolving Loans, or no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern (Toronto) time with respect to Canadian Revolving Loans, on the next Business Day following the date of receipt. If, as of the end of any Settlement Period, the amount of a Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the outstanding U.S. Revolving Loans or Canadian Revolving Loans, as applicable, is more than such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of such outstanding Loans as of the end of the previous Settlement Period, then such Lender shall forthwith (but in no event later than the time set forth in the preceding sentence) transfer to Agent by wire transfer in immediately available funds the amount of the increase. Alternatively, if the amount of a Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the outstanding U.S. Revolving Loans or Canadian Revolving Loans, as applicable, in any Settlement Period is less than the amount of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of such outstanding Loans for the previous Settlement Period, Agent shall forthwith transfer to such Lender by wire transfer in immediately available funds the amount of the decrease. The obligation of each of the Lenders to transfer such funds and effect such settlement shall be irrevocable and unconditional and without recourse to or warranty by Agent. Each of Agent and Lenders agrees to mark its books and records at the end of each Settlement Period to show at all times the dollar amount of its Pro Rate Share of the outstanding Loans and Letter of Credit

 

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Accommodations. Each Lender shall only be entitled to receive interest on its Pro Rata Share of the Loans to the extent such Loans have been funded by such Lender. Because the Agent on behalf of Lenders may be advancing and/or may be repaid Loans prior to the time when Lenders will actually advance and/or be repaid such Loans, interest with respect to Loans shall be allocated by Agent in accordance with the amount of Loans actually advanced by and repaid to each Lender and the Agent and shall accrue from and including the date such Loans are so advanced to but excluding the date such Loans are either repaid by any Borrower or actually settled with the applicable Lender as described in this Section. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section, with respect to any Loan made on any Business Day by Agent on behalf of the Lenders as provided in this Section in excess of ten percent (10%) of the Maximum Credit, Agent shall use commercially reasonable efforts to settle such Loan (in accordance with the procedures set forth in this clause (b)) with the Lenders the Business Day immediately following the date such Loan was made.

 

(c) To the extent that Agent has made any such amounts available and the settlement described above shall not yet have occurred, upon repayment of any Loans by any Borrower, Agent may apply such amounts repaid directly to any amounts made available by Agent pursuant to this Section. In lieu of weekly or more frequent settlements, Agent may at any time require each Lender to provide Agent with immediately available funds representing its Pro Rata Share of each Loan, prior to Agent’s disbursement of such Loan to any Borrower. In such event, all Loans under this Agreement shall be made by the Lenders simultaneously and proportionately to their Pro Rata Shares. No Lender shall be responsible for any default by any other Lender in the other Lender’s obligation to make a Loan requested hereunder nor shall the Commitments of any Lender be increased or decreased as a result of the default by any other Lender in the other Lender’s obligation to make a Loan hereunder.

 

(d) If Agent is not funding a particular Loan to the applicable Borrowers pursuant to this Section on any day, Agent may assume that each U.S. Lender or Canadian Lender, as applicable, will make available to Agent such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Loan requested or otherwise made on such day and Agent may, in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, cause a corresponding amount to be made available to the applicable Borrowers on such day. If Agent makes such corresponding amount available to the U.S. Borrowers or the Canadian Borrowers, as applicable, and such corresponding amount is not in fact made available to Agent by such Lender, Agent shall be entitled to recover such corresponding amount on demand from such Lender together with interest thereon for each day from the date such payment was due until the date such amount is paid to Agent at the interest rate provided for in Section 3.1 hereof. During the period in which such Lender has not paid such corresponding amount to Agent, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements, the amount so advanced by Agent to any Borrower shall, for all purposes hereof, be a Loan made by Agent for its own account. Upon any such failure by a Lender to pay Agent, Agent shall promptly thereafter notify the applicable Borrowers of such failure and such Borrowers shall immediately pay such corresponding amount to Agent for its own account. A Lender who fails to pay Agent its Pro Rata Share of any Loans made available by the Agent on such Lender’s behalf in accordance with the terms hereof, or any Lender who fails to pay any other amount owing to Agent in accordance with the terms hereof, in each case within one (1) Business Day after the date such payment is due, is a “ Defaulting Lender ”. Agent shall not be obligated to transfer to a Defaulting Lender any payments made by or on behalf of

 

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any Borrower or any Obligor to Agent for the Defaulting Lender’s benefit, nor shall a Defaulting Lender be entitled to the sharing of any payments hereunder. Amounts payable to a Defaulting Lender shall instead be paid to or retained by Agent. Agent may hold and, in its discretion, re-lend to the applicable Borrowers the amount of all such payments received or retained by it for the account of such Defaulting Lender. For purposes of voting or consenting to matters with respect to this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements and determining Pro Rata Shares, such Defaulting Lender shall be deemed not to be a Lender and such Defaulting Lender’s Commitments shall be deemed to be zero (0). This Section shall remain effective with respect to a Defaulting Lender until such default is cured. The operation of this Section shall not be construed to increase or otherwise affect the Commitments of any Lender, or relieve or excuse the performance by any Borrower or any Obligor of their duties and obligations hereunder. If any Lender with a U.S. Commitment is a Defaulting Lender, then any Affiliate of such Lender with a Canadian Commitment shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender and if any Lender with a Canadian Commitment is a Defaulting Lender, then any Affiliate of such Lender with a U.S. Commitment shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender.

 

(e) Nothing in this Section or elsewhere in this Agreement or the other Financing Agreements shall be deemed to require Agent to advance funds on behalf of any Lender or to relieve any Lender from its obligation to fulfill its Commitments hereunder or to prejudice any rights that any Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by any Lender hereunder in fulfilling its Commitments.

 

(f) For the avoidance of doubt, no amounts received by any Canadian Lender with respect to foreclosure, setoff or otherwise, or proceeds of Collateral of the Canadian Borrowers or payments with respect to Canadian Obligations shall be required to be shared with or otherwise economically benefit the U.S. Lenders with respect to the U.S. Obligations, in their capacities as such.

 

6.11 Bank Products . Borrowers may (but no such Person is required to) request that the Bank Product Providers provide or arrange for such Person to obtain Bank Products from Bank Product Providers, and each Bank Product Provider may, in its sole discretion, provide or arrange for such Person to obtain the requested Bank Products. Borrowers that obtain Bank Products shall indemnify and hold Agent harmless from any and all obligations now or hereafter owing to any other Person by any Bank Product Provider in connection with any Bank Products other than for gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of any such indemnified Person. This Section 6.11 shall survive the payment of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement. Borrowers acknowledge and agree that the obtaining of Bank Products from Bank Product Providers (a) is in the sole discretion of such Bank Product Provider, and (b) is subject to all rules and regulations of such Bank Product Provider.

 

SECTION 7. COLLATERAL REPORTING AND COVENANTS .

 

7.1 Collateral Reporting . Borrowers shall provide Agent with the following documents in a form satisfactory to Agent, in each case, separately with respect to the U.S. Borrowers and the Canadian Borrowers: (a) on a weekly basis, or, so long as an FCCR Triggering Event is ongoing (or, after the occurrence of an Event of Default, so long as such Event of Default is continuing), more frequently as Agent may request, (i) schedules of sales

 

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made, credits issued and cash received which, after the occurrence of an Event of Default or the filing of a bankruptcy petition by or against any Borrower, and for so long as such Event of Default is continuing or such bankruptcy petition has not been dismissed, shall separately account for sales of Inventory subject to the security interest of IBM Credit Corporation, (ii) borrowing base certificates, (iii) schedules of Inventory (net of fixed assets) separately identifying Inventory by vendor, type, location and age, with perpetual inventory reports, and (iv) schedules of accounts payable and accrued accounts payable to any vendor holding a security interest in any property of the applicable Borrowers; (b) on a monthly basis, on or before the tenth (10th) Business Day of such month for the immediately preceding month or more frequently as Agent may request, (i) agings of accounts receivable, (ii) agings of accounts payable, accrued accounts payable, lease payables and other payables, and (iii) a certificate from an authorized officer of the applicable Borrowers representing that each such Borrower has made payment of sales and use taxes during such month or, at Agent’s request, other evidence of such payment; (c) upon Agent’s request, (i) copies of customer statements and credit memos, remittance advices and reports, and copies of deposit slips and bank statements, (ii) copies of shipping and delivery documents, and (iii) copies of purchase orders, invoices and delivery documents for Inventory and Equipment acquired by the applicable Borrowers; and (d) such other reports as to the Collateral or other property which is security for the Obligations (or the Canadian Obligations, as applicable) as Agent shall request in its Permitted Discretion from time to time. Borrowers shall provide Agent, as soon as available, but in any event not later than five (5) days after receipt by Borrowers, with all statements received from Apple Computer and any other vendor who may hold a security interest in any Borrowers’ assets, together with such additional information as shall be sufficient to enable Agent to monitor the accounts payable and accrued accounts payable to them. If any of Borrowers’ records or reports of the Collateral or other property which is security for the Obligations (or the Canadian Obligations, as applicable) are prepared or maintained by an accounting service, contractor, shipper or other agent, Borrowers hereby irrevocably authorize such service, contractor, shipper or agent to deliver such records, reports, and related documents to Agent and to follow Agent’s instructions with respect to further services at any time that an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing.

 

7.2 Accounts Covenants .

 

(a) Each Borrower shall notify Agent promptly of the assertion of any claims, offsets, defenses of counterclaims by any account debtor, or any disputes with any of such persons or any settlement, adjustment or compromise thereof, in the schedules, certificates and reports provided pursuant to Section 7.1 hereof.

 

(b) Each Borrower shall notify Agent promptly of: (i) any material delay in any Borrower’s performance of any of its obligations to any account debtor or the assertion of any claims, offsets, defenses or counterclaims by any account debtor, or any disputes with account debtors, or any settlement, adjustment or compromise thereof, (ii) all material adverse information relating to the financial condition of any account debtor and (iii) any event or circumstance which, to Borrowers’ knowledge would cause Agent to consider any then existing Accounts as no longer constituting Eligible Accounts. No credit, discount, allowance or extension or agreement for any of the foregoing shall be granted to any account debtor, Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card/Check Processor except in the ordinary course of Borrowers’ business in accordance with their most recent past practices and policies. So long as no Event of Default

 

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exists or has occurred and is continuing, Borrowers may settle, adjust or compromise any claim, offset, counterclaim or dispute with any account debtor, Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card/Check Processor in the ordinary course of Borrowers’ business in accordance with their most recent past practices and policies. At any time that an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, Agent shall, at its option, have the exclusive right to settle, adjust or compromise any claim, offset, counterclaim or dispute with any account debtor, Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card/Check Processor or grant any credits, discounts or allowances. Each Borrower shall notify Agent promptly of (i) any notice of a material default by any Borrower under any of the Credit Card/Check Processing Agreements or of any default which might result in the Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card/Check Processor ceasing to make payments or suspending payments to Borrowers, (ii) any notice from any Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card/Check Processor that such person is ceasing or suspending, or will cease or suspend, any present or future payments due or to become due to Borrowers from such person, or that such person is terminating or will terminate any of the Credit Card/Check Processing Agreements, and (iii) the failure of any Borrower to comply with any material terms of the Credit Card/Check Processing Agreements or any terms thereof which might result in the Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card/Check Processor ceasing or suspending payments to Borrowers.

 

(c) Without limiting the obligation of Borrowers to deliver any other information to Agent, Borrowers shall promptly report to Agent any return of Inventory by any account debtor. At any time that Inventory is returned, reclaimed or repossessed, the Account (or portion thereof) which arose from the sale of such returned, reclaimed or repossessed Inventory shall not be deemed an Eligible Account. In the event any account debtor returns Inventory when an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, Borrowers shall, upon Agent’s request, (i) hold the returned Inventory in trust for Agent, (ii) segregate all returned Inventory from all of its other property, (iii) dispose of the returned Inventory solely according to Agent’s instructions, and (iv) not issue any credits, discounts or allowances with respect thereto without Agent’s prior written consent.

 

(d) With respect to each Account and Credit Card/Check Processing Receivable: (i) the amounts shown on any invoice delivered to Agent or schedule thereof delivered to Agent shall be true and complete in all material respects, (ii) no payments shall be made thereon except payments delivered to Agent pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (iii) no credit, discount, allowance or extension or agreement for any of the foregoing shall be granted to any account debtor, Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card/Check Processor except as reported to Agent in accordance with this Agreement and except for credits, discounts, allowances or extensions made or given in the ordinary course of Borrowers’ business in accordance with practices and policies previously disclosed to Agent, (iv) there shall be no setoffs, deductions, contras, defenses, counterclaims or disputes existing or asserted with respect thereto except as reported to Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, (v) none of the transactions giving rise thereto will violate any applicable state, provincial or federal Laws or regulations, all documentation relating thereto will be legally sufficient under such laws and regulations and all such documentation will be legally enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

(e) Agent shall have the right at any time or times, in Agent’s name or in the name of a nominee of Agent, to verify the validity, amount or any other matter relating to any

 

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Account, Credit Card/Check Processing Receivable or other Collateral, by mail, telephone, facsimile transmission or otherwise.

 

(f) Borrowers shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Agent, with appropriate endorsement and assignment, with full recourse to Borrowers, all chattel paper and instruments which Borrowers now own or may at any time acquire immediately upon Borrowers’ receipt thereof, except as Agent may otherwise agree.

 

(g) Agent may, at any time or times that an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, (i) notify any or all account debtors, Credit Card Issuers or Credit Card/Check Processors that the Accounts and Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables have been assigned to Agent and that Agent and the Lenders have a security interest therein and Agent may direct any or all account debtors, Credit Card Issuers or Credit Card/Check Processors to make payments of Accounts and Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables directly to Agent, (ii) extend the time of payment of, compromise, settle or adjust for cash, credit, return of merchandise or otherwise, and upon any terms or conditions, any and all Accounts and Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables or other obligations included in the Collateral and thereby discharge or release the account debtor, Credit Card Issuer, Credit Card/Check Processor or any other party or parties in any way liable for payment thereof without affecting any of the Obligations, (iii) demand, collect or enforce payment of any Accounts and Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables or such other obligations, but without any duty to do so, and Agent shall not be liable for its failure to collect or enforce the payment thereof or for the negligence of its agents or attorneys with respect thereto and (iv) take whatever other action Agent may deem necessary or desirable for the protection of its interests. At any time that an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, at Agent’s request, all invoices and statements sent to any account debtor shall state that the Accounts due from such account debtor and such other obligations have been assigned to Agent and are payable directly and only to Agent and Borrowers shall deliver to Agent such originals of documents evidencing the sale and delivery of goods or the performance of services giving rise to any Accounts as Agent may require.

 

7.3 Inventory Covenants . With respect to the Inventory:

 

(a) Borrowers shall at all times maintain inventory records reasonably satisfactory to Agent, keeping correct and accurate records itemizing and describing the kind, type, quality and quantity of Inventory, Borrowers’ cost therefor and daily withdrawals therefrom and additions thereto;

 

(b) Borrowers shall conduct, at their option, either periodic cycle counts or a physical count of the Inventory once every twelve (12) months, but at any time as Agent may reasonably request upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default. Promptly following such counts, Borrower shall supply Agent with a report or reports in the form and with such specificity as may be reasonably satisfactory to Agent;

 

(c) Borrowers shall not remove any Inventory from the locations set forth or permitted herein, without the prior written consent of Agent, except for sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of Borrowers’ business and except to move Inventory directly from one location set forth or permitted herein to another such location;

 

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(d) (i) upon Agent’s request, Borrowers shall, at their expense, no more than one (1) time in any twelve (12) month period, but at any time or times as Agent may request upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, deliver or cause to be delivered to Agent a full written appraisal as to the Inventory in form, scope and methodology acceptable to Agent and addressing such issues as Agent may require in its commercially reasonable judgment, issued by a technology appraiser listed on Schedule 7.3 or otherwise acceptable to Agent and Borrowers, and addressed to Agent and Lenders or upon which Agent and Lenders are expressly permitted to rely (with the understanding that Agent may revise the definition of ‘Eligible Inventory’ hereunder or establish Availability Reserves as Agent may deem advisable in its sole discretion based upon the results of such updated appraisals); (ii) at any time upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, and up to two (2) times in any twelve month period immediately following any month where the average amount of outstanding Loans, Letter of Credit Accommodations and other Obligations which are made with respect to Inventory in such month is greater than $25,000,000, upon Agent’s request, Borrowers shall, at their expense, deliver or cause to be delivered to Agent a desktop appraisal as to the Inventory in form, scope and methodology acceptable to Agent and addressing such issues as Agent may require in its commercially reasonable judgment, issued by an appraiser acceptable to Agent, and addressed to Agent and Lenders or upon which Agent and Lenders are expressly permitted to rely (with the understanding that Agent may revise the definition of ‘Eligible Inventory’ hereunder or establish Availability Reserves as Agent may deem advisable in its sole discretion based upon the results of such updated appraisals);

 

(e) Borrowers shall produce, use, store and maintain the Inventory, with all reasonable care and caution and in accordance with applicable standards of any insurance and in conformity with applicable laws (including, but not limited to, the requirements of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended and all rules, regulations and orders related thereto);

 

(f) Borrowers assume all responsibility and liability arising from or relating to the production, use, sale or other disposition of the Inventory;

 

(g) Borrowers shall not sell Inventory to any customer on approval, or any other basis which entitles the customer to return or may obligate Borrowers to repurchase such Inventory (except in the ordinary course of Borrowers’ business pursuant to their existing policies and in accordance with their industry standards);

 

(h) Borrowers shall keep the Inventory in good and marketable condition;

 

(i) Borrowers shall not, without prior written notice to Agent, acquire or accept any Inventory on consignment or approval (except in the ordinary course of Borrowers’ business pursuant to their existing policies, in accordance with Borrowers’ industry standards, and consistent with Borrowers’ historical practices, so long as the amount of Inventory on consignment is reported on each borrowing base certificate delivered hereunder); and

 

(j) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Borrowers shall not return any Inventory to its vendors without the prior consent of Agent.

 

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7.4 Equipment Covenants . With respect to the Equipment:

 

(a) upon Agent’s request, Borrowers shall, at their expense, at any time or times as Agent may request upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, deliver or cause to be delivered to Agent written reports or appraisals as to the Equipment in form, scope and methodology reasonably acceptable to Agent and by an appraiser acceptable to Agent;

 

(b) Borrowers shall keep the Equipment in good order, repair, running and marketable condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted);

 

(c) Borrowers shall use the Equipment with all reasonable care and caution and in accordance with applicable standards of any insurance and in conformity with all applicable laws;

 

(d) the Equipment is and shall be used in Borrowers’ business and not for personal, family, household or farming use;

 

(e) Borrowers shall not remove any Equipment from the locations set forth or permitted herein, except to the extent necessary to have any Equipment repaired or maintained in the ordinary course of the business of Borrowers or to move Equipment directly from one such location set forth or permitted herein to another such location and except for the movement of motor vehicles used by or for the benefit of Borrowers in the ordinary course of business;

 

(f) the Equipment is now and shall remain personal property and Borrowers shall not permit any of the Equipment to be or become a part of or affixed to real property; and

 

(g) Borrowers assume all responsibility and liability arising from the use of the Equipment.

 

7.5 Power of Attorney . Each Borrower hereby irrevocably designates and appoints Agent (and all persons designated by Agent) as such Borrower’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact, and authorizes Agent, in such Borrower’s or Agent’s name, to:

 

(a) at any time an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing:

 

(i) demand payment on Accounts, Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables or other proceeds of Inventory or other Collateral;

 

(ii) enforce payment of Accounts, Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables or other Obligations included in the Collateral by legal proceedings or otherwise;

 

(iii) exercise all of such Borrower’s rights and remedies to collect any Account, Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables or other proceeds of Inventory or other Collateral;

 

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(iv) sell or assign any Account and Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables upon such terms, for such amount and at such time or times as the Agent deems advisable;

 

(v) settle, adjust, compromise, extend or renew any Accounts and Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables;

 

(vi) discharge and release any Accounts and Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables or other Obligations included in the Collateral;

 

(vii) prepare, file and sign such Borrower’s name on any proof of claim in bankruptcy or other similar document against an account debtor;

 

(viii) notify the post office authorities to change the address for delivery of such Borrower’s mail to an address designated by Agent, and open and dispose of all mail addressed to such Borrower, provided , that , any such mail received by Agent that does not constitute checks or other items of payment shall be forwarded by Agent to such Borrower promptly after receipt by Agent; and

 

(ix) do all acts and things which are necessary, in Agent’s good faith determination, to fulfill Borrowers’ obligations under this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements; and

 

(b) at any time, subject to the terms of the agreement(s) relating to the Blocked Account(s) to:

 

(i) take control in any manner of any item of payment or proceeds thereof;

 

(ii) have access to any lockbox or postal box into which Borrowers’ mail is deposited;

 

(iii) endorse such Borrower’s name upon any items of payment or proceeds thereof and deposit the same in the Agent’s account for application to the Obligations in accordance with Section 6.4;

 

(iv) endorse such Borrower’s name upon any chattel paper, document, instrument, invoice, or similar document or agreement relating to any Accounts or Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables or any goods pertaining thereto or any other Collateral;

 

(v) sign such Borrower’s name on any verification of Accounts or Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables and notices thereof to account debtors, Credit Card Issuers or Credit Card/Check Processors; and

 

(vi) execute in such Borrower’s name and file any UCC financing statements or amendments thereto as deemed appropriate by Agent to perfect its security interests in the Collateral.

 

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Each Borrower hereby releases Agent and each Lender and each of their respective officers, employees and designees from any liabilities arising from any act or acts under this power of attorney and in furtherance thereof, whether of omission or commission; provided that, a party shall not be released from any such liabilities to the extent such liabilities arise as a result of such party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined pursuant to a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

7.6 Right to Cure . After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Agent may, at its option, (a) cure any default by any Borrower under any agreement with a third party or pay or bond on appeal any judgment entered against any Borrower, (b) discharge taxes, liens, security interests or other encumbrances at any time levied on or existing with respect to the Collateral and (c) pay any amount, incur any expense or perform any act which, in Agent’s judgment, is necessary or appropriate to preserve, protect, insure or maintain the Collateral and the rights of Agent and Lenders with respect thereto. Agent and Lenders may add any amounts so expended to the Obligations (or Canadian Obligations, in the case of a Canadian Borrower) and charge Borrowers’ account (or the Canadian Borrowers’ account in the case of a Canadian Borrower) therefor, such amounts to be repayable by Borrowers on demand. Agent and Lenders shall be under no obligation to effect such cure, payment or bonding and shall not, by doing so, be deemed to have assumed any obligation or liability of Borrowers. Any payment made or other action taken by Agent or any Lender under this Section 7.6 shall be without prejudice to any right to assert an Event of Default hereunder and to proceed accordingly.

 

7.7 Access to Premises . From time to time as requested by Agent, at the cost and expense of Borrowers, no more than three (3) times in each calendar year (or (X) during any period in which Excess Availability shall be less than $10,000,000, at any additional time or times as Agent may reasonably request, at the cost and expense of Agent, or (Y) at any time or times as Agent may request upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, at the cost and expense of Borrowers), (a) Agent or its designee shall have complete access to all of Borrowers’ premises during normal business hours and after two (2) Business Days prior notice to Borrowers, or at any time and without notice to Borrowers if an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, for the purposes of inspecting, verifying and auditing the Collateral and all of Borrowers’ books and records, including, without limitation, the Records, and (b) Borrowers shall promptly furnish to Agent such copies of such books and records or extracts therefrom as Agent may reasonably request, and (c) Agent may use during normal business hours such of Borrowers’ personnel, equipment, supplies and premises as may be reasonably necessary for the foregoing and if an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing for the collection of Accounts or Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables and realization of other Collateral.

 

7.8 Real Estate Covenant . With respect to the Real Estate, upon Agent’s request, Borrowers shall, at their expense, no more than one (1) time in any twelve (12) month period, but at any time or times as Agent may request upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, deliver or cause to be delivered to Agent an appraisal as to the Real Estate in form, scope and methodology reasonably acceptable to Agent and by an appraiser acceptable to Agent. With respect to the Adjacent Real Estate, upon Agent’s request, Borrowers shall, at their expense, no more than one (1) time in any twelve (12) month period, but at any time or times as

 

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Agent may request upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, deliver or cause to be delivered to Agent an appraisal as to the Adjacent Real Estate in form, scope and methodology reasonably acceptable to Agent and by an appraiser acceptable to Agent.

 

SECTION 8. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES .

 

Each Borrower hereby represents and warrants to Agent and Lenders the following (which shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement), the truth and accuracy of which are a continuing condition of the making of Loans and the providing of Letter of Credit Accommodations by Lender to Borrowers:

 

8.1 Existence, Power and Authority; Subsidiaries . Each Borrower is a corporation or limited liability company duly organized, incorporated or formed, as applicable, and in good standing (where applicable) under the laws of its country, province or state of incorporation or formation, as applicable, and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation or limited liability company and in good standing (where applicable) in all states, provinces or other jurisdictions where the nature and extent of the business transacted by it or the ownership of assets makes such qualification necessary, except for those jurisdictions in which the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect on such Borrower’s financial condition, results of operation or business or the rights of Agent or any Lender in or to any of the Collateral. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the other Financing Agreements to which any Borrower is a party and the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder are all within such Borrower’s corporate or limited liability company powers, have been duly authorized and are not in contravention of (a) law or the terms of such Borrower’s certificate of incorporation or formation, by-laws or operating agreement, or other organizational documentation, or (b) any indenture, agreement or undertaking to which such Borrower is a party or by which such Borrower or its property are bound, except in the case of this clause (b) as could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on such Borrower’s financial condition, results of operation or business or the rights of Agent or any Lender in or to any of the Collateral. This Agreement and the other Financing Agreements to which any Borrower is a party constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of such Borrower enforceable in accordance with their respective terms. Borrowers do not have any subsidiaries except as set forth on the Information Certificates.

 

8.2 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Change . All financial statements relating to Borrowers which have been or may hereafter be delivered by Borrowers to Agent or any Lender have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and fairly present the financial condition and the results of operations of Borrowers as at the dates and for the periods set forth therein. Except as disclosed in any interim financial statements furnished by Borrowers to Agent or any Lender prior to the date of this Agreement, there has been no material adverse change in the assets, liabilities, properties and condition, financial or otherwise, of Borrowers, since the date of the most recent audited financial statements furnished by Borrowers to Agent or any Lender prior to the date of this Agreement.

 

8.3 Chief Executive Office; Collateral Locations . The chief executive office of Borrowers and Borrowers’ Records concerning Accounts and Credit Card/Check Processing Receivables are located only at the address set forth below, or, if different, as set forth in the

 

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applicable Information Certificate, and their only other places of business and the only other locations of Collateral, if any, are the addresses set forth in the Information Certificates, subject to the right of Borrowers to establish new locations in accordance with Section 9.2 below. The Information Certificates or any notices delivered pursuant to Section 9.2 correctly identify any of such locations which are not owned by Borrowers and set forth the owners and/or operators thereof and, to the best of Borrowers’ knowledge, the holders of any mortgages on such locations.

 

8.4 Priority of Liens; Title to Properties . The security interests and liens granted to Agent, for itself and the ratable benefit of Secured Parties, under this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements to which any Borrower is a party constitute valid and perfected first priority liens and security interests in and upon the Collateral to which such Borrower now has or hereafter acquires rights, subject only to the liens indicated on Schedule 8.4 hereto and the other liens permitted under Section 9.8 hereof. Each Borrower has good and marketable title to all of its properties and assets subject to no liens, mortgages, pledges, security interests, encumbrances or charges of any kind, except those granted to Agent, for itself and the ratable benefit of Secured Parties, and such others as are specifically listed on Schedule 8.4 hereto or permitted under Section 9.8 hereof.

 

8.5 Tax Returns . Each Borrower has filed, or caused to be filed, in a timely manner all tax returns, reports and declarations which are required to be filed by it (without requests for extension except as previously disclosed in writing to Agent and Lenders). All information in such tax returns, reports and declarations is complete and accurate in all material respects. Each Borrower has paid or caused to be paid prior to delinquency all taxes due and payable or claimed due and payable in any assessment received by it, except taxes the validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on its books. Adequate provision has been made for the payment of all accrued and unpaid Federal, State, provincial, territorial, county, local, foreign and other taxes whether or not yet due and payable and whether or not disputed.

 

8.6 Litigation . Except as set forth on the Information Certificates, there is no present investigation by any governmental agency pending, or to the Borrowers’ actual knowledge threatened, against or affecting any Borrower, its assets or business and there is no action, suit, proceeding or claim by any Person pending, or to the Borrowers’ actual knowledge threatened, against any Borrower or its assets or goodwill, or against or affecting any transactions contemplated by this Agreement, which if adversely determined against Borrowers would result in any material adverse change in the assets or business of Borrowers or would impair the ability of any Borrower to perform its obligations hereunder or under any of the other Financing Agreements to which it is a party or of Agent or any Lender to enforce any Obligations or realize upon a material portion of the Collateral.

 

8.7 Compliance with Other Agreements and Applicable Laws . Each Borrower is not in default in any material respect under, or in violation in any material respect of any of the terms of, any material agreement, contract, instrument, lease or other commitment to which it is a party or by which it or any of its assets are bound and each Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable provisions of laws, rules, regulations, licenses, permits, approvals and orders of any foreign, federal, state, provincial territorial or local Governmental Authority.

 

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8.8 Bank Accounts . All of the deposit accounts, investment accounts or other accounts in the name of or used by Borrowers maintained at any bank or other financial institution are set forth on the Information Certificates, subject to the right of Borrowers to establish new accounts in accordance with Section 9.13 below.

 

8.9 Environmental Compliance .

 

(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 8.9 hereto, each Borrower has not generated, used, stored, treated, transported, manufactured, handled, produced or disposed of any Hazardous Materials, on or off its premises (whether or not owned by it) in any manner which at any time violates in any material respect any applicable Environmental Law or any license, permit, certificate, approval or similar authorization thereunder and the operations of Borrowers comply in all material respects with all Environmental Laws and all licenses, permits, certificates, approvals and similar authorizations thereunder.

 

(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 8.9 hereto, there has been no investigation, proceeding, complaint, order, directive, claim, citation or written notice by any Governmental Authority or any other person nor is any pending or to the best of Borrowers’ knowledge threatened, with respect to any non-compliance with or violation of the requirements of any Environmental Law by Borrowers or the release, spill or discharge, threatened or actual, of any Hazardous Material or the generation, use, storage, treatment, transportation, manufacture, handling, production or disposal of any Hazardous Materials or any other environmental, health or safety matter, which affects any Borrower or its business, operations or assets or any properties at which such Borrower has transported, stored or disposed of any Hazardous Materials.

 

(c) Each Borrower has no material liability (contingent or otherwise) in connection with a release, spill or discharge, threatened or actual, of any Hazardous Materials or the generation, use, storage, treatment, transportation, manufacture, handling, production or disposal of any Hazardous Materials.

 

(d) Each Borrower has all licenses, permits, certificates, approvals or similar authorizations required to be obtained or filed in connection with the operations of such Borrower under any Environmental Law and all of such licenses, permits, certificates, approvals or similar authorizations are valid and in full force and effect.

 

8.10 Employee Benefits .

 

(a) Except with respect to the PCM, Inc. 401(k) Plan and the PCM, Inc. Welfare Benefit Plan (collectively, the “Plans”), each Borrower has not engaged in any transaction in connection with which such Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates could be subject to either a civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 502(i) of ERISA or a tax imposed by Section 4975 of the Code, including any accumulated funding deficiency described in Section 8.10(c) hereof and any deficiency with respect to vested accrued benefits described in Section 8.10(d) hereof. With respect to the Plans, each Borrower has not engaged in any transaction in connection with which such Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates could be subject to either a civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 502(i) of ERISA or a tax imposed by Section 4975 of

 

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the Code and has corrected, or undertaken reasonable efforts to promptly correct, any such transactions it has identified during the course of routine plan administration.

 

(b) No liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation has been or is expected by Borrowers to be incurred with respect to any employee pension benefit plan of Borrowers or any of their ERISA Affiliates. There has been no reportable event (within the meaning of Section 4043(b) of ERISA) or any other event or condition with respect to any employee pension benefit plan of Borrowers or any of their ERISA Affiliates which presents a risk of termination of any such plan by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

 

(c) Full payment has been made of all amounts which Borrowers or any of their ERISA Affiliates are required under Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code to have paid under the terms of each employee pension benefit plan as contributions to such plan as of the last day of the most recent fiscal year of such plan ended prior to the date hereof, and no accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code), whether or not waived, exists with respect to any employee pension benefit plan, including any penalty or tax described in Section 8.10(a) hereof and any deficiency with respect to vested accrued benefits described in Section 8.10(c) hereof.

 

(d) The current value of all vested accrued benefits under all employee pension benefit plans maintained by Borrowers that are subject to Title IV of ERISA does not exceed the current value of the assets of such plans allocable to such vested accrued benefits, including any penalty or tax described in Section 8.10(a) hereof and any accumulated funding deficiency described in Section 8.10(c) hereof. The terms “current value” and “accrued benefit” have the meanings specified in ERISA.

 

(e) Neither Borrowers nor any of their ERISA Affiliates is or has ever been obligated to contribute to any “multiemployer plan” (as such term is defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA) that is subject to Title IV of ERISA.

 

(f) The Canadian Borrowers are in compliance with the requirements of the Pension Benefits Act (Ontario) and other federal or provincial laws with respect to each Canadian Pension Plan, except where the failure to comply would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business or assets of Borrowers. No Borrower, Obligor or ERISA Affiliate (i) is obligated under, or has in the past 5 years been obligated under, (ii) contributes to, or has in the past 5 years contributed to, or (iii) maintains, or has in the past 5 years maintained, a Canadian Defined Benefit Pension Plan .

 

8.11 Accuracy and Completeness of Information . All information furnished by or on behalf of Borrowers in writing to Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby, including, without limitation, all information on the Information Certificates, when taken as a whole, was true and correct in all material respects on the date as of which such information is dated or certified and does not omit any material fact necessary in order to make such information not misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made; provided that with respect to the Projections, Borrowers represent only that such information (a) was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time delivered, (b)

 

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involves certain risks and uncertainties and (c) projected results may differ materially from those contained in any financial statements, SEC or OSC filings or other reports of Borrowers. No event or circumstance has occurred which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business or assets of Borrowers, which has not been fully and accurately disclosed to Agent and Lenders in writing.

 

8.12 Survival of Warranties; Cumulative . All representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and shall be deemed to have been made again to Agent and Lenders on the date of each additional borrowing or other credit accommodation hereunder and shall be conclusively presumed to have been relied on by Agent and Lenders regardless of any investigation made or information possessed by Agent or any Lender and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit Accommodation is outstanding and so long as the U.S. Commitments and the Canadian Commitments have not expired or terminated. The representations and warranties set forth herein shall be cumulative and in addition to any other representations or warranties which Borrowers shall now or hereafter give, or cause to be given, to Agent and Lenders.

 

8.13 Sanctions Laws and Regulations . None of the Borrowers is a Designated Person.

 

SECTION 9. AFFIRMATIVE AND NEGATIVE COVENANTS .

 

9.1 Maintenance of Existence . Each Borrower shall at all times preserve, renew and keep in full, force and effect its corporate or limited liability company existence and rights and franchises with respect thereto and maintain in full force and effect all permits, licenses, trademarks, trade names, approvals, authorizations, leases and contracts necessary to carry on the business as presently or proposed to be conducted, except as otherwise permitted under this Agreement. No Borrower will change its organizational identification number, jurisdiction of organization or organizational identity, in each case, unless the Agent shall have received at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of such change and the Agent shall have acknowledged in writing that either (1) such change will not adversely affect the validity, perfection or priority of the Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, or (2) any reasonable action requested by the Agent in connection therewith has been completed or taken (including any action to continue the perfection of any liens in favor of the Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, in any Collateral). Each Borrower shall give Agent thirty (30) days prior written notice of any proposed change in its corporate or limited liability company name, which notice shall set forth the new name and such Borrower shall deliver to Agent a copy of the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation or Formation, Articles of Incorporation or Memorandum of Association, as applicable, of such Borrower providing for the name change certified by the Secretary of State, the Ministry of Government Services (Ontario) or other applicable Governmental Authority of the jurisdiction of incorporation or formation of such Borrower as soon as it is available.

 

9.2 New Collateral Locations . Any U.S. Borrower may open any new location within the United States, and any Canadian Borrower may open any new location within Canada, in each case, provided such Borrower: (a) gives Agent ten (10) days prior written notice of the intended opening of any such new location; and (b) executes and delivers, or causes to be

 

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executed and delivered, to Agent such agreements, documents, and instruments as Agent may deem reasonably necessary or desirable to protect its interests in the Collateral at such location, including, without limitation, UCC or PPSA financing statements and, if such Borrower leases such new location for a term exceeding 120 calendar days, provides a favorable landlord waiver or subordination.

 

9.3 Compliance with Laws, Regulations, Etc.

 

(a) Each Borrower shall, at all times, comply in all material respects with all laws, rules, regulations, licenses, permits, approvals and orders applicable to it and duly observe all requirements of any Governmental Authority, including, without limitation, the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974, as amended, the Occupational Safety and Hazard Act of 1970, as amended, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Ontario), as amended, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, the Employment Standards Act (Ontario), as amended, and all statutes, rules, regulations, orders, permits and stipulations relating to environmental pollution and employee health and safety, including, without limitation, all of the Environmental Laws.

 

(b) Borrowers shall take prompt and appropriate action to respond to any of Borrowers’ non-compliance (to the extent Borrowers have knowledge thereof or would have knowledge thereof upon due inquiry) with any of the Environmental Laws and shall report to Agent on such response.

 

(c) Borrowers shall give both oral and written notice to Agent immediately upon Borrowers’ receipt of any notice of, or Borrowers’ otherwise obtaining knowledge of:

 

(i) the occurrence of any event involving the release, spill or discharge, threatened or actual, of any Hazardous Material by any Borrower or upon any of its premises; or

 

(ii) any investigation, proceeding, complaint, order, directive, claims, citation or notice with respect to:

 

(A) any non-compliance with or violation of any Environmental Law by any Borrower;

 

(B) the release, spill or discharge, threatened or actual, of any Hazardous Material by any Borrower or upon any of its premises;

 

(C) the generation, use, storage, treatment, transportation, manufacture, handling, production or disposal of any Hazardous Materials by any Borrower or upon any of its premises; or

 

(D) any other environmental, health or safety matter;

 

in each case, which could have a material adverse effect upon any Borrower or its business, operations or assets or any properties at which any Borrower transported, stored or disposed of any Hazardous Materials; or

 

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(d) Borrowers shall indemnify and hold harmless Agent, Lenders, and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, invitees, representatives, successors and assigns, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and legal expenses) directly or indirectly arising out of or attributable to the use, generation, manufacture, reproduction, storage, release, threatened release, spill, discharge, disposal or presence of a Hazardous Material by any Borrower or upon any of its premises, including, without limitation, the costs of any required or necessary repair, cleanup or other remedial work with respect to any property of such Borrower and the preparation and implementation of any closure, remedial or other required plans. All representations, warranties, covenants and indemnifications in this Section 9.3 shall survive the payment of the Obligations and the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement.

 

(e) To the extent any of the provisions of this Section 9.3 as they pertain to the Real Estate or the Adjacent Real Estate are inconsistent with the provisions of the applicable deed of trust in favor of Agent and Lenders on the Real Estate or Adjacent Real Estate, as applicable, the provisions of such deed of trust shall govern.

 

(f) The Borrowers will maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Borrowers, their respective Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

 

9.4 Payment of Taxes and Claims . Each Borrower shall duly pay and discharge all taxes, assessments, contributions and governmental charges upon or against it or its properties or assets, except for taxes the validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on its books. (a) U.S. Borrowers shall be liable for any tax or penalties imposed on Agent or any Lender as a result of the financing arrangements provided for herein to U.S. Borrowers and U.S. Borrowers agree to indemnify and hold Agent and Lenders harmless with respect to the foregoing, and to repay to Agent and Lenders on demand the amount thereof, and until paid by U.S. Borrowers such amount shall be added and deemed part of the U.S. Revolver Loans and (b) Canadian Borrowers shall be liable for any tax or penalties imposed on Agent or any Lender as a result of the financing arrangements provided for herein to Canadian Borrowers and Canadian Borrowers agree to indemnify and hold Agent and Canadian Lenders harmless with respect to the foregoing, and to repay to Agent and Canadian Lenders on demand the amount thereof, and until paid by Canadian Borrowers such amount shall be added and deemed part of the Canadian Revolver Loans; provided , that , nothing contained herein shall be construed to require Borrowers to pay any Excluded Taxes. The foregoing indemnity shall survive the payment of the Obligations and the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement.

 

9.5 Insurance . Borrowers shall, at all times, maintain with financially sound and reputable insurers insurance with respect to the Collateral against loss or damage and all other insurance of the kinds and in the amounts customarily insured against or carried by corporations of established reputation engaged in the same or similar businesses and similarly situated. Said policies of insurance shall be satisfactory to Agent as to form, amount and insurer. Borrowers shall furnish certificates, policies or endorsements to Agent as Agent shall require as proof of such insurance, and, if Borrowers fail to do so, Agent is authorized, but not required, to obtain

 

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such insurance at the expense of Borrowers. All policies shall provide for at least thirty (30) days prior written notice (or such other amount of notice as agreed to by Agent in its Permitted Discretion) to Agent of any cancellation or reduction of coverage and that Agent may act as attorney for Borrowers in obtaining, and at any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, adjusting, settling, amending and canceling such insurance. Borrowers shall cause Agent to be named as a loss payee and an additional insured (but without any liability for any premiums) under such insurance policies and Borrowers shall obtain non-contributory lender’s loss payable endorsements to all insurance policies in form and substance satisfactory to Agent. Such lender’s loss payable endorsements shall specify that the proceeds of such insurance shall be payable to Agent, for the ratable benefit of Lenders, as its interests may appear and further specify that Agent shall be paid regardless of any act or omission by Borrowers or any of their affiliates. Subject to the provisions of the deeds of trust executed by M2 in favor of Agent, at its option, Agent may apply any insurance proceeds received by Agent at any time to the cost of repairs or replacement of Collateral and/or to payment of the Obligations (or, with respect to Collateral of the Canadian Borrowers, to payment of the Canadian Obligations), whether or not then due, in any order and in such manner as Agent may determine or hold such proceeds as cash collateral for the Obligations (or Canadian Obligations, as applicable). Borrowers shall maintain flood insurance with respect to any real property which constitutes Collateral as requested by any Lender to the extent necessary to comply with any applicable law or regulation.

 

9.6 Financial Statements and Other Information .

 

(a) Borrowers shall keep proper books and records in which true and complete entries shall be made of all dealings or transactions of or in relation to the Collateral and the business of Borrowers and their subsidiaries (if any) in accordance with GAAP and Borrowers shall furnish or cause to be furnished to Agent: (i) on or before the earlier of the forty-fifth (45th) day after the end of each fiscal month or, for any fiscal month ending on the last day of a fiscal quarter, the date on which U.S. Borrowers file their Form 10Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission for such fiscal quarter, monthly unaudited internally prepared consolidated and consolidating financial statements (including in each case balance sheets, statements of income and loss, statements of cash flow and statements of shareholders’ equity) as of the end of and through such fiscal month, all in reasonable detail, which financial statements shall be prepared honestly and in good faith (provided that where such fiscal month does not end on the last day of a fiscal quarter, Agent understands that such financial statements are based upon preliminary information available at the time of preparation of such financial statements and may therefore not be complete and fairly present the financial position and the results of the operations of Borrowers and their subsidiaries, provided , that , if the average daily Excess Availability during any fiscal quarter (as determined on the dates on which Agent approves the weekly borrowing base certificates provided pursuant to clause (a) of Section 7.1 hereof) is not less than the greater of Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($12,500,000) or ten percent (10%) of the amount available to be borrowed pursuant to clause (a) of Section 2.1 hereof, (but in any event no more than ten percent (10%) of the Maximum Credit) and so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, then during the immediately following fiscal quarter, such financial statements may be provided on a fiscal quarter basis on or before the earlier of the forty-fifth (45th) day after the end of such fiscal quarter or the date on which U.S. Borrowers file their Form 10Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission for

 

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such fiscal quarter, (ii) within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year, audited consolidated and consolidating financial statements of Borrowers and their subsidiaries (including in each case balance sheets, statements of income and loss, statements of cash flow and statements of shareholders’ equity), and the accompanying notes thereto, all in reasonable detail, fairly presenting the financial position and the results of the operations of Borrowers and their subsidiaries as of the end of and for such fiscal year, together with the opinion of independent certified public accountants, which accountants shall be an independent accounting firm selected by Borrowers and reasonably acceptable to Agent, that such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, and present fairly the results of operations and financial condition of Borrowers and their subsidiaries as of the end of and for the fiscal year then ended, and (iii) at Agent’s request, within thirty (30) days after the start of each fiscal year, Projections, in form and substance (including as to scope and underlying assumptions) reasonably satisfactory to Agent, for the forthcoming fiscal year, quarter by quarter. Annual and quarterly financials delivered in accordance with this Section 9.6(a) shall be certified by the chief financial officer of PCM as being such officer’s good faith estimate of the financial performance of Borrowers during the periods covered thereby. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, with respect to Projections Borrowers represent only that such information (x) was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time delivered, (y) involves certain risks and uncertainties, and (z) projected results may differ materially from those contained in any financial statements, SEC or OSC filings or other reports of Borrowers.

 

(b) Borrowers shall promptly notify Agent in writing of the details of (i) any loss, damage, investigation, action, suit, proceeding or claim which involves an amount in excess of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) and relates to the Collateral or any other property which is security for the Obligations or which would result in any material adverse change in the Borrowers’ business, properties, assets, goodwill or condition, financial or otherwise and (ii) the occurrence of any Event of Default or event which, with the passage of time or giving of notice or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

 

(c) Borrowers shall promptly after the sending or filing thereof furnish or cause to be furnished to Agent copies of all financial reports which Borrowers send to their stockholders generally and copies of all reports and registration statements which Borrowers file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Ontario Securities Commission, any national or provincial securities exchange or commission or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

 

(d) Borrowers shall furnish or cause to be furnished to Agent such budgets, forecasts, projections and other information in respect of the Collateral and the business of Borrowers, as Agent may, from time to time, reasonably request. Agent and Lenders are hereby authorized to deliver a copy of any financial statement or any other information relating to the business of Borrowers to any court or other government agency with jurisdiction over Agent or such Lenders or, subject to Section 13.5 below, to any participant or assignee or prospective participant or assignee. Any documents, schedules, invoices or other papers delivered to Agent may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of by Agent one (1) year after the same are delivered to Agent, except as otherwise designated by Borrowers to Agent in writing.

 

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(e) Borrowers shall deliver a Compliance Certificate at the same time they deliver the financial statements required under Section 9.6(a).

 

9.7 Sale of Assets, Consolidation, Merger, Dissolution, Etc . Each Borrower shall not, directly or indirectly, (a) merge or amalgamate into or with or consolidate with any other Person or permit any other Person to merge or amalgamate into or with or consolidate with it, provided , that (A) any U.S. Borrower may merge or amalgamate into or with or consolidate with any U.S. Borrower upon not less than twenty (20) days prior written notice to Agent, (B) any Canadian Borrower may merge or amalgamate into or with or consolidate with another Canadian Borrower upon not less than twenty (20) days prior written notice to Agent, and (C) any Borrower may merge or amalgamate into or consolidate with another Person that is not a Borrower hereunder to effect a transaction permitted under Section 9.10(d) below so long as the Borrower is the surviving entity, (b) unless otherwise consented to by Agent in writing, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, sell, assign, lease, transfer, abandon or otherwise dispose of any capital stock of a subsidiary or indebtedness to any other Person or any of its assets to any other Person (except for (i) sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of business, (ii) the disposition of worn-out or obsolete Equipment or Equipment no longer used in the business of such Borrower so long as (A) if an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, any proceeds are paid to Agent, for the ratable benefit of U.S. Lenders in the case of U.S. Borrowers and Canadian Lenders in the case of Canadian Borrowers, and (B) such sales for all Borrowers do not involve Equipment having an aggregate fair market value in excess of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000) for all such Equipment disposed of in any single transaction or in excess of Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($7,500,000) for all such Equipment disposed of in any fiscal year of Borrowers, (iii) a sale of the Real Estate to the extent permitted under Section 2.6(a) , (iv) a sale of the Adjacent Real Estate to the extent permitted under Section 2.6(b) and (v) any sale, assignment, lease, transfer, or other disposition of assets from a U.S. Borrower to any other U.S. Borrower or a Canadian Borrower to any other Canadian Borrower), (c) form or acquire any subsidiaries (except as provided in Section 9.10(d) below), or (d) wind up, liquidate or dissolve or (e) agree to do any of the foregoing.

 

9.8 Encumbrances . Borrowers shall not create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, charge or other encumbrance of any nature whatsoever on any of their assets or properties, including, without limitation, the Collateral, except :

 

(a) the liens and security interests of Agent for itself and the benefit of Secured Parties;

 

(b) liens securing the payment of taxes, either not yet delinquent or the validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and available to Borrowers and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on their books;

 

(c) security deposits in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(d) non-consensual statutory liens (other than liens securing the payment of taxes or with respect to Canadian Pension Plans (save for contribution amounts not yet due)) arising in the ordinary course of Borrowers’ business to the extent:

 

(i) such liens secure obligations which are not overdue; or

 

(ii) such liens secure obligations relating to claims or liabilities which are fully insured and being defended at the sole cost and expense and at the sole risk of the insurer (subject to applicable deductibles) or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and available to Borrowers, in each case prior to the commencement of foreclosure or other similar proceedings and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on their books;

 

(e) zoning restrictions, easements, licenses, covenants and other restrictions affecting the use of real property which do not interfere in any material respect with the use of such real property or ordinary conduct of the business of Borrowers as presently conducted thereon or materially impair the value of the real property which may be subject thereto;

 

(f) purchase money security interests in Equipment (including capital leases) and purchase money mortgages on real estate, and any refinancings, modifications, extensions, renewals and replacements thereof, so long as such security interests and mortgages do not apply to any property of Borrowers other than the Equipment or real estate so acquired and any additions or accessions thereto or proceeds thereof, and the indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost of the Equipment or real estate so acquired, as the case may be;

 

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

 

(h) the security interests and liens set forth on Schedule 8.4 hereto and

 

(i) liens granted in the ordinary course of business on the unearned portion of insurance premiums securing the financing of insurance premiums to the extent the financing is permitted under Section 9.9 hereof.

 

9.9 Indebtedness . Borrowers shall not incur, create, assume, become or be liable in any manner with respect to, or permit to exist, any obligations or indebtedness, except :

 

(a) the Obligations;

 

(b) trade obligations, operating lease obligations and other obligations incurred in the ordinary course of the Borrowers’ business and not for borrowed money, together with normal accruals in the ordinary course of business not yet due and payable, or with respect to which the Borrowers are contesting in good faith the amount or validity thereof by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and available to Borrowers, and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on their books;

 

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(c) purchase money indebtedness (including capital leases) to the extent not incurred or secured by liens (including capital leases) in violation of any other provision of this Agreement;

 

(d) obligations or indebtedness set forth on Schedule 9.9 hereto; provided , that , (i) Borrowers may only make regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest in respect of such indebtedness in accordance with the terms of the agreement or instrument evidencing or giving rise to such indebtedness as in effect on the date hereof, (ii) Borrowers shall not, directly or indirectly, (A) amend, modify, alter or change the terms of such indebtedness or any agreement, document or instrument related thereto as in effect on the date hereof, or (B) except as otherwise permitted under this Agreement, redeem, retire, defease, purchase or otherwise acquire such indebtedness, or set aside or otherwise deposit or invest any sums for such purpose, and (iii) Borrowers shall furnish to Agent all notices or demands in connection with such indebtedness either received by Borrowers or on their behalf, promptly after the receipt thereof, or sent by Borrowers or on their behalf, concurrently with the sending thereof, as the case may be;

 

(e) (i) indebtedness of any U.S. Borrower owing to another U.S. Borrower, (ii) indebtedness of any Canadian Borrower owing to another Canadian Borrower, (iii) indebtedness of any U.S. Borrower owing to a Canadian Borrower so long as such indebtedness is subordinated to the Obligations in a manner satisfactory to Agent, and (iv) indebtedness of any Canadian Borrower owing to a U.S. Borrower to the extent permitted under Section 9.10(g);

 

(f) any obligations or indebtedness of Borrowers on account of the deferred payment of the Total Consideration (as defined in Section 9.10 hereof) or any earn-outs or similar contingent payments in connection with the acquisition of a Target (as defined in Section 9.10 hereof), to the extent permitted in Section 9.10(d) hereof; provided , however , that no payments may be made by Borrowers on account thereof (other than with respect to the earn-out payable in connection with the acquisition of Collab9) unless both before and immediately after giving effect to such payment, Borrowers have at least $10,000,000 in Excess Availability;

 

(g) indebtedness to the Canadian federal government in an aggregate sum not to exceed Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) (Canadian) on account of advances made by the Canadian federal government against rebates payable by it to Borrowers;

 

(h) indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of credit cards, credit card processing services, debit cards, stored value cards, purchase cards (including so-called “procurement cards” or “P-cards”), or Cash Management Services;

 

(i) unsecured indebtedness incurred in respect of netting services, overdraft protection, and other like services, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(j) indebtedness of any Borrower entered into in the ordinary course of business pursuant to a Hedge Agreement; provided , that , (i) such arrangements are with a Bank Product Provider, (ii) such arrangements are not for speculative purposes, and (iii) such indebtedness shall be unsecured, except to the extent such indebtedness constitutes part of the

 

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Obligations arising under or pursuant to Hedge Agreements with a Bank Product Provider that are secured under the terms hereof; and

 

(k) indebtedness owed to any Person providing property, casualty, liability, or other insurance to any Borrower, so long as the amount of such indebtedness is not in excess of the amount of the unpaid cost of (including all finance charges owed to any such Person), and shall be incurred only to defer the cost of, such insurance for the years in which such indebtedness is incurred and such indebtedness is outstanding only during such years.

 

9.10 Loans, Investments, Guarantees, Etc. Borrowers shall not, directly or indirectly, make any loans or advance money or property to any person, or invest in (by capital contribution, dividend or otherwise) or purchase or repurchase the stock or indebtedness or all or a substantial part of the assets or property of any person, or guarantee, assume, endorse, or otherwise become responsible for (directly or indirectly) the indebtedness, performance, obligations or dividends of any Person or agree to do any of the foregoing, except :

 

(a) the endorsement of instruments for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business;

 

(b) investments in:

 

(i) short-term direct obligations of the United States or Canadian Government;

 

(ii) negotiable certificates of deposit or guaranteed investment certificates issued by any bank satisfactory to Agent, payable to the order of the Borrowers or to bearer and delivered to Agent;

 

(iii) commercial paper rated A1 or P1; provided , that , as to any of the foregoing, unless waived in writing by Agent, Borrowers shall take such actions as are deemed necessary by Agent to perfect the security interest of Agent and Lenders in such investments;

 

(c) the guarantees set forth in the Information Certificates;

 

(d) Borrowers may (A) acquire not less than a majority of the issued and outstanding capital stock of another Person, or all or a substantial part of the assets of another Person or of a division of another Person (each, a “ Targe t”) directly or indirectly through a New Subsidiary (as defined below), through another subsidiary or subsidiaries formed for the purpose of effecting any such acquisition in a single or series of related transactions, or through any other subsidiary of a Borrower, and (B) form a new wholly-owned subsidiary (a “ New Subsidiary ”) and make investments in such New Subsidiary (“ Subsidiary Investments ”), in each case, subject to the satisfaction in full of all of the following conditions precedent:

 

(i) The subject Target or New Subsidiary (as applicable) shall be in the same or similar type of business as Borrowers;

 

(ii) The aggregate sum of (A) the purchase price for the subject Target and any related Targets plus any other consideration payable in connection with the sale of the

 

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Target and any related Targets, excluding any earn-outs and similar contingent payments, excluding any obligations or indebtedness of the Target that are assumed (as permitted by Section 9.9 hereof) and excluding any capital stock of PCM (the “ Total Consideration ”) or the amount of the subject Subsidiary Investments (as applicable), plus (B) the aggregate sum of the Total Consideration for all Targets acquired by Borrowers after the Fourth Amendment Effective Date shall not exceed Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000) during the term of this Agreement after the date hereof and Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) during any fiscal year;

 

(iii) As of the date of the acquisition of the subject Target and any related Targets or the making of the subject Subsidiary Investments (as applicable) and after giving effect thereto, the Average 30 Day Excess Availability would not be less than $17,000,000;

 

(iv) The subject Target shall be acquired in accordance with applicable laws free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, charge or other encumbrance except as permitted in Section 9.8 hereof, and free and clear of any obligations or indebtedness except as permitted in Section 9.9 hereof;

 

(v) Any portion of the Total Consideration (excluding any earn-outs and similar contingent payments) that is not payable on the closing of the acquisition of the subject Target shall, to the extent a Borrower is obligated to make payment thereof, be subordinated in a manner satisfactory to Agent or, at Borrowers’ option, Agent may establish an Availability Reserve for such portion of the Total Consideration;

 

(vi) The subject Target and the Person acquiring the subject Target or the subject New Subsidiary (as applicable) shall guarantee the Obligations, and the assets and capital stock of the subject Target and such Person or the subject New Subsidiary (as applicable) shall be pledged to Agent, all pursuant to documents in form and substance satisfactory to Agent and in accordance with Section 9.20; provided , that if such Target, Person acquiring the subject Target or subject New Subsidiary is incorporated or organized under the laws of Canada or any territory or province thereof, such guarantee shall be limited to the Canadian Obligations.

 

(vii) No Event of Default, or event that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing or would result from the acquisition of the subject Target or the making of the subject Subsidiary Investments (as applicable);

 

(viii) Borrowers shall give prior written notice to Agent of the acquisition of the subject Target or the making of the subject Subsidiary Investments as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event less than fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the closing thereof if the Total Consideration for the subject Target and any related Targets or the amount of the Subsidiary Investments (as applicable) is greater than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000);

 

(ix) Agent shall have received true, correct and complete copies of the acquisition agreement(s) for the subject Target and all exhibits, schedules, documents and other agreements relating thereto, together with such financial and other information concerning the subject Target as Agent may reasonably request; and

 

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(x) Agent shall have received such further agreements, documents and instruments, and such further acts shall have been completed, with respect to the subject Target or New Subsidiary (as applicable), as required by Section 9.17 hereof.

 

At PCM’s request, but only at the sole election of all Lenders, the subject Target or the Person acquiring the subject Target or the subject New Subsidiary (as applicable) may be added as a U.S. Borrower or a Canadian Borrower hereunder, as applicable, by executing and delivering a Joinder Agreement. Upon execution and delivery thereof, such Person shall become a U.S. Borrower or a Canadian Borrower hereunder, as applicable, and thereupon shall have all of the rights, benefits, duties, and obligations in such capacity under the Financing Agreements. Regardless of whether the subject Target or the Person acquiring the subject Target or the subject New Subsidiary (as applicable) is or becomes a borrower hereunder, and regardless of whether the Accounts and Inventory of the subject Target or New Subsidiary qualify under the definition of “Eligible Accounts” and “Eligible Inventory” in this Agreement, the inclusion of such Accounts and Inventory in Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory shall be subject to:

 

(xi) Agent’s receipt and approval of full written appraisals as to the inventory of the subject Target or New Subsidiary in form, scope and methodology reasonable acceptable to Agent and by an appraiser reasonably acceptable to Agent, addressed to Agent, and upon which Agent is expressly permitted to rely;

 

(xii) The completion of a field examination by Agent of the subject Target or New Subsidiary with results reasonably satisfactory to Agent;

 

(xiii) Such additional eligibility criteria, Availability Reserves and percentage advance rates as Agent shall establish in its commercially reasonable discretion in light of the foregoing appraisals and field examination; and

 

(xiv) The chief executive office and jurisdiction of organization of the subject Target or New Subsidiary (as applicable) shall be in the United States or Canada, and in any event, only those Accounts generated and invoiced from the United States or Canada and that Inventory located in the United States or Canada may be deemed Eligible Accounts or Eligible Inventory;

 

(e) (i) subject to any applicable subordination requirement set forth in Section 9.9(e), any Borrower may make loans or advances to, or investments in, a U.S. Borrower, and may guaranty, assume, endorse or otherwise become responsible for the indebtedness or obligations of a U.S. Borrower, and (ii) any Canadian Borrower may make loans or advances to, or investments in, another Canadian Borrower, and may guaranty, assume, endorse or otherwise become responsible for the indebtedness or obligations of another Canadian Borrower.

 

(f) Borrowers may make advances to their employees not to exceed Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) in the aggregate outstanding (for all Borrowers) at any time;

 

(g) U.S. Borrowers may make loans or advances to, or investments in, any Canadian Borrower, so long as: (i) such Canadian Borrower is a wholly owned subsidiary of PCM; (ii) the aggregate amount of all such loans, advances and investments outstanding at any time, does not exceed $5,000,000 from the date hereof; and (iii) no Event of Default has

 

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occurred and is continuing at the time of any such loan, advance or investment, or would result therefrom;

 

(h) Borrowers may make acquisitions of or investments in properties numbered 1 through 3 listed on Schedule 9.10, so long as (i) the aggregate amount of such acquisitions and investments, together with any acquisition costs, property improvements and purchase money financing related thereto (excluding acquisitions, investments, costs or improvements made from the identifiable net proceeds of the sale or refinance of the Real Estate within 180 days of receipt by Borrowers of the net proceeds thereof), does not exceed $20,000,000 during the term of this Agreement after the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, (ii) the Borrowers have at least $10,000,000 in Excess Availability both before and after giving effect to each such acquisition or investment, and (iii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of any such acquisition or investment, or would result therefrom;

 

(i) Borrowers may make acquisitions of or investments in the properties numbered 4 and 5 listed on Schedule 9.10, so long as: (i) the Borrowers have at least $10,000,000 in Excess Availability both before and after giving effect to each such acquisition or investment, and (ii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of any such acquisition or investment, or would result therefrom;

 

(j) Borrowers may make acquisitions of or investments in real estate, in each case, to the extent made from the net proceeds of the sale or refinancing of the Real Estate, so long as: (i) the Borrowers have at least $10,000,000 in Excess Availability both before and after giving effect to each such acquisition or investment, and (ii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of any such acquisition or investment, or would result therefrom; and

 

(k) the U.S. Borrowers may guarantee the Canadian Obligations pursuant to the Financing Agreements.

 

9.11 Dividends and Redemptions . Borrowers shall not, directly or indirectly, declare or pay any dividends on account of any shares of any class of capital stock of Borrowers now or hereafter outstanding (except, directly or indirectly, to PCM), or set aside or otherwise deposit or invest any sums for such purpose, or redeem, retire, defease, purchase, repurchase, recapitalize or otherwise acquire (except, directly or indirectly, from PCM) any shares of any class of capital stock (or set aside or otherwise deposit or invest any sums for such purpose) for any consideration other than common stock or apply or set apart any sum, or make any other distribution (by reduction of capital or otherwise) in respect of any such shares (except, directly or indirectly, to PCM) or agree to do any of the foregoing; provided , that , PCM may repurchase a portion of its capital stock so long as (a) the aggregate sum of all payments made on account of such repurchases shall not exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) from the date hereof, (b) the Average 30 Day Excess Availability after giving effect to any such repurchase shall not be less than the Excess Availability Threshold then in effect on the date of such repurchase, and (c) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from any such repurchase.

 

9.12 Transactions with Affiliates . Borrowers shall not enter into any transaction for the purchase, sale or exchange of property or the rendering of any service to or by any Affiliate,

 

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except (a) transactions between U.S. Borrowers, (b) transactions between Canadian Borrowers, or (c) in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of Borrowers’ business and upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to the Borrowers than Borrowers would obtain in a comparable arm’s length transaction with an unaffiliated person.

 

9.13 Additional Accounts . Borrowers shall not, directly or indirectly, open, establish or maintain any deposit account, investment account, credit card or check processing account or any other account with any bank or other financial institution, other than the Blocked Accounts and the accounts set forth in the Information Certificates, except: (a) as to any new or additional Blocked Accounts and other such new or additional accounts which contain any Collateral or proceeds thereof, with the prior written consent of Agent and subject to such conditions thereto as Agent may establish and (b) as to any accounts used by Borrowers to make payments of payroll, taxes or other obligations to third parties, after prior written notice to Agent.

 

9.14 Compliance with ERISA; Canadian Pension Plans . (a) Borrowers shall not with respect to any “employee pension benefit plans” maintained by Borrowers or any of their ERISA Affiliates:

 

(a) (i) terminate any of such employee pension benefit plans so as to incur any liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to ERISA;

 

(ii) allow or fail to correct promptly after discovery thereof any prohibited transaction involving any of such employee pension benefit plans or any trust created thereunder which would subject Borrowers or such ERISA Affiliate to a tax or penalty or other liability on prohibited transactions imposed under Section 4975 of the Code or ERISA;

 

(iii) fail to pay to any such employee pension benefit plan any contribution which they are obligated to pay under Section 302 of ERISA, Section 412 of the Code or the terms of such plan;

 

(iv) allow or suffer to exist any accumulated funding deficiency, whether or not waived, with respect to any such employee pension benefit plan;

 

(v) allow or suffer to exist any occurrence of a reportable event or any other event or condition which presents a material risk of termination by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation of any such employee pension benefit plan that is a single employer plan, which termination could result in any liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; or

 

(vi) incur any withdrawal liability with respect to any multiemployer pension plan.

 

(b) As used in this Section 9.14, the term “employee pension benefit plans,” “employee benefit plans”, “accumulated funding deficiency” and “reportable event” shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in ERISA, and the term “prohibited transaction” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 4975 of the Code and ERISA.

 

(c) No Borrower shall: (i) contribute to or assume an obligation to contribute to any Canadian Defined Benefit Pension Plan, without the prior written consent of Agent; or (ii)

 

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acquire an interest in any Person if such Person sponsors, maintains or contributes to, or at any time in the five-year period preceding such acquisition has sponsored, maintained, or contributed to a Canadian Defined Benefit Pension Plan, without the prior written consent of Agent.

 

9.15 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio . If as of any date of determination a FCCR Triggering Event shall have occurred, Borrowers shall have a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, calculated as of the end of the last quarter (on a trailing four-quarter basis) immediately preceding such date of determination for which financial statements have most recently been delivered pursuant to Section 9.6(a)(i), of at least 1.0:1.0.

 

9.16 Costs and Expenses . Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for itself and the ratable benefit of Secured Parties, on demand all reasonable costs, expenses, filing fees and taxes paid or payable in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery, recording, administration, collection, liquidation, enforcement and defense of the Obligations, Agent’s and Lenders’ rights in the Collateral, this Agreement, the other Financing Agreements and all other documents related hereto or thereto, including any amendments, supplements or consents which may hereafter be contemplated (whether or not executed) or entered into in respect hereof and thereof, including, but not limited to:

 

(a) all reasonable costs and expenses of filing or recording (including Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filing taxes and fees, documentary taxes, intangibles taxes and mortgage recording taxes and fees, if applicable);

 

(b) all reasonable costs and expenses and fees for title insurance and other insurance premiums, environmental audits, surveys, assessments, engineering reports and inspections, appraisal fees and search fees;

 

(c) reasonable costs and expenses of remitting loan proceeds, collecting checks and other items of payment, and establishing and maintaining the Blocked Accounts, together with Agent’s and Lender’s customary charges and fees with respect thereto;

 

(d) customary charges, fees or expenses charged by any bank or issuer in connection with the Letter of Credit Accommodations;

 

(e) reasonable costs and expenses of preserving and protecting the Collateral;

 

(f) reasonable costs and expenses paid or incurred in connection with obtaining payment of the Obligations, enforcing the security interests and liens of Agent, for itself and the ratable benefit of Secured Parties, selling or otherwise realizing upon the Collateral, and otherwise enforcing the provisions of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements or defending any claims made or threatened against Agent and/or Lenders arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, preparations for and consultations concerning any such matters);

 

(g) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and costs incurred by Agent’s examiners or internal or external auditors in the conduct of their periodic field examinations of the Collateral and Borrowers’ operations, plus a per diem charge at the rate of One Thousand

 

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Dollars ($1,000) per person per day for such examiners or internal or external auditors in the field and office; and

 

(h) the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel (including legal assistants) to Agent in connection with any of the foregoing.

 

In addition to the foregoing, the Borrowers shall pay the Agent’s and each Lender’s reasonable documented costs and expenses (including reasonable documented attorneys, accountants, consultants, and other advisors fees and expenses) incurred in terminating, enforcing (including attorneys, accountants, consultants, and other advisors fees and expenses incurred in connection with a “workout,” a “restructuring,” or an insolvency proceeding concerning any Borrower or in exercising rights or remedies under the Financing Agreements), or defending the Financing Agreements, irrespective of whether a lawsuit or other adverse proceeding is brought, or in taking any enforcement action with respect to the Collateral.

 

9.17 Further Assurances . At the request of Agent or any Lender at any time and from time to time, Borrowers shall, at their expense, duly execute and deliver, or cause to be duly executed and delivered, such further agreements, documents and instruments, and do or cause to be done such further acts as may be necessary or proper to evidence, perfect, maintain and enforce the security interests and the priority thereof in the Collateral and to otherwise effectuate the provisions or purposes of this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements. Agent may at any time and from time to time request a certificate from an officer of Borrowers representing on behalf of Borrowers that all conditions precedent to the making of Loans and providing Letter of Credit Accommodations contained herein are satisfied. In the event of such request by Agent, Agent and Lenders may, at Agent’s option, cease to make any further Loans or provide any further Letter of Credit Accommodations until Agent has received such certificate and, in addition, Agent has determined that such conditions are satisfied. Where permitted by law, Borrowers hereby authorizes Agent and any Lender to execute and file one or more UCC or PPSA financing statements signed only by Agent and any Lender as deemed appropriate by Agent to perfect Agent’s and Lender’s security interests in the Collateral.

 

9.18 Sanction Laws and Regulations .

 

(a) The Borrowers shall not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the Loans, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity (i) to fund any activities or business of or with any Designated Person, or in any country or territory, that at the time of such funding is the subject of any sanctions under any Sanctions Laws and Regulations , or (ii) in any other manner that would result in a violation of any Sanctions Laws and Regulations by any party to this Agreement.

 

(b) None of the funds or assets of the Borrowers that are used to pay any amount due pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute funds obtained from transactions with or relating to Designated Persons or countries which are the subject of Sanctions under any Sanctions Laws and Regulations.

 

9.19 Use of Proceeds . No Borrower will request any Loan or Letter of Credit Accommodation, and no Borrower shall use, and each Borrower shall procure that its Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the

 

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proceeds of any Loan or Letter of Credit Accommodation (A) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, (B) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, to the extent such activities, businesses or transaction would be prohibited by Sanctions if conducted by a corporation incorporated in the United States or Canada, or (C) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.

 

Formation of Subsidiaries . Each Borrower will, at the time that any Borrower or Obligor forms any direct or indirect Canadian Subsidiary or U.S. Subsidiary or acquires any direct or indirect Canadian Subsidiary or U.S. Subsidiary after the date hereof, within 10 days of such formation or acquisition (or such later date as permitted by Agent in its sole discretion): (a) cause any such new Subsidiary that is a U.S. Subsidiary to become an Obligor hereunder or, at the election of the Lenders, a U.S. Borrower hereunder, and assume all obligations and liabilities of Obligors or U.S. Borrowers hereunder, as applicable, and agree to be bound by all of the provisions of this Agreement as if it had been an original signatory hereto as an Obligor or U.S. Borrower, as applicable, together with such other security agreements, as well as appropriate financing statements, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent (including being sufficient to grant Agent a first priority Lien (subject to liens permitted under Section 9.8 hereof) in and to the assets of such newly formed or acquired Subsidiary unless expressly not required by the Financing Agreements); (b) cause any such new Subsidiary that is a Canadian Subsidiary to become an Obligor hereunder with respect to the Canadian Obligations or, at the election of the Lenders, a Canadian Borrower hereunder, and assume all obligations and liabilities of Obligors or Canadian Borrowers hereunder, as applicable, and agree to be bound by all of the provisions of this Agreement as if it had been an original signatory hereto as an Obligor or Canadian Borrower, as applicable, together with such other security agreements or joinders thereto, as well as appropriate financing statements, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent (including being sufficient to grant Agent a first priority Lien (subject to liens permitted under Section 9.8 hereof) in and to the assets of such newly formed or acquired Subsidiary unless expressly not required by the Financing Agreements); and (c) provide to Agent all other documentation, including one or more opinions of counsel reasonably satisfactory to Agent, which, in its opinion, is appropriate with respect to the execution and delivery of the applicable documentation referred to above. Any document, agreement, or instrument executed or issued pursuant to this Section 9.20 shall constitute a Financing Agreement. 

 

9.21 Post-Closing Obligations .

 

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 6.3, Canadian Borrowers shall have until thirty (30) days after the date hereof (or such longer period as agreed to by Agent in its sole discretion) to perform and comply with their obligations set forth in (i) Section 6.3(a)(i), (ii) the first three sentences of Section 6.3(a)(ii), and (iii) the first sentence of Section 6.3(c).

 

(b) Within fifteen (15) days of the date hereof (or such longer period as agreed to by Agent in its sole discretion), the Borrowers shall deliver to Agent insurance

 

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endorsements with respect to the Canadian Borrowers as required pursuant to the terms of the Financing Agreements.

 

SECTION 10. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES .

 

10.1 Events of Default . The occurrence or existence of any one or more of the following events are referred to herein individually as an “ Event of Default ,” and collectively as “ Events of Default ”:

 

(a) (i) Borrowers fail to pay when due any principal amount on the Loans, (ii) Borrowers fail to pay any other Obligations within two (2) Business Days after the same become due and payable or (iii) any Borrower or any Obligor fails to perform any of the covenants contained in this Agreement or the other Financing Agreements and such failure shall continue for thirty (30) days; provided , that , such thirty (30) day period shall not apply in the case of (A) any failure to observe any such covenant which is not capable of being cured at all or within such thirty (30) day period or which has been the subject of a prior failure within the preceding four (4) month period, (B) any failure by Borrowers to pursue a cure diligently and promptly during such thirty (30) day period, or (C) a violation of Section 9.19 ;

 

(b) any representation, warranty or statement of fact made by any Borrower to Agent or any Lender in this Agreement, the other Financing Agreements or any other agreement, schedule, confirmatory assignment or otherwise shall when made or deemed made be false or misleading in any material respect;

 

(c) any Obligor revokes, terminates or fails to perform any of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of any guarantee, endorsement or other agreement of such party in favor of Agent or any Lender;

 

(d) any judgment for the payment of money (excluding any portion thereof covered by insurance) is rendered against any of Borrowers or Obligors in excess of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in any one case or in excess of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) in the aggregate and shall remain undischarged or unvacated for a period in excess of thirty (30) days or execution shall at any time not be effectively stayed, or any material judgment other than for the payment of money, or injunction, attachment, garnishment or execution is rendered against any of Borrowers or Obligors or any of their assets;

 

(e) any Obligor (being a natural person or a general partner of an Obligor which is a partnership) dies or any Borrower or any Obligor, which is a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, dissolves or suspends or discontinues doing business;

 

(f) any Borrowers or any Obligor becomes insolvent (however defined or evidenced), makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, makes or sends notice of a bulk transfer or calls a meeting of its creditors or principal creditors;

 

(g) a case or proceeding or proposal under the bankruptcy or restructuring or corporate laws of the United States of America or Canada now or hereafter in effect or under any insolvency, reorganization, receivership, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation law or statute of any jurisdiction now or hereafter in effect (whether at law or in equity) is filed against

 

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any Borrower or any Obligor or all or any part of its properties and such petition or application is not dismissed within forty five (45) days after the date of its filing or any Borrower or any Obligor shall file any answer admitting or not contesting such petition or application or indicates its consent to, acquiescence in or approval of, any such action or proceeding or the relief requested is granted sooner;

 

(h) a case or proceeding or proposal under the bankruptcy or restructuring or corporate laws of the United States of America or Canada now or hereafter in effect or under any insolvency, reorganization, receivership, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation law or statute of any jurisdiction now or hereafter in effect (whether at a law or equity) is filed by any Borrower or any Obligor or for all or any part of its property;

 

(i) any default by any Borrower or any Obligor under any agreement, document or instrument relating to any indebtedness for borrowed money or secured indebtedness owing to any person other than Agent or any Lender, or any capitalized lease obligations, contingent indebtedness in connection with any guarantee, letter of credit, indemnity or similar type of instrument in favor of any person other than Lender, in excess of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) in the aggregate, which default continues for more than the applicable cure period, if any, with respect thereto, or any default by any Borrower or any Obligor under any material contract, lease, license or other obligation to any person other than Agent and Lenders, which default continues for more than the applicable cure period, if any, with respect thereto, unless (in each case and without limiting Agent’s rights to establish Availability Reserves for any such defaults) such defaults are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued;

 

(j) the acquisition by any Person (other than Frank Khulusi or Sam Khulusi) of the capital stock of PCM if the effect of such acquisition is that such Person together with any of its affiliates hold, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the issued and outstanding capital stock of PCM;

 

(k) the indictment or conviction of any Borrower or any Obligor under any criminal statute, pursuant to which statute the penalties or remedies sought or available may reasonably be expected to lead to forfeiture of any of the property of such Borrower or such Obligor;

 

(l) this Agreement or any other Financing Agreement that purports to create a lien, shall, for any reason, fail or cease to create a valid and perfected and, except to the extent of liens permitted under Section 9.8 hereof, first priority lien on the Collateral covered thereby, except (a) as a result of a disposition of the applicable Collateral in a transaction permitted under this Agreement, (b) with respect to Collateral the aggregate value of which, for all such Collateral, does not exceed at any time, $6,000,000, or (c) as the result of an action or failure to act on the part of Agent; or

 

(m) there shall be an Event of Default as defined in any of the other Financing Agreements.

 

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10.2 Remedies .

 

(a) At any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, Agent and Lenders shall have all rights and remedies provided in this Agreement, the other Financing Agreements, the Uniform Commercial Code, the PPSA and other applicable law, all of which rights and remedies may be exercised without notice to or consent by any Borrower or any Obligor, except as such notice or consent is expressly provided for hereunder or required by applicable law. All rights, remedies and powers granted to Agent and Lenders hereunder, under any of the other Financing Agreements, the Uniform Commercial Code, the PPSA or other applicable law, are cumulative, not exclusive and enforceable, in Agent’s discretion, alternatively, successively, or concurrently on any one or more occasions, and shall include, without limitation, the right to apply to a court of equity for an injunction to restrain a breach or threatened breach by Borrowers of this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements. Subject to Section 12 hereof, Agent shall, upon the direction of the Required Lenders, at any time or times an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, proceed directly against Borrowers or any Obligor to collect the Obligations without prior recourse to the Collateral.

 

(b) Without limiting the foregoing, at any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, Agent may, and upon the direction of the Required Lenders, shall (i) accelerate the payment of all Obligations and demand immediate payment thereof to Agent, for the ratable benefit of Lenders ( provided , that , upon the occurrence of any Event of Default described in Sections 10.1(g) and 10.1(h), all Obligations shall automatically become immediately due and payable), (ii) with or without judicial process or the aid or assistance of others, enter upon any premises on or in which any of the Collateral may be located and take possession of the Collateral or complete processing, manufacturing and repair of all or any portion of the Collateral, (iii) require Borrowers, at Borrowers’ expense, to assemble and make available to Agent any part or all of the Collateral at any place and time designated by Agent, (iv) collect, foreclose, receive, appropriate, setoff and realize upon any and all Collateral, (v) remove any or all of the Collateral from any premises on or in which the same may be located for the purpose of effecting the sale, foreclosure or other disposition thereof or for any other purpose, (vi) sell, lease, transfer, assign, deliver or otherwise dispose of any and all Collateral (including, without limitation, entering into contracts with respect thereto, public or private sales at any exchange, broker’s board, at any office of Agent or elsewhere) at such prices or terms as Agent may deem reasonable, for cash, upon credit or for future delivery, with the Agent or any Lender having the right to purchase the whole or any part of the Collateral at any such public sale, all of the foregoing being free from any right or equity of redemption of Borrowers, which right or equity of redemption is hereby expressly waived and released by Borrowers and/or (vii) terminate this Agreement. If any of the Collateral is sold or leased by Agent upon credit terms or for future delivery, the Obligations shall not be reduced as a result thereof until payment therefor is finally collected by Agent, for the ratable benefit of Lenders. If notice of disposition of Collateral is required by law, ten (10) days prior notice by Agent to Borrowers designating the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale or other intended disposition of Collateral is to be made, shall be deemed to be reasonable notice thereof and Borrowers waives any other notice. In the event Agent institutes an action to recover any Collateral or seeks recovery of any Collateral by way of prejudgment remedy, Borrowers waive the posting of any bond which might otherwise be required.

 

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(c) Agent may apply the cash proceeds of Collateral actually received by it from any sale, lease, foreclosure or other disposition of the Collateral to payment of the Obligations, in whole or in part and in such order as Agent may elect, whether or not then due. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the cash proceeds of Collateral of the Canadian Borrowers (which at the time such proceeds are received by the Agent are either identified as such by the Canadian Borrowers or known as such by Agent) shall be applied solely to the Canadian Obligations. Borrowers shall remain liable to Agent and Lenders for the payment of any deficiency with interest at the highest rate provided for herein and all costs and expenses of collection or enforcement, including attorneys’ fees and legal expenses.

 

(d) Without limiting the foregoing, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Agent may, and upon the direction of the Required Lenders, shall, without notice, (i) cease making Loans or arranging Letter of Credit Accommodations or reduce the lending formulas or amounts of Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations available to Borrowers and/or (ii) terminate any provision of this Agreement providing for any future Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations to be made by Agent or Lenders to Borrowers.

 

SECTION 11. JURY TRIAL WAIVER; OTHER WAIVERS AND CONSENTS; GOVERNING LAW .

 

11.1 Governing Law; Choice of Forum; Service of Process; Jury Trial Waiver; Judicial Reference .

 

(a) The validity, interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements and any dispute arising out of the relationship between the parties hereto, whether in contract, tort, equity or otherwise, shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of California (without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law); provided , however , that if the laws of any jurisdiction other than California shall govern in regard to the validity, perfection or effect of perfection of any lien or in regard to procedural matters affecting enforcement of any liens in collateral, such laws of such other jurisdictions shall continue to apply to that extent.

 

(b) Borrowers, Agent and Lenders irrevocably consent and submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the state courts of the County of Los Angeles, State of California and of the United States District Court for the Central District of California and waive any objection based on venue or forum non conveniens with respect to any action instituted therein arising under this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements or in any way connected with or related or incidental to the dealings of the parties hereto in respect of this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements or the transactions related hereto or thereto, in each case whether now existing or hereafter arising, and whether in contract, tort, equity or otherwise, and agree that any dispute with respect to any such matters shall be heard only in the courts described above (except that Agent or any Lender shall have the right to bring any action or proceeding against Borrowers or their property in the courts of any other jurisdiction which such Person deems necessary or appropriate in order to realize on the Collateral or to otherwise enforce its rights against Borrowers or their property).

 

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(c) Borrowers hereby waive personal service of any and all process upon them and consent that all such service of process may be made by certified mail (return receipt requested) directed to their address set forth on the signature pages hereof and service so made shall be deemed to be completed five (5) Business Days after the same shall have been so deposited in the U.S. mails, or, at Agent’s or any Lender’s option, by service upon Borrowers in any other manner provided under the rules of any such courts. Within thirty (30) days after such service or such other period as provided by applicable law, Borrowers shall appear in answer to such process, failing which Borrowers shall be deemed in default and judgment may be entered by Agent or any Lender against Borrowers for the amount of the claim and other relief requested.

 

(d) BORROWERS, AGENT AND EACH LENDER HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (i) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER FINANCING AGREEMENTS OR (ii) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER FINANCING AGREEMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO OR THERETO IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. BORROWERS, AGENT AND EACH LENDER HEREBY AGREE AND CONSENT THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT ANY PARTY HERETO MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

 

(e) Neither Agent nor any Lender shall have any liability to Borrowers (whether in tort, contract, equity or otherwise) for losses suffered by Borrowers in connection with, arising out of, or in any way related to the transactions or relationships contemplated by this Agreement, or any act, omission or event occurring in connection herewith, unless it is determined by a final and non-appealable judgment or court order binding on such Person, that the losses were the result of acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

(f) If any action or proceeding is filed in a court of the State of California by or against any party hereto in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Financing Agreement, (a) the court shall, and is hereby directed to, make a general reference pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 638 to a referee or referees to hear and determine all of the issues in such action or proceeding (whether of fact or of law) and to report a statement of decision, provided that at the option of Agent, any such issues pertaining to a ‘provisional remedy’ as defined in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1281.8 shall be heard and determined by the court, and (b) Borrowers shall be solely responsible to pay all fees and expenses of any referee appointed in such action or proceeding.

 

11.2 Waiver of Notices . Borrowers hereby expressly waive demand, presentment, protest and notice of protest and notice of dishonor with respect to any and all instruments and commercial paper, included in or evidencing any of the Obligations or the Collateral, and any and all other demands and notices of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the

 

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Obligations, the Collateral and this Agreement, except such as are expressly provided for herein and except to the extent such waiver is prohibited by applicable law. No notice to or demand on Borrowers which Agent or any Lender may elect to give shall entitle Borrowers to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.

 

11.3 Amendments and Waivers .

 

(a) Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof shall be amended, modified, waived or discharged orally or by course of conduct, but only by a written agreement signed as provided in Section 11.3(b) hereof. Neither Agent nor any Lender shall, by any act, delay, omission or otherwise be deemed to have expressly or impliedly waived any of its rights, powers and/or remedies unless such waiver shall be in writing and signed by an authorized officer of such Person as provided in Section 11.3(b) hereof. Any such waiver shall be enforceable only to the extent specifically set forth therein. A waiver by Agent or any Lender of any right, power and/or remedy on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to or waiver of any such right, power and/or remedy which Agent or any Lender would otherwise have on any future occasion, whether similar in kind or otherwise.

 

(b) Neither this Agreement nor any other Financing Agreement (other than the Fee Letter) nor any terms hereof or thereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated unless such change, waiver, discharge or termination is in writing signed by Agent and the Required Lenders, and as to amendments to any of the Financing Agreements, by Borrowers; except , that , any change, waiver, discharge or termination with respect to the following shall require the consent of Agent and all Lenders:

 

(i) the extension of the Final Maturity Date;

 

(ii) reduction in the interest rate or any fees or the extension of the time of payment of interest or any fees or reduction in the principal amount of any Loan or Letter of Credit Accommodations;

 

(iii) increase in the Commitments of any Lender over the amount thereof then in effect or provided hereunder (it being understood that a waiver of any Event of Default shall not constitute a change in the terms of any Commitments of any Lender);

 

(iv) the release of any Collateral (except as expressly required by the Financing Agreements and except as permitted under Section 12.11(b) hereof);

 

(v) the amendment, modification or waiver of: (A) the terms of the following definitions or any provisions relating thereto: Eligible Accounts, Eligible Adjacent Real Estate, Eligible Real Estate, Eligible Inventory, Excess Availability, Final Maturity Date, Maximum Credit, Canadian Maximum Credit, Required Lenders or Pro Rata Shares, or (B) any provision of Sections 6.4 or 6.8, or this Section 11.3;

 

(vi) the consent to the assignment or transfer by any Borrower of any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement; or

 

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(vii) the increase in the advance rates or the sublimits set forth in Section 2.1(a) or (b) hereof.

 

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 11.3(b) above, in the event that Borrowers request that this Agreement or any other Financing Agreements be amended or otherwise modified in a manner which would require the unanimous consent of all of the Lenders and such amendment or other modification is agreed to by the Required Lenders, then, with the consent of Borrowers and the Required Lenders, Borrowers and the Required Lenders may amend this Agreement without the consent of the Lender or Lenders which did not agree to such amendment or other modification (collectively, the “ Minority Lenders ”) to provide for (i) the termination of the Commitments of each of the Minority Lenders (it being understood that (A) if a Lender’s U.S. Revolving Commitment is terminated in accordance with this Section 11.3(c), then it or its Affiliates Canadian Commitment shall also be terminated, and (B) if a Lender’s or its Affiliate’s Canadian Revolving Commitment is terminated in accordance with this Section 11.3(c), then its U.S. Commitment shall also be terminated), (ii) the addition to this Agreement of one or more other Lenders, or an increase in the Commitments of one or more of the Required Lenders, so that the U.S. Commitments and the Canadian Commitments, after giving effect to such amendment, shall be in the same aggregate amount as the U.S. Commitments and the Canadian Commitments immediately before giving effect to such amendment; provided , however , that no such addition or increase may be made unless after giving effect thereto, the Pro Rata Share of each Lender with respect to its or its Affiliate’s Canadian Commitments shall equal the Pro Rata Share of such Lender with respect to its or its Affiliate’s U.S. Commitments, (iii) if any Loans are outstanding at the time of such amendment, the making of such additional Loans by such new Lenders or Required Lenders, as the case may be, as may be necessary to repay in full the outstanding Loans of the Minority Lenders immediately before giving effect to such amendment and (iv) the payment of all interest, fees and other Obligations payable or accrued in favor of the Minority Lenders and such other modifications to this Agreement as Borrowers and the Required Lenders may determine to be appropriate.

 

(d) The consent of Agent shall be required for any amendment, waiver or consent affecting the rights or duties of Agent hereunder or under any of the other Financing Agreements, in addition to the consent of the Lenders otherwise required by this Section.

 

11.4 Waiver of Counterclaims . Borrowers waive all rights to interpose any claims, deductions, setoffs or counterclaims of any nature (other than compulsory counterclaims) in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, the Obligations, the Collateral or any matter arising therefrom or relating hereto or thereto.

 

11.5 Indemnification . Borrowers shall indemnify and hold Agent and each Lender, and its directors, agents, employees and counsel (each an “ Indemnified Party ”), harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any of them (excluding any of the foregoing with respect to any Indemnified Party to the extent arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party) in connection with any litigation, investigation, claim or proceeding commenced or threatened related to the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of this Agreement, any other Financing Agreements,

 

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or any undertaking or proceeding related to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or any act, omission, event or transaction related or attendant thereto, including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement, court costs, and the fees and expenses of counsel. To the extent that the undertaking to indemnify, pay and hold harmless set forth in this Section 11.5 may be unenforceable because it violates any law or public policy, Borrowers shall pay the maximum portion which they are permitted to pay under applicable law to Agent and Lenders in satisfaction of indemnified matters under this Section 11.5. The foregoing indemnity shall survive the payment of the Obligations and the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 12. THE AGENT

 

12.1 Appointment; Powers and Immunities . Each Lender hereby irrevocably designates, appoints and authorizes Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC to act as Agent hereunder and under the other Financing Agreements with such powers as are specifically delegated to Agent by the terms of this Agreement and of the other Financing Agreements, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Agent: (a) shall have no duties or responsibilities except those expressly set forth in this Agreement and in the other Financing Agreements, and shall not by reason of this Agreement or any other Financing Agreement be a trustee or fiduciary for any Lender; (b) shall not be responsible to Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties contained in this Agreement or in any other Financing Agreement, or in any certificate or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by any of them under, this Agreement or any other Financing Agreement, or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Financing Agreement or any other document referred to or provided for herein or therein or for any failure by any Borrower or any Obligor or any other Person to perform any of its obligations hereunder or thereunder; and (c) shall not be responsible to Lenders for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it hereunder or under any other Financing Agreement or under any other document or instrument referred to or provided for herein or therein or in connection herewith or therewith, except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. Agent may employ agents and attorneys-in-fact and shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any such agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it in good faith. Agent may deem and treat the payee of any note as the holder thereof for all purposes hereof unless and until the assignment thereof pursuant to an agreement (if and to the extent permitted herein) in form and substance satisfactory to Agent shall have been delivered to and acknowledged by Agent.

 

12.2 Reliance By Agent . Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any certification, notice or other communication (including any thereof by telephone, telecopy, telex, telegram or cable) believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by or on behalf of the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel, independent accountants and other experts selected by Agent. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement or any other Financing Agreement, Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, hereunder or thereunder in accordance with instructions given by the Required Lenders or all of Lenders as is required in such circumstance, and such instructions of such Lenders and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding on all Lenders.

 

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12.3 Events of Default .

 

(a) Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of an Event of Default or other failure of a condition precedent to the Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations hereunder, unless and until Agent has received written notice from a Lender, a Borrower or any Obligor specifying such Event of Default or any unfulfilled condition precedent, and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default or Failure of Condition”. In the event that Agent receives such a notice, Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders. Agent shall (subject to Section 12.7) take such action with respect to any such Event of Default or failure of condition precedent as shall be directed by the Required Lenders; provided , that , unless and until Agent shall have received such directions, Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to or by reason of such Event of Default or failure of condition precedent, as it shall deem advisable in the best interest of Lenders. Without limiting the foregoing, and notwithstanding the existence or occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default or any other failure to satisfy any of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4 of this Agreement to the contrary, Agent may, but shall have no obligation to, continue to make Loans and issue or cause to be issued Letter of Credit Accommodations for the ratable account and risk of U.S. Lenders and Canadian Lenders, as applicable from time to time if Agent believes making such Loans or issuing or causing to be issued such Letter of Credit Accommodations is in the best interests of Lenders.

 

(b) Except with the prior written consent of Agent, no Lender may assert or exercise any enforcement right or remedy in respect of the Loans, Letter of Credit Accommodations or other Obligations, as against any Borrower or any Obligor or any of the Collateral or other property of any Borrower or any Obligor.

 

12.4 WFCF in its Individual Capacity . With respect to its Commitments and the Loans made and Letter of Credit Accommodations issued or caused to be issued by it (and any successor acting as Agent), so long as Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC shall be a Lender hereunder, it shall have the same rights and powers hereunder as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not acting as Agent, and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless the context otherwise indicates, include Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC in its individual capacity as Lender hereunder. Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC (and any successor acting as Agent) and its Affiliates may (without having to account therefor to any Lender) lend money to, make investments in and generally engage in any kind of business with Borrowers and Obligors (and any of their respective subsidiaries or Affiliates) as if it were not acting as Agent, and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC and its Affiliates may accept fees and other consideration from Borrowers and Obligors for services in connection with this Agreement or otherwise without having to account for the same to Lenders.

 

12.5 Indemnification . Lenders agree to indemnify Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by Borrowers hereunder and without limiting the Obligations of Borrowers hereunder) ratably, in accordance with their Pro Rata Shares, for any and all claims of any kind and nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against Agent (including by any Lender) arising out of or by reason of any investigation in or in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any other Financing Agreement or any other documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (including the

 

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costs and expenses that Agent is obligated to pay hereunder) or the enforcement of any of the terms hereof or thereof or of any such other documents, provided , that , no Lender shall be liable for any of the foregoing to the extent it arises from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the party to be indemnified as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

12.6 Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders . Each Lender agrees that it has, independently and without reliance on Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis of each Borrower and Obligors and has made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and that it will, independently and without reliance upon Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own analysis and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements. Agent shall not be required to keep itself informed as to the performance or observance by any Borrower or any Obligor of any term or provision of this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements or any other document referred to or provided for herein or therein or to inspect the properties or books of any Borrower or any Obligor. Agent will use reasonable efforts to provide Lenders with any information received by Agent from any Borrower or any Obligor which is required to be provided to Lenders hereunder and with a copy of any “Notice of Default or Failure of Condition” received by Agent from any Borrower, any Obligor or any Lender; provided , that , Agent shall not be liable to any Lender for any failure to do so, except to the extent that such failure is attributable to Agent’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to Lenders by Agent hereunder, Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any other credit or other information concerning the affairs, financial condition or business of any Borrower or any Obligor that may come into the possession of Agent.

 

12.7 Failure to Act . Except for action expressly required of Agent hereunder and under the other Financing Agreements, Agent shall in all cases be fully justified in failing or refusing to act hereunder and thereunder unless it shall receive further assurances to its satisfaction from Lenders of their indemnification obligations under Section 12.5 hereof against any and all liability and expense that may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action.

 

12.8 Additional Loans . Agent shall not make any Loans or provide any Letter of Credit Accommodations to any Borrower on behalf of Lenders intentionally and with actual knowledge that such Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations would cause the aggregate amount of the total outstanding U.S. Revolving Loans and U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations to U.S. Borrowers to exceed the amount set forth in Section 2.1(a) hereof (the “ U.S. Borrowing Base ”) or would cause the aggregate amount of the total outstanding Canadian Revolving Loans and Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations to Canadian Borrowers to exceed the amount set forth in Section 2.1(b) hereof (the “ Canadian Borrowing Base ” and together with the U.S. Borrowing Base, each a “ Borrowing Base ” and collectively, the “ Borrowing Bases ”), in any case, without the prior consent of all Lenders, except , that , Agent may make such additional Loans or provide such additional Letter of Credit Accommodations on behalf of Lenders, intentionally and with actual knowledge that such Loans or Letter of Credit

 

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Accommodations will cause the total outstanding U.S. Revolving Loans and U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations to U.S. Borrowers to exceed the U.S. Borrowing Base, or will cause the total outstanding Canadian Revolving Loans and Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations to Canadian Borrowers to exceed the Canadian Borrowing Base as Agent may deem necessary or advisable in its discretion, provided , that : (a) the total principal amount of the additional Loans or additional Letter of Credit Accommodations to any Borrower which Agent may make or provide after obtaining such actual knowledge that the aggregate principal amount of the Loans equal or exceed the applicable Borrowing Base shall not exceed the amount equal to ten percent (10%) of such Borrowing Base at the time and shall not cause the total outstanding principal amount of the Loans, Letter of Credit Accommodations and Special Agent Advances to exceed the Maximum Credit or the total outstanding principal amount of the Canadian Revolving Loans, Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations and Special Agent Advances to Canadian Borrowers to exceed the Canadian Maximum Credit, and (b) without the consent of all Lenders, Agent shall not make any such additional Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations more than ninety (90) days from the date of the first such additional Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations. Each Lender shall be obligated to pay Agent the amount of its Pro Rata Share of any such additional Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations provided that Agent is acting in accordance with the terms of this Section 12.8.

 

12.9 Concerning the Collateral and the Related Financing Agreements . Each Lender authorizes and directs Agent to enter into this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements relating to the Collateral, for the ratable benefit of Lenders and Agent. Each Lender agrees that any action taken by Agent or Required Lenders in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the other Financing Agreements relating to the Collateral, and the exercise by Agent or Required Lenders of their respective powers set forth therein or herein, together with such other powers that are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be binding upon all of the Lenders.

 

12.10 Field Audits; Examination Reports and other Information; Disclaimer by Lenders . By signing this Agreement, each Lender:

 

(a) is deemed to have requested that Agent furnish Lender, promptly after it becomes available, a copy of each field audit or examination report and a weekly report with respect to the Borrowing Bases prepared by Agent (each field audit or examination report and weekly report with respect to the Borrowing Bases (as defined in Section 12.8 hereof) being referred to herein as a “ Report ” and collectively, the “ Reports ”);

 

(b) expressly agrees and acknowledges that Agent (i) does not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any Report, or (ii) shall not be liable for any information contained in any Report; provided , that , nothing contained in this Section 12.10 shall be construed to limit the liability of Agent under Section 12.1(c) hereof in the event of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Agent as determined pursuant to a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction;

 

(c) expressly agrees and acknowledges that the Reports are not comprehensive audits or examinations, that Agent or other party performing any audit or examination will inspect only specific information regarding Borrowers and Obligors and will

 

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rely significantly upon each Borrower’s books and records, as well as on representations of each Borrower’s personnel; and

 

(d) agrees to keep all Reports confidential and strictly for its internal use in accordance with the terms of Section 13.7 hereof, and not to distribute or use any Report in any other manner.

 

12.11 Collateral Matters .

 

(a) Agent may, at its option, from time to time, at any time on or after an Event of Default and for so long as the same is continuing or upon any other failure of a condition precedent to the Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations hereunder, make such disbursements and advances (“ Special Agent Advances ”) which Agent, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or desirable either (i) to preserve or protect the Collateral or any portion thereof (provided that in no event shall Special Agent Advances for such purpose exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) in the aggregate outstanding at any time), provided , that , unless all Lenders otherwise agree in writing, the Special Agent Advances under this clause (i) shall not cause the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Loans, the Letter of Credit Accommodations and such Special Agent Advances to exceed the Maximum Credit or the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Canadian Revolving Loans, the Canadian Letter of Credit Accommodations and such Special Agent Advances to Canadian Borrowers to exceed the Canadian Maximum Credit, and Agent shall make commercially reasonable arrangements with Borrowers for the repayment in full of such Special Agent Advances within a reasonable time, or (ii) to pay any other amount chargeable to any Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement consisting of costs, fees and expenses and payments to any issuer of Letter of Credit Accommodations. Special Agent Advances shall be repayable on demand and be secured by the Collateral; provided , however , that the Special Agent Advances to U.S. Borrowers shall not be secured by the Collateral of the Canadian Borrowers. Special Agent Advances shall not constitute Loans (except that they shall bear interest as if they were Prime Rate Loans or Canadian Base Rate Loans, as applicable) but shall otherwise constitute Obligations hereunder. Agent shall notify each Lender and Borrowers in writing of each such Special Agent Advance, which notice shall include a description of the purpose of such Special Agent Advance. Without limitation of its obligations pursuant to Section 6.10, (x) each U.S. Lender agrees that it shall make available to Agent, upon Agent’s demand, in immediately available funds, the amount equal to such Lender’s Pro Rata Share (calculated under clause (a) of the definition of Pro Rata Share) of each such Special Agent Advance to any U.S. Borrower, and (y) each Canadian Lender agrees that it shall make available to Agent, upon Agent’s demand, in immediately available funds, the amount equal to such Lender’s Pro Rata Share (calculated under clause (a) of the definition of Pro Rata Share) of each such Special Agent Advance to any Canadian Borrower. If such funds are not made available to Agent by such Lender, Agent shall be entitled to recover such funds, on demand from such Lender together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such payment was due until the date such amount is paid to Agent at the interest rate then payable by Borrowers in respect of the Loans as set forth in Section 3.1 hereof.

 

(b) Lenders hereby irrevocably authorize Agent, at its option and in its discretion to release any security interest in, mortgage or lien upon, any of the Collateral (i) upon termination of the U.S. Commitments and the Canadian Commitments and payment and

 

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satisfaction of all of the Obligations and delivery of cash collateral to the extent required under Section 13.1 hereof, or (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of if Borrowers certify to Agent that the sale or disposition is made in compliance with the terms hereof, including Sections 9.7 and 2.6 hereof (and Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry), or (iii) constituting property in which any Borrower or any Obligor did not own an interest at the time the security interest, mortgage or lien was granted or at any time thereafter, or (iv) having an aggregate value of less than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) during any calendar year, or (v) if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by all of Lenders. Except as provided above, Agent will not release any security interest in, mortgage or lien upon, any of the Collateral without the prior written authorization of all of Lenders (and any Lender may require that the proceeds from any sale or other disposition of the Collateral to be so released be applied to the Obligations in a manner satisfactory to such Lender). Upon request by Agent at any time, Lenders will promptly confirm in writing Agent’s authority to release particular types or items of Collateral pursuant to this Section.

 

(c) Without in any manner limiting Agent’s authority to act without any specific or further authorization or consent by the Required Lenders, each Lender agrees to confirm in writing, upon request by Agent, the authority to release Collateral conferred upon Agent under this Section. Agent shall (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by Lenders to) execute such documents as may be necessary to evidence the release of the security interest, mortgage or liens granted to Agent for itself and the benefit of the Lenders upon any Collateral to the extent set forth above; provided , that , (i) Agent shall not be required to execute any such document on terms which, in Agent’s opinion, would expose Agent to liability or create any obligations or entail any consequence other than the release of such security interest, mortgage or liens without recourse or warranty and (ii) such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect or impair the Obligations or any security interest, mortgage or lien upon (or obligations of any Borrower in respect of) the Collateral retained by any Borrower.

 

(d) Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to any Lender or any other Person to investigate, confirm or assure that the Collateral exists or is owned by any Borrower or any Obligor or is cared for, protected or insured or has been encumbered, or that any particular items of Collateral meet the eligibility criteria applicable in respect of the Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations hereunder, or whether any particular reserves are appropriate, or that the liens and security interests granted to Agent herein or pursuant hereto or otherwise have been properly or sufficiently or lawfully created, perfected, protected or enforced or are entitled to any particular priority, or to exercise at all or in any particular manner or under any duty of care, disclosure or fidelity, or to continue exercising, any of the rights, authorities and powers granted or available to Agent in this Agreement or in any of the other Financing Agreements, it being understood and agreed that in respect of the Collateral, or any act, omission or event related thereto, Agent may act in any manner it may deem appropriate, in its discretion, given Agent’s own interest in the Collateral as a Lender and that Agent shall have no duty or liability whatsoever to any other Lender.

 

(e) In its capacity as Agent, Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC is hereby appointed and shall serve as the hypothecary representative of all present and future Secured Parties as contemplated under Article 2692 of the Civil Code of Québec in order to, inter alia, enter into, to take and to hold any security or hypothec granted by any Borrower pursuant to the

 

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laws of the Province of Québec to secure the prompt payment and performance of all Obligations of any Borrower or other Obligor, and to exercise such powers and duties that are conferred upon the hypothecary creditor thereunder. Any person who becomes a Secured Party shall be deemed to have consented to and confirmed the appointment of the Agent as hypothecary representative. The substitution of the Agent pursuant to the terms hereof shall also constitute the substitution of the hypothecary representative.

 

12.12 Agency for Perfection . Agent and each Lender hereby appoints each Lender as agent for the purpose of perfecting the security interests in and liens upon the Collateral of Agent for itself and the ratable benefit of Secured Parties in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC, the PPSA or the STA can be perfected only by possession. Should any Lender obtain possession of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify Agent thereof, and, promptly upon Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to Agent or in accordance with Agent’s instructions.

 

12.13 Flood Laws . Agent has adopted internal policies and procedures that address requirements placed on federally regulated lenders under the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 and related legislation (the “ Flood Laws ”). Agent will post on the applicable electronic platform (or otherwise distribute to each Lender) documents that it receives in connection with the Flood Laws. However, Agent reminds each Lender and Participant that, pursuant to the Flood Laws, each federally regulated lender (whether acting as a Lender or Participant) is responsible for assuring its own compliance with the flood insurance requirements.

 

SECTION 13. TERM OF AGREEMENT; MISCELLANEOUS .

 

13.1 Term .

 

(a) This Agreement and the other Financing Agreements shall become effective as of the date set forth on the first page hereof and shall continue in full force and effect for a term ending on the Final Maturity Date, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the terms hereof. Upon the effective date of termination of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements, Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, in full, all outstanding and unpaid non-contingent Obligations and shall furnish cash collateral to Agent, (or at Agent’s option, a letter of credit issued for the account of Borrowers and at Borrowers’ expense, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, by an issuer acceptable to Agent and payable to Agent as beneficiary, for the ratable benefit of Lenders) in such amounts as Agent determines are reasonably necessary to secure (or reimburse) Agent and Lenders from loss, cost, damage or expense, including attorneys’ fees and legal expenses, in connection with any contingent Obligations, including issued and outstanding Letter of Credit Accommodations and checks or other payments provisionally credited to the Obligations and/or as to which Agent and Lenders have not yet received final and indefeasible payment and any of the Obligations arising under or in connection with any Bank Products in such amounts as the Bank Product Provider providing such Bank Products may require (unless such Obligations arising under or in connection with any Bank Products are paid in full in cash and terminated in a manner satisfactory to such Bank Product Provider); provided , however , that Canadian Borrowers shall only be responsible for paying Canadian Obligations. Such payments in respect of the

 

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Obligations and cash collateral shall be remitted by wire transfer in federal funds to such bank account of Agent, as Agent may, in its discretion, designate in writing to Borrowers for such purpose. Interest shall be due until and including the next Business Day, if the amounts so paid by any Borrower to the bank account designated by Agent are received in such bank account later than 12:00 noon, Los Angeles time.

 

(b) No termination of this Agreement or the other Financing Agreements shall relieve or discharge any Borrower of its respective duties, obligations and covenants under this Agreement or the other Financing Agreements until all Obligations have been fully and finally discharged and paid, provided , that , Lender shall terminate its security interests in the Collateral upon the payments and furnishing of cash collateral by Borrowers to Agent in the full sums required in Section 13.1(a) above.

 

13.2 Notices . All notices, requests and demands hereunder shall be in writing and (a) made to Agent and Lenders at their respective addresses set forth below and to Borrowers at their chief executive office set forth below, or to such other address as either party may designate by written notice to the other in accordance with this provision, and (b) deemed to have been given or made: if delivered in person, immediately upon delivery; if by telex, telegram or facsimile transmission, immediately upon sending and upon confirmation of receipt; if by nationally recognized overnight courier service with instructions to deliver the next Business Day, one (1) Business Day after sending; and if by certified mail, return receipt requested, five (5) days after mailing.

 

13.3 Partial Invalidity . If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not invalidate this Agreement as a whole, but this Agreement shall be construed as though it did not contain the particular provision held to be invalid or unenforceable and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced only to such extent as shall be permitted by applicable law.

 

13.4 Successors . This Agreement, the other Financing Agreements and any other document referred to herein or therein shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Agent, Lenders, Borrowers and their respective successors and assigns, except that Borrowers may not assign its rights under this Agreement, the other Financing Agreements and any other document referred to herein or therein without the prior written consent of Agent and the Required Lenders. No Lender may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement (or any part thereof) without the prior written consent of all Lenders and Agent, except as permitted under Section 13.5 hereof. Any purported assignment by a Lender without such prior express consent or compliance with Section 13.5 where applicable, shall be void. The terms and provisions of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements are for the purpose of defining the relative rights and obligations of Borrowers, Obligors, Agent and Lenders with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and there shall be no third party beneficiaries of any of the terms and provisions of this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements

 

13.5 Assignments and Participations .

 

(a) Each Lender may (i) assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, a portion of its Commitments, the Loans

 

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owing to it and its rights and obligations as a Lender with respect to Letter of Credit Accommodations) and the other Financing Agreements; to its parent company and/or any Affiliate of such Lender which is at least fifty (50%) percent owned by such Lender or its parent company or to one or more Lenders or (ii) assign all, or if less than all a portion equal to at least $5,000,000 in the aggregate for the assigning Lender or assigning Lenders, of such rights and obligations under this Agreement to one or more Eligible Transferees, each of which assignees shall become a party to this Agreement as a Lender by execution of an Assignment and Acceptance; provided , that , (A) the consent of Agent shall be required in connection with any assignment to an Eligible Transferee pursuant to clause (ii) above, (B) if such Eligible Transferee is not a bank, Agent shall receive a representation in writing by such Eligible Transferee that either (1) no part of its acquisition of its Loans is made out of assets of any employee benefit plan, or (2) after consultation, in good faith, with Borrowers and provision by Borrowers of such information as may be reasonably requested by such Eligible Transferee, the acquisition and holding of such Commitments and Loans does not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code, or (3) such assignment is an “insurance company general account,” as such term is defined in the Department of Labor Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 95.60 (issued July 12, 1995) (“ PTCE 95-60 ”), and, as of the date of the assignment, there is no “employee benefit plan” with respect to which the aggregate amount of such general account’s reserves and liabilities for the contracts held by or on behalf of such “employee benefit plan” and all other “employee benefit plans” maintained by the same employer (and affiliates thereof as defined in Section V(a)(1) of PTCE 95-60) or by the same employee organization (in each case determined in accordance with the provisions of PTCE 95-60) exceeds ten percent (10%) of the total reserves and liabilities of such general account (as determined under PTCE 95-60) (exclusive of separate account liabilities) plus surplus as set forth in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Annual Statement filed with the state of domicile of such Eligible Transferee and (C) such transfer or assignment will not be effective until recorded by the Agent on the Register. As used in this Section, the term “employee benefit plan” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Title I of ERISA and shall also include a “plan” as defined in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code.

 

(b) Agent, acting solely for this purpose as the agent of the Borrowers, shall maintain a register of the names and addresses of Lenders, their Commitments and the principal amount of their Loans (the “ Register ”). Agent shall also maintain a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to and accepted by it and shall modify the Register to give effect to each Assignment and Acceptance. Upon its receipt of each Assignment and Acceptance, Agent will give prompt notice thereof to Lenders and deliver to each of them a copy of the executed Assignment and Acceptance. The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and Borrowers, Obligors, Agent and Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by Borrowers, Obligors and any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(c) In the event that a Lender sells participations in the Loans, such Lender, as a non-fiduciary agent on behalf of Borrowers, shall maintain (or cause to be maintained) a register on which it enters the name of all participants in the Loans held by it (and the principal amount (and stated interest thereon) of the portion of such Loans that is subject to such participations) (the “ Participant Register ”). The Loans (and the note, if any, evidencing the

 

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same) may be participated in whole or in part only by registration of such participation on the Participant Register (and each registered note shall expressly so provide). Any participation of the Loans (and the registered note, if any, evidencing the same) may be effected only by the registration of such participation on the Participant Register. Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, (i) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and to the other Financing Agreements and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations (including, without limitation, the obligation to participate in Letter of Credit Accommodations) of a Lender hereunder and thereunder and (ii) the assigning Lender shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under this Agreement.

 

(d) By execution and delivery of an Assignment and Acceptance, the assignor and assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) other than as provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, the assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements or the execution, legality, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements furnished pursuant hereto, (ii) the assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of Borrowers, Obligors or any of their respective subsidiaries or the performance or observance by any Borrower or any Obligor of any of the Obligations, (iii) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements, together with such other documents and information it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance, (iv) such assignee will, independently and without reliance upon the assigning Lender, Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements, (v) such assignee appoints and authorizes Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements as are delegated to Agent by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, and (vi) such assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements are required to be performed by it as a Lender. Subject to Section 13.7, Agent and Lenders may furnish any information concerning Borrowers, Obligors or their respective subsidiaries in the possession of Agent or any Lender from time to time to assignees and Participants.

 

(e) Each Lender may sell participations to one or more banks or other entities in or to all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitments and the Loans owing to it and its participation in the Letter of Credit Accommodations, without the consent of Agent or the other Lenders); provided , that , (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Commitments hereunder) and the other Financing Agreements shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, and Borrowers, Obligors, Agent and the other

 

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Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements, (iii) the Participant shall not have any rights under this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements (the Participant’s rights against such Lender in respect of such participation to be those set forth in the agreement executed by such Lender in favor of the Participant relating thereto) and all amounts payable by any Borrower or any Obligor hereunder shall be determined as if such Lender had not sold such participation, and (iv) so long as no Event of Default is ongoing, any sale to a (A) hedge fund or (B) proposed Participant that is a direct competitor of any Borrower shall require the prior written consent of Borrowers (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed and such approval shall be deemed given by Borrowers if no objection from Borrowers is received within five (5) Business Days after written notice of such proposed participation has been provided by Agent) and (v) if such Participant is not a bank, represent that either (A) no part of its acquisition of its participation is made out of assets of any employee benefit plan, or (B) after consultation, in good faith, with Borrowers and provision by Borrowers of such information as may be reasonably requested by the Participant, the acquisition and holding of such participation does not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code, or (C) such participation is an “insurance company general account, “ as such term is defined in the “PTCE 95-60”, and, as of the date of the transfer there is no “employee benefit plan” with respect to which the aggregate amount of such general account’s reserves and liabilities for the contracts held by or on behalf of such “employee benefit plan” and all other “employee benefit plans” maintained by the same employer (and affiliates thereof as defined in Section V(a)(1) of PTCE 95-60) or by the same employee organization (in each case determined in accordance with the provisions of PTCE 95-60) exceeds ten (10%) percent of the total reserves and liabilities of such general account (as determined under PTCE 95-60) (exclusive of separate account liabilities) plus surplus as set forth in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Annual Statement filed with the state of domicile of the Participant.

 

(f) Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or prohibit any Lender from pledging its Loans hereunder to the Federal Reserve Bank in support of borrowings made by such Lenders from such Federal Reserve Bank.

 

(g) Borrowers shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to assist Agent or any Lender permitted to sell assignments or participations under this Section 13.5 in whatever manner reasonably necessary in order to enable or effect any such assignment or participation, including (but not limited to) the execution and delivery of any and all agreements, notes and other documents and instruments as shall be requested and the delivery of informational materials, appraisals or other documents for, and the participation of relevant management in meetings and conference calls with, potential assignees or Participants.

 

(h) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no assignment of any U.S. Commitments or Canadian Commitments may be made unless after giving effect thereto, the Pro Rata Share of each assignor and assignee Lender with respect to its or its Affiliate’s Canadian Commitments shall equal the Pro Rata Share of such assignor and assignee Lender with respect to its or its Affiliate’s U.S. Commitments.

 

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13.6 Participant’s Compensation . Borrowers agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.1(b)(iv), 3.5, 6.5 and 11.5 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 13.5(a); provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to the provisions of Section 6.9 as if it were an assignee pursuant to Section 13.5(a). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.1(b)(iv), 3.5(a), 6.5 or 11.5 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrowers’ prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Non U.S.-Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 6.5 unless Borrowers are notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of Borrowers, to comply with Section 6.5(e) as though it were a Lender.

 

13.7 Confidentiality . Each Lender agrees that it will not disclose, without the prior consent of Borrowers, confidential information with respect to Borrowers, any Obligor or any of their respective subsidiaries which is furnished pursuant to this Agreement and which is specifically designated as confidential in writing by Borrowers; provided , that , any Lender may disclose any such information (a) to its Affiliates and its and its Affiliates’ employees, auditors or counsel on a need-to-know basis, or to another Lender if the disclosing Lender or such disclosing Lender’s holding or parent company in its sole discretion determines that any such party should have access to such information, (b) as has become generally available to the public without a breach of this Section 13.7, (c) as may be required or appropriate in any report, statement or testimony submitted to or upon request of any Governmental Authority having or claiming to have jurisdiction over such Lender, (d) as may be required or appropriate in response to any summons or subpoena or in connection with any litigation, (e) in order to comply with any statute or regulation, and (f) to any prospective or actual assignee or Participant in connection with any contemplated transfer or participation of any of the Commitments or any interest therein by such Lender, provided , that , such assignee or Participant has agreed in writing to the confidentiality of any such confidential information in accordance with the terms of this Section 13.7. Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations of confidentiality contained herein, as they relate to the transactions contemplated hereby, shall not apply to the federal tax structure or federal tax treatment of such transactions, and each party hereto (and any employee, representative, or agent of any party hereto) may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the federal tax structure and federal tax treatment of such transactions (including all written materials related to such tax structure and tax treatment). The preceding sentence is intended to cause the transactions contemplated hereby to not be treated as having been offered under conditions of confidentiality for purposes of Section 1.6011-4(b)(3) (or any successor provision) of the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 6011 of the United States Internal Revenue Code, and shall be construed in a manner consistent with such purpose. In addition, each party hereto acknowledges that it has no proprietary or exclusive rights to the tax structure of the transactions contemplated hereby or any tax matter or tax idea related thereto.

 

13.8 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the other Financing Agreements, any supplements hereto or thereto, and any instruments or documents delivered or to be delivered in connection herewith or therewith represents the entire agreement and understanding concerning the subject matter hereof and thereof between the parties hereto, and supersede all other prior

 

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agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, representations, warranties, commitments, proposals, offers and contracts concerning the subject matter hereof, whether oral or written.

 

13.9 Publicity . Borrowers consent to Agent and any other Co-Lead Arrangers publishing or disseminating general information concerning this credit facility for league table, tombstone and advertising purposes, and using Borrowers’ logos, trademarks or product photographs in advertising materials.

 

13.10 Effect of Amendment and Restatement; No Novation . Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Original Credit Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety by this Agreement. The Obligations (as defined in the Original Credit Agreement) shall continue in full force and effect, and the effectiveness of this Agreement shall not constitute a novation or repayment of such existing Obligations. Such existing Obligations, together with any and all additional Obligations incurred by Borrowers under this Agreement or under any of the other Financing Agreements, shall continue to be secured by, among other things, the Collateral, whether now existing or hereafter acquired and wheresoever located, all as more specifically set forth in the Financing Agreements; provided , however , that the U.S. Obligations shall not be secured by the Collateral of the Canadian Borrowers. Each U.S. Borrower hereby reaffirms its obligations, liabilities, grants of security interests, pledges and the validity of all covenants by it contained in any and all Financing Agreements, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified by this Agreement and by the other Financing Agreements delivered on the date hereof. Any and all references in any Financing Agreements to the Original Credit Agreement shall be deemed to be amended to refer to this Agreement. Each of the U.S. Lenders having a U.S. Commitment prior to the effectiveness of this Agreement (the “ Pre-Amendment Lenders ) shall assign to any U.S. Lender which is acquiring a new or additional U.S. Commitment immediately after the effectiveness of this Agreement (the “ Post-Amendment Lenders ”), and such Post-Amendment Lenders shall purchase from each Pre-Amendment Lender, at the principal amount thereof, such interests in the U.S. Revolving Loans and participation interests in U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations on the effectiveness of this Agreement as shall be necessary in order that, after giving effect to all such assignments and purchases, such U.S. Revolver Loans and participation interests in U.S. Letter of Credit Accommodations will be held by Pre-Amendment Lenders and Post-Amendment Lenders ratably in accordance with their Pro Rata Share (calculated under clause (a) of the definition of Pro Rata Share) after giving effect to this Agreement.

 

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

 

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in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase this Agreement Currency with the Judgment Currency. If the amount of this Agreement Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to Agent or any Lender from any Borrower in this Agreement Currency, such Borrower agrees, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, against such loss. If the amount of this Agreement Currency so purchased is greater than the sum originally due to Agent or any Lender in such currency, Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, agrees to return the amount of any excess to such Borrower (or to any other Person who may be entitled thereto under applicable law).

 

13.12 Certain Tax Matters . Notwithstanding anything set forth herein or in any other Financing Agreement to the contrary, the parties agree that Canadian Borrowers shall not have any obligation to make any payment of principal or interest with respect to any Loan to a U.S. Borrower.

 

13.13 Canadian Anti-Money Laundering Legislation .

 

(a) Each Borrower and Obligor acknowledges that, pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act and other applicable anti-money laundering, anti-terrorist financing, government sanction and “know your client” laws (collectively, including any guidelines or orders thereunder, “ Canadian AML Legislation ”), the Lenders may be required to obtain, verify and record information regarding the Borrowers and Obligors and their respective directors, authorized signing officers, direct or indirect shareholders or other Persons in control of the Borrowers and Obligors, and the transactions contemplated hereby. Each Borrower and Obligor shall promptly provide all such information, including supporting documentation and other evidence, as may be reasonably requested by any Lender or any prospective assignee or participant of a Lender, any issuer of letters of credit hereunder or any Agent, in order to comply with any applicable Canadian AML Legislation, whether now or hereafter in existence.

 

(b) If the Agent has ascertained the identity of any Borrower and Obligor or any authorized signatories of the Borrowers and Obligors for the purposes of applicable Canadian AML Legislation, then the Agent:

 

(i) shall be deemed to have done so as an agent for each Lender, and this Agreement shall constitute a “written agreement” in such regard between each Lender and the Agent within the meaning of the applicable Canadian AML Legislation; and

 

(ii) shall provide to each Lender copies of all information obtained in such regard without any representation or warranty as to its accuracy or completeness.

 

Notwithstanding the preceding sentence and except as may otherwise be agreed in writing, each of the Lenders agrees that neither the Agent nor any other Agent has any obligation to ascertain the identity of the Borrowers and Obligors or any authorized signatories of the Borrowers and Obligors on behalf of any Lender, or to confirm the completeness or accuracy of any information it obtains from any Borrower and Obligor or any such authorized signatory in doing so.

 

13.14 Maximum Interest . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Financing Agreement, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Financing Agreements shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law

 

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(“ maximum rate ”). If Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the maximum rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Obligations of the Borrower to which such excess interest relates or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to such Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged or received by Agent or a Lender exceeds the maximum rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee or premium rather than interest; (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof; and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of Section 13.14, if any provision of any of the Financing Agreements would obligate any Canadian Borrower to make any payment of interest with respect to the Canadian Obligations in an amount or calculated at a rate which would be prohibited by applicable Law or would result in the receipt of interest with respect to the Canadian Obligations at a criminal rate (as such terms are construed under the Criminal Code (Canada)), then notwithstanding such provision, such amount or rates shall be deemed to have been adjusted with retroactive effect to the maximum amount or rate of interest, as the case may be, as would not be so prohibited by law or so result in a receipt by the applicable recipient of interest with respect to the Canadian Obligations at a criminal rate, such adjustment to be effected, to the extent necessary, as follows: (i) first, by reducing the amount or rates of interest required to be paid by the Canadian Borrowers to the applicable recipient under the Financing Agreements; and (ii) thereafter, by reducing any fees, commissions, premiums and other amounts required to be paid by the Canadian Borrowers to the applicable recipient which would constitute interest with respect to the Canadian Obligations for purposes of Section 347 of the Criminal Code (Canada). Notwithstanding the foregoing, and after giving effect to all adjustments contemplated thereby, if the applicable recipient shall have received an amount in excess of the maximum permitted by that section of the Criminal Code (Canada), then Canadian Borrowers shall be entitled, by notice in writing to Agent, to obtain reimbursement from the applicable recipient in an amount equal to such excess, and pending such reimbursement, such amount shall be deemed to be an amount payable by the applicable recipient to the applicable Canadian Borrower. Any amount or rate of interest with respect to the Canadian Obligations referred to in this Section 13.14 shall be determined in accordance with generally accepted actuarial practices and principles as an effective annual rate of interest over the term that any Canadian Revolving Loans to Canadian Borrowers remain outstanding on the assumption that any charges, fees or expenses that fall within the meaning of “interest” (as defined in the Criminal Code (Canada)) shall, if they relate to a specific period of time, be pro rated over that period of time and otherwise be pro rated over the period from the date of this Agreement to the date of full payment of the Canadian Obligations, and, in the event of a dispute, a certificate of a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries appointed by Agent shall be conclusive for the purposes of such determination.

 

SECTION 14. JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY; SURETYSHIP WAIVERS

 

14.1 Independent Obligations; Subrogation . Each U.S. Borrower hereby agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and, as a primary obligor and not merely as surety, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to the Secured Parties, the prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of all Obligations. Each Canadian Borrower hereby agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and, as a primary obligor and not merely as surety, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably

 

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guarantees to the Secured Parties, the prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of all Canadian Obligations. To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Borrower hereby waives any claim, right or remedy which either may now have or hereafter acquire against any other Borrower that arises hereunder including, without limitation, any claim, remedy or right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution, indemnification, or participation in any claim, right or remedy of Agent or any Lender against any Borrower or any Collateral which Agent or any Lender now has or hereafter acquires, whether or not such claim, right or remedy arises in equity, under contract, by statute, under common law or otherwise until the Obligations are fully paid and finally discharged. In addition, each Borrower hereby waives any right to proceed against the other Borrowers, now or hereafter, for contribution, indemnity, reimbursement, and any other suretyship rights and claims, whether direct or indirect, liquidated or contingent, whether arising under express or implied contract or by operation of law, which any Borrower may now have or hereafter have as against the other Borrowers with respect to the Obligations until the Obligations are fully paid and finally discharged. Each Borrower also hereby waives any rights of recourse to or with respect to any asset of the other Borrowers until the Obligations are fully paid and finally discharged.

 

14.2 Authority to Modify Obligations and Security . Each Borrower authorizes Agent and Lenders, without notice or demand and without affecting any Borrowers’ liability hereunder, from time to time, whether before or after any notice of termination hereof or before or after any default in respect of the Obligations, to: (a) renew, extend, accelerate, or otherwise change the time for payment of, or otherwise change any other term or condition of, any document or agreement evidencing or relating to any Obligations as such Obligations relate to the other Borrowers, including, without limitation, to increase or decrease the rate of interest thereon; (b) accept, substitute, waive, defease, increase, release, exchange or otherwise alter any Collateral, in whole or in part, securing the other Borrowers’ Obligations; (c) apply any and all such Collateral and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as Agent and Lenders, in their sole discretion, may determine; (d) deal with the other Borrowers as Agent or any Lender may elect; (e) in Agent’s and Lenders’ sole discretion, settle, release on terms satisfactory to them, or by operation of law or otherwise, compound, compromise, collect or otherwise liquidate any of the other Borrowers’ Obligations and/or any of the Collateral in any manner, and bid and purchase any of the collateral at any sale thereof; (f) apply any and all payments or recoveries from the other Borrowers as Agent or Lenders, in their sole discretion, may determine, whether or not such indebtedness relates to the Obligations; all whether such Obligations are secured or unsecured or guaranteed or not guaranteed by others; and (g) apply any sums realized from Collateral furnished by the other Borrowers upon any of its indebtedness or obligations to Agent or Lenders as they in their sole discretion, may determine, whether or not such indebtedness relates to the Obligations; all without in any way diminishing, releasing or discharging the liability of any Borrower hereunder.

 

14.3 Waiver of Defenses . Upon an Event of Default by any Borrower in respect of any Obligations, and except as required in Section 726 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, Agent or any Lender may, at their option and without notice to any Borrower, proceed directly against any U.S. Borrower or, solely with respect to Canadian Obligations, any Canadian Borrower, to collect and recover the full amount of the liability hereunder, or any portion thereof, and each Borrower waives any right to require Agent or any Lender to: (a) proceed against the

 

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other Borrowers or any other person whomsoever; (b) proceed against or exhaust any Collateral given to or held by Agent or any Lender in connection with the Obligations; (c) give notice of the terms, time and place of any public or private sale of any of the Collateral except as otherwise provided herein; or (d) pursue any other remedy in Agent’s or any Lender’s power whatsoever. A separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against any Borrower whether or not action is brought against the other Borrowers and whether the other Borrowers be joined in any such action or actions; and each Borrower agrees that any payment of any Obligations or other act which shall toll any statute of limitations applicable thereto shall similarly operate to toll such statute of limitations applicable to the liability hereunder.

 

14.4 Exercise of Agent’s and Lenders’ Rights . Each Borrower hereby authorizes and empowers Agent and Lenders in their sole discretion, without any notice or demand to such Borrower whatsoever and without affecting the liability of such Borrower hereunder, to exercise any right or remedy which Agent or any Lender may have available to them against the other Borrowers.

 

14.5 Additional Waivers . Each Borrower waives any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of the other Borrowers or by reason of the cessation from any cause whatsoever of the liability of the other Borrowers or by reason of any act or omission of Agent or any Lender or others which directly or indirectly results in or aids the discharge or release of the other Borrowers or any Obligations or any Collateral by operation of law or otherwise. The Obligations shall be enforceable against each U.S. Borrower and the Canadian Obligations shall be enforceable against each Canadian Borrower without regard to the validity, regularity or enforceability of any of the Obligations with respect to any of the other Borrowers or any of the documents related thereto or any collateral security documents securing any of the Obligations. No exercise by Agent or any Lender of, and no omission of Agent or any Lender to exercise, any power or authority recognized herein and no impairment or suspension of any right or remedy of Agent or any Lender against any Borrower or any Collateral shall in any way suspend, discharge, release, exonerate or otherwise affect any of the Obligations or any Collateral furnished by the Borrowers or give to the Borrowers any right of recourse against Agent or any Lender. Each Borrower specifically agrees that the failure of Agent or any Lender: (a) to perfect any lien on or security interest in any property heretofore or hereafter given any Borrower to secure payment of the Obligations, or to record or file any document relating thereto or (b) to file or enforce a claim against the estate (either in administration, bankruptcy or other proceeding) of any Borrower shall not in any manner whatsoever terminate, diminish, exonerate or otherwise affect the liability of any Borrower hereunder.

 

14.6 Additional Indebtedness . Additional Obligations may be created from time to time at the request of any Borrower and without further authorization from or notice to any other Borrower even though the borrowing Borrower’s financial condition may deteriorate since the date hereof. Each Borrower waives the right, if any, to require Agent or any Lender to disclose to such Borrower any information it may now have or hereafter acquire concerning the other Borrowers’ character, credit, Collateral, financial condition or other matters. Each Borrower has established adequate means to obtain from the other Borrowers, on a continuing basis, financial and other information pertaining to such Borrower’s business and affairs, and assumes the responsibility for being and keeping informed of the financial and other conditions of the other Borrowers and of all circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Obligations

 

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which diligent inquiry would reveal. Neither Agent nor any Lender need inquire into the powers of any Borrower or the authority of any of their respective officers, directors, partners or agents acting or purporting to act in their behalf, and any Obligations created in reliance upon the purported exercise of such power or authority are hereby guaranteed. All Obligations of each Borrower to Agent and Lenders heretofore, now or hereafter created shall be deemed to have been granted at each Borrower’s special insistence and request and in consideration of and in reliance upon this Agreement.

 

14.7 Subordination . Except as otherwise provided in this Section 14.7, any indebtedness of any Borrower now or hereafter owing to any other Borrower is hereby subordinated to the Obligations, whether heretofore, now or hereafter created, and whether before or after notice of termination hereof, and, following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, no Borrower shall, without the prior consent of Agent, pay in whole or in part any of such indebtedness nor will any such Borrower accept any payment of or on account of any such indebtedness at any time while such Borrower remains liable hereunder. At the request of Agent, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Borrower shall pay to Agent all or any part of such subordinated indebtedness and any amount so paid to Agent at its request shall be applied to payment of the Obligations in accordance with Section 6.4. Each payment on the indebtedness of any Borrower to the other Borrowers received in violation of any of the provisions hereof shall be deemed to have been received by any other Borrower as trustee for Agent and Lenders and shall be paid over to Agent immediately on account of the Obligations, but without otherwise affecting in any manner any such Borrower’s liability under any of the provisions of this Agreement. Each Borrower agrees to file all claims against the other Borrowers in any bankruptcy or other proceeding in which the filing of claims is required by law in respect of any indebtedness of the other Borrowers to such Borrower, and Agent and Lenders shall be entitled to all of any such Borrower’s rights thereunder. If for any reason any such Borrower fails to file such claim at least thirty (30) days prior to the last date on which such claim should be filed, Agent, as such Borrower’s attorney-in-fact, is hereby authorized to do so in Borrowers’ name or, in Agent’s discretion, to assign such claim to, and cause a proof of claim to be filed in the name of, Agent’s nominee. In all such cases, whether in administration, bankruptcy or otherwise, the person or persons authorized to pay such claim shall pay to Agent the full amount payable on the claim in the proceeding, and to the full extent necessary for that purpose any such Borrower hereby assigns to Agent, for itself and the ratable benefit of Secured Parties, all such Borrower’s rights to any payments or distributions to which such Borrower otherwise would be entitled. If the amount so paid is greater than any such Borrower’s liability hereunder, Agent will pay the excess amount to the person entitled thereto.

 

14.8 Revival . If any payments of money or transfers of property made to Agent or any Lender by any Borrower should for any reason subsequently be declared to be, or in Agent’s counsel’s good faith opinion be determined to be, fraudulent (within the meaning of any state or federal law relating to fraudulent conveyances), preferential or otherwise voidable or recoverable in whole or in part for any reason (hereinafter collectively called “voidable transfers”) under the Bankruptcy Code or any other federal, provincial or state law and Agent or any Lender is required to repay or restore, or in Agent’s counsel’s good faith opinion may be so liable to repay or restore, any such voidable transfer, or the amount or any portion thereof, then as to any such voidable transfer or the amount repaid or restored and all reasonable costs and expenses

 

  114  
 

 

(including reasonable attorneys’ fees) of Agent or any Lender related thereto, such Borrower’s liability hereunder shall automatically be revived, reinstated and restored and shall exist as though such voidable transfer had never been made to Agent or such Lender.

 

14.9 Understanding of Waivers . Each Borrower warrants and agrees that the waivers set forth in this Section 14 are made with full knowledge of their significance and consequences. If any of such waivers are determined to be contrary to any applicable law or public policy, such waivers shall be effective only to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

14.10 Keepwell . Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each other guarantor of, or grantor of a security interest to secure, the obligations to guaranty and otherwise honor all Obligations in respect of Swap Obligations (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 14.10 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 14.10, or otherwise under the Financing Agreements, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of the Obligations. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 14.10 constitute, and this Section 14.10 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other guarantor of, or grantor of a security interest to secure, the Obligations for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

[Remainder of Page Left Intentionally Blank]

 

  115  
 

 

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

 

  U.S. BORROWERS :
     
  PCM, INC. ,
  a Delaware corporation
     
  By: /s/ Brandon LaVerne
  Name: Brandon LaVerne
  Title: Chief Financial Officer
     
  PCM SALES, INC. ,
  a California corporation
     
  By: /s/ Stephen W. Moss
  Name: Stephen W. Moss
  Title: President
     
  PCM LOGISTICS, LLC ,
  a Delaware limited liability company
     
  By: /s/ Sean Mollet
  Name: Sean Mollet
  Title: President
     
  PCMG, INC. ,
  a Delaware corporation
     
  By: /s/ Alan Lawrence
  Name: Alan Lawrence
  Title: President

 

 

 

  U.S. BORROWERS :
     
  M2 MARKETPLACE, INC. ,
  a Delaware corporation
     
  By: /s/ Dan DeVries
  Name: Dan DeVries
  Title: President
     
  ABREON, INC. ,
  a Delaware corporation
     
  By: /s/ Howard Schapiro
  Name: Howard Schapiro
  Title: President
     
  MALL ACQUISITION SUB 5 INC. ,
  a Delaware corporation
     
  By: /s/ Brandon LaVerne
  Name: Brandon LaVerne
  Title: President

 

     
 

 

  U.S. BORROWERS :
     
  PCM BPO, LLC ,
  a Delaware limited liability company
     
  By: /s/ Simon Abuyounes
  Name: Simon Abuyounes
  Title: President
     
  ONSALE HOLDINGS, INC. ,
  an Illinois corporation
     
  By: /s/ Sam Khulusi
  Name: Sam Khulusi
  Title: President
     
  EN POINTE TECHNOLOGIES SALES, LLC,
  a Delaware limited liability company
     
  By: /s/ Shahzad Munawwar
  Name: Shahzad Munawwar
  Title: SVP

 

     
 

 

  CANADIAN BORROWERS :
     
  PCM SALES CANADA, INC. ,
  a Quebec corporation
     
  By: /s/ Simon Abuyounes
  Name: Simon Abuyounes
  Title: President

 

  ACRODEX INC. ,
  an Alberta corporation
     
  By: /s/ Karim Amarshi
  Name: Karim Amarshi
  Title: Director

 

  Address: 1940 E. Mariposa Avenue
     El Segundo, California 90245
     Attn: Chief Executive Officer

 

     
 

 

AGENT :

 

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC  
     
     
By: /s/ Peter Possemato  
Name: Peter Possemato  
Title: Director  

 

Address: 2450 Colorado Avenue, Suite 3000  
  Santa Monica, California 90404  
  Attn: Portfolio Manager  

 

LENDER :

 

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC  
     
By: /s/ Peter Possemato  
Name: Peter Possemato  
Title: Director  

 

Address: 2450 Colorado Avenue, Suite 3000  
  Santa Monica, California 90404  
  Attn: Portfolio Manager  

 

U.S. Revolving Loan Commitment: $100,000,000

 

     
 

 

LENDER :

 

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE CORPORATION CANADA

 

By: /s/ Frederic Philippe  
Name: Frederic Philippe  
Title: Vice President  

 

Address:

 

 

Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment: C$14,545,454.55

 

     
 

 

LENDER :

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

 

By: /s/ Ron Bornstein  
Name: Ron Bornstein  
Title: Senior Vice President  

 

Address:

333 S. Hope Street, Suite 1300

Los Angeles, CA 90071

 

U.S. Revolving Loan Commitment: $50,000,000

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (acting through its Canada branch)

 

By: /s/ Sylwia Durkiewicz  
Name: Sylwia Durkiewicz  
Title: Vice President  

 

Address:

181 Bay St., Suite 400

Toronto, ON, M5J 2V8

 

Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment: C$7,272,727.27

 

     
 

 

LENDER :

 

PNC BANK, N.A.

 

By: /s/ Steve Roberts  
Name: Steve Roberts  
Title: Vice President  

 

Address:

 

 

U.S. Revolving Loan Commitment: $40,000,000

 

PNC BANK CANADA BRANCH

 

By: /s/ Robert Fasken  
Name: Robert Fasken  
Title: Vice President  

 

Address:

 

 

Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment: C$5,818,181.82

 

     
 

 

LENDER :

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

 

By: /s/ Jordan Azar  
Name: Jordan Azar  
Title: Authorized Officer  

 

Address: 3 Park Plaza, Suite 900  
   Irvine, CA 92614  

 

U.S. Revolving Loan Commitment: $35,000,000

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., TORONTO BRANCH

 

By: /s/ Deborah Booth  
Name: Deborah Booth  
Title: Vice President  

 

Address:  Suite 4500 66 Wellington St. West, Floor 45  
   Toronto, ON, M5k 1E7, Canada  

 

Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment: C$5,090,909.09

 

     
 

 

LENDER :

 

COMPASS BANK

 

By: /s/ Jason Nichols  
Name: Jason Nichols  
Title: Senior Vice President  

 

Address: Houston Tower  
  2200 Post Oak Blvd.  
  Houston, TX 77056  

 

U.S. Revolving Loan Commitment: $25,000,000

 

Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment: C$3,636,363.64

 

     
 

 

LENDER :

 

CITY NATIONAL BANK

 

By: /s/ Brent Phillips  
Name: Brent Phillips  
Title: Senior Vice President  

 

Address:

555 S. Flower St., 24 th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90071

 

U.S. Revolving Loan Commitment: $25,000,000

 

Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment: C$3,636,363.64

 

     
 

  

EXHIBIT A

 

Form of

 

ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT

 

This ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE (this “ Assignment and Acceptance ”) dated as of _____________, ______ is made by and between __________________________ (the “ Assignor ”) on the one hand and ____________________ (the “ Assignee ”) on the other hand.

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, PCM, INC., PCM SALES, INC., PCM LOGISTICS, LLC, PCMG, INC., M2 MARKETPLACE, INC., ABREON, INC., MALL ACQUISITION SUB 5 INC., PCM BPO, LLC, ONSALE HOLDINGS, INC., AND EN POINTE TECHNOLOGIES SALES, LLC (collectively, “ U.S. Borrowers ”), PCM SALES CANADA, INC. and ACRODEX INC. (collectively, “ Canadian Borrowers ”, and together with the U.S. Borrowers, collectively, “ Borrowers ”), the financial institutions from time to time party to the Loan Agreement (as hereinafter defined) as lenders (each a “ Lender ” and collectively, the “ Lenders ”), and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as administrative and collateral agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, “ Agent ”) have entered into that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of January 19, 2016 (as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated or replaced, the “ Loan Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Lenders have and may continue to make loans and provide other financial accommodations to Borrowers. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Loan Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, as provided under the Loan Agreement, Assignor committed to making U.S. Revolving Loans (the “ U.S. Committed Loans ”) to U.S. Borrowers in an aggregate amount not to exceed $______________ (the “ U.S. Commitment ”) and Canadian Revolving Loans (the “ Canadian Committed Loans ”, and together with the U.S. Committed Loans, collectively, the “ Committed Loans ”) to Canadian Borrowers in an aggregate amount not to exceed $______________ (the “ Canadian Commitment ”, and together with the U.S. Commitment, collectively, the “ Commitments ”);

 

WHEREAS, Assignor wishes to assign to Assignee [part of] the rights and obligations of Assignor under the Loan Agreement in respect of its U.S. Commitments in an amount equal to $______________ (the “ U.S. Assigned Commitment Amount ”) and in respect of its Canadian Commitments in an amount equal to $______________ (the “ Canadian Assigned Commitment Amount ”, and together with the U.S. Assigned Commitment Amount, collectively, the “ Assigned Commitment Amounts ”) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and Assignee wishes to accept assignment of such rights and to assume such obligations from Assignor on such terms and subject to such conditions;

 

   A- 1  
 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. Assignment and Acceptance .

 

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Assignment and Acceptance, (i) Assignor hereby sells, transfers and assigns to Assignee, and (ii) Assignee hereby purchases, assumes and undertakes from Assignor, without recourse and without representation or warranty (except as provided in this Assignment and Acceptance) an interest in (A) the Commitments and each of the Committed Loans of Assignor and (B) all related rights, benefits, obligations, liabilities and indemnities of Assignor under and in connection with the Loan Agreement and the other agreements, documents and instruments referred to therein or at any time executed and/or delivered in connection therewith or related thereto (all of the foregoing, together with the Loan Agreement, as the same now exist or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated or replaced, being collectively referred to herein as the “ Financing Agreements ”), so that after giving effect thereto, the Commitments of Assignee and the Commitments of Assignor shall be as set forth in clauses (c) and (d) below and the Pro Rata Share (as defined in the Loan Agreement) of Assignee shall be _______ percent (__%).

 

(b) With effect on and after the Effective Date (as defined in Section 5 hereof), Assignee shall be a party to the Loan Agreement and succeed to all of the rights and be obligated to perform all of the obligations of a Lender under the Loan Agreement, including the requirements concerning confidentiality and the payment of indemnification, with a U.S Commitment in an amount equal to the U.S. Assigned Commitment Amount and a Canadian Commitment in an amount equal to the Canadian Assigned Commitment Amount. Assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender. It is the intent of the parties hereto that the U.S. Commitment and Canadian Commitment of Assignor shall, as of the Effective Date, be reduced by an amount equal to the U.S. Assigned Commitment Amount and the Canadian Assigned Commitment Amount, respectively, and Assignor shall relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under the Loan Agreement to the extent such obligations have been assumed by Assignee; provided , that , Assignor shall not relinquish their rights under the Loan Agreement to the extent such rights relate to the time prior to the Effective Date.

 

(c) After giving effect to the assignment and assumption set forth herein, on the Effective Date Assignee’s U.S. Commitment will be $_____________ and its Canadian Commitment will be $______________.

 

(d) After giving effect to the assignment and assumption set forth herein, on the Effective Date Assignor’s U.S. Commitment will be $______________ and its Canadian Commitment will be $______________.

 

2. Payments . As consideration for the sale, assignment and transfer contemplated in Section 1 hereof, Assignee shall pay to Agent, for the benefit of Assignor, on the Effective Date in immediately available funds an amount equal to $____________, representing Assignee’s Pro Rata Share of the principal amount of all Committed Loans.

 

   A- 2  
 

 

3. Reallocation of Payments . Any interest, fees and other payments accrued to the Effective Date with respect to the Commitments, Committed Loans and outstanding Letter of Credit Accommodations shall be for the account of Assignor. Except as Assignor or Assignee may otherwise agree in writing (with or without the consent of Borrowers) any interest, fees and other payments accrued on and after the Effective Date with respect to the Assigned Commitment Amounts shall be for the account of Assignee. Each of Assignor and Assignee agrees that it will hold in trust for the other parties any interest, fees and other amounts which it may receive to which the other party is entitled pursuant to the preceding sentence and pay to the other party any such amounts which it may receive promptly upon receipt.

 

4. Independent Credit Decision . Assignee (a) acknowledges that it has received a copy of the Loan Agreement and the Schedules and Exhibits thereto, together with copies of the most recent financial statements of Borrowers, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit and legal analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance and (b) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon Assignor, Agent or any Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit and legal decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Agreement.

 

5. Effective Date; Notices .

 

(a) As between Assignor and Assignee, the effective date for this Assignment and Acceptance shall be _______________, _____ (the “ Effective Date ”); provided , that , the following conditions precedent have been satisfied on or before the Effective Date:

 

(i) this Assignment and Acceptance shall be executed and delivered by Assignor and Assignee;

 

(ii) the consent of Agent as required for an effective assignment of the Assigned Commitment Amounts by Assignor to Assignee shall have been duly obtained and shall be in full force and effect as of the Effective Date;

 

(iii) written notice of such assignment, together with payment instructions, addresses and related information with respect to Assignee, shall have been given to Borrower and Agent; and

 

(iv) Assignee shall pay to Assignor all amounts due to Assignor under this Assignment and Acceptance.

 

(b) Promptly following the execution of this Assignment and Acceptance, Assignor shall deliver to Borrowers and Agent for acknowledgment by Agent, a Notice of Assignment in the form attached hereto as Schedule 1.

 

   A- 3  
 

 

6. Agent .

 

(a) Assignee hereby appoints and authorizes Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC in its capacity as Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf to exercise such powers under the Loan Agreement as are delegated to Agent.

 

(b) [Assignee shall assume no duties or obligations held by Assignor in its capacity as Agent under the Loan Agreement.]

 

7. Withholding Tax . Assignee attaches the forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States certifying as to the Assignee’s status for purposes of determining exemption from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to the Assignee under the Loan Agreement or such other documents as are necessary to indicate that all such payments are subject to such rates at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty.

 

8. Representations and Warranties .

 

(a) Assignor represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such interest is free and clear of any security interest, lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim, (ii) it is duly organized and existing and it has the full power and authority to take, and has taken, all action necessary to execute and deliver this Assignment and Acceptance and any other documents required or permitted to be executed or delivered by it in connection with this Assignment and Acceptance and to fulfill its obligations hereunder, (iii) no notices to, or consents, authorizations or approvals of, any Person are required (other than any already given or obtained) for its due execution, delivery and performance of this Assignment and Acceptance, and apart from any agreements or undertakings or filings required by the Loan Agreement, no further action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Person is required of it for such execution, delivery or performance, and (iv) this Assignment and Acceptance has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Assignor, enforceable against Assignor in accordance with the terms hereof, subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization and other laws of general application relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equitable principles.

 

(b) Assignor makes no representation or warranty and does not assume any responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Loan Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto. Assignor makes no representation or warranty in connection with, nor does it assume any responsibility with respect to, the solvency, financial condition, asset valuation or realization, or statements of any Borrower, any Obligor or any of their respective Affiliates, or the performance or observance by any Borrower, any Obligor or any other Person, of any of its respective obligations under the Loan Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished in connection therewith.

 

   A- 4  
 

 

(c) Assignee represents and warrants that (i) it is duly organized and existing and it has full power and authority to take, and has taken, all action necessary to execute and deliver this Assignment and Acceptance and any other documents required or permitted to be executed or delivered by it in connection with this Assignment and Acceptance, and to fulfill its obligations hereunder, (ii) no notices to, or consents, authorizations or approvals of, any Person are required (other than any already given or obtained) for its due execution, delivery and performance of this Assignment and Acceptance, and apart from any agreements or undertakings or filings required by the Loan Agreement, no further action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Person is required of it for such execution, delivery or performance; and (iii) this Assignment and Acceptance has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Assignee, enforceable against Assignee in accordance with the terms hereof, subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization and other laws of general application relating to or affecting creditors’ rights to general equitable principles.

 

9. Further Assurances . Assignor and Assignee each hereby agree to execute and deliver such other instruments, and take such other action, as any party hereto may reasonably request in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Assignment and Acceptance, including the delivery of any notices or other documents or instruments to any party to the Loan Agreement, which may be required in connection with the assignment and assumption contemplated hereby.

 

10. Miscellaneous

 

(a) Any amendment or waiver of any provision of this Assignment and Acceptance must be in writing and signed by the parties hereto, except as otherwise provided herein. No failure or delay by either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof and any waiver of any breach of the provisions of this Assignment and Acceptance shall be without prejudice to any rights with respect to any other for further breach thereof.

 

(b) All payments made hereunder shall be made without any set-off or counterclaim.

 

(c) Assignor and Assignee shall each pay its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and performance of this Assignment and Acceptance.

 

(d) This Assignment and Acceptance may be executed in any number of counterparts and all of such counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(e) THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. Each party hereto irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any State or Federal court sitting in Los Angeles County, California over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Assignment and Acceptance and irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such California State or Federal court. Each party to this Assignment and Acceptance 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.

 

   A- 5  
 

 

(f) EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE, THE LOAN AGREEMENT, ANY OF THE OTHER FINANCING AGREEMENTS OR ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS AND AGREEMENTS OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, OR STATEMENTS (WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN).

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Assignor and Assignee have caused this Assignment and Acceptance to be executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

 

  ,
     
  a  
     
     
  By:
  Name:  
  Title:  
   
  ,
   
  a  
     
     
  By:
  Name:
  Title:  

 

   A- 6  
 

 

SCHEDULE 1

to Assignment and Acceptance

 

Form of

 


NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

 

______________, _____

 

Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC

2450 Colorado Avenue, Suite 3000

Santa Monica, California 90404

Attn: ________________________

____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
Attn: _______________________

 

Re: ___________________________________

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is hereby made to (a) that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of January 19, 2016 (as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated or replaced, the “ Loan Agreement ”) by and among PCM, INC., PCM SALES, INC., PCM LOGISTICS, LLC, PCMG, INC., M2 MARKETPLACE, INC., ABREON, INC., MALL ACQUISITION SUB 5 INC., PCM BPO, LLC, ONSALE HOLDINGS, INC., AND EN POINTE TECHNOLOGIES SALES, LLC (collectively, “ U.S. Borrowers ”), PCM SALES CANADA, INC. and ACRODEX INC. (collectively, “ Canadian Borrowers ”, and together with the U.S. Borrowers, collectively, “ Borrowers ”), the financial institutions from time to time party to the Loan Agreement as lenders (each a “ Lender ” and collectively, the “ Lenders ”) and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as administrative and collateral agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, “ Agent ”) pursuant to which the Lenders have and may continue to make loans and provide other financial accommodations to Borrowers and (b) the other agreements, documents and instruments referred to in the Loan Agreement or at any time executed and/or delivered in connection therewith or related thereto (all of the foregoing, together with the Loan Agreement, as the same now exist or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated or replaced, being collectively referred to herein as the “ Financing Agreements ”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Loan Agreement.

 

1. We hereby give you notice of, and request Agent’s consent to, the assignment by ____________________________ (the “ Assignor ”) to ___________________________ (the “ Assignee ”) such that after giving effect to the assignment, Assignee shall have an interest equal to ________ percent (__%) of the total Commitments pursuant to the Assignment and Acceptance Agreement attached hereto (the “ Assignment and Acceptance ”). We understand that Assignor’s U.S. Commitment shall be reduced by $_____________ and Assignor’s Canadian Commitment shall be reduced by $_____________.

 

   A- 7  
 

 

2. Assignee agrees that, upon receiving the consent of Agent to such assignment, Assignee will be bound by the terms of the Loan Agreement as fully and to the same extent as if the Assignee were the Lender originally holding such interest under the Loan Agreement.

 

3. The following administrative details apply to Assignee:

 

  (a) Notice address:

 

  Assignee: __________________________
  Address: __________________________
     
  Attention: __________________________
  Telephone: __________________________
  Telecopier: __________________________


  (b) Payment instructions:

  Account No.: __________________________
  At: __________________________
  ABA No.: __________________________
  For Credit To: __________________________
  Reference: __________________________

 

4. You are entitled to rely upon the representations, warranties and covenants of each party to the Assignment and Acceptance as contained therein.

 

   A- 8  
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Assignor and Assignee have each caused this Notice of Assignment and Acceptance to be executed by its duly authorized officials, officers or agents as of the date first above mentioned.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  ,
     
  a    
     
     
  By:
  Name:  
  Title:  
   
  ,
   
  a    
     
     
  By:
  Name:
  Title:  

 

ACKNOWLEDGED AND CONSENTED TO:

 

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company,
as Agent

 

By:  
Name:    
Title:    
   
ACKNOWLEDGED:  
   
   
a      
     
     
By:  
Name:  
Title:    

 

   A- 9  
 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

Form of Information Certificates (for U.S. Borrowers)

 

INFORMATION CERTIFICATE
OF
[_____________________________]

 

Dated: [___________, 20__]

 

Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC
2450 Colorado Avenue, Suite 3000 West

Santa Monica, CA 90404

 

In order to assist you in the evaluation of the financing you are considering of [_________________________] (the “ Company ”), to expedite the preparation of required documentation, and to induce you to provide financing to the Company, we represent and warrant to you the following information about the Company, its organizational structure and other matters of interest to you:

 

5. The Company has been formed by filing the following document with the Secretary of State of the State of ___________________:

 

  (a) Certificate/Articles of Incorporation
  (b) Certificate/Articles of Organization
  (c) Other [specify]

 

  The date of formation of the Company by the filing of the document specified above with the Secretary of State was _________________________, _____.

 

6. The Company was not formed by filing a document with any Secretary of State.  The Company is organized as a [specify type of organization, (e.g., general partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.)] ________________________________________.  The Company’s governing document is a [name legal document, if one exists, (e.g., partnership agreement, etc.] ____________________________________________.
   
7. The full and exact name of the Company as set forth in the document specified in Item 1 or 2, or (if no document is specified in Item 1 or 2) the full and exact legal name used in the Company’s business, is:
   
8. The Company uses and owns the following trade name(s) in the operation of its business (e.g. billing, advertising, etc.; note: do not include names which are product names only):
   
  _________
  _________
  _________
  _________
  _________

 

   B- 1  
 

 

9. The Company maintains offices, leases or owns real estate, has employees, pays taxes, or otherwise conducts business in the following States (including the State of its organization):
   
  _________
   
10. The Company has filed the necessary documents with the Secretary of State to qualify as a foreign corporation in the following States:
   
  _________
   
11. The Company’s authority to do business has been revoked or suspended, or the Company is otherwise not in good standing in the following States:
   
  _________
   
12. The Company is the owner of the following licenses and permits, issued by the federal, state or local agency or authority indicated opposite thereto:

 

  Type of License   Issuing Agency or Authority
  ______________________   ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________

 

13. In conducting its business activities, the Company is subject to regulation by federal, state or local agencies or authorities (e.g., FDA, EPA, state or municipal liquor licensing agencies, federal or state carrier commissions, etc.) as follows:

 

  Type of Activity   Regulatory Agency or Authority
  ______________________   ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________

 

14. The Company has never been involved in a bankruptcy or reorganization except: [explain]
   
  _________
  _________
  _________
  _________

 

   B- 2  
 

 

15. Between the date the Company was formed and now, the Company has used other names as set forth below:

 

Period of Time Prior Name
 
From _______ to __________ ___________________________________
From _______ to __________ ___________________________________
From _______ to __________ ___________________________________

From _______ to __________ 

___________________________________

 

16. Between the date the Company was formed and now, the Company has made or entered into mergers or acquisitions with other companies as set forth below

 

  Approximate Date   Other Entity Description of Transaction
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________

  

17. The chief executive office of the Company is located at the street address set forth below, which is in ____________________ County, in the State of _______________________:

 

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

 

18. The books and records of the Company pertaining to accounts, contract rights, inventory, etc. are located at the following street address:

 _______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

 

   B- 3  
 

 

19. In addition to the chief executive office, the Company has inventory, equipment or other assets located at the addresses set forth below.  In each case, we have noted whether the location is owned, leased or operated by third parties and the names and addresses of any mortgagee, lessor or third party operator:

 

Street Address with
County
Company’s Interest
(e.g., owner, lessee or
bailee)
Name and Address of
Third Party with Interest
in Location

(e.g., mortgagee, lessor or
warehouseman)

 

 

 

 

 

 


   

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

  

20. In the course of its business, the Company’s inventory and/or other assets are handled by the following customs brokers and/or freight forwarders:

 

Name Address Type of Service/ Assets
Handled

 

 

  

 

 


   

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

   B- 4  
 

  


21.
The places of business or other locations of any assets used by the Company during the last four (4) months other than those listed above are as follows:

 

Street Address City State & Zip
Code
County

 

 

 

 

 


     

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

   B- 5  
 

 

22. The Company is affiliated with, or has ownership in, the following entities (including subsidiaries):

 

Name of Entity Chief Executive Office Jurisdiction of Incorporation Ownership Percentage or Relationship
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

 

23. The Federal Employer Identification Number of the Company is

 

24. Under the Company’s charter documents, and under the laws of the State in which the Company is organized, the shareholders, members or other equity holders do not have to consent in order for the Company to borrow money, incur debt or obligations, pledge or mortgage the property of the Company, grant a security interest in the property of the Company or guaranty the debt of obligations of another person or entity.

 

  (a) True   (b) Incorrect [explain]:
      __________________________________________________
      __________________________________________________
      __________________________________________________
      __________________________________________________

 

The power to take the foregoing actions is vested exclusively in the __________
[name the body (e.g. Board of Directors) or person (e.g. general partner, sole Manager) that has such authority].

 

25. The officers of the Company (or people performing similar functions) and their respective titles are as follows:

 

 

  Title   Name
  _______________________________________   ___________________________________________
  _______________________________________   ___________________________________________
  _______________________________________   ___________________________________________
  _______________________________________   ___________________________________________

 

   B- 6  
 

 

The following people will have signatory powers as to all your of transactions with the Company:

 _________

_________

_________ 

 

26. The Company is governed by ______________________ [insert name of governing body or person (e.g. Board of Directors, sole Manager, General Partner)].  The members of such governing body of the Company are:
   
  _________
  _________
  _________
  _________

 

27. The name of the stockholders, members, partners or other equity holders of the Company and their equity holdings are as follows (if equity interests are widely held indicate only equity owners with 10% or more of the equity interests):

  

  Name   No. of Shares or Units Ownership Percentage
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________

 

28. There are no judgments or litigation pending by or against the Company, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates or any of its officers/principals, except as follows:
   
  _________
  _________
  _________
  _________

 

29. At the present time, there are no delinquent taxes due (including, but not limited to, all payroll taxes, personal property taxes, real estate taxes or income taxes) except as follows:
  _________
  _________
  _________
  _________

 

   B- 7  
 

 

30. The Company’s assets are owned and held free and clear of any security interests, liens or attachments, except as follows:

 

  Lienholder   Assets Pledged Amount of Debt Secured
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________

 

31. The Company has not guaranteed and is not otherwise liable for the obligations of others, except as follows:

 

  Debtorr   Creditor Amount of Obligation
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________

 

32. The Company does not own or license any trademarks, patents, copyrights or other intellectual property, except as follows (indicate type of intellectual property and whether owned or licensed, registration number, date of registration, and, if licensed, the name and address of the licensor):

 

Type of Intellectual Property Registration Number and Date of Registration Owned or Licensed Name and Address of Licensor
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

 

33. The Company owns or uses the following materials (e.g., software, etc.) that are subject to registration with the United States Copyright Office, though at present copyright registrations have not been filed with respect to such materials:
  _________
  _________
  _________
  _________

 

   B- 8  
 

 

34. The Company does not have any deposit or investment accounts with any bank, savings and loan or other financial institution, except as follows, for the purposes and of the types indicated:

 

Bank Name and Branch Address Contact Person and Phone Number Account No. Purpose/Type
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

 

35. The Company has no processing arrangements for credit card payments or payments made by check (e.g. Telecheck) except as follows:

 

  Processor Name and Address   Contact Person and Phone Number Account No.
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________
  ______________________   ______________________ ______________________

 

36. The Company owns or has registered to it the following motor vehicles, the original title certificates for which shall be delivered to Lender prior to closing:

 

State Where Titled and, if different, Registered Name of Registrant as it appears on the Title Certificate VIN Year, Make and Model
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

 

   B- 9  
 

 

37. With regard to any pension or profit sharing plan: .

 

  (i) A determination as to qualification has been issued.
  (ii) Funding is on a current basis and in compliance with established requirements.

 

38. The Company’s fiscal year ends: ______________________________________.
   
39. Certified Public Accountants for the Company is the firm of:

 

  Name: ______________________________________________  
  Address: ______________________________________________  
  Telephone: ______________________________________________  
  Facsimile: ______________________________________________  
  E-Mail: ______________________________________________  
  Partner Handling Relationship: ____________________________________  
  Were statements uncertified for any fiscal year? _______________________  

 

40. The Company’s counsel with respect to the proposed loan transaction is the firm of:

 

  Name: ______________________________________________  
  Address: ______________________________________________  
  Telephone: ______________________________________________  
  Facsimile: ______________________________________________  
  E-Mail: ______________________________________________  
  Partner Handling Relationship: ____________________________________  

 

   B- 10  
 

 

We agree to give you prompt written notice of any change or amendment with respect to any of the foregoing information. Until you receive such notice, you will be entitled to rely in all respects on the foregoing information.

 

  Very truly yours,
  [_________________]
     
  By: ___________________________________________
  Title: ___________________________________________
     
  By: ___________________________________________
  Title: ___________________________________________  

 

   B- 11  
 

   

Form of Information Certificates (for Canadian Borrowers)

 

INFORMATION CERTIFICATE

OF

PCM SALES CANADA, INC.

and

ACRODEX INC.

 

Dated: October ___, 2015

 

Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC
2450 Colorado Avenue, Suite 3000 West
Santa Monica, CA 90404

 

In order to assist you in the evaluation of the financing you are considering for each of PCM Sales Canada, Inc. (“ PCM ”) and Acrodex Inc. (“ ACI ”) (each a “ Company ” and together the “ Companies ”), as additional borrowers to the current financing provided by you in favour of PCM, Inc and certain of its subsidiaries, to expedite the preparation of required documentation, and to induce you to provide financing to the Companies, we represent and warrant to you the following information about each Company, its organizational structure and other matters of interest to you:

 

A. Each Company has been formed by filing the following document with the (i) Province of _________________ (PCM), and (ii) the Province of _______________ (ACI):

 

[  ] Certificate/Articles of Incorporation
[  ] Certificate/Articles of Organization
[  ] Other [specify]:________________________________

 

The date of formation of each Company by the filing of the document specified above with the Province was (a) _______________ (PCM) , and (b) _______________(ACI).

 

B. The full and exact name of each Company as set forth in the document specified in Item 1 is: ________________________, and ____________________

 

C. Each Company uses and owns the following trade name(s) in the operation of its business (e.g. billing, advertising, etc.; note: do not include names which are product names only):

 

_______________________________________(PCM), and
_________________________(ACI)

 

D. Each Company maintains offices, leases or owns real estate, has employees, pays taxes, or otherwise conducts business in the following Provinces and States: _________________________(PCM, and __________________________________(ACI

 

  B-12  
 

 

E. Each Company has filed the necessary documents with the Province/Secretary of State to qualify as an extra-provincial/foreign corporation in the following Provinces and States:  _______________________ (PCM), and ___________________________ (ACI)

 

F. Each Company’s authority to do business has been revoked or suspended, or the Company is otherwise not in good standing in the following Provinces and States: _______________ (PCM), and __________________________(ACI)

 

G. Each Company is the owner of the following licenses and permits, issued by the federal, provincial, state or local agency or authority indicated opposite thereto:

 

  Type of License   Issuing Agency or Authority
       
       
       
       

 

H. In conducting its business activities, each Company is subject to regulation by federal, provincial, state or local agencies or authorities (e.g., FDA, EPA, provincial or state or municipal liquor licensing agencies, federal, provincial or state carrier commissions, etc.) as follows:

 

  Type of Activity   Regulatory Agency or Authority
       
       
       
       

 

I. None of the Companies has never been involved in a bankruptcy or reorganization except: [explain] _______________

 

J. Between the date that each Company was formed and now, Companies have used other names as set forth below:

 

Period of Time Prior Name
From to (PCM
From to (PCM)
From to (ACI)
From to (ACI)

 

K. Between the date that each Company was formed and now, the Companies have made or entered into mergers, amalgamations or acquisitions with other companies as set forth below:

 

  Approximate Date   Other Entity   Description of Transaction
          (PCM
          (PCM)

 

  B-13  
 

 

          (ACI)
          (ACI)

 

L.

The chief executive office of each Company is located at the street address set forth below, which is in _______________ (City) (PCM/ACI), in the Province of (PCM/ACI)

 

M. The books and records of each Company pertaining to accounts, contract rights, inventory, etc. are located at the following street address:

 

______________________________ (PCM) _______________________ (ACI)

 

N. In addition to the chief executive office, each Company has inventory, equipment or other assets located at the addresses set forth below. In each case, we have noted whether the location is owned, leased or operated by third parties and the names and addresses of any mortgagee, lessor or third party operator:

 

Street Address with
County
Company’s Interest
(e.g., owner, lessee or
bailee)
Name and Address of
Third Party with Interest
in Location

(e.g., mortgagee, lessor or
warehouseman)
(PCM)    
(PCM)    
(ACI)    
(ACI)    

 

O. In the course of its business, each of Company’s inventory and/or other assets are handled by the following customs brokers and/or freight forwarders:

 

Name Address Type of Service/Assets
Handled
(PCM)    
(ACI)    
     

 

P. The places of business or other locations of any assets used by each Company during the last four (4) months other than those listed above are as follows:

 

Street Address City Province/State County/Postal
Code/Zip Code
(PCM)      
(ACI)      
       
       

 

  B-14  
 

 

Q. Each Company is affiliated with, or has ownership in, the following entities (including subsidiaries):

 

  Name of Entity Chief Executive
Office
Jurisdiction of
Incorporation
Ownership
Percentage or
Relationship
  (PCM)      
  (ACI)      
         
         

 

R. The Federal Employer/Tax Identification Number of each Company is ______________ (PCM) ___________________________ (ACI)
   
S. Under each Company’s charter documents, and under the laws of the Province/State in which each Company is organized, the shareholders, members or other equity holders do not have to consent in order for the requisite Company to borrow money, incur debt or obligations, pledge or mortgage the property of such Company, grant a security interest in the property of such Company or guaranty the debt of obligations of another person or entity.

 

  [  ]True   [  ] Incorrect [explain]:  
         
         
         
         

 

The power to take the foregoing actions is vested exclusively in the _________________ [name the body (e.g. Board of Directors) or person (e.g. general partner, sole Manager) that has such authority].

 

T. The officers of each Company (or people performing similar functions) and their respective titles are as follows:

 

(PCM)

 

Title Name
 
 
   
   

 

(ACI) 

 

Title Name
 
 
   
   

 

  B-15  
 

 

U. Each Company is governed by                      (PCM) __________(ACI) [insert name of governing body or person (e.g. Board of Directors, sole Manager, General Partner)]. The members of such governing body of the Company are:                               (PCM)_________________(ACI)
   
V. The name of the stockholders, members, partners or other equity holders of each Company and their equity holdings are as follows (if equity interests are widely held indicate only equity owners with 10% or more of the equity interests):

 

(PCM)

 

Name No. of Shares or Units Ownership Percentage
   
   
     

   

(ACI)

 

Name No. of Shares or Units Ownership Percentage
   
   
     

 

W. There are no judgments or litigation pending by or against the Companies, their subsidiaries and/or affiliates or any of their officers/principals, except as follows: _______________________
   
X. At the present time, there are no delinquent taxes due (including, but not limited to, all payroll taxes, personal property taxes, real estate taxes or income taxes) except as follows: _______________________
   
Y. Each of the Company’s assets are owned and held free and clear of any security interests, liens or attachments, except as follows:

 

(PCM)

 

Lienholder Assets Pledged Amount of Debt Secured
   
   
     

 

(ACI)

 

  B-16  
 

 

Lienholder Assets Pledged Amount of Debt Secured
   
   
     

   

Z. Each Company has not guaranteed and is not otherwise liable for the obligations of others, except as follows:

 

(PCM)

 

Debtor Creditor Amount of   Obligation
   
   
     

   

(ACI)

 

Debtor Creditor Amount of Obligation
   
   
     

 

AA. Each Company does not own or license any trademarks, patents, copyrights or other intellectual property, except as follows (indicate type of intellectual property and whether owned or licensed, registration number, date of registration, and, if licensed, the name and address of the licensor):

 

(PCM)

 

Type of
Intellectual
Property
Registration
Number and Date
of Registration
Owned or
Licensed
Name and Address
of Licensor
(PCM)      
(ACI)      
       
       

   

(ACI)

 

Type of
Intellectual
Property
Registration
Number and Date
of Registration
Owned or
Licensed
Name and Address
of Licensor
     
     
       
       

  

  B-17  
 

 

BB. Each Company owns or uses the following materials (e.g., software, etc.) that are subject to registration with the United States Copyright Office or the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, though at present copyright registrations have not been filed with respect to such materials:                                                                                                                        (PCM)                                                                                                                                                                                                               _____
  ______________________________________________________ (ACI)

 

CC. Each Company does not have any deposit or investment accounts with any bank, savings and loan or other financial institution, except as follows, for the purposes and of the types indicated:

 

(PCM)

 

Bank Name and
Branch Address
Contact Person
and Phone
Number
Account No. Purpose/Type
     
     
       
       

 

(ACI)

 

Bank Name and
Branch Address
Contact Person
and Phone
Number
Account No. Purpose/Type
     
     
       
       

  

DD. Each Company has no processing arrangements for credit card payments or payments made by check (e.g. Telecheck) except as follows:

 

(PCM)

 

Processor Name and
Address
Contact Person
and Phone
Number
Account No.
   
   
     

   

  B-18  
 

 

(ACI)

 

Processor Name and
Address
Contact Person and
Phone Number
Account No.
     
     
     

 

EE. Each Company owns or has registered to it the following motor vehicles in the USA, the original title certificates for which shall be delivered to Lender prior to closing:

 

State Where Titled
and, if different,
Registered
Name of
Registrant as it
appears on the
Title Certificate
VIN Year, Make and
Model
       
       
       
       

 

FF. With regard to any pension or profit sharing plan of the Companies: [list all plans] _____________________________

 

1. A determination as to qualification has been issued.

 

2. Funding is on a current basis and in compliance with established requirements.

 

3. Attached are the current pension plan documents and the latest actuarial reports for each pension plan.

 

GG. Each Company’s fiscal year ends:             (PCM)                                                                                    (ACI)

 

HH. Certified Public Accountants for the Companies is the firm of: _____________________________________________

 

Name: _____________________________________
Address: ___________________________________
Telephone: __________________________________
Facsimile: ___________________________________
E-Mail: _____________________________________
Partner Handling Relationship: ___________________
Were statements uncertified for any fiscal year? ______

 

II. The Companies’ Canadian counsel with respect to the proposed loan transaction is the firm of:

 

  B-19  
 

 

Name: ____________________________________
Address: __________________________________
Telephone: _________________________________
Facsimile: __________________________________
E-Mail: ____________________________________
Partner Handling Relationship: __________________

 

  B-20  
 

 

We agree to give you prompt written notice of any change or amendment with respect to any of the foregoing information. Until you receive such notice, you will be entitled to rely in all respects on the foregoing information.

 

  Very truly yours,
     
  [__________________]
     
  By:  __________________________________________
  Name:  __________________________________________
  Title:  __________________________________________

 

  B-21  
 

   

EXHIBIT C

 

Form of Joinder Agreement

  

THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of                                   ,                  , 20                  , is entered into among                                             , a                                              (the “New Borrower”), the Lenders (as defined below) signatory hereto, and WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as agent (in such capacity, “Agent”) for the Lenders under that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of January 19, 2016 among PCM, INC., PCM SALES, INC., PCM LOGISTICS, LLC, PCMG, INC., M2 MARKETPLACE, INC., ABREON, INC., MALL ACQUISITION SUB 5 INC., PCM BPO, LLC, ONSALE HOLDINGS, INC., AND EN POINTE TECHNOLOGIES SALES, LLC (collectively, “ U.S. Borrowers ”), PCM SALES CANADA, INC. and ACRODEX INC. (collectively, “ Canadian Borrowers ”, and together with the U.S. Borrowers, collectively, “ Borrowers ”), the several financial institutions from time to time party to thereto as lenders (“ Lenders ”), and Agent (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated from time to time, the “ Loan Agreement ”). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Loan Agreement.

 

The New Borrower, Agent and the Lenders, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. The New Borrower hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Agreement, the New Borrower will be deemed to be a “[U.S./Canadian] Borrower” for all purposes of the Loan Agreement and shall have all of the obligations of a [U.S./Canadian] Borrower thereunder as if it had executed the Loan Agreement. The New Borrower hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Loan Agreement, including without limitation (a) all of the representations and warranties of the Borrowers set forth in Section VIII of the Loan Agreement, (b) all of the covenants set forth in Sections VII and IX of the Loan Agreement and (c) all of the multiple borrower provisions of Section XIV of the Loan Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing terms of this paragraph 1, the New Borrower, hereby agrees, jointly and severally with the other [U.S./Canadian] Borrowers, that it is responsible for the prompt payment and performance of the [Canadian] Obligations in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) strictly in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

2. To secure payment and performance of all [Canadian] Obligations, New Borrower hereby grants to Agent a continuing security interest in, a lien upon, and a right of set off against, and hereby assigns to Agent as security, all Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or existing, and wherever located.

 

C-1  
 

 

3. The definition of “Information Certificates” in Section 1.103 of the Loan Agreement shall be deemed include the Information Certificate of New Borrower attached hereto as Exhibit B in addition to the Information Certificates of the Borrowers.

 

4. The information set forth in Annex 1-A attached hereto supplements the information set forth in Schedules [ ], 1 respectively, to the Loan Agreement and shall be deemed a part thereof for all purposes of the Loan Agreement.

 

5. The New Borrower hereby represents and warrants to Administrative Agent and the Lenders the truth and accuracy as of the date hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof of all representations and warranties applicable to Borrowers in the Loan Agreement (after giving effect to the inclusions of New Borrower, its Information Certificate and the information set forth on Annex 1-A as set forth in clauses (1), (3) and (4) above) other than any such representations or warranties that, by their terms, are specifically made as of a date other than the date hereof.

 

6. The New Borrower represents and warrants to Agent and the Lenders that:

 

(a) New Borrower has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, and to perform its obligations hereunder and under the Financing Agreements (as modified hereby) to which it is a party. The execution, delivery, and performance by New Borrower of this Agreement have been duly approved by all necessary corporate action, have received all necessary governmental approval, if any, and do not contravene (i) any law or (ii) any contractual restriction binding on New Borrower. No other corporate proceedings are necessary to consummate such transactions.

 

(b) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by New Borrower and constitutes its valid and legally binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, moratorium, or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

 

(c) The representations and warranties contained in each Financing Agreement (other than any such representations or warranties that, by their terms, are specifically made as of a date other than the date hereof) are true and correct on and as of the date hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof.

 

(d) No event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes a Default or Event of Default.

 

 

1 Borrowers to list schedules proposed to be amended here and the amendments thereto on Annex 1-A.

 

   C- 2  
 

  

7. The New Borrower is, simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, executing and delivering such certificates, agreements, documents and instruments, as requested by Agent to evidence, perfect, maintain and enforce the security interests and the priority thereof in the Collateral and to otherwise effectuate the provisions or purposes of the Loan Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements (including, without limitation, a favorable opinion letter of counsel to New Borrower), in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent.

 

8. The address of the New Borrower for purposes of Section 13.2 of the Loan Agreement is as follows:

 

9. This Agreement is a Financing Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

10. Integration. This Agreement, together with the other Financing Agreements, incorporates all negotiations of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and is the final expression and agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

11. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK]

 

   C- 3  
 

 


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

  

   [NEW BORROWER]
   
  By:
  Name:
  Title:

 

Acknowledged and agreed to as of the date set forth above:

  

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC,

as Agent and as a U.S. Lender

 

By:  
Name:  
Title:  

  

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE CORPORATION CANADA,

as a Canadian Lender

 

By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as a U.S. Lender

 

By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

   C-4  
 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (acting through its Canada branch),

as a Canadian Lender

 

By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

PNC BANK, N.A.,

as a U.S. Lender

 

By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

PNC BANK CANADA BRANCH,

as a Canadian Lender

 

By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as a U.S. Lender

 

By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., TORONTO BRANCH,

as a Canadian Lender

 

By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

   C- 5  
 

 

COMPASS BANK,

as a U.S. Lender and a Canadian Lender

 

By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

CITY NATIONAL BANK,

as a U.S. Lender and a Canadian Lender

 

By:  
Name:  
Title:  

  

   C- 6  
 

 

exhibit D

              

CDOR RATE NOTICE

             

Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC
2450 Colorado Avenue, Suite 3000
Santa Monica, California 90404

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference hereby is made to that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the Agreement ), dated as of January 19, 2016, is entered into by and among the financial institutions from time to time parties hereto, whether by execution of an Assignment and Acceptance or the Agreement (each a Lender and collectively Lenders ), WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company ( WFCF ), as administrative and collateral agent for the Lenders (in such capacity Agent ), Co-Lead Arranger, and Co-Bookrunner, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , as Co-Lead Arranger, Co-Bookrunner, and Syndication Agent ( BofA ), PCM, INC. , a Delaware corporation ( PCM ), PCM SALES, INC. , a California corporation ( PCM Sales ), PCM LOGISTICS, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company ( PCM Logistics ), PCMG, INC ., a Delaware corporation ( PCMG ), M2 MARKETPLACE, INC. , a Delaware corporation ( M2 ), ABREON, INC. , a Delaware corporation ( Abreon ), MALL ACQUISITION SUB 5 INC. , a Delaware corporation ( Acquisition 5 ), PCM BPO, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company ( PCM BPO ), ONSALE HOLDINGS, INC. , an Illinois corporation ( Holdings ), and EN POINTE TECHNOLOGIES SALES, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company ( En Pointe ) (each a U.S. Borrower and collectively the U.S. Borrowers ), and PCM SALES CANADA, INC. , a Quebec corporation ( PCM Sales Canada ), and ACRODEX INC. , an Alberta corporation ( Acrodex ) (each a Canadian Borrower and collectively the Canadian Borrowers ; and the Canadian Borrowers and the U.S. Borrowers are each hereinafter referred to as a Borrower , and collectively, the Borrowers ). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Agreement.

                    

This CDOR Rate Notice represents Canadian Borrowers’ request to elect the CDOR Rate Option with respect to outstanding Canadian Revolving Loans in the amount of C$[__________] (the CDOR Rate Loan ) [, and is a written confirmation of the telephonic notice of such election given to Agent] .

 

The CDOR Rate Loan will have an Interest Period of [1, 2, 3 or 6 2 ] month(s) commencing on ______________________.

 

This CDOR Rate Notice further confirms Canadian Borrowers’ acceptance, for purposes of determining the rate of interest based on the CDOR Rate under the Agreement, of the CDOR Rate, in each case as determined pursuant to the Agreement.

 

 

2 6 months only if available and agreed to by all applicable Lenders

 

   D-1  
 

     

Dated: _____________, 20__

 

  ●, as a Canadian Borrower
     
  Per:  
  Name:
  Title:

 

              

   D- 2  
 

     

Acknowledged by:

 

  Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC , a
Delaware limited liability company
   
  Per:  
  Name:
  Title:

 

   D-3  
 

  

*** CERTAIN INFORMATION IN THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

 

SCHEDULE 8.4

 

Other Liens

 

Lien holder   Borrower(s)   Assets   Amount of Debt Secured
             
IBM Credit LLC   All Borrowers   All assets   [* * *]
             
Apple Inc.   All Borrowers   Inventory and all proceeds thereof   [* * *]
             
Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Company   All Borrowers   Inventory, equipment and all proceeds thereof   [* * *]
             
Hewlett-Packard Company   All Borrowers   Inventory, equipment and all proceeds thereof   [* * *]

  

 
 

 

SCHEDULE 8.9

 

Environmental Disclosures

 

As set forth in the Information Certificates.

 

 
 

 

*** CERTAIN INFORMATION IN THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

 

SCHEDULE 9.9

 

Indebtedness

  

Lien holder   Borrower(s)  

Maximum Amount of Debt

         
IBM Credit LLC   All Borrowers   [* * *]
         
Apple Inc.   All Borrowers   [* * *]
         
Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Company   All Borrowers   [* * *]
         
Hewlett-Packard Company   All Borrowers   [* * *]

 

 
 

 

SCHEDULE 9.10

 

Real Property

 

1. 19 Morgan Avenue, Irvine CA 92618
   
2. 5070 and 5080 Old Ellis Pointe, Roswell GA 30076
   
3. 8337 Green Meadows Drive North, Lewis Center OH 43035
   
4. 7000 Souder Road, New Albany OH 43054
   
5. 1511 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 21.1

 

PCM, INC.

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

As of December 31, 2015

 

The following are subsidiaries of PCM, Inc. as of December 31, 2015, other than those which if considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary would not constitute a significant subsidiary, and the state or other jurisdiction in which each subsidiary was incorporated or organized:

 

SUBSIDIARIES   JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION
PCM Sales, Inc.   California
PCMG, Inc.   Delaware
PCM Logistics, LLC   Delaware
M2 Marketplace, Inc.   Delaware
OnSale Holdings, Inc.   Illinois
PCM BPO, LLC   Delaware
PCM Sales Canada, Inc.   Quebec, Canada
Abreon, Inc.   Delaware
En Pointe Technologies Sales, LLC.   Delaware
Acrodex, Inc.   Alberta, Canada

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

  

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-00848, No. 333-76851, No. 333-79337, No. 333-82257, No. 333-38860, No. 333-66068, No. 333-105620, No. 333-120708, No. 333-133003, No. 333-141237, No. 333-149763, No. 333-158002, No. 333-165512, No. 333-173093, No. 333-180238 and No. 333-183241 on Form S-8 of our report dated March 15, 2016, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of PCM, Inc. and subsidiaries , and the effectiveness of PCM Inc. and subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of PCM, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP  
Los Angeles, California  
March 15, 2016  

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

PCM, INC.

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Frank F. Khulusi, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of PCM, Inc.;
   
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
     
  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
     
  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
     
  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
     
  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: March 15, 2016

 

/s/ Frank F. Khulusi  
Frank F. Khulusi  
Chief Executive Officer  

  

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

PCM, INC.

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Brandon H. LaVerne, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of PCM, Inc.;
   
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
     
  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
     
  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
     
  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
     
  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: March 15, 2016

 

/s/ Brandon H. LaVerne  
Brandon H. LaVerne  
Chief Financial Officer  

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

PCM, INC.

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

(AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)

 

In connection with the Annual Report of PCM, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Frank F. Khulusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify as of the date hereof, solely for purposes of Title 18, Chapter 63, Section 1350 of the United States Code, that to the best of my knowledge:

 

  (1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and
     
  (2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated.

 

This Certification has not been, and shall not be deemed, “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

March 15, 2016

 

/s/ Frank F. Khulusi  
Frank F. Khulusi  
Chief Executive Officer  

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT 32.2

 

PCM, INC.

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

(AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)

 

In connection with the Annual Report of PCM, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Brandon H. LaVerne, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify as of the date hereof, solely for purposes of Title 18, Chapter 63, Section 1350 of the United States Code, that to the best of my knowledge:

 

  (1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and
     
  (2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated.

 

This Certification has not been, and shall not be deemed, “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

March 15, 2016

 

/s/ Brandon H. LaVerne  
Brandon H. LaVerne  
Chief Financial Officer