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Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED                           September 30, 2019

OR

    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   0-18592

GRAPHIC

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Utah

    

87-0447695

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

1600 West Merit Parkway, South Jordan, Utah 84095

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (801) 253-1600

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

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of exchange on which registered

Common Stock, no par

MMSI

NASDAQ Global Select Market

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 filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes   No

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

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

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

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock

    

55,208,840

Title or class

Number of Shares
Outstanding at November 5, 2019

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.

   

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

3

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

3

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018

3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

6

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

7

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

9

Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

11

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

33

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

43

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

45

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

47

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

47

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

47

Item 6.

Exhibits

48

SIGNATURES

49

Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND DECEMBER 31, 2018

(In thousands)

    

September 30, 

    

December 31, 

    

2019

    

2018

ASSETS

 

(unaudited)

 

  

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

$

37,315

$

67,359

Trade receivables — net of allowance for uncollectible accounts — 2019 — $2,848 and 2018 — $2,355

 

144,683

 

137,174

Other receivables

 

11,751

 

11,879

Inventories

 

216,766

 

197,536

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

17,610

 

11,326

Prepaid income taxes

 

3,611

 

3,627

Income tax refund receivables

 

9,566

 

933

Total current assets

 

441,302

 

429,834

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

 

  

 

  

Land and land improvements

 

27,412

 

26,801

Buildings

 

152,782

 

151,251

Manufacturing equipment

 

234,121

 

221,029

Furniture and fixtures

 

59,487

 

54,765

Leasehold improvements

 

36,992

 

33,678

Construction-in-progress

 

85,703

 

53,491

Total property and equipment

 

596,497

 

541,015

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(229,596)

 

(209,563)

Property and equipment — net

 

366,901

331,452

OTHER ASSETS:

 

  

 

  

Intangible assets:

 

  

 

  

Developed technology — net of accumulated amortization —2019 — $137,551 and 2018 — $102,357

 

390,796

 

383,147

Other — net of accumulated amortization — 2019 — $62,378 and 2018 — $49,136

 

68,111

 

79,566

Goodwill

 

352,158

 

335,433

Deferred income tax assets

 

2,944

 

3,001

Right-of-use operating lease assets

79,757

Other assets

 

59,735

 

57,579

Total other assets

 

953,501

 

858,726

TOTAL

$

1,761,704

$

1,620,012

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

(continued)

3

Table of Contents

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND DECEMBER 31, 2018

(In thousands)

    

September 30, 

    

December 31, 

    

2019

    

2018

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

(unaudited)

    

  

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

  

  

Trade payables

$

52,387

$

54,024

Accrued expenses

 

80,486

 

96,173

Current portion of long-term debt

 

7,500

 

22,000

Short-term operating lease liabilities

11,652

Income taxes payable

 

1,188

 

3,146

Total current liabilities

 

153,213

 

175,343

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

432,456

 

373,152

DEFERRED INCOME TAX LIABILITIES

 

58,290

 

56,363

LONG-TERM INCOME TAXES PAYABLE

 

392

 

392

LIABILITIES RELATED TO UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS

 

3,013

 

3,013

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PAYABLE

 

13,497

 

11,219

DEFERRED CREDITS

 

2,157

 

2,261

LONG-TERM OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES

72,056

 

OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

 

77,389

 

65,494

Total liabilities

 

812,463

 

687,237

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 5, 10, 11, 14 and 15)

 

  

 

  

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

  

 

  

Preferred stock — 5,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018; no shares issued

 

 

Common stock, no par value; shares authorized — 2019 and 2018 - 100,000; issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2019 - 55,208 and December 31, 2018 - 54,893

 

584,161

 

571,383

Retained earnings

 

373,174

 

363,425

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(8,094)

 

(2,033)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

949,241

 

932,775

TOTAL

$

1,761,704

$

1,620,012

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

(concluded)

4

Table of Contents

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND 2018

(In thousands, except per share amounts - unaudited)

    

Three Months Ended

    

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

NET SALES

$

243,049

$

221,659

$

736,930

$

649,504

COST OF SALES

 

138,913

 

119,620

 

416,194

 

359,400

GROSS PROFIT

 

104,136

 

102,039

 

320,736

 

290,104

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Selling, general and administrative

 

86,936

 

66,382

 

245,183

 

200,389

Research and development

 

16,987

 

14,525

 

49,361

 

44,163

Intangible asset impairment charge

 

2,702

 

657

 

3,250

 

657

Contingent consideration expense (benefit)

 

392

 

(661)

 

3,573

 

(442)

Acquired in-process research and development

 

 

75

 

525

 

382

Total operating expenses

 

107,017

 

80,978

 

301,892

 

245,149

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

 

(2,881)

 

21,061

 

18,844

 

44,955

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest income

 

328

 

359

 

1,027

 

847

Interest expense

 

(3,415)

 

(2,329)

 

(9,295)

 

(8,064)

Other income (expense) - net

 

278

 

294

 

(421)

 

(429)

Total other expense — net

 

(2,809)

 

(1,676)

 

(8,689)

 

(7,646)

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

(5,690)

 

19,385

 

10,155

 

37,309

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)

 

(2,292)

 

2,766

 

499

 

4,481

NET INCOME (LOSS)

$

(3,398)

$

16,619

$

9,656

$

32,828

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Basic

$

(0.06)

$

0.31

$

0.18

$

0.64

Diluted

$

(0.06)

$

0.30

$

0.17

$

0.62

AVERAGE COMMON SHARES:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Basic

 

55,152

 

53,431

 

55,029

 

51,434

Diluted

 

55,152

 

55,103

 

56,393

 

53,096

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND 2018

(In thousands - unaudited)

    

Three Months Ended

    

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

Net income (loss)

$

(3,398)

$

16,619

$

9,656

$

32,828

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash flow hedges

 

(207)

 

667

 

(3,938)

 

3,541

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

53

 

(172)

 

1,014

 

(910)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

(2,779)

 

(1,637)

 

(3,120)

 

(3,241)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

(14)

 

 

(17)

 

Total other comprehensive (loss)

 

(2,947)

 

(1,142)

 

(6,061)

 

(610)

Total comprehensive income (loss)

$

(6,345)

$

15,477

$

3,595

$

32,218

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND 2018

(In thousands - unaudited)

Accumulated Other

Common Stock

Retained

Comprehensive

    

Total

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Earnings

    

Loss

BALANCE — January 1, 2019

$

932,775

 

54,893

$

571,383

$

363,425

$

(2,033)

Net income

 

6,195

 

  

 

  

 

6,195

 

  

Reclassify deferred gain on sale-leaseback upon adoption of ASC 842

93

93

Other comprehensive loss

 

(2,515)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(2,515)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

1,766

 

  

 

1,766

 

  

 

  

Options exercised

 

1,365

 

95

 

1,365

 

  

 

  

Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

432

 

7

 

432

 

  

 

  

BALANCE — March 31, 2019

 

940,111

 

54,995

 

574,946

 

369,713

 

(4,548)

Net income

 

6,859

 

  

 

  

 

6,859

 

  

Other comprehensive loss

 

(599)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(599)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

2,523

 

  

 

2,523

 

  

 

  

Options exercised

 

1,441

 

78

 

1,441

 

  

 

  

Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

340

 

6

 

340

 

  

 

  

BALANCE — June 30, 2019

 

950,675

 

55,079

 

579,250

 

376,572

 

(5,147)

Net loss

 

(3,398)

 

  

 

  

 

(3,398)

 

  

Other comprehensive loss

 

(2,947)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(2,947)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

2,626

 

  

 

2,626

 

  

 

  

Options exercised

 

2,037

 

120

 

2,037

 

  

 

  

Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

341

 

12

 

341

 

  

 

  

Shares surrendered in exchange for exercise of stock options

(93)

(3)

(93)

BALANCE — September 30, 2019

$

949,241

 

55,208

$

584,161

$

373,174

$

(8,094)

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

(continued)

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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND 2018

(In thousands - unaudited)

Accumulated Other

Common Stock

Retained

Comprehensive

    

Total

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Earnings

    

Income (Loss)

BALANCE — January 1, 2018

$

676,334

50,248

$

353,392

$

321,408

$

1,534

Net income

 

5,269

 

  

 

  

 

5,269

 

  

Other comprehensive income

 

4,072

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

4,072

Stock-based compensation expense

 

1,256

 

  

 

1,256

 

  

 

  

Options exercised

 

1,286

 

91

 

1,286

 

  

 

  

Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

294

 

7

 

294

 

  

 

  

BALANCE — March 31, 2018

688,511

 

50,346

356,228

326,677

5,606

Net income

 

10,941

 

  

 

  

 

10,941

 

  

Other comprehensive loss

 

(3,540)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(3,540)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

1,565

 

  

 

1,565

 

  

 

  

Options exercised

 

5,307

 

357

 

5,307

 

  

 

  

Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

220

 

4

 

220

 

  

 

  

Shares surrendered in exchange for payment of payroll tax liabilities

 

(2,065)

 

(40)

 

(2,065)

 

  

 

  

Shares surrendered in exchange for exercise of stock options

 

(1,685)

 

(32)

 

(1,685)

 

  

 

  

BALANCE — June 30, 2018

699,254

50,635

359,570

337,618

2,066

Net income

 

16,619

 

  

 

  

 

16,619

 

  

Other comprehensive loss

 

(1,142)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(1,142)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

1,673

 

  

 

1,673

 

  

 

  

Options exercised

 

2,624

 

158

 

2,624

 

  

 

Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

282

 

5

 

282

 

  

 

  

Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs

205,030

4,025

205,030

Shares surrendered in exchange for payment of payroll tax liabilities

 

(551)

 

(10)

 

(551)

 

  

 

  

Shares surrendered in exchange for exercise of stock options

 

(577)

 

(11)

 

(577)

 

  

 

  

BALANCE — September 30, 2018

$

923,211

54,802

$

568,051

$

354,236

$

924

Note: Retained earnings and total equity do not total for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 due to the rounding of net income in previously reported periods.

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

(concluded)

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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND 2018

(In thousands - unaudited)

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

  

 

  

 

Net income

$

9,656

$

32,828

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

  

 

  

Depreciation and amortization

 

68,507

 

50,436

Loss on sales and/or abandonment of property and equipment

 

637

 

425

Amortization of right-of-use operating lease assets

9,226

Write-off of patents and intangible assets

 

3,492

 

744

Acquired in-process research and development

 

525

 

382

Amortization of deferred credits

 

(104)

 

(106)

Amortization of long-term debt issuance costs

 

570

 

603

Stock-based compensation expense

 

6,915

 

4,494

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:

 

  

 

  

Trade receivables

 

(6,786)

 

(25,482)

Other receivables

 

72

 

255

Inventories

 

(19,302)

 

(19,375)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(3,859)

 

(2,719)

Prepaid income taxes

 

 

(120)

Income tax refund receivables

 

(8,680)

 

134

Other assets

 

(3,832)

 

(1,370)

Trade payables

 

(3,775)

 

15,936

Accrued expenses

 

66

 

7,707

Income taxes payable

 

(928)

 

(1,528)

Deferred compensation payable

 

2,276

 

994

Operating lease liabilities

(8,956)

Other long-term obligations

 

5,184

 

(1,381)

Total adjustments

 

41,248

 

30,029

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

50,904

 

62,857

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

  

 

  

Capital expenditures for:

 

  

 

  

Property and equipment

 

(58,104)

 

(47,024)

Intangible assets

 

(2,560)

 

(2,234)

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

 

262

 

7

Issuance of note receivable

 

 

(10,750)

Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(53,512)

 

(122,770)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(113,914)

 

(182,771)

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

(continued)

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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND 2018

(In thousands - unaudited)

    

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

2019

2018

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

  

 

  

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

$

5,863

$

213,276

Offering costs

 

 

(366)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

194,477

 

380,825

Payments on long-term debt

 

(149,477)

 

(450,575)

Long-term debt issuance costs

 

(1,479)

 

Contingent payments related to acquisitions

 

(15,684)

 

(184)

Payment of taxes related to an exchange of common stock

 

 

(2,616)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

33,700

 

140,360

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH

 

(734)

 

(827)

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(30,044)

 

19,619

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

 

  

 

  

Beginning of period

 

67,359

 

32,336

End of period

$

37,315

$

51,955

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

  

 

  

Cash paid during the period for:

 

  

 

  

Interest (net of capitalized interest of $896 and $468, respectively)

$

9,319

$

8,018

Income taxes

$

10,071

$

6,069

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

  

 

  

Property and equipment purchases in accounts payable

$

7,481

$

3,058

Acquisition purchases in accrued expenses and other long-term obligations

$

9,583

$

Merit common stock surrendered (3 and 43 shares, respectively) in exchange for exercise of stock options

$

93

$

2,262

Right-of-use operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities

$

7,431

$

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

(concluded)

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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.   Basis of Presentation. The interim consolidated financial statements of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. ("Merit," "we" or "us") for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are not audited. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the requirements for unaudited interim periods and, consequently, do not include all disclosures required to be made in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In the opinion of our management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and our results of operations and cash flows for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. The results of operations for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full-year period. Within the financial statements and tables presented, certain columns and rows may not total due to the use of rounded numbers for disclosure purposes. Percentages and earnings per share amounts presented are calculated from the underlying amounts. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "2018 Form 10-K") for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 1, 2019.

2.   Inventories. Inventories at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, consisted of the following (in thousands):

    

September 30, 2019

    

December 31, 2018

Finished goods

$

126,699

$

117,703

Work-in-process

 

24,368

 

14,380

Raw materials

 

65,699

 

65,453

Total Inventories

$

216,766

$

197,536

3.   Stock-Based Compensation Expense. Stock-based compensation expense before income tax expense for three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the following (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

Cost of sales

$

346

$

241

$

953

$

657

Research and development

 

277

 

141

 

750

 

412

Selling, general and administrative

 

2,003

 

1,291

 

5,212

 

3,425

Stock-based compensation expense before taxes

$

2,626

$

1,673

$

6,915

$

4,494

We recognize stock-based compensation expense (net of a forfeiture rate) for those awards which are expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We estimate the forfeiture rate based on our historical experience and expectations about future forfeitures. As of September 30, 2019, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, net of expected forfeitures, was approximately $30.8 million and was expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.13 years.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we granted stock-based awards representing approximately 107,000 and 1.2 million shares of our common stock, respectively. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, we granted stock-based awards representing 0 and 692,002 shares of our common stock, respectively. We use the Black-Scholes methodology to value the stock-based compensation expense for options. In applying the

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Black-Scholes methodology to the option grants, the fair value of our stock-based awards granted was estimated using the following assumptions for the periods indicated below:

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

2019

2018

Risk-free interest rate

    

1.39% - 2.56%

  

2.63% - 2.77%

Expected option term

 

3 - 5 years

 

5.0 years

Expected dividend yield

 

 

Expected price volatility

 

28.66% - 35.79%

  

34.06% - 34.32%

The average risk-free interest rate is determined using the U.S. Treasury rate in effect as of the date of grant, based on the expected term of the stock options. We determine the expected term of the stock options using the historical exercise behavior of employees. The expected price volatility was determined using a weighted average of daily historical volatility of our stock price over the corresponding expected option term and implied volatility based on recent trends of the daily historical volatility. For options with a vesting period, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period, which corresponds to the vesting period.

4.   Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (EPS). The computation of weighted average shares outstanding and the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share consisted of the following (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

2019

2018

2019

2018

Net income (loss)

$

(3,398)

$

16,619

$

9,656

$

32,828

Average common shares outstanding

 

55,152

 

53,431

 

55,029

 

51,434

Basic EPS

$

(0.06)

$

0.31

$

0.18

$

0.64

Average common shares outstanding

55,152

53,431

55,029

51,434

Effect of dilutive stock options

1,672

1,364

1,662

Total potential shares outstanding

55,152

55,103

56,393

53,096

Diluted EPS

$

(0.06)

$

0.30

$

0.17

$

0.62

Stock options excluded as the impact was anti-dilutive

4,299

667

1,361

462

5.   Acquisitions. On August 1, 2019, we entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire Fibrovein Holdings Limited, which is the owner of 100% of the capital stock of STD Pharmaceutical Products Limited, a UK private company engaged in the manufacture, distribution and sale of pharmaceutical sclerotherapy products (“STD Pharmaceutical”). The purchase consideration consisted of an upfront payment of approximately $13.7 million. We accounted for this acquisition as a business combination. The sales and results of operations related to the acquisition have been included in our cardiovascular segment since the acquisition date and were not material. Acquisition-related costs associated with the STD

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Pharmaceutical acquisition, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses, were not material. The purchase price was preliminarily allocated as follows (in thousands):

Assets Acquired

    

  

Trade receivables

$

200

Inventories

 

843

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

49

Intangibles

 

Developed technology

10,148

Goodwill

4,390

Total assets acquired

 

15,630

Liabilities Assumed

 

  

Trade payables

 

(53)

Accrued expenses

 

(29)

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

(1,875)

Total liabilities assumed

 

(1,957)

Total net assets acquired

$

13,673

We are amortizing the developed technology intangible asset acquired from STD Pharmaceutical over 12 years.

On June 14, 2019, we consummated an acquisition transaction contemplated by a merger agreement to acquire Brightwater Medical, Inc. ("Brightwater"). The purchase consideration consisted of an upfront payment of $35 million plus an initial working capital adjustment of approximately $104,000 in cash, with potential earn-out payments of up to an additional $5 million for achievement of CE certification with respect to the Brightwater device and up to an additional $10 million for the achievement of sales milestones specified in the merger agreement. Brightwater developed and commercialized the ConvertX®, a single-use device used to replace a series of devices and procedures used to treat severe obstructions of the ureter. The ConvertX system is designed to be implanted once and converted from a nephroureteral catheter to a nephroureteral stent without requiring sedation or local anesthesia. Brightwater recently received FDA clearance for the ConvertX biliary stent system. We accounted for this acquisition as a business combination. The sales and results of operations related to the acquisition have been included in our cardiovascular segment since the acquisition date and were

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not material. Acquisition-related costs associated with the Brightwater acquisition, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses, were not material. The purchase price was preliminarily allocated as follows (in thousands):

Preliminary Allocation

Adjustments (1)

Revised Preliminary Allocation

Assets Acquired

    

  

Trade receivables

$

94

$

(39)

$

55

Inventories

 

349

349

Property and equipment

 

409

409

Other long-term assets

 

30

30

Intangibles

 

  

Developed technology

 

31,680

280

31,960

Customer lists

 

83

83

Trademarks

 

250

250

Goodwill

 

16,950

959

17,909

Total assets acquired

 

49,845

1,200

51,045

Liabilities Assumed

 

  

Trade payables

 

(58)

(58)

Accrued expenses

 

(261)

(261)

Other long-term obligations

 

(1,522)

(1,522)

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

(4,590)

(4,590)

Total liabilities assumed

 

(6,431)

(6,431)

Total net assets acquired

$

43,414

$

1,200

$

44,614

(1) Amounts represent adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation first presented in our June 30, 2019 Form 10-Q resulting from our ongoing activities, including reassessment of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with respect to finalizing our purchase price allocation for this acquisition. The larger adjustments primarily relate to the valuation of contingent consideration and intangible assets acquired.

We are amortizing the developed technology intangible asset acquired from Brightwater over 13 years, the related trademarks over five years and the customer list on an accelerated basis over one year. The total weighted-average amortization period for these acquired intangible assets is approximately 12.9 years.

On March 28, 2019, we paid $2 million to acquire convertible participating preferred shares of Fluidx Medical Technology, LLC ("Fluidx"), owner of certain technology proposed to be used in the development of embolic and adhesive agents for use in arterial, venous, vascular graft and cardiovascular applications inside and outside the heart and related appendages. Our investment in Fluidx has been recorded as an equity investment accounted for at cost and reflected within other assets in our accompanying consolidated balance sheet because we are not able to exercise significant influence over the operations of Fluidx. Our total current investment in Fluidx represents an ownership of approximately 12.7% of the outstanding equity interests of Fluidx.

On December 14, 2018, we consummated an acquisition transaction contemplated by an asset purchase agreement with Vascular Insights, LLC and VI Management, Inc. (combined "Vascular Insights") and acquired Vascular Insights’ intellectual property rights, inventory and certain other assets, including the ClariVein® IC system and the ClariVein OC system. The ClariVein systems are specialty infusion and occlusion catheter systems with rotating wire tips designed for the controlled 360-degree dispersion of physician-specified agents to the targeted treatment area. We accounted for this acquisition as a business combination. The purchase consideration included an upfront payment of $40 million and a final working capital adjustment of approximately $15,000 paid in the third quarter of 2019. We are also obligated to pay up to an additional $20 million based on achieving certain revenue milestones specified in the asset purchase agreement. The sales and results of operations related to this acquisition have been included in our cardiovascular segment. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, net sales of products acquired from Vascular Insights were approximately $2.0 million and $5.2 million, respectively. It is not practical to separately report earnings related to the

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products acquired from Vascular Insights, as we cannot split out sales costs related solely to the products we acquired from Vascular Insights, principally because our sales representatives sell multiple products (including the products we acquired from Vascular Insights) in our cardiovascular business segment. Acquisition-related costs associated with the Vascular Insights acquisition, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2018, were not material. The purchase price was preliminarily allocated as follows (in thousands):

Inventories

    

$

1,353

Intangibles

 

  

Developed technology

 

32,750

Customer list

 

840

Trademarks

 

1,410

Goodwill

 

21,832

Total net assets acquired

$

58,185

We are amortizing the developed technology intangible asset acquired from Vascular Insights over 12 years, the related trademarks over nine years and the customer list on an accelerated basis over eight years. The total weighted-average amortization period for these acquired intangible assets is approximately 11.8 years.

On November 13, 2018, we consummated an acquisition transaction contemplated by a merger agreement to acquire Cianna Medical, Inc. ("Cianna Medical"). The purchase consideration consisted of an upfront payment of $135 million plus a final working capital adjustment of approximately $1.2 million in cash, with earn-out payments of $15 million for achievement of supply chain and scalability metrics paid in the third quarter of 2019 and potential payments up to an additional $50 million for the achievement of sales milestones specified in the merger agreement. Cianna Medical developed the first non-radioactive, wire-free breast cancer localization system. Its SCOUT® and SAVI® Brachy technologies are FDA-cleared and address unmet needs in the delivery of radiation therapy, tumor localization and surgical guidance. We accounted for this acquisition as a business combination. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, net sales of Cianna Medical products were approximately $11.6 million and $35.7 million, respectively. It is not practical to separately report earnings related to the products acquired from Cianna Medical, as we cannot split out sales costs related solely to the products we acquired from Cianna Medical, principally because our sales representatives sell multiple products (including the products we acquired from Cianna Medical) in our cardiovascular segment. Acquisition-related costs associated with the Cianna Medical acquisition, which were included in selling, general

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and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2018, were approximately $3.5 million. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocated to the net assets acquired from Cianna Medical (in thousands):

    

Preliminary Allocation

Adjustments (1)

Revised Preliminary Allocation

Assets Acquired

Trade receivables

$

6,151

$

$

6,151

Inventories

 

5,803

5,803

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

315

315

Property and equipment

 

1,047

1,047

Other long-term assets

 

14

14

Intangibles

 

  

  

Developed technology

134,510

134,510

Customer lists

 

3,330

3,330

Trademarks

 

7,080

7,080

Goodwill

 

65,885

(4,506)

61,379

Total assets acquired

 

224,135

(4,506)

219,629

Liabilities Assumed

 

  

  

Trade payables

 

(1,497)

(1,497)

Accrued expenses

 

(2,384)

(2,384)

Other long-term liabilities

 

(1,527)

(1,527)

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

(30,363)

4,423

(25,940)

Total liabilities assumed

 

(35,771)

4,423

(31,348)

Total net assets acquired

$

188,364

$

(83)

$

188,281

(1) Amounts represent adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation first presented in our December 31, 2018 Form 10-K resulting from our ongoing activities, including reassessment of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with respect to finalizing our purchase price allocation for this acquisition.

We are amortizing the developed technology intangible assets of Cianna Medical over 11 years, the related trademarks over ten years and the customer lists on an accelerated basis over eight years. The total weighted-average amortization period for these acquired intangible assets is approximately 10.7 years.

On May 23, 2018, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with DirectACCESS Medical, LLC (“DirectACCESS”) to acquire its assets, including certain product distribution agreements for the FirstChoice™ Ultra-High-Pressure PTA Balloon Catheter. We accounted for this acquisition as a business combination. The purchase price for the assets was approximately $7.3 million. The sales and results of operations related to the acquisition have been included in our cardiovascular segment since the acquisition date and were not material. Acquisition-related costs associated with the DirectACCESS acquisition, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2018, were not material. The purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):

Inventories

    

$

971

Intangibles

 

  

Developed technology

 

4,840

Customer list

 

120

Trademarks

 

400

Goodwill

 

938

Total net assets acquired

$

7,269

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We are amortizing the developed technology intangible asset of DirectACCESS over ten years, the related trademarks over ten years and the customer list on an accelerated basis over five years. The total weighted-average amortization period for these acquired intangible assets is approximately 9.9 years.

On February 14, 2018, we acquired certain divested assets from Becton, Dickinson and Company ("BD"), for an aggregate purchase price of $100.3 million. We also recorded a contingent consideration liability of $1.6 million related to milestone payments payable pursuant to the terms of an acquired contract with Sontina Medical LLC. The assets acquired include the soft tissue core needle biopsy products sold under the tradenames of Achieve® Programmable Automatic Biopsy System, Temno® Biopsy System and Tru-Cut® Biopsy Needles, as well as the Aspira® Pleural Effusion Drainage Kits, and the Aspira Peritoneal Drainage System. We accounted for this acquisition as a business combination. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, our net sales of BD products were approximately $12.5 million and $35.9 million, respectively. It is not practical to separately report earnings related to the products acquired from BD, as we cannot split out sales costs related solely to the products we acquired from BD, principally because our sales representatives sell multiple products (including the products we acquired from BD) in our cardiovascular segment. Acquisition-related costs associated with the BD acquisition, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2018, were approximately $1.8 million. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocated to the assets acquired from BD (in thousands):

Inventories

    

$

5,804

Property and equipment

 

748

Intangibles

 

  

Developed technology

 

74,000

Customer list

 

4,200

Trademarks

4,900

In-process technology

 

2,500

Goodwill

 

9,728

Total net assets acquired

$

101,880

We are amortizing the developed technology intangible assets acquired from BD over eight years, the related trademarks over nine years and the customer lists on an accelerated basis over seven years. The total weighted-average amortization period for these acquired intangible assets is approximately eight years.

The following table summarizes our consolidated results of operations for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, as well as unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations as though the acquisition of Cianna Medical and Vascular Insights had occurred on January 1, 2017 (in thousands, except per common share amounts):

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2018

September 30, 2018

    

As Reported

    

Pro Forma

    

As Reported

    

Pro Forma

Net sales

$

221,659

$

234,751

$

649,504

$

687,203

Net income

 

16,619

 

11,335

32,828

 

16,496

Earnings per common share:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Basic

$

0.31

$

0.21

$

0.64

$

0.32

Diluted

$

0.30

$

0.21

$

0.62

$

0.31

*

The pro forma results for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 are not included in the table above because the operating results for the Cianna Medical and Vascular Insights acquisitions were included in our consolidated statements of income for these periods.

The unaudited pro forma information set forth above is for informational purposes only and includes adjustments related to the step-up of acquired inventories, amortization expense of acquired intangible assets and interest expense on long-term debt. The pro forma information should not be considered indicative of actual results that would have been achieved

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if the acquisition of Cianna Medical and Vascular Insights had occurred on January 1, 2017, or results that may be obtained in any future period. The pro forma consolidated results of operations do not include the acquisition of assets from BD because it was deemed impracticable to obtain information to determine net income associated with the acquired product lines which represent a small product line of a large, consolidated company without standalone financial information. The pro forma consolidated results of operations do not include the STD Pharmaceutical, Brightwater or DirectACCESS acquisitions, as we do not deem the pro forma effect of these transactions to be material.

The goodwill arising from the acquisitions discussed above consists largely of the synergies and economies of scale we hope to achieve from combining the acquired assets and operations with our historical operations. The goodwill recognized from certain acquisitions is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

6.   Revenue from Contracts with Customers. We recognize revenue when a customer obtains control of promised goods. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for these goods.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The disaggregation of revenue is based on type of product and geographical region. For descriptions of our product offerings and segments, see Note 13 in our 2018 Form 10-K.

The following tables present revenue from contracts with customers for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

September 30, 2019

September 30, 2018

    

United States

    

International

    

Total

    

United States

    

International

    

Total

Cardiovascular

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Stand-alone devices

$

55,816

$

40,510

$

96,326

$

52,173

$

38,802

$

90,975

Cianna Medical

 

11,544

94

 

11,638

 

 

 

Custom kits and procedure trays

 

23,115

10,857

 

33,972

 

23,199

 

9,896

 

33,095

Inflation devices

 

8,156

14,027

 

22,183

 

7,819

 

15,074

 

22,893

Catheters

 

20,262

24,164

 

44,426

 

18,081

 

22,510

 

40,591

Embolization devices

 

5,254

7,079

 

12,333

 

5,145

 

7,250

 

12,395

CRM/EP

 

11,524

2,024

 

13,548

 

10,462

 

1,739

 

12,201

Total

 

135,671

 

98,755

 

234,426

 

116,879

 

95,271

 

212,150

Endoscopy

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Endoscopy devices

 

8,340

283

 

8,623

 

9,229

 

280

 

9,509

Total

$

144,011

$

99,038

$

243,049

$

126,108

$

95,551

$

221,659

Nine Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2019

September 30, 2018

    

United States

    

International

    

Total

    

United States

    

International

    

Total

Cardiovascular

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Stand-alone devices

$

165,121

$

130,154

$

295,275

$

147,125

$

119,592

$

266,717

Cianna Medical

 

35,622

101

 

35,723

 

 

 

Custom kits and procedure trays

 

68,292

32,965

 

101,257

 

69,184

 

31,175

 

100,359

Inflation devices

 

24,475

44,040

 

68,515

 

23,647

 

45,970

 

69,617

Catheters

 

60,370

72,439

 

132,809

 

50,055

 

63,775

 

113,830

Embolization devices

 

15,234

22,934

 

38,168

 

15,272

 

22,434

 

37,706

CRM/EP

 

33,157

6,666

 

39,823

 

31,058

 

5,105

 

36,163

Total

 

402,271

 

309,299

 

711,570

 

336,341

 

288,051

 

624,392

Endoscopy

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Endoscopy devices

 

24,459

901

 

25,360

 

24,269

 

843

 

25,112

Total

$

426,730

$

310,200

$

736,930

$

360,610

$

288,894

$

649,504

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7.   Segment Reporting. We report our operations in two operating segments: cardiovascular and endoscopy. Our cardiovascular segment consists of cardiology and radiology medical device products which assist in diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and other non-vascular diseases and includes embolotherapeutic, cardiac rhythm management ("CRM"), electrophysiology ("EP"), critical care, interventional oncology and spine devices, and our Cianna Medical product line. Our endoscopy segment focuses on the gastroenterology, pulmonary and thoracic surgery specialties, with a portfolio consisting primarily of stents, dilation balloons, certain inflation devices, guide wires, and other disposable products. We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on net sales and operating income.

Financial information relating to our reportable operating segments and reconciliations to the consolidated totals for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, were as follows (in thousands):

    

Three Months Ended

    

Nine Months Ended

    

September 30, 

    

September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

Net Sales

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cardiovascular

$

234,426

$

212,150

$

711,570

$

624,392

Endoscopy

 

8,623

 

9,509

 

25,360

 

25,112

Total net sales

 

243,049

 

221,659

 

736,930

 

649,504

Operating Income (Loss)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cardiovascular

 

(6,210)

 

18,199

 

11,263

 

37,263

Endoscopy

 

3,329

 

2,862

 

7,581

 

7,692

Total operating income (loss)

 

(2,881)

 

21,061

 

18,844

 

44,955

Total other expense - net

 

(2,809)

 

(1,676)

 

(8,689)

 

(7,646)

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(2,292)

 

2,766

 

499

 

4,481

Net income (loss)

$

(3,398)

$

16,619

$

9,656

$

32,828

8.   Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards.

Recently Adopted

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASC 842"), which requires lessees to recognize right-of-use ("ROU") assets and related lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases greater than one year in duration. We adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach did not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. The adoption of this standard resulted in the recording of ROU assets and lease liabilities for all of our lease agreements with original terms of greater than one year. The adoption of ASC 842 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated statements of operations or cash flows. See Note 14 for the required disclosures relating to our lease agreements.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies the accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions by expanding the scope of ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. Under the new standard, most of the guidance on stock compensation payments to nonemployees would be aligned with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees. This standard became effective for us on January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from U.S. federal tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was enacted in December 2017 (the "2017 Tax Act"). ASU 2018-02 became effective for us on January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which expands and refines hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedge items in the financial statements, and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. ASU 2017-12 became effective for us on January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Not Yet Adopted

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract, which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). ASU 2018-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), which removes, modifies and adds various disclosure requirements related to fair value disclosures. Disclosures related to transfers between fair value hierarchy levels will be removed and further detail around changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period and unobservable inputs used in determining level 3 fair value measurements will be added, among other changes. ASU 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology for financial assets measured at amortized cost with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information, including forecasted information, to develop credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently assessing the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

We do not believe any other issued and not yet effective accounting standards will be relevant to our consolidated financial statements.

9.   Income Taxes. Our overall effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was 40.3% and 14.3%, respectively, which resulted in income tax expense (benefit) of approximately $(2.3) million and $2.8 million, respectively. Our overall effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was 4.9% and 12.0%, respectively, which resulted in a provision for income taxes of approximately $0.5 million and $4.5 million, respectively. The income tax benefit and corresponding increase in the effective tax rate for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019, when compared to the prior-year period, was primarily due to a pre-tax loss during the period, as well as a change in the jurisdictional mix of earnings. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, when compared to the prior-year period, was primarily the result of discrete items in the current-year period, which generated a greater tax benefit due to lower pre-tax income.

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10.   Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt. Principal balances outstanding under our long-term debt obligations as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, consisted of the following (in thousands):

    

September 30, 2019

    

December 31, 2018

Term Loans

$

150,000

$

72,500

Revolving credit loans

 

290,500

 

316,000

Collateralized debt facility

 

 

7,000

Less unamortized debt issuance costs

 

(544)

 

(348)

Total long-term debt

 

439,956

 

395,152

Less current portion

 

7,500

 

22,000

Long-term portion

$

432,456

$

373,152

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

On July 31, 2019, we entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Third Amended Credit Agreement"), with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and a lender, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, BOFA Securities, Inc., HSBC Bank USA, National Association, and U.S. Bank National Association as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, and Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, National Association and U.S. Bank National Association as co-syndication agents. In addition, Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, National Association, U.S. Bank, National Association, BMO Harris Bank, N.A., and MUFG Union Bank, Ltd. are parties to the Third Amended Credit Agreement as lenders. The Third Amended Credit Agreement amends and restates in its entirety our previously outstanding Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and all amendments thereto.

The Third Amended Credit Agreement provides for a term loan of $150 million and a revolving credit commitment up to an aggregate amount of $600 million, inclusive of sub-facilities for multicurrency borrowings, standby letters of credit and swingline loans. On July 31, 2024, all principal, interest and other amounts outstanding under the Third Amended Credit Agreement are payable in full. At any time prior to the maturity date, we may repay any amounts owing under all term loans and revolving credit loans in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, other than breakage fees (as defined in the Third Amended Credit Agreement).

Revolving credit loans denominated in dollars and term loans made under the Third Amended Credit Agreement bear interest, at our election, at either the Base Rate or the Eurocurrency Rate (as such terms are defined in the Third Amended Credit Agreement) plus the Applicable Margin (as defined in the Third Amended Credit Agreement).  Revolving credit loans denominated in an Alternative Currency (as defined in the Third Amended Credit Agreement) bear interest at the Eurocurrency Rate plus the Applicable Margin.  Swingline loans bear interest at the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin (as defined in the Third Amended Credit Agreement). Interest on each loan featuring the Base Rate is due and payable on the last business day of each calendar quarter commencing September 30, 2019; interest on each loan featuring the Eurocurrency Rate is due and payable on the last day of each interest period applicable thereto, and if such interest period extends over three months, at the end of each three-month interval during such interest period.

The Third Amended Credit Agreement is collateralized by substantially all our assets. The Third Amended Credit Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants, representations and warranties, events of default and other terms

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customary for loans of this nature. In particular, the Third Amended Credit Agreement requires that we maintain certain financial covenants, as follows:

    

 

Covenant Requirement

Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio (1)

 

4.0 to 1.0

Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (2)

 

3.0 to 1.0

Facility Capital Expenditures (3)

$50 million

(1) Maximum Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Third Amended Credit Agreement) as of any fiscal quarter end.
(2) Minimum ratio of Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Third Amended Credit Agreement and adjusted for certain expenditures) to Consolidated interest expense (as defined in the Third Amended Credit Agreement) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters.
(3) Maximum level of the aggregate amount of all Facility Capital Expenditures (as defined in the Third Amended Credit Agreement) in any fiscal year.

As of September 30, 2019, we believe we were in compliance with all covenants set forth in the Third Amended Credit Agreement.

As of September 30, 2019, we had outstanding borrowings of approximately $440.5 million under the Third Amended Credit Agreement, with additional available borrowings of approximately $191.1 million, based on the leverage ratio required pursuant to the Third Amended Credit Agreement. Our interest rate as of September 30, 2019 was a fixed rate of 2.37% on $175 million as a result of an interest rate swap (see Note 11) and a variable floating rate of 3.29% on $265.5 million. Our interest rate as of December 31, 2018 was a fixed rate of 2.12% on $175 million as a result of an interest rate swap and a variable floating rate of 3.52% on $213.5 million.

Future Payments

Future minimum principal payments on our long-term debt as of September 30, 2019, were as follows (in thousands):

Years Ending

Future Minimum

December 31,

    

Principal Payments

Remaining 2019

 

$

1,875

2020

 

7,500

2021

7,500

2022

8,438

2023

11,250

2024

 

403,937

Total future minimum principal payments

$

440,500

11.   Derivatives.

General. Our earnings and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, and we seek to mitigate a portion of these risks by entering into derivative contracts. The derivatives we use are interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts. We recognize derivatives as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, regardless of whether or not hedge accounting is applied. We report cash flows arising from our hedging instruments consistent with the classification of cash flows from the underlying hedged items. Accordingly, cash flows associated with our derivative instruments are classified as operating activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

We formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting initially and on an ongoing basis. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recorded, net of applicable taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. When the hedged transaction occurs, gains or losses are reclassified into earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period or periods during which

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the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recorded in earnings throughout the term of the derivative.

Interest Rate Risk. A portion of our debt bears interest at variable interest rates and, therefore, we are subject to variability in the cash paid for interest expense. In order to mitigate a portion of this risk, we use a hedging strategy to reduce the variability of cash flows in the interest payments associated with a portion of the variable-rate debt outstanding under our Third Amended Credit Agreement that is solely due to changes in the benchmark interest rate.

Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

On August 5, 2016, we entered into a pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap with a current notional amount of $175 million with Wells Fargo to fix the one-month LIBOR rate at 1.12%. The variable portion of the interest rate swap is tied to the one-month LIBOR rate (the benchmark interest rate). On a monthly basis, the interest rates under both the interest rate swap and the underlying debt reset, the swap is settled with the counterparty, and interest is paid. The interest rate swap is scheduled to expire on July 6, 2021.

At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our interest rate swap qualified as a cash flow hedge. The fair value of our interest rate swap at September 30, 2019 was an asset of approximately $1.2 million, which was partially offset by approximately $0.3 million in deferred taxes. The fair value of our interest rate swap at December 31, 2018 was an asset of approximately $5.8 million, which was offset by approximately $1.5 million in deferred taxes.

Foreign Currency Risk. We operate on a global basis and are exposed to the risk that our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. To reduce the potential effects of foreign currency exchange rate movements on net earnings, we enter into derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign currency exchange forward contracts with major financial institutions. Our policy is to enter into foreign currency derivative contracts with maturities of up to two years. We are primarily exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk with respect to transactions and balances denominated in Euros, British Pounds, Chinese Renminbi, Mexican Pesos, Brazilian Reals, Australian Dollars, Hong Kong Dollars, Swiss Francs, Swedish Krona, Canadian Dollars, Danish Krone, Japanese Yen, Korean Won, and Singapore Dollars. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We are not subject to any credit risk contingent features related to our derivative contracts, and counterparty risk is managed by allocating derivative contracts among several major financial institutions.

Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

We enter into forward contracts on various foreign currencies to manage the risk associated with forecasted exchange rates which impact revenues, cost of sales, and operating expenses in various international markets. The objective of the hedges is to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with the forecasted purchase or sale of the associated foreign currencies. We enter into approximately 150 cash flow foreign currency hedges every month. As of September 30, 2019, we had

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entered into foreign currency forward contracts, which qualified as cash flow hedges, with the following notional amounts (in thousands and in local currencies):

Currency

    

Symbol

    

Forward Notional Amount

Australian Dollar

 

AUD

 

5,930

Brazilian Real

BRL

7,830

Canadian Dollar

 

CAD

 

6,495

Swiss Franc

 

CHF

 

3,780

Chinese Renminbi

 

CNY

 

408,000

Danish Krone

 

DKK

 

32,225

Euro

 

EUR

 

33,150

British Pound

 

GBP

 

7,315

Japanese Yen

 

JPY

 

1,190,000

Korean Won

 

KRW

 

7,000,000

Mexican Peso

 

MXN

 

453,500

Norwegian Krone

NOK

14,050

Swedish Krona

 

SEK

 

43,450

Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

We forecast our net exposure in various receivables and payables to fluctuations in the value of various currencies, and we enter into foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate that exposure. We enter into approximately 20 foreign currency fair value hedges every month. As of September 30, 2019, we had entered into foreign currency forward contracts related to those balance sheet accounts, with the following notional amounts (in thousands and in local currencies):

Currency

    

Symbol

    

Forward Notional Amount

Australian Dollar

 

AUD

 

12,695

Brazilian Real

 

BRL

 

13,000

Canadian Dollar

 

CAD

 

1,795

Swiss Franc

 

CHF

 

739

Chinese Renminbi

 

CNY

 

69,069

Danish Krone

 

DKK

 

4,072

Euro

 

EUR

 

1,225

British Pound

 

GBP

 

6,982

Hong Kong Dollar

 

HKD

 

11,000

Japanese Yen

 

JPY

 

1,380,856

Korean Won

 

KRW

 

7,343,000

Mexican Peso

 

MXN

 

35,000

Norwegian Krone

NOK

2,999

Swedish Krona

 

SEK

 

12,647

Singapore Dollar

SGD

600

South African Rand

 

ZAR

 

40,218

Balance Sheet Presentation of Derivative Instruments. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, all derivative instruments, both those designated as hedging instruments and those that were not designated as hedging instruments, were recorded gross at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets. We are not subject to any master netting agreements.

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The fair value of derivative instruments on a gross basis was as follows on the dates indicated (in thousands):

Fair Value

    

Balance Sheet Location

    

September 30, 2019

    

December 31, 2018

Derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assets

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest rate swap

 

Other assets (long-term)

$

1,201

$

5,772

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

1,821

 

613

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Other assets (long-term)

 

496

 

151

Liabilities

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Accrued expenses

 

(1,262)

 

(711)

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Other long-term obligations

 

(333)

 

(101)

Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assets

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

$

541

$

814

Liabilities

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Accrued expenses

 

(505)

 

(796)

Income Statement Presentation of Derivative Instruments.

Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges had the following effects, before income taxes, on other comprehensive income (“OCI”), accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), and net earnings in our consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

Amount of Gain/(Loss)

Consolidated Statements of

Amount of Gain/(Loss)

recognized in OCI

Income

reclassified from AOCI

Three Months Ended September 30, 

Three Months Ended September 30, 

Three Months Ended September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

    

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

Derivative instrument

 

  

 

  

 

 

Location in statements of income

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest rate swap

$

(186)

$

664

 

Interest expense

$

(3,415)

$

(2,329)

$

520

$

428

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

505

 

543

 

Revenue

 

243,049

 

221,659

 

118

 

86

 

Cost of sales

 

(138,913)

 

(119,620)

 

(112)

 

26

Amount of Gain/(Loss)

Consolidated Statements of

Amount of Gain/(Loss)

recognized in OCI

Income

reclassified from AOCI

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

    

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

Derivative instrument

 

  

 

  

 

 

Location in statements of income

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest rate swap

(2,855)

$

3,532

 

Interest expense

(9,295)

 

(8,064)

$

1,716

$

998

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

555

 

1,112

 

Revenue

 

736,930

 

649,504

 

220

 

(299)

 

Cost of sales

 

(416,194)

 

(359,400)

 

(298)

 

404

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As of September 30, 2019, approximately $(467,000), or $(347,000) after taxes, was expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings in revenue and cost of sales over the succeeding twelve months. As of September 30, 2019, approximately $933,000, or $693,000 after taxes, was expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings in interest expense over the succeeding twelve months.

Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The following gains/(losses) from these derivative instruments were recognized in our consolidated statements of income for the periods presented (in thousands):

    

    

Three Months Ended September 30, 

    

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

Derivative Instrument

 

Location in statements of income

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Other income (expense)

$

2,402

$

1,143

$

1,647

$

3,181

12.   Fair Value Measurements. Our financial assets and (liabilities) carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, consisted of the following (in thousands):

Fair Value Measurements Using

Total Fair

Quoted prices in

Significant other

Significant

Value at

active markets

observable inputs

unobservable inputs

    

September 30, 2019

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

Interest rate contract (1)

$

1,201

$

$

1,201

$

Foreign currency contract assets, current and long-term (2)

$

2,858

$

$

2,858

$

Foreign currency contract liabilities, current and long-term (3)

$

(2,100)

$

$

(2,100)

$

Contingent receivable asset

$

506

$

$

$

506

Contingent consideration liabilities

$

(79,608)

$

$

$

(79,608)

Fair Value Measurements Using

Total Fair

Quoted prices in

Significant other

Significant

Value at

active markets

observable inputs

unobservable inputs

    

December 31, 2018

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

Interest rate contract (1)

$

5,772

$

$

5,772

$

Foreign currency contract assets, current and long-term (2)

$

1,578

$

$

1,578

$

Foreign currency contract liabilities, current and long-term (3)

$

(1,608)

$

$

(1,608)

$

Contingent receivable asset

$

607

$

$

$

607

Contingent consideration liabilities

$

(82,236)

$

$

$

(82,236)

(1) The fair value of the interest rate contract is determined using Level 2 fair value inputs and is recorded as other assets or other long-term obligations in the consolidated balance sheets.
(2) The fair value of the foreign currency contract assets (including those designated as hedging instruments and those not designated as hedging instruments) is determined using Level 2 fair value inputs and is recorded as prepaid expenses and other current assets or other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
(3) The fair value of the foreign currency contract liabilities (including those designated as hedging instruments and those not designated as hedging instruments) is determined using Level 2 fair value inputs and is recorded as accrued expenses or other long-term obligations in the consolidated balance sheets.

Certain of our business combinations involve the potential for the payment of future contingent consideration, generally based on a percentage of future product sales or upon attaining specified future revenue or other milestones. See Note 5 for further information regarding these acquisitions. The contingent consideration liability is re-measured at the estimated fair value at the end of each reporting period with the change in fair value recognized within operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for such period. We measure the initial liability and re-measure the

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liability on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined under authoritative guidance for fair value measurements. Changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration liabilities during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following (in thousands):

    

Three Months Ended

    

Nine Months Ended

    

September 30, 

    

September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

Beginning balance

$

93,204

$

10,912

$

82,236

$

10,956

Contingent consideration liability recorded as the result of acquisitions (see Note 5)

 

1,203

 

 

9,583

 

Fair value adjustments recorded to income

 

273

 

(828)

 

3,473

 

(741)

Contingent payments made

 

(15,072)

 

(53)

 

(15,684)

 

(184)

Ending balance

$

79,608

$

10,031

$

79,608

$

10,031

As of September 30, 2019, approximately $72.5 million in contingent consideration liability was included in other long-term obligations and approximately $7.1 million was included in accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2018, approximately $58.5 million in contingent consideration liability was included in other long-term obligations and $23.8 million was included in accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheet. Cash paid to settle the contingent consideration liability recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date (including measurement-period adjustments) has been reflected as a cash outflow from financing activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we sold a cost method investment for cash and for the right to receive additional payments based on various contingent milestones. We determined the fair value of the contingent payments using Level 3 inputs defined under authoritative guidance for fair value measurements, and we recorded a contingent receivable asset, which as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 had a value of approximately $506,000 and $607,000, respectively, recorded as a current asset in other receivables in our consolidated balance sheets. We record any changes in fair value to operating expenses as part of our cardiovascular segment in our consolidated statements of income. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, we recorded a loss on the contingent receivable of approximately $(119,000) and $(101,000), respectively. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, we recorded a loss of approximately $(167,000) and $(299,000), respectively and received payments of approximately $0 and $153,000, respectively related to the contingent receivable.

The recurring Level 3 measurement of our contingent consideration liability and contingent receivable included the following significant unobservable inputs at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (amounts in thousands):

Fair value at

September 30, 

Valuation

Contingent consideration asset or liability

    

2019

    

technique

    

Unobservable inputs

    

Range

Revenue-based royalty payments contingent liability

$

8,916

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Discount rate

 

13% - 25%

 

  

 

 

Projected year of payments

 

2019-2034

Revenue milestones contingent liability

$

67,807

 

Monte Carlo simulation

 

Discount rate

 

13% - 15%

 

  

 

 

Projected year of payments

 

2019-2022

Regulatory approval contingent liability

$

2,885

Scenario-based method

Discount rate

3.9%

Probability of milestone payment

65%

Projected year of payment

2022

Contingent receivable asset

$

506

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Discount rate

 

0%

 

  

 

 

Probability of milestone payment

 

100%

 

Projected year of payments

 

2020

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Fair value at

    

 

December 31, 

Valuation

 

Contingent consideration asset or liability

    

2018

    

technique

    

Unobservable inputs

    

Range

 

Revenue-based royalty payments contingent liability

$

10,661

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Discount rate

 

9.9% - 25%

 

  

 

 

Projected year of payments

 

2018-2037

Supply chain milestone contingent liability

$

13,593

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Discount rate

 

5.3%

 

  

 

 

Probability of milestone payment

 

95%

Projected year of payments

2019

Revenue milestones contingent liability

$

57,982

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Discount rate

 

3.3% - 13%

 

  

 

 

Projected year of payments

 

2019-2023

Contingent receivable asset

$

607

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Discount rate

 

10%

 

  

 

 

Probability of milestone payment

 

67%

 

Projected year of payments

 

2019

The contingent consideration liability and contingent receivable are re-measured to fair value each reporting period using projected revenues, discount rates, probabilities of payment, and projected payment dates. Projected revenues are based on our most recent internal operational budgets and long-range strategic plans. An increase (decrease) in either the discount rate or the time to payment, in isolation, may result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. An increase (decrease) in the probability of any milestone payment may result in higher (lower) fair value measurements. Our determination of the fair value of the contingent consideration liability and contingent receivable could change in future periods based upon our ongoing evaluation of these significant unobservable inputs. We intend to record any such change in fair value to operating expenses in our consolidated statements of income.

We recognize or disclose the fair value of certain assets, such as non-financial assets, primarily property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill in connection with impairment evaluations. All our nonrecurring valuations use significant unobservable inputs and therefore fall under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, we recorded impairment charges of approximately $2.7 million and $3.3 million, respectively, related to certain acquired intangible assets (see Note 13). In addition, during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, we had losses of approximately $196,000 and $829,000, compared to losses of approximately $0 and $86,000, respectively, for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, related to the measurement of other non-financial assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.

We believe the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and trade payables approximate fair value because of the immediate, short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Our long-term debt re-prices frequently due to variable rates and entails no significant changes in credit risk and, as a result, we believe the fair value of long-term debt approximates carrying value. The fair value of assets and liabilities whose carrying value approximates fair value is determined using Level 2 inputs, with the exception of cash and cash equivalents, which are Level 1 inputs.

13.   Goodwill and Intangible Assets. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 were as follows (in thousands):

    

2019

Goodwill balance at January 1

$

335,433

Effect of foreign exchange

 

(1,069)

Additions and adjustments as the result of acquisitions

 

17,794

Goodwill balance at September 30

$

352,158

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Total accumulated goodwill impairment losses aggregated to approximately $8.3 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. We did not have any goodwill impairments for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. The total goodwill balance as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, was related to our cardiovascular segment.

Other intangible assets at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, consisted of the following (in thousands):

September 30, 2019

Gross Carrying

Accumulated

Net Carrying

    

Amount

    

Amortization

    

Amount

Patents

$

21,938

$

(6,449)

$

15,489

Distribution agreements

 

8,012

 

(6,537)

 

1,475

License agreements

 

26,975

 

(12,226)

 

14,749

Trademarks

 

30,232

 

(8,743)

 

21,489

Covenants not to compete

 

1,029

 

(1,023)

 

6

Customer lists

 

39,803

 

(27,400)

 

12,403

In-process technology

 

2,500

 

 

2,500

Total

$

130,489

$

(62,378)

$

68,111

December 31, 2018

Gross Carrying

Accumulated

Net Carrying

    

Amount

    

Amortization

    

Amount

Patents

    

$

19,378

    

$

(5,012)

    

$

14,366

Distribution agreements

 

8,012

 

(5,766)

 

2,246

License agreements

 

26,930

 

(7,411)

 

19,519

Trademarks

 

29,998

 

(6,586)

 

23,412

Covenants not to compete

 

1,028

 

(1,000)

 

28

Customer lists

 

39,936

 

(23,361)

 

16,575

In-process technology

 

3,420

 

 

3,420

Total

$

128,702

$

(49,136)

$

79,566

Aggregate amortization expense for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $15.5 million and $45.2 million, respectively. Aggregate amortization expense for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 was approximately $10.5 million and $29.4 million, respectively.

We evaluate long-lived assets, including amortizing intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We perform the impairment analysis at the asset group for which the lowest level of identifiable cash flows is largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. We compare the carrying value of the amortizing intangible assets acquired to the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the asset group and determine whether the carrying amount is recoverable. We determine the fair value of our amortizing assets based on estimated future cash flows discounted back to their present value using a discount rate that reflects the risk profiles of the underlying activities. We identified indicators of impairment associated with certain acquired intangible assets in our cardiovascular segment based on our qualitative assessment, which required us to complete an interim quantitative impairment assessment. The primary indicator of impairment was slower than anticipated sales growth in the acquired products and uncertainty about future product development and commercialization associated with the acquired technologies.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded impairment charges related to our amortizing intangible assets of approximately $869,000 from our July 2015 acquisition of certain assets from Distal Access, LLC, $548,000 from our June 2016 acquisition of certain assets from Lazarus Medical Technologies, LLC, and $1.8 million from our July 2017 acquisition of certain assets from Pleuratech ApS. Total impairment charges for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $2.7 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

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During the three months ended September 30, 2018, we compared the carrying value of the amortizing intangible assets acquired in our July 2015 acquisition of certain assets from Quellent, LLC, all of which pertained to our cardiovascular segment, to the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the asset group and determined that the carrying amount was not recoverable. We recorded an impairment charge for Quellent of approximately $657,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2018.

Estimated amortization expense for the developed technology and other intangible assets for the next five years consists of the following as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,

Estimated Amortization Expense

Remaining 2019

$

15,435

2020

 

59,265

2021

 

51,916

2022

 

50,504

2023

49,297

2024

 

46,360

14.   Leases. We adopted ASC 842 using the modified retrospective approach, electing the practical expedient that allows us not to restate our comparative periods prior to the adoption of the standard on January 1, 2019. As such, the disclosures required under ASC 842 are not presented for periods before the date of adoption. For the comparative periods prior to adoption, we present the disclosures which were required under ASC 840.

We have operating leases for facilities used for manufacturing, research and development, sales and distribution, and office space, as well as leases for manufacturing and office equipment, vehicles, and land. Our leases have remaining terms of less than one year to approximately 30 years. A number of our lease agreements contain options to renew at our discretion for periods of up to 15 years and options to terminate the leases within one year. The lease term used to calculate ROU assets and lease liabilities includes renewal and termination options that are deemed reasonably certain to be exercised. Lease agreements with lease and non-lease components are generally accounted for as a single lease component. We do not have any bargain purchase options in our leases. For leases with an initial term of one year or less, we do not record a ROU asset or lease liability on our consolidated balance sheet. Substantially all of the ROU assets and lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 recorded on our consolidated balance sheet are related to our cardiovascular segment.

From time to time we enter into agreements to sublease a portion of our facilities to third parties. Such sublease income is not material. We also lease certain hardware consoles to customers and record rental revenue as a component of net sales. Rental revenue under such console leasing arrangements for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was not significant.

The following was included in our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

    

As of September 30, 2019

Assets

 

  

ROU operating lease assets

$

79,757

Liabilities

 

  

Short-term operating lease liabilities

$

11,652

Long-term operating lease liabilities

 

72,056

Total operating lease liabilities

$

83,708

During the year ended December 31, 2015, we entered into sale and leaseback transactions to finance certain production equipment for approximately $2.0 million. At that time, we deferred the gain from the sale and leaseback transaction, of which approximately $93,000 remained as of December 31, 2018. As part of the adoption of ASC 842, we wrote-off the deferred gain as an adjustment to equity through retained earnings as of January 1, 2019.

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We recognize lease expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The components of lease costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 were as follows, in thousands:

    

    

    

Three Months Ended

    

Nine Months Ended

Lease Cost

Classification

September 30, 2019

September 30, 2019

Operating lease cost (a)

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

$

4,253

$

12,650

Sublease (income) (b)

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

(37)

 

(328)

Net lease cost

 

  

$

4,216

$

12,322

(a) Includes expense related to short-term leases and variable payments, which were not significant.
(b) Does not include rental revenue from leases of hardware consoles to customers, which was not significant.

Supplemental cash flow information for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was as follows:

    

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2019

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities

$

11,028

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations

$

7,431

Generally, our lease agreements do not specify an implicit rate. Therefore, we estimate our incremental borrowing rate, which is defined as the interest rate we would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis, considering such factors as length of lease term and the risks of the economic environment in which the leased asset operates. As of September 30, 2019, the following disclosures for remaining lease term and incremental borrowing rates were applicable:

    

September 30, 2019

 

Weighted average remaining lease term

 

12.4 years

Weighted average discount rate

 

3.3%

As of September 30, 2019, maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows, in thousands:

Year ended December 31, 

    

Amounts due under Operating Leases

Remaining 2019

$

3,575

2020

 

13,562

2021

 

12,568

2022

 

10,058

2023

 

8,038

Thereafter

 

58,492

Total lease payments

 

106,293

Less: Imputed interest

 

(22,585)

Total

$

83,708

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As previously disclosed in our 2018 Form 10-K under the prior guidance of ASC 840, minimum payments under operating lease agreements as of December 31, 2018 were as follows, in thousands:

Year ended December 31, 

    

Operating Leases

2019

$

13,421

2020

 

11,319

2021

 

9,995

2022

 

8,053

2023

 

6,953

Thereafter

 

52,754

Total minimum lease payments

$

102,495

As of September 30, 2019, we had additional operating leases for office space that had not yet commenced. These leases will commence during 2019 and are not deemed material.

15.   Commitments and Contingencies. In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various claims and litigation matters. These claims and litigation matters may include actions involving product liability, intellectual property, contract disputes, and employment or other matters that are significant to our business. Based upon our review of currently available information, we do not believe any such actions are likely to be, individually or in the aggregate, materially adverse to our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

In addition to the foregoing matters, in October 2016, we received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice seeking information on certain of our marketing and promotional practices. We have responded to the subpoena, as well as additional related requests. We have incurred, and anticipate that we will continue to incur, substantial costs in connection with the matter. The investigation is ongoing and at this stage we are unable to predict its scope, duration or outcome. Investigations such as this may result in the imposition of, among other things, significant damages, injunctions, fines or civil or criminal claims or penalties against our company or individuals. Legal expenses we incurred in responding to the U.S. Department of Justice investigation for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $2.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

In the event of unexpected further developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of any of the foregoing matters, or other similar matters, if resolved in a manner unfavorable to us, may be materially adverse to our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Legal costs for these matters, such as outside counsel fees and expenses, are charged to expense in the period incurred.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements in this report, other than statements of historical fact, are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of these provisions, including, without limitation, any projections of earnings, revenues or other financial items, any statements of the plans and objectives of our management for future operations, any statements concerning proposed new products or services, any statements regarding the integration, development or commercialization of the business or any assets acquired from other parties, any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. All forward-looking statements included in this report are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available to us as of such date. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “seeks,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “forecasts,” “continue,” or other forms of these words or similar words or expressions, or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations or any of the forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Actual results will likely differ, and could differ materially, from those projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Prospective investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on any such forward-looking statements.

Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, including the following:

risks relating to managing growth, particularly if accomplished through acquisitions and the integration of acquired businesses;
risks relating to protecting our intellectual property;
claims by third parties that we infringe their intellectual property rights, which could cause us to incur significant legal or licensing expenses and prevent us from selling our products;
greater scrutiny and regulation by governmental authorities, including risks relating to the subpoena we received in October 2016 from the U.S. Department of Justice seeking information on our marketing and promotional practices;
risks relating to physicians’ use of our products in unapproved circumstances;
FDA regulatory clearance processes and any failure to obtain and maintain required regulatory clearances and approvals;
international regulatory clearance processes and any failure to obtain and maintain required regulatory clearances and approvals;
disruption of our security of information technology systems to operate our business, our critical information systems or a breach in the security of our systems;
the effect of evolving U.S. and international laws and regulations regarding privacy and data protection;
the pending exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union and uncertainties about when, how or if such exit will occur;

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risks relating to significant adverse changes in, or our failure to comply with, governing regulations;
restrictions and limitations in our debt agreements and instruments, which could affect our ability to operate our business and our liquidity;
uncertainties relating to the LIBOR calculation method and the expected discontinuation of LIBOR after 2021;
expending significant resources for research, development, testing and regulatory approval or clearance of our products under development and any failure to develop the products, any failure of the products to be effective or any failure to obtain approvals for commercial use;
violations of laws targeting fraud and abuse in the healthcare industry;
risks relating to healthcare reform legislation negatively affecting our financial results, business, operations or financial condition;
loss of key personnel;
termination or interruption of, or a failure to monitor, our supply relationships or increases in the price of our component parts, finished products, third-party services or raw materials, particularly petroleum-based products;
product liability claims;
failure to report adverse medical events to the FDA or other governmental authorities, which may subject us to sanctions that may materially harm our business;
failure to maintain or establish sales capabilities on our own or through third parties, which may result in our inability to commercialize any of our products in countries where we lack direct sales and marketing capabilities;
employees, independent contractors, consultants, manufacturers and distributors engaging in misconduct or other improper activities, including noncompliance;
the addressable market for our product groups being smaller than our estimates;
consolidation in the healthcare industry, group purchasing organizations or public procurement policies leading to demands for price concessions;
our inability to compete in markets, particularly if there is a significant change in relevant practices or technology;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates negatively impacting our financial results;
inability to accurately forecast customer demand for our products or manage our inventory;
international and national economic and industry conditions constantly changing;
changes in general economic conditions, geopolitical conditions, U.S. trade policies and other factors beyond our control;
failure to comply with export control laws, customs laws, sanctions laws and other laws governing our operations in the U.S. and other countries, which could subject us to civil or criminal penalties, other remedial measures and legal expenses;

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inability to generate sufficient cash flow to fund our debt obligations, capital expenditures, and ongoing operations;
risks relating to our revenues being derived from a few products and medical procedures;
risks relating to work stoppage, transportation interruptions, severe weather and natural disasters;
fluctuations in our effective tax rate adversely affecting our business, financial condition or results of operations;
limits on reimbursement imposed by governmental and other programs;
failure to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations;
volatility of the market price of our common stock and potential dilution from future equity offerings; and
other factors referenced in our press releases and in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Our actual results will likely differ, and may differ materially, from anticipated results. Financial estimates are subject to change and are not intended to be relied upon as predictions of future operating results, and we assume no obligation to update or disclose revisions to those estimates. If we do update or correct one or more forward-looking statements, investors and others should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections. Additional factors that may have a direct bearing on our operating results are discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the 2018 Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this report.

Disclosure Regarding Trademarks

This report includes trademarks, tradenames and service marks that are our property or the property of others. Solely for convenience, such trademarks and tradenames sometimes appear without any “™” or “®” symbol. However, failure to include such symbols is not intended to suggest, in any way, that we will not assert our rights or the rights of any applicable licensor, to these trademarks and tradenames.

OVERVIEW

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related condensed notes thereto, which are included in Part I of this report.

We design, develop, manufacture and market single-use medical products for interventional and diagnostic procedures. For financial reporting purposes, we report our operations in two operating segments: cardiovascular and endoscopy. Our cardiovascular segment consists of cardiology and radiology devices, which assist in diagnosing and treating coronary arterial disease, peripheral vascular disease and other non-vascular diseases and includes embolotherapeutic, cardiac rhythm management, electrophysiology, critical care and interventional oncology and spine devices, as well as our Cianna Medical product line. Our endoscopy segment focuses on the gastroenterology, pulmonary and thoracic surgery specialties, with a portfolio consisting primarily of stents, dilation balloons, certain inflation devices, guidewires, and other disposable products. Within those two operating segments, we offer products focused in six core product groups: peripheral intervention, cardiac intervention, interventional oncology and spine, cardiovascular and critical care, breast cancer localization and guidance, and endoscopy.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2019, we reported sales of approximately $243.0 million, up approximately $21.3 million or 9.6%, over sales from the three-month period ended September 30, 2018 of approximately $221.7 million. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, we reported sales of approximately $736.9 million,

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up approximately $87.4 million or 13.5%, over sales from the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 of approximately $649.5 million.

Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 42.8% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 as compared to 46.0% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 43.5% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 as compared to 44.7% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018.

Net loss for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $(3.4) million, or $(0.06) per share, as compared to $16.6 million, or $0.30 per share, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018. Net income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $9.7 million, or $0.17 per share, as compared to approximately $32.8 million, or $0.62 per share, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018.

Recent Developments and Trends

In addition to the trends identified in the 2018 Form 10-K under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Overview,” our business in 2019 has been impacted, and we believe it will continue to be impacted by the following recent events and trends:

During the three months ended September 30, 2019 we initiated a number of programs to provide efficiency and lower costs, including headcount reductions of approximately 2% of our total workforce.
Our facility in San Jose has been closed with essential aspects absorbed into our South Jordan facility. We are currently reviewing additional satellite facilities for possible consolidation during the next several months.
Our transition of the manufacturing activities associated with the products we acquired from BD in February 2018 to our facility in Tijuana, Mexico has been completed consistent with our projected schedule and budget.
On August 1, 2019, we entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire Fibrovein Holdings Limited, which is the owner of 100% of the capital stock of STD Pharmaceutical. The total purchase price was approximately $13.7 million. We accounted for this acquisition as a business combination.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth certain operational data as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated:

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

    

2019

    

2018

    

Net sales

 

100

%  

100

%  

 

100

%  

100

%  

Gross profit

 

42.8

 

46.0

 

 

43.5

44.7

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

35.8

 

29.9

 

 

33.3

30.9

 

Research and development expenses

 

7.0

 

6.6

 

 

6.7

6.8

 

Intangible asset impairment charges

 

1.1

 

0.3

 

 

0.4

0.1

 

Contingent consideration expense (benefit)

 

0.1

 

(0.3)

 

 

0.5

(0.1)

 

Acquired in-process research and development expenses

 

 

 

 

0.1

0.1

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

(1.2)

 

9.5

 

 

2.6

6.9

 

Other expense - net

 

(1.1)

 

(0.8)

 

 

(1.2)

(1.2)

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(2.3)

 

8.7

 

 

1.4

5.7

 

Net income (loss)

 

(1.4)

 

7.5

 

 

1.3

5.1

 

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Sales

Sales for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 increased by 9.6%, or approximately $21.3 million, compared to the corresponding period in 2018. Sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 increased by 13.5%, or approximately $87.4 million, compared to the corresponding period in 2018. Listed below are the sales by product category within each of our two financial reporting segments for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands, other than percentage changes):

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

    

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

% Change

    

2019

    

2018

    

% Change

    

2019

    

2018

Cardiovascular

Stand-alone devices

 

5.9

%  

$

96,326

$

90,975

10.7

%  

$

295,275

$

266,717

Cianna Medical

 

n/a

 

11,638

 

 

n/a

35,723

 

Custom kits and procedure trays

 

2.6

%  

 

33,972

 

33,095

 

0.9

%  

101,257

 

100,359

Inflation devices

 

(3.1)

%  

 

22,183

 

22,893

 

(1.6)

%  

68,515

 

69,617

Catheters

 

9.4

%  

 

44,426

 

40,591

 

16.7

%  

132,809

 

113,830

Embolization devices

 

(0.5)

%  

 

12,333

 

12,395

 

1.2

%  

38,168

 

37,706

CRM/EP

 

11.0

%  

 

13,548

 

12,201

 

10.1

%  

39,823

 

36,163

Total

 

10.5

%  

 

234,426

 

212,150

 

14.0

%  

711,570

 

624,392

Endoscopy

Endoscopy devices

 

(9.3)

%  

 

8,623

 

9,509

 

1.0

%  

25,360

 

25,112

Total

 

9.6

%  

$

243,049

$

221,659

13.5

%  

$

736,930

$

649,504

Cardiovascular Sales. Our cardiovascular sales for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $234.4 million, up 10.5% when compared to the corresponding period for 2018 of approximately $212.2 million. Sales for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 were favorably affected by increased sales of:

(a) our stand-alone devices (particularly our MAPTM Merit Angioplasty Packs, Achieve® Automatic Biopsy Device, Temno® Evolution Biopsy Device, and guide wires, as well as sales from products we acquired from Vascular Insights and Brightwater) of approximately $5.4 million, up 5.9% from the corresponding period for 2018;

(b) Cianna Medical products of approximately $11.6 million; and

(c) catheters (particularly our ReSolve® Locking Drainage Catheters and cardiology diagnostic catheters and our sheath introducers, including our Prelude® Sheath Introducer and Prelude IDealTM Hydrophilic Sheath Introducer) of approximately $3.8 million, up 9.4% from the corresponding period for 2018.

Our cardiovascular sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $711.6 million, up 14.0%, when compared to the corresponding period for 2018 of approximately $624.4 million. Sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 were favorably affected by increased sales of:

(a) our stand-alone devices (particularly our MAPTM Merit Angioplasty Packs, Merit Laureate® Hydrophilic Guide Wires, DualCap® products, and other guide wires, as well as sales from products acquired in connection with our acquisitions, including the divested BD product lines and ClariVein devices we acquired from Vascular Insights) of approximately $28.6 million, up 10.7% from the corresponding period for 2018;

(b) Cianna Medical products of approximately $35.7 million; and

(c) catheters (particularly our ReSolve Locking Drainage Catheters, cardiology diagnostic catheters, Merit Maestro® Microcatheters and our sheath introducers, including our Prelude Sheath Introducer and Prelude IDeal Hydrophilic Sheath Introducer) of approximately $19.0 million, up 16.7% from the corresponding period for 2018.

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Endoscopy Sales. Our endoscopy sales for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $8.6 million, down (9.3%), when compared to sales in the corresponding period of 2018 of approximately $9.5 million. Sales for the three-month period were unfavorably affected by decreased sales of NinePoint NvisionVLE imaging systems and stents.

Our endoscopy sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $25.4 million, up 1.0%, when compared to sales in the corresponding period of 2018 of approximately $25.1 million. Sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 were favorably affected by increased sales of our EndoMAXX® Fully Covered Esophageal Stent and our Elation® Balloon Dilator, partially offset by decreased sales of NinePoint NvisionVLE® imaging systems and stents.

International Sales. International sales for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $99.0 million, or 40.7% of net sales, up 3.6% when compared to the corresponding period in 2018. The increase in our international sales for the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018 was primarily related to sales increases in China of approximately $4.7 million, or 20.7% when compared to the corresponding period in 2018.

International sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $310.2 million, or 42.1% of net sales, up 7.4% when compared to the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. The increase in our international sales was primarily related to (a) sales increases in China of approximately $13.5 million, or 18.6% when compared to the corresponding period in 2018, (b) sales increases with distributors in the Middle East of approximately $2.3 million, or 25.2% when compared to the corresponding period in 2018, and (c) sales increases in Southeast Asia of $2.6 million, or 21.5% when compared to the corresponding period in 2018.

Gross Profit

Our gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 42.8% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019, compared to 46.0% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 43.5% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, compared to 44.7% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. The decrease in gross profit percentage was primarily due to increased amortization as a result of acquisitions, increased costs associated with new distribution sites, and adverse impacts from tariffs and foreign currency fluctuations. Amortization expense associated with our acquisitions is discussed in greater detail in Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Operating Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased approximately $20.6 million, or 31.0%, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 compared to the three-month period ended September 30, 2018. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses were 35.8% of sales for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019, compared to 29.9% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018. SG&A expenses increased approximately $44.8 million, or 22.4%, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 compared to the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses increased to 33.3% of sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, compared to 30.9% of sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. The increase in SG&A expense was primarily related to higher compensation expenses, severance costs, and increased amortization as a result of acquisitions.

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development ("R&D") expenses for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $17.0 million, up 16.9%, when compared to R&D expenses in the corresponding period of 2018 of approximately $14.5 million. R&D expenses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $49.4 million, up 11.8%, when compared to R&D expenses in the corresponding period of 2018 of approximately $44.2 million. This increase in R&D expenses was largely due to hiring additional research and development personnel to support various new core and acquired product developments.

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Operating Income (Loss)

The following table sets forth our operating income (loss) by financial reporting segment for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

Operating Income (loss)

Cardiovascular

$

(6,210)

$

18,199

$

11,263

$

37,263

Endoscopy

 

3,329

 

2,862

 

7,581

 

7,692

Total operating income (loss)

$

(2,881)

$

21,061

$

18,844

$

44,955

Cardiovascular Operating Income (Loss). Our cardiovascular operating loss for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $(6.2) million, compared to operating income of approximately $18.2 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018. Our cardiovascular operating income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $11.3 million, compared to operating income of approximately $37.3 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. The decrease in cardiovascular operating income was primarily a result of increased impairment expense, increased amortization expense as a result of acquisitions, higher contingent consideration expense from fair value adjustments related to liabilities from recent acquisitions and lower gross margins, partially offset by higher sales.

Endoscopy Operating Income. Our endoscopy operating income for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $3.3 million, compared to approximately $2.9 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018. This increase was primarily the result of higher gross margins and lower operating expenses as a percentage of sales.  Our endoscopy operating income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $7.6 million, compared to approximately $7.7 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018.

Effective Tax Rate

Our effective income tax rate for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was 40.3% and 14.3%, respectively. Our effective income tax rate for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was 4.9% and 12.0%, respectively. The income tax benefit and corresponding increase in the effective tax rate for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019, when compared to the prior-year period, was primarily due to a pre-tax loss during the period, as well as a change in the jurisdictional mix of earnings. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, when compared to the prior-year period, was primarily the result of discrete items in the current-year period which generated a greater tax benefit due to lower pre-tax income.

Other Income (Expense)

Our other income (expense) for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was approximately $(2.8) million and $(1.7) million, respectively. The increase in other expense was primarily a result of increased interest expense as a result of higher average debt balances.

Our other income (expense) for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was approximately $(8.7) million, and $(7.6) million, respectively. The increase in other expense for this period was primarily a result of increased interest expense as a result of higher average debt balances.

Net Income (Loss)

Our net loss for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $(3.4) million and net income was approximately $16.6 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018. Our net income for nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was approximately $9.7 million and $32.8 million, respectively. The decrease in net income for both periods was primarily due to lower gross margins, higher contingent consideration expense from fair value

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adjustments related to liabilities from recent acquisitions, higher SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales, and higher intangible impairment expense, partially offset by increased sales.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Capital Commitments, Contractual Obligations and Cash Flows

At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $37.3 million and $67.4 million respectively, of which approximately $34.0 million and $57.3 million, respectively, were held by foreign subsidiaries. For each of our foreign subsidiaries, we make an evaluation as to whether the earnings are intended to be repatriated to the United States or held by the foreign subsidiary for permanent reinvestment. We are not permanently reinvested with respect to our historic unremitted foreign earnings; a deferred tax liability has been accrued for the earnings that are available to be repatriated to the United States.

In addition, cash held by our subsidiary in China is subject to local laws and regulations that require government approval for the transfer of such funds to entities located outside of China. As of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $12.0 million and $18.6 million, respectively, within our subsidiary in China.

Cash flows provided by operating activities. Cash provided by operating activities during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was primarily the result of net income excluding non-cash items, partially offset by changes in working capital. Our working capital as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was approximately $288.1 million and $254.5 million, respectively. The increase in working capital as of September 30, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018 was primarily the result of an increase in trade receivables, inventories, prepaid expenses and other assets and income tax refund receivables, as well as decreases in accrued expenses and the current portion of long-term debt, partially offset by the recording of current operating lease liabilities as a result of the adoption of ASC 842 and a decrease in cash. As of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, we had a current ratio of 2.88 to 1 and 2.45 to 1, respectively.

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, our inventory balance increased approximately $19.2 million, from approximately $197.5 million as of December 31, 2018 to approximately $216.8 million as of September 30, 2019. The increase in the inventory balance was primarily due to increased inventory levels associated with increased sales and the initial placement of inventory in our new warehouse and distribution facility in Reading, United Kingdom. The trailing twelve-month inventory turns as of September 30, 2019 was 2.73, compared to 2.80 for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2018.

Cash flows provided by financing activities. Cash provided by financing activities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $33.7 million compared to cash provided by financing activities of approximately $140.4 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of approximately $106.7 million. The decrease was primarily the result of a reduction in the proceeds from the issuance of common stock associated with our public equity offering of 4,025,000 shares of common stock completed in July 2018 (from which we received net proceeds of approximately $205.0 million) and additional net borrowings in 2019 to fund the acquisition of Brightwater and the payment of certain contingent liabilities associated with our acquisition of Cianna Medical.

As of September 30, 2019, we had outstanding borrowings of approximately $440.5 million under the Third Amended Credit Agreement, with additional available borrowings of approximately $191.1 million, based on the leverage ratio required pursuant to the Third Amended Credit Agreement. Our interest rate as of September 30, 2019 was a fixed rate of 2.37% on $175 million as a result of an interest rate swap (see Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report) and a variable floating rate of 3.29% on $265.5 million. Our interest rate as of December 31, 2018 was a fixed rate of 2.12% on $175 million as a result of an interest rate swap and a variable floating rate of 3.52% on $213.5 million. See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional details regarding the Third Amended Credit Agreement and our long-term debt.

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Cash flows used in investing activities. Cash used in investing activities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $113.9 million compared to approximately $182.8 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of approximately $68.9 million. This decrease was primarily a result of a decrease of approximately $69.3 million in net cash paid for acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (see Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report), partially offset by a $11.1 million increase in capital expenditures for property and equipment related to new facility construction and additional production equipment to support growth in operations.

We currently believe that our existing cash balances, anticipated future cash flows from operations and borrowings under the Third Amended Credit Agreement will be adequate to fund our current and currently planned future operations for the next twelve months and the foreseeable future. In the event we pursue and complete significant transactions or acquisitions in the future, additional funds will likely be required to meet our strategic needs, which may require us to raise additional funds in the debt or equity markets.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Under SEC regulations, we are required to disclose our off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, such as changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors. As of September 30, 2019, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The SEC has requested that all registrants address their most critical accounting policies. The SEC has indicated that a “critical accounting policy” is one which is both important to the representation of the registrant’s financial condition and results and requires management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We base our estimates on past experience and on various other assumptions our management believes 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. Actual results will differ, and may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Additionally, changes in accounting estimates could occur in the future from period to period. The following paragraphs identify our most critical accounting policies:

Inventory Obsolescence. Our management reviews on a quarterly basis inventory quantities on hand for unmarketable and/or slow-moving products that may expire prior to being sold. This review includes quantities on hand for both raw materials and finished goods. Based on this review, we provide adjustments for any slow-moving finished good products or raw materials that we believe will expire prior to being sold or used to produce a finished good and any products that are unmarketable. This review of inventory quantities for unmarketable and/or slow-moving products is based on forecasted product demand prior to expiration lives.

Forecasted unit demand is derived from our historical experience of product sales and production raw material usage. If market conditions become less favorable than those projected by our management, additional inventory write-downs may be required. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we recorded obsolescence expense of approximately $8.2 million, $6.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively, and wrote off approximately $7.9 million, $2.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively. We believe that our inventory balances as of September 30, 2019 have been accurately adjusted for any unmarketable and/or slow-moving products that may expire prior to being sold.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. A majority of our receivables are with hospitals which, over our history, have demonstrated favorable collection rates. Therefore, we have experienced relatively minimal bad debts from hospital customers. In limited circumstances, we have written off bad debts as the result of the termination of our business relationships with foreign distributors. The most significant write-offs over our history have come from U.S. and international distributors, as well as from U.S. custom procedure tray manufacturers who bundle our products in surgical trays.

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We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts relating to estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. These allowances are based upon historical experience and a review of individual customer balances. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Stock-Based Compensation. We measure stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize the cost as an expense over the term of the vesting period. Judgment is required in estimating the fair value of stock-based awards granted and their expected forfeiture rate.

Income Taxes. Under our accounting policies, we initially recognize a tax position in our financial statements when it becomes more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest aggregate amount of tax positions that have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authorities assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. Although we believe our provisions for unrecognized tax positions are reasonable, we can make no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different from that which we have reflected in our income tax provisions and accruals. The tax law is subject to varied interpretations, and we have taken positions related to certain matters where the law is subject to interpretation. Such differences could have a material impact on our income tax provisions and operating results in the period(s) in which we make such determination.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment and Contingent Consideration. We allocate any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination to goodwill. We test our goodwill balances for impairment as of July 1 of each year, or whenever impairment indicators arise. We utilize several reporting units in evaluating goodwill for impairment. We assess the estimated fair value of reporting units using a combination of a guideline public company market-based approach and a discounted cash flow income-based approach. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. This analysis requires significant judgment, including estimation of future cash flows and the length of time they will occur, which is based on internal forecasts, and a determination of a discount rate based on our weighted average cost of capital. During our annual test of goodwill balances in 2019, which was completed during the third quarter of 2019, we determined that the fair value of each reporting unit with goodwill exceeded the carrying amount by a significant amount.

We evaluate the recoverability of intangible assets subject to amortization whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. This analysis requires similar significant judgments as those discussed above regarding goodwill, except that undiscounted cash flows are compared to the carrying amount of intangible assets to determine if impairment exists. In-process technology intangible assets, which are not subject to amortization until projects reach commercialization, are assessed for impairment at least annually and more frequently if events occur that would indicate a potential reduction in the fair value of the assets below their carrying value. During the three months ended September 30, 2019, we compared the carrying value of the amortizing intangible assets acquired in acquisitions of certain assets to the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from these asset groups and determined that the carrying amounts were not recoverable. We recorded impairment charges related to our amortizing intangible assets of approximately $869,000 from our July 2015 acquisition of certain assets from Distal Access, LLC, $548,000 from our June 2016 acquisition of certain assets from Lazarus Medical Technologies, LLC, and $1.8 million from our July 2017 acquisition of certain assets from Pleuratech ApS. Total impairment charges for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $2.7 million and $3.3 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, we compared the carrying value of the amortizing intangible assets acquired in our July 2015 acquisition of certain assets from Quellent, LLC, all of which pertained to our cardiovascular segment, to the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the asset group and determined that the carrying amount was not recoverable. We recorded an impairment charge for Quellent of approximately $657,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2018.

Contingent consideration is an obligation by the buyer to transfer additional assets or equity interests to the former owner upon reaching certain performance targets. Certain of our business combinations involve the potential for the payment of future contingent consideration, generally based on a percentage of future product sales or upon attaining specified future

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revenue or other milestones. In connection with a business combination, any contingent consideration is recorded on the acquisition date based upon the consideration expected to be transferred in the future. We re-measure the estimated liability each quarter and record changes in the estimated fair value through operating expense in our consolidated statements of income. Significant increases or decreases in our estimates could result in changes to the estimated fair value of our contingent consideration liability, as the result of changes in the timing and amount of revenue estimates, as well as changes in the discount rate or periods used in our valuation models.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Currency Risk

Our principal market risk relates to changes in the value of the following currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar (USD):

Euro (EUR)
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY), and
British Pound (GBP).

We also have more limited market risk relating to the following currencies (among others):

Hong Kong Dollar (HKD),
Mexican Peso (MXN),
Australian Dollar (AUD),
Canadian Dollar (CAD),
Brazilian Real (BRL),
Swiss Franc (CHF),
Swedish Krona (SEK),
Danish Krone (DKK),
Singapore Dollars (SGD),
South Korean Won (KRW), and
Japanese Yen (JPY).

Our consolidated financial statements are denominated in, and our principal currency is, the U.S. Dollar. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, a portion of our net sales (approximately $238.1 million, representing approximately 32.3% of our aggregate net sales), was attributable to sales that were denominated in foreign currencies. All other international sales were denominated in U.S. Dollars.

Our Euro-denominated revenue represents one of our largest single currency risks. However, our Euro-denominated expenses associated with our European operations (manufacturing sites, a distribution facility and sales representatives) provide a natural hedge. Accordingly, changes in the Euro, and in particular a strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against the Euro, generally have a positive effect on our operating income. As we continue to expand our operations in China, we have been increasingly exposed to currency risk related to our CNY-denominated revenue. In general, a strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against CNY has a negative effect on our operating income. The following table presents the USD impact to reported operating income related to a hypothetical positive and negative 10% exchange rate fluctuation in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to both the EUR and CNY (annual amounts in thousands):

USD Relative to Other Currency

    

10% Strengthening

    

10% Weakening

Impact to Operating Income:

EUR

$

5,300

$

(5,300)

CNY

$

(7,900)

$

7,900

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During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, exchange rate fluctuations of foreign currencies against the U.S. Dollar had the following impact on sales, cost of sales and gross profit (in thousands, except percentages):

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30, 2019

 

September 30, 2019

 

Currency Impact to Reported Amounts

 

Currency Impact to Reported Amounts

 

    Increase/(Decrease)

    

Percent Increase/(Decrease)

 

    Increase/(Decrease)

    

Percent Increase/(Decrease)

 

Net Sales

$

(2,366)

 

(1.0)

%

$

(11,826)

 

(1.6)

%

Cost of Sales

$

(1,161)

 

(0.8)

%

$

(4,067)

 

(1.0)

%

Gross Profit (1)

$

(1,205)

 

(1.1)

%

$

(7,759)

 

(2.4)

%

(1) Represents approximately 8 basis points decrease and 35 basis points decrease in gross margin percentage for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively

The impact to sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily a result of unfavorable impacts due to sales denominated in EUR and CNY. The impact to cost of sales was primarily a result of favorable impacts from EUR fluctuations related to manufacturing costs from our facilities in Europe denominated in EUR and MXN fluctuations on our manufacturing costs from our facility in Tijuana, Mexico denominated in MXN.

We forecast our net exposure related to sales and expenses denominated in foreign currencies. As of September 30, 2019, we had entered into foreign currency forward contracts, which qualified as cash flow hedges, with the following notional amounts (in thousands and in local currencies):

Currency

    

Symbol

    

Forward Notional Amount

Australian Dollar

 

AUD

 

5,930

Brazilian Real

BRL

7,830

Canadian Dollar

 

CAD

 

6,495

Swiss Franc

 

CHF

 

3,780

Chinese Renminbi

 

CNY

 

408,000

Danish Krone

 

DKK

 

32,225

Euro

 

EUR

 

33,150

British Pound

 

GBP

 

7,315

Japanese Yen

 

JPY

 

1,190,000

Korean Won

 

KRW

 

7,000,000

Mexican Peso

 

MXN

 

453,500

Norwegian Krone

NOK

14,050

Swedish Krona

SEK

43,450

We also forecast our net exposure in various receivables and payables to fluctuations in the value of various currencies, and we enter into foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate that exposure. As of September 30, 2019, we had entered

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into the following foreign currency forward contracts (which were not designated as hedging instruments) related to those balance sheet accounts (amounts in thousands and in local currencies):

Currency

    

Symbol

    

Forward Notional Amount

Australian Dollar

 

AUD

 

12,695

Brazilian Real

 

BRL

 

13,000

Canadian Dollar

 

CAD

 

1,795

Swiss Franc

 

CHF

 

739

Chinese Renminbi

 

CNY

 

69,069

Danish Krone

 

DKK

 

4,072

Euro

 

EUR

 

1,225

British Pound

 

GBP

 

6,982

Hong Kong Dollar

 

HKD

 

11,000

Japanese Yen

 

JPY

 

1,380,856

Korea Won

 

KRW

 

7,343,000

Mexican Peso

 

MXN

 

35,000

Norwegian Krone

 

NOK

 

2,999

Swedish Krona

 

SEK

 

12,647

Singapore Dollar

SGD

600

South African Rand

 

ZAR

 

40,218

See Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a discussion of our foreign currency forward contracts.

Interest Rate Risk. As discussed in Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements, as of September 30, 2019, we had outstanding borrowings of approximately $440.5 million under the Third Amended Credit Agreement. Our earnings and after-tax cash flow are affected by changes in interest rates. On August 5, 2016, we entered into a pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap with Wells Fargo, which as of September 30, 2019 had a notional amount of $175 million, to fix the one-month LIBOR rate at 1.12%. The interest rate swap is scheduled to expire on July 6, 2021. This instrument is intended to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations and was not entered into for speculative purposes. Excluding the amount that is subject to a fixed rate under the interest rate swap and assuming the current level of borrowings remained the same, it is estimated that our interest expense and income before income taxes would change by approximately $2.7 million annually for each one percentage point change in the average interest rate under these borrowings.

In the event of an adverse change in interest rates, our management would likely take actions to mitigate our exposure. However, due to the uncertainty of the actions that would be taken and their possible effects, additional analysis is not possible at this time. Further, such analysis would not consider the effects of the change in the level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures for our company. Consequently, our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act as of September 30, 2019. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities

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and Exchange Commission 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.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

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Table of Contents

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 15 “Commitments and Contingencies” set forth in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to other information set forth in this report, readers should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of the 2018 Form 10-K, as well as the amended and updated risk factor included below (which replaces the equivalent risk factor disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of the 2018 Form 10-K). Such risk factors could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our 2018 Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

The agreements and instruments governing our debt contain restrictions and limitations that could significantly affect our ability to operate our business, as well as significantly affect our liquidity.

We have entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Third Amended Credit Agreement"), with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and a lender, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, BOFA Securities, Inc., HSBC Bank USA, National Association, and U.S. Bank National Association as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, and Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, National Association and U.S. Bank National Association as co-syndication agents. In addition, Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, National Association, U.S. Bank, National Association, BMO Harris Bank, N.A., and MUFG Union Bank, Ltd. are parties to the Third Amended Credit Agreement as lenders. The Third Amended Credit Agreement amends and restates in its entirety our previously outstanding Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and all amendments thereto. The Third Amended Credit Agreement contains a number of significant covenants that could adversely affect our ability to operate our business, our liquidity or our results of operations. These covenants restrict, among other things, our incurrence of indebtedness, creation of liens or pledges on our assets, mergers or similar combinations or liquidations, asset dispositions, repurchases or redemptions of equity interests or debt, issuances of equity, payment of dividends and certain distributions and entry into related party transactions.

We have pledged substantially all of our assets as collateral for the Third Amended Credit Agreement. Our breach of any covenant in the Third Amended Credit Agreement, not otherwise cured, waived or amended, could result in a default under that agreement and could trigger acceleration of the underlying obligations. Any default under the Third Amended Credit Agreement could adversely affect our ability to service our debt and to fund our planned capital expenditures and ongoing operations. The administrative agent, joint lead arrangers, joint bookrunners and lenders under the Third Amended Credit Agreement have available to them the remedies typically available to lenders and secured parties, including the ability to foreclose on the collateral we have pledged. It could lead to an acceleration of indebtedness and foreclosure on our assets.

As currently amended, the Third Amended Credit Agreement provides for potential borrowings of up to $750 million. Such increased borrowing limits may make it more difficult for us to comply with leverage ratios and other restrictive covenants in the Third Amended Credit Agreement. We may also have less cash available for operations and investments in our business, as we will be required to use additional cash to satisfy the minimum payment obligations associated with this increased indebtedness.

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Table of Contents

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are filed herewith or have been filed previously with the SEC as indicated below:

Exhibit No.

   

Description

3.1

Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (1)

3.2

Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (1)

10.1

*Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and among Merit Medical Systems, Inc. as Borrower and the Lenders referred to herein, as Lenders, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, BOFA Securities, Inc., HSBC Bank USA, National Association, and U.S. Bank National Association as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, and Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, National Association and U.S. Bank, National Association dated July 31, 2019.

10.2

*Indemnification Agreement by and between Merit Medical Systems, Inc. and Lynne N. Ward dated August 13, 2019. (3)

31.1

*Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

*Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

*Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2

*Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101

The following financial information from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL):  (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) related Condensed Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in detail.

104

 

Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

(1)Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 31, 2018 (as amended).

(2)This filing excludes certain schedules and exhibits pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, which the registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the SEC upon request by the SEC.

(3)Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

* Filed herewith

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SIGNATURES

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

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

REGISTRANT

Date: November 8, 2019

By:

/s/ FRED P. LAMPROPOULOS

     Fred P. Lampropoulos, President and

     Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 8, 2019

By:

/s/ RAUL PARRA

     Raul Parra

     Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

49

EXHIBIT 10.1

Published CUSIP Number: 58988XAD3
Revolving Credit CUSIP Number: 58988XAE1
Term Loan CUSIP Number: 58988XAF8

 

 

 

 

 

$750,000,000

 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

dated as of July 31, 2019

 

 

by and among

 

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.,

as Borrower,

 

the Lenders referred to herein,

as Lenders,

 

and

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

116665776_6

 

as Administrative Agent

 

 

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC,

BOFA SECURITIES, INC.,

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

and

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

and

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Co-Syndication Agents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHL:35204.10

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Article I

DEFINITIONS

1

Section 1.1

Definitions

1

Section 1.2

Other Definitions and Provisions

35

Section 1.3

Accounting Terms

36

Section 1.4

UCC Terms

36

Section 1.5

Rounding

36

Section 1.6

References to Agreement and Laws

36

Section 1.7

Times of Day

37

Section 1.8

Letter of Credit Amounts

37

Section 1.9

Guaranty Obligations/Earn-Outs

37

Section 1.10

Covenant Compliance Generally

37

Section 1.11

Exchange Rates; Currency Equivalents

37

Section 1.12

Change of Currency

38

Section 1.13

Additional Alternative Currencies or Alternative L/C Currencies

38

Section 1.14

Limited Conditionality Acquisitions

39

Section 1.15

Rates

40

Section 1.16

Divisions

40

Article II

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

40

Section 2.1

Revolving Credit Loans

40

Section 2.2

Swingline Loans

41

Section 2.3

Procedure for Advances of Revolving Credit Loans and Swingline Loans

43

Section 2.4

Repayment and Prepayment of Revolving Credit and Swingline Loans

44

Section 2.5

Permanent Reduction of the Revolving Credit Commitment

45

Section 2.6

Termination of Revolving Credit Facility

46

Article III

LETTER OF CREDIT FACILITY

46

Section 3.1

L/C Commitment

46

Section 3.2

Procedure for Issuance of Letters of Credit

47

Section 3.3

Commissions and Other Charges

48

Section 3.4

L/C Participations

48

Section 3.5

Reimbursement Obligation of the Borrower

49

Section 3.6

Obligations Absolute

50

Section 3.7

Effect of Letter of Credit Application

51

Section 3.8

Resignation of Issuing Lenders

51

Section 3.9

Reporting of Letter of Credit Information and L/C Commitment

51

Section 3.10

Letters of Credit Issued for Subsidiaries

51

Article IV

TERM LOAN FACILITY

52

Section 4.1

Initial Term Loan

52

Section 4.2

Procedure for Advance of Term Loans

52

Section 4.3

Repayment of Term Loans

52

Section 4.4

Prepayments of Term Loans

53

Article V

GENERAL LOAN PROVISIONS

55

Section 5.1

Interest

55

i

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Section 5.2

Notice and Manner of Conversion or Continuation of Loans

56

Section 5.3

Fees

57

Section 5.4

Manner of Payment

57

Section 5.5

Evidence of Indebtedness

59

Section 5.6

Sharing of Payments by Lenders

59

Section 5.7

Administrative Agent’s Clawback

60

Section 5.8

Changed Circumstances

61

Section 5.9

Indemnity

62

Section 5.10

Increased Costs

63

Section 5.11

Taxes

64

Section 5.12

Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

68

Section 5.13

Incremental Loans

69

Section 5.14

Cash Collateral

72

Section 5.15

Defaulting Lenders

73

Article VI

CONDITIONS OF CLOSING AND BORROWING

75

Section 6.1

Conditions to Closing and the Initial Extensions of Credit

75

Section 6.2

Conditions to All Extensions of Credit

78

Section 6.3

Post-Closing Conditions

79

Article VII

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE CREDIT PARTIES

79

Section 7.1

Organization; Power; Qualification

79

Section 7.2

Ownership

80

Section 7.3

Authorization; Enforceability

80

Section 7.4

Compliance of Agreement, Loan Documents and Borrowing with Laws, Etc.

80

Section 7.5

Compliance with Law; Governmental Approvals

80

Section 7.6

Tax Returns and Payments

81

Section 7.7

Intellectual Property Matters

81

Section 7.8

Environmental Matters

81

Section 7.9

Employee Benefit Matters

82

Section 7.10

Margin Stock

83

Section 7.11

Government Regulation

84

Section 7.12

Employee Relations

84

Section 7.13

Burdensome Provisions

84

Section 7.14

Financial Statements

84

Section 7.15

No Material Adverse Change

84

Section 7.16

Solvency

84

Section 7.17

Titles to Properties

84

Section 7.18

Insurance

85

Section 7.19

Liens

85

Section 7.20

Indebtedness and Guaranty Obligations

85

Section 7.21

Litigation

85

Section 7.22

Absence of Defaults

85

Section 7.23

Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanctions

85

Section 7.24

Investment Bankers’ and Similar Fees

86

Section 7.25

Disclosure

86

ii

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Article VIII

FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND NOTICES

86

Section 8.1

Financial Statements and Projections

86

Section 8.2

Officer’s Compliance Certificate

87

Section 8.3

Other Reports

88

Section 8.4

Notice of Litigation and Other Matters

88

Section 8.5

Accuracy of Information

90

Article IX

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

90

Section 9.1

Preservation of Corporate Existence and Related Matters

90

Section 9.2

Maintenance of Property and Licenses

90

Section 9.3

Insurance

90

Section 9.4

Accounting Methods and Financial Records

91

Section 9.5

Payment of Taxes and Other Obligations

91

Section 9.6

Compliance with Laws and Approvals

91

Section 9.7

Environmental Laws

91

Section 9.8

Compliance with ERISA

92

Section 9.9

Compliance with Agreements

92

Section 9.10

Visits and Inspections; Lender Meetings

92

Section 9.11

Additional Subsidiaries

92

Section 9.12

Use of Proceeds

93

Section 9.13

Non-Consolidation

94

Section 9.14

[Reserved]

94

Section 9.15

Hedge Agreement

94

Section 9.16

Compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws; Beneficial Ownership Regulation, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanctions

94

Section 9.17

Further Assurances

94

Article X

FINANCIAL COVENANTS

95

Section 10.1

Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio

95

Section 10.2

Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio

95

Article XI

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

95

Section 11.1

Limitations on Indebtedness

95

Section 11.2

Limitations on Liens

98

Section 11.3

Limitations on Investments

100

Section 11.4

Limitations on Fundamental Changes

101

Section 11.5

Limitations on Asset Dispositions

101

Section 11.6

Limitations on Restricted Payments

102

Section 11.7

Transactions with Affiliates

103

Section 11.8

Certain Accounting Changes; Organizational Documents

103

Section 11.9

Limitation on Payments and Modifications of Junior Indebtedness

103

Section 11.10

No Further Negative Pledges; Restrictive Agreements

104

Section 11.11

Nature of Business

105

Section 11.12

Sale Leasebacks

105

Article XII

DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

105

Section 12.1

Events of Default

105

Section 12.2

Remedies

107

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116665776_6

 

Section 12.3

Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Non-Waiver; etc.

108

Section 12.4

Crediting of Payments and Proceeds

108

Section 12.5

Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

109

Section 12.6

Credit Bidding

110

Article XIII

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

110

Section 13.1

Appointment and Authority

110

Section 13.2

Rights as a Lender

111

Section 13.3

Exculpatory Provisions

111

Section 13.4

Reliance by the Administrative Agent

112

Section 13.5

Delegation of Duties

112

Section 13.6

Resignation of Administrative Agent

113

Section 13.7

Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders

114

Section 13.8

No Other Duties, etc.

114

Section 13.9

Collateral and Guaranty Matters

114

Section 13.10

Secured Hedge Agreements and Secured Cash Management Agreements

115

Article XIV

MISCELLANEOUS

115

Section 14.1

Notices

115

Section 14.2

Amendments, Waivers and Consents

118

Section 14.3

Expenses; Indemnity

121

Section 14.4

Right of Setoff

122

Section 14.5

Governing Law; Jurisdiction, Etc.

123

Section 14.6

Waiver of Jury Trial

124

Section 14.7

Reversal of Payments

124

Section 14.8

Injunctive Relief; Punitive Damages

124

Section 14.9

Accounting Matters

124

Section 14.10

Successors and Assigns; Participations

125

Section 14.11

Confidentiality

128

Section 14.12

Performance of Duties

129

Section 14.13

All Powers Coupled with Interest

129

Section 14.14

Survival

129

Section 14.15

Titles and Captions

130

Section 14.16

Severability of Provisions

130

Section 14.17

Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution

130

Section 14.18

Term of Agreement

131

Section 14.19

USA PATRIOT Act

131

Section 14.20

Amendment and Restatement; No Novation

131

Section 14.21

Inconsistencies with Other Documents; Independent Effect of Covenants

131

Section 14.22

No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility

131

Section 14.23

Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions.

132

Section 14.24

Judgment Currency

133

Section 14.25

Certain ERISA Matters

133

Section 14.26

Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs

134

iv

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EXHIBITS

Exhibit A-1-Form of Revolving Credit Note

Exhibit A-2-Form of Swingline Note

Exhibit A-3-Form of Term Loan Note

Exhibit B-Form of Notice of Borrowing

Exhibit C-Form of Notice of Account Designation

Exhibit D-Form of Notice of Prepayment

Exhibit E-Form of Notice of Conversion/Continuation

Exhibit F-Form of Officer’s Compliance Certificate

Exhibit G-Form of Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit H-1-Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Non-Partnership Foreign Lenders)

Exhibit H-2-Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Non-Partnership Foreign Participants)

Exhibit H-3-Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Participant Partnerships)

Exhibit H-4-Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Lender Partnerships)

 

 

SCHEDULES

Schedule 1.1(a)-Existing Letters of Credit

Schedule 1.1(b)-  Commitments and Commitment Percentages

Schedule 6.3-Post-Closing Conditions

Schedule 7.1-Jurisdictions of Organization and Qualification

Schedule 7.2-Subsidiaries and Capitalization

Schedule 7.6-Tax Matters

Schedule 7.9-ERISA Plans

Schedule 7.12-Labor and Collective Bargaining Agreements

Schedule 7.17-Real Property

Schedule 11.1(b)(iii)-Existing Non-Credit Party Unsecured Intercompany Indebtedness

Schedule 11.2-Existing Liens

Schedule 11.3-Existing Loans, Advances and Investments

 

 

 

 

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THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of July 31, 2019, by and among MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC., a Utah corporation, as Borrower, the lenders who are party to this Agreement pursuant to the terms hereof, as Lenders, and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Borrower has requested, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders have agreed to extend certain credit facilities to the Borrower.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the parties hereto, such parties hereby agree as follows:

Article I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 Definitions.  The following terms when used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them below:

Administrative Agent” means Wells Fargo, in its capacity as Administrative Agent hereunder, and any successor thereto appointed pursuant to Section 13.6.

Administrative Agent’s Office” means, with respect to any currency, the office of the Administrative Agent specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.1(c), with respect to such currency.

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

Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders, the L/C Participants, the Revolving Credit Lenders, the Term Loan Lenders or the Swingline Lender shall be an Affiliate of a Person solely because of the provisions of the Loan Documents.

Agreement” means this Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

Alternative Currency” means (a) each of (i) Euro and (ii) Sterling and (b) each other currency (other than Dollars) that is approved in accordance with Section 1.13,  in each case to the extent such currencies (A) are freely transferable and convertible into Dollars, (B) are dealt with in the London interbank deposit market and (C) are not subject to any requirement by any central bank or other governmental authorization in the country of issue of such currency to give authorization for the use of such currency by any Lender for making Loans unless such authorization has been obtained and remains in full force and effect.

Alternative Currency Equivalent” means, at any time, with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the equivalent amount thereof in the applicable Alternative Currency as determined by the Administrative Agent at such time on the basis of the Spot Rate (determined in respect of the most recent Revaluation Date) for the purchase of such Alternative Currency with Dollars.

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Alternative Currency Sublimit” means the lesser of (a) $40,000,000 and (b) the Revolving Credit Commitment.

Alternative L/C Currency” means (a) each of (i) Euro and (ii) Sterling and (b) each other currency (other than Dollars) that is approved by the applicable Issuing Lender in accordance with Section 1.13,  in each case to the extent such currencies (A) are freely transferable and convertible into Dollars, (B) are dealt with in the London interbank deposit market and (C) are not subject to any requirement by any central bank or other governmental authorization in the country of issue of such currency to give authorization for the use of such currency by any Issuing Lender for issuing Letters of Credit unless such authorization has been obtained and remains in full force and effect.

Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption, including, without limitation, the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Anti-Money Laundering Laws” means any and all laws, statutes, regulations or obligatory government orders, decrees, ordinances or rules applicable to a Credit Party, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates related to terrorism financing or money laundering, including any applicable provision of the Patriot Act and The Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act (also known as the “Bank Secrecy Act,” 31 U.S.C. §§ 5311-5330 and 12U.S.C. §§ 1818(s), 1820(b) and 1951-1959).

Applicable Law” means all applicable provisions of constitutions, laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, treaties, regulations, permits, licenses, approvals, interpretations and orders of courts or Governmental Authorities and all orders and decrees of all courts and arbitrators.

Applicable Margin” means the corresponding percentages per annum as set forth below based on the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving Credit Loans

Term Loan

Pricing Level

Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio

Commitment Fee

Eurocurrency Rate +

Base Rate +

Eurocurrency Rate +

Base Rate +

I

Less than 1.75 to 1.00

0.15%

1.00%

0.00%

1.00%

0.00%

II

Greater than or equal to 1.75 to 1.00, but less than 2.25 to 1.00

0.15%

1.25%

0.25%

1.25%

0.25%

III

Greater than or equal to 2.25 to 1.00, but less than 2.75 to 1.00

0.20%

1.50%

0.50%

1.50%

0.50%

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IV

Greater than or equal to 2.75 to 1.00, but less than 3.75 to 1.00

0.25%

1.75%

0.75%

1.75%

0.75%

V

Greater than or equal to 3.75 to 1.00

0.25%

2.00%

1.00%

2.00%

1.00%

 

The Applicable Margin shall be determined and adjusted quarterly on the date ten (10) Business Days after the day by which the Borrower provides an Officer’s Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 8.2(a) for the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrower (each such date,  a “Calculation Date”);  provided that (a) the Applicable Margin shall be based on Pricing Level II  until the first Calculation Date following the receipt by the Administrative Agent of the financial statements and the related Officer’s Compliance Certificate for the first full fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date and, thereafter the Pricing Level shall be determined by reference to the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrower preceding the applicable Calculation Date, and (b) if the Borrower fails to provide the Officer’s Compliance Certificate when due as required by Section 8.2 for the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrower preceding the applicable Calculation Date, the Applicable Margin from the date on which such Officer’s Compliance Certificate was required to have been delivered shall be based on Pricing Level V  until such time as such Officer’s Compliance Certificate is provided, at which time the Pricing Level shall be determined by reference to the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrower preceding such Calculation Date.  The applicable Pricing Level shall be effective from one Calculation Date until the next Calculation Date.  Any adjustment in the Pricing Level shall be applicable to all Extensions of Credit then existing or subsequently made or issued.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any financial statement or Officer’s Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 8.1 or Section 8.2(a) is shown to be inaccurate (regardless of whether (i) this Agreement is in effect, (ii) any Commitments are in effect, or (iii) any Extension of Credit is outstanding when such inaccuracy is discovered or such financial statement or Officer’s Compliance Certificate was delivered), and such inaccuracy, if corrected, would have led to the application of a higher Applicable Margin for any period (an “Applicable Period”) than the Applicable Margin applied for such Applicable Period, then (A) the Borrower shall immediately deliver to the Administrative Agent a corrected Officer’s Compliance Certificate for such Applicable Period, (B) the Applicable Margin for such Applicable Period shall be determined as if the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio in the corrected Officer’s Compliance Certificate were applicable for such Applicable Period, and (C) the Borrower shall immediately and retroactively be obligated to pay to the Administrative Agent the accrued additional interest and fees owing as a result of such increased Applicable Margin for such Applicable Period, which payment shall be promptly applied by the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 5.4.  Nothing in this paragraph shall limit the rights of the Administrative Agent and Lenders with respect to Sections 5.1(b) and 12.2 nor any of their other rights under this Agreement or any other Loan Document.  The Borrower’s obligations under this paragraph shall survive the termination of the Commitments and the repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.

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The Applicable Margins set forth above shall be increased as, and to the extent, required by Section 5.13.

Applicable Time” means, with respect to any borrowings or draws and payments in any Alternative Currency or Alternative L/C Currency, the local time in the place of settlement for such Alternative Currency or Alternative L/C Currency as may be determined by the Administrative Agent or the applicable Issuing Lender, as the case may be, to be necessary for timely settlement on the relevant date in accordance with normal banking procedures in the place of payment.

Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

Arrangers” means, collectively, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, BofA Securities, Inc., HSBC Bank USA, National Association and U.S. Bank National Association, each in its capacity as a joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner.

Asset Disposition” means the disposition of any or all of the assets (including, without limitation, any Capital Stock owned thereby) of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof whether by sale, lease, transfer, division or otherwise.  The term “Asset Disposition” shall not include any Equity Issuance. 

Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 14.10), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form attached as Exhibit G or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date of determination, (a) in respect of any Capital Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP, and (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease, the capitalized amount or principal amount of the remaining lease payments under the relevant lease that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if such lease were accounted for as a Capital Lease.

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

Bail-In Legislation” means, with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

Bankruptcy Code” means 11 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq.

Base Rate” means, at any time, the highest of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% and (c) the Eurocurrency Rate for an Interest Period of one month plus  1.0%; each change in the Base Rate shall take effect simultaneously with the corresponding change or changes in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate or the Eurocurrency Base Rate  (provided that clause (c) shall not be applicable during any period in which the Eurocurrency Rate is unavailable or unascertainable).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Base Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

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Base Rate Loan” means any Loan bearing interest at a rate based upon the Base Rate as provided in Section 5.1(a).  All Base Rate Loans shall be denominated in Dollars and shall be made to the Borrower.

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

Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 CFR § 1010.230.

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

Borrower” Merit Medical Systems, Inc., a Utah corporation.

Borrower Materials” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 8.4.

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday on which banks in Salt Lake City, Utah, Charlotte, North Carolina and New York, New York, are open for the conduct of their commercial banking business and:

(a) if such day relates to any interest rate settings as to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in Dollars, any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments in Dollars in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or any other dealings in Dollars to be carried out pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, means any London Banking Day;

(b) if such day relates to any interest rate settings as to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in Euro, any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments in Euro in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or any other dealings in Euro to be carried out pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, means any TARGET Day;

(c) if such day relates to any interest rate settings as to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in a currency other than Dollars or Euro, means any such day on which dealings in deposits in the relevant currency are conducted by and between banks in the London or other applicable offshore interbank market for such currency; and

(d) if such day relates to any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments in a currency other than Dollars or Euro in respect of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in a currency other than Dollars or Euro, or any other dealings in any currency other than Dollars or Euro to be carried out pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan (other than any interest rate settings), means any such day on which banks are open for foreign exchange business in the principal financial center of the country of such currency.

Calculation Date” has the meaning assigned thereto in the definition of Applicable Margin.

Capital Asset” means, with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, any asset that should, in accordance with GAAP, be classified and accounted for as a capital asset on a Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

Capital Expenditures” means, with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for any period, the aggregate cost of all Capital Assets acquired by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such period 

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(excluding any Permitted Acquisition), as determined in accordance with GAAP, net of any Net Cash Proceeds received from (a) any disposition of Capital Assets (to the extent permitted hereunder) that have actually been reinvested during such period in other Capital Assets in accordance with Section 4.4(b)(ii) or (b) any Insurance and Condemnation Event that have actually been reinvested during such period in other Capital Assets in accordance with Section 4.4(b)(iii);  provided that (i) Capital Expenditures shall not be less than zero and (ii) the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, certifying as to the other Capital Assets invested in with any such Net Cash Proceeds, the dates of such investments and the amount of such investments.

Capital Lease” means any lease of any property by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, as lessee, that should, in accordance with GAAP, be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on a Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

Capital Stock” means (a) in the case of a corporation, capital stock, (b) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock, (c) in the case of a partnership, partnership interests (whether general or limited), (d) in the case of a limited liability company, membership interests, (e) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person and (f) any and all warrants, rights or options to purchase any of the foregoing.

Cash Collateralize” means to pledge and deposit with, or deliver to, the Administrative Agent, or directly to the applicable Issuing Lender (with notice thereof to the Administrative Agent), for the benefit of one or more of the Issuing Lenders, the Swingline Lender or the Lenders, as collateral for L/C Obligations or obligations of the Lenders to fund participations in respect of L/C Obligations or Swingline Loans, cash or deposit account balances or, if the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Lender and the Swingline Lender shall agree, in their sole discretion, other credit support, in each case pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Lender and the Swingline Lender, as applicable.  “Cash Collateral” shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing and shall include the proceeds of such cash collateral and other credit support.

Cash Equivalents” means, collectively, (a) marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States or any agency thereof maturing within two hundred seventy (270) days from the date of acquisition thereof, (b) commercial paper maturing no more than two hundred seventy (270) days from the date of creation thereof and currently having the highest rating obtainable from either Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., (c) certificates of deposit maturing no more than two hundred seventy (270) days from the date of creation thereof issued by commercial banks incorporated under the laws of the United States, each having combined capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000 and having a rating of “A” or better by a nationally recognized rating agency; provided that the aggregate amount invested in such certificates of deposit shall not at any time exceed $5,000,000 for any one such certificate of deposit and $10,000,000 for any one such bank, or (d) time deposits maturing no more than thirty (30) days from the date of creation thereof with commercial banks or savings banks or savings and loan associations each having membership either in the FDIC or the deposits of which are insured by the FDIC and in amounts not exceeding the maximum amounts of insurance thereunder.

Cash Management Agreement” means any agreement to provide cash management services, including treasury, depository, overdraft, credit or debit card (including non-card electronic payables and purchasing cards), electronic funds transfer, foreign exchange and other cash management arrangements.

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Cash Management Bank” means any Person that, (a) at the time it enters into a Cash Management Agreement with a Credit Party, is a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, the Administrative Agent or an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent, or (b) at the time it (or its Affiliate) becomes a Lender or the Administrative Agent (including on the Closing Date), is a party to a Cash Management Agreement with a Credit Party, in each case in its capacity as a party to such Cash Management Agreement.

Cash Management Swingline Loans” means the collective reference to the Swingline Loans made pursuant to, and in accordance with, the terms of the Loan Sweep Agreement as contemplated by Section 2.2(a), and “Cash Management Swingline Loan” means any of such Swingline Loans.

Change in Control” means an event or series of events by which:

(a) (i) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its Subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act,  except that a “person” or “group” shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all Capital Stock that such “person” or “group” has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time (such right, an “option right”)), directly or indirectly, of more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the Capital Stock of the Borrower entitled to vote in the election of members of the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of the Borrower or (ii) a majority of the members of the board of directors (or other equivalent governing body) of the Borrower shall not constitute Continuing Directors; or

(b) there shall have occurred under any indenture or other instrument evidencing any Indebtedness or Capital Stock in excess of $20,000,000 any “change in control” or similar provision (as set forth in the indenture, agreement or other evidence of such Indebtedness) obligating the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or repay all or any part of the Indebtedness or Capital Stock provided for therein.

Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (ii) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States 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, implemented or issued.

Class”  means, when used in reference to any Loan, whether such Loan is a Revolving Credit Loan, Swingline Loan or Term Loan and, when used in reference to any Commitment, whether such Commitment is a Revolving Credit Commitment or a Term Loan Commitment.

Closing Date” means the date of this Agreement or such later Business Day upon which each condition described in Section 6.1 shall be satisfied or waived in all respects in a manner acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

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Collateral” means the collateral security for the Secured Obligations pledged or granted pursuant to the Security Documents.

Collateral Agreement” means the collateral agreement of even date herewith executed by the Credit Parties in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, which shall be in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

Commitment Fee” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.3(a).

Commitment Percentage” means, as to any Lender, such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage or Term Loan Percentage, as applicable.

Commitments” means, collectively, as to all Lenders, the Revolving Credit Commitments and the Term Loan Commitments of such Lenders.

Commodity Exchange Act”  means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.).

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

Consolidated” means, when used with reference to financial statements or financial statement items of any Person, such statements or items on a consolidated basis in accordance with applicable principles of consolidation under GAAP.

Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period, the sum of the following determined on a Consolidated basis, without duplication, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP:

(a) Consolidated Net Income for such period; 

plus

(b) the sum of the following, without duplication, to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:  

(i) income and franchise taxes paid during such period;

(ii) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period paid or payable in cash;

(iii) amortization, depreciation and other non-cash charges for such period (except to the extent that such non-cash charges are reserved for cash charges to be taken in the future);

(iv) non-cash charges or expenses related to equity incentives for such period, including stock-based compensation;

(v) extraordinary losses during such period (excluding extraordinary losses from discontinued operations);

(vi) Transaction Costs during such period in connection with the Transactions,  any Permitted Acquisition and any Equity Issuance; provided that the aggregate amount of all Transaction Costs added pursuant to this clause (b)(vi) shall not exceed 15% of the Consolidated EBITDA (determined without giving effect to this clause (b)(vi) and clause (b)(ix));

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(vii) fees paid to the Lenders and/or Administrative Agent under any Loan Document or pursuant to any amendment or waiver thereof during such period;

(viii) proceeds from business interruption insurance to the extent not already included in calculating Consolidated Net Income for such period; and

(ix) other nonrecurring charges for such period acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion;  provided that the aggregate amount of all nonrecurring charges added pursuant to this clause (b)(ix) shall not exceed 15% of the Consolidated EBITDA (determined without giving effect to clause (b)(vi) and this clause (b)(ix));

less

(c) interest income and any extraordinary gains during such period; 

less

(d) non-cash gains for such period.    

For purposes of this Agreement, Consolidated EBITDA shall be adjusted on a Pro Forma Basis.

Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or immediately prior to such date to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or immediately prior to such date

Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, the sum of the following determined on a Consolidated basis, without duplication, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, interest expense (including, without limitation, interest expense attributable to Capital Leases and all net payment obligations pursuant to Hedge Agreements) for such period.

Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (or loss) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a Consolidated basis, without duplication, in accordance with GAAP; provided,  that in calculating Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for any period, there shall be excluded (a) the net income (or loss) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary which shall be subject to clause (c) below), in which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has a joint interest with a third party, except to the extent such net income is actually paid in cash to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by dividend or other distribution during such period, (b) the net income (or loss) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or is merged into or consolidated with the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or that Person’s assets are acquired by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries except to the extent included pursuant to the foregoing clause (a), and (c) the net income (if positive), of any Subsidiary to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of such net income (i) is not at the time permitted by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to such Subsidiary or (ii) would be subject to any taxes payable on such dividends or distributions, but in each case only to the extent of such prohibition or taxes.

Consolidated Senior Secured Indebtedness”  means, as of any date of determination with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis without duplication, all Consolidated Total Funded Indebtedness (other than Subordinated Indebtedness) that is secured by a Lien on any asset or

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property of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. For the avoidance of doubt, the Secured Obligations outstanding as of such date of determination shall constitute Consolidated Senior Secured Indebtedness.

Consolidated Senior Secured Net Indebtedness”  means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (a) Consolidated Senior Secured Indebtedness as of such date minus (b) the aggregate amount of Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents then on hand as of such date not to exceed $150,000,000 (excluding the proceeds of any Incremental Loan Commitment or any other Indebtedness incurred or made substantially concurrent with the determination of the amount of such Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents).

Consolidated Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio”  means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Senior Secured Net Indebtedness on such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or immediately prior to such date.

Consolidated Total Funded Indebtedness” means, as of any date of determination with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis without duplication, the sum of all Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries described in, clauses (a),  (c),  (f) and (i) of the definition of “Indebtedness”, but excluding (i) intercompany indebtedness among the Credit Parties and (ii) the Merit China Loan.

Consolidated Total Net Funded Indebtedness”  means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (a) Consolidated Total Funded Indebtedness as of such date minus (b) the aggregate amount of Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents then on hand as of such date not to exceed $150,000,000 (excluding the proceeds of any Incremental Loan Commitment or any other Indebtedness incurred or made substantially concurrent with the determination of the amount of such Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents).

Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Net Funded Indebtedness on such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or immediately prior to such date.

Continuing Directors” means the directors (or equivalent governing body) of the Borrower on the Closing Date and each other director (or equivalent) of the Borrower, if, in each case, such other director’s (or equivalent’s) election or nomination for election to the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of the Borrower is approved by at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the then Continuing Directors.

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

Credit Facility” means, collectively, the Revolving Credit Facility, the Term Loan Facility, the Swingline Facility and the L/C Facility.

Credit Parties” means, collectively, the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors.

Current Financial Statements” means (a) the audited Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and the related audited statements of income and retained earnings and cash flows for the Fiscal Year then ended and (b) the unaudited Consolidated balance sheet of the and its Subsidiaries as of March 31, 2019 and related unaudited interim statements of income and retained earnings.

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Debt Issuance” means the issuance of any Indebtedness for borrowed money by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries.

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

Default” means any of the events specified in Section 12.1 which with the passage of time, the giving of notice or any other condition, would constitute an Event of Default.

Defaulting Lender” means, subject to Section 5.15(b), any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of the Revolving Credit Loans, any Term Loan, participations in L/C Obligations or participations in Swingline Loans required to be funded by it hereunder within two Business Days of the date such Loans or participations were required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder (including in respect of its participation in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans) within two Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within three Business Days after written request by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, to confirm in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower), (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the FDIC or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity or (iii) has become the subject of a Bail-In Action; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender.  Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 5.15(b)) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Borrower, each Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender and each Lender.

Disputes” means any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of, connected with or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, between or among parties hereto and to the other Loan Documents.

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Disqualified Capital Stock” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Capital Stock into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable) or upon the happening of any event or condition, (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Capital Stock), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable and the termination of the Commitments), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Capital Stock) (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable and the termination of the Commitments), in whole or in part, (c) provides for the scheduled payment of dividends in cash or (d) is or becomes convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Capital Stock, in each case, prior to the date that is 91 days after the final maturity date applicable to the Credit Facility;  provided, that if such Capital Stock is issued pursuant to a plan for the benefit of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.

Dollar Equivalent” means, at any time, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, such amount, and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in any Alternative Currency or Alternative L/C Currency, the equivalent amount thereof in Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent or an Issuing Lender, as applicable, at such time on the basis of the Spot Rate (determined in respect of the most recent Revaluation Date) for the purchase of Dollars with such Alternative Currency or Alternative L/C Currency.

Dollars” or “$” means, unless otherwise qualified, dollars in lawful currency of the United States.

Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary organized under the laws of any political subdivision of the United States;  provided that any Foreign Subsidiary (i) the Capital Stock of which is owned directly by any Credit Party and (ii) that is treated as a disregarded entity for tax purposes shall be deemed to be a Domestic Subsidiary.

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

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

EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country.

Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 14.10(b)(iii),  (v) and (vi) (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 14.10(b)(iii)).

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Employee Benefit Plan” means (a) any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA that is maintained for employees of any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate or (b) any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan that has at any time within the preceding six (6) years been maintained for the employees of any Credit Party or any current or former ERISA Affiliate.

EMU” means the economic and monetary union in accordance with the Treaty of Rome 1957, as amended by the Single European Act of 1986, the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 and the Amsterdam Treaty of 1998.

EMU Legislation” means the legislative measures of the EMU for the introduction of, changeover to or operation of a single or unified European currency.

Environmental Claims” means any and all administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens, accusations, allegations, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigations (other than internal reports prepared by any Person in the ordinary course of business and not in response to any third party action or request of any kind) or proceedings relating in any way to any actual or alleged violation of or liability under any Environmental Law or relating to any permit issued, or any approval given, under any such Environmental Law, including, without limitation, any and all claims by Governmental Authorities for enforcement, cleanup, removal, response, remedial or other actions or damages, contribution, indemnification, cost recovery, compensation or injunctive relief resulting from Hazardous Materials or arising from alleged injury or threat of injury to public health or the environment in connection with exposure to, or releases of, Hazardous Materials.

Environmental Laws” means any and all federal, foreign, state, provincial and local laws, statutes, ordinances, codes, rules, standards and regulations, permits, licenses, approvals, interpretations and orders of courts or Governmental Authorities, relating to the protection of public health or the environment, including, but not limited to, requirements pertaining to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transportation, handling, reporting, licensing, permitting, investigation or remediation of Hazardous Materials.    

Equity Issuance” means (a) any issuance by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof to any Person that is not a Credit Party of (i) shares of its Capital Stock, (ii) any shares of its Capital Stock pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants or (iii) any shares of its Capital Stock pursuant to the conversion of any debt securities to equity and (b) any capital contribution from any Person that is not a Credit Party into any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof.  The term “Equity Issuance” shall not include (A) any Asset Disposition or (B) any Debt Issuance.

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

ERISA Affiliate” means any Person who together with any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries is treated as a single employer within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b) of ERISA.

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

Euro”  and “” means the lawful currency of the Participating Member States introduced in accordance with the EMU Legislation.

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Eurocurrency Base Rate”  means, subject to the implementation of the Replacement Rate in accordance with Section 5.8(c):

(a) with respect to any Extension of Credit denominated in a LIBOR Currency, the rate of interest per annum determined on the basis of the rate for deposits in such LIBOR Currency for a period equal to the applicable Interest Period as published by the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, a United Kingdom company, or a comparable or successor quoting service approved by the Administrative Agent (or, if applicable, the Replacement Rate in accordance with Section 5.8(c)), at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) London Banking Days prior to the first day of the applicable Interest Period (or if, for any reason, such rate is not so published, the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the arithmetic average of the rate per annum at which deposits in such LIBOR Currency would be offered by first class banks in the London interbank market to the Administrative Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) London Banking Days prior to the first day of the applicable Interest Period for a period equal to such Interest Period);

(b) with respect to any Extension of Credit denominated in any other Non-LIBOR Currency, the rate per annum as designated with respect to such Alternative Currency at the time such Alternative Currency is approved by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Section 1.13(a); and

(c) for any rate calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, the rate of interest per annum determined on the basis of the rate for deposits in Dollars for an Interest Period equal to one month (commencing on the date of determination of such interest rate) as published by the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, a United Kingdom company, or a comparable or successor quoting service approved by the Administrative Agent (or, if applicable, the Replacement Rate in accordance with Section 5.8(c)), at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such date of determination, or, if such date is not a Business Day, then the immediately preceding Business Day (or if, for any reason, such rate is not so published, the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the arithmetic average of the rate per annum at which deposits in Dollars would be offered by first class banks in the London interbank market to the Administrative Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such date of determination for a period equal to one month commencing on such date of determination);

Each calculation by the Administrative Agent of the Eurocurrency Base Rate shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Eurocurrency Base Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Eurocurrency Base Rate be less than 0%.

Eurocurrency Rate” means a rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the following formula:

Eurocurrency Rate =

Eurocurrency Base Rate

 

1.00-Eurocurrency Reserve Percentage

Eurocurrency Rate Loan” means any Loan bearing interest at a rate based upon the Eurocurrency Rate as provided in Section 5.1(a) (other than Swingline Loans).  Eurocurrency Rate Loans may be denominated in Dollars or in an Alternative Currency.

Eurocurrency Reserve Percentage” means, for any day, the percentage which is in effect for such day as prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation, any basic, supplemental or

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emergency reserves) in respect of Eurocurrency liabilities or any similar category of liabilities for a member bank of the Federal Reserve System in New York City.

Event of Default” means any of the events specified in Section 12.1;  provided that any requirement for passage of time, giving of notice, or any other condition, has been satisfied.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Credit Party, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the liability of such Credit Party for or the guarantee of such Credit Party of, or the grant by such Credit Party of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any liability or guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Credit Party’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 liability for or the guarantee of such Credit Party or the grant of such security interest becomes effective with respect to such Swap Obligation (such determination being made after giving effect to any applicable keepwell, support or other agreement for the benefit of the applicable Credit Party, including under the keepwell provisions in the Guaranty Agreement).  If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal for the reasons identified in the immediately preceding sentence of this definition.

 “Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable Lending Office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, United States federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 5.12(b)) or (ii) such Lender changes its Lending Office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 5.11, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender's assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its Lending Office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 5.11(g) and (d) any United States federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of July 6, 2016 by and among the Borrower, as borrower, the lenders party thereto, as lenders, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified as of the date hereof.

Existing Letters of Credit” means those letters of credit existing on the Closing Date and identified on Schedule 1.1(a).

Extensions of Credit” means, as to any Lender at any time, (a) an amount equal to the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Revolving Credit Loans made by such Lender then outstanding, (ii) such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the L/C Obligations then outstanding, (iii) such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the Swingline Loans then outstanding and

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(iv) the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans made by such Lender then outstanding, or (b) the making of any Loan or participation in any Letter of Credit by such Lender, as the context requires.

Facility Capital Expenditures” means Capital Expenditures of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries associated with the acquisition, building and expansion of manufacturing facilities, research facilities, customer service and distribution facilities and other facilities acquired, built or expanded by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in connection with the business thereof (including, without limitation, the acquisition of property and plant related thereto).

FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, and any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code.

FDIC” means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day, provided that if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average of the quotation for such day on such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three (3) federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by the Administrative Agent.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Federal Funds Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

Fee Letters” means (a) the separate engagement letter agreement dated June 6, 2019 among the Borrower and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and (b) any letter agreement between the Borrower and any Issuing Lender (other than Wells Fargo) relating to certain fees payable to such Issuing Lender in its capacity as such.

First Tier Foreign Subsidiary”  means any Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code and the Capital Stock of which is owned directly by any Credit Party.

Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries ending on December 31st.

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

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

Fronting Exposure” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to any Issuing Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the outstanding L/C Obligations with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender other than such L/C Obligations as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof and (b) with respect to the Swingline Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of outstanding Swingline Loans, other than Swingline Loans as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof.

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Fund” means any Person (other than a natural Person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other principles as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied.

Governmental Approvals” means all authorizations, consents, approvals, permits, licenses and exemptions of, and all registrations and filings with or issued by, Governmental Authorities.

Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

Guaranty Agreement” means the unconditional guaranty agreement of even date herewith executed by the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, which shall be in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

Guaranty Obligation” means, with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, without duplication, any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any such Person pursuant to which such Person has directly or indirectly guaranteed any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of any such Person (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, by agreement to keep well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement condition or otherwise) or (b) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part); provided, that the term Guaranty Obligation shall not include (i) endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business and (ii) guarantees of obligations to reimburse Governmental Authorities in connection with an economic development incentive to the extent not considered a contingent obligation under GAAP unless and until demand is made for payment under the agreement evidencing such economic development incentive; provided,  further, that the amount of any Guaranty Obligations shall be equal to the amount of the obligation so guaranteed or otherwise supported, if any, or, if less, the amount to which such guaranty is specifically limited, unless such primary obligation and the amount for which such guarantor may be liable are not stated or determinable, in which case the amount of such guaranty shall be such guarantor’s maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by such guarantor in good faith.

Hazardous Materials” means any substances or materials (a) which are or become defined as hazardous wastes, hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, chemical substances or mixtures or toxic substances under any Environmental Law, (b) which are toxic, explosive, corrosive, flammable, infectious, radioactive, carcinogenic, mutagenic or otherwise harmful to human health or the environment and are or become regulated by any Governmental Authority under Environmental Laws, (c) the presence of which require investigation or remediation under any Environmental Law, (d) the discharge or emission or release of which requires a permit or license under any Environmental Law or other Governmental Approval,

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(e) which are deemed to constitute a nuisance or a trespass which pose a health or safety hazard to Persons or neighboring properties, (f) which consist of underground or aboveground storage tanks, whether empty, filled or partially filled with any substance, or (g) which contain, without limitation, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, petroleum hydrocarbons, petroleum derived substances or waste, crude oil, nuclear fuel, natural gas or synthetic gas. 

Hedge Agreement” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement.

Hedge Bank” means any Person that, (a) at the time it enters into a Hedge Agreement with a Credit Party permitted under Article XI, is a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, the Administrative Agent or an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent or (b) at the time it (or its Affiliate) becomes a Lender or the Administrative Agent (including on the Closing Date), is a party to a Hedge Agreement with a Credit Party, in each case in its capacity as a party to such Hedge Agreement.

Hedge Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Hedge Agreements, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Hedge Agreements, (a) for any date on or after the date such Hedge Agreements have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Hedge Agreements, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Hedge Agreements (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).

Increased Amount Date” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.13(a).

Incremental Facilities Limit” means, with respect to any proposed incurrence of an Incremental Loan Commitment, the sum of the following:

(a) the amount equal to the sum of (i) $200,000,000 plus (ii) the sum of (1) the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans prepaid pursuant to Section 4.4(a) plus  (2) the aggregate amount of all optional prepayments of Revolving Credit Loans (solely to the extent accompanied by permanent optional reductions in the Revolving Credit Commitment), in each case to the extent such prepayments are not funded with the proceeds of Indebtedness that, in accordance with GAAP, constitutes, or when incurred, constituted a long-term liability less (iii) the total aggregate initial principal amount (as of the date of incurrence thereof) of all Incremental Loan Commitments incurred under this clause (a) after the Closing Date and prior to the incurrence of such Incremental Loan Commitment; plus

(b) the amount of additional Indebtedness that would cause the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio as of the four (4) consecutive fiscal quarter period most recently ended prior to the incurrence of such additional Indebtedness (or in the case of any additional Indebtedness, the proceeds of

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which will finance a Limited Conditionality Acquisition, the date determined pursuant to Section 1.14) for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent hereunder, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the incurrence of such additional Indebtedness and any Permitted Acquisition to be consummated using the proceeds of such additional Indebtedness and assuming that the Revolving Credit Facility (including any proposed Incremental Revolving Credit Increase) is fully drawn at such time, not to exceed 3.25 to 1.00.    

Unless the Borrower otherwise notifies the Administrative Agent, if all or any portion of any Incremental Loan Commitments would be permitted under clause (b) above on the applicable date of incurrence, such Incremental Loan Commitments (or the relevant portion thereof) shall be deemed to have been incurred in reliance on clause (b) above prior to the utilization of any amount available under clause (a) above.    Furthermore, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, for purposes of calculating the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio, (1) all additional Indebtedness incurred pursuant to any Incremental Loan Commitment shall be deemed to be secured Indebtedness and (2) the proceeds from any additional Indebtedness incurred pursuant to any Incremental Loan Commitment shall not be netted from Consolidated Senior Secured Net Indebtedness.

Incremental Lender” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.13(a).

Incremental Loan Commitments” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.13(a)(ii).

Incremental Loans” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.13(a)(ii).

Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.13(a)(ii).

Incremental Revolving Credit Increase” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.13(a)(ii).

Incremental Term Loan” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.13(a)(i).

Incremental Term Loan Commitment” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.13(a)(i).

Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person at any date and without duplication, the sum of the following:

(a) all liabilities, obligations and indebtedness for borrowed money including, but not limited to, obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments of any such Person;

(b) all obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services of any such Person (including, without limitation, all obligations under non-competition, earn-out or similar agreements), except trade payables (i) arising in the ordinary course of business not more than ninety (90) days past due, or (ii) that are currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with respect to which reserves in conformity with GAAP have been provided for on the books of such Person;

(c) the Attributable Indebtedness of such Person with respect to such Person’s obligations in respect of Capital Leases and Synthetic Leases (regardless of whether accounted for as indebtedness under GAAP);

(d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property purchased by such Person to the extent of the value of such property (other than

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customary reservations or retentions of title under agreements with suppliers entered into in the ordinary course of business);

(e) all Indebtedness of any other Person secured by a Lien on any asset owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements, except trade payables arising in the ordinary course of business), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;

(f) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of any such Person relative to the face amount of letters of credit, whether or not drawn, including, without limitation, any Reimbursement Obligation, and banker’s acceptances issued for the account of any such Person;

(g) all obligations of any such Person in respect of Disqualified Capital Stock;

(h) all Net Hedging Obligations of any such Person; and

(i) all Guaranty Obligations of any such Person with respect to any of the foregoing.

For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to such Person.

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

Initial Issuing Lender” means Wells Fargo.

Initial Term Loan” means the term loan made, or to be made, to the Borrower by the Term Loan Lenders pursuant to Section 4.1.

Insurance and Condemnation Event” means the receipt by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries of any cash insurance proceeds or condemnation award payable by reason of theft, loss, physical destruction or damage, taking or similar event with respect to any of their respective Property.

Interest Period” means, as to each Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurocurrency Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurocurrency Rate Loan and ending on the date one (1), two (2), three (3), or six (6) months thereafter, in each case as selected by the Borrower in its Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation and subject to availability; provided that:

(a) the Interest Period shall commence on the date of advance of or conversion to any Eurocurrency Rate Loan and, in the case of immediately successive Interest Periods, each successive Interest Period shall commence on the date on which the immediately preceding Interest Period expires;

(b) if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the next succeeding Business Day; provided that if any Interest Period with respect to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day but is a day of the month after which no further Business Day occurs in such month, such Interest Period shall expire on the immediately preceding Business Day;

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(c) any Interest Period with respect to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the relevant calendar month at the end of such Interest Period;

(d) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Revolving Credit Maturity Date or the Term Loan Maturity Date, as applicable, and Interest Periods shall be selected by the Borrower so as to permit the Borrower to make the quarterly principal installment payments pursuant to Section 4.3 without payment of any amounts pursuant to Section 5.9; and

(e) there shall be no more than ten (10) Interest Periods in effect at any time.

Investment Company Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. § 80(a)(1), et seq.).

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

ISP98” means the International Standby Practices (1998 Revision, effective January 1, 1999), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590.

Issuing Lender”  means (a) with respect to Letters of Credit issued hereunder on or after the Closing Date, (i) the Initial Issuing Lender and (ii) any other Revolving Credit Lender to the extent it has agreed in its sole discretion to act as an “Issuing Lender” hereunder and that has been approved in writing by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (such approval by the Administrative Agent not to be unreasonably delayed or withheld) as an “Issuing Lender” hereunder, in each case in its capacity as issuer of any Letter of Credit; provided that the total number of Issuing Lenders under this clause (a) shall not exceed four  (4) and (b) with respect to the Existing Letters of Credit, Wells Fargo, in its capacity as issuer thereof.

Junior Indebtedness”  means, with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, any (a) Subordinated Indebtedness, (b) Indebtedness secured by Liens that are junior to the Liens securing the Secured Obligations and (c) unsecured Indebtedness with an aggregate outstanding principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount.

L/C Commitment”  means, as to any Issuing Lender, the obligation of such Issuing Lender to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower or one or more of its Subsidiaries from time to time in an aggregate amount equal to such amount as separately agreed to in a written agreement between the Borrower and such Issuing Lender (which such agreement shall be promptly delivered to the Administrative Agent upon execution), in each case as such amount may be changed after the Closing Date in a written agreement between the Borrower and such Issuing Lender (which such agreement shall be promptly delivered to the Administrative Agent upon execution); provided that the L/C Commitment with respect to any Person that ceases to be an Issuing Lender for any reason pursuant to the terms hereof shall be $0 (subject to the Letters of Credit of such Person remaining outstanding in accordance with the provisions hereof). 

L/C Facility” means the letter of credit facility established pursuant to Article III.

L/C Obligations” means at any time, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn and unexpired amount of the then outstanding Letters of Credit and (b) the aggregate amount of drawings under Letters of Credit which have not then been reimbursed pursuant to Section 3.5.

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L/C Participants” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the collective reference to all the Revolving Credit Lenders other than the applicable Issuing Lender.

L/C Sublimit” means the lesser of (a) $40,000,000 and (b) the Revolving Credit Commitment.

LCA Test Date”  has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 1.14(a).

Lender” means each Person executing this Agreement as a Lender on the Closing Date and any other Person that shall have become a party to this Agreement as a Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or pursuant to Section 5.13, other than any Person that ceases to be a party hereto as a Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption.  Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lender.

Lender Joinder Agreement” means a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent delivered in connection with Section 5.13.

Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender maintaining such Lender’s Extensions of Credit.

Letter of Credit Application” means an application requesting such Issuing Lender to issue a Letter of Credit and a reimbursement agreement, in each case in the form specified by the applicable Issuing Lender from time to time.

Letters of Credit” means the collective reference to letters of credit issued pursuant to Section 3.1 and the Existing Letters of Credit.  Letters of Credit may be issued in Dollars or an Alternative L/C Currency.

Leverage Ratio Increase” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 10.1.

LIBOR Currency” means each of Dollars, Euro, Sterling, Japanese yen and Swiss franc, in each case as long as there is a published rate with respect thereto in the London interbank market.

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, leasehold mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, hypothecation or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset.  For the purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to own subject to a Lien any asset which it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset.

Limited Conditionality Acquisition” means any acquisition by the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof in the form of acquisitions of all or substantially all of the business or a line of business (whether by the acquisition of Capital Stock, assets or any combination thereof) that (a) is not prohibited hereunder, (b) is financed in whole or in part with a substantially concurrent incurrence of Incremental Loans, (c) is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third-party financing and (d) is completed within six (6) months of the LCA Test Date (or such longer period as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent and the lenders providing the Incremental Loans in connection therewith).

Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, each Note, the Letter of Credit Applications,  the Security Documents, the Fee Letters and each other document, instrument, certificate and agreement executed and delivered by the Credit Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries in favor of or provided to the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party in connection with this Agreement or

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otherwise referred to herein or contemplated hereby (excluding any Secured Hedge Agreement and any Secured Cash Management Agreement).

Loan Sweep Activation Date” means the date which is twenty (20) Business Days after the date on which the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Swingline Lender a duly executed Loan Sweep Agreement.

Loan Sweep Agreement” means, collectively, any document, instrument, certificate, note or agreement executed and delivered in connection with the treasury management services arrangement between the Borrower and Wells Fargo that governs the borrowing and repayment of Cash Management Swingline Loans, including, without limitation, the Master Agreement for Treasury Management Services, the Wells Fargo Stagecoach Sweep Service Description, the Acceptance of Services, the Master Repurchase Agreement, the applicable deposit account agreement and all other Service Documentation, as such term is defined in the Master Agreement for Treasury Management Services, each as may be, individually or collectively, amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Loan Sweep Termination Date” means the date which is ten (10) Business Days after the date on which the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a termination notice with respect to the Loan Sweep Agreement.

Loans” means the collective reference to the Revolving Credit Loans, the Term Loan and the Swingline Loans (including, without limitation, the Cash Management Swingline Loans), and “Loan” means any of such Loans.

London Banking Day”  means any day on which dealings in Dollar or any Alternative Currency, as applicable, deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market.

Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the properties, business, operations, condition (financial or otherwise), assets or liabilities (whether actual or contingent) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) the ability of any such Person to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (c) the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent or any Lender under any Loan Document or (d) the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Credit Party of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

Merit China” means Merit Medical Beijing Company Ltd., a company organized under the laws of the People's Republic of China.

Merit China Loan” means a loan transaction pursuant to the following:  (a) the issuance of one or more standby letter(s) of credit for the account of Merit China in favor of HSBC Bank (Hong Kong) (the “HSBC LC”) in an aggregate face amount equal to the renminbi equivalent of $15,000,000, which is secured by cash of Merit China in amount equal to 100% of the face amount of the HSBC LC; (b) the making of one or more loan(s) by HSBC Bank (Hong Kong) to Merit HK in an aggregate amount equal to the face amount of the HSBC LC (the “HK Loan”), which is secured by the HSBC LC; and (c) the making of an intercompany loan by Merit HK to Merit Ireland with the proceeds of the HK Loan and the subsequent repayment by Merit Ireland of one or more existing intercompany loan(s) in an aggregate amount of $15,000,000 to the Borrower.

Merit HK” means Merit Medical Asia Company Limited., a company organized under the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

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Merit Ireland” means Merit Medical Ireland Limited, a company organized under the laws of Ireland.

Minimum Collateral Amount” means, at any time, (a) with respect to Cash Collateral consisting of cash or deposit account balances, an amount equal to 105% of the sum of (i) the Fronting Exposure of the Issuing Lenders with respect to Letters of Credit issued and outstanding at such time and (ii) the Fronting Exposure of the Swingline Lender with respect to all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time or (b) such lesser amount as may be determined by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Lender in their sole discretion.

Multiemployer Plan” means a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate is making, or is accruing an obligation to make, or has accrued an obligation to make contributions within the preceding six (6) years.

Net Cash Proceeds” means, as applicable, (a) with respect to any Asset Disposition or Insurance and Condemnation Event, the gross proceeds received by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries therefrom (including any cash, Cash Equivalents, deferred payment pursuant to, or by monetization of, a note receivable or otherwise, as and when received) less the sum of (i) in the case of an Asset Disposition, all income taxes and other taxes assessed by a Governmental Authority as a result of such transaction, (ii) all reasonable and customary out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred in connection with such transaction or event and (iii) the principal amount of, premium, if any, and interest on any Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the asset (or a portion thereof) disposed of, which Indebtedness is required to be repaid in connection with such transaction or event, and (b) with respect to any Equity Issuance or Debt Issuance, the gross cash proceeds received by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries therefrom less all reasonable and customary out-of-pocket legal, underwriting and other fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith.

Net Hedging Obligations” means, as of any date, the Hedge Termination Value of any Hedge Agreement on such date.

Non-Consenting Lender” means any Lender that does not approve any consent, waiver, amendment, modification or termination that (a) requires the approval of all Lenders or all affected Lenders in accordance with the terms of Section 14.2 and (b) has been approved by the Required Lenders.

Non-Defaulting Lender” means, at any time, each Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time.

 “Non-Guarantor Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor.

Non-LIBOR Currency” means any Alternative Currency other than a LIBOR Currency.

Notes” means the collective reference to the Revolving Credit Notes, the Swingline Note and the Term Loan Notes.

Notice of Account Designation” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.3(b).

Notice of Borrowing” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.3(a).

Notice of Conversion/Continuation” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.2.

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Notice of Prepayment” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.4(c).

Obligations” means, in each case, whether now in existence or hereafter arising: (a) the principal of and interest on (including interest accruing after the filing of any bankruptcy or similar petition) the Loans, (b) the L/C Obligations and (c) all other fees and commissions (including attorneys’ fees), charges, indebtedness, loans, liabilities, financial accommodations, obligations, covenants and duties owing by the Credit Parties to the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders or the Administrative Agent, in each case under any Loan Document, with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit of every kind, nature and description, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, contractual or tortious, liquidated or unliquidated, and whether or not evidenced by any note and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Credit Party of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws, naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding.

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

Officer’s Compliance Certificate” means a certificate of the chief financial officer or the treasurer of the Borrower substantially in the form attached as Exhibit F.

Operating Lease” means, as to any Person as determined in accordance with GAAP, any lease of Property (whether real, personal or mixed) by such Person as lessee which is not a Capital Lease.

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

Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court, documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 5.12).

Overnight Rate” means, for any day, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the greater of (i) the Federal Funds Rate and (ii) an overnight rate determined by the Administrative Agent, the applicable Issuing Lender, or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be, in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in an Alternative Currency or Alternative L/C Currency, the rate of interest per annum at which overnight deposits in the applicable Alternative Currency or Alternative L/C Currency, in an amount approximately equal to the amount with respect to which such rate is being determined, would be offered for such day by a branch or Affiliate of the Administrative Agent in the applicable offshore interbank market for such currency to major banks in such interbank market.

Participant” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 14.10(d).

Participant Register” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 14.10(d).

Participating Member State” means each state so described in any EMU Legislation.

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Patriot Act” means the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)).

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

Pension Plan” means any Employee Benefit Plan, other than a Multiemployer Plan, which is subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code and which (a) is maintained for the employees of any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate or (b) has at any time within the preceding six (6) years been maintained for the employees of any Credit Party or any current or former ERISA Affiliates.

Permitted Acquisition” means any acquisition by the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof in the form of acquisitions of all or substantially all of the business or a line of business (whether by the acquisition of Capital Stock, assets or any combination thereof) of any other Person if each such acquisition meets all of the following requirements (which in the case of a Limited Conditionality Acquisition shall be subject to Section 1.14):

(a) with respect to any such acquisition:

(i) no less than ten (10) Business Days prior to the proposed closing date of such acquisition, the Borrower shall have delivered written notice of such acquisition to the Administrative Agent, which notice shall include the proposed closing date of such acquisition;

(ii) such acquisition shall have been approved by the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of the Person to be acquired;

(iii) the Person or business to be acquired shall be in a substantially similar line of business as the Borrower and its Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 11.11;

(iv) if such transaction is a merger or consolidation, the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be the surviving Person and no Change in Control shall have been effected thereby;

(v) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent such documents reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (through the Administrative Agent) pursuant to Section 9.11 to be delivered at the time required pursuant to Section 9.11; and

(vi) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing both before and after giving effect to such acquisition and any Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith;

(b) with respect to any such acquisition with respect to which the Permitted Acquisition Consideration for such acquisition (or series of related acquisitions) exceeds $100,000,000, individually:

(i) no later than five (5) Business Days prior to the proposed closing date of such acquisition, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders an Officer’s Compliance Certificate for the most recent fiscal quarter end preceding such acquisition for which financial statements are available demonstrating, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory thereto, compliance with each covenant contained in Article X  (it being agreed and acknowledged that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, (A)  the covenant contained in Section 10.1 (giving effect to any Leverage Ratio Increase then in effect pursuant to Section 10.1) shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as of the date of the acquisition and after giving effect thereto and any Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith and (B) with

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respect to the covenant contained in Section 10.2, Consolidated EBITDA shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as of the date of the acquisition and after giving effect thereto and any Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith,  but no other component of the ratio set forth in Section 10.2 shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis);

(ii) prior to the proposed closing date of such acquisition, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent),  the Borrower (1) shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent promptly upon the finalization thereof copies of substantially final Permitted Acquisition Documents and (2) shall have delivered to, or made available for inspection by, the Administrative Agent any Permitted Acquisition Diligence Information delivered to the Borrower; and

(iii) the Borrower shall provide such other documents and other information as may be reasonably (both in scope of such request and timing of such request) requested by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (through the Administrative Agent) in connection with the acquisition, provided such information is reasonably available to the Borrower. 

Permitted Acquisition Consideration” means the aggregate amount of the purchase price, including, but not limited to, any assumed debt, earn-outs (valued at the maximum amount payable thereunder), deferred payments, or Capital Stock of the Borrower, net of the applicable acquired company’s cash and Cash Equivalents, balance (as shown on its most recent financial statements delivered in connection with the applicable Permitted Acquisition) in connection with any applicable Permitted Acquisition as set forth in the applicable Permitted Acquisition Documents executed by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in order to consummate the applicable Permitted Acquisition.

Permitted Acquisition Diligence Information” means with respect to any acquisition proposed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor, to the extent applicable, all material financial information, all material contracts, all material customer lists, all material supply agreements, and all other material information, in each case, reasonably requested to be delivered to the Administrative Agent and which is made available to the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor in connection with such acquisition (except to the extent that any such information is (a) subject to any confidentiality agreement, unless mutually agreeable arrangements can be made to preserve such information as confidential, (b) classified or (c) subject to any attorney-client privilege).

Permitted Acquisition Documents” means with respect to any acquisition proposed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor, final copies or substantially final drafts if not executed at the required time of delivery of the purchase agreement, sale agreement, merger agreement or other agreement evidencing such acquisition, including, without limitation, all legal opinions and each other document executed, delivered, contemplated by or prepared in connection therewith and any amendment, modification or supplement to any of the foregoing.

Permitted Equipment Sale-Leaseback Transaction” means any sale-leaseback by and between any Credit Party, as seller, and any third party reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, as buyer, in connection with equipment owned by such Credit Party; provided that (a) at the time of any such sale-leaseback, no Default or Event of Default shall exist or would result from such sale-leaseback, (b) the equipment which is the subject of any such sale-leaseback shall be sold for no less than the fair market value thereof, (c) the consideration received in connection with any such sale-leaseback shall be no less than one hundred percent (100%) in cash, (d) the lease executed in connection with any such sale-leaseback shall be an operating lease and shall be subject to customary market terms, and (e) the requirements of Section 4.4(b) are complied with in connection therewith.

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Permitted Liens” means the Liens permitted pursuant to Section 11.2.

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

Platform” means Debt Domain, Intralinks, SyndTrak or a substantially similar electronic transmission system.

Prime Rate” means, at any time, the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by the Administrative Agent as its prime rate.  Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective as of the opening of business on the day such change in such prime rate occurs.  The parties hereto acknowledge that the rate announced publicly by the Administrative Agent as its prime rate is an index or base rate and shall not necessarily be its lowest or best rate charged to its customers or other banks.

Pro Forma Basis” means, for purposes of determining the effect of any Specified Transaction in calculating certain definitions and compliance with any test or financial covenant under this Agreement for any period, that such Specified Transaction (and all other Specified Transactions that have been consummated during the applicable period) and the following transactions in connection therewith shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the applicable period of measurement in such test or covenant: (a) income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the Property or Person subject to such Specified Transaction, (i) in the case of a disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock of a Subsidiary or any division, business unit, product line or line of business or any classification of any asset, business unit, division or line of business as a discontinued operation, shall be excluded and (ii) in the case of a Permitted Acquisition, shall be included, (b) any retirement of Indebtedness and (c) any Indebtedness incurred or assumed by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection therewith and if such Indebtedness has a floating or formula rate, shall have an implied rate of interest for the applicable period for purposes of this definition determined by utilizing the rate that is or would be in effect with respect to such Indebtedness as at the relevant date of  determination; provided, that the foregoing pro forma adjustments may be applied to any such definition, test or financial covenant solely to the extent that such adjustments (y) are reasonably expected to be realized within twelve (12) months of such Specified Transaction as set forth in reasonable detail on a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower delivered to the Administrative Agent and (z) are calculated on a basis consistent with GAAP and Regulation S-X of the Exchange Act or as approved by the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders.

Property” means any right or interest in or to property of any kind whatsoever, whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, including, without limitation, Capital Stock.

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

Public Lenders” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 8.4.

Qualified Capital Stock” means any Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Capital Stock.

Recipient” means (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) any Lender and (c) any Issuing Lender, as applicable.

Register” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 14.10(c).

Reimbursement Obligation” means the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse any Issuing Lender pursuant to Section 3.5 for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender.

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

Removal Effective Date” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 11.6(b).

Replacement Rate” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.8(c).

Required Lenders”  means, at any time, Lenders having Total Credit Exposures representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the Total Credit Exposures of all Lenders; provided that the Total Credit Exposure of any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in determining Required Lenders at any time;  provided further that if there are at least two (2) but not more than three (3) Non-Defaulting Lenders at such time, then Required Lenders must include at least two (2) such Non-Defaulting Lenders.

Required Revolving Credit Lenders” means, at any date, any combination of Revolving Credit Lenders holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the sum of the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitment or, if the Revolving Credit Commitment has been terminated, any combination of Revolving Credit Lenders holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate Extensions of Credit under the Revolving Credit Facility; provided that the Revolving Credit Commitment of, and the portion of the Extensions of Credit under the Revolving Credit Facility, as applicable, held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Revolving Credit Lenders; provided further that if there are at least two (2) but not more than three (3) Non-Defaulting Lenders who are Revolving Credit Lenders at such time, then Required Revolving Credit Lenders must include at least two (2) such Non-Defaulting Lenders who are Revolving Credit Lenders.

Resignation Effective Date” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 11.6(a).

Responsible Officer” means, as to any Person, the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, controller, treasurer or assistant treasurer of such Person or any other officer of such Person reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in such Person’s capacity as such (and not on an individual basis);  provided that, to the extent requested thereby, the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of such Person certifying as to the incumbency and genuineness of the signature of each such officer.  Any document delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Person shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability  company, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Person and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Person.

Restricted Junior Indebtedness Payments” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 11.9(b).

Restricted Payment” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 11.6.

Revaluation Date” means:

(a) with respect to any Revolving Credit Loan, each of the following: (i) each date of a borrowing of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in an Alternative Currency, (ii) each date of a continuation of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in an Alternative Currency and (iii) such additional dates as the Administrative Agent shall determine or the Required Lenders shall require; and 

(b) with respect to any Letter of Credit, each of the following:  (i) each date of issuance of a Letter of Credit denominated in an Alternative L/C Currency (or an amendment of any such Letter of Credit having the effect of increasing the amount thereof), (ii) each date of any payment by an Issuing Lender

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under any Letter of Credit denominated in an Alternative L/C Currency and (iii) such additional dates as the Administrative Agent or an Issuing Lender shall determine or the Required Lenders shall require.

Revolving Credit Commitment” means (a) as to any Revolving Credit Lender, the obligation of such Revolving Credit Lender to make Revolving Credit Loans to, and to purchase participations in L/C Obligations and Swingline Loans for the account of, the Borrower hereunder in an aggregate principal Dollar amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Revolving Credit Lender’s name on the Register, as such Dollar amount may be modified at any time or from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof (including, without limitation, Section 5.13)  and (b) as to all Revolving Credit Lenders, the aggregate commitment of all Revolving Credit Lenders to make Revolving Credit Loans, as such Dollar amount may be modified at any time or from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof (including, without limitation, Section 5.13).  The aggregate Revolving Credit Commitment of all the Revolving Credit Lenders as of the Closing Date shall be $600,000,000.  The Revolving Credit Commitment of each Revolving Credit Lender as of the Closing Date is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 1.1(b).

Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage” means, with respect to any Revolving Credit Lender at any time, the percentage of the total Revolving Credit Commitments of all the Revolving Credit Lenders represented by such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment.  If the Revolving Credit Commitments have terminated or expired, the Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages shall be determined based upon the Revolving Credit Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments.  The Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of each Revolving Credit Lender on the Closing Date is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 1.1(b).

Revolving Credit Exposure” means, as to any Revolving Credit Lender at any time, the aggregate principal amount at such time of its outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and such Revolving Credit Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations and Swingline Loans at such time.

Revolving Credit Facility” means the revolving credit facility established pursuant to Article II (including any increase in such revolving credit facility established pursuant to Section 5.13).

Revolving Credit Lenders” means, collectively, all of the Lenders with a Revolving Credit Commitment.

Revolving Credit Loan” means any revolving loan made to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1, and all such revolving loans collectively as the context requires.

Revolving Credit Maturity Date” means the earliest to occur of (a) July 31, 2024, (b) the date of termination of the entire Revolving Credit Commitment by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.5,  and  (c) the date of termination of the Revolving Credit Commitment pursuant to Section 12.2(a).

Revolving Credit Note” means a promissory note made by the Borrower in favor of a Revolving Credit Lender evidencing the Revolving Credit Loans made by such Revolving Credit Lender, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A-1, and any amendments, supplements and modifications thereto, any substitutes therefor, and any replacements, restatements, renewals or extension thereof, in whole or in part.

Revolving Credit Outstandings” means the sum of (a) with respect to Revolving Credit Loans on any date of determination,  the Dollar Equivalent amount of the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Revolving Credit Loans occurring on such date;  plus (b) with respect to Swingline Loans, (i) on any date of determination that is prior to the Loan Sweep Activation Date or on or after the Loan Sweep Termination Date, the Dollar

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Equivalent amount of the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Swingline Loans occurring on such date and (ii) on any date of determination that is on and after the Loan Sweep Activation Date and prior to the Loan Sweep Termination Date, the Swingline Reserve;  plus  (c) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date of determination,  the Dollar Equivalent amount of the aggregate outstanding amount thereof on such date after giving effect to any Extensions of Credit occurring on such date and any other changes in the aggregate amount of the L/C Obligations as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements of outstanding unpaid drawings under any Letters of Credit or any reductions in the maximum amount available for drawing under Letters of Credit taking effect on such date.

Revolving Extensions of Credit” means (a) any Revolving Credit Loan then outstanding, (b) any Letter of Credit then outstanding or (c) any Swingline Loan then outstanding.

Same Day Funds” means (a) with respect to disbursements and payments in Dollars, immediately available funds, and (b) with respect to disbursements and payments in an Alternative Currency or an Alternative L/C Currency, same day or other funds as may be determined by the Administrative Agent or an Issuing Lender, as applicable, to be customary in the place of disbursement or payment for the settlement of international banking transactions in the relevant Alternative Currency or Alternative L/C Currency.

Sanctioned Country” means at any time, a country or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (including, as of the Closing Date, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria and Crimea).

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

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

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

Secured Cash Management Agreement” means any Cash Management Agreement between or among any Credit Party and any Cash Management Bank.

Secured Hedge Agreement” means any Hedge Agreement between or among any Credit Party and any Hedge Bank.

Secured Obligations” means, collectively, (a) the Obligations and (b) all existing or future payment and other obligations owing by any Credit Party under (i) any Secured Hedge Agreement and (ii) any Secured Cash Management Agreement;  provided that the “Secured Obligations” of a Credit Party shall exclude any Excluded Swap Obligations with respect to such Credit Party. 

Secured Parties” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders, the Hedge Banks, the Cash Management Banks, each co-agent or sub-agent appointed by the Administrative Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 13.5, any other holder from time to time of any of any Secured Obligations and, in each case, their respective successors and permitted assigns.

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Security Documents” means the collective reference to the Collateral Agreement, the Guaranty Agreements, and each other agreement or writing pursuant to which any Credit Party purports to pledge or grant a security interest in any Property or assets securing the Secured Obligations or any such Person purports to guaranty the payment and/or performance of the Secured Obligations.

Solvent” and “Solvency” mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature, (d) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital, and (e) such Person is able to pay its debts and liabilities, contingent obligations and other commitments as they mature in the ordinary course of business.  The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

Special Notice Currency”  means at any time an Alternative Currency or Alternative L/C Currency, other than the currency of a country that is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development at such time located in North America or Europe.

Specified Transactions” means (a) any disposition of all or substantially all of the assets or Capital Stock of any Subsidiary of the Borrower or any division, business unit, product line or line of business, (b) any Permitted Acquisition, (c) any incurrence of Indebtedness, (d) the classification of any asset, business unit, division or line of business as a discontinued operation, (e) the Transactions.

Spot Rate” means, for any currency, the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate quoted by the Administrative Agent as the spot rate for the purchase by the Administrative Agent of such currency with another currency through its principal foreign exchange trading office at approximately 11:00 a.m. on the date two Business Days prior to the date as of which the foreign exchange computation is made; provided that the Administrative Agent may obtain such spot rate from another financial institution designated by the Administrative Agent if the Administrative Agent does not have as of the date of determination a spot buying rate for any such currency.

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

Subordinated Indebtedness” means the collective reference to any Indebtedness of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof subordinated in right and time of payment to the Obligations and containing such other terms and conditions, in each case as are satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Subsidiary” means as to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Capital Stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) or other managers of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity is at the time owned by (directly or indirectly) or the management is otherwise controlled by (directly or indirectly) such Person (irrespective of whether, at the time, Capital Stock of any other class or classes of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency).  Unless otherwise qualified, references to “Subsidiary” or “Subsidiaries” herein shall refer to those of the Borrower.

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Subsidiary Guarantors” means, collectively, all direct and indirect Subsidiaries of the Borrower (other than the Borrower and Foreign Subsidiaries to the extent that and for so long as the guaranty of such Foreign Subsidiary would have material adverse tax consequences for the Borrower or any other Credit Party or result in a violation of Applicable Laws) in existence on the Closing Date or which becomes a party to the Guaranty Agreement pursuant to Section 9.11.

Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Credit Party, 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.

Swingline Commitment” means the lesser of (a) $30,000,000 and (b) the Revolving Credit Commitment.

Swingline Facility” means the swingline facility established pursuant to Section 2.2.

Swingline Lender” means Wells Fargo in its capacity as swingline lender hereunder, or any successor thereto.

Swingline Loan” means any swingline loan made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrower in Dollars pursuant to Section 2.2, and all such swingline loans collectively as the context requires.

Swingline Note” means a promissory note made by the Borrower in favor of the Swingline Lender evidencing the Swingline Loans made by the Swingline Lender, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A-2,  and any amendments, supplements and modifications thereto, any substitutes therefor, and any replacements, restatements, renewals or extension thereof, in whole or in part.    

Swingline Participation Amount” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.2(b)(iii).

Swingline Reserve”  means, on any date of determination, the amount of the Swingline Commitment as of such date.

Synthetic Lease” means any synthetic lease, tax retention operating lease, off-balance sheet loan or similar off-balance sheet financing product where such transaction is considered borrowed money indebtedness for tax purposes but is classified as an Operating Lease in accordance with GAAP.

TARGET Day” means any day on which the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET) payment system (or, if such payment system ceases to be operative, such other payment system (if any) determined by the Administrative Agent to be a suitable replacement) is open for the settlement of payments in Euro.

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

Term Loan Commitment”  means (a) as to any Term Loan Lender, the obligation of such Term Loan Lender to make a portion of the Initial Term Loan and/or Incremental Term Loans, as applicable, to the account of the Borrower hereunder on the Closing Date (in the case of the Initial Term Loan) or the applicable borrowing date (in the case of any Incremental Term Loan) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on the Register, as such amount may be increased, reduced or otherwise modified at any time or from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof and (b) as to all Term Loan Lenders, the aggregate commitment of all Term Loan Lenders to make such Term

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Loans.  The aggregate Term Loan Commitment with respect to the Initial Term Loan of all Term Loan Lenders on the Closing Date shall be $150,000,000.  The Term Loan Commitment of each Term Loan Lender as of the Closing Date is set forth opposite the name of such Term Loan Lender on Schedule 1.1(b).

Term Loan Facility” means the term loan facility established pursuant to Article IV (including any new term loan facility established pursuant to Section 5.13).

Term Loan Lender” means any Lender with a Term Loan Commitment and/or outstanding Term Loans.  

Term Loan Maturity Date” means the first to occur of (a) July 31, 2024, and (b) the date of acceleration of the Term Loans pursuant to Section 12.2(a).

Term Loan Note” means a promissory note made by the Borrower in favor of a Term Loan Lender evidencing the portion of the Term Loans made by such Term Loan Lender, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A-3, and any substitutes therefor, and any replacements, restatements, renewals or extension thereof, in whole or in part.

Term Loan Percentage” means, with respect to any Term Loan Lender at any time, the percentage of the total outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan represented by the outstanding principal balance of such Term Loan Lender’s Term Loan.  The Term Loan Percentage of each Term Loan Lender as of the Closing Date is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 1.1(b).

Term Loans” means the Initial Term Loans and, if applicable, the Incremental Term Loans and “Term Loan” means any of such Term Loans.

Termination Event” means, except for any such event or condition that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect: (a) a  “Reportable Event” described in Section 4043 of ERISA for which the notice requirement has not been waived by the PBGC, or (b) the withdrawal of any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA, or (c) the termination of a Pension Plan, the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Pension Plan or the treatment of a Pension Plan amendment as a termination, under Section 4041 of ERISA, if the plan assets are not sufficient to pay all plan liabilities, or (d) the institution of proceedings to terminate, or the appointment of a trustee with respect to, any Pension Plan by the PBGC, or (e) any other event or condition which would constitute grounds under Section 4042(a) of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan, or (f) the imposition of a Lien pursuant to Section 430 of the Code or Section 303(k) of ERISA, or (g) the partial or complete withdrawal of any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan if withdrawal liability is asserted by such plan, or (h) any event or condition which results in the reorganization or insolvency of a Multiemployer Plan under Sections 4241 or 4245 of ERISA, or (i) any event or condition which results in the termination of a Multiemployer Plan under Section 4041A of ERISA or the institution by PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Multiemployer Plan under Section 4042 of ERISA.

Threshold Amount” means $25,000,000.

Total Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, the unused Commitments, Revolving Credit Exposure and outstanding Term Loans of such Lender at such time.

Transaction Costs” means (a) all transaction fees, charges and other amounts related to the Transactions, any Permitted Acquisition consummated on or after the Closing Date and any Equity Issuance consummated on or after the Closing Date (including, without limitation, any financing fees, merger and

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acquisition fees, legal fees and expenses, due diligence fees or any other fees and expenses in connection therewith) and (b) severance costs, restructuring costs and inventory markup in connection with the Transactions, any Permitted Acquisition consummated on or after the Closing Date and any Equity Issuance consummated after the Closing Date, in each case, to the extent such costs, fees, charges and other amounts have been approved by the Administrative Agent.

Transactions” means, collectively, (a) the repayment in full of all Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 11.1) on the Closing Date, (b) the initial Extensions of Credit and (c) the payment of the Transaction Costs incurred in connection with items (a) and  (b) above.

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York.

Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents” means, as to the Borrower and its Domestic Subsidiaries, as of any date of determination, the aggregate amount of Unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents held thereby in domestic deposit accounts or securities accounts maintained with a Lender.  For purposes hereof, “Unrestricted” means, when referring to cash and Cash Equivalents of the Borrower and its Domestic Subsidiaries, that such cash and Cash Equivalents (a) do not appear, or would not be required to appear, as “restricted” on the financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (unless related to the Loan Documents or the Liens created thereunder), (b) are not subject to a Lien in favor of any Person (other than Liens permitted under Sections 11.2(a) or 11.2(i))  or (c) are not otherwise unavailable to the Borrower and its Domestic Subsidiaries.

U.S. Person” means any Person that is a “United States person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.11(g).

United States” means the United States of America.

Wells Fargo” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association.

Wholly-Owned” means, with respect to a Subsidiary, that all of the shares of Capital Stock of such Subsidiary are, directly or indirectly, owned or controlled by the Borrower and/or one or more of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries (except for directors’ qualifying shares or other shares required by Applicable Law to be owned by a Person other than the Borrower and/or one or more of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries).

Withholding Agent” means the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

Section 1.2 Other Definitions and Provisions.  With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document: (a) the definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined, (b) whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms, (c) the words “include”,  “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”, (d) the word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”, (e) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (f) the words “herein”,  “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer

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to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (g) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement, (h) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights, (i) the term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form, (j) in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including” and (k) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

Section 1.3 Accounting Terms

(a) All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time and in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the audited financial statements required by Section 8.1(a),  except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein, Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be carried at 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof, and the effects of FASB ASC 825 and FASB ASC 470-20 on financial liabilities shall be disregarded.

(b) If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided that, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP.

Section 1.4 UCC Terms.  Terms defined in the UCC in effect on the Closing Date and not otherwise defined herein shall, unless the context otherwise indicates, have the meanings provided by those definitions.  Subject to the foregoing, the term “UCC” refers, as of any date of determination, to the UCC then in effect.

Section 1.5 Rounding.  Any financial ratios required to be maintained pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio or percentage is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).

Section 1.6 References to Agreement and Laws.  Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) any definition or reference to formation documents, governing documents, agreements (including the Loan Documents) and other contractual documents or instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are not prohibited by any Loan Document; and (b) any definition or reference to any Applicable Law, including, without limitation, Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, the Bankruptcy Code, the Code, the

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Commodity Exchange Act, ERISA, the Exchange Act, the Patriot Act, the UCC, the Investment Company Act, the Interstate Commerce Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act of the United States or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department, shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Applicable Law.

Section 1.7 Times of Day.  Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).

Section 1.8 Letter of Credit Amounts.  Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to mean the maximum face amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all increases thereof contemplated by such Letter of Credit or the Letter of Credit Application therefor (at the time specified therefor in such applicable Letter of Credit or Letter of Credit Application and as such amount may be reduced by (a) any permanent reduction of such Letter of Credit or (b) any amount which is drawn, reimbursed and no longer available under such Letter of Credit).

Section 1.9 Guaranty Obligations/Earn-Outs.  Unless otherwise specified, (a) the amount of any Guaranty Obligation shall be the lesser of the principal amount of the obligations guaranteed and still outstanding and the maximum amount for which the guaranteeing Person may be liable pursuant to the terms of the instrument embodying such Guaranty Obligation and (b) the amount of any earn-out or similar obligation shall be the amount of such obligation as reflected on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP. 

Section 1.10 Covenant Compliance Generally.  For purposes of determining compliance under Sections 11.1,  11.2,  11.3,  11.5 and 11.6, any amount in a currency other than Dollars will be converted to Dollars in a manner consistent with that used in calculating Consolidated Net Income in the most recent annual financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries delivered pursuant to Section 8.1(b).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with Sections 11.1,  11.2 and 11.3, with respect to any amount of Indebtedness or Investment in a currency other than Dollars, no breach of any basket contained in such sections shall be deemed to have occurred solely as a result of changes in rates of exchange occurring after the time such Indebtedness or Investment is incurred; provided that for the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.10 shall otherwise apply to such Sections, including with respect to determining whether any Indebtedness or Investment may be incurred at any time under such Sections.

Section 1.11 Exchange Rates; Currency Equivalents.  

(a) The Administrative Agent shall determine the Spot Rates as of each Revaluation Date to be used for calculating Dollar Equivalent amounts of Extensions of Credit and Revolving Credit Outstandings denominated in Alternative Currencies and Alternative L/C Currencies.  Such Spot Rates shall become effective as of such Revaluation Date and shall be the Spot Rates employed in converting any amounts between the applicable currencies until the next Revaluation Date to occur.  Except for purposes of financial statements delivered by Credit Parties hereunder or calculating financial covenants hereunder or except as otherwise provided herein, the applicable amount of any currency (other than Dollars) for purposes of the Loan Documents shall be such Dollar Equivalent amount as so determined by the Administrative Agent.

(b) Wherever in this Agreement in connection with a borrowing, conversion, continuation or prepayment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan or the issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit, an amount, such as a required minimum, a required maximum or multiple amount, is expressed in Dollars, but such Eurocurrency Rate Loan or Letter of Credit is denominated in an Alternative Currency or an

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Alternative L/C Currency, as applicable, such amount shall be the relevant Alternative Currency Equivalent of such Dollar amount (rounded to the nearest unit of such Alternative Currency or Alternative L/C Currency, as applicable, with 0.5 of a unit being rounded upward), as determined by the Administrative Agent or the applicable Issuing Lender, as applicable.

Section 1.12 Change of Currency.

(a) The obligation of the Borrower to make a payment denominated in the national currency unit of any member state of the European Union that adopts the Euro as its lawful currency after the date hereof shall be redenominated into Euro at the time of such adoption (in accordance with the EMU Legislation).  If, in relation to the currency of any such member state, the basis of accrual of interest expressed in this Agreement in respect of that currency shall be inconsistent with any convention or practice in the London interbank market for the basis of accrual of interest in respect of the Euro, such expressed basis shall be replaced by such convention or practice with effect from the date on which such member state adopts the Euro as its lawful currency; provided that if any borrowing in the currency of such member state is outstanding immediately prior to such date, such replacement shall take effect, with respect to such borrowing, at the end of the then current Interest Period.

(b) Each provision of this Agreement shall be subject to such reasonable changes of construction as the Administrative Agent may from time to time specify to be appropriate to reflect the adoption of the Euro by any member state of the European Union and any relevant market conventions or practices relating to the Euro.

(c) Each provision of this Agreement also shall be subject to such reasonable changes of construction as the Administrative Agent may from time to time specify to be appropriate to reflect a change in currency of any other country and any relevant market conventions or practices relating to the change in currency

Section 1.13 Additional Alternative Currencies or Alternative L/C Currencies.

(a) The Borrower may from time to time request that (i) Eurocurrency Rate Loans be made in a currency other than those specifically listed in the definition of “Alternative Currency” and/or (ii) Letters of Credit be issued in a currency other than those specifically listed in the definition of “Alternative L/C Currency”; provided that such requested currency (i) is a lawful currency (other than Dollars) that is readily available and freely transferable and convertible into Dollars, (ii) is dealt with in the London interbank deposit market and (iii) is not subject to any requirement by any central bank or other governmental authorization in the country of issue of such currency to give authorization for the use of such currency by any Lender for making Loans unless such authorization has been obtained and remains in full force and effect.  In the case of any such request with respect to the making of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, such request shall be subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent and the Revolving Credit Lenders and, in the case of any such request with respect to the issuance of Letters of Credit, such request shall be subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent, the Revolving Credit Lenders and the applicable Issuing Lender or Issuing Lenders.

(b) Any such request shall be made to the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m., (i) with respect to a request for an additional Alternative Currency, 20 Business Days prior to the date of the desired Extension of Credit (or such other time or date as may be agreed by the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion) or (ii) with respect to a request for an additional Alternative L/C Currency, 10 Business Days prior to the date of the desired Letter of Credit (or such other time or date as may be agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Lender, in their sole discretion).  In the case of any such request pertaining to Eurocurrency Rate Loans, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each

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Revolving Credit Lender thereof and, in the case of any such request pertaining to Letters of Credit, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Issuing Lender thereof.  Each Revolving Credit Lender (in the case of any such request pertaining to Eurocurrency Rate Loans) shall notify the Administrative Agent, not later than 11:00 a.m., ten Business Days after receipt of such request whether it consents, in its sole discretion, to the making of Eurocurrency Rate Loans in such requested currency.  The applicable Issuing Lender (in the case of a request pertaining to Letters of Credit) shall notify the Administrative Agent, not later than 11:00 a.m., five Business Days after receipt of such request whether it consents, in its sole discretion, to the issuance of Letters of Credit in such requested currency.

(c) Any failure by a Revolving Credit Lender or the applicable Issuing Lender, as the case may be, to respond to such request within the time period specified in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be a refusal by such Revolving Credit Lender or the applicable Issuing Lender, as the case may be, to permit Eurocurrency Rate Loans to be made or Letters of Credit to be issued in such requested currency.  If the Administrative Agent and all the Revolving Credit Lenders consent to making Eurocurrency Rate Loans in such requested currency, the Administrative Agent shall so notify the Borrower and such currency shall thereupon be deemed for all purposes to be an Alternative Currency hereunder for purposes of any borrowings of Eurocurrency Rate Loans and, if the Administrative Agent, all of the Revolving Credit Lenders and the applicable Issuing Lender consent to the issuance of Letters of Credit in such requested currency, the Administrative Agent shall so notify the Borrower and such currency shall thereupon be deemed for all purposes to be an Alternative L/C Currency hereunder for purposes of any Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender.  If the Administrative Agent shall fail to obtain consent to any request for an additional currency under this Section 1.13, the Administrative Agent shall promptly so notify the Borrower.

Section 1.14 Limited Conditionality Acquisitions.  In the event that the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent in writing that any proposed acquisition by the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof in the form of acquisitions of all or substantially all of the business or a line of business (whether by the acquisition of Capital Stock, assets or any combination thereof) is a Limited Conditionality Acquisition and that the Borrower wishes to test the conditions to such acquisition and the availability of the Incremental Loans that is to be used to finance such acquisition in accordance with this Section, then, so long as agreed to by the Administrative Agent and the lenders providing such Indebtedness, the following provisions shall apply:

(a) any condition to such acquisition or such Indebtedness that requires that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such acquisition or the incurrence of such Indebtedness, shall be satisfied if (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of the execution of the definitive purchase agreement, merger agreement or other acquisition agreement governing such acquisition (the “LCA Test Date”) and (ii) no Event of Default under any of Sections 12.1(a),  12.1(b),  12.1(f),  12.1(h) or 12.1(i) shall have occurred and be continuing both before and after giving effect to such acquisition and any Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith (including such additional Indebtedness);

(b) any condition to such acquisition or such Indebtedness that the representations and warranties in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct at the time of such acquisition or the incurrence of such Indebtedness shall be subject to customary “SunGard” or other customary applicable “certain funds” conditionality provisions (including, without limitation, a condition that the representations and warranties under the relevant agreements relating to such Limited Conditionality Acquisition as are material to the lenders providing such Indebtedness shall be true and correct, but only to the extent that the Borrower or its applicable Subsidiary has the right to terminate its obligations under such agreement as a result of a breach of such representations and warranties or the failure

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of those representations and warranties to be true and correct), so long as all representations and warranties in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct as of the LCA Test Date;

(c) any financial ratio test or condition, may upon the written election of the Borrower delivered to the Administrative Agent prior to the execution of the definitive agreement for such acquisition, be tested either (i) upon the execution of the definitive agreement with respect to such Limited Conditionality Acquisition or (ii) upon the consummation of the Limited Conditionality Acquisition and related incurrence of Indebtedness, in each case, after giving effect to the relevant Limited Conditionality Acquisition and related incurrence of Indebtedness, on a Pro Forma Basis; provided that the failure to deliver a notice under this Section 1.14(c) prior to the date of execution of the definitive agreement for such Limited Conditionality Acquisition shall be deemed an election to test the applicable financial ratio under subcluase (ii) of this Section 1.14(c); and

(d) if the Borrower has made an election with respect to any Limited Conditionality Acquisition to test a financial ratio test or condition at the time specified in subs-clause (c)(i) of this Section, then in connection with any subsequent calculation of any ratio or basket on or following the relevant date of execution of the definitive agreement with respect to such Limited Conditionality Acquisition and prior to the earlier of (i) the date on which such Limited Conditionality Acquisition is consummated or (ii) the date that the definitive agreement for such Limited Conditionality Acquisition is terminated or expires without consummation of such Limited Conditionality Acquisition, any such ratio or basket shall be required to be satisfied (x) on a Pro Forma Basis assuming such Limited Conditionality Acquisition and other transactions in connection therewith (including the incurrence or assumption of Indebtedness) have been consummated and (y) assuming such Limited Conditionality Acquisition and other transactions in connection therewith (including the incurrence or assumption of Indebtedness) have not been consummated.

The foregoing provisions shall apply with similar effect during the pendency of multiple Limited Conditionality Acquisitions such that each of the possible scenarios is separately tested.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no event shall there be more than two Limited Conditionality Acquisitions at any time outstanding.

Section 1.15 Rates.  The Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission or any other matter related to the rates in the definition of “Eurocurrency Rate”.

Section 1.16 Divisions.  For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Capital Stock at such time.

Article II

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

Section 2.1 Revolving Credit Loans.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,  and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, each Revolving Credit Lender severally agrees to make Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrower in Dollars or one or more Alternative Currencies from time to time from the Closing Date to, but not including, the Revolving Credit Maturity Date as requested by the Borrower in accordance with the terms of Section 2.3;  

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provided, that (a) the Revolving Credit Outstandings shall not exceed the Revolving Credit Commitment, (b) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Revolving Credit Lender shall not at any time exceed such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment and (c) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans denominated in Alternative Currencies and Letters of Credit denominated in Alternative L/C Currencies shall not exceed the Alternative Currency Sublimit.  Each Revolving Credit Loan by a Revolving Credit Lender shall be in a principal amount equal to such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Credit Loans requested on such occasion.  Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow Revolving Credit Loans hereunder from the Closing Date through and including the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

Section 2.2 Swingline Loans.    

(a) Availability

(i) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, prior to the Loan Sweep Activation Date or on or after the Loan Sweep Termination Date, the Swingline Lender agrees to make Swingline Loans in Dollars to the Borrower from time to time from the Closing Date through, but not including, the Revolving Credit Maturity Date; provided, that (A) after giving effect to any amount requested, the Revolving Credit Outstandings shall not exceed the Revolving Credit Commitment and (B) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Swingline Loans (after giving effect to any amount requested), shall not exceed the lesser of (1) the Revolving Credit Commitment less the sum of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and the L/C Obligations and (2) the Swingline Commitment.

(ii) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, on and after the Loan Sweep Activation Date and prior to the Loan Sweep Termination Date, the Swingline Lender agrees to make Swingline Loans in Dollars to the Borrower from time to time from the Closing Date through, but not including, the Revolving Credit Maturity Date pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Loan Sweep Agreement; provided, that (A) after giving effect to any amount requested, the Revolving Credit Outstandings shall not exceed the Revolving Credit Commitment and (B) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Swingline Loans (after giving effect to any amount requested), shall not exceed the lesser of (1) the Revolving Credit Commitment less the sum of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and the L/C Obligations and (2) the Swingline Commitment.

(b) Refunding.

(i) The Swingline Lender, at any time and from time to time in its sole and absolute discretion may, on behalf of the Borrower (which hereby irrevocably directs the Swingline Lender to act on its behalf), by written notice given no later than 11:00 a.m. on any Business Day request each Revolving Credit Lender to make, and each Revolving Credit Lender hereby agrees to make, a Revolving Credit Loan as a Base Rate Loan in an amount equal to such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the aggregate amount of the Swingline Loans outstanding on the date of such notice, to repay the Swingline Lender.  Each Revolving Credit Lender shall make the amount of such Revolving Credit Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day specified in such notice.  The proceeds of such Revolving Credit Loans shall be immediately made available by the Administrative Agent to the Swingline Lender for application by the

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Swingline Lender to the repayment of the Swingline Loans.  No Revolving Credit Lender’s obligation to fund its respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of a Swingline Loan shall be affected by any other Revolving Credit Lender’s failure to fund its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of a Swingline Loan, nor shall any Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage be increased as a result of any such failure of any other Revolving Credit Lender to fund its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of a Swingline Loan.

(ii) The Borrower shall pay to the Swingline Lender on demand, and in any event on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, in immediately available funds the amount of such Swingline Loans to the extent amounts received from the Revolving Credit Lenders are not sufficient to repay in full the outstanding Swingline Loans requested or required to be refunded.  In addition, the Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent to charge any account maintained by the Borrower with the Swingline Lender (up to the amount available therein) in order to immediately pay the Swingline Lender the amount of such Swingline Loans to the extent amounts received from the Revolving Credit Lenders are not sufficient to repay in full the outstanding Swingline Loans requested or required to be refunded.  If any portion of any such amount paid to the Swingline Lender shall be recovered by or on behalf of the Borrower from the Swingline Lender in bankruptcy or otherwise, the loss of the amount so recovered shall be ratably shared among all the Revolving Credit Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages.

(iii) If for any reason any Swingline Loan cannot be refinanced with a Revolving Credit Loan pursuant to Section 2.2(b)(i), each Revolving Credit Lender shall, on the date such Revolving Credit Loan was to have been made pursuant to the notice referred to in Section 2.2(b)(i), purchase for cash an undivided participating interest in the then outstanding Swingline Loans by paying to the Swingline Lender an amount (the “Swingline Participation Amount”) equal to such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Swingline Loans then outstanding.  Each Revolving Credit Lender will immediately transfer to the Swingline Lender, in immediately available funds, the amount of its Swingline Participation Amount.  Whenever, at any time after the Swingline Lender has received from any Revolving Credit Lender such Revolving Credit Lender’s Swingline Participation Amount, the Swingline Lender receives any payment on account of the Swingline Loans, the Swingline Lender will distribute to such Revolving Credit Lender its Swingline Participation Amount (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s participating interest was outstanding and funded and, in the case of principal and interest payments, to reflect such Revolving Credit Lender’s pro rata portion of such payment if such payment is not sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on all Swingline Loans then due); provided that in the event that such payment received by the Swingline Lender is required to be returned, such Revolving Credit Lender will return to the Swingline Lender any portion thereof previously distributed to it by the Swingline Lender.

(iv) Each Revolving Credit Lender’s obligation to make the Revolving Credit Loans referred to in Section 2.2(b)(i) and to purchase participating interests pursuant to Section 2.2(b)(iii) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that such Revolving Credit Lender or the Borrower may have against the Swingline Lender, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default or an Event of Default or the failure to satisfy any of the other conditions specified in Article VI, (C) any adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower, (D) any breach of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by the Borrower, any other Credit Party or any other Revolving Credit Lender or

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(E) any other circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.

(v) If any Revolving Credit Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Swingline Lender, any amount required to be paid by such Revolving Credit Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.2(b) by the time specified in Section 2.2(b)(i) or 2.2(b)(iii), as applicable, the Swingline Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Revolving Credit Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the Swingline Lender at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Federal  Funds Rate, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Swingline Lender in connection with the foregoing.  If such Revolving Credit Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Loan or Swingline Participation Amount, as the case may be.  A certificate of the Swingline Lender submitted to any Revolving Credit Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (v) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(c) Defaulting Lenders.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, this Section 2.2 shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 5.14 and Section 5.15.

Section 2.3 Procedure for Advances of Revolving Credit Loans and Swingline Loans.    

(a) Requests for Borrowing.  The Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent irrevocable prior written notice substantially in the form of Exhibit B (a “Notice of Borrowing”) not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) on the same Business Day as each Base Rate Loan and each Swingline Loan (other than Cash Management Swingline Loans), (ii) at least three (3) Business Days before each Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in Dollars and (iii) at least four (4) Business Days (or five (5) Business Days in the case of a Special Notice Currency) before each Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in an Alternative Currency, of its intention to borrow, specifying (A) the date of such borrowing, which shall be a Business Day, (B) the amount of such borrowing, which shall be, (x) with respect to Base Rate Loans (other than Swingline Loans) in an aggregate principal amount of $2,500,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (y) with respect to Eurocurrency Rate Loans in an aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and (z) with respect to Swingline Loans (other than Cash Management Swingline Loans) in an aggregate principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof, (C) whether such Loan denominated in Dollars is to be a Revolving Credit Loan or Swingline Loan, (D) in the case of a Revolving Credit Loan whether such Revolving Credit Loan is to be a Eurocurrency Rate Loan or Base Rate Loan, (E) in the case of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the duration of the Interest Period applicable thereto and (F) in the case of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, whether such Loan is to be denominated in Dollars or an Alternative Currency.    A Notice of Borrowing received after 11:00 a.m. shall be deemed received on the next Business Day.  The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Revolving Credit Lenders of each Notice of Borrowing.    

(b) Disbursement of Revolving Credit and Swingline Loans.  Not later than 1:00 p.m., in the case of any Loan denominated in Dollars, and not later than the Applicable Time specified by the Administrative Agent, in the case of any Loan denominated in an Alternative Currency, in each case on the proposed borrowing date, (i) each Revolving Credit Lender will make available to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Borrower, in Same Day Funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office for the applicable currency, such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the Revolving Credit Loans to be made on such borrowing date and (ii) the Swingline Lender will make available to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Borrower, in Same Day Funds at the

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Administrative Agent’s Office, the Swingline Loans (other than Cash Management Swingline Loans) to be made on such borrowing date.  The Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent to disburse the proceeds of each borrowing requested pursuant to this Section 2.3 in Same Day Funds by crediting or wiring such proceeds to the deposit account of the Borrower identified in the most recent notice substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C (a “Notice of Account Designation”) delivered by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or as may be otherwise agreed upon by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent from time to time.  Subject to Section 5.7 hereof, the Administrative Agent shall not be obligated to disburse the portion of the proceeds of any Revolving Credit Loan requested pursuant to this Section 2.3 to the extent that any Revolving Credit Lender has not made available to the Administrative Agent its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of such Loan.  Revolving Credit Loans to be made for the purpose of refunding Swingline Loans shall be made by the Revolving Credit Lenders as provided in Section 2.2(b).

(c) Cash Management Swingline Loans.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.3, all borrowing requests and all disbursements in connection with Cash Management Swingline Loans shall be made pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Loan Sweep Agreement.

Section 2.4 Repayment and Prepayment of Revolving Credit and Swingline Loans.    

(a) Repayment on Termination Date.  The Borrower hereby agrees to repay the outstanding principal amount of (i) all Revolving Credit Loans in full on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, and (ii) all Swingline Loans in accordance with Section 2.2(b) (but, in any event, no later than the Revolving Credit Maturity Date), together, in each case, with all accrued but unpaid interest thereon.

(b) Mandatory Prepayments

(i) If at any time the Revolving Credit Outstandings exceed the Revolving Credit Commitment, the Borrower agrees to repay immediately upon notice from the Administrative Agent, by payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Revolving Credit Lenders, Extensions of Credit in an amount equal to such excess with each such repayment applied first, to the principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans until paid in full,  second to the principal amount of outstanding Revolving Credit Loans until paid in full and third, with respect to any Letters of Credit then outstanding, a payment of Cash Collateral into a Cash Collateral account opened by the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Revolving Credit Lenders, in an amount equal to the aggregate L/C Obligations then outstanding (such Cash Collateral to be applied in accordance with Section 12.2(b)).

(ii) If at any time the Revolving Credit Outstandings denominated in Alternative Currencies exceeds an amount equal to 105% of the Alternative Currency Sublimit then in effect, the Borrower agrees to repay immediately upon notice from the Administrative Agent, by payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Revolving Credit Lenders, Revolving Credit Loans denominated in Alterative Currencies in an aggregate amount thereof sufficient to reduce such outstanding amount as of such date of payment to an amount not to exceed 100% of the Alternative Currency Sublimit then in effect.

(iii) If at any time the outstanding Swingline Loans exceed the lesser of (A) the Revolving Credit Commitment less the sum of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and the L/C Obligations and (B) the Swingline Commitment, the Borrower agrees to repay immediately upon notice from the Administrative Agent, by payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Revolving Credit Lenders, Extensions of Credit in an amount equal to such excess with each such repayment applied to the principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans.

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(c) Optional Prepayments.  The Borrower may at any time and from time to time prepay Revolving Credit Loans and Swingline Loans, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty (except as provided in subsection (d)), with irrevocable prior written notice to the Administrative Agent substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D (a “Notice of Prepayment”) given not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) on the same Business Day as each Base Rate Loan and each Swingline Loan (other than a Cash Management Swingline Loan), (ii) at least three (3) Business Days before each Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in Dollars and (iii) at least four (4) Business Days (or five (5) Business Days, in the case of prepayment of Loans denominated in Special Notice Currencies) before each Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in an Alternative Currency, specifying the date and amount of prepayment and whether the prepayment is of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, Base Rate Loans, Swingline Loans or a combination thereof, and, if of a combination thereof, the amount allocable to each; provided that the Borrower may at any time and from time to time prepay Cash Management Swingline Loans pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Loan Sweep Agreement.  Upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Revolving Credit Lender.  If any such notice is given, the amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date set forth in such notice.  Partial prepayments shall be in an aggregate amount of (w) $2,500,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof with respect to Base Rate Loans (other than Swingline Loans), (x) $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof with respect to Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Dollars, (y) $2,500,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof with respect to Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Alternative Currencies and (z) $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof with respect to Swingline Loans.  A Notice of Prepayment received after 11:00 a.m. shall be deemed received on the next Business Day.  Each such repayment shall be accompanied by any amount required to be paid pursuant to Section 5.9 hereof.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Notice of a Prepayment delivered in connection with any refinancing of all of the Credit Facility with the proceeds of such refinancing or of any incurrence of Indebtedness, may be, if expressly so stated to be, contingent upon the consummation of such refinancing or incurrence and may be revoked by the Borrower in the event such refinancing is not consummated (provided that the failure of such contingency shall not relieve the Borrower from its obligations in respect thereof under Section 5.9).

(d) Prepayment of Revolving Credit Loans in connection with Mandatory Prepayments.  In the event proceeds remain after the prepayments of Term Loan Facility pursuant to Section 4.4(b), the amount of such excess proceeds shall be used on the date of the required prepayment under Section 4.4(b) to prepay the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Extensions of Credit, without a corresponding reduction of the Revolving Credit Commitment, with remaining proceeds, if any, refunded to the Borrower. Each prepayment of the Revolving Extensions of Credit pursuant to this subsection (d) shall be applied (1) first, to the principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans until paid in full, (2) second to the principal amount of outstanding Revolving Credit Loans until paid in full and (3) third, with respect to any Letters of Credit then outstanding, a payment of Cash Collateral into a Cash Collateral account opened by the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Revolving Credit Lenders, in an amount equal to the aggregate L/C Obligations then outstanding (such Cash Collateral to be applied in accordance with Section 12.2(b)).

(e) Limitation on Prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans.  The Borrower may not prepay any Eurocurrency Rate Loan on any day other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto unless such prepayment is accompanied by any amount required to be paid pursuant to Section 5.9 hereof.

(f) Hedge Agreements.  No repayment or prepayment of the Extensions of Credit pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall affect any of the Borrower’s obligations under any Hedge Agreement entered into with respect to the Extensions of Credit.

Section 2.5 Permanent Reduction of the Revolving Credit Commitment.    

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(a) Voluntary Reduction.  The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time, upon at least five (5) Business Days prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, to permanently reduce, without premium or penalty, (i) the entire Revolving Credit Commitment at any time or (ii) portions of the Revolving Credit Commitment, from time to time, in an aggregate principal amount not less than $500,000 or any whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof.  Any reduction of the Revolving Credit Commitment shall be applied to the Revolving Credit Commitment of each Revolving Credit Lender according to its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage.  All Commitment Fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Revolving Credit Commitment shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any notice to reduce the Revolving Credit Commitment delivered in connection with any refinancing of all of the Credit Facility with the proceeds of such refinancing or of any incurrence of Indebtedness or the occurrence of some other identifiable event or condition, may be, if expressly so stated to be, contingent upon the consummation of such refinancing or incurrence or occurrence of such identifiable event or condition and may be revoked by the Borrower in the event such contingency is not met (provided that the failure of such contingency shall not relieve the Borrower from its obligations in respect thereof under Section 5.9).

(b) Corresponding Payment.  Each permanent reduction permitted pursuant to this Section 2.5 shall be accompanied by a payment of principal sufficient to reduce the aggregate outstanding Revolving Credit Loans, Swingline Loans and L/C Obligations, as applicable, after such reduction to the Revolving Credit Commitment as so reduced and if the aggregate amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit exceeds the Revolving Credit Commitment as so reduced, the Borrower shall be required to deposit Cash Collateral in a Cash Collateral account opened by the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to the amount of such excess.  Such Cash Collateral shall be applied in accordance with Section 12.2(b).  Any reduction of the Revolving Credit Commitment to zero shall be accompanied by payment of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and Swingline Loans (and furnishing of Cash Collateral satisfactory to the Administrative Agent for all L/C Obligations) and shall result in the termination of the Revolving Credit Commitment, the Swingline Commitment, the Alternative Currency Sublimit and the Revolving Credit Facility.  If the reduction of the Revolving Credit Commitment requires the repayment of any Eurocurrency Rate Loan, such repayment shall be accompanied by any amount required to be paid pursuant to Section 5.9 hereof.

(c) Cash Management Swingline Loans.  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2.5 to the contrary, on and after the Loan Sweep Activation Date, the Borrower shall not be permitted to reduce the Revolving Credit Commitments to an amount that is less than the Swingline Commitment (unless the Swingline Commitment is reduced to an amount that is equal to or less than the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments).

Section 2.6 Termination of Revolving Credit Facility.  The Revolving Credit Facility and the Revolving Credit Commitments shall terminate on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

Article III

LETTER OF CREDIT FACILITY

Section 3.1 L/C Commitment.

(a) Availability.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,  each Issuing Lender, in reliance on the agreements of the Revolving Credit Lenders set forth in Section 3.4(a), agrees to issue standby Letters of Credit in Dollars or one or more Alternative L/C Currencies for the account of the Borrower or, subject to Section 3.8, any Subsidiary thereof.  Letters of Credit may be issued on any Business Day from the Closing Date through but not including the thirtieth (30th) Business Day prior to the Revolving Credit Maturity Date in such form as may be approved from time to time by the applicable Issuing Lender;

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provided, that no Issuing Lender shall issue any Letter of Credit if, after giving effect to such issuance, (a) the L/C Obligations would exceed the L/C Sublimit,  (b) the Revolving Credit Outstandings would exceed the Revolving Credit Commitment or (c) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans denominated in Alternative Currencies and Letters of Credit denominated in Alternative L/C Currencies would exceed the Alternative Currency Sublimit.

(b) Terms of Letters of Credit.  Each Letter of Credit shall (i) be denominated in Dollars or in one or more Alternative Currencies in a minimum amount of $100,000 (or such lesser amount as agreed to by the applicable Issuing Lender and the Administrative Agent), (ii) be a standby letter of credit issued to support obligations of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, contingent or otherwise, incurred in the ordinary course of business, (iii) expire on a date no more than twelve (12) months after the date of issuance or last renewal of such Letter of Credit, which date shall be no later than the fifth (5th) Business Day prior to the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and (iv) be subject to ISP98 as set forth in the Letter of Credit Application or as determined by the applicable Issuing Lender and, to the extent not inconsistent therewith, the laws of the State of New York.  No Issuing Lender shall at any time be obligated to issue any Letter of Credit hereunder if (A) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such Issuing Lender from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Applicable Law applicable to such Issuing Lender or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such Issuing Lender shall prohibit, or request that such Issuing Lender refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such Issuing Lender with respect to letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular any restriction or reserve or capital requirement (for which such Issuing Lender is not otherwise compensated) not in effect on the Closing Date, or any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense that was not applicable, in effect as of the Closing Date and that such Issuing Lender in good faith deems material to it, (B) the conditions set forth in Section 6.2 are not satisfied, (C) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of such Issuing Lender applicable to letters of credit generally or (D) the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit is a Sanctioned Person.  References herein to “issue” and derivations thereof with respect to Letters of Credit shall also include extensions or modifications of any outstanding Letters of Credit, unless the context otherwise requires.  As of the Closing Date, each of the Existing Letters of Credit shall constitute, for all purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, a Letter of Credit issued and outstanding hereunder.

(c) Defaulting Lenders.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Article III shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 5.14 and Section 5.15.

Section 3.2 Procedure for Issuance of Letters of Credit.  The Borrower may from time to time request that any Issuing Lender issue a Letter of Credit by delivering to such Issuing Lender at its applicable office (with a copy to the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent’s Office) a Letter of Credit Application therefor, completed to the satisfaction of such Issuing Lender, and such other certificates, documents and other papers and information as such Issuing Lender or the Administrative Agent may request.  Upon receipt of any Letter of Credit Application, the applicable Issuing Lender shall process such Letter of Credit Application and the certificates, documents and other papers and information delivered to it in connection therewith in accordance with its customary procedures and shall, subject to Section 3.1 and Article VI, promptly issue the Letter of Credit requested thereby (but in no event shall such Issuing Lender be required to issue any Letter of Credit earlier than three (3) Business Days (or earlier than (i) four (4) Business Days in the case of any Letter of Credit denominated in an Alternative Currency (other than a Special Notice Currency) or (ii) five (5) Business Days in the case of any Letter of Credit denominated in a Special Notice Currency,) after its receipt of the Letter of Credit Application therefor and all such other certificates, documents and other papers and information relating thereto) by issuing the original of such Letter of Credit to the beneficiary thereof or as otherwise may be agreed by such Issuing Lender and the Borrower.  The applicable Issuing Lender shall promptly furnish to the Borrower and the Administrative

47

 

 

Agent a copy of such Letter of Credit and the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Revolving Credit Lender of the issuance and upon request by any Revolving Credit Lender, furnish to such Revolving Credit Lender a copy of such Letter of Credit and the amount of such Revolving Credit Lender’s participation therein.

Section 3.3 Commissions and Other Charges.

(a) Letter of Credit Commissions.  Subject to Section 5.15(a)(iii)(B), the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the applicable Issuing Lender and the L/C Participants, a letter of credit commission with respect to each Letter of Credit in the amount equal to the daily amount available to be drawn under such standby Letters of Credit times the Applicable Margin with respect to Revolving Credit Loans that are Eurocurrency Rate Loans (determined, in each case, on a per annum basis).  Such commission shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each calendar quarter, on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and thereafter on demand of the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, distribute to the applicable Issuing Lender and the L/C Participants all commissions received pursuant to this Section 3.3 in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages.

(b) Issuance Fee.  In addition to the foregoing commission, the Borrower shall pay directly to the applicable Issuing Lender, for its own account, an issuance fee with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender as set forth in the applicable Fee Letter executed by such Issuing Lender.  Such issuance fee shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each calendar quarter commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and thereafter on demand of the Issuing Lender.    For the avoidance of doubt, such issuance fee shall be applicable to and paid upon each of the Existing Letters of Credit.

(c) Other Fees, Costs, Charges and Expenses.  In addition to the foregoing fees and commissions, the Borrower shall pay or reimburse each Issuing Lender in Dollars for such normal and customary fees, costs, charges and expenses as are incurred or charged by such Issuing Lender in issuing, effecting payment under, amending or otherwise administering any Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender.

(d) Payment in Dollars.  The commissions, fees, charges, costs and expenses payable pursuant to this Section 3.3 shall be payable in Dollars (based on the Dollar amount of such fees), notwithstanding the applicable currency in which the applicable Letter of Credit is denominated.

Section 3.4 L/C Participations.

(a) Each Issuing Lender irrevocably agrees to grant and hereby grants to each L/C Participant, and, to induce each Issuing Lender to issue Letters of Credit hereunder, each L/C Participant irrevocably agrees to accept and purchase and hereby accepts and purchases from each Issuing Lender, on the terms and conditions hereinafter stated, for such L/C Participant’s own account and risk an undivided interest equal to such L/C Participant’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage in each Issuing Lender’s obligations and rights under and in respect of each Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender hereunder and the amount of each draft paid by such Issuing Lender thereunder.  Each L/C Participant unconditionally and irrevocably agrees with each Issuing Lender that, if a draft is paid under any Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender for which such Issuing Lender is not reimbursed in full by the Borrower through a Revolving Credit Loan or otherwise in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, such L/C Participant shall pay to such Issuing Lender upon demand at such Issuing Lender’s address for notices specified herein

48

 

 

an amount equal to such L/C Participant’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the amount of such draft, or any part thereof, which is not so reimbursed.

(b) Upon becoming aware of any amount required to be paid by any L/C Participant to any Issuing Lender pursuant to Section 3.4(a) in respect of any unreimbursed portion of any payment made by such Issuing Lender under any Letter of Credit issued by it, such Issuing Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent of such unreimbursed amount and the Administrative Agent shall notify each L/C Participant (with a copy to the applicable Issuing Lender) of the amount and due date of such required payment and such L/C Participant shall pay to the Administrative Agent (which, in turn shall pay such Issuing Lender) the amount specified on the applicable due date.  If any such amount is paid to such Issuing Lender after the date such payment is due, such L/C Participant shall pay to such Issuing Lender on demand, in addition to such amount, the product of (i) such amount, times (ii) the daily average Overnight Rate as determined by the Administrative Agent during the period from and including the date such payment is due to the date on which such payment is immediately available to such Issuing Lender, times (iii) a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days that elapse during such period and the denominator of which is 360.  A certificate of such Issuing Lender with respect to any amounts owing under this Section 3.4 shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.  With respect to payment to such Issuing Lender of the unreimbursed amounts described in this Section 3.4, if the L/C Participants receive notice that any such payment is due (A) prior to 1:00 p.m. on any Business Day, such payment shall be due that Business Day, and (B) after 1:00 p.m. on any Business Day, such payment shall be due on the following Business Day.

(c) Whenever, at any time after any Issuing Lender has made payment under any Letter of Credit issued by it and has received from any L/C Participant its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of such payment in accordance with this Section 3.4,  such Issuing Lender receives any payment related to such Letter of Credit (whether directly from the Borrower or otherwise), or any payment of interest on account thereof, such Issuing Lender will distribute to such L/C Participant its pro rata share thereof; provided, that in the event that any such payment received by such Issuing Lender shall be required to be returned by such Issuing Lender, such L/C Participant shall return to such Issuing Lender the portion thereof previously distributed by such Issuing Lender to it.

(d) Each L/C Participant’s obligation to make the Revolving Credit Loans referred to in Section 3.4(b) and to purchase participating interests pursuant to Section 3.4(a) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (i) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that such Revolving Credit Lender or the Borrower may have against any Issuing Lender, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (ii) the occurrence or continuance of a Default or an Event of Default or the failure to satisfy any of the other conditions specified in Article VI, (iii) any adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower, (iv) any breach of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by the Borrower, any other Credit Party or any other Revolving Credit Lender or (v) any other circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.

Section 3.5 Reimbursement Obligation of the Borrower

(a) Reimbursement Obligation of the Borrower

(i) In the event of any drawing under any Letter of Credit, the Borrower agrees to reimburse (either with the proceeds of a Revolving Credit Loan as provided for in this Section 3.5 or with funds from other sources), in Same Day Funds, the applicable Issuing Lender on each date on which such Issuing Lender notifies the Borrower of the date and amount of a draft paid under any Letter of Credit for the amount of (i) such draft so paid and (ii) any amounts referred to in Section 3.3(c) incurred by such Issuing Lender in connection with such payment.

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(ii) In the case of a Letter of Credit denominated in an Alternative Currency, the Borrower shall reimburse the applicable Issuing Lender in such Alternative Currency, unless (A) such Issuing Lender (at its option) shall have specified in such notice that it will require reimbursement in Dollars or (B) in the absence of any such requirement for reimbursement in Dollars, the Borrower shall have notified such Issuing Lender promptly following receipt of the notice of drawing that the Borrower will reimburse such Issuing Lender in Dollars.  In the case of any such reimbursement in Dollars of a drawing under a Letter of Credit denominated in an Alternative Currency, such Issuing Lender shall notify the Borrower of the Dollar Equivalent of the amount of the drawing promptly following the determination thereof.  Not later than 11:00 a.m. on the date of any payment by such Issuing Lender under a Letter of Credit to be reimbursed in Dollars, or the Applicable Time on the date of any payment by such Issuing Lender under a Letter of Credit to be reimbursed in an Alternative Currency, the Borrower shall reimburse such Issuing Lender through the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing and in the applicable currency. 

(b) Reimbursement by the Revolving Credit Lenders.  Unless the Borrower shall immediately notify the applicable Issuing Lender that the Borrower intends to reimburse such Issuing Lender for such drawing from other sources or funds, the Borrower shall be deemed to have timely given a Notice of Borrowing to the Administrative Agent requesting that the Revolving Credit Lenders make a Revolving Credit Loan funded in Dollars as a Base Rate Loan on the applicable repayment date in the Dollar Equivalent of (i) such draft so paid and (ii) any amounts referred to in Section 3.3(c) incurred by such Issuing Lender in connection with such payment (including, without limitation, any and all costs, fees and other expenses incurred by such Issuing Lender in effecting the payment of any Letter of Credit denominated in an Alternative L/C Currency), and the Revolving Credit Lenders shall make a Revolving Credit Loan funded in Dollars as a Base Rate Loan in such amount, the proceeds of which shall be applied to reimburse such Issuing Lender for the amount of the related drawing and costs and expenses.  Each Revolving Credit Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to fund a Revolving Credit Loan in accordance with this Section 3.5 to reimburse such Issuing Lender for any draft paid under a Letter of Credit issued by it is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including, without limitation, non-satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.3(a) or Article VI.  If the Borrower has elected to pay the amount of such drawing with funds from other sources and shall fail to reimburse such Issuing Lender as provided above, or if the amount of such drawing is not fully refunded through a Base Rate Loan as provided above, the unreimbursed amount of such drawing shall bear interest at the rate which would be payable on any outstanding Base Rate Loans which were then overdue from the date such amounts become payable (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) until payment in full.

Section 3.6 Obligations Absolute.  The Borrower’s obligations under this Article III (including, without limitation, the Reimbursement Obligation) shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances and irrespective of any setoff, counterclaim or defense to payment which the Borrower may have or have had against the applicable Issuing Lender or any beneficiary of a Letter of Credit or any other Person.  The Borrower also agrees that the applicable Issuing Lender and the L/C Participants shall not be responsible for, and the Borrower’s Reimbursement Obligation under Section 3.5 shall not be affected by, among other things, the validity or genuineness of documents or of any endorsements thereon, even though such documents shall in fact prove to be invalid, fraudulent or forged, or any dispute between or among the Borrower and any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or any other party to which such Letter of Credit may be transferred or any claims whatsoever of the Borrower against any beneficiary of such Letter of Credit or any such transferee.  No Issuing Lender shall be liable for any error, omission, interruption or delay in transmission, dispatch or delivery of any message or advice, however transmitted, in connection with any Letter of Credit issued by it, except for errors or omissions caused by such Issuing Lender’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by a court of

50

 

 

competent jurisdiction by final nonappealable judgment.  The Borrower agrees that any action taken or omitted by any Issuing Lender under or in connection with any Letter of Credit issued by it or the related drafts or documents, if done in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct shall be binding on the Borrower and shall not result in any liability of such Issuing Lender or any L/C Participant to the Borrower.  The responsibility of any Issuing Lender to the Borrower in connection with any draft presented for payment under any Letter of Credit shall, in addition to any payment obligation expressly provided for in such Letter of Credit, be limited to determining that the documents (including each draft) delivered under such Letter of Credit in connection with such presentment substantially conforms to the requirements under such Letter of Credit.

Section 3.7 Effect of Letter of Credit Application.  To the extent that any provision of any Letter of Credit Application related to any Letter of Credit is inconsistent with the provisions of this Article III, the provisions of this Article III shall apply.

Section 3.8 Resignation of Issuing Lenders

(a) Any Lender may at any time resign from its role as an Issuing Lender hereunder upon not less than thirty (30) days prior notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (or such shorter period of time as may be acceptable to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent).

(b) Any resigning Issuing Lender shall retain all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of an Issuing Lender hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit issued by it that are outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as an Issuing Lender and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto (including, without limitation, the right to require the Revolving Credit Lenders to take such actions as are required under Section 3.4).  Without limiting the foregoing, upon the resignation of a Lender as an Issuing Lender hereunder, the Borrower may arrange for one or more of the other Issuing Lenders to issue Letters of Credit hereunder in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, issued by such resigned Issuing Lender and outstanding at the time of such resignation, or make other arrangements satisfactory to the resigned Issuing Lender to effectively cause another Issuing Lender to assume the obligations of the resigned Issuing Lender with respect to any such Letters of Credit.

Section 3.9 Reporting of Letter of Credit Information and L/C Commitment.  At any time that there is an Issuing Lender that is not also the financial institution acting as Administrative Agent, then (a) on the last Business Day of each calendar month, (b) on each date that a Letter of Credit is amended, terminated or otherwise expires, (c) on each date that a Letter of Credit is issued or the expiry date of a Letter of Credit is extended, and (d) upon the request of the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Lender (or, in the case of clauses (b), (c) or (d) of this Section, the applicable Issuing Lender) shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a report setting forth in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent information (including, without limitation, any reimbursement, Cash Collateral, or termination in respect of Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender) with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender that is outstanding hereunder.  In addition, each Issuing Lender shall provide notice to the Administrative Agent of its L/C Commitment, or any change thereto, promptly upon it becoming an Issuing Lender or making any change to its L/C Commitment.  No failure on the part of any Issuing Lender to provide such information pursuant to this Section 3.9 shall limit the obligations of the Borrower or any Revolving Credit Lender hereunder with respect to its reimbursement and participation obligations hereunder.

Section 3.10 Letters of Credit Issued for Subsidiaries.  Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder is in support of any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse, or to cause the applicable Subsidiary to reimburse, the applicable Issuing Lender hereunder for any and all drawings under such Letter of Credit.  The Borrower hereby acknowledges that the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of any of its Subsidiaries inures

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to the benefit of the Borrower and that the Borrower’s business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries.

Article IV

TERM LOAN FACILITY

Section 4.1 Initial Term Loan.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, each Term Loan Lender severally agrees to make the Initial Term Loan to the Borrower in Dollars on the Closing Date in a principal amount equal to such Lender’s Term Loan Commitment as of the Closing Date.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the total Term Loan Commitment as of the Closing Date is not drawn on the Closing Date, the undrawn amount shall automatically be cancelled.

Section 4.2 Procedure for Advance of Term Loans

(a) Initial Term Loan.  The Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent an irrevocable Notice of Borrowing prior to 11:00 a.m. on the Closing Date requesting that the Term Loan Lenders make the Initial Term Loan as a Base Rate Loan on such date (provided that the Borrower may request, no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, that the Lenders make the Initial Term Loan as a Eurocurrency Rate Loan if the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent a letter in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent indemnifying the Lenders in the manner set forth in Section 5.9 of this Agreement).  Upon receipt of such Notice of Borrowing from the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Term Loan Lender thereof.  Not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Closing Date, each Term Loan Lender will make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Borrower, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in immediately available funds, the amount of such Initial Term Loan to be made by such Term Loan Lender on the Closing Date.  The Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent to disburse the proceeds of the Initial Term Loan in immediately available funds by wire transfer to such Person or Persons as may be designated by the Borrower in writing.

(b) Incremental Term Loans.  Any Incremental Term Loan shall be borrowed pursuant to and in accordance with Section 5.13.

Section 4.3 Repayment of Term Loans

(a) Initial Term Loan.  The Borrower shall repay the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Initial Term Loan in consecutive quarterly installments on the last Business Day of each of March,  June,  September and December commencing December 31, 2019 as set forth below, except as the amounts of individual installments may be adjusted pursuant to Section 4.4 hereof:

FISCAL YEAR

PAYMENT DATE

PRINCIPAL INSTALLMENT
($)

2019

December 31, 2019

1,875,000

2020

March 31, 2020

1,875,000

June 30, 2020

1,875,000

September 30, 2020

1,875,000

December 31, 2020

1,875,000

2021

March 31, 2021

1,875,000

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June 30, 2021

1,875,000

September 30, 2021

1,875,000

December 31, 2021

1,875,000

2022

March 31, 2022

1,875,000

June 30, 2022

1,875,000

September 30, 2022

1,875,000

December 31, 2022

2,812,500

2023

March 31, 2023

2,812,500

June 30, 2023

2,812,500

September 30, 2023

2,812,500

December 31, 2023

2,812,500

2024

March 31, 2024

2,812,500

June 30, 2024

2,812,500

Term Loan Maturity Date

Remaining Initial Term Loan

 

 

 

If not sooner paid, the Initial Term Loan shall be paid in full, together with accrued interest thereon, on the Term Loan Maturity Date.

(b) Incremental Term Loans.  The Borrower shall repay the aggregate principal amount of each Incremental Term Loan (if any) as determined pursuant to, and in accordance with, Section 5.13.

Section 4.4 Prepayments of Term Loans.

(a) Optional Prepayments.  The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time, without premium or penalty, to prepay the Term Loans, in whole or in part, upon delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Notice of Prepayment not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) on the same Business Day as each Base Rate Loan and (ii) at least three (3) Business Days before each Eurocurrency Rate Loan, specifying the date and amount of repayment, whether the repayment is of Eurocurrency Rate Loans or Base Rate Loans or a combination thereof, and if a combination thereof, the amount allocable to each and whether the repayment is of the Initial Term Loan, an Incremental Term Loan or a combination thereof, and if a combination thereof, the amount allocable to each.  Each optional prepayment of the Term Loan hereunder shall be in an aggregate principal amount of at least $2,500,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and shall be applied, on a pro rata basis, to the outstanding principal installments of the Initial Term Loan and, if applicable, any Incremental Term Loans, as directed by the Borrower.  Each repayment shall be accompanied by any amount required to be paid pursuant to Section 5.9 hereof.  A Notice of Prepayment received after 11:00 a.m. shall be deemed received on the next Business Day.  The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the applicable Term Loan Lenders of each Notice of Prepayment.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Notice of Prepayment delivered in connection with any refinancing of all of the Credit Facility with the proceeds of such refinancing or of any other incurrence of Indebtedness or the occurrence of some other identifiable event or condition, may be, if expressly so stated to be, contingent upon the consummation of such refinancing or incurrence or occurrence of such other identifiable event or condition and may be revoked by the Borrower in the event such contingency is not met; provided that the delay or failure of such contingency shall not relieve the Borrower from its obligations in respect thereof under Section 5.9.

(b) Mandatory Prepayments.

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(i) Debt Issuances.  The Borrower shall make mandatory principal prepayments of the Extensions of Credit in the manner set forth in clause (iv) below in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds from any Debt Issuance not otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 11.1.  Such prepayment shall be made within three (3) Business Days after the date of receipt of the Net Cash Proceeds of any such Debt Issuance.

(ii) Asset Dispositions.  The Borrower shall make mandatory principal prepayments of the Extensions of Credit in the manner set forth in clause (iv) below in amounts equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds from any Asset Disposition (other than any Asset Disposition permitted pursuant to, and in accordance with, clauses (a) through (i) and clause (k) of Section 11.5).  Such prepayments shall be made within three (3) Business Days after the date of receipt of the Net Cash Proceeds of any such Asset Disposition by such Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that, other than with respect to the Net Cash Proceeds of any Permitted Equipment Sale-Leaseback Transaction, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, no prepayment shall be required under this Section 4.4(b)(ii) to the extent that such Net Cash Proceeds are committed to be reinvested pursuant to a legally binding agreement in assets used or useful in the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries within twelve  (12) months after receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds and are thereafter actually reinvested in assets used or useful in the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries within eighteen (18) months after receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds by such Credit Party or such Subsidiary; provided further that any portion of such Net Cash Proceeds not committed to be reinvested pursuant to a legally binding agreement within such twelve (12) month period or actually reinvested within such eighteen (18) month period shall be prepaid in accordance with this Section 4.4(b)(ii) on or before the last day of such applicable period.

(iii) Insurance and Condemnation Events.  The Borrower shall make mandatory principal prepayments of the Extensions of Credit in the manner set forth in clause (iv) below in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds from any Insurance and Condemnation Event.  Such prepayments shall be made within three (3) Business Days after the date of receipt of Net Cash Proceeds of any such Insurance and Condemnation Event by such Credit Party or such Subsidiary; provided that, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, no prepayment shall be required under this Section 4.4(b)(iii) to the extent that such Net Cash Proceeds are committed to be reinvested pursuant to a legally binding agreement in assets used or useful in the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries within twelve  (12) months after receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds and are thereafter actually reinvested in assets used or useful in the business of the Borrower within eighteen  (18) months after receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds by such Credit Party or such Subsidiary; provided further that any portion of the Net Cash Proceeds not committed to be reinvested pursuant to a legally binding agreement within such twelve  (12) month period or actually reinvested within such eighteen (18)  month period shall be prepaid in accordance with this Section 4.4(b)(iii) on or before the last day of such applicable period.

(iv) Notice; Manner of PaymentUpon the occurrence of any event triggering the prepayment requirement under clauses (i) through (iii) above, the Borrower shall promptly deliver a Notice of Prepayment to the Administrative Agent, and upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly so notify the Lenders.  Each prepayment of the Extensions of Credit under this Section 4.4(b) shall be applied as follows: (1) first, ratably between the Initial Term Loans and (unless otherwise agreed by the applicable Incremental Lenders) any Incremental Term Loans to reduce in inverse order of maturity the remaining scheduled principal installments of the Initial Term Loans and (unless otherwise agreed by the applicable Incremental Lenders) any Incremental Term Loans and (2) second, to the extent of any excess, to repay the Revolving

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Extensions of Credit pursuant to Section 2.4(d), without a corresponding reduction in the Revolving Credit Commitment.

(v) Prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans.  Each prepayment shall be accompanied by any amount required to be paid pursuant to Section 5.9;  provided that, so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, if any prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans is required to be made under this Section 4.4(b) prior to the last day of the Interest Period therefor, in lieu of making any payment pursuant to this Section 4.4(b) in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan prior to the last day of the Interest Period therefor, the Borrower may, in its sole discretion, deposit an amount sufficient to make any such prepayment otherwise required to be made thereunder together with accrued interest to the last day of such Interest Period into an account held at, and subject to the sole control of, the Administrative Agent until the last day of such Interest Period, at which time the Administrative Agent shall be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Credit Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of such Term Loans in accordance with this Section 4.4(b).  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Default or Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall also be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Credit Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of the outstanding Term Loans in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Section 4.4(b).

(vi) No Reborrowings.  Amounts prepaid under the Term Loans pursuant to this Section 4.4 may not be reborrowed.

Article V

GENERAL LOAN PROVISIONS

Section 5.1 Interest.

(a) Interest Rate Options.  Subject to the provisions of this Section 5.1, at the election of the Borrower, (i) Revolving Credit Loans denominated in Dollars and Term Loans shall bear interest at (A) the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin or (B) the Eurocurrency Rate plus the Applicable Margin, (ii) Revolving Credit Loans denominated in an Alternative Currency shall bear interest at the Eurocurrency Rate plus the Applicable Margin and (iii) Swingline Loans shall bear interest at the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin (provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Eurocurrency Rate shall not be available until three (3) Business Days after the Closing Date in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Dollars, four (4) Business Days (or five (5) Business Days in the case of Special Notice Currencies) after the Closing Date in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in an Alternative Currency, in each case unless the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent a letter in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent indemnifying the Lenders in the manner set forth in Section 5.9 of this Agreement).  The Borrower shall select the rate of interest and Interest Period, if any, applicable to any Loan at the time a Notice of Borrowing is given or at the time a Notice of Conversion/Continuation is given pursuant to Section 5.2.

(b) Default Rate.  Subject to Section 12.3, (i) immediately upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default under Section 12.1(a),  (b),  (h) or (i), or (ii) at the election of the Required Lenders (or the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders), upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any other Event of Default, (A) the Borrower shall no longer have the option to request Eurocurrency Rate Loans, Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit, (B) all outstanding Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall bear interest at a rate per annum of two percent (2%) in excess of the rate (including the Applicable Margin) then applicable to Eurocurrency Rate Loans until the end of the applicable Interest

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Period and thereafter at a rate equal to two percent (2%) in excess of the rate (including the Applicable Margin) then applicable to Base Rate Loans, (C) all outstanding Base Rate Loans and other Obligations arising hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to two percent (2%) in excess of the rate (including the Applicable Margin) then applicable to Base Rate Loans or such other Obligations arising hereunder or under any other Loan Document and (D) all accrued and unpaid interest shall be due and payable on demand of the Administrative Agent.  Interest shall continue to accrue on the Obligations after the filing by or against the Borrower of any petition seeking any relief in bankruptcy or under any act or law pertaining to insolvency or debtor relief, whether state, federal or foreign.

(c) Interest Payment and Computation.  Interest on each Base Rate Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on the last Business Day of each calendar quarter commencing September 30, 2019; and interest on each Eurocurrency Rate Loan shall be due and payable on the last day of each Interest Period applicable thereto, and if such Interest Period extends over three (3) months, at the end of each three (3) month interval during such Interest Period.  All computations of interest for (i) Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by the Prime Rate or (ii) Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Sterling shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed.  All other computations of fees and interest provided hereunder shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365/366-day year), or, in the case of interest in respect of Revolving Credit Loans denominated in Alternative Currencies as to which market practice differs from the foregoing, in accordance with such market practice.  With respect to any Non-LIBOR Currency, the calculation of the applicable interest rate shall be determined in accordance with market practice at the time such Alternative Currency is approved by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Section 1.13(a).

(d) Maximum Rate.  In no contingency or event whatsoever shall the aggregate of all amounts deemed interest under this Agreement charged or collected pursuant to the terms of this Agreement exceed the highest rate permissible under any Applicable Law which a court of competent jurisdiction shall, in a final determination, deem applicable hereto.  In the event that such a court determines that the Lenders have charged or received interest hereunder in excess of the highest applicable rate, the rate in effect hereunder shall automatically be reduced to the maximum rate permitted by Applicable Law and the Lenders shall at the Administrative Agent’s option (i) promptly refund to the Borrower any interest received by the Lenders in excess of the maximum lawful rate or (ii) apply such excess to the principal balance of the Obligations.  It is the intent hereof that the Borrower not pay or contract to pay, and that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender receive or contract to receive, directly or indirectly in any manner whatsoever, interest in excess of that which may be paid by the Borrower under Applicable Law.

Section 5.2 Notice and Manner of Conversion or Continuation of Loans.  Provided that no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is then continuing, the Borrower shall have the option to (a) convert at any time following the third Business Day after the Closing Date all or any portion of any outstanding Base Rate Loans (other than Swingline Loans) in a principal amount equal to $2,500,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof into one or more Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Dollars or (b) upon the expiration of any Interest Period, (i) convert all or any part of its outstanding Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Dollars in a principal amount equal to $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof into Base Rate Loans (other than Swingline Loans), (ii) continue any Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Dollars as Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Dollars or (iii) continue any Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in an Alternative Currency as Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in same Alternative Currency.  Whenever the Borrower desires to convert or continue Loans as provided above, the Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent irrevocable prior written notice in the form attached as Exhibit E (a “Notice of Conversion/Continuation”)  not later than (A) 11:00 a.m. three (3) Business Days in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Dollars or (B) four (4) Business Days (or five (5) Business Days in the case of a Special Notice Currency) in the case of

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a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in Alternative Currencies before the day on which a proposed conversion or continuation of such Loan is to be effective specifying (1) the Loans to be converted or continued, and, in the case of any Eurocurrency Rate Loan to be converted or continued, the last day of the Interest Period therefor, (2) the effective date of such conversion or continuation (which shall be a Business Day), (3) the principal amount of such Loans to be converted or continued, (4) the Interest Period to be applicable to such converted or continued Eurocurrency Rate Loan and (5) the currency in which any Revolving Credit Loan is denominated.  The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the affected Lenders of such Notice of Conversion/Continuation.  If the Borrower fails to give a timely Notice of Conversion/Continuation prior to the end of the Interest Period for any Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in Dollars, then the applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loan shall be converted to a Base Rate Loan (which conversion shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loan), and if the Borrower fails to give a timely Notice of Conversion/Continuation prior to the end of the Interest Period for any Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in an Alternative Currency, then the applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loan shall be continued as a Eurocurrency Rate Loan in its original currency with an Interest Period of one month.  If the Borrower requests a conversion to, or continuation of, Eurocurrency Rate Loans, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month.  No Revolving Credit Loan may be converted or continued as a Revolving Credit Loan denominated in a different currency, but instead must be repaid in the original currency of such Revolving Credit Loan and reborrowed in the other currency.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Swingline Loan may not be converted to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan. 

Section 5.3 Fees.

(a) Commitment Fee.  Commencing on the Closing Date, subject to Section 5.15(a)(iii)(A), the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Revolving Credit Lenders, a non-refundable commitment fee (the “Commitment Fee”) at a rate per annum equal to the amounts set forth under the heading “Commitment Fee” in the definition of Applicable Margin on the average daily unused portion of the Revolving Credit Commitment of the Revolving Credit Lenders (other than the Defaulting Lenders, if any); provided that the amount of outstanding Swingline Loans shall not be considered usage of the Revolving Credit Commitment for the purpose of calculating the Commitment Fee.  The Commitment Fee shall be payable in arrears on the last Business Day of each calendar quarter during the term of this Agreement commencing September 30, 2019 and ending on the date upon which all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not then due) arising under the Revolving Credit Facility shall have been indefeasibly and irrevocably paid and satisfied in full, all Letters of Credit have been terminated or expired (or been Cash Collateralized) and the Revolving Credit Commitment has been terminated.  The Commitment Fee shall be distributed by the Administrative Agent to the Revolving Credit Lenders (other than any Defaulting Lender)  pro rata in accordance with such Revolving Credit Lenders’ respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages.

(b) Other Fees.  The Borrower shall pay to Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letters to which they are a party.  The Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified.

Section 5.4 Manner of Payment

(a) Sharing of Payments

(i) Each payment by the Borrower on account of the principal of or interest on the Loans (other than Cash Management Swingline Loans) denominated in Dollars or any fee,

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commission or other amounts (including the Reimbursement Obligation) payable to the Lenders under this Agreement (or any of them) shall be made not later than 1:00 p.m. on the date specified for payment under this Agreement to the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent’s Office for the account of the Lenders entitled to such payment in Dollars, in Same Day Funds, and shall be made without any setoff, counterclaim or deduction whatsoever; provided that each payment by the Borrower on account of the principal of or interest on the Cash Management Swingline Loans shall be made in accordance with the Loan Sweep Agreement.  Any payment received after such time but before 2:00 p.m. on such day shall be deemed a payment on such date for the purposes of Section 12.1, but for all other purposes shall be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day.  Any payment received after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day for all purposes

(ii) Each payment by the Borrower on account of the principal of or interest on the Revolving Credit Loans denominated in an Alternative Currency or any fee, commission or other amounts (including any Reimbursement Obligation) denominated in an Alternative Currency or an Alternative L/C Currency shall be made not later than the Applicable Time specified by the Administrative Agent on the date specified for payment under this Agreement to the Administrative Agent at the applicable Administrative Agent’s Office for the account of the Lenders entitled to such payment in such Alternative Currency or Alternative L/C Currency, in Same Day Funds and shall be made without any set-off, counterclaim or deduction whatsoever.  Any payment received after such time but before an hour after the Applicable Time specified by the Administrative Agent on such day shall be deemed a payment on such date for the purposes of Section 12.1, but for all other purposes shall be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day.  Any payment received after an hour after the Applicable Time specified by the Administrative Agent shall be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day for all purposes. 

(iii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent may require that any payments due under this Agreement be made in the United States.  If, for any reason, the Borrower is prohibited by any Applicable Law from making any required payment hereunder in an Alternative Currency or an Alternative L/C Currency, the Borrower shall make such payment in Dollars in the Dollar Equivalent of the Alternative Currency or the Alternative L/C Currency payment amount. 

(iv) Upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of each such payment, the Administrative Agent shall distribute to each such Lender at its address for notices set forth herein its Commitment Percentage in respect of the relevant Credit Facility (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment and shall wire advice of the amount of such credit to each Lender.  Each payment to the Administrative Agent on account of the principal of or interest on the Swingline Loans or of any fee, commission or other amounts payable to the Swingline Lender shall be made in like manner, but for the account of the Swingline Lender.  Each payment to the Administrative Agent of any Issuing Lender’s fees or L/C Participants’ commissions shall be made in like manner, but for the account of the applicable Issuing Lender or the L/C Participants, as the case may be.  Each payment to the Administrative Agent of Administrative Agent’s fees or expenses shall be made for the account of the Administrative Agent and any amount payable to any Lender under Sections 5.9,  5.10,  5.11 or 14.3 shall be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lender.  Subject to the definition of Interest Period, if any payment under this Agreement shall be specified to be made upon a day which is not a Business Day, it shall be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day and such extension of time shall in such case be included in computing any interest if payable along with such payment.

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(b) Defaulting Lenders.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there exists a Defaulting Lender each payment by the Borrower to such Defaulting Lender hereunder shall be applied in accordance with Section 5.15(a)(ii).

Section 5.5 Evidence of Indebtedness.

(a) Extensions of Credit.  The Extensions of Credit made by each Lender and each Issuing Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender or such Issuing Lender and by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business.  The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender or each Issuing Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Extensions of Credit made by the Lenders or the Issuing Lenders to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the interest and payments thereon.  Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations.  In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender or any Issuing Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.  Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Revolving Credit Note, Term Loan Note and/or Swingline Note, as applicable, which shall evidence such Lender’s Revolving Credit Loans, Term Loans and/or Swingline Loans, as applicable, in addition to such accounts or records.  Each Lender may attach schedules to its Notes and endorse thereon the date, amount, currency and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

(b) Participations.  In addition to the accounts and records referred to in subsection (a), each Revolving Credit Lender and the Administrative Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice accounts or records evidencing the purchases and sales by such Revolving Credit Lender of participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans.  In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by the Administrative Agent and the accounts and records of any Revolving Credit Lender in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.

Section 5.6 Sharing of Payments by Lenders.    If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or other obligations hereunder resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and accrued interest thereon or other such obligations (other than pursuant to Sections 5.9,  5.10,  5.11 or 14.3) greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and such other obligations of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and other amounts owing them; provided that:

(i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and

(ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to (A) any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender), (B) the application of Cash Collateral provided for in Section 5.14 or (C) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or

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participations in Swingline Loans and Letters of Credit to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply).

Each Credit Party consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under Applicable Law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against each Credit Party rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of each Credit Party in the amount of such participation.

Section 5.7 Administrative Agent’s Clawback.

(a) Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent.  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender (i) in the case of Base Rate Loans, not later than 12:00 noon on the date of any proposed borrowing and (ii) otherwise, prior to the proposed date of any borrowing, that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Sections 2.3(b) and 4.2 and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount.  In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in Same Day Funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the daily average Overnight Rate and (ii) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans.  If the Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period.  If such Lender pays its share of the applicable borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such borrowing.  Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.

(b) Payments by the Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent.  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders, the applicable Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders, the applicable Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be, the amount due.  In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders, the applicable Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender, as the case maybe, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender, the applicable Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender, in Same Day Funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the Overnight Rate.

(c) Nature of Obligations of Lenders Regarding Extensions of Credit.  The obligations of the Lenders under this Agreement to make the Loans, to issue or participate in Letters of Credit and to make payments under this Section 5.7,  Section 5.11(e),  Section 14.3(c) or Section 14.7, as applicable,  are several and are not joint and are not joint or joint and several.  The failure of any Lender to make available its Commitment Percentage of any Loan requested by the Borrower shall not relieve it or any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Commitment Percentage of such Loan available on the

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borrowing date, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make its Commitment Percentage of such Loan available on the borrowing date.

Section 5.8 Changed Circumstances.

(a) Circumstances Affecting Eurocurrency Rate Availability.  Unless and until a Replacement Rate is implemented in accordance with clause (c) below, in connection with any request for a Eurocurrency Rate Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof, if for any reason (i) the Administrative Agent shall determine (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that deposits (whether in Dollars or an Alternative Currency) are not being offered to banks in the applicable offshore interbank market for such currency for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Loan, (ii) the Administrative Agent shall determine (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that reasonable and adequate means do not exist for the ascertaining the Eurocurrency Rate for such Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan (whether denominated in Dollars or an Alternative Currency) or (iii) the Required Lenders shall determine (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Eurocurrency Rate does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining such Loans during such Interest Period, then the Administrative Agent shall promptly give notice thereof to the Borrower.  Thereafter, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that such circumstances no longer exist, the obligation of the Lenders to make Eurocurrency Rate Loans in the affected currency or currencies and the right of the Borrower to convert any Loan to or continue any Loan as a Eurocurrency Rate Loan in the affected currency or currencies shall be suspended, and the Borrower shall either (A) repay in full (or cause to be repaid in full) the then outstanding principal amount of each such Eurocurrency Rate Loan together with accrued interest thereon (subject to Section 5.1(d)), on the last day of the then current Interest Period applicable to such Eurocurrency Rate Loan; or (B) convert the then outstanding principal amount of each such Eurocurrency Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan denominated in Dollars as of the last day of such Interest Period.

(b) Laws Affecting Eurocurrency Rate Availability.  If, after the date hereof, the introduction of, or any change in, any Applicable Law or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any of the Lenders (or any of their respective Lending Offices) with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any such Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable agency, shall make it unlawful or impossible for any of the Lenders (or any of their respective Lending Offices) to honor its obligations hereunder to make or maintain any Eurocurrency Rate Loan (whether denominated in Dollars or an Alternative Currency), such Lender shall promptly give notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent shall promptly give notice to the Borrower and the other Lenders.  Thereafter, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that such circumstances no longer exist, (i) the obligations of the Lenders to make Eurocurrency Rate Loans in the affected currency or currencies, and the right of the Borrower to convert any Loan to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan or continue any Loan as a Eurocurrency Rate Loan shall be suspended and thereafter the Borrower may select only Base Rate Loans denominated in Dollars and (ii) if any of the Lenders may not lawfully continue to maintain a Eurocurrency Rate Loan to the end of the then current Interest Period applicable thereto, the applicable Loan shall immediately be converted to a Base Rate Loan denominated in Dollars for the remainder of such Interest Period.

(c) Alternative Rate of Interest.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 5.8(a) above, if the Administrative Agent has made the determination (such determination to be conclusive absent manifest error) that (i) the circumstances described in Section 5.8(a)(i) or (a)(ii) have arisen and that such circumstances are unlikely to be temporary, (ii) any applicable interest rate specified herein is no longer a widely recognized benchmark rate for newly originated loans in the U.S. syndicated loan market in the

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applicable currency or (iii) the applicable supervisor or administrator (if any) of any applicable interest rate specified herein or any Governmental Authority having, or purporting to have, jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which any applicable interest rate specified herein shall no longer be used for determining interest rates for loans in the U.S. syndicated loan market in the applicable currency, then the Administrative Agent may, to the extent practicable (with the consent of the Borrower and as determined by the Administrative Agent to be generally in accordance with similar situations in other transactions in which it is serving as administrative agent or otherwise consistent with market practice generally), establish a replacement interest rate (the “Replacement Rate”), in which case, the Replacement Rate shall, subject to the next two sentences, replace such applicable interest rate for all purposes under the Loan Documents unless and until (A) an event described in Section 5.8(a)(i),  (a)(ii),  (c)(i),  (c)(ii) or (c)(iii) occurs with respect to the Replacement Rate or (B) the Required Lenders (either directly or through the Administrative Agent) notify the Borrower that the Replacement Rate does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to the Lenders of funding the Loans bearing interest at the Replacement Rate.  In connection with the establishment and application of the Replacement Rate, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be amended solely with the consent of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, as may be necessary or appropriate, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, to effect the provisions of this Section 5.8(c).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, Section 14.2), such amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement so long as the Administrative Agent shall not have received, within five (5) Business Days of the delivery of such amendment to the Lenders, written notices from such Lenders that in the aggregate constitute Required Lenders, with each such notice stating that such Lender objects to such amendment (which such notice shall note with specificity the particular provisions of the amendment to which such Lender objects).  To the extent the Replacement Rate is approved by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in connection with this clause (c), the Replacement Rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided that, in each case, to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, such Replacement Rate shall be applied as otherwise reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent (it being understood that any such modification by the Administrative Agent shall not require the consent of, or consultation with, any of the Lenders). 

(d) Illegality.  If, in any applicable jurisdiction, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender or any Lender determines that any Applicable Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender or any Lender to (i) perform any of its obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, (ii) to fund or maintain its participation in any Loan or (iii) issue, make, maintain, fund or charge interest or fees with respect to any Extension of Credit, such Person shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent, then, upon the Administrative Agent notifying the Borrower, and until such notice by such Person is revoked, any obligation of such Person to issue, make, maintain, fund or charge interest or fees with respect to any such Extension of Credit shall be suspended, and to the extent required by Applicable Law, cancelled.  Upon receipt of such notice, the Credit Parties shall, (A) repay that Person’s participation in the Loans or other applicable Obligations on the last day of the Interest Period for each Loan or other Obligation occurring after the Administrative Agent has notified the Borrower or, if earlier, the date specified by such Person in the notice delivered to the Administrative Agent (being no earlier than the last day of any applicable grace period permitted by Applicable Law) and (B) take all reasonable actions requested by such Person to mitigate or avoid such illegality.

Section 5.9 Indemnity.  The Borrower hereby indemnifies each of the Lenders against any loss or expense (including any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain a Eurocurrency Rate Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained) which may arise or be attributable to each Lender’s obtaining, liquidating or employing deposits or other funds acquired to effect, fund or maintain any Loan (a) as a consequence of

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any failure by the Borrower to make any payment when due of any amount due hereunder in connection with a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, (b) due to any failure of the Borrower to borrow or continue a Eurocurrency Rate Loan or convert to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan on a date specified therefor in a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation, (c) due to any payment, prepayment or conversion of any Eurocurrency Rate Loan on a date other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor, (d) due to any failure of the Borrower to make payment of any Eurocurrency Rate Loan (or interest due thereon) denominated in an Alternative Currency on its scheduled due date or any payment thereof in a different currency.  The amount of such loss or expense shall be determined, in the applicable Lender’s sole discretion, based upon the assumption that such Lender funded its Commitment Percentage of the Eurocurrency Rate Loans in the applicable offshore interbank market for such currency and using any reasonable attribution or averaging methods which such Lender deems appropriate and practical.  A certificate of such Lender setting forth the basis for determining such amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender shall be forwarded to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent and shall be conclusively presumed to be correct save for manifest error.

Section 5.10 Increased Costs.

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

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or advances, loans or other credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in the Eurocurrency Rate) or any Issuing Lender;

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

(iii) impose on any Lender or any Issuing Lender or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Eurocurrency Rate Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;

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

(b) Capital Requirements.  If any Lender or any Issuing Lender determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or such Issuing Lender or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender’s or such Issuing Lender’s holding company, if any, regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or such Issuing Lender’s capital or liquidity requirements or on the capital of such Lender’s or such Issuing Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Revolving Credit Commitment of such Lender or the Loans made by,

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or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender, to a level below that which such Lender or such Issuing Lender or such Lender’s or such Issuing Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or such Issuing Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or such Issuing Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time upon written request of such Lender or such Issuing Lender, the Borrower shall promptly pay to such Lender or such Issuing Lender, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Issuing Lender or such Lender’s or such Issuing Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered. 

(c) Exchange Indemnification Costs.  The Borrower shall, upon demand from the Administrative Agent, pay to the Administrative Agent or any applicable Lender, the amount of  (i) any loss or cost or increased cost incurred by the Administrative Agent or any applicable Lender, (ii) any reduction in any amount payable to or in the effective return on the capital to the Administrative Agent or any applicable Lender, or (iii) any currency exchange loss, that Administrative Agent or any Lender sustains as a result of any payment being made by the Borrower in a currency other than that originally extended to the Borrower or as a result of any other currency exchange loss incurred by the Administrative Agent or any applicable Lender under this Agreement.

(d) Certificates for Reimbursement.  A certificate of a Lender, an Issuing Lender or such other Recipient setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender, such Issuing Lender, such other Recipient or any of their respective holding companies, as the case may be, as specified in paragraphs (a) or (b) or (c) of this Section 5.10 and delivered to the Borrower shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  The Borrower shall pay such Lender, such Issuing Lender or such other Recipient, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.

(e) Delay in Requests.  Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or any Issuing Lender or such other Recipient to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 5.10 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or such Issuing Lender’s or such other Recipient’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate any Lender or any Issuing Lender or any other Recipient pursuant to this Section 5.10 for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine (9) months prior to the date that such Lender or such Issuing Lender or such other Recipient, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions, and of such Lender’s or such Issuing Lender’s or such other Recipient’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

Section 5.11 Taxes.  

(a) Defined Terms.  For purposes of this Section 5.11, the term “Lender” includes any Issuing Lender and the term “Applicable Law” includes FATCA.

(b) Payments Free of Taxes.  Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Credit Party under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by Applicable Law.  If any Applicable Law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Withholding Agent, then the applicable Withholding Agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Credit Party shall be increased as necessary so that, after such deduction

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or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 5.11), the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

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

(d) Indemnification by the Credit Parties.  The Credit Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 5.11) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Recipient (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Recipient, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(e) Indemnification by the Lenders.  Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Credit Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Credit Parties to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 14.10(d) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to setoff and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph (e). The agreements in paragraph (e) shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent.

(f) Evidence of Payments.    As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Credit Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 5.11, such Credit Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(g) Status of Lenders.   

(i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by Applicable Law as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding.  In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by Applicable Law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding

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or information reporting requirements.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 5.11(g)(ii)(A),  (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

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

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

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

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

(3) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit H-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN-E; or

(4) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit H-2 or Exhibit H-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit H-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

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

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

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

(h) Treatment of Certain Refunds.  If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 5.11 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 5.11), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 5.11 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund).  Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (h) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (h), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (h) to the extent that such payment would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid.  This paragraph shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

(i) Survival.  Each party’s obligations under this Section 5.11 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender,

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the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.

Section 5.12 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

(a) Designation of a Different Lending Office.   If any Lender requests compensation under Section 5.10, or requires the Borrower to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 5.11, then such Lender shall, at the request of the Borrower, use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 5.10 or Section 5.11, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

(b) Replacement of Lenders.  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 5.10, or if the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 5.11,  and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different Lending Office in accordance with Section 5.12(a), or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or a Non-Consenting Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 14.10), all of its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 5.10 or Section 5.11) and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that:

(i) the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee (if any) specified in Section 14.10;

(ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and funded participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 5.9) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);

(iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 5.10 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 5.11, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter;

(iv) such assignment does not conflict with Applicable Law; and

(v) in the case of any assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable amendment, waiver or consent.

(c) Miscellaneous.  A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

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Section 5.13 Incremental Loans.

(a) At any time following the Closing Date, the Borrower may by written notice to the Administrative Agent elect to request the establishment of:

(i) one or more incremental term loan commitments (any such incremental term loan commitment, an “Incremental Term Loan Commitment”) to make one or more additional term loan(s), including a borrowing of an additional term loan the principal amount of which will be added to the outstanding principal amount of the existing tranche of Term Loans with the latest maturity date (any such additional term loan, an “Incremental Term Loan”); or

(ii) one or more increases in the Revolving Credit Commitments (any such increase, an “Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment” and, together with the Incremental Term Loan Commitments, the “Incremental Loan Commitments”) to make revolving credit loans under the Revolving Credit Facility (any such increase, an “Incremental Revolving Credit Increase” and, together with the Incremental Term Loans, the “Incremental Loans ”);

provided that (1) the total aggregate initial principal amount (as of the date of incurrence thereof) of all requested Incremental Loan Commitments (and the Incremental Loans made thereunder) shall not exceed the Incremental Facilities Limit and (2) the total aggregate initial principal amount (as of the date of incurrence thereof) of each requested Incremental Loan Commitment (and the Incremental Loans made thereunder) shall not be less than a minimum initial principal amount of $25,000,000 or, if less, the remaining amount permitted pursuant to the foregoing clause (1).  Each such notice shall specify the date (each, an “Increased Amount Date”) on which the Borrower proposes that any Incremental Loan Commitment shall be effective, which shall be a date not less than ten (10) Business Days after the date on which such notice is delivered to Administrative Agent (or such later date as may be approved by the Administrative Agent).  The Borrower may invite any Lender, any Affiliate of any Lender and/or any Approved Fund, and/or any other Person reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, to provide an Incremental Loan Commitment (any such Person, an “Incremental Lender”).  Any proposed Incremental Lender offered or approached to provide all or a portion of any Incremental Loan Commitment may elect or decline, in its sole discretion, to provide such Incremental Loan Commitment.  Any Incremental Loan Commitment shall become effective as of such Increased Amount Date; provided that,  each of the following conditions has been satisfied or waived as of such Increased Amount Date:

(i) no Default or Event of Default shall exist on such Increased Amount Date before or after giving effect to (1) any Incremental Loan Commitment, (2) the making of any Incremental Loans pursuant thereto and (3) any Permitted Acquisition consummated in connection therewith, if any;

(ii) the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have received from the Borrower an Officer’s Compliance Certificate demonstrating, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, that the Borrower is in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Article X, in each case based on the financial statements most recently delivered pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b), as applicable, both before and after giving effect (on a Pro Forma Basis) to (x) any Incremental Loan Commitment, (y) the making of any Incremental Loans pursuant thereto (with each Incremental Loan Commitment and the Revolving Credit Commitment being deemed to be fully funded) and (z) any Permitted Acquisition consummated in connection therewith, if any;

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(iii) each of the representations and warranties contained in Article VII shall be true and correct in all material respects, except to the extent any such representation and warranty is qualified by materiality or reference to Material Adverse Effect, in which case, such representation and warranty shall be true, correct and complete in all respects, on such Increased Amount Date with the same effect as if made on and as of such date (except for any such representation and warranty that by its terms is made only as of an earlier date, which representation and warranty shall remain true and correct as of such earlier date);

(iv) the proceeds of any Incremental Loans shall be used for general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including Permitted Acquisitions);

(v) each Incremental Loan Commitment (and the Incremental Loans made thereunder) shall constitute Obligations of the Borrower and shall be secured and guaranteed with the other Extensions of Credit on a pari passu basis;

(vi) (1) in the case of each Incremental Term Loan (the terms of which shall be set forth in the relevant Lender Joinder Agreement):

(b) such Incremental Term Loan will mature and amortize in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, the Incremental Lenders making such Incremental Term Loan and the Borrower, but will not in any event have a shorter Weighted Average Life to Maturity than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Initial Term Loan or a maturity date earlier than the Term Loan Maturity Date;

(c) the Applicable Margin and pricing grid, if applicable, for such Incremental Term Loan shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, the applicable Incremental Lenders and the Borrower on the applicable Increased Amount Date; and

(d) except as provided above, all other terms and conditions applicable to any Incremental Term Loan, to the extent not consistent with the terms and conditions applicable to the Initial Term Loan, shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (provided that such other terms and conditions, taken as a whole, shall not be materially more favorable to the Lenders under any Incremental Term Loans than such other terms and conditions, taken as a whole, under the Initial Term Loans);

(2) in the case of each Incremental Revolving Credit Increase (the terms of which shall be set forth in the relevant Lender Joinder Agreement):

(e) such Incremental Revolving Credit Increase shall mature on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, shall bear interest and be entitled to fees, in each case at the rate applicable to the Revolving Credit Loans, and shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as the Revolving Credit Loans (except for interest rate margins, commitment fees and upfront fees); provided that if the interest rate margins and/or commitment fees in respect of any Incremental Revolving Credit Increase exceed the interest rate margins and/or commitment fees for any other Revolving Credit Commitments, then the interest rate margins and/or commitment fees, as applicable, for such other Revolving Credit Commitments shall be increased so that the interest rate margins and/or commitment fees, as applicable, are equal to the interest rate margins and/or commitment fees for such Incremental Revolving Credit Increase;  provided, further, that in determining the interest rate margins applicable to the Incremental Revolving Credit Increase and the other Revolving Credit Commitments (x) upfront fees payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under the Incremental Revolving Credit Increase and the other Revolving Credit Commitments in the initial primary syndication thereof (with such upfront fees being equated to interest based on assumed four-year life to maturity) shall

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be included and the effects of any and all interest rate floors shall be included and (y) all customary arrangement or commitment fees payable to the Arrangers (or their respective affiliates) in connection with the other Revolving Credit Commitments or to one or more arrangers (or their affiliates) of any Incremental Revolving Credit Increase shall be excluded;    

(f) the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages of Swingline Loans and L/C Obligations will be reallocated by the Administrative Agent on the applicable Increased Amount Date among the Revolving Credit Lenders (including the Incremental Lenders providing such Incremental Revolving Credit Increase) in accordance with their revised Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages (and the Revolving Credit Lenders (including the Incremental Lenders providing such Incremental Revolving Credit Increase) agree to make all payments and adjustments necessary to effect such reallocation and the Borrower shall pay any and all costs required pursuant to Section 5.9 in connection with such reallocation as if such reallocation were a repayment); and

(g) except as provided above, all of the other terms and conditions applicable to such Incremental Revolving Credit Increase shall, except to the extent otherwise provided in this Section 5.13, be identical to the terms and conditions applicable to the Revolving Credit Facility;

(i) any Incremental Lender making any Incremental Term Loan shall be entitled to the same voting rights as the existing Term Loan Lenders under the Term Loan Facility and (unless otherwise agreed by the applicable Incremental Lenders) each Incremental Term Loan shall receive proceeds of prepayments on the same basis as the Initial Term Loan (such prepayments to be shared pro rata on the basis of the original aggregate funded amount thereof among the Initial Term Loan and the Incremental Term Loans); and

(1) any Incremental Lender with an Incremental Revolving Credit Increase shall be entitled to the same voting rights as the existing Revolving Credit Lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility and any Extensions of Credit made in connection with each Incremental Revolving Credit Increase shall receive proceeds of prepayments on the same basis as the other Revolving Credit Loans made hereunder;

(ii) such Incremental Loan Commitments shall be effected pursuant to one or more Lender Joinder Agreements executed and delivered by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the applicable Incremental Lenders (which Lender Joinder Agreement may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, to effect the provisions of this Section 5.13); and

(iii) the Borrower shall deliver or cause to be delivered any customary legal opinions or other documents (including, without limitation, a resolution duly adopted by the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of each Credit Party authorizing such Incremental Loan and/or Incremental Term Loan Commitment), as may be reasonably requested by Administrative Agent in connection with any such transaction.

(h)(i)The Incremental Term Loans shall be deemed to be Term Loans; provided that any such Incremental Term Loan that is not added to the outstanding principal balance of a pre-existing Term Loan shall be designated as a separate tranche of Term Loans for all purposes of this Agreement.

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(ii)The Incremental Lenders shall be included in any determination of the Required Lenders or Required Revolving Credit Lenders, as applicable, and, unless otherwise agreed, the Incremental Lenders will not constitute a separate voting class for any purposes under this Agreement.

(i)(i)On any Increased Amount Date on which any Incremental Term Loan Commitment becomes effective, subject to the foregoing terms and conditions, each Incremental Lender with an Incremental Term Loan Commitment shall make, or be obligated to make, an Incremental Term Loan to the Borrower in an amount equal to its Incremental Term Loan Commitment and shall become a Term Loan Lender hereunder with respect to such Incremental Term Loan Commitment and the Incremental Term Loan made pursuant thereto.

(ii)On any Increased Amount Date on which any Incremental Revolving Credit Increase becomes effective, subject to the foregoing terms and conditions, each Incremental Lender with an Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment shall become a Revolving Credit Lender hereunder with respect to such Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment.

Section 5.14 Cash Collateral.  At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, within one Business Day following the written request of the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) or the Swingline Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize the Fronting Exposure of such Issuing Lender and/or the Swingline Lender, as applicable, with respect to such Defaulting Lender (determined after giving effect to Section 5.15(a)(iv) and any Cash Collateral provided by such Defaulting Lender) in an amount equal to the Minimum Collateral Amount.

(a) Grant of Security Interest.  The Borrower, and to the extent provided by any Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender, hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of each Issuing Lender and the Swingline Lender, and agrees to maintain, a first priority security interest in all such Cash Collateral as security for the Defaulting Lender’s obligation to fund participations in respect of L/C Obligations and Swingline Loans, to be applied pursuant to subsection (b) below.  If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that Cash Collateral is subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lenders and the Swingline Lender as herein provided, or that the total amount of such Cash Collateral is less than the Minimum Collateral Amount, the Borrower will, promptly upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay or provide to the Administrative Agent additional Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to eliminate such deficiency (after giving effect to any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).

(b) Application.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, Cash Collateral provided under this Section 5.14 or Section 5.15 in respect of Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans shall be applied to the satisfaction of the Defaulting Lender’s obligation to fund participations in respect of L/C Obligations and Swingline Loans (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued on such obligation) for which the Cash Collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may otherwise be provided for herein.

(c) Termination of Requirement.  Cash Collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce the Fronting Exposure of the Issuing Lenders and/or the Swingline Lender, as applicable, shall no longer be required to be held as Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 5.14 following (i) the elimination of the applicable Fronting Exposure (including by the termination of Defaulting Lender status of the applicable Lender), or (ii) the determination by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lenders and the Swingline Lender that there exists excess Cash Collateral; provided that, subject to Section 5.15, the Person

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providing Cash Collateral, the Issuing Lenders and the Swingline Lender may agree that Cash Collateral shall be held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations; and provided further that to the extent that such Cash Collateral was provided by the Borrower, such Cash Collateral shall remain subject to the security interest granted pursuant to the Loan Documents.

Section 5.15 Defaulting Lenders

(a) Defaulting Lender Adjustments.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as such Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law:

(i) Waivers and Amendments.  Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in the definition of Required Lenders and Section 14.2.

(ii) Defaulting Lender Waterfall. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article XII or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 14.4 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Issuing Lenders or the Swingline Lender hereunder; third, to Cash Collateralize the Fronting Exposure of the Issuing Lenders and the Swingline Lender with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with Section 5.14;  fourth, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan or funded participation in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (A) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans and funded participations under this Agreement and (B) Cash Collateralize the Issuing Lenders’ future Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans issued under this Agreement, in accordance with Section 5.14;  sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders or the Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, any Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender's breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (1) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or funded participations in Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (2) such Loans were made or the related Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 6.2 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and funded participations in Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit owed to, all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or funded participations in Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Swingline Loans and L/C Obligations are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Revolving Credit Commitments under the applicable Revolving Credit Facility without giving

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effect to Section 5.15(a)(iv). Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 5.15(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

(iii) Certain Fees.

(i) No Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive any Commitment Fee for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender).

(ii) Each Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive letter of credit commissions pursuant to Section 3.3 for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender only to the extent allocable to its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the stated amount of Letters of Credit for which it has provided Cash Collateral pursuant to Section 5.14.

(iii) With respect to any Commitment Fee or letter of credit commission not required to be paid to any Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (A) or (B) above, the Borrower shall (1) pay to each Non-Defaulting Lender that portion of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations or Swingline Loans that has been reallocated to such Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (iv) below, (2) pay to each applicable Issuing Lender and the Swingline Lender, as applicable, the amount of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender to the extent allocable to such Issuing Lender’s or the Swingline Lender’s Fronting Exposure to such Defaulting Lender, and (3) not be required to pay the remaining amount of any such fee.

(iv) Reallocation of Participations to Reduce Fronting Exposure.  All or any part of such Defaulting Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations and Swingline Loans shall be reallocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages (calculated without regard to such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment) but only to the extent that such reallocation does not cause the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure of any Non-Defaulting Lender to exceed such Non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment.  No reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation.

(v) Cash Collateral, Repayment of Swingline Loans.  If the reallocation described in clause (iv) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall, without prejudice to any right or remedy available to it hereunder or under law, (x) first, repay Swingline Loans in an amount equal to the Swingline Lenders’ Fronting Exposure and (y) second, Cash Collateralize the Issuing Lenders’ Fronting Exposure in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 5.14.

(b) Defaulting Lender Cure.  If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lenders and the Swingline Lender agree in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), such Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding

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Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans to be held pro rata by the Lenders in accordance with the Commitments under the applicable Credit Facility (without giving effect to Section 5.15(a)(iv)), whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided,  further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

Article VI

CONDITIONS OF CLOSING AND BORROWING

Section 6.1 Conditions to Closing and the Initial Extensions of Credit.  The obligation of the Lenders to close this Agreement and to make the initial Loans or issue or participate in the initial Letters of Credit, if any, is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

(a) Executed Loan Documents.  This Agreement, a Revolving Credit Note in favor of each Revolving Credit Lender requesting a Revolving Credit Note, a Term Loan Note in favor of each Term Loan Lender requesting a Term Loan Note, a Swingline Note in favor of the Swingline Lender (in each case, if requested thereby) and the Security Documents, together with any other applicable Loan Documents, shall have been duly authorized, executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent by the parties thereto and shall be in full force and effect and no Default or Event of Default shall exist hereunder or thereunder.

(b) Closing Certificates; Etc.  The Administrative Agent shall have received each of the following in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:

(i) Officer’s Certificate.  A  certificate from a Responsible Officer of the Borrower to the effect that (A) all representations and warranties of the Credit Parties contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true, correct and complete in all material respects (except to the extent any such representation and warranty is qualified by materiality or reference to Material Adverse Effect, in which case, such representation and warranty shall be true, correct and complete in all respects); (B) none of the Credit Parties is in violation of any of the covenants contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; (C) after giving effect to the Transactions, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; (D) since December 31, 2018, no event has occurred or condition arisen, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (E)  each of the Credit Parties, as applicable, has satisfied each of the conditions set forth in Section 6.1 and Section 6.2.

(ii) Certificates of Secretary and Organizational Documents.  With respect to each Credit Party, a certificate of a Responsible Officer of each such Person certifying as to the incumbency and genuineness of the signature of each officer of such Person executing Loan Documents to which it is a party and certifying that attached thereto is a true, correct and complete copy of (A) the articles or certificate of incorporation or formation (or equivalent), as applicable, of such Person and all amendments thereto, certified as of a recent date by the appropriate Governmental Authority in its jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation (or equivalent), as applicable, (B) the bylaws or other governing document of such Person as in effect on the Closing Date, (C) resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors (or other governing body) of such Person authorizing and approving the transactions contemplated hereunder and the

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execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (D) each certificate required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(iii).

(iii) Certificates of Good Standing.  With respect to each Credit Party, certificates as of a recent date of the good standing of each such Person under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation (or equivalent) and, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, each other jurisdiction where such Person is qualified to do business and, to the extent available, a certificate of the relevant taxing authorities of such jurisdictions certifying that such Person has filed required tax returns and owes no delinquent taxes.

(iv) Opinions of Counsel.  Favorable opinions of counsel to the Credit Parties addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders with respect to the Credit Parties, the Loan Documents and such other matters as the Administrative Agent shall request (which such opinions shall expressly permit reliance by permitted successors and assigns of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders).

(c) Personal Property Collateral.

(i) Filings and Recordings.  The Administrative Agent shall have received all filings and recordations that are necessary to perfect the security interests of the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, in the Collateral and the Administrative Agent shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that upon such filings and recordations such security interests constitute valid and perfected first priority Liens thereon (subject to Permitted Liens).

(ii) Pledged Collateral.  The Administrative Agent shall have received (A) original stock certificates or other certificates evidencing the Capital Stock pledged pursuant to the Security Documents, to the extent such Capital Stock is certificated, together with an undated stock power for each such certificate duly executed in blank by the registered owner thereof and (B) each original promissory note pledged, and required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent, pursuant to the Security Documents, together with an undated endorsement for each such promissory note duly executed in blank by the holder thereof.

(iii) Lien Search.  The Administrative Agent shall have received the results of a Lien search (including a search as to judgments, bankruptcy, tax and intellectual property matters), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory thereto, made against the Credit Parties under the Uniform Commercial Code (or applicable judicial docket) as in effect in each jurisdiction in which filings or recordations under the Uniform Commercial Code should be made to evidence or perfect security interests in all assets of such Credit Party, indicating among other things that the assets of each such Credit Party are free and clear of any Lien (except for Permitted Liens).

(iv) Property and Liability Insurance.  The Administrative Agent shall have received, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, evidence of property, business interruption and liability insurance covering each Credit Party, evidence of payment of all insurance premiums for the current policy year of each policy (with appropriate endorsements naming the Administrative Agent as lender’s loss payee on all policies for property hazard insurance and as additional insured on all policies for liability insurance), and if requested by the Administrative Agent, copies of such insurance policies.

(v) Intellectual Property. The Administrative Agent shall have received security agreements duly executed by the applicable Credit Parties for all federally registered copyrights,

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copyright applications, patents, patent applications, trademarks and trademark applications included in the Collateral, in each case in proper form for filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or U.S. Copyright Office, as applicable.

(vi) Other Collateral Documentation.  The Administrative Agent shall have received any documents reasonably requested thereby or as required by the terms of the Security Documents to evidence its security interest in the Collateral (including, without limitation, any landlord waivers or collateral access agreements, notices and assignments of claims required under Applicable Laws, bailee or warehouseman letters or filings with the FCC or any other applicable Governmental Authority).

(d) Governmental and Third Party Approvals.  The Credit Parties shall have received all governmental, shareholder and third party consents and approvals necessary in connection with Credit Facility and all such governmental, shareholder and third party consents and approvals shall be in full force and effect.

(e) Financial Matters.  The Administrative Agent shall have received, in each case in form and substance satisfactory thereto:

(i) Financial Projections.  Projections prepared by management of the Borrower, of balance sheets, annual income statements and cash flow statements on an annual basis for each year after the Closing Date during the term of the Credit Facility (and except as disclosed promptly after discovery which will not be inconsistent with information provided to Wells Fargo Securities, LLC prior to June 6, 2019).

(ii) Financial Condition Certificate.  A certificate, certified as accurate by the chief financial officer of the Borrower, that (A) after giving effect to the Transactions, each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof is each Solvent, (B) attached thereto are calculations evidencing compliance on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the Transactions with the covenants contained in Article X and (C) the financial projections previously delivered to the Administrative Agent represent the good faith estimates (utilizing reasonable assumptions) of the financial condition and operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

(f) Payment at Closing. The Borrower shall have paid (A) to the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Lenders the fees set forth or referenced in Section 5.3 and any other accrued and unpaid fees or commissions due hereunder, (B) all fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent (directly to such counsel if requested by the Administrative Agent) to the extent accrued and unpaid prior to or on the Closing Date, plus such additional amounts of such fees, charges and disbursements as shall constitute its reasonable estimate of such fees, charges and disbursements incurred or to be incurred by it through the closing proceedings (provided that such estimate shall not thereafter preclude a final settling of accounts between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent) and (C) to any other Person such amount as may be due thereto in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including all taxes, fees and other charges in connection with the execution, delivery, recording, filing and registration of any of the Loan Documents.

(g) Miscellaneous.

(i) Notice of Account Designation.  The Administrative Agent shall have received a Notice of Account Designation specifying the account or accounts to which the proceeds of any Loans made on or after the Closing Date are to be disbursed.

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(ii) Due Diligence.  The Administrative Agent shall have completed, to its satisfaction, all legal, tax, environmental, business and other due diligence with respect to the business, assets, liabilities, operations and condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in scope and determination satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

(iii) Existing Indebtedness.  All existing Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries under the Existing Credit Agreement shall be refinanced.

(iv) PATRIOT Act, etc.  In each case at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date:

(A) Each Credit Party shall have provided to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders the documentation and other information requested by the Administrative Agent in order to comply with requirements of any Anti-Money Laundering Laws, including, without limitation, the PATRIOT Act and any applicable “know your customer” rules and regulations.

(B) Each Credit Party or Subsidiary thereof that qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent, and any Lender requesting the same, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to such Credit Party or such Subsidiary, in each case at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.

(v) Other Documents.  All opinions, certificates and other instruments and all proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall have received copies of all other documents, certificates and instruments reasonably requested thereby, with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 13.3(c), for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 6.1, the Administrative Agent and each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

Section 6.2 Conditions to All Extensions of Credit.  The obligations of the Lenders to make or participate in any Extensions of Credit (including the initial Extension of Credit) and/or any Issuing Lender to issue or extend any Letter of Credit are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent on the relevant borrowing, issuance or extension date:

(a) Continuation of Representations and Warranties.  The representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty is subject to a materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifier, in which case it shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of such borrowing, issuance or extension date with the same effect as if made on and as of such date, except for any representation and warranty made as of an earlier date, which representation and warranty shall remain true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty is subject to a materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifier, in which case it shall be true and correct in all respects) as of such earlier date.

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(b) No Existing Default.  No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (i) on the borrowing date with respect to such Loan or after giving effect to the Loans to be made on such date or (ii) on the issuance or extension date with respect to such Letter of Credit or after giving effect to the issuance or extension of such Letter of Credit on such date.

(c) Alternative Currency and Alternative L/C Currency.  In the case of a Revolving Credit Loan to be denominated in an Alternative Currency or a Letter of Credit to be denominated in an Alternative L/C Currency, there shall not have occurred any change in national or international financial, political or economic conditions or currency exchange rates or exchange controls which (i) with respect to a Revolving Credit Loan to be denominated in an Alternative Currency,  in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders would make it impracticable for such Revolving Credit Loan to be denominated in the relevant Alternative Currency or (ii) with respect to a Letter of Credit to be denominated in an Alternative L/C Currency, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent, the applicable Issuing Lender or the Required Lenders would make it impracticable for such Letter of Credit to be denominated in the relevant Alternative L/C Currency.

(d) New Swingline Loans/Letters of Credit.  So long as any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, (i) the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loans unless it is satisfied that it will have no Fronting Exposure after giving effect to such Swingline Loan and (ii) no Issuing Lender shall be required to issue, extend, renew or increase any Letter of Credit unless it is satisfied that it will have no Fronting Exposure after giving effect thereto.

(e) Notices.  The Administrative Agent shall have received a Notice of Borrowing or Letter of Credit Application, as applicable, from the Borrower in accordance with Section 2.3(a),  Section 3.2,  Section 4.2 or Section 5.2, as applicable.

Section 6.3 Post-Closing Conditions.    The Borrower shall execute and deliver the documents, take the actions and complete the tasks set forth on Schedule 6.3, in each case within the corresponding time limits specified on such schedule.

Article VII

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE CREDIT PARTIES

To induce the Administrative Agent and Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to induce the Lenders to make Extensions of Credit, the Credit Parties hereby represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders both before and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereunder, which representations and warranties shall be deemed made on the Closing Date and as otherwise set forth in Section 6.2, that:

Section 7.1 Organization; Power; Qualification.  Each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof (a) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation, (b) has the power and authority to own its Properties and to carry on its business as now being and hereafter proposed to be conducted and (c) is duly qualified and authorized to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of its Properties or the nature of its business requires such qualification and authorization except in jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  The jurisdictions in which each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof are organized and qualified to do business as of the Closing Date are described on Schedule 7.1.  No Credit Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is an EEA Financial Institution.

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Section 7.2 Ownership.  Each Subsidiary of the Borrower as of the Closing Date is listed on Schedule 7.2.  All outstanding shares have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof, and not subject to any preemptive or similar rights, except as described in Schedule 7.2.  The shareholders or other owners, as applicable, of each of the Borrower’s Subsidiaries which are not traded on a public exchange and the number of shares owned by each as of the Closing Date are described on Schedule 7.2.  As of the Closing Date, there are no outstanding stock purchase warrants, subscriptions, options, securities, instruments or other rights of any type or nature whatsoever, which are convertible into, exchangeable for or otherwise provide for or permit the issuance of Capital Stock of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof, except as described on Schedule 7.2.

Section 7.3 Authorization; Enforceability.  Each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof has the right, power and authority and has taken all necessary corporate and other action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their respective terms.  This Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents have been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof that is a party thereto, and each such document constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof that is a party thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar state or federal Debtor Relief Laws from time to time in effect which affect the enforcement of creditors’ rights in general and the availability of equitable remedies.

Section 7.4 Compliance of Agreement, Loan Documents and Borrowing with Laws, Etc.  The execution, delivery and performance by each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof of the Loan Documents to which each such Person is a party, in accordance with their respective terms, the Extensions of Credit hereunder and the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby do not and will not, by the passage of time, the giving of notice or otherwise, (a) require any Governmental Approval or violate any Applicable Law relating to any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof where the failure to obtain such Governmental Approval or such violation could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (b) conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default under the articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational documents of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof, (c) conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument to which such Person is a party or by which any of its properties may be bound or any Governmental Approval relating to such Person, which could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (d) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any property now owned or hereafter acquired by such Person other than Permitted Liens or (e) require any consent or authorization of, filing with, or other act in respect of, an arbitrator or Governmental Authority and no consent of any other Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity or enforceability of this Agreement other than (i) consents, authorizations, filings or other acts or consents for which the failure to obtain or make could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) consents or filings under the UCC and (iii) filings with the United States Copyright Office and/or the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Section 7.5 Compliance with Law; Governmental Approvals.  Each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof (a) has all Governmental Approvals required by any Applicable Law for it to conduct its business, each of which is in full force and effect, is final and not subject to review on appeal and is not the subject of any pending or, to its knowledge, threatened attack by direct or collateral proceeding, (b) is in compliance with each Governmental Approval applicable to it and in compliance with all other Applicable Laws relating to it or any of its respective properties and (c) has timely filed all material reports, documents and other materials required to be filed by it under all Applicable Laws with any Governmental Authority and has retained all material records and documents required to be retained by it under Applicable

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Law, except in each case of clauses (a), (b) or (c)  above where the failure to have, comply or file could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.6 Tax Returns and Payments.  Each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof has duly filed or caused to be filed all federal, state, local and other tax returns required by Applicable Law to be filed, and has paid, or made adequate provision for the payment of, all federal, state, local and other taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it and its property, income, profits and assets which are due and payable (other than any amount the validity of which is currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with respect to which reserves in conformity with GAAP have been provided for on the books of the relevant Credit Party).  Such returns accurately reflect in all material respects all liability for taxes of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof for the periods covered thereby.  Except as set forth on Schedule 7.6, there is no ongoing audit or examination or, to the knowledge of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof, other investigation by any Governmental Authority of the tax liability of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof.  No Governmental Authority has asserted any Lien or other claim against any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof with respect to unpaid taxes which has not been discharged or resolved (other than (a) any amount the validity of which is currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with respect to which reserves in conformity with GAAP have been provided for on the books of the relevant Credit Party and (b) Permitted Liens).  The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof in respect of federal, state, local and other taxes for all Fiscal Years and portions thereof since the organization of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof are in the judgment of the Borrower adequate, and the Borrower does not anticipate any additional taxes or assessments for any of such years.

Section 7.7 Intellectual Property Matters.  Each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof owns or possesses rights to use all material franchises, licenses, copyrights, copyright applications, patents, patent rights or licenses, patent applications, trademarks, trademark rights, service mark, service mark rights, trade names, trade name rights, copyrights and other rights with respect to the foregoing which are reasonably necessary to conduct its business.  No event has occurred which permits, or after notice or lapse of time or both would permit, the revocation or termination of any such rights, and no Credit Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is liable to any Person for infringement under Applicable Law with respect to any such rights as a result of its business operations except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.8 Environmental Matters.

(a) To the knowledge of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof, the properties owned, leased or operated by each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof now or in the past do not contain, and to their knowledge have not previously contained, any Hazardous Materials in amounts or concentrations which (i) constitute or constituted a material violation of applicable Environmental Laws (except for amounts which have been remediated in accordance with Environmental Laws) or (ii) could reasonably be expected to give rise to material liability under applicable Environmental Laws;

(b) To the knowledge of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof, each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof and such properties and all operations conducted in connection therewith are in material compliance, and have been in material compliance, with all applicable Environmental Laws, and there is no contamination at, under or about such properties or such operations which could reasonably be expected to materially interfere with the continued operation of such properties or materially impair the fair saleable value thereof;

(c) No Credit Party nor any Subsidiary thereof has received any written notice of violation, alleged violation, non-compliance, liability or potential liability regarding environmental matters,

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Hazardous Materials, or compliance with Environmental Laws, nor does any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof have knowledge or reason to believe that any such notice will be received or is being threatened,  except where such violation, alleged violation, non-compliance, liability or potential liability which is the subject of such notice could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(d) To the knowledge of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof, Hazardous Materials have not been transported or disposed of to or from the properties owned, leased or operated by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof in violation of, or in a manner or to a location which could give rise to material liability under, Environmental Laws, nor have any Hazardous Materials been generated, treated, stored or disposed of at, on or under any of such properties in violation of, or in a manner that could reasonably be expected to give rise to material liability under, any applicable Environmental Laws;

(e) No judicial proceedings or governmental or administrative action is pending, or, to the knowledge of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof, threatened, under any Environmental Law to which any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof is or will be named as a potentially responsible party with respect to any properties or operations conducted in connection therewith, nor are there any consent decrees or other decrees, consent orders, administrative orders or other orders, or other administrative or judicial requirements outstanding under any Environmental Law with respect to any Credit Party, any Subsidiary thereof or such properties or operations that could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

(f) There has been no release, or to the knowledge of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof, threat of release, of Hazardous Materials at or from properties owned, leased or operated by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary, now or in the past, in violation of or in amounts or in a manner that could give rise to liability under Environmental Laws that could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.9 Employee Benefit Matters.    

(a) As of the Closing Date, no Credit Party nor any ERISA Affiliate maintains or contributes to, or has any obligation under, any Employee Benefit Plans other than those identified on Schedule 7.9;

(b) Each Credit Party and each ERISA Affiliate is in compliance with all applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder with respect to all Employee Benefit Plans except for any required amendments for which the remedial amendment period as defined in Section 401(b) of the Code has not yet expired and except where a failure to so comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Each Employee Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has been determined by the IRS to be so qualified, and each trust related to such plan has been determined to be exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code except for such plans that have not yet received determination letters but for which the remedial amendment period for submitting a determination letter has not yet expired or for which no letter is required because such Employee Benefit Plan is a prototype plan.  No liability has been incurred by any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate which remains unsatisfied for any taxes or penalties assessed with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan or any Multiemployer Plan except for a liability that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(c) As of the Closing Date, no Pension Plan has been terminated, nor has any Pension Plan become subject to funding based benefit restrictions under Section 436 of the Code, nor has any funding waiver from the IRS been received or requested with respect to any Pension Plan, nor has there been any failure to meet the minimum funding standards of Sections 412 or 430 of the Code, nor has any Credit Party

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or any ERISA Affiliate failed to make any contributions or to pay any amounts due and owing as required by Sections 412 or 430 of the Code, Section 302 of ERISA or the terms of any Pension Plan prior to the due dates of such contributions under Sections 412 or 430 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, nor has there been any event requiring any disclosure under Section 4041(c)(3)(C) or 4063(a) of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan;

(d) Except where the failure of any of the following representations to be correct could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Credit Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has:  (i) engaged in a nonexempt prohibited transaction described in Section 406 of the ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, (ii) incurred any liability to the PBGC which remains outstanding other than the payment of premiums and there are no premium payments which are due and unpaid, (iii) failed to make a required contribution or payment to a Multiemployer Plan, or (iv) failed to make a required installment or other required payment under Sections 412 or 430 of the Code;

(e) No Termination Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan, as applicable;  and

(f) Except where the failure of any of the following representations to be correct could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, no proceeding, claim (other than benefit claims in the ordinary course of business), lawsuit and/or investigation is existing or, to the knowledge of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof, threatened concerning or involving any (i) employee welfare benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) currently maintained or contributed to by any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate, (ii) Pension Plan or (iii) Multiemployer Plan.

(g) No Credit Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is a party to any contract, agreement or arrangement that could, solely as a result of the delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of transactions contemplated hereby, result in the payment of any “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code.

(h) The Borrower represents and warrants, as of the Closing Date, that the Borrower is not and will not be using “plan assets” (within the meaning of 29 CFR § 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments.

Section 7.10 Margin Stock

(a) No Credit Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is engaged principally or as one of its activities in the business of extending credit for the purpose of “purchasing” or “carrying” any “margin stock” (as each such term is defined or used, directly or indirectly, in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System).  No part of the proceeds of any of the Loans or Letters of Credit will be used for purchasing or carrying margin stock or for any purpose which violates, or which would be inconsistent with, the provisions of Regulation T, U or X of such Board of Governors.  If requested by any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) or the Administrative Agent, the Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender a statement to the foregoing effect in conformity with the requirements of FR Form G-3 or FR Form U 1 referred to in Regulation U.    

(b) Following the application of the proceeds of each Extension of Credit, not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the value of the assets (either of the Borrower only or of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) subject to the provisions of Section 11.2 or Section 11.5 or subject to any restriction contained in any agreement or instrument between any Credit Party and any Lender or any Affiliate of any Lender relating to Indebtedness in excess of the Threshold Amount will be “margin stock”.

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Section 7.11 Government Regulation.  No Credit Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” (as each such term is defined or used in the Investment Company Act of 1940) and no Credit Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is, or after giving effect to any Extension of Credit will be, subject to regulation under the Interstate Commerce Act, or any other Applicable Law which limits its ability to incur or consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 7.12 Employee Relations.   No Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof is party to any collective bargaining agreement, nor has any labor union been recognized as the representative of its employees except as set forth on Schedule 7.12.  The Borrower knows of no pending or threatened strikes, work stoppage or other collective labor disputes involving its employees or those of its Subsidiaries that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.13 Burdensome Provisions.  The Credit Parties and their respective Subsidiaries do not presently anticipate that future expenditures needed to meet the provisions of any statutes, orders, rules or regulations of a Governmental Authority will be so burdensome as to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No Subsidiary is party to any agreement or instrument or otherwise subject to any restriction or encumbrance that restricts or limits its ability to make dividend payments or other distributions in respect of its Capital Stock to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or to transfer any of its assets or properties to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary in each case other than existing under or by reason of the Loan Documents or Applicable Law.

Section 7.14 Financial Statements.  The Current Financial Statements are complete and correct and fairly present in all material respects, on a Consolidated basis, the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such dates, and the results of the operations and changes of financial position for the periods then ended (other than customary year-end adjustments for unaudited financial statements).  All such financial statements, including the related schedules and notes thereto, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.  Such financial statements show all material indebtedness and other material liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, including material liabilities for taxes, material commitments, and Indebtedness, in each case, to the extent required to be disclosed under GAAP.  The projections delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(e)(i) were prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions are believed to be reasonable in light of then existing conditions except that such financial projections and statements shall be subject to normal year end closing and audit adjustments (it being understood that projections are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies).

Section 7.15 No Material Adverse Change.  Since December 31, 2018, there has been no material adverse change in the properties, business, operations, condition (financial or otherwise), assets or liabilities (whether actual or contingent) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole and no event has occurred or condition arisen, either individually or in the aggregate, that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.16 Solvency.  The Credit Parties, on a Consolidated basis, are Solvent.

Section 7.17 Titles to Properties.  As of the Closing Date, the real property listed on Schedule 7.17 constitutes all of the real property that is owned, leased, subleased or used by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries.  Each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof has such title to the real property owned or leased by it as is necessary to the conduct of its business and valid and legal title to all of its personal property and assets, except those which have been disposed of by the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries subsequent to such date which dispositions have been in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise expressly permitted hereunder.

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Section 7.18 Insurance.  The properties of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries, in such amounts, with such deductibles and covering such risks as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in locations where the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries operate.

Section 7.19 Liens.  None of the properties and assets of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof is subject to any Lien, except Permitted Liens.  No Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof has signed any financing statement or any security agreement authorizing any secured party thereunder to file any financing statement, except to perfect those Permitted Liens.

Section 7.20 Indebtedness and Guaranty Obligations.  The Credit Parties and their respective Subsidiaries have performed and are in compliance with all of the material terms of such Indebtedness and Guaranty Obligations and all instruments and agreements relating thereto, and no default or event of default, or event or condition which with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute such a default or event of default on the part of any of the Credit Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries exists with respect to any such Indebtedness or Guaranty Obligation, which could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.21 Litigation.   There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending nor, to the knowledge of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof, threatened against or in any other way relating adversely to or affecting any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective properties in any court or before any arbitrator of any kind or before or by any Governmental Authority that (a) has or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or (b) materially adversely affects any transaction contemplated hereby.

Section 7.22 Absence of Defaults.  No event has occurred or is continuing (a) which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, or (b) which constitutes, or which with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute, a default or event of default by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof under any judgment, decree or order to which any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof is a party or by which any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective properties may be bound or which would require any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof to make any payment thereunder prior to the scheduled maturity date therefore that, in any case under this clause (b), could, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.23 Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanctions

(a) None of (i) the Borrower, any Subsidiary, any of their respective directors, officers, or, to the knowledge of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, any of their respective employees or Affiliates, or (ii) to the knowledge of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, any agent or representative of the Borrower or such Subsidiary that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the Credit Facility, (A) is a Sanctioned Person or currently the subject or target of any Sanctions, (B) is controlled by or is acting on behalf of a Sanctioned Person, (C) has its assets located in a Sanctioned Country, (D) is under investigation for an alleged violation of, or received notice from or made a voluntary disclosure to any governmental entity regarding a possible violation of, Sanctions by a governmental authority that enforces Sanctions or any Anti-Corruption Laws or Anti-Money Laundering Laws, (E) directly or indirectly derives revenues from investments in, or transactions with, Sanctioned Persons, (F) has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such Persons of any Anti-Corruption Laws, or (G) has violated any Anti-Money Laundering Law.

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(b) Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and Affiliates with all Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Law and Sanctions. 

(c) Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and to the knowledge of Borrower and each Subsidiary thereof, each director, officer, employee, agent and Affiliate of Borrower and each such Subsidiary, is in compliance with all Anti-Corruption Laws and Anti-Money Laundering Law in all material respects and applicable Sanctions.

(d) No proceeds of any Extension of Credit have been used, directly or indirectly, by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, any of its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents (i) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, (ii) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, including any payments (directly or indirectly) to a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Country or (iii) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Anti-Money Laundering Laws, Anti-Corruption Laws or any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto

Section 7.24 Investment Bankers’ and Similar Fees.  No Credit Party has any obligation to any Person in respect of any finders’, brokers’, investment banking or other similar fee in connection with any of the Transactions other than the closing and other fees payable pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise payable to the Arranger.

Section 7.25 Disclosure.  No financial statement, material report, material certificate or other material information furnished (whether in writing or orally) by or on behalf of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), taken together as a whole, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, pro forma financial information, estimated financial information and other projected or estimated information, such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time (it being understood that forward looking and estimated information, including projections, are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies).  As of the Closing Date, all of the information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification is true and correct.

Article VIII

FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND NOTICES

Until all of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not then due) have been paid and satisfied in full in cash, all Letters of Credit have been terminated or expired (or been Cash Collateralized) and the Commitments terminated, each Credit Party will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to:

Section 8.1 Financial Statements and Projections.  Deliver to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly make such information available to the Lenders in accordance with its customary practice):

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(a) Quarterly Financial Statements.  As soon as practicable and in any event within forty-five (45) days (or, if earlier, on the date of any required public filing thereof) after the end of the first three fiscal quarters of each Fiscal Year (commencing with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2019), an unaudited Consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal quarter and unaudited Consolidated and consolidating statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows and a report containing management’s discussion and analysis of such financial statements for the fiscal quarter then ended and that portion of the Fiscal Year then ended, including the notes thereto, all in reasonable detail setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures as of the end of and for the corresponding period in the preceding Fiscal Year and prepared by the Borrower in accordance with GAAP and, if applicable, containing disclosure of the effect on the financial position or results of operations of any change in the application of accounting principles and practices during the period, and certified by the chief financial officer of the Borrower to present fairly in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated and consolidating basis as of their respective dates and the results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the respective periods then ended, subject to normal year end adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

(b) Annual Financial Statements.  As soon as practicable and in any event within one hundred twenty (120) days (or, if earlier, on the date of any required public filing thereof) after the end of each Fiscal Year (commencing with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019), an audited Consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the close of such Fiscal Year and audited Consolidated and consolidating statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows and a report containing management’s discussion and analysis of such financial statements for the Fiscal Year then ended, including the notes thereto, all in reasonable detail setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures as of the end of and for the preceding Fiscal Year and prepared in accordance with GAAP and, if applicable, containing disclosure of the effect on the financial position or results of operations of any change in the application of accounting principles and practices during the year.  Such annual financial statements shall be audited by an independent certified public accounting firm of recognized national standing acceptable to the Administrative Agent, and accompanied by a report and opinion thereon by such certified public accountants prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards that is not subject to any “going concern” or similar qualification or exception or any qualification as to the scope of such audit or with respect to accounting principles followed by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries not in accordance with GAAP.

(c) Annual Business Plan and Budget.  As soon as practicable after the end of each Fiscal Year and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of such Fiscal Year, a business plan and operating and capital budget of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the ensuing four (4) fiscal quarters, such plan to be prepared in accordance with GAAP and to include, on a quarterly basis, the following:  a quarterly operating and capital budget, a projected income statement, statement of cash flows and balance sheet, calculations demonstrating projected compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Article X and a report containing management’s discussion and analysis of such budget with a reasonable disclosure of the key assumptions and drivers with respect to such budget, accompanied by a certificate from a Responsible Officer of the Borrower to the effect that such budget contains good faith estimates (utilizing assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time of delivery of such budget) of the financial condition and operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period.

Section 8.2 Officer’s Compliance Certificate.  At each time financial statements are delivered pursuant to Sections 8.1(a) or (b) and at such other times as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request, deliver to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly make such information available to the Lenders in accordance with its customary practice) a duly completed Officer’s Compliance Certificate signed by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower and a report containing management’s discussion and analysis of such financial statements.

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Section 8.3 Other Reports.  Deliver to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly make such information available to the Lenders in accordance with its customary practice):

(a) Promptly upon receipt thereof, copies of all reports, if any, submitted to any Credit Party, any Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective boards of directors by their respective independent public accountants in connection with their auditing function, including, without limitation, any management report and any management responses thereto;

(b) Promptly upon the request thereof, such other information and documentation required by bank regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations (including, without limitation, the Patriot Act), as from time to time reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender; and

(c) Such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request (including, without limitation, any investor slide decks).

Section 8.4 Notice of Litigation and Other Matters.  Promptly (but in no event later than ten (10) days after any Responsible Officer of any Credit Party obtains knowledge thereof) notify the Administrative Agent in writing of (which shall promptly make such information available to the Lenders in accordance with its customary practice):

(a) the commencement of all proceedings and investigations by or before any Governmental Authority and all actions and proceedings in any court or before any arbitrator against or involving any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective properties, assets or businesses that if adversely determined could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

(b) any notice of any violation received by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof from any Governmental Authority including, without limitation, any notice of violation of Environmental Laws which in any such case could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(c) any labor controversy that has resulted in, or threatens to result in, a strike or other work action against any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof which in any such case could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(d) any attachment, judgment, lien, levy or order exceeding the Threshold Amount that may be assessed against or threatened against any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof;

(e) the occurrence of (i) any Default or (ii) any Event of Default;

(f) (i) any unfavorable determination letter from the IRS regarding the qualification of an Employee Benefit Plan under Section 401(a) of the Code (along with a copy thereof), (ii) all notices received by any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate of the PBGC’s intent to terminate any Pension Plan or to have a trustee appointed to administer any Pension Plan, (iii) all notices received by any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor concerning the imposition or amount of withdrawal liability pursuant to Section 4202 of ERISA and (iv) the Borrower obtaining knowledge or reason to know that any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate has filed or intends to file a notice of intent to terminate any Pension Plan under a distress termination within the meaning of Section 4041(c) of ERISA;

(g) any event which makes any of the representations set forth in Article VII that is subject to materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifications inaccurate in any respect or any event which makes

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any of the representations set forth in Article VII that is not subject to materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifications inaccurate in any material respect;

(h) promptly upon the request thereof, such other information and documentation required by bank regulatory authorities under applicable Anti-Money Laundering Laws (including, without limitation, any applicable “know your customer” rules and regulations and the PATRIOT Act), as from time to time reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender;

(i) promptly after the same are available, copies of each annual report, proxy or financial statement or other report or communication sent to the stockholders of the Borrower, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which the Borrower may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or with any national securities exchange, and not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto; and

(j) promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days after receipt thereof by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof, copies of each notice or other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any investigation or possible investigation or other inquiry by such agency regarding financial or other operational results of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof.

Each notice pursuant to Section 8.4 (other than Sections 8.4(h) through (l)) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.  Each notice pursuant to Section 8.4(e) shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to this Section 8.1(a) or (b) or Section 8.4(i) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s website on the Internet at the website address listed in Section 14.1; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or any Lender that requests the Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (ii) the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by facsimile or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in every instance the Borrower shall be required to provide paper copies of the Officer’s Compliance Certificates required by Section 8.2 to the Administrative Agent.  Except for such Officer’s Compliance Certificates, the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery or to maintain copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Arrangers will make available to the Lenders and the Issuing Lenders materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on the Platform and (b) certain of the Lenders may be “public-side” Lenders (i.e., Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities) (each, a “Public Lender”).  The Borrower hereby agrees that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to identify that

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portion of the Borrower Materials that may be distributed to the Public Lenders and that (w) all such Borrower Materials shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Issuing Lenders and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information (although it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws (provided,  however, that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 14.11); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Investor;” and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Investor.”    

Section 8.5 Accuracy of Information.  All written information, reports, statements and other papers and data furnished by or on behalf of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof to the Administrative Agent or any Lender whether pursuant to this Article VIII or any other provision of this Agreement, shall, at the time the same is so furnished, comply with the representations and warranties set forth in Section 7.26.

Article IX

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

Until all of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not then due) have been paid and satisfied in full in cash, all Letters of Credit have been terminated or expired (or been Cash Collateralized) and the Commitments terminated, each Credit Party will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to:

Section 9.1 Preservation of Corporate Existence and Related Matters.  Except as permitted by Section 11.4, preserve and maintain its separate corporate existence or equivalent form and all rights, franchises, licenses and privileges necessary to the conduct of its business, and qualify and remain qualified as a foreign corporation or other entity and authorized to do business in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 9.2 Maintenance of Property and Licenses

(a) Protect and preserve all Properties necessary in and material to its business, including copyrights, patents, trade names, service marks and trademarks; maintain in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, all buildings, equipment and other tangible real and personal property; and from time to time make or cause to be made all repairs, renewals and replacements thereof and additions to such Property necessary for the conduct of its business, so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be conducted in a commercially reasonable manner, in each case, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Maintain, in full force and effect in all material respects, each and every material license, permit, certification, qualification, approval or franchise issued by any Governmental Authority (each a “License”) required for each of them to conduct their respective businesses as presently conducted, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 9.3 Insurance.  Maintain insurance with financially sound and reputable insurance companies against at least such risks and in at least such amounts as are customarily maintained by similar

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businesses and as may be required by Applicable Law and as are required by any Security Document (including, without limitation, hazard and business interruption insurance).  All such insurance shall (a) provide that no cancellation or material modification thereof shall be effective until at least 30 days after receipt by the Administrative Agent of written notice thereof  (provided that if, after the use of commercially reasonable efforts by the Credit Parties to obtain such provision, the applicable insurance broker will not agree to such provision and provides evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that it will not agree to such provision under similar circumstances, then (1) such insurance shall provide that no cancellation or material modification thereof shall be effective until at least 30 days after receipt by the Borrower of written notice thereof and (2) the Borrower shall agree to provide to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice thereof), (b) name the Administrative Agent as an additional insured party thereunder and (c) in the case of each casualty insurance policy, name the Administrative Agent as lender’s loss payee.  On the Closing Date and from time to time thereafter deliver to the Administrative Agent upon its request information in reasonable detail as to the insurance then in effect, stating the names of the insurance companies, the amounts and rates of the insurance, the dates of the expiration thereof and the properties and risks covered thereby.

Section 9.4 Accounting Methods and Financial Records.  Maintain a system of accounting, and keep proper books, records and accounts (which shall be true and complete in all material respects) as may be required or as may be necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and in compliance with the regulations of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over it or any of its properties.

Section 9.5 Payment of Taxes and Other Obligations.  Pay and perform (a) all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges that may be levied or assessed upon it or any of its Property and (b) all other Indebtedness, obligations and liabilities in accordance with customary trade practices; provided, that the Borrower or such Subsidiary may contest any item described in clause (a) or (b) of this Section 9.5 in good faith so long as adequate reserves are maintained with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP.

Section 9.6 Compliance with Laws and Approvals.  Observe and remain in compliance with all Applicable Laws and maintain in full force and effect all Governmental Approvals, in each case applicable to the conduct of its business except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 9.7 Environmental Laws.  In addition to and without limiting the generality of Section 9.6, (a) comply with, and require such compliance by all tenants and subtenants with all applicable Environmental Laws and obtain and comply with and maintain, and require that all tenants and subtenants, if any, obtain and comply with and maintain, any and all licenses, approvals, notifications, registrations or permits required by applicable Environmental Laws, (b) conduct and complete all investigations, studies, sampling and testing, and all remedial, removal and other actions required under Environmental Laws, and promptly comply with all lawful orders and directives of any Governmental Authority regarding Environmental Laws, and (c) defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and their respective parents, Subsidiaries, Affiliates, employees, agents, officers and directors, from and against any claims, demands, penalties, fines, liabilities, settlements, damages, costs and expenses of whatever kind or nature known or unknown, contingent or otherwise, arising out of, or in any way relating to the presence of Hazardous Materials, or the violation of, noncompliance with or liability under any Environmental Laws applicable to the operations of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary, or any orders, requirements or demands of Governmental Authorities related thereto, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s and consultant’s fees, investigation and laboratory fees, response costs, court costs and litigation expenses, except to the extent that any of the foregoing directly result from the gross

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negligence or willful misconduct of the party seeking indemnification therefor, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final nonappealable judgment.    

Section 9.8 Compliance with ERISA.   In addition to and without limiting the generality of Section 9.7, (a) except where the failure to so comply could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) comply with applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder with respect to all Employee Benefit Plans, (ii) not take any action or fail to take action the result of which could reasonably be expected to result in a liability to the PBGC or to a Multiemployer Plan, (iii) not participate in any prohibited transaction that could result in any civil penalty under ERISA or Tax under the Code and (iv) operate each Employee Benefit Plan in such a manner that will not incur any tax liability under Section 4980B of the Code or violate Section 601 through Section 609 of ERISA and (b) furnish to the Administrative Agent upon the Administrative Agent’s request such additional information about any Employee Benefit Plan as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.

Section 9.9 Compliance with Agreements.  Comply in all material respects with each term, condition and provision of all leases, agreements and other instruments entered into in the conduct of its business; except (a) where such non-compliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and (b) that the Borrower or any such Subsidiary may contest any such lease, agreement or other instrument in good faith through applicable proceedings so long as adequate reserves are maintained in accordance with GAAP

Section 9.10 Visits and Inspections; Lender Meetings

(a) Permit representatives of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, from time to time upon prior reasonable notice and at such times during normal business hours, at the Borrower’s expense, to visit and inspect its properties; inspect, audit and make extracts from its books, records and files, including, but not limited to, management letters prepared by independent accountants; and discuss with its principal officers, and its independent accountants, its business, assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations and business prospects;  provided that so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be limited to one (1) visit in the aggregate during any Fiscal Year (which visits shall be coordinated with the Administrative Agent).  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent or any Lender may do any of the foregoing, at the Borrower’s expense, at any time without advance notice.

(b) Upon the request of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, participate in a meeting of the Administrative Agent and Lenders once during each Fiscal Year, which meeting will be held at the Borrower’s corporate offices (or such other location as may be agreed to by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent) at such time as may be agreed by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

Section 9.11 Additional Subsidiaries.  

(a) Additional Domestic Subsidiaries.  Notify the Administrative Agent prior to the creation or acquisition (including by division) of any Domestic Subsidiary and promptly thereafter (and in any event within thirty (30) days after such creation or acquisition, as such time period may be extended by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion) cause such Domestic Subsidiary to (i) become a Subsidiary Guarantor by delivering to the Administrative Agent a duly executed supplement to the Guaranty Agreement or such other document as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate for such purpose, (ii) grant a security interest in all Collateral (subject to the exceptions specified in the Collateral Agreement) owned by such Domestic Subsidiary by delivering to the Administrative Agent a duly executed supplement to each Security Document or such other document as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate for

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such purpose and comply with the terms of each Security Document, (iii) deliver to the Administrative Agent such opinions, documents and certificates referred to in Section 6.1 as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, (iv) if such Capital Stock is certificated, deliver to the Administrative Agent such original certificated Capital Stock or other certificates and stock or other transfer powers evidencing the Capital Stock of such Domestic Subsidiary, (v) deliver to the Administrative Agent such updated Schedules to the Loan Documents as requested by the Administrative Agent with respect to such Domestic Subsidiary, and (vi) deliver to the Administrative Agent such other documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, all in form, content and scope reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(b) Additional Foreign Subsidiaries.  Notify the Administrative Agent at the time that any Person becomes a First Tier Foreign Subsidiary, and promptly thereafter (and in any event within forty-five (45) days after such notification, as such time period may be extended by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), cause (i) the applicable Credit Party to deliver to the Administrative Agent Security Documents pledging sixty-five percent (65%) of the total outstanding voting Capital Stock (and one hundred percent (100%) of the non-voting Capital Stock) of any such new First Tier Foreign Subsidiary and a consent thereto executed by such new First Tier Foreign Subsidiary (including, without limitation, if applicable, original stock certificates (or the equivalent thereof pursuant to the Applicable Laws and practices of any relevant foreign jurisdiction) evidencing the Capital Stock of such new First Tier Foreign Subsidiary, together with an appropriate undated stock or other transfer power for each certificate duly executed in blank by the registered owner thereof), (ii) such Person to deliver to the Administrative Agent such opinions, documents and certificates referred to in Section 6.1 as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, (iii) such Person to deliver to the Administrative Agent such updated Schedules to the Loan Documents as requested by the Administrative Agent with regard to such Person and (iv) such Person to deliver to the Administrative Agent such other documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, all in form, content and scope reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(c) Merger Subsidiaries.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent any new Subsidiary is created solely for the purpose of consummating a merger transaction pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition, and such new Subsidiary at no time holds any assets or liabilities other than any merger consideration contributed to it contemporaneously with the closing of such merger transaction, such new Subsidiary shall not be required to take the actions set forth in Section 9.11(a) or (b), as applicable, until the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition (at which time, the surviving entity of the respective merger transaction shall be required to so comply with Section 9.11(a) or (b), as applicable, within ten (10) Business Days of the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition, as such time period may be extended by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion).

(d) Exclusions.    The provisions of this Section 9.11 shall not apply to assets as to which the Administrative Agent shall reasonably determine in its sole discretion that the costs and burdens of obtaining a security interest therein or perfection thereof outweigh the value of the security afforded thereby.

Section 9.12 Use of Proceeds

(a) Initial Term Loan.  The Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Term Loan to (i) refinance certain Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, the Existing Credit Agreement, and (ii) pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions.

(b) Incremental Term Loans and Incremental Revolving Credit Increases.  The Borrower shall use the proceeds of any Incremental Term Loan and any Incremental Revolving Credit Increase as permitted pursuant to Section 5.13, as applicable.

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(c) Revolving Credit Loans, Swingline Loans or any Letter of Credit.  The Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Revolving Credit Loans, Swingline Loans or any Letter of Credit to (i) refinance certain Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, the Existing Credit Agreement, and (ii) for working capital and general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including the payment of certain fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions.

(d) Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions.  The Borrower will not request any Extension of Credit, and the Borrower shall not use, and shall ensure that its Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of any Extension of Credit, directly or indirectly, (i) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, (ii) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, or (iii) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.

Section 9.13 Non-Consolidation.  Maintain (a) entity records and books of account separate from those of any other entity which is an Affiliate of such entity, (b) not commingle its funds or assets with those of any other entity which is an Affiliate of such entity (except pursuant to cash management systems reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) and (c) provide that its board of directors (or equivalent governing body) will hold all appropriate meetings to authorize and approve such entity’s actions, which meetings will be separate from those of any other entity which is an Affiliate of such entity.  For the purposes of this Section 9.13, “Affiliate” shall not include the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof.

Section 9.14 [Reserved]

Section 9.15 Hedge Agreement.  Not later than ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, enter into and maintain at all times thereafter, for a period through and including the Term Loan Maturity Date, Hedge Agreements with one or more Lenders or any other Person acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in an amount sufficient to cause at least fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate principal amount of the Initial Term Loan funded hereunder. 

Section 9.16 Compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws; Beneficial Ownership Regulation, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanctions.    (a) Maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with all Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and applicable Sanctions, (b) notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender that previously received a Beneficial Ownership Certification of any change in the information provided in the Beneficial Ownership Certification that would result in a change to the list of beneficial owners identified therein and (c) promptly upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, provide the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, any information or documentation requested by it for purposes of complying with the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

Section 9.17 Further Assurances.  Execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements and other documents), which may be required under any Applicable Law, or which the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may reasonably request, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or to grant, preserve, protect or perfect the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents or the validity or priority of any such Lien, all at the expense of the Credit Parties.  The Borrower also agrees to provide to the Administrative Agent, from time to time upon the reasonable request by the Administrative Agent, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the

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Administrative Agent as to the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents.

Article X

FINANCIAL COVENANTS

Until all of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not then due) have been paid and satisfied in full in cash, all Letters of Credit have been terminated or expired (or been Cash Collateralized) and the Commitments terminated, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis will not:

Section 10.1 Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio.  As of the last day of any fiscal quarter, permit the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio to be greater than the 4.00 to 1.00.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with any Permitted Acquisition with respect to which the Permitted Acquisition Consideration exceeds $100,000,000, the Borrower may, at its election, in connection with such Permitted Acquisition and upon prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, increase the required Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio pursuant to this Section 10.1 to 4.50 to 1.00, which such increase shall be applicable (i) with respect to a Permitted Acquisition that is not a Limited Condition Acquisition, for the fiscal quarter in which such Permitted Acquisition is consummated and the three (3) consecutive quarterly test periods thereafter or (ii) with respect to a Permitted Acquisition that is a Limited Condition Acquisition, for purposes of determining compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with this Section 10.1 on the LCA Test Date, for the fiscal quarter in which such Permitted Acquisition is consummated and for the three (3) consecutive quarterly test periods after which such Permitted Acquisition is consummated (each, a “Leverage Ratio Increase”); provided that (A) such increase shall apply solely with respect to compliance with this Section 10.1 and any determination of the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for purposes of the definition of Permitted Acquisition and any incurrence test with respect to any Indebtedness used to finance a Permitted Acquisition and shall not apply to any other incurrence test set forth in this Agreement,  (B) there shall be at least two full fiscal quarters following the cessation of each such Leverage Ratio Increase during which no Leverage Ratio Increase shall then be in effect and (C) the Borrower shall not be permitted to effect a Leverage Ratio Increase more than three (3) times during the term of this Agreement.

Section 10.2 Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio.  As of the last day of any fiscal quarter, permit the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio to be less than 3.00 to 1.00.

Article XI

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

Until all of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not then due) have been paid and satisfied in full in cash, all Letters of Credit have been terminated or expired (or been Cash Collateralized) and the Commitments terminated, the Credit Parties will not, and will not permit any of their respective Subsidiaries to:

Section 11.1 Limitations on Indebtedness.  Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness except:

(a) the Obligations (including the Guaranty Obligations with respect thereto); 

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(b) unsecured intercompany Indebtedness owed by:

(i) any Credit Party to any other Credit Party;

(ii) any Credit Party to any Subsidiary that is not a Credit Party;

(iii) any Subsidiary that is not a Credit Party to any Credit Party:

(A)existing on the Closing Date (as set forth on Schedule 11.1(b)(iii)); and

(B)incurred after the Closing Date in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed at any time outstanding (1) $100,000,000 less (2) the amount of Guaranty Obligations incurred pursuant to Section 11.1(i) on the applicable date of determination less (3) the amount of Investments made in the form of Permitted Acquisitions pursuant to Section 11.3(e)(ii) during the term of this Agreement on the applicable date of determination (which amount, for clarity, is subject to modification in the manner set forth in the proviso to Section 11.3(e)(ii)less (4) the amount of Investments made pursuant to Section 11.3(g) during the term of this Agreement on the applicable date of determination; and

(iv) any Subsidiary that is not a Credit Party to any other Subsidiary that is not a Credit Party;

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

(d) Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such Person became a Subsidiary or assets were acquired from such Person, to the extent that (i) such Indebtedness was not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Subsidiary or the acquisition of such assets, (ii) neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries (other than such Person or any other Person that such Person merges with or that acquires the assets of such Person) shall have any liability or other obligation with respect to such Indebtedness and (iii) the aggregate amount of such Indebtedness does not exceed $10,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(e) Indebtedness incurred in connection with Capital Leases and purchase money Indebtedness, and any refinancing of the foregoing, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(f) Indebtedness and obligations owing under Hedge Agreements entered into in order to manage existing or anticipated interest rate, exchange rate or commodity price risks and not for speculative purposes;

(g) Guaranty Obligations of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to Indebtedness permitted pursuant to subsections (a), (e) and (f) of this Section 11.1;  

(h) (i) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries incurred in connection with Facility Capital Expenditures made on its own behalf in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000,000 at any time outstanding and (ii) to the extent that such Indebtedness is incurred by a Credit Party, Guaranty Obligations of any other Credit Party with respect to such Indebtedness (it being agreed and acknowledged by all parties hereto that, except to the extent permitted under subsection (i) below, to the extent that such

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Indebtedness is incurred by a Subsidiary that is not a Credit Party, no Credit Party shall be permitted to guaranty such Indebtedness);

(i) Guaranty Obligations of any Credit Party with respect to Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Credit Party in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding (A) $100,000,000 less (B) the amount of Investments made in the form of Permitted Acquisitions pursuant to Section 11.3(e)(ii) during the term of this Agreement on the applicable date of determination (which amount, for clarity, is subject to modification in the manner set forth in the proviso to Section 11.3(e)(ii))  less (C) the amount of Investments made in the form of Indebtedness pursuant to Section 11.3(f)(iv) during the term of this Agreement on the applicable date of determination less (D) the amount of Investments made pursuant to Section 11.3(g) during the term of this Agreement on the applicable date of determination;

(j) Indebtedness arising from agreements providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in connection with acquisitions or dispositions, otherwise permitted hereunder, of any assets of a Credit Party;

(k) unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;  provided, that in the case of each incurrence of such Indebtedness: 

(i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would be caused by the incurrence of such Indebtedness;

(ii) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis,  as of the four (4) consecutive fiscal quarter period most recently ended prior to the incurrence of such additional Indebtedness for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent, after giving effect to the issuance of such Indebtedness and use the proceeds thereof) shall be at least 0.25 below the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio then required to be maintained pursuant to Section 10.1;

(iii) the Borrower shall be in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Article X on a Pro Forma Basis, as of the four (4) consecutive fiscal quarter period most recently ended prior to the incurrence of such additional Indebtedness (or in the case of any additional Indebtedness, the proceeds of which will finance a Limited Conditionality Acquisition, the date determined pursuant to Section 1.14) for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent, after giving effect to the issuance of such Indebtedness and use the proceeds thereof;

(iv) such Indebtedness does not mature, or require any principal amortization, mandatory prepayment, put right or sinking fund obligation prior to the date that is 180 days after the then latest scheduled maturity date of the Loans and the Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that (x) any Indebtedness consisting of a customary bridge facility shall be deemed to satisfy this requirement so long as such Indebtedness automatically converts into long-term debt which satisfies this clause (iv) and (y) reasonable and customary prepayment, redemption, repurchase or defeasance obligations in connection with a change of control, asset sale or the exercise of remedies after an event of default shall not disqualify such Indebtedness from satisfying the requirements of this clause (iv); and

(i) the terms and conditions of such Indebtedness reflect market terms (taken as a whole) at the time of issuance and (other than pricing, fees, rate floors, premiums and optional prepayment or redemption provisions), taken as a whole, are not materially more restrictive (as determined by Borrower in good faith) on the Borrower and its Subsidiaries than the terms and

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conditions of this Agreement, taken as a whole; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, such Indebtedness shall not include any financial covenants that are more restrictive in any respect than the financial covenants in Article X;

(l) additional Indebtedness not otherwise permitted pursuant to this Section 11.1 in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $25,000,000 at any time outstanding; and

(m) Indebtedness incurred by Merit China, Merit HK and Merit Ireland pursuant to the Merit China Loan.

Section 11.2 Limitations on Liens.  Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, any Lien on or with respect to any of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except:

(a) Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents (including, without limitation, Liens in favor of the Swingline Lender and/or the Issuing Lenders, as applicable, on Cash Collateral granted pursuant to the Loan Documents);

(b) Liens in existence on the Closing Date and described on Schedule 11.2;  provided that the scope of any such Lien shall not be increased, or otherwise expanded, to cover any additional property or type of asset, as applicable, beyond that in existence on the Closing Date;

(c) Liens for taxes, assessments and other governmental charges or levies (excluding any Lien imposed pursuant to any of the provisions of ERISA or Environmental Laws) (i) not yet due or as to which the period of grace (not to exceed thirty (30) days), if any, related thereto has not expired or (ii) which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings if adequate reserves are maintained to the extent required by GAAP;

(d) the claims of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, processors or landlords for labor, materials, supplies or rentals incurred in the ordinary course of business, (i) which are not overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or (ii) which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings if adequate reserves are maintained to the extent required by GAAP;

(e) Liens consisting of deposits or pledges made in the ordinary course of business in connection with, or to secure payment of, obligations under workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security or similar legislation, or to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness), statutory obligations, surety bonds (other than bonds related to judgments or litigation), performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business, in each case, so long as no foreclosure sale or similar proceeding has been commenced with respect to any portion of the Collateral on account thereof;

(f) Liens constituting encumbrances in the nature of zoning restrictions, easements and rights or restrictions of record on the use of real property, which in the aggregate are not substantial in amount and which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(g) purported Liens evidenced by the filing of precautionary UCC financing statements relating solely to personal property leased pursuant to operating leases entered into in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;

(h) Liens securing Capital Lease Indebtedness and purchase money Indebtedness and any refinancing of the foregoing permitted under Section 11.1(e);  provided that (i) such Liens shall be created substantially simultaneously with the acquisition or lease of the related Property, (ii) such Liens do not at

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any time encumber any Property other than the property financed by such Indebtedness, (iii) the amount of Indebtedness secured thereby is not increased and (iv) the principal amount of Indebtedness secured by any such Lien shall at no time exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the original purchase price or lease payment amount of such Property at the time it was acquired, or refinanced, as applicable;  

(i) (i) Liens of a collecting bank arising in the ordinary course of business under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the relevant jurisdiction and (ii) Liens of any depositary bank in connection with statutory, common law and contractual rights of set-off and recoupment with respect to any deposit account of the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof;

(j) (i) contractual or statutory Liens of landlords to the extent relating to the property and assets relating to any lease agreements with such landlord, and (ii) contractual Liens of suppliers (including sellers of goods) or customers to the extent limited to the property or assets relating to such contract;

(k) Liens on tangible property or tangible assets of any Subsidiary of the Borrower which are in existence at the time that such Subsidiary of the Borrower is acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition (provided that (i) such Liens (A) are not incurred in connection with, or in anticipation of, such Permitted Acquisition and (B) do not attach to any other property or assets of any Subsidiary thereof and (ii) the Indebtedness secured by such Liens is permitted under Section 11.1 of this Agreement);

(l) Liens securing judgments not giving rise to an Event of Default;  provided, that the judgment secured thereby has been paid, discharged or vacated or the extension thereof has been stayed pending appeal within thirty (30) days after entry or filing of such judgment or appeal or surety bond;

(m) (i) any interest or title of a licensor, sublicensor, lessor or sublessor with respect to any assets under any license or lease agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business and (ii) licenses, sublicenses, leases or subleases with respect to any assets granted to third Persons in the ordinary course of business; provided that, in each of the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), the same do not interfere in any material respect with the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; 

(n) Liens in favor of customs and revenues authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods;

(o) Liens on the assets of Merit China securing the Indebtedness permitted under Section 11.1(m);

(p) Liens securing Facility Capital Expenditures Indebtedness permitted under Section 11.1(h);  provided that (i) such Liens shall be created substantially simultaneously with the acquisition of the property (other than the real property) financed by such Indebtedness, (ii) such Liens do not at any time encumber any property other than the property financed by such Indebtedness, (iii) the amount of Indebtedness secured thereby is not increased and (iv) the principal amount of Indebtedness secured by any such Lien shall at no time exceed the fair market value of the property financed by such Indebtedness at the time such property was acquired;

(q) inchoate Liens arising in the ordinary course of business under statutory provisions of Applicable Law with respect to obligations (i) not yet due or as to which the period of grace (not to exceed thirty (30) days), if any, related thereto has not expired or (ii) which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings if adequate reserves are maintained to the extent required by GAAP;

(r) deposits made in the ordinary course of business with public utilities or to Governmental Authorities as required by such public utilities or Governmental Authorities in connection with the supply

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of services in the ordinary course of business to any Credit Party, in each case, so long as no foreclosure sale or similar proceeding has been commenced with respect to any portion of the Collateral on account thereof; and

(s) Liens on real or personal property (other than on Collateral) securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 11.1(l).

Section 11.3 Limitations on Investments.  Purchase, own, invest in or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any Capital Stock, interests in any partnership or joint venture (including, without limitation, the creation or capitalization of any Subsidiary), evidence of Indebtedness or other obligation or security, substantially all or a portion of the business or assets of any other Person or any other investment or interest whatsoever in any other Person, or make or permit to exist, directly or indirectly, any loans, advances or extensions of credit to, or any investment in cash or by delivery of Property in, any Person (all the foregoing, “Investments”) except:

(a) (i) equity Investments existing on the Closing Date in Subsidiaries existing on the Closing Date, (ii) Investments existing on the Closing Date (other than Investments in Subsidiaries existing on the Closing Date) and described on Schedule 11.3 and (iii) equity Investments made after the Closing Date in Subsidiary Guarantors;

(b) Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents;

(c) Investments by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the form of Capital Expenditures permitted pursuant to this Agreement;

(d) purchases of assets in the ordinary course of business;

(e) Investments by the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof in the form of:

(i) Permitted Acquisitions to the extent that any Person or Property acquired in such acquisition becomes a part of a Subsidiary Guarantor or becomes (whether or not such Person is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary) a Subsidiary Guarantor in the manner contemplated by Section 9.11; and

(ii) Permitted Acquisitions to the extent that any Person or Property acquired in such acquisition does not become a Subsidiary Guarantor or a part of a Subsidiary Guarantor in an aggregate amount during the term of this Agreement not to exceed (A) $100,000,000 (excluding any portion thereof paid with the Net Cash Proceeds from any Equity Issuance by the Borrower other than any Equity Issuance related to any Disqualified Capital Stock) less (B) the amount of Guaranty Obligations incurred pursuant to Section 11.1(i) on the applicable date of determination less (C) the amount of Investments made in the form of Indebtedness pursuant to Section 11.3(f)(iv) during the term of this Agreement on the applicable date of determination less (D) the amount of Investments made pursuant to Section 11.3(g) during the term of this Agreement on the applicable date of determination;

(f) Investments in the form of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to (i) Section 11.1(b)(i), (ii) Section 11.1(b)(ii), (iii) Section 11.1(b)(iii)(A), (iv) Section 11.1(b)(iii)(B) and (v) Section 11.1(b)(iv);

(g) Investments in any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor in an aggregate amount during the term of this Agreement not to exceed (i) $100,000,000 less (ii) the amount of Guaranty Obligations incurred pursuant to Section 11.1(i) on the applicable date of determination less (iii) the amount

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of Investments made in the form of Permitted Acquisitions pursuant to Section 11.3(e)(ii) during the term of this Agreement on the applicable date of determination (which amount, for clarity, is subject to modification in the manner set forth in the proviso to Section 11.3(e)(ii))  less (iv) the amount of Investments made in the form of Indebtedness pursuant to Section 11.3(f)(iv) during the term of this Agreement on the applicable date of determination; and

(h) other Investments, when taken together with any Investments made pursuant to Section 11.3(g),  not to exceed $50,000,000 in the aggregate in any Fiscal Year and $150,000,000 in the aggregate for all such Investments during this term of this Agreement.

For purposes of determining the amount of any Investment outstanding for purposes of this Section 11.3, such amount shall be deemed to be the amount of such Investment when made, purchased or acquired less any amount realized in respect of such Investment upon the sale, collection or return of capital (not to exceed the original amount invested).

Section 11.4 Limitations on Fundamental Changes.  Merge, consolidate or enter into any similar combination with any other Person or liquidate, wind-up or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution) (including, in each case, pursuant to division), except:

(a) (i) any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower may be merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Borrower (provided that the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving entity) or (ii) any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower may be merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into any other Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (provided that, if either of such Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries is a Subsidiary Guarantor, (A) the Subsidiary Guarantor shall be the continuing or surviving entity or (B) simultaneously with such transaction, the continuing or surviving entity shall become a Subsidiary Guarantor and the Borrower shall comply with Section 9.12 in connection therewith);

(b) any Subsidiary may dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation, dissolution, winding up or otherwise) to the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor; provided that, with respect to any such disposition by any Non-Guarantor Subsidiary, the consideration for such disposition shall not exceed the fair value of such assets;

(c) any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower may merge with or into the Person such Wholly-Owned Subsidiary was formed to acquire in connection with a Permitted Acquisition, provided that (i) a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be the continuing or surviving entity or (ii) simultaneously with such transaction, the continuing or surviving entity shall become a Subsidiary Guarantor and the Borrower shall comply with Section 9.11 in connection therewith);

(d) any Person may merge into the Borrower or any of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries in connection with a Permitted Acquisition; provided that (i) in the case of a merger involving the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor, the continuing or surviving Person shall be the Borrower or such Subsidiary Guarantor and (ii) the continuing or surviving Person shall be the Borrower or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower; and

(e) any Asset Disposition permitted by Section 11.5 may be consummated.

Section 11.5 Limitations on Asset Dispositions.  Make any Asset Disposition (including, without limitation, the sale of any receivables and leasehold interests) except:

(a) the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of business;

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(b) the sale of obsolete, worn-out or surplus assets no longer used or usable in the business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

(c) the transfer of assets to the Borrower or any Subsidiary pursuant to any transaction permitted pursuant to Section 11.4;  

(d) the Borrower or any Subsidiary may write-off, discount, sell or otherwise dispose of defaulted or past due receivables and similar obligations in the ordinary course of business and not as part of an accounts receivable financing transaction;

(e) dispositions of Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents;

(f) any Credit Party may transfer assets to any other Credit Party;

(g) licenses and sublicenses of intellectual property rights in the ordinary course of business not interfering, individually or in the aggregate, in any material respect with the conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; and

(h) leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses of real or personal property granted by any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to others in the ordinary course of business not interfering in any material respect with the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole;  

(i) Asset Dispositions in connection with Insurance and Condemnation Events; provided that the requirements of Section 4.4(b) are complied with in connection therewith;

(j) the sale of the equipment pursuant to the Permitted Equipment Sale-Leaseback Transactions; provided that the fair market value of any such equipment sold during any Fiscal Year shall not exceed $25,000,000 in the aggregate; and

(k) the sale or other disposition of assets by the Borrower or any Subsidiary not otherwise permitted under this Section 11.5 so long as the net book value of all assets sold or otherwise disposed of in any Fiscal Year does not exceed $25,000,000.

Section 11.6 Limitations on Restricted Payments.  Declare or pay any dividend on, or make any payment or other distribution on account of, or purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire (directly or indirectly), or set apart assets for a sinking or other analogous fund for the purchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition of, any class of Capital Stock of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof, or make any distribution of cash, property or assets to the holders of shares of any Capital Stock of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof (all of the foregoing, the “Restricted Payments”); provided that:

(a) the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof may pay dividends in shares of its own Qualified Capital Stock; 

(b) any Subsidiary of the Borrower may pay cash dividends to the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor or ratably to all holders of its outstanding Qualified Capital Stock; and

(c) the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof may make Restricted Payments, provided all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(i) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would arise as a result of such Restricted Payment;

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(ii) at the time of such Restricted Payment, the Borrower is in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Article X on a Pro Forma Basis as of the four (4) consecutive fiscal quarter period most recently ended prior to the making of such Restricted Payment for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent after giving effect to such Restricted Payment; and

(iii) if the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (determined on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such Restricted Payment) is equal to or greater than 1.75 to 1.00, the aggregate amount of all such Restricted Payments pursuant to this clause (iii) and all Restricted Junior Indebtedness Payments made pursuant to Section 11.9(b)(iv) shall not exceed $50,000,000 in any Fiscal Year.

Section 11.7 Transactions with Affiliates.  Directly or indirectly enter into any transaction, including, without limitation, any purchase, sale, lease or exchange of Property, the rendering of any service or the payment of any management, advisory or similar fees, with (a) any officer, director, holder of any Capital Stock in, or other Affiliate of, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or (b) any Affiliate of any such officer, director or holder, other than:

(a) transactions permitted by Sections 11.1,  11.3,  11.4,  11.5,  11.6 and 11.12;  

(b) transactions in the ordinary course of business on terms as favorable as would be obtained by it on a comparable arm’s‑length transaction with an independent, unrelated third party as determined in good faith by the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of the Borrower;  

(c) employment and severance arrangements (including stock option plans and employee benefit plans and arrangements) with their respective officers and employees in the ordinary course of business; and

(d) payment of customary fees and reasonable out of pocket costs to, and indemnities for the benefit of, directors, officers and employees of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

Section 11.8 Certain Accounting Changes; Organizational Documents.

(a) Change its Fiscal Year end, or make (without the consent of the Administrative Agent) any material change in its accounting treatment and reporting practices except as required by GAAP; or

(b) Amend, modify or change its articles of incorporation (or corporate charter or other similar organizational documents) or amend, modify or change its bylaws (or other similar documents) in any manner which would materially and adversely affect the rights or interests of the Lenders.

Section 11.9 Limitation on Payments and Modifications of Junior Indebtedness.

(a) Amend, modify, waive or supplement (or permit the modification, amendment, waiver or supplement of) any of the terms or provisions of any Junior Indebtedness in any respect which would materially and adversely affect the rights or interests of the Administrative Agent and Lenders hereunder; or

(b) Cancel, forgive, make any payment or prepayment on, or redeem or acquire for value (including, without limitation, (i) by way of depositing with any trustee with respect thereto money or

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securities before due for the purpose of paying when due and (ii) at the maturity thereof) any Junior Indebtedness (each a “Restricted Junior Indebtedness Payment”), except:

(i) refinancings, refundings, renewals, extensions or exchange of any Junior Indebtedness to the extent incurred pursuant to Section 11.1(d) and by any subordination agreement applicable thereto;

(ii) so long as no Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom, mandatory repayments, repurchases, redemptions or defeasances of Junior Indebtedness (in each case, except to the extent prohibited by the subordination terms thereof or the definitive documentation, including, without limitation, any subordination agreements, applicable thereto); 

(iii) the payment of interest, expenses and indemnities in respect of Junior Indebtedness (except to the extent prohibited by the subordination terms thereof or the definitive documentation, including, without limitation, any subordination agreements, applicable thereto); and

(iv) Restricted Junior Indebtedness Payments; provided that if the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (determined on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such Restricted Junior Indebtedness Payment) is equal to or greater than 1.75 to 1.00, the aggregate amount of all such Restricted Junior Indebtedness Payments pursuant to this clause (iv) and all Restricted Payments made pursuant to Section 11.6(c)(iii) shall not exceed $50,000,000 in any Fiscal Year.

Section 11.10 No Further Negative Pledges; Restrictive Agreements

(a) Enter into, assume or be subject to any agreement prohibiting or otherwise restricting the creation or assumption of any Lien upon its properties or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or requiring the grant of any security for such obligation if security is given for some other obligation, except (i) pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (ii) pursuant to any document or instrument governing capital lease Indebtedness and purchase money Indebtedness to the extent such Indebtedness is incurred pursuant to Section 11.1(e);  provided, that any such restriction contained therein relates only to the asset or assets acquired in connection therewith, (iii) restrictions contained in the organizational documents of any Credit Party as of the Closing Date and (iv) restrictions in connection with any Permitted Lien or any document or instrument governing any Permitted Lien (provided, that any such restriction contained therein relates only to the asset or assets subject to such Permitted Lien).

(b) Create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof to (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions to any Credit Party or any Subsidiary on its Capital Stock or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, (ii) pay any Indebtedness or other obligation owed to any Credit Party, (iii) make loans or advances to any Credit Party, (iv) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to any Credit Party or (v) act as a Guarantor pursuant to the Loan Documents or any renewals, refinancings, exchanges, refundings or extension thereof, except (in respect of any of the matters referred to in clauses (i) through (v) above) for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of (A) this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (B) Applicable Law, (C) any document or instrument governing capital lease Indebtedness and purchase money Indebtedness to the extent such Indebtedness is incurred pursuant to Section 11.1(e)  (provided, that any such restriction contained therein relates only to the asset or assets acquired in connection therewith),  (D) any Permitted Lien or any document or instrument governing any Permitted Lien (provided, that any such restriction contained therein relates only to the asset or assets subject to such Permitted Lien), (E) obligations under any provision of any agreement or other instrument governing Indebtedness that are binding on a Person that becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower, so long as (1) such obligations are not entered into in

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contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary, (2) such Indebtedness is otherwise permitted to be incurred or assumed under this Agreement and (3) such obligations are not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person that becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower and (F) customary net worth provisions contained in leases and other agreements entered into by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

Section 11.11 Nature of Business.  With respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, engage in any business other than the business conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date and business activities reasonably related or ancillary thereto.

Section 11.12 Sale Leasebacks.  Directly or indirectly become or remain liable as lessee or as guarantor or other surety with respect to any lease, whether an operating lease or a Capital Lease, of any Property (whether real, personal or mixed), whether now owned or hereafter acquired, (a) which any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof has sold or transferred or is to sell or transfer to a Person which is not another Credit Party or Subsidiary of a Credit Party or (b) which any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of a Credit Party intends to use for substantially the same purpose as any other Property that has been sold or is to be sold or transferred by such Credit Party or such Subsidiary to another Person which is not another Credit Party or Subsidiary of a Credit Party in connection with such lease;  provided,  however, the Permitted Equipment Sale-Leaseback Transactions shall not be subject to the restrictions set forth in this Section 11.12.

Article XII

DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

Section 12.1 Events of Default.  Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default, whatever the reason for such event and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority or otherwise:

(a) Default in Payment of Principal of Loans and Reimbursement Obligations.  The Borrower shall default in any payment of principal of any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation when and as due (whether at maturity, by reason of acceleration or otherwise).

(b) Other Payment Default.  The Borrower or any other Credit Party shall default in the payment when and as due (whether at maturity, by reason of acceleration or otherwise) of interest on any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation or the payment of any other Obligation, and such default shall continue for a period of five (5) Business Days.

(c) Misrepresentation.  Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof in this Agreement, in any other Loan Document, or in any document delivered in connection herewith or therewith that is subject to materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifications, shall be incorrect or misleading in any respect when made or deemed made or any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof in this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or in any document delivered in connection herewith or therewith that is not subject to materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifications, shall be incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed made.

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(d) Default in Performance of Certain Covenants.  Any Credit Party shall default in the performance or observance of any covenant or agreement contained in Sections 8.4(e),  9.1 (with respect to the Borrower),  9.10,  9.12 or Articles X or XI.    

(e) Default in Performance of Other Covenants and Conditions.  (i) Any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof shall default in the performance or observance of any term, covenant, condition or agreement contained Sections 6.3,  8.1,  8.2,  9.1 (other than with respect to the Borrower), 9.11,  9.15 or 9.17 and such default shall continue for a period of five (5) days or (ii) any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof shall default in the performance or observance of any term, covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than as specifically provided for in this Section 12.1) or any other Loan Document and such default shall continue for a period of thirty (30) days after the earlier of (A) the Administrative Agent’s delivery of written notice thereof to the Borrower and (B) a Responsible Officer of any Credit Party having obtained knowledge thereof.

(f) Indebtedness Cross‑Default.  Any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof shall (i) default in the payment of any Indebtedness (other than the Loans or any Reimbursement Obligation) the aggregate outstanding amount, or with respect to any Hedge Agreement, the Hedge Termination Value, of which is in excess of the Threshold Amount beyond the period of grace if any, provided in the instrument or agreement under which such Indebtedness was created, or (ii) default in the observance or performance of any other agreement or condition relating to any Indebtedness (other than the Loans or any Reimbursement Obligation) the aggregate outstanding amount, or with respect to any Hedge Agreement, the Hedge Termination Value, of which is in excess of the Threshold Amount or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto or any other event shall occur or condition exist, the effect of which default or other event or condition is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders) to cause, with the giving of notice and/or lapse of time, if required, any such Indebtedness to (A) become due, or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity (any applicable grace period having expired) or (B) be cash collateralized.

(g) Change in Control.  Any Change in Control shall occur.

(h) Voluntary Bankruptcy Proceeding.  Any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof shall (i) commence a voluntary case under any Debtor Relief Laws, (ii) file a petition seeking to take advantage of any Debtor Relief Laws, (iii) consent to or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner any petition filed against it in an involuntary case under any Debtor Relief Laws, (iv) apply for or consent to, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, custodian, trustee, or liquidator of itself or of a substantial part of its property, domestic or foreign, (v) admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due, (vi) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or (vii) take any corporate action for the purpose of authorizing any of the foregoing.

(i) Involuntary Bankruptcy Proceeding.  A case or other proceeding shall be commenced against any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof in any court of competent jurisdiction seeking (i) relief under any Debtor Relief Laws, or (ii) the appointment of a trustee, receiver, custodian, liquidator or the like for any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof or for all or any substantial part of their respective assets, domestic or foreign, and such case or proceeding shall continue without dismissal or stay for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days, or an order granting the relief requested in such case or proceeding (including, but not limited to, an order for relief under such federal bankruptcy laws) shall be entered.

(j) Failure of Agreements.  Any material provision of this Agreement or any provision of any other Loan Document shall cease to be valid and binding on any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof

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party thereto or any such Person shall so state in writing, or any Loan Document shall for any reason cease to create a valid and perfected first priority Lien (subject to Permitted Liens) on, or security interest in, any of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, in each case other than in accordance with the express terms hereof or thereof.

(k) Termination Event.  The occurrence of any of the following events: (i) any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate fails to make full payment when due of all amounts which, under the provisions of any Pension Plan or Sections 412 or 430 of the Code, any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate is required to pay as contributions thereto, (ii) a failure to meet minimum funding standards in excess of the Threshold Amount occurs or exists, whether or not waived, with respect to any Pension Plan, (iii) a Termination Event or (iv) any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate as employers under one or more Multiemployer Plans makes a complete or partial withdrawal from any such Multiemployer Plan and the plan sponsor of such Multiemployer Plans notifies such withdrawing employer that such employer has incurred a withdrawal liability requiring payments in an amount exceeding the Threshold Amount.

(l) Judgment.  A final judgment or order for the payment of money which causes the aggregate amount of all such final judgments or orders (net of any amounts paid or fully covered by independent third party insurance as to which the relevant insurance company does not dispute coverage) to exceed the Threshold Amount shall be entered against any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof by any court and such judgment or order shall continue without having been discharged, vacated or stayed for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days after the entry thereof.

Section 12.2 Remedies.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, with the consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent may, or upon the request of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent shall, by notice to the Borrower:

(a) Acceleration; Termination of Credit Facility

(i) Terminate the Revolving Credit Commitment and declare the principal of and interest on the Loans and the Reimbursement Obligations at the time outstanding, and all other amounts owed to the Lenders and to the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all L/C Obligations, whether or not the beneficiaries of the then outstanding Letters of Credit shall have presented or shall be entitled to present the documents required thereunder) and all other Obligations, to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the same shall immediately become due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived by each Credit Party, anything in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, and terminate the Credit Facility and any right of the Borrower to request borrowings or Letters of Credit thereunder; provided, that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 12.1(h) or (i), the Credit Facility shall be automatically terminated and all Obligations shall automatically become due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived by each Credit Party, anything in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding; and

(ii) exercise on behalf of the Lenders all of its other rights and remedies under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and Applicable Law, in order to satisfy all of the Obligations.

(b) Letters of Credit.  With respect to all Letters of Credit with respect to which presentment for honor shall not have occurred at the time of an acceleration pursuant to the preceding paragraph, demand that the Borrower deposit in a Cash Collateral account opened by the Administrative Agent an amount equal

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to 105% of the aggregate then undrawn and unexpired amount of such Letters of Credit.  Amounts held in such Cash Collateral account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to the payment of drafts drawn under such Letters of Credit, and the unused portion thereof after all such Letters of Credit shall have expired or been fully drawn upon, if any, shall be applied to repay the other Secured Obligations in accordance with Section 10.3.  After all such Letters of Credit shall have expired or been fully drawn upon, the Reimbursement Obligation shall have been satisfied and all other Secured Obligations shall have been paid in full, the balance, if any, in such Cash Collateral account shall be returned to the Borrower.

(c) Rights of Collection.  Exercise on behalf of the Secured Parties all of its other rights and remedies under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and Applicable Law, in order to satisfy all of the Secured Obligations.

Section 12.3 Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Non-Waiver; etc. 

(a) The enumeration of the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders set forth in this Agreement is not intended to be exhaustive and the exercise by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of any right or remedy shall not preclude the exercise of any other rights or remedies, all of which shall be cumulative, and shall be in addition to any other right or remedy given hereunder or under the other Loan Documents or that may now or hereafter exist at law or in equity or by suit or otherwise.  No delay or failure to take action on the part of the Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right, power or privilege shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege or shall be construed to be a waiver of any Event of Default.  No course of dealing between the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders or their respective agents or employees shall be effective to change, modify or discharge any provision of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or to constitute a waiver of any Event of Default.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, the authority to enforce rights and remedies hereunder and under the other Loan Documents against the Credit Parties or any of them shall be vested exclusively in, and all actions and proceedings at law in connection with such enforcement shall be instituted and maintained exclusively by, the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 12.2 for the benefit of all the Lenders and the Issuing Lenders;  provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit (a) the Administrative Agent from exercising on its own behalf the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as Administrative Agent) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (b) any Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender from exercising the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity an Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (c) any Lender from exercising setoff rights in accordance with Section 14.4 (subject to the terms of Section 5.6), or (d) any Lender from filing proofs of claim or appearing and filing pleadings on its own behalf during the pendency of a proceeding relative to any Credit Party under any Debtor Relief Law; and provided further, that if at any time there is no Person acting as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, then (i) the Required Lenders shall have the rights otherwise ascribed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 12.2 and (ii) in addition to the matters set forth in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of the preceding proviso and subject to Section 5.6, any Lender may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, enforce any rights and remedies available to it and as authorized by the Required Lenders.

Section 12.4 Crediting of Payments and Proceeds.  In the event that the Obligations have been accelerated pursuant to Section 12.2 or the Administrative Agent or any Lender has exercised any remedy set forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, all payments received on account of the Secured Obligations and all net proceeds from the enforcement of the Secured Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent as follows:

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First, to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts, including attorney fees, payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such, each Issuing Lender in its capacity as such and the Swingline Lender in its capacity as such (ratably among the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lenders and Swingline Lender in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause First payable to them);

Second,  to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting fees (other than Commitment Fees and Letter of Credit commissions payable to the Revolving Credit Lenders), indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders and the Swingline Lender under the Loan Documents, including attorney fees, ratably among the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders and the Swingline Lender in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

Third, to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid Commitment Fees, Letter of Credit commissions payable to the Revolving Credit Lenders and interest on the Loans and Reimbursement Obligations, ratably among the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders and the Swingline Lender in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;

Fourth,  to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans, Reimbursement Obligations and payment obligations then owing under Secured Hedge Agreements and Secured Cash Management Agreements (ratably among the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders, the Hedge Banks and the Cash Management Banks in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth payable to them);

Fifth, to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Issuing Lenders, to Cash Collateralize any L/C Obligations then outstanding; and

Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Secured Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Applicable Law.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Secured Obligations arising under Secured Cash Management Agreements and Secured Hedge Agreements shall be excluded from the application described above if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank, as the case may be.  Each Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank not a party to this Agreement that has given the notice contemplated by the preceding sentence shall, by such notice, be deemed to have acknowledged and accepted the appointment of the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of Article XIII for itself and its Affiliates as if a “Lender” party hereto.

Section 12.5 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim.  In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Credit Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or L/C Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated), by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, L/C Obligations and all other Secured Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders and the Administrative Agent

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and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders and the Administrative Agent under Sections 3.3,  5.3 and 14.3) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and each Issuing Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders and the Issuing Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 3.3,  5.3 and 14.3.

Section 12.6 Credit Bidding

(a) The Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and Secured Parties, shall have the right, exercisable at the discretion of the Required Lenders, to credit bid and purchase for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties all or any portion of Collateral at any sale thereof conducted by the Administrative Agent under the provisions of the UCC, including pursuant to Sections 9-610 or 9-620 of the UCC, at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, including Section 363 thereof, or a sale under a plan of reorganization, or at any other sale or foreclosure conducted by the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with Applicable Law.  Such credit bid or purchase may be completed through one or more acquisition vehicles formed by the Administrative Agent to make such credit bid or purchase and, in connection therewith, the Administrative Agent is authorized, on behalf of itself and the other Secured Parties, to adopt documents providing for the governance of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles, and assign the applicable Secured Obligations to any such acquisition vehicle in exchange for Capital Stock and/or debt issued by the applicable acquisition vehicle (which shall be deemed to be held for the ratable account of the applicable Secured Parties on the basis of the Secured Obligations so assigned by each Secured Party); provided that any actions by the Administrative Agent with respect to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, including any disposition of the assets or Capital Stock thereof, shall be governed, directly or indirectly, by the vote of the Required Lenders, irrespective of the termination of this Agreement and without giving effect to the limitations on actions by the Required Lenders contained in Section 14.2

(b) Each Lender hereby agrees, on behalf of itself and each of its Affiliates that is a Secured Party, that, except as otherwise provided in any Loan Document or with the written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, it will not take any enforcement action, accelerate obligations under any of the Loan Documents, or exercise any right that it might otherwise have under Applicable Law to credit bid at foreclosure sales, UCC sales or other similar dispositions of Collateral.

Article XIII

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

Section 13.1 Appointment and Authority

(a) Each of the Lenders and each of the Issuing Lenders hereby irrevocably designates and appoints Wells Fargo to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such

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actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Lenders, and neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary thereof shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions. It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Loan Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any Applicable Law.  Instead such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties.

(b) The Administrative Agent shall also act as the “collateral agent” under the Loan Documents, and each of the Lenders (including in its capacity as a potential Hedge Bank or Cash Management Bank) and each of the Issuing Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to act as the agent of such Lender and such Issuing Lender for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by any of the Credit Parties to secure any of the Secured Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto (including, without limitation, to enter into additional Loan Documents or supplements to existing Loan Documents on behalf of the Secured Parties).  In this connection, the Administrative Agent, as “collateral agent” and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Article XIII for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Security Documents, or for exercising any rights and remedies thereunder at the direction of the Administrative Agent), shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of Articles XIII and XIV (including Section 14.3, as though such co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact were the “collateral agent” under the Loan Documents) as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto.

Section 13.2 Rights as a Lender.  The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity.  Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

Section 13.3 Exculpatory Provisions

(a) The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, and its duties hereunder and thereunder shall be administrative in nature.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:

(i) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(ii) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or Applicable Law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay

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under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law; and

(iii) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

(b) The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Section 14.2 and Section 12.2) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final nonappealable judgment.  The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default unless and until notice describing such Default or Event of Default is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, a Lender or an Issuing Lender.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article VI or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

Section 13.4 Reliance by the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person.  The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon.  In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance, extension, renewal or increase of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or an Issuing Lender, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or such Issuing Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or such Issuing Lender prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit.  The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

Section 13.5 Delegation of Duties.  The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub agents appointed by the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent and any such sub agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties.  The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the Credit Facility as well as activities as Administrative Agent.    The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-

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agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and nonappealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agents.

Section 13.6 Resignation of Administrative Agent.

(a) The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders and the Borrower.  Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States.  If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “Resignation Effective Date”), then the retiring Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to), on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above;  provided that in no event shall any such successor Administrative Agent be a Defaulting Lender.  Whether or not a successor has been appointed, such resignation shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Resignation Effective Date.

(b) If the Person serving as Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (d) of the definition thereof, the Required Lenders may, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, by notice in writing to the Borrower and such Person, remove such Person as Administrative Agent and, in consultation with the Borrower, appoint a successor. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “Removal Effective Date”), then such removal shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice on the Removal Effective Date.

(c) With effect from the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date (as applicable), (i) the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders or the Issuing Lenders under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed) and (ii) except for any indemnity payments owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent, all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender and each Issuing Lender directly, until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above.  Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring or removed Administrative Agent (other than any rights to indemnity payments owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent), and the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents.  The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor.  After the retiring or removed Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 14.3 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring or removed Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring or removed Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

(d) Any resignation by, or removal of, Wells Fargo as Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 13.6 shall also constitute its resignation as an Issuing Lender and the Swingline Lender.  Upon the

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acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, (a) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Issuing Lender, if in its sole discretion it elects to, and Swingline Lender, (b) the retiring Issuing Lender and Swingline Lender shall be discharged from all of their respective duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, and (c) the successor Issuing Lender, if in its sole discretion it elects to, shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to the retiring Issuing Lender to effectively assume the obligations of the retiring Issuing Lender with respect to such Letters of Credit.

Section 13.7 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders.  Each Lender and each Issuing Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.  Each Lender and each Issuing Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

Section 13.8 No Other Duties, etc.  Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the syndication agents, documentation agents, co-agents, bookrunners, lead managers, arrangers, lead arrangers or co-arrangers listed on the cover page or signature pages hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, a Lender or an Issuing Lender hereunder.

Section 13.9 Collateral and Guaranty Matters

(a) Each of the Lenders (including in its or any of its Affiliate’s capacities as a potential Hedge Bank or Cash Management Bank) irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion:

(i) to release any Lien on any Collateral granted to or held by the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, under any Loan Document (A) upon the termination of the Revolving Credit Commitment and payment in full of all Secured Obligations (other than (1) contingent indemnification obligations and (2) obligations and liabilities under Secured Cash Management Agreements or Secured Hedge Agreements as to which arrangements satisfactory to the applicable Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank shall have been made) and the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit (other than Letters of Credit as to which other arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each applicable Issuing Lender shall have been made), (B) that is sold or otherwise disposed of or to be sold or otherwise disposed of as part of or in connection with any sale or other disposition to a Person other than a Credit Party permitted under the Loan Documents, or (C) if approved, authorized or ratified in writing in accordance with Section 14.2;

(ii) to subordinate any Lien on any Collateral granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Permitted Lien; and

(iii) to release any Subsidiary Guarantor from its obligations under any Loan Documents if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents.

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(b) Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Subsidiary Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty Agreement pursuant to this Section 13.9.  In each case as specified in this Section 13.9, the Administrative Agent will, at the Borrower’s expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Credit Party such documents as such Credit Party may reasonably request to evidence the release of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Security Documents or to subordinate its interest in such item, or to release such Subsidiary Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty Agreement, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this Section 13.9.  In the case of any such sale, transfer or disposal of any property constituting Collateral in a transaction constituting an Asset Disposition permitted pursuant to Section 11.5 to a Person other than a Credit Party, the Liens created by any of the Security Documents on such property shall be automatically released without need for further action by any person.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon, or any certificate prepared by any Credit Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.

Section 13.10 Secured Hedge Agreements and Secured Cash Management Agreements.  No Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank that obtains the benefits of Section 12.4 or any Collateral by virtue of the provisions hereof or of any Security Document shall have any right to notice of any action or to consent to, direct or object to any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document or otherwise in respect of the Collateral (including the release or impairment of any Collateral) other than in its capacity as a Lender and, in such case, only to the extent expressly provided in the Loan Documents.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article XIII to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to verify the payment of, or that other satisfactory arrangements have been made with respect to, Secured Cash Management Agreements and Secured Hedge Agreements unless the Administrative Agent has received written notice of such Secured Cash Management Agreements and Secured Hedge Agreements, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank, as the case may be.

Article XIV

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 14.1 Notices.

(a) Notices Generally.  Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile as follows:

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If to the Borrower:Merit Medical Systems, Inc.

1600 West Merit Parkway

South Jordan, UT 84095

Attention of:  Brian Lloyd, General Counsel

Telephone:  (801) 208-4236

Facsimile:  (801) 208-4238

Email:  brian.lloyd@merit.com

 

With copies to:Parr Brown Gee & Loveless, PC

101 South 200 East, Suite 700

Salt Lake City, UT  84111

Attention of:  Lamont Richardson

Telephone:  (801) 532-7840

Facsimile:  (801) 532-7750

Email:  lrichardson@parrbrown.com

 

If to Wells Fargo as

Administrative

Agent:Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

MAC D1109-019

1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, NC  28262

Attention of:  Syndication Agency Services

Telephone No.:  (704) 590-2703

Facsimile No.:  (704) 715-0092

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With copies to:Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

550 S Tryon St, 12th Floor,

Charlotte, NC 28202

MAC: D1086-126

Attention of: Teddy Koch
Telephone No.: (704) 715-6443
Facsimile No.: (704) 715-1438
E-mail: teddy.koch@wellsfargo.com

 

If to any Lender:To the address of such Lender set forth on the Register with respect to deliveries of notices and other documentation that may contain material non-public information

Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient).  Notices delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in paragraph (b) below, shall be effective as provided in said paragraph (b).

(b) Electronic Communications.  Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the Issuing Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or any Issuing Lender pursuant to Article II or III if such Lender or such Issuing Lender, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication.  The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.    Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement) and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice, email or other communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.

(c) Administrative Agent’s Office.  The Administrative Agent hereby designates its office located at the address set forth above, or any subsequent office which shall have been specified for such purpose by written notice to the Borrower and Lenders, as the Administrative Agent’s Office referred to

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herein, to which payments due are to be made and at which Loans will be disbursed and Letters of Credit requested.

(d) Change of Address, Etc.    Each of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender may change its address or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.  Any Lender may change its address or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Lender and the Swingline Lender.

(e) Platform.

(i) Each Credit Party agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make the Borrower Materials available to the Issuing Lenders and the other Lenders by posting the Borrower Materials on the Platform.

(ii) The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.”  The Agent Parties (as defined below) do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the Borrower Materials or the adequacy of the Platform, and expressly disclaim liability for errors or omissions in the Borrower Materials.  No warranty of any kind, express, implied or statutory, including, without limitation, any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third-party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects, is made by any Agent Party in connection with the Borrower Materials or the Platform.  In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “Agent Parties”) have any liability to any Credit Party, any Lender or any other Person or entity for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of any Credit Party’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of communications through the Internet (including, without limitation, the Platform), except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent Party; provided that in no event shall any Agent Party have any liability to any Credit Party, any Lender, any Issuing Lender or any other Person for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages, losses or expenses (as opposed to actual damages, losses or expenses).

Section 14.2 Amendments, Waivers and Consents.  Except as set forth below or as specifically provided in any Loan Document, any term, covenant, agreement or condition of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents may be amended or waived by the Lenders, and any consent given by the Lenders, if, but only if, such amendment, waiver or consent is in writing signed by the Required Lenders (or by the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders) and delivered to the Administrative Agent and, in the case of an amendment, signed by the Borrower; provided, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall:

(a) without the prior written consent of the Required Revolving Credit Lenders, amend, modify or waive (i) Section 6.2 or any other provision of this Agreement if the effect of such amendment, modification or waiver is to require the Revolving Credit Lenders (pursuant to, in the case of any such amendment to a provision hereof other than Section 6.2, any substantially concurrent request by the Borrower for a borrowing of Revolving Credit Loans or issuance of Letters of Credit) to make Revolving Credit Loans when such Revolving Credit Lenders would not otherwise be required to do so, (ii) the amount of the Swingline Commitment or (iii) the amount of the L/C Sublimit;

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(b) increase or extend the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 12.2) or increase the amount of Loans of any Lender, in any case, without the written consent of such Lender;

(c) waive, extend or postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment (excluding mandatory prepayments) of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby;

(d) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation, or (subject to clause (iv) of the proviso set forth in the paragraph below) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby; provided that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary (i) to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the rate set forth in Section 5.1(b) during the continuance of an Event of Default or (ii) to amend any financial covenant hereunder (or any defined term used therein) even if the effect of such amendment would be to reduce the rate of interest on any Loan or L/C Obligation or to reduce any fee payable hereunder;

(e) change Section 5.6 or Section 12.4 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments or order of application required thereby without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby;

(f) change Section 4.4(b)(iv) in a manner that would alter the order of application of amounts prepaid pursuant thereto without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby;

(g) except as otherwise permitted by this Section 14.2, change any provision of this Section 14.2 or reduce the percentages specified in the definitions of “Required Lenders,” or “Required Revolving Credit Lenders” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;  

(h) consent to the assignment or transfer by any Credit Party of such Credit Party’s rights and obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party (except as permitted pursuant to Section 11.4), in each case, without the written consent of each Lender;

(i) release (i) all of the Subsidiary Guarantors or (ii) Subsidiary Guarantors comprising substantially all of the credit support for the Secured Obligations, in any case, from any Guaranty Agreement (other than as authorized in Section 13.9), without the written consent of each Lender;

(j) release all or substantially all of the Collateral or release any Security Document (other than as authorized in Section 13.9 or as otherwise specifically permitted or contemplated in this Agreement or the applicable Security Document) without the written consent of each Lender; or

(k) amend the definition of “Alternative Currency”, the definition of “Alternative L/C Currency” or Section 1.13 without the written consent of each Revolving Credit Lender and each Issuing Lender;

provided further, that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by each affected Issuing Lender in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of such Issuing Lender under this Agreement or any Letter of Credit Application relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Swingline

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Lender in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Swingline Lender under this Agreement; (iii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iv) the Fee Letters may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto; (v) each Letter of Credit Application may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto; provided that a copy of such amended Letter of Credit Application shall be promptly delivered to the Administrative Agent upon such amendment or waiver; (vi) any waiver, amendment or modification of this Agreement that by its terms affects the rights or duties under this Agreement of Lenders holding Loans or Commitments of a particular Class (but not the Lenders holding Loans or Commitments of any other Class) may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the requisite percentage in interest of the affected Class of Lenders that would be required to consent thereto under this Section 14.2 if such Class of Lenders were the only Class of Lenders hereunder at the time,  (vii) the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall be permitted to amend any provision of the Loan Documents (and such amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document) if the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall have jointly identified an obvious error or any error, ambiguity, defect or inconsistency or omission of a technical or immaterial nature in any such provision and (viii) the Administrative Agent and the Borrower may, without the consent of any Lender, enter into amendments or modifications to this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or to enter into additional Loan Documents as the Administrative Agent reasonably deems appropriate in order to implement any Replacement Rate or otherwise effectuate the terms of Section 5.8(c) in accordance with the terms of Section 5.8(c).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that (A) the Revolving Credit Commitment of such Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender, and (B) any amendment, waiver, or consent hereunder which requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms disproportionately and adversely affects any such Defaulting Lender relative to other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, each Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent on its behalf, and without further consent, to enter into amendments or modifications to this Agreement (including, without limitation, amendments to this Section 14.2) or any of the other Loan Documents or to enter into additional Loan Documents as the Administrative Agent reasonably deems appropriate in order to effectuate the terms of Section 5.13 (including, without limitation, as applicable, (1) to permit the Incremental Term Loans and the Incremental Revolving Credit Increases to share ratably in the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (2) to include the Incremental Term Loan Commitments and the Incremental Revolving Credit Increase, as applicable, or outstanding Incremental Term Loans and outstanding Incremental Revolving Credit Increase, as applicable, in any determination of (i) Required Lenders or Required Revolving Credit Lenders, as applicable or (ii) similar required lender terms applicable thereto); provided that no amendment or modification shall result in any increase in the amount of any Lender’s Commitment or any increase in any Lender’s Commitment Percentage, in each case, without the written consent of such affected Lender and (3) to make amendments to any outstanding tranche of Term Loans to permit any Incremental Term Loan Commitments and Incremental Term Loans to be “fungible” (including, without limitation, for purposes of the Code) with such tranche of Term Loans, including, without limitation, increases in the Applicable Margin or any fees payable to such outstanding tranche of Term Loans or providing such outstanding tranche of Term Loans with the benefit of any call protection or covenants that are applicable to the proposed Incremental Term Loan Commitments or Incremental Term Loans; provided that any such amendments or modifications to such outstanding tranche of Term Loans shall not directly adversely affect the Lenders holding such tranche of Term Loans without their consent.

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Section 14.3 Expenses; Indemnity.  

(a) Costs and Expenses.  The Borrower and any other Credit Party, jointly and severally, shall pay (i) all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent), in connection with the syndication of the Credit Facility, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by any Issuing Lender in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all out of pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Lender (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Lender), and shall pay all fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Lender, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section 14.3, or (B) in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out of pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.

(b) Indemnification by the Borrower.  The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender and each Issuing Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, and shall pay or reimburse any such Indemnitee for, any and all losses, claims (including, without limitation, any Environmental Claims or civil penalties or fines assessed by OFAC), damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee), and shall indemnify and hold harmless, each Indemnitee from, and shall pay or reimburse any such Indemnitee for, all fees and time charges and disbursements for attorneys who may be employees of any Indemnitee, incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by the Borrower or any other Credit Party arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by any Issuing Lender to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof, or any Environmental Claim related in any way to any Credit Party or any Subsidiary, (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, or (v) any claim (including, without limitation, any Environmental Claims or civil penalties or fines assessed by the OFAC), investigation, litigation or other proceeding (whether or not the Administrative Agent or any Lender is a party thereto) and the prosecution and defense thereof, arising out of or in any way connected with the Loans, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, including without limitation, reasonable attorneys and consultant’s fees, provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (A) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (B) result from a claim brought by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof against an Indemnitee for breach in bad faith of such Indemnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if such Credit Party or such Subsidiary has obtained a final and

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nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.  This Section 14.3(b) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim.

(c) Reimbursement by Lenders.  To the extent that the Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under clause (a) or (b) of this Section 14.3 to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), any Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), such Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought based on each Lender’s share of the Total Credit Exposure at such time, or if the Total Credit Exposure has been reduced to zero, then based on such Lender’s share of the Total Credit Exposure immediately prior to such reduction) of such unpaid amount (including any such unpaid amount in respect of a claim asserted by such Lender); provided that with respect to such unpaid amounts owed to any Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender solely in its capacity as such, only the Revolving Credit Lenders shall be required to pay such unpaid amounts, such payment to be made severally among them based on such Revolving Credit Lenders’ Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought or, if the Revolving Credit Commitment has been reduced to zero as of such time, determined immediately prior to such reduction); provided,  further,  that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), such Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), such Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender in connection with such capacity.  The obligations of the Lenders under this clause (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 5.7.

(d) Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc.  To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Borrower and each other Credit Party shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.  No Indemnitee referred to in clause (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

(e) Payments.  All amounts due under this Section 14.3 shall be payable promptly after demand therefor.

(f) Survival.  Each party’s obligations under this Section 14.3 shall survive the termination of the Loan Documents and payment of the obligations hereunder.

Section 14.4 Right of Setoff.  If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, each Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, such Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower or any other Credit Party against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower or such Credit Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender, such 

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Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender or any of their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender, such Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender or any such Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Borrower or such Credit Party may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of such Lender, such Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender or such Affiliate different from the branch, office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender or any Affiliate thereof shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so setoff shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.15 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender or such Affiliate thereof from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lenders, the Swingline Lender and the Lenders, and (y) such Defaulting Lender or such Affiliate thereof shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Secured Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender or such Affiliate thereof as to which it exercised such right of setoff.  The rights of each Lender, each Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender and their respective Affiliates under this Section 14.4 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, such Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender or their respective Affiliates may have.  Each Lender, each Issuing Lender and the Swingline Lender agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.

Section 14.5 Governing Law; Jurisdiction, Etc.

(a) Governing Law.  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents and any claim, controversy, dispute or cause of action (whether in contract or tort or otherwise) based upon, arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document (except, as to any other Loan Document, as expressly set forth therein) and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

(b) Submission to Jurisdiction.  The Borrower and each other Credit Party irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not commence any action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender, or any Related Party of the foregoing in any way relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions relating hereto or thereto, in any forum other than the courts of the State of New York sitting in New York County, and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that all claims in respect of any such action, litigation or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State court or, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, in such federal court.  Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action, litigation or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.  Nothing in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against the Borrower or any other Credit Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction. 

(c) Waiver of Venue.  The Borrower and each other Credit Party irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section 14.5.  Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

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(d) Service of Process.  Each party hereto irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 14.1.  Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by Applicable Law.

Section 14.6 Waiver of Jury Trial.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).  EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 14.6.

Section 14.7 Reversal of Payments.  To the extent any Credit Party makes a payment or payments to the Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of any of the Secured Parties or to any Secured Party directly or the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party receives any payment or proceeds of the Collateral or any Secured Party exercises its right of setoff, which payments or proceeds (including any proceeds of such setoff) or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside and/or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any Debtor Relief Law, other Applicable Law or equitable cause, then, to the extent of such payment or proceeds repaid, the Secured Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Administrative Agent, and each Lender and each Issuing Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable ratable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Administrative Agent plus interest thereon at a per annum rate equal to the Federal Funds Rate from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made to the Administrative Agent.

Section 14.8 Injunctive Relief; Punitive Damages

(a) The Borrower recognizes that, in the event the Borrower fails to perform, observe or discharge any of its obligations or liabilities under this Agreement, any remedy of law may prove to be inadequate relief to the Lenders. Therefore, the Borrower agrees that the Lenders, at the Lenders’ option, shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief in any such case without the necessity of proving actual damages.

(b) The Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower (on behalf of itself and the other Credit Parties) hereby agree that no such Person shall have a remedy of punitive or exemplary damages against any other party to a Loan Document and each such Person hereby waives any right or claim to punitive or exemplary damages that they may now have or may arise in the future in connection with any Dispute, whether such Dispute is resolved through arbitration or judicially; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this subsection (b) shall limit the obligations of the Borrower under Section 14.3(b).

Section 14.9 Accounting Matters.  If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of

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such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided that, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP

Section 14.10 Successors and Assigns; Participations.

(a) Successors and Assigns Generally.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither the Borrower nor any other Credit Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (b) of this Section 14.10, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d) of this Section 14.10 or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of paragraph (e) of this Section 14.10 (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void).  Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in paragraph (d) of this Section 14.10 and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(b) Assignments by Lenders.  Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Revolving Credit Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it); provided that, in each case with respect to any Credit Facility, any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:

(i) Minimum Amounts.

(A) in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and/or the Loans at the time owing to it (in each case with respect to any Credit Facility) or contemporaneous assignments to related Approved Funds (determined after giving effect to such assignments) that equal at least the amount specified in paragraph (b)(i)(B) of this Section 14.10 in the aggregate or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and

(B) in any case not described in paragraph (b)(i)(A) of this Section 14.10, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the applicable Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date) shall not be less than $5,000,000, in the case of any assignment in respect of the Revolving Credit Facility or the Term Loan Facility, as applicable, unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have given its consent five (5) Business Days after the date written notice thereof has been

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delivered by the assigning Lender (through the Administrative Agent) unless such consent is expressly refused by the Borrower prior to such fifth (5th) Business Day;

(ii) Proportionate Amounts.  Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loan or the Commitment assigned;

(iii) Required Consents.  No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by paragraph (b)(i)(B) of this Section 14.10 and, in addition:

(A) the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (x) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (y) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; provided, that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof;

(B) the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for assignments in respect of (i) the Revolving Credit Facility if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender with a Revolving Credit Commitment, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender or (ii) the Term Loans to a Person who is not a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; and

(C) the consents of each Issuing Lender and the Swingline Lender shall be required for any assignment in respect of the Revolving Credit Facility.

(iv) Assignment and Assumption.  The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 for each assignment; provided that (A) only one such fee will be payable in connection with simultaneous assignments to two or more related Approved Funds by a Lender and (B) the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment.  The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.

(v) No Assignment to Certain Persons.  No such assignment shall be made to (A) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or (B) any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (B).

(vi) No Assignment to Natural Persons.  No such assignment shall be made to a natural Person (or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural Person).

(vii) Certain Additional Payments.  In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans

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previously requested, but not funded by, the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (A) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender and each other Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon), and (B) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans and participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans in accordance with its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under Applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 14.10, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 5.8,  5.9,  5.10,  5.11 and 14.3 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment;  provided, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no assignment by a Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.  Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this paragraph shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (d) of this Section 14.10 (other than a purported assignment to a natural Person or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Subsidiaries or Affiliates, which shall be null and void).

(c) Register.  The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, a copy of each Assignment and Assumption and each Lender Joinder Agreement delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amounts of (and stated interest on) the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”).  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender (but only to the extent of entries in the Register that are applicable to such Lender), at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(d) Participations.  Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural Person, (or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural Person, or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Subsidiaries or Affiliates) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lenders, the Swingline Lender and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.  For the avoidance of doubt, each Lender shall be responsible for the indemnity under Section 14.3(c) with respect to any payments made by such Lender to its Participant(s).

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Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in Section 14.2(b),  (c),  (d) or (e) that directly and adversely affects such Participant.  The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 5.9,  5.10 and 5.11 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 5.11(g) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 5.11(g) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 14.10;  provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Section 5.12 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section 14.10; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 5.10 or 5.11, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation.  Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower's request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 5.12(b) with respect to any Participant.  To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 14.4 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 5.6 and Section 14.4 as though it were a Lender.

Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts of (and stated interest on) each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations.  The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

(e) Certain Pledges.  Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including without limitation any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

Section 14.11 Confidentiality.  Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Related Parties in connection with the Credit Facility, this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or in connection with marketing of services by such Affiliate or Related Party to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent required or requested by, or required to be disclosed to, any regulatory or similar authority purporting to have jurisdiction over such Person or its Related Parties (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners) or in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s, any Issuing Lender’s or any Lender’s regulatory compliance policy if the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender or such Lender,

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as applicable, deems such disclosure to be necessary for the mitigation of claims by those authorities against the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Lender or such Lender, as applicable, or any of its Related Parties (in which case, the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Lender or such Lender, as applicable, shall use commercially reasonable efforts to, except with respect to any audit or examination conducted by bank accountants or any governmental bank regulatory authority exercising examination or regulatory authority, promptly notify the Borrower, in advance, to the extent practicable and otherwise permitted by Applicable Law), (c) as to the extent required by Applicable Laws or regulations or in any legal, judicial, administrative proceeding or other compulsory process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies under this Agreement, under any other Loan Document or under any Secured Hedge Agreement or Secured Cash Management Agreement, or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any Secured Hedge Agreement or Secured Cash Management Agreement, or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section 14.11, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective party (or its Related Parties) to any swap, derivative or other transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to the Borrower and its obligations, this Agreement or payments hereunder, (g) on a confidential basis to (i) any rating agency in connection with rating the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the Credit Facility or (ii) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers with respect to the Credit Facility, (h) with the consent of the Borrower, (i) deal terms and other information customarily reported to Thomson Reuters, other bank market data collectors and similar service providers to the lending industry and service providers to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in connection with the administration of the Loan Documents, (j) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 14.11 or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Lender or any of their respective Affiliates from a third party that is not, to such Person’s knowledge, subject to confidentiality obligations to the Borrower, (k) to the extent that such information is independently developed by such Person, or (l) for purposes of establishing a “due diligence” defense.  For purposes of this Section 14.11, “Information” means all information received from any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof relating to any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof; provided that, in the case of information received from a Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential.  Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section 14.11 shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.  

Section 14.12 Performance of Duties.  Each of the Credit Party’s obligations under this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents shall be performed by such Credit Party at its sole cost and expense.

Section 14.13 All Powers Coupled with Interest.  All powers of attorney and other authorizations granted to the Lenders, the Administrative Agent and any Persons designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender pursuant to any provisions of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents shall be deemed coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable so long as any of the Obligations remain unpaid or unsatisfied, any of the Commitments remain in effect or the Credit Facility has not been terminated.

Section 14.14 Survival

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(a) All representations and warranties set forth in Article VII and all representations and warranties contained in any certificate, or any of the Loan Documents (including, but not limited to, any such representation or warranty made in or in connection with any amendment thereto) shall constitute representations and warranties made under this Agreement.  All representations and warranties made under this Agreement shall be made or deemed to be made at and as of the Closing Date (except those that are expressly made as of a specific date), shall survive the Closing Date and shall not be waived by the execution and delivery of this Agreement, any investigation made by or on behalf of the Lenders or any borrowing hereunder.

(b) Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, the indemnities to which the Administrative Agent and the Lenders are entitled under the provisions of this Article XIV and any other provision of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall continue in full force and effect and shall protect the Administrative Agent and the Lenders against events arising after such termination as well as before.

Section 14.15 Titles and Captions.  Titles and captions of Articles, Sections and subsections in, and the table of contents of, this Agreement are for convenience only, and neither limit nor amplify the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 14.16 Severability of Provisions.  Any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions hereof or thereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.  In the event that any provision is held to be so prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such provision to preserve the original intent thereof in such jurisdiction (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders).

Section 14.17 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution.

(a) Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender and/or any Arranger, constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.  Except as provided in Section 6.1, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or in electronic (i.e., “pdf” or “tif”) format shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. 

(b) Electronic Execution of Assignments.   The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any Applicable Law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

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Section 14.18 Term of Agreement.  This Agreement shall remain in effect from the Closing Date through and including the date upon which all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not then due) arising hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall have been indefeasibly and irrevocably paid and satisfied in full, all Letters of Credit have been terminated or expired (or been Cash Collateralized) or otherwise satisfied in a manner acceptable to each applicable Issuing Lender and the Revolving Credit Commitment has been terminated.  No termination of this Agreement shall affect the rights and obligations of the parties hereto arising prior to such termination or in respect of any provision of this Agreement which survives such termination.

Section 14.19 USA PATRIOT Act.  The Administrative Agent and each Lender hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act or any other Anti-Money Laundering Laws, each of them is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Credit Party, which information includes the name and address of each Credit Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify each Credit Party in accordance with the Patriot Act or such Anti-Money Laundering Law.

Section 14.20 Amendment and Restatement; No Novation.  This Agreement constitutes an amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement, effective from and after the Closing Date.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement shall not constitute a novation of any indebtedness or other obligations owing to the Lenders or the Administrative Agent under the Existing Credit Agreement based on facts or events occurring or existing prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement.  On the Closing Date, the credit facilities described in the Existing Credit Agreement, shall be amended, supplemented, modified and restated in their entirety by the facilities described herein, and all loans and other obligations of the Borrower outstanding as of such date under the Existing Credit Agreement, shall be deemed to be loans and obligations outstanding under the corresponding facilities described herein, without any further action by any Person, except that the Administrative Agent shall make such transfers of funds as are necessary in order that the outstanding balance of such Loans, together with any Loans funded on the Closing Date, reflect the respective Revolving Credit Commitment of the Lenders hereunder.

Section 14.21 Inconsistencies with Other Documents; Independent Effect of Covenants.    

(a) In the event there is a conflict or inconsistency between this Agreement and any other Loan Document, the terms of this Agreement shall control; provided that any provision of the Security Documents which imposes additional burdens on the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or further restricts the rights of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or gives the Administrative Agent or Lenders additional rights shall not be deemed to be in conflict or inconsistent with this Agreement and shall be given full force and effect.

(b) The Borrower expressly acknowledges and agrees that each covenant contained in Articles VIII,  IX,  X or XI hereof shall be given independent effect.  Accordingly, the Borrower shall not engage in any transaction or other act otherwise permitted under any covenant contained in Articles VIII,  IX,  X or XI, before or after giving effect to such transaction or act, the Borrower shall or would be in breach of any other covenant contained in Articles VIII,  IX,  X or XI.

Section 14.22 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility

(a) In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby, each Credit Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that (i) the facilities provided for hereunder and any related arranging or other services in connection therewith (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) are an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Borrower and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the

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Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Lenders, on the other hand, and the Borrower is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or thereof), (ii) in connection with the process leading to such transaction, each of the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Lenders is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary, for the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other Person, (iii) none of the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers or the Lenders has assumed or will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Borrower with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto, including with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document (irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers or any Lender has advised or is currently advising the Borrower or any of its Affiliates on other matters) and none of the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers or the Lenders has any obligation to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates with respect to the financing transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, (iv) the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from, and may conflict with, those of the Borrower and its Affiliates, and none of the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers or the Lenders has any obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary relationship and (v) the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Lenders have not provided and will not provide any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) and the Credit Parties have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent they have deemed appropriate.

(b) Each Credit Party acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Lender and any Affiliate thereof may lend money to, invest in, and generally engage in any kind of business with, any of the Borrower, any Affiliate thereof or any other person or entity that may do business with or own securities of any of the foregoing, all as if the Administrative Agent, such Arranger, such Lender, or such Affiliate thereof were not the Administrative Agent, an Arranger, a Lender or an Affiliate thereof (or an agent or any other person with any similar role under the Credit Facilities) and without any duty to account therefor to the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any other Lender, the Borrower or any Affiliate of the foregoing.  The Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Lender and any Affiliate thereof may accept fees and other consideration from the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof for services in connection with this Agreement, the Credit Facility or otherwise without having to account for the same to the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any other Lender, the Borrower or any Affiliate of the foregoing.

Section 14.23 Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any EEA Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of an EEA Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:

(a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an EEA Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA Financial Institution; and

(b) the effects of any Bail-in Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:

(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

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(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

(iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of any EEA Resolution Authority.

Section 14.24 Judgment Currency.  If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert a sum due hereunder or any other Loan Document in one currency into another currency, the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Administrative Agent could purchase the first currency with such other currency on the Business Day preceding that on which final judgment is given.  The obligation of the Borrower in respect of any such sum due from it to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder or under the other Loan Documents shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency (the “Judgment Currency”) other than that in which such sum is denominated in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement (the “Agreement Currency”), be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, of any sum adjudged to be so due in the Judgment Currency, the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase the Agreement Currency with the Judgment Currency.  If the amount of the Agreement Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender from the Borrower in the Agreement Currency, the Borrower agrees, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, against such loss.  If the amount of the Agreement Currency so purchased is greater than the sum originally due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in such currency, the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, agrees to return the amount of any excess to the Borrower (or to any other Person who may be entitled thereto under applicable law).

Section 14.25 Certain ERISA Matters.

(a) Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, each Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Credit Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:  

(i) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of Section 3(42) of ERISA or otherwise) of one or more Benefit Plans with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments;

(ii) the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement;

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(iii) (A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement; or

(iv) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.

(b) In addition, unless either (1) sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or (2) a Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant in accordance with sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, each Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Credit Party, that none of the Administrative Agent, each Arranger and their respective Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender involved in such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related hereto or thereto). 

Section 14.26 Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs.  To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Hedge Agreements or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support, “QFC Credit Support” and, each such QFC, a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the FDIC under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States):

(a) In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and

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agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support. 

(b) As used in this Section 14.26, the following terms have the following meanings:

BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.

Covered Entity” means any of the following:

(i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);

(ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or

(iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).

[Signature pages to follow]

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed under seal by their duly authorized officers, all as of the day and year first written above.

 

 

 

 

 

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC., as Borrower

 

 

 

By: /s/ Fred P. Lampropoulos

 

Name: Fred P. Lampropoulos

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

Signature Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

AGENTS AND LENDERS

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender, Issuing Lender and Lender

 

 

 

By: /s/ Teddy Koch

 

Name: Teddy Koch

 

Title: Director

 

 

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

Signature Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Lender

 

 

 

By: /s/ Heath B. Lipson

 

Name: Heath B. Lipson

 

Title: Senior vice President

 

 

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

Signature Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Lender

 

 

 

By: /s/ Nicholas Hintze

 

Name: Nicholas Hintze

 

Title: Vice-President

 

 

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

Signature Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Lender

 

 

 

By: /s/ Brett Callanan

 

Name: Brett Callanan

 

Title: Vice President 21891 Commercial Banking

         HSBCBank USA, N.A.

 

 

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

Signature Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

BMO HARRIS BANK, N.A. as Lender

 

 

 

By: /s/ Greg Geist

 

Name: Greg Geist

 

Title: Managing Director

 

 

 

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

Signature Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as Lender

 

 

 

By: /s/  Kevin Wood

 

Name:  Kevin Wood

 

Title:  Director

 

 

 

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

Signature Page

EXHIBIT 10.2

 

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

This Indemnification Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of August 13, 2019 by and between Merit Medical Systems, Inc., a Utah corporation (“Company”), and Lynne N. Ward, an individual (“Indemnitee”).

RECITALS

A. The Company is aware that because of the increased exposure to litigation costs, talented and experienced persons are increasingly reluctant to serve or continue serving as directors and officers of corporations unless they are protected by comprehensive liability insurance and indemnification.

 

B. The statutes and judicial decisions regarding the duties of directors and officers are often difficult to apply, ambiguous, or conflicting, and therefore often fail to provide such directors and officers with adequate guidance regarding the proper course of action.

 

C. The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), has concluded that, in order to retain and attract talented and experienced individuals to serve as officers and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries and to encourage such individuals to take the business risks necessary for the success of the Company and its subsidiaries, the Company should contractually indemnify its officers and directors, and the officers and directors of its subsidiaries, in connection with claims against such officers and directors relating to their services to the Company and its subsidiaries and has further concluded that the failure to provide such contractual indemnification could be detrimental to the Company, its subsidiaries and shareholders.

 

D. Indemnitee’s willingness to serve as a director of the Company is predicated, in substantial part, upon the Company’s willingness to indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the principles reflected above, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Utah, and upon the other undertakings set forth in this Agreement.

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and legal sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and Indemnitee, intending to be legally bound hereby, hereby agree as follows:

 

1.Definitions.

 

(a) Agent.  “Agent” with respect to the Company means any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or other agent of the Company or a subsidiary; or is or was serving at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of, the Company or a subsidiary as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including without limitation any employee benefit plan whether or not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”)); or was a director, officer, employee or agent of a predecessor corporation (or other predecessor entity or enterprise) of the Company or a subsidiary, or was a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including without limitation any employee benefit plan whether or not subject to the ERISA) at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of such predecessor.

 

(b) Change in Control.  “Change in Control” shall mean, and shall be deemed to have occurred if, on or after the date of this Agreement:  (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or group acting in concert, other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company acting in such capacity or a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; (ii) during any period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board and any new director whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof; (iii) the shareholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least eighty percent (80%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or (iv) the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

 

(c) Company.  References to the “Company” shall include, in addition to Merit Medical Systems, Inc., any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger to which Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries) is

a party which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, employees, agents or fiduciaries, so that if Indemnitee is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, employee benefit plan, trust or other enterprise, Indemnitee shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Agreement with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as Indemnitee would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

 

(d) Expenses.  “Expenses” means all direct and indirect costs of any type or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys’ and experts’ fees, costs of investigation and related disbursements) reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the investigation (whether formal or informal), settlement, defense or appeal of a Proceeding covered hereby or the establishment or enforcement of a right to indemnification under this Agreement, including without limitation in the case of an appeal the premium for, and other costs relating to, any costs bond or supercedes bond or other appeal bond or its equivalent.

 

(e) Independent Legal Counsel.  “Independent Legal Counsel” shall mean an attorney or firm of attorneys, selected in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(i) hereof, who shall not have otherwise performed services for the Company or Indemnitee within the preceding three years (other than with respect to matters concerning the rights of Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other Indemnitees under similar indemnity agreements).

 

(f) Other References.  References to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or its beneficiaries; and if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Agreement.

 

(g) Proceeding.  “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending, or completed claim, suit, action, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, or any hearing or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or otherwise, including without limitation any situation which Indemnitee believes in good faith might lead to the institution of any such proceeding.

 

(h) Reviewing Party.  “Reviewing Party” shall mean, subject to the provisions of Section 2(g), any person or body appointed by the Board in accordance with applicable law to review the Company’s obligations hereunder and under applicable law, which may include a member or members of the Board, Independent Legal Counsel or any other person or body not a party to the particular Proceeding for which Indemnitee is seeking indemnification, as set forth in Section 2(i).

 

2.Indemnification.

 

(a)Third Party Proceedings.  The Company shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by the Utah Revised Business Corporation Act (the “Act”) if Indemnitee is or was a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was or is claimed to be an Agent of the Company, or any subsidiary of the Company, by reason of any action or inaction on the part of Indemnitee while an Agent of the Company, against all Expenses and liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement (if such settlement is approved in advance by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld))  actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

(b)Proceedings By or in the Right of the Company.  The Company shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by the Act if Indemnitee was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was or is claimed to be an Agent of the Company, all Expenses and liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, legal fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement (if such settlement is approved in advance by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld)), in each case to the extent actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the defense or settlement of such Proceeding if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudicated by court order or judgment to be liable to the Company in the performance of Indemnitee’s duty to the Company and its stockholders unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or proceeding is or was pending shall determine upon application that, in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses, which such court shall deem proper.

 

(c)Presumptions; Burden of Proof.  In making any determination concerning Indemnitee’s right to indemnification, there shall be a presumption that Indemnitee has satisfied the applicable standard of conduct, and the Company may overcome such presumption only by its adducing clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.  For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any particular standard of conduct or have any particular belief or that a court has determined that indemnification is not permitted by this Agreement or applicable law.  In addition, neither the failure of any Reviewing Party to have made a determination as to whether Indemnitee has met any particular standard of conduct or had any particular belief, nor an actual determination by any Reviewing Party that Indemnitee has not met such standard of conduct or did not have such belief, prior to the commencement of legal proceedings by Indemnitee to secure a judicial determination that Indemnitee should be indemnified under this Agreement under

applicable law, shall be a defense to Indemnitee’s claim or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met any particular standard of conduct or did not have any particular belief.  Any determination concerning Indemnitee’s right to indemnification that is adverse to Indemnitee may be challenged by Indemnitee in the courts of the State of Utah.  No determination by the Company (including without limitation by its directors or any Independent Legal Counsel) that Indemnitee has not satisfied any applicable standard of conduct shall be a defense to any claim by Indemnitee for indemnification or reimbursement or advance payment of Expenses by the Company hereunder or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met any applicable standard of conduct.

 

(d)Reliance as a Safe Harbor.  For purposes of this Agreement, and without creating any presumption as to a lack of good faith if the following circumstances do not exist, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company if Indemnitee’s actions or omissions to act are taken in good faith reliance upon the records of the Company, including its financial statements, or upon information, opinions, reports or statements furnished to Indemnitee by other Agents of the Company or any of its subsidiaries in the course of their duties, or by committees of the Board or by any other person (including legal counsel, accountants and financial advisors) as to matters Indemnitee reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Company. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failures to act, of any Agent of the Company shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnity hereunder.

 

(e)Actions Where Indemnitee Is Deceased.  If Indemnitee was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any Proceeding by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was an Agent of the Company, or by reason of anything done or not done by Indemnitee in any such capacity, and prior to, during the pendency of, or after completion of, such Proceeding, Indemnitee shall die, then the Company shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the estate, heirs and legatees of Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred by or for such persons or entities in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of such Proceeding on the same basis as provided for Indemnitee in Sections 2(a) and 2(b) above.

 

(f)Extent of Insurance.  The Expenses and liabilities covered hereby shall be net of any payments made by D&O Insurance carriers or others.

 

(g)Review of Indemnification Obligations.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event any Reviewing Party shall have determined (in a written opinion, in any case in which Independent Legal Counsel is the Reviewing Party) that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified hereunder under applicable law:  (i) the Company shall have no further obligation under Section 2(a) or Section 2(b) to make any payments to Indemnitee not made prior to such determination by such Reviewing Party; and (ii) the Company shall be entitled to be reimbursed by Indemnitee (who hereby agrees to reimburse the Company) for all Expenses theretofore paid to Indemnitee to which Indemnitee is not entitled hereunder under applicable law; provided,  however, that if Indemnitee has commenced or thereafter commences legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to secure a determination that Indemnitee is entitled to be indemnified hereunder under applicable law, any determination made by any Reviewing Party that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified hereunder under applicable law shall not be binding and

Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any Expenses theretofore paid in indemnifying Indemnitee until a final judicial determination is made with respect thereto (as to which all rights of appeal therefrom have been exhausted or lapsed).  Indemnitee’s obligation to reimburse the Company for any Expenses shall be unsecured and no interest shall be charged thereon.

 

(h)Indemnitee Rights on Unfavorable Determination; Binding Effect.  If any Reviewing Party determines that Indemnitee substantively is not entitled to be indemnified hereunder in whole or in part under applicable law, Indemnitee shall have the right to commence litigation seeking an initial determination by the court or challenging any such determination by such Reviewing Party or any aspect thereof, including the legal or factual bases therefor, and the Company hereby consents to service of process and to appear in any such proceeding.  Absent such litigation, any determination by any Reviewing Party shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and Indemnitee.

 

(i)Selection of Reviewing Party; Change in Control.  A determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph (i).  If there has not been a Change in Control, a Reviewing Party shall be selected by the Board, and if there has been such a Change in Control (other than a Change in Control which has been approved by a majority of the Board who were directors immediately prior to such Change in Control), any Reviewing Party with respect to all matters thereafter arising concerning the rights of Indemnitee to indemnification of Expenses under this Agreement or any other agreement or under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws as now or hereafter in effect, or under any other applicable law, if desired by Indemnitee, shall be Independent Legal Counsel selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld).  Such counsel, among other things, shall render its written opinion to the Company and Indemnitee as to whether and to what extent Indemnitee would be entitled to be indemnified hereunder under applicable law and the Company agrees to abide by such opinion.  The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees of the Independent Legal Counsel referred to above and to indemnify fully such counsel against any and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees), claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall not be required to pay Expenses of more than one Independent Legal Counsel in connection with all matters concerning a single Indemnitee, and such Independent Legal Counsel shall be the Independent Legal Counsel for any or all other Indemnitees unless:  (i) the employment of separate counsel by one or more Indemnitees has been previously authorized by the Board in writing; or (ii) an Indemnitee shall have provided to the Company a written statement that such Indemnitee has reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between such Indemnitee and the other Indemnitees with respect to the matters arising under this Agreement.

 

3.No Employment Rights

 

Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to create in Indemnitee any right to continued employment.  Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee’s employment with or services to the Company or any of its subsidiaries is at will and the Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment agreement between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries), other applicable formal severance policies duly

adopted by the Board or, with respect to service as a director or officer of the Company, the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as applicable.

 

4.   Expenses; Indemnification Procedure.

 

(a)Advancement of Expenses.  The Company shall advance all expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any civil or Proceeding referred to in Section 2(a) or Section 2(b) hereof (including amounts actually paid in settlement of any such Proceeding if such settlement is approved in advance by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld).  Indemnitee hereby undertakes to repay such amounts advanced only if, and to the extent that, it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company as authorized hereby.

 

(b)Notice/Cooperation by Indemnitee.  Promptly after receipt by Indemnitee of notice of the commencement or threat of any Proceeding covered hereby, Indemnitee shall notify the Company of the commencement or threat thereof, provided that any failure to so notify shall not relieve the Company of any of its obligations hereunder, except to the extent that such failure prejudices the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder.  Notice to the Company shall be directed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and shall be given in accordance with the provisions of Section 13(i) below.  In addition, Indemnitee shall give the Company such information and cooperation as it may reasonably require and as shall be within Indemnitee’s power.

 

(c)Notice to Insurers.  If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof, the Company has D&O Insurance (as defined in Section 7(a) below) in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies.  The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

 

(d) Indemnitee shall be entitled to retain one or more counsel from time to time selected by Indemnitee in Indemnitee’s reasonable discretion to act as its counsel in and for the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of each Proceeding.  The Company shall not waive any privilege or right available to Indemnitee in any such Proceeding.

 

(e)The Company shall bear all reasonable fees and Expenses (including invoices for advance retainers) of such counsel, and all reasonable fees and Expenses invoiced by other persons or entities, in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of each such Proceeding.  Such fees and Expenses are referred to herein as “Covered Expenses.”

 

(f)Until a determination to the contrary under Section 5 hereof is made, the Company shall advance all Covered Expenses in connection with each Proceeding.  Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to the fullest extent permitted by law to repay the advance if and to the extent that it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final judgment, not

subject to appeal, that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.  No other form of undertaking shall be required other than the execution of this Agreement.  Advances shall be unsecured and interest free.  Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the expenses and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement.

 

(g)Selection of Counsel.  In the event the Company shall be obligated hereunder to provide indemnification for or make any advancement of Expenses with respect to the Expenses of any Proceeding, the Company, if appropriate, shall be entitled to assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel selected by the Company, subject to approval by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), upon the delivery to Indemnitee of written notice of the Company’s election to do so.  After delivery of such notice and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any fees or expenses of separate counsel subsequently retained by or on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to the same Proceeding; provided that:  (i) Indemnitee shall have the right to employ Indemnitee’s separate counsel in any such Proceeding at Indemnitee’s expense; and (ii) if (A) the employment of separate counsel by Indemnitee has been previously authorized by the Company, (B) Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense, or (C) the Company shall not continue to retain such counsel to defend such Proceeding, then the fees and expenses of Indemnitee’s separate counsel shall be Expenses for which Indemnitee may receive indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder.

 

(h)Each advance to be made hereunder shall be paid by the Company to Indemnitee within ten (10) business days following delivery of a written request therefor by Indemnitee to the Company.

 

(a) The Company acknowledges the potentially severe damage to Indemnitee should the Company fail timely to make such advances to Indemnitee.

 

(b) The Company shall not settle any Proceeding if, as a result of such settlement, any fine or obligation is imposed on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s prior written consent.

 

5.Determination of Right to Indemnification.

 

(a) To the extent Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Proceeding, claim, issue or matter covered hereby, Indemnitee need not repay any of the Expenses advanced in connection with the investigation, defense or appeal of such Proceeding.

 

(b) Indemnitee shall have the right to advancement by the Company prior to the final disposition of any Proceeding of any and all Expenses relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Proceeding paid or incurred by Indemnitee or which Indemnitee determines are reasonably likely to be paid or incurred by Indemnitee.

 

(c) Subject to the provisions of Section 2(g), notwithstanding a determination by a Reviewing Party or a court that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification with respect to a specific Proceeding,

Indemnitee shall have the right to apply to the courts of the State of Utah for the purpose of enforcing Indemnitee’s right to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(d) Subject to the provisions of Section 2(i),  the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding under Sections 5(b) or 5(c) and against all Expenses reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any other Proceeding between the Company and Indemnitee involving the interpretation or enforcement of the rights of Indemnitee under this Agreement unless a court of competent jurisdiction finds that each of the material claims and/or defenses of Indemnitee in any such Proceeding were frivolous or made in bad faith.

 

(e) The Company hereby agrees to indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by the Act, notwithstanding that such indemnification is not specifically authorized by the other provisions of this Agreement, the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, the Company’s Bylaws or by statute.  In the event of any change after the date of this Agreement to the Act or in any applicable law, statute or rule which expands the right of a Utah corporation to indemnify a member of its board of directors or an officer, employee, agent or fiduciary, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits afforded by such change.  In the event of any change to the Act or in any applicable law, statute or rule which narrows the right of a Utah corporation to indemnify its Agent, such change, to the extent not otherwise required by the Act or such law, statute or rule to be applied to this Agreement, shall have no effect on this Agreement or the parties’ rights and obligations hereunder except as set forth in Section 9 hereof.

 

(f) Nonexclusivity.  The indemnification and the payment of Expense advances provided by this Agreement shall be in addition to any rights to which Indemnitee may be entitled under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, its Bylaws, any other agreement, any vote of shareholders or disinterested directors, the Act, or otherwise.  The indemnification and the payment or advancement of Expenses provided under this Agreement shall continue as to Indemnitee for any action taken or not taken while serving in an indemnified capacity even though subsequent thereto Indemnitee may have ceased to serve in such capacity.

 

(g) No Duplication of Payments.  The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment in connection with any Proceeding to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment (under any insurance policy, provision of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws or otherwise) of the amounts otherwise payable hereunder.

 

(h) Partial Indemnification.  If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of Expenses incurred in connection with any Proceeding, but not, however, for all of the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion of such Expenses to which Indemnitee is entitled.

6.  Mutual Acknowledgement

Both the Company and Indemnitee acknowledge that in certain instances, Federal law or public policy may override applicable state law and prohibit the Company from indemnifying its directors and officers under this Agreement or otherwise.  For example, the Company and Indemnitee acknowledge that the Securities

and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has taken the position that indemnification is not permissible for liabilities arising under certain federal securities laws, and federal legislation prohibits indemnification for certain ERISA violations.  Indemnitee understands and acknowledges that the Company has undertaken or may be required in the future to undertake with the SEC to submit the question of indemnification to a court in certain circumstances for a determination of the Company’s right under public policy to indemnify Indemnitee.

7.  Officer and Director Liability Insurance.

(a)The Company hereby covenants and agrees with Indemnitee that, subject to Section 7(b), the Company shall obtain and maintain in full force and effect directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (“D&O Insurance”), in reasonable amounts as the Board shall determine from established and reputable insurers with an AM Best rating of A.VI or better, but no less than the amounts in effect upon initial procurement of the D&O Insurance.  In all policies of D&O Insurance, Indemnitee shall be named as an insured.

(b)Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no obligation to obtain or maintain D&O Insurance if the Board determines in good faith that the premium costs for such insurance are (i) disproportionate to the amount of coverage provided after giving effect to exclusions, and (ii) substantially more burdensome to the Company than the premiums charged to the Company for its initial D&O Insurance.

(c)To the extent the Company maintains liability insurance applicable to directors, officers, employees, agents or fiduciaries, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policies in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits as are provided to the most favorably insured of the Company’s directors, if Indemnitee is a director; or of the Company’s officers, if Indemnitee is not a director of the Company but is an officer; or of the Company’s key employees, agents or fiduciaries, if Indemnitee is not an officer or director but is a key employee, agent or fiduciary.

8.Severability

Nothing in this Agreement is intended to require or shall be construed as requiring the Company to do or fail to do any act in violation of applicable law.  The Company’s inability, pursuant to court order, to perform its obligations under this Agreement shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable as provided in this Section 8.  If this Agreement or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee to the full extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Agreement that shall not have been invalidated, and the balance of this Agreement not so invalidated shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

9.

Exceptions.  Any other provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement:

(a) Claims Initiated by Indemnitee.  To indemnify or advance expenses to Indemnitee with respect to Proceedings or claims initiated or brought voluntarily by Indemnitee and not by way of defense, other than: (i) Proceedings under Sections 5(b) or 5(c); (ii) Proceedings brought to establish or enforce a

right to indemnification under this Agreement or the provisions of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws unless a court of competent jurisdiction determines that each of the material assertions made by Indemnitee in such Proceeding were not made in good faith or were frivolous; or (iii) proceedings or claims instituted by Indemnitee with the approval by the Board;

(b)Unauthorized Settlement.  To indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of a Proceeding covered hereby without the prior written consent of the Company to such settlement, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld provided that the Company’s consent is not required if the Company is refusing to indemnify or advance Expenses to Indemnitee;

(c)Insured Claims.  To indemnify Indemnitee for expenses or liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement) to the extent such expenses or liabilities have been paid directly to Indemnitee by an insurance carrier under a policy of officers’ and directors; liability insurance maintained by the Company; or

(d)Claims Under Section 16(b).  To indemnify Indemnitee for expenses or the payment of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any similar successor statute.

10.Witness Expenses.  

The Company agrees to compensate Indemnitee for the reasonable value of Indemnitee’s time spent, and to reimburse Indemnitee for all Expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and travel costs) reasonably incurred by Indemnitee, in connection with being a witness, or if Indemnitee is threatened to be made a witness, with respect to any Proceeding, by reason of Indemnitee serving or having served as an Agent of the Company.

11.Attorneys’ Fees

In the event that any action is instituted by Indemnitee under this Agreement to enforce or interpret any of the terms hereof, Indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid all court costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by Indemnitee with respect to such action, unless as a part of such action, the court of competent jurisdiction determines that each of the material assertions made by Indemnitee as a basis for such action were not made in good faith or were frivolous.  In the event of an action instituted by or in the name of the Company under this Agreement or to enforce or interpret any of the terms of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid all court costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by Indemnitee in defense of such action (including with respect to Indemnitee’s counterclaims and cross-claims made in such action), unless as a part of such action the court determines that each of Indemnitee’s material defenses to such action were made in bad faith or were frivolous.

12.Duration

All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period that Indemnitee is an Agent of the Company and shall continue thereafter (a) so long as Indemnitee may be subject to any possible claim for which Indemnitee may be indemnified hereunder (including any rights of

appeal thereto) and (b) throughout the pendency of any Proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto) commenced by Indemnitee to enforce or interpret Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement, even if, in either case, Indemnitee may have ceased to serve in such capacity at the time of any such Proceeding.

13.Miscellaneous.

(a)Governing Law.  This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Utah, without giving effect to principles of conflict of law.

(b)Consent to Jurisdiction.  The Company and Indemnitee each hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Utah for all purposes in connection with any action or proceeding which arises out of or relates to this Agreement and agree that any action instituted under this Agreement shall be commenced, prosecuted and continued only in the federal and state courts located in the State of Utah in and for Salt Lake County, which shall be the exclusive and only proper forum for adjudicating such a claim.

(c)Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights.  This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and merges all prior discussions between them.  No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement.  The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

(d)Construction.  This Agreement is the result of negotiations between and has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and their respective counsel, if any; accordingly, this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against any one of the parties hereto.

(e)Counterparts.  This Agreement may be signed in counterparts.  This Agreement constitutes a separate agreement between the Company and Indemnitee and may be supplemented or amended as to Indemnitee only by a written instrument signed by the Company and Indemnitee, with such amendment binding only the Company and Indemnitee.  All waivers must be in a written document signed by the party to be charged.  No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be implied by the conduct of the parties.  A waiver of any right hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any other right hereunder.

(f)Interpretation of Agreement.  This Agreement shall be interpreted and enforced so as to provide indemnification to Indemnitee to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by the Act.

(g)Subrogation.  In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all documents required and shall do all acts that may be necessary to secure such rights and to enable the Company to effectively bring suit to enforce such rights.

(h)   Continuation of Indemnity; Binding Effect.    Indemnitee’s rights hereunder shall continue after Indemnitee has ceased acting an Agent of the Company and the benefits hereof shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of Indemnitee.  The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

(i)Notices.  All notices, demands, consents, requests, approvals and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been properly given if hand delivered (effective upon receipt or when refused), or if sent by a courier freight prepaid (effective upon receipt or when refused), in the case of the Company, at the addresses listed below, or to such other addresses as the parties may notify each other in writing.

To Company:Merit Medical Systems, Inc.

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

1600 West Merit Parkway

South Jordan, Utah 84095

 

To Indemnitee:At Indemnitee’s residence address and facsimile number on the records of the Company from time to time.

(j)Evidence of Coverage.  Upon request by Indemnitee, the Company shall provide evidence of the liability insurance coverage required by this Agreement.  The Company shall promptly notify Indemnitee of any change in the Company’s D&O Insurance coverage.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signatures appear on the following page.]

The parties hereto have agreed and accept this Agreement as of the day and year set forth on the first page of this Agreement.

 

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

 

By: /s/ Fred P. Lampropoulos______

Name: Fred P. Lampropoulos

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

INDEMNITEE:

/s/ Lynne N. Ward______________

Lynne N. Ward, an individual

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement]

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Fred P. Lampropoulos, certify that:

 

1.      I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Report”) of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (the “Registrant”);

 

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 officer 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 general 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 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 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: November 8, 2019

 

 

 

/s/ Fred P. Lampropoulos

 

Fred P. Lampropoulos

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

(principal executive officer)

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Raul Parra, certify that:

 

1.      I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Report”) of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (the “Registrant”);

 

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 officer 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 controls 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 general 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 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 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: November 8, 2019

 

 

 

 

/s/ Raul Parra

 

Raul Parra

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

(principal financial officer)

 

 

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer

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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Fred P. Lampropoulos, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

 

(1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15 (d) 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.

 

 

Date: November 8, 2019

/s/ Fred P. Lampropoulos

 

Fred P. Lampropoulos

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

(principal executive officer)

 

This certification accompanies the foregoing Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Registrant for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A signed original of this certification has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EXHIBIT 32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Raul Parra, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

 

(1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15 (d) 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.

 

Date: November 8, 2019

/s/ Raul Parra

 

Raul Parra

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

(principal financial officer)

 

This certification accompanies the foregoing Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Registrant for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A signed original of this certification has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.